Catholic Education Week

This week we have been celebrating Catholic Education Week in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. The theme of Catholic Education Week this year is “Pilgrims of Hope”. Catholic Education Week celebrates our identity as a catholic school and provides an opportunity for our schools to gather and share in our common purpose to “deliver enriching and high-quality learning experiences, guided by the teaching of Jesus Christ”. The culmination of Catholic Education Week is the Mass of St Patrick in our cathedral and a group of St Mary’s students will proudly represent our college at this celebration today.

Parent Teacher Interviews

A reminder that we have Parent Teacher Interviews coming up on Thursday, 27^th March and, as such, this is a student free day as there will be no classes. I trust that you will find the day profitable as you have an opportunity to discuss with teachers the progress your young person has made during Term 1. Please factor parking into your planning as may find that spaces are limited near Logue Hall in Westbury Street.

Primary Partnerships

I received heartful thanks this week from Mrs Cathy Ferrari, Principal of St Marys Primary, for the support of our students in running their athletics carnival on Wednesday. It was nice to hear our young people being appreciated and shows that small gestures of outreach can make a positive impact. Mrs Ferrari said that our students “had been beyond amazing”. Thank you to our senior students for volunteering to serve as assistants and acting as such fine ambassadors in the process.

Visit of Mr Toshi Kitano

On Monday, we welcome the principal of our sister school from Osaka, Japan. Mr Kitano’s visit flags the return of an exchange program between our schools commencing with us hosting students from Osaka in late July. Over the coming weeks, we will be looking for St Mary’s families willing to host our visiting students during their two week stay in Melbourne. Mr George Baxas and Ms Anouk Thadeus will be coordinating the visit for St Mary’s so please look out for correspondence and thank you, in advance, for supporting this exchange.

Darren Atkinson
Principal

Dear St Mary’s College Families,

I would like to emphasise one important point of child safety to all families reading this. In recent weeks, we have unfortunately seen an increase in the number of students not using the overpass or the lights at Westbury or Chapel Street to cross Dandenong Rd on their way to Windsor Sation. That is, some students are crossing Dandenong Rd amongst traffic, or at a time they perceive that there is no traffic. Given the speed that cars drive down Dandenong Rd, the many side streets cars come out of, and the overall busyness of this road, this is dangerous and concerning behaviour. The road is too big and wide to be fully patrolled by school staff. I am therefore asking all parents to talk to their child/ren at home so this concerning behaviour stops. This message has and will continue to be reiterated to students at school, in support of your conversations at home.

This week I continue to provide information about each of the four Edmund Rice Education Australia touchstones, what they are and how we aspire to live out these values. The Inclusive community touchstone is often referred to as particularly identifiable at St Mary’s. Not only are we a co-educational school, we also have great diversity in our student and staff population, and place great importance on the benefit of learning to work together. This is what it means to be an inclusive community at St Mary’s.

Inclusive Community

We welcome and celebrate diversity in our local, national and global communities, responsive to each person’s aspirations and needs, and committed to the common good.

As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition we:

• Respond to Jesus’ command to love, nurturing the dignity of each person as uniquely reflecting the image of God.
• Demonstrate a preferential option for families who might not seek enrolment due to their experience of poverty and disadvantage.
• Design school programs which enable all to participate with dignity and confidence.
• Welcome and value all members of the school community regardless of religion, race, ability, gender and sexual orientation.
• Recognise the strengths and capacities of each member of our community and support them to develop and achieve their aspirations.
• Work in partnership with the local Catholic community in serving the universal Church.
• Acknowledge the service and contribution of the Christian Brothers, working in partnership with all Edmund Rice ministries in furthering the Charism.
• Acknowledge the traditional ownership and heritage of the Country/s on which our school is placed, seeking to create safe places where cultural practice is respected and integrated.
• Engage with, learn from, and contribute to the national and global community of Catholic schools in the Edmund Rice tradition.

Shaun Lancashire
Deputy Principal

Catholic Education Week

This week the Archdiocese celebrated Catholic Education Week. When the then colonial government legislated for secular and free state education in Victoria in 1872 the Bishops responded by expanding Catholic Education.

Over decades of struggle, growth, setbacks, and success we have the system we benefit from today.

Staff shared a morning tea on Thursday and had a competition with some prizes for the winners.

A group of Year 10 students represented the students of St Mary’s at a Liturgy for St Patrick’s on Friday. Archbishop Comensoli was the celebrant and all schools were represented. Students displaying school banners, many priests and the Archbishop processed into the Cathedral to the sound of the pipers. It was an uplifting moment for those in the Cathedral.

There is much to appreciate, celebrate and share as Catholic Education Melbourne.

Paul Quinn 
Director of Identity, People and Culture

The RAISE model for overcoming procrastination

We’ve all been there—staring at a blank document, textbook closed, convincing ourselves that Future Me will be more motivated (Spoiler: They won’t be.) Procrastination isn’t laziness—it’s avoidance. It’s our brain dodging discomfort in favour of whatever feels easier in the moment.

At St. Mary’s College, we believe in intentional learning, where students develop the skills to overcome avoidance, take ownership of their learning, and build lifelong habits of success. A key part of this is our RAISE Learning Model, which provides a structured way to develop self-regulation, engagement, and critical thinking—all essential in tackling procrastination.

RAISE is built on five key phases:

• Ready to Learn – Developing motivation, organisation, and self-discipline.
• Active Learners – Engaging deeply with ideas, asking questions, and collaborating.
• Intent on Success – Setting goals, monitoring progress, and celebrating achievements.
• Seeking Understanding – Developing deeper thinking through reflection, feedback, and refinement.
• Engaged in Critical & Creative Thinking – Applying knowledge in new contexts and refining skills through problem-solving.
  

Each phase helps students take ownership of their learning. But perhaps the most immediate benefit of RAISE is breaking the cycle of procrastination. Here’s how:

1. The First Five Minutes Trick – ‘Ready to Learn’

The hardest part of any task? Starting. Psychologists call this the Zeigarnik Effect—once we begin something, our brain nags us to finish it. The trick? Just do five minutes.

Instead of saying “I need to write an essay”, commit to “I’ll write just one sentence.” Instead of “I have to study for my exam,” say “I’ll review one key term.” Most of the time, those five minutes turn into more.

This small habit is at the core of Ready to Learn, the first phase of RAISE. It teaches students to manage their time, develop motivation, and create positive study routines. By focusing on small, manageable actions, students move from avoidance to momentum, proving to themselves that progress is always within reach.

2. Shrink the Mountain – ‘Active Learners’

Ever looked at a massive assignment and thought, Where do I even start? That’s because our brains struggle with large, abstract tasks. The solution? Break it down.

Instead of “study for maths,” try “review two key concepts.” Instead of “write an essay,” begin with “jot down three ideas.” Instead of “prepare an oral presentation,” start with “write the first sentence.”

This step aligns with Active Learners, where students engage with learning piece by piece, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the whole picture. Small, repeated efforts build confidence, momentum, and deep understanding. As the saying goes: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

3. Set Yourself Up for Success – ‘Intent on Success’

A key part of achieving success is removing the roadblocks before you even begin. Procrastination thrives on hesitation—if you have to dig through your bag for notes, find a pen, or clear your desk before you start, your brain will find a reason to delay.

The Intent on Success phase of RAISE is all about setting goals, tracking progress, and making learning visible. Here are three practical steps you can do alone to make success easier:

Use a ‘Start-Now’ List – Before finishing school for the day, write down the first thing you’ll do for each subject when you sit down to study. For example:

• Maths: Open textbook to page 75 and do Question 1.
• English: Write a draft thesis statement.
• Science: Summarise one key concept from today’s lesson. When you sit down, there’s no time wasted deciding where to begin.

Set a Timer for 20 Minutes – Pick one subject, start a timer, and work without stopping. After 20 minutes, take a 5-minute break. This keeps your brain engaged while avoiding burnout.

Make Success Visible – Use a whiteboard, sticky notes, or even a checklist to track what you complete each session. Seeing progress builds momentum and makes you more likely to keep going.

When students define clear goals and remove obstacles, they are more likely to take action. Success isn’t a one-time event—it’s built through small, consistent habits.

Daniel Di Lisio
Director of Learning and Teaching

Celebrating International Women’s Day with Lynda Chalmers at St Mary’s College

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we were thrilled to have Lynda Chalmers, the CEO of Care Connect, visit St Mary’s College for a special lunch. Care Connect is a leading not-for-profit aged care provider that specialises in personalised care, helping older Australians maintain their independence, freedom, and comfort while staying at home.

International Women’s Day, observed globally on March 8th, honours the achievements of women and advocates for gender equality. It’s a time to reflect on the progress made and acknowledge the work that still lies ahead to ensure equality for all women around the world.

Lynda brings over three decades of experience in health, community, disability, and aged care sectors, both in commercial and not-for-profit organisations. Her extensive background and dedication to improving the lives of others have made her a true leader in the industry.

The lunch event brought together students from Years 7-12, as well as some of our female colleagues. It was a wonderful opportunity for all of us to hear Lynda’s inspiring story and engage in meaningful conversations about the challenges and triumphs women face in their personal and professional lives.

As part of our celebration, students also took the time to learn about the significance of International Women’s Day in class, discussing its history, impact, and ongoing importance. Purple ribbons were distributed to all, symbolising support for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Jen Howard 
Director of Students

Music Captains

Congratulations to our newly announced Music Captains for 2025, Saskia Amore and Tom Cusack. The two have already been put to work with ideas for the music camp evening events and MCing at the music recital.

Music recital

Last week we had the first of our four solo recital nights. The students did a fantastic job and set the standard high for the rest of the year. These evenings are part of the assessed performances for VCE and provide the students with performance opportunities as they prepare for their exams. Any student is welcome to come and watch! The next recital is on the 13^th of May at 6pm.

Musical band

The musical band is having their first run through of Mamma Mia today - very exciting! The dancing, singing, choreography and playing is all coming together.

Talk and Tours

Thank you to our VCE music students Thais Murray and Saskia Amore for providing the background music for the Talk and Tour gatherings this week. Lots of positive feedback from the parents and it really set the mood.

Katie Thomas
Director of Music

Last week, the Year 11 Vocational Major Students undertook a barista coffee making course at William Angliss Institute. Students have learnt some great skills which will be transferable for part-time employment opportunities as well as to work in the VM Café in year 12. Students were very proud of the coffee drinks they made, they were heavily caffeinated and enthusiastically participated to a very high standard. We will be returning as a group to William Angliss to gain some further qualifications in coming weeks.

Grant Godbold
Vocational Major 

Year 8: REDI to Learn

At St. Mary’s, we are committed to ensuring that Year 8 students have a successful and fulfilling year. This term, the focus has been on understanding what success looks like for each learner. As we move into Term 2, we will continue to build on this through the REDI to Learn framework, which encourages students to:

• Respect – Self, others, and the classroom environment
• Engage – Actively participate in learning and the school community
• Demonstrate Diligence – Be punctual, organised, and take responsibility for learning
• Get Involved – Participate in classroom activities and co-curricular opportunities

By embracing these values, students can develop strong learning habits and make the most of their Year 8 experience.

Upcoming Mentor Evening – 1st April

A reminder that the Year 8 Mentor Evening is coming up on Tuesday, 1st April. This event provides a valuable opportunity for parents and students to engage in meaningful discussions about learning, growth, and school life.

Date: Monday, 1st April
Location: St. Mary’s College, Logue Hall
Register via TryBooking: https://www.trybooking.com/CZTEE

This evening will also include a Q&A session for parents regarding the upcoming Year 8 class restructure in Term 2. We encourage all families to attend and be part of this important conversation.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Annie Driver
Year 8 Pastoral Leader

The girls of St Mary’s College represented the school with pride and determination at the CGSAV Swimming Championships held yesterday at MSAC. Every member of the team performed exceptionally well, with each swimmer improving on their personal best times achieved in training.

Several students made history by setting new school records. Vanessa Lim had a standout day, breaking two records in the Year 7 age group with an impressive 45.25 in the 50m butterfly and 39.47 in the 50m freestyle. Vanessa also contributed to a record-breaking performance in the junior medley relay, joined by Keira Reeve (backstroke), Mia Saik (breaststroke), and Emily Wainhouse (freestyle).

In the Year 9 division, Annie Graffeo broke the 50m freestyle record with a strong swim of 36.09. Ocienne Farquharson also had a very successful competition, claiming victory in two events and recording an excellent 36.15 in the freestyle.

We would also like to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of Zara Bubois, Charlie Grenville, Manya Verma and Eliza Smith, who all swam with great determination and made valuable contributions to the team’s overall success.

The school is incredibly proud of all our swimmers for their hard work, dedication, and wonderful sportsmanship. Congratulations, girls, on representing St Mary’s College with excellence!

Coaches Kaufman, Bird, Thaddeus and Fitzpatrick

What a fantastic first session of training!

We had 50 committed boys turn up at 7:30 AM, ready to listen to our Director of Football, Adrian Cataldo, who emphasized respect for the jumper and the school.

The boys trained with great energy and voice.

We look forward to another hit-out next week as we continue to shape the upcoming season.

Coaches Cataldo/Cavolo/Harper and Nedelkovski.

Important Reminder: Procedure for Medical Assistance at the College

Recently, we've noticed an increase in students not following the correct process when seeking medical assistance. To ensure the best care and support for all students, we kindly ask both students and parents to follow the steps outlined below if a student is unwell or needs to leave the College.

Process for Seeking Medical Assistance:

1. Inform a Staff Member: The student should notify a staff member if they are feeling unwell or require medical assistance.
2. Escort Student: The staff member will escort the student to the reception area or send them with another student if necessary.
3. Reception Assessment: Reception staff will assess the student's condition and provide the required medical assistance.
4. Contacting Home: If further medical attention or parental involvement is needed, reception staff will contact home to discuss the situation and determine if the student needs to be collected.

Please Note: We kindly request that students refrain from calling home immediately on their mobile phones. Our reception staff are trained to handle the situation and will ensure appropriate medical care is provided. If necessary, they will reach out to parents to arrange for collection.

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a smooth and efficient process for all students.

Jen Howard 
Director of Students

Uniform Guidelines and Purchasing Options at St Mary's College

At St Mary's College, our uniform is a symbol of unity and pride, reflecting the values and identity of our school community. To support families in obtaining the appropriate attire, we offer several purchasing options:

Midford Uniform Shop

• Location: On-campus at 11 Westbury St, St Kilda East (Gate D).
• Opening Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm during school terms.
• Additional Hours: First Saturday of each month from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm during school terms, with extra openings for seasonal uniform transitions.
• Appointments: Full uniform fittings require an appointment.
• Contact: Phone: +61 3 9520 8519; Email: smc@midford.com.au

For convenience, online orders can be placed through the Midford website at www.midford.com.au using the passphrase SMC2021.

Parents & Friends (P&F) Recycled Uniform Shop

Our P&F Recycled Uniform Shop offers quality pre-owned uniforms at affordable prices, promoting sustainability within our community. 

If your child has out grown their uniform, please consider donating it to the recycled uniform shop. Simply place it in a bag with a label ATTENTION P&F RECYCLED UNIFORM SHOP and leave it the College reception. 

• Location: On-campus at 11 Westbury St, St Kilda East (Gate C).
• The P&F recycled uniform shop will be open on the following dates in 2025.

  Hours 10:30am - 12:30pm

  • 5^th April
  • 7^th June
  • 6^th September
  • 6^th December
• Contact: Phone: +61 3 9529 6611; Email: enquiries@stmaryscollege.vic.edu.au

We encourage families to utilise these resources to ensure students are equipped with the correct uniform, fostering a sense of belonging and school spirit.

For detailed uniform guidelines and additional information, please visit our Uniform Page.

Thank you for your continued support in upholding the standards and traditions of St Mary's College.

David Formosa
Director of Development

St Kilda Football Club - Term 2 Football Academy

We’re thrilled to bring the St Kilda Football Club - Football Academy to St Mary’s College, offering students an exciting opportunity to enhance their football skills with expert coaching!

Through our 6-week program for just $200, students will receive:

✅ Tailored football training led by STK Academy coaches or AFLW experts (subject to availability)
✅ Comprehensive skill development in a fun, supportive environment
✅ All necessary equipment provided

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to unlock their winning advantage while developing teamwork, strategy, and confidence on the field.

Limited spots available – secure your child’s place today!

📅 Program Duration: 6 weeks - Every Wednesday Morning from 7am - 8am at Alma Park - Starting Wednesday 23 April
💰 Cost: $200
📍 Location: Alma Park Oval - St Mary’s College

BOOK YOUR SPOT NOW

David Formosa
Director of Development