Remembrance Day

We paused at 11am on Monday to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield. Mr Lancashire shared a presentation including the Ode for the Fallen and The Last Post and asked for a minute’s silence. Thank you to those who took this opportunity to stop and reflect upon the high price of war.

Graduation Mass and Dinner

We gather on Wednesday evening for Graduation Mass and Dinner to celebrate with our Class of 2024 and their parents / guardians. The occasion is often bittersweet, for it marks a transition from a community that has been home for the last six years, to an exciting new chapter. We always hope that our young people are leaving with fond memories as well as the attributes, skills, and values necessary for a healthy and productive life. Thanks to Mr Paul Quinn and Father Jerome Santamaria for preparing our Mass, and Mr Brendan Tollit for organising our Graduation Dinner.

Year 7 Information Evening

Our Year 7 families of 2025 gathered on Monday evening to commence their transition journey. Mr David Formosa had asked families to share the questions that they would like to see addressed on the evening so that we could shape our information accordingly. As well as practical questions about the requirements for secondary schooling, there was a common thread related to tips for reducing anxiety. Meeting the key staff, including the Year Level Leader, Director of Students and School Counsellor, is an important part of addressing any uncertainty and reassuring our newest members that this is a welcoming community. It was also the first formal event for our 2025 School Captains, Matilda and Jude, and they MC’d the evening with great poise and also answered questions about the student experience at St Mary’s.

School Renewal

EREA Schools undertake periodic renewal to examine how we are living the EREA Touchstones – Liberating Education; Gospel Spirituality; Inclusive Community; and Justice and Solidarity. In 2025, it is St Mary’s opportunity to undertake this process of renewal including a visit from an assessment team in late April. We will seek participation from our whole community in this process and further information will come to you in due course. The feedback from this renewal process informs our strategic plan and helps to set the priorities for improvement as well as celebrating our successes.

Student Free Day

A reminder that there is a Student Free Day on Friday, 22nd November for teachers to complete assessment and reporting duties. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Darren Atkinson
Principal 

Dear St Mary’s College Families,

On Monday 11 November, the college paused for a minute’s silence at 11:00am in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the horror of war, and those that returned to civilised life and have since passed on. We are, we all are, eternally indebted to these women and men.

Our Year 11 exams have now commenced. Every student in attendance wore their uniform impeccably, entered and participated in the exams with energy and effort, and truly brought their best. The Year 11 exams continue until Thursday 21 November. Year 10 exams also commence next week, running Tuesday – Thursday. These exams are vitally important educational experiences; therefore, they are mandatory for every student. Parents and carers, please ensure you notify the office in the normal way in the morning if your son or daughter is unwell and unable to attend an exam.

A reminder that next Tuesday, 22 November is a student free day – assessment and report writing day for all students.

Students in Year 10 and 11 will commence the HeadStart program on Monday 25 November, whereby they will experience Year 11 and 12 classes respectively for one week. Students will have each subject 4 times across the week, providing a great opportunity to meet their 2025 teachers and commence the work in preparation for 2025.

All the best to all Year 12 students as they finish their exams and celebrate with their families and the college on Wednesday evening at the graduation Mass and dinner.

Shaun Lancashire
Deputy Principal

Congratulations to all the Year 10s and 11s for their final solo recital night in Logue Hall on Wednesday the 6th of November. We had a fantastic selection of instruments, and a wide range of genres. The performances were of a really high standard, and we are very proud of our music students.

On Saturday the 9^th of November, Louisa Lawless (previous St Mary's Director of Music) flew down to Melbourne for a concert in the Melbourne Recital Centre. Also performing in this concert was current Director of Music Miss Katie Thomas, drums teacher Mr Justin Zheng and brass teacher Mr Nick Corkeron. The concert commemorated the 150^th anniversary of the Footscray-Yarraville City Band, and we are all very proud to support this community organisation. We were also very happy to see a number of St Mary's students attend; these experiences are really important for inspiring our students and letting them know of the multiple pathways and journeys music can take them on in their lives.

KWONG LEE DOW YOUNG SCHOLAR

The College is both delighted and proud to announce that the St Mary’s College Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholar for 2026 has been awarded to Year 10 Student, Cameron Hoad.

The University of Melbourne’s Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program is an academic enrichment program designed to support high-achieving secondary school students in achieving their personal best. As a KLD Young Scholar, Cameron will become part of a supportive university community and peer network through a tailored two-year program which aims to expand his academic and personal horizons. There will be events and activities, including academic support, revision classes and leadership activities. He may also be offered a guaranteed place in an undergraduate degree and an overseas scholarship during his studies.

Cameron was chosen for this award, which had over 2000 applicants, including the three from our College, for his excellent academic and community achievements. Only one student is awarded at any school.

Our recent Kwong Lee Dow Scholars are:

• 2023 Luc Bunde
• 2024 Jaeda Thornhill
• 2025 Helena Giglas

Who was Kwong Lee Dow?

Emeritus Professor Kwong Lee Dow (AO) is a philanthropist, distinguished education scholar, an active contributor to education curriculum reforms and a former Vice Chancellor of The University of Melbourne.

Having escaped Nazi Europe in 1938, he was educated at a small rural primary school near Shepparton, followed by Camberwell and Melbourne High Schools, later teaching Chemistry at the latter, before writing the go-to Chemistry textbook in the 1960s and becoming a lecturer and then Professor in the Education Faculty at Melbourne. He is fondly remembered by many teachers who trained under him and many students who used the textbook!

He has been a great influencer of government, a willing and inspirational speaker at schools and a generous contributor to educational programs.

Mandy Elwood
Careers Counsellor

Technology is a subject where students are able to put into practise the theory they have learnt. This semester in Applied Computing, students learn about the exciting area of innovative solutions and networks. Students were able to experience a range of innovative solutions including drones, meta quest VR and augmented reality. Students also had an opportunity to use a range of old hardware to create their own network with the help of our IT Support.

The students were able to then work out information problems by going to an escape room where they worked together to solve a range of cryptic problems. Their role was to work collaboratively to solve the clues to get the system back online after a disgruntled employee shutdown it down. It was an enjoyable afternoon where the students worked together and although they didn’t solve the escape room problem, they managed to solve most of the issues. Studying Applied Computing provides students with a range of exciting opportunities both in and out of the school environment.

Sylvia Pastore
Teacher

Join Us for the End of Year Concert!

Celebrate the talents of St Mary’s College students at our End of Year Concert on Thursday, 28th November in Logue Hall. This exciting evening will feature a series of musical performances, an Art and Design exhibit, a Media showcase, and displays of exceptional Design, Technology, and English projects. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support and enjoy the creativity of our students!

Tickets are available now, so book your spot to ensure you don’t miss this inspiring event. Reserve your tickets here.