Senior School News

'TerraCycle used writing instruments recycling program' continues in 2020

Last year we took part in the “TerraCycle used writing instruments recycling program”. For every 1kg of accepted items we collected, our Community received $1 in donation points which will go into our Marist Solidarity Fund.

At the close of 2019 we posted in over 10kg’s of used writing equipment which will be recycled into other products which makes a huge impact on our environment! A special mention to the Engeler family for the 4kg’s they donated – outstanding contribution!

Please see the list of accepted waste below. Have a look around your home and office (especially if you work in an office environment) and send your waste into the College.

There will be collection points in both the Junior and Senior school and keep an eye on our new Kindergarten students – more to come from their clever little minds.

Kind regards, Mrs Debra Monte and Mrs Louise Limbrey

Last week, all Year 7 classes visited the Marian Centre to meet the staff and get to know their library. The boys participated with energy and enthusiasm in their introduction to the library activities which included learning about ‘Oliver’ the library catalogue, how to find books and completing a challenge quest.

Br@g has started for the boys in Years 7-10 in which they have a sustained silent reading period for 20 minutes three days a week. We encourage all boys to have suitable and challenging fiction books to read and remind everyone that the library has an extensive range of popular titles.

Not only was it Valentine’s Day last week it was actually Library Lovers’ Week! To mark the event the library was decorated and we conducted the annual blind date with a book where the boys could select a wrapped book, chosen only by a brief outline on the wrapping. We are glad to announce many boys have commenced deep and meaningful relationships with their chosen books!

Opening Times

The Marian Centre is open 8.00am Monday – Friday and closes at 4.30pm from Monday to Wednesday and 4.00pm on Friday. The boys are welcome to study, read and complete homework under supervision on these afternoons.

Mr Greg Bond and Mrs Terezija Quinn

Black Dog Institute Study - Year 8

This year, Year 8 are taking part in a mental health initiative and study run by the Black Dog Institute. Through the pastoral program, the College aims to build on the knowledge and skills of students required to look after their well-being. Emails have been sent to parents and caregivers and a brief summary of the study year 8 are partaking in can be read below.

The study is being run by researchers at the Black Dog Institute at the University of New South Wales, along with over 100 schools in NSW, to better understand the changes that take place in mental health from early adolescence to adulthood. Students in the study will also trial mental health apps that may help identify and prevent symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The results of this study have real potential to inform government policy and the scientific community. For this reason, we are keen to get good representation from St Gregory's College.

Mr Mitchell O’Brien

Year 8 Coordinator

Updating Medical Records

Updating medical records is a vital component in our care for your sons. It is important that the College is using the most up to date information when making decisions and reacting to situations. If there have been any changes to your sons’ medical information since you last informed the College, please contact the College Nurse, Jaime Underwood at Jaimie.Underwood@stgregs.nsw.edu.au with the latest information. In particular, current daily medications, asthma plans and anaphylaxis action plans should be sent to the College Nurse directly and as soon as possible.

Upcoming Events

Show Team on holidays!

What do the boys of the St Gregory’s College Show Team do in their holidays?

During the school holidays in January,  five members of the College Show Team headed to Jasper’s Brush (just south of Berry) to Tara Dairies to spend five days helping college old boy Paul Timbs and his wife Vicki prepare their farm for 140 international guests that will be visiting later this month as part of the 2020 World Ayrshire Conference.

Provided with plenty of great food and a place to roll out their swags, the boys undertook a wide range of farm chores which included clipping the calves and heifers, repairing fences, completing construction of a new wash bay and building gates.

The boys were fortunate to help with the birth of two calves while they were there, as well as each completing at least one full milking shift in the dairy, which milks over 200 cows twice every day. Other daily chores included feeding the calves…around 150 of them. 

As well as gaining a range of new skills, the boys gained incredible insight and appreciation of the daily life of a dairy farmer.

A great surprise one afternoon after cooling off in the Berry Pool was the chance to meet and assist a local Formula 1 racing driver load his car into the truck. The boys chatted with him at length and he was happy for the boys to have a sit in the driver’s seat…what a great photo opportunity!

Paul and Vicki were very appreciative of the work completed by the boys and accompanying staff. Thanks to Mrs Hackett for organising this experience for the boys and thank you to Mr Sam Hackett and Mr Richard Abra for giving up time in their holidays to not only supervise the boys, but put their skills to work around the farm.

Sandra Hackett

Maths teacher