Acting Principal
Mrs Genevieve Gordon
As we reach the conclusion of Term 3, we look back on a busy, productive term and look forward to a well-deserved break for our school community.
VCE Preparation
For our Unit 3&4 students, this break sits right in the middle of the final six weeks before VCE written exams begin. As the last extended block of unstructured time, it is vital that students use it wisely. Official practice exams will run throughout the first week of the school holidays. When Year 12s return for Term 4, they will have just 10 official school days remaining.
To help guide your revision over the break, aim for an efficient preparation plan.
Focus
| Do This | Avoid This |
| Structure | 3 phases: rest, target weak areas, practice exams | Studying non-stop for 10 days straight |
| Focus Area | Target weak topics using trial exam data | Passively re-reading old notes |
| Practice Questions | Do timed, past VCAA exam questions | Relying only on textbook problems |
| Rest | Include 2–3 full rest days to recharge | Pushing through with no breaks |
| End of Break | Complete and honestly mark one full timed exam | Ending the break with no way to measure progress |
Our teaching staff remain fully committed to supporting all senior students through SWOTVAC to ensure everyone reaches their individual potential.
Living Our Values & Community Pride
At St Mary’s College, we hold high expectations for our students, and we continue to receive wonderful feedback confirming how well they meet those standards.
Melbourne Holocaust Museum: Staff at the MHM commended our Year 10 students on their respect, insightful questions, and exemplary behaviour during their recent visit. As a gesture of appreciation, MHM has offered free entry to St Mary's students for the rest of the year, simply mention the school at the front desk.
- Excursions: Our Foundation – Year 2 and Year 6 students also represented our college exceptionally well during their trips to Riverlinks Shepparton and the Shepparton Art Museum, earning high praise for their engagement.
This week, Mrs. Allison Moore (Director of Wellbeing) and I visited every Year 7–10 classroom to encourage students to reflect on their legacy:
When you finish Year 12, how do you want your peers and teachers to remember your character?
When families join St Mary's College, students commit to showing kindness to others, mirroring the core mission of Jesus and the Sisters of Mercy. While schools actively teach character development, true kindness is caught more than it is taught, with the home serving as the ultimate training ground. Just like any academic skill, kindness requires practice, and the blueprint is drawn by how parents and caregivers interact with each other and the broader community.
Campus Developments
We are thrilled to announce Midson Construction Victoria as the successful tender builders for our Stage 2 Science Development. This project will directly address the excess of science classes, driven by the expansion of our VCE offerings, by moving lessons out of general learning areas and into purpose-built, state-of-the-art science facilities.
Looking Ahead
At the beginning of Term 4, we welcome back Mr. Smith. I extend my sincere thanks to the entire school community for your support during my time as Acting Principal.
As we step into the holidays, remember that break time does not need to become another task to accomplish. There is grace in slowing down and spending time with the people and places that restore us. May we finish this term grateful for all that has been, enter the holidays trusting in rest, and return refreshed for Term 4.
Mrs Genevieve Gordon
Acting Principal
BAppScPE (RMIT), BExScHons (UB), MEdWellbeing (ACU),
GradDipCathStud (ACU)