Principal

  “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...”

Isaiah 9:6-7

Christmas is a celebration of Jesus' birth—

that light has come into darkness and, as the Gospel of John says,

‘the darkness could not overcome it.’

The final principal message for the year is always one I look forward too. Another successful year at St Mary’s comes to a close to prepare and wait for the silent night, the holy night. I write trying to find the right words after the horror that took place in the park at Bondi Beach.

Even the smallest candle lights the darkness.

As the Star of Bethlehem led the three wise men to Christ’s crib may the candles of Hanukkah bring comfort to the Jewish people. May Sunday’s darkness be extinguished by the light of love and hope.

The wise men said, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2: 1 – 12.

Goodbye Year 12

Year 12 now move onto the new chapters in their lives. Blessings on Year 12 and their parents as the adult world awaits to embrace them with great joy and anticipation. Thankyou Year 12, St Mary’s is proud to have you as the first Year 12 in 40 years. Always remember - the spirit and values of St Mary’s lives in your hearts and Christ will always be at your side.

St Mary’s staff understand the uniqueness of pastoral care in Catholic education. Our mission as a Catholic College is nurturing every students spirit of faith as much as we educate their minds to believe in what is possible.

New 2026 Colleagues Induction

Yesterday was a good day - we welcomed 8 new teaching colleagues for their induction. We have experienced and professional teachers joining St Mary’s in 2026. A comment from one of our new colleagues, “The welcome I received, the feeling of goodness and friendliness of the staff and the organisation of the teaching program is tremendous.”

Staffing

Mrs Shield is taking long service next year. Debbie has been in the Office at St Mary’s for 30 years. A lady with such a generous heart and there is no fuss, no bother with Deb. A treasure of a colleague who has served St Mary’s with distinction. We wish Debbie a wonderful time on leave in 2026 that will lead into retirement.

We welcome Mrs Tanya Cunningham to St Mary’s primary in 2026. Tanya a mature age graduate will teach in the 3/4 team with Ms Patterson and Mrs Pearce. Tanya has worked at St Patricks Primary School Kilmore for 6 years in the role as a Learning Support Officer, then with permission to teach before completing the Bachelor of Education Degree.

Student Leaders

Thank you to our 2025 student leaders for their positive role modelling and the pride they showed when representing St Mary’s. The leaders for 2026 will model the quality and standards that past leaders have left in their legacy for their peers to follow.

College Advisory Council & Parents and Friends Association

Thankyou to all members of the College Advisory Council and the Parents and Friends and Association. The council had fewer meetings this year due to the business of life but our times together were purposeful and collaborative, The P& F had another successful year led by President Madeline Richards. Since 2023 the P&F have donated $50,000 to the College (student devices, a fan for the MPH and towards an outdoor kitchen to be in place for Term One 2026). May our Advisory Council and P&F find time to rest over the festive season.

Fr Eugene

Students and staff appreciate and value Fr Eugene’s connection to St Mary’s. He is an integral member of our College community. We wish Fr Eugene well for the this busy time of the Church liturgical calendar and thank him for his care and active involvement.

The Festive Season

Christmas is a time of joy and for many a time when there is sadness that loved ones are no longer with family. Many of staff and families have lost loved ones during 2026. We pray for peaceful and accepting hearts, for all who need support at Christmas and for one day in the year, a day of no conflict around the globe.

Lord, God, you chose to enter into the human experience in the person of Jesus. You came not as a king, but as a humble servant, the suffering servant of Yahweh.

You entered into the world with all of its messiness. Your compassion knows no bounds. Your love and mercy endure forever.

Help us to be agents of change, bringing your joy and forgiveness, your peace and mercy to those we meet.

Send your Spirit so that we may be Christ’s presence to our brothers and sisters around the world, Making known the message of Emmanuel, God with us.

Country roads will be busy over Christmas and New Year - please go gently and enjoy the drive.

Thank you for the support you give to our wonderful College.

“My heart rejoices at your very great progress.”

Venerable Catherine McAuley 1842

Seymour Telegraph Insert Wednesday 17th December

St Mary’s College began in the 1800’s with humble beginnings. Our College has experienced  many changes over the decades, but what has not changed is what St Mary’s stands in the values and beliefs that are paramount to a holistic education.

Our College staff are very proud of our students – their kindness, manners, willingness to 

learn from mistakes; and the joy they bring each day to St Mary’s, especially when they 

experience learning success is inspiring.

In 2025 Year 12 returned after a 40-year absence. A quarter of the Year 12 students received an ATAR above 80, a tremendous result for the first year back in the VCE arena. 

Congratulations to Xavier Sinkeler on achieving Dux of St Mary’s with an ATAR of 92.7. In 

2026 Xavier will begin Biomedicine (Medical) at La Trobe University. 

Many students will receive the first preference University entries into Agriculture; Law; 

Business; Medical or Health Studies and Education degrees.  Students who completed VCE Vocational Major programs who have a passion for trade pathways have either been 

employed for apprenticeships or furthering their studies through Go Tafe and other 

education providers. There were very good student subject scores across the cohort. The 

dedication of the senior teachers has been outstanding. 

Our teaching and non-teaching staff move mountains for our students because we believe, “it is for the students and about the students.” The pastoral care students receive at t Mary’s is exceptional and educating for high standards is setting students up for future success beyond the College education.

As Principal and a member of St Mary’s College Executive I am privileged to work 

alongside such forward thinking and student focused colleagues. 

In 2026 there will be 160 years of experience leaving St Mary’s. No words can do justice to the contribution that Mr Allen, Mrs Tampion, Mrs Evans, Mrs Gough and Mrs Shield have given during their loyal and dedicated service to thousands of students and families.  They deserve the best that retirement offers! 

St Mary’s has teaching and non-teaching staff moving interstate or to new career paths in 

2026. We wish them well and a safe passage to their new destinations. They too have 

added to the St Mary’s story. 

St Mary’s is moving forward. Standardized testing results are moving upwards. The MACS 

system wide Vision for Instruction pedagogy through explicit teaching shows evidence-

based improvement in students’ literacy skills, especially in the early years, therefore 

strengthening the fundamentals of literacy structure and understanding. 

St Mary’s is a proud Catholic College. Our students will take on a challenge, which builds 

their resilience, character and self-belief. 

The respect and kindness from peer to peer very much optimises the McAuley House 

motto, ‘Be a shining light.’ and the Padua House motto, ‘Let your actions speak.’

Our College Advisory Council and Parents and Friends Association are fantastic as we all 

work in the best interest of students and staff. Father Eugene Ashkar is respected and 

valued by our College community and thank you to our parents and families for working 

together in partnership. 

May our wonderful students and families have a blessed Christmas and enjoy family time 

together.  We all have much to be thankful for, especially being members of such a great 

community at St Mary’s College, Catholic college in the Mercy tradition. 

Best wishes

Wayne Smith

Principal

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