Welcome to our second edition of Lumina for 2025 and we have certainly had a busy couple of weeks with Year 7 camp, athletics carnival, and special assembly in addition to the many school-based activities that take place every week. It has been a positive start to year with comments coming my way about how well our young people have settled into the new academic year and the

House Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to Tevlin House and to all participants on the excellent House Athletics Carnival last Friday. There was great competitive spirit evident on the day and strong leadership on display, especially from our senior students, some of whom competed in nearly every event. It was pleasing to see our young athletes wanting to challenge themselves and each other in a healthy and supportive environment. We appreciate that there are concerns about the move from Lakeside Stadium. While acknowledging that it is not as convenient for some, the Newport Athletics Track is clearly a more suitable venue for a group of our size affording better vision across all events and allowing for improved student supervision and a better general atmosphere. Thanks to Mr Bird as coordinator and all who contributed to make this a memorable event.

Official Opening of McCartney Wing

Yesterday, we gathered as a community to officially open and bless McCartney Wing following its refurbishment in in 2022 and 2024. Amongst our invited guests were Bishop Anthony Ireland and Mr Josh Burns MP. Other guests representing Edmund Rice Education Australia, our School Advisory Council, the Catholic Development Fund, and the project team including architects and builders, joined us in Logue Hall for a blessing and unveiling of plaques, before participating in a tour. Partly funded by the Australian Government, we were keen to show Mr Burns that the $3 million investment in our Catholic school is not only proper in supporting your choice of faith-based education but has been managed prudently towards improved learning spaces and technology for our young people. The feedback from our visitors was glowing regarding the quality of our concert band, the welcome from our Prefects, and the respectful attention shown by our young people. Thanks to Ms Saundry for catering for our guests.

Prefect Parent Evening

One of the special events in our calendar is the Prefect Parent Evening which was held last night. On this evening our Prefect team and their parents / carers have an opportunity to recognise the commitment that goes with these leadership roles and show our support for our young people. I challenged our Prefect team to reflect on the message of Pope Francis to “approach life as a pilgrim and not a sightseer.” A pilgrim immerses themselves in the places and people they encounter, whereas a sightseer is happy with a few fleeting moments to capture a selfie, Pope Francis wrote in the lead up to World Youth Day. Our 2025 Prefect team have made a great start to the year and are showing themselves to be outstanding role models.

New Families Year 8 to 12

St Mary’s prides itself on our welcome of young people at levels other than Year 7. While our students seem to generally find their place quickly and start to establish a friendship network, some of our parents / carers have asked if we could help them to meet others as well. In response, we organised an afternoon tea on Thursday as a chance to get to know others new to our community. Thanks to those who took up this offer from David Formosa, Director of Development, and Sandie Saundry for catering.

Year 7 and Year 8 Camps

Year 7 students have returned from camp and report a very rewarding time together with opportunity to learn to surf amongst other adventure activities. Next week it is the opportunity for our Year 8 students to spend time together and learn new skills. Thanks to the staff who are generously putting their hand up for these commitments so that the our young people can participate in this memorable experience. 

Darren Atkinson 
Principal  

Ash Wednesday is 5 March this year. It is a day of fasting and abstinence. It is also the day we start project Compassion.

Project Compassion is a way to raise funds for Caritas which is the worldwide agency that supports those in need.

As much as we consider donating money, it is the moving of our hearts which is at the centre of the campaign.

In Religious Education classes and our social justice group teachers and students have activities that will deepen our understanding of Lent and Project Compassion.

In future editions of Lumina I will share examples of our efforts.

As an EREA school we have a touchstone that leads us to an understanding of spirituality that comes from the Gospels. In John’s Gospel we are told that Jesus came so we can have life and have it to the full. He does not say some can have this life. We are called to make this a reality of all people.

This is our challenge this Lent.

Paul Quinn
Direct of Identity, People and Culture 

St Mary's music department 2025 has started off with an absolute bang (literally) with the drummers providing the first ever entertainment at the Athletics Carnival. The addition of music throughout the day, as well as drum rolls for finish line crossing and announcing the winning House, really brought the vibes and atmosphere to the next level. Thank you everyone who helped out with drum transport, it was not an easy task but so worth it!

A couple of weeks before this, the St Mary's choir had their first performance at the Year 7 Welcome Day mass. Thank you all who came and sang in the church and welcomed the parents and students afterwards.

On Thursday the Big Band and the Choir performed for the Official Opening of the McCartney Wing assembly and received many thanks and congratulations from the attendees. Well done in particular to our soloists Maddy Gournas and Tom Cusack. We are honoured to have provided the music for that very important assembly.

Our instrumental program is going well with a record number of year 7 instrumentalists and vocalists for this time of year! Ensembles have all started back up, so make sure you express your interest if you would like to join one as soon as possible. Thank you and happy practicing!

Director of Music 
Katie Thomas

Year 7 Camp – A Fantastic Start to the Year!

After only six school days, our Year 7 students embarked on an unforgettable adventure at camp from Monday 10th to Wednesday 12th February in Merricks, Victoria.

Over three exciting days, students took on surfing, canoeing, the vertical challenge, team-building games, and orienteering, stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing new experiences. More importantly, camp provided an invaluable opportunity for students to form connections, support one another, and build friendships that will last throughout their time at the College.

A huge thank you to our students for their fantastic attitude towards every challenge and to our dedicated staff, who gave up the comforts of home to make this camp possible.

With such a positive start, I am incredibly excited for the year ahead with our newest Year 7 cohort!

Lucy Dickson
Year 7 Pastoral Care Leader

It has been fantastic to see new friendships forming and existing connections strengthening within the Year 8 cohort. The positive energy and camaraderie among students have created a supportive and inclusive environment, which has been wonderful to witness.

A special mention goes to all the Year 8 students for their incredible participation and involvement in the recent Athletics Carnival. It was great to see everyone embracing the day, stepping outside their comfort zones, and demonstrating fantastic sportsmanship. Whether competing or cheering on their peers, the enthusiasm and encouragement from the Year 8s truly showcased the spirit of our school.

Looking ahead, we are excited for our upcoming Year 8 Camp at Mount Martha next Wednesday! This will be an excellent opportunity for students to spend a few days together outside the classroom, fostering friendships, building resilience, and overcoming personal challenges. We can’t wait to see the growth and teamwork that will emerge from this experience.

Finally, if your child has any exciting achievements—whether it's an award, a competition, or another milestone—they would like to share in the Year 8 newsletter, please feel free to email me with the details. We love celebrating the successes of our students!

Looking forward to another great term ahead.

Annie Driver
Year 8 Pastoral Care Leader

Some people just know, or think they do, whilst others feel lost and overwhelmed by the choices before them. Research tells us that parents and family are the biggest influence on a person’s career choice. That is quite a responsibility! What can parents do to ensure this influence is positive and in the young person’s best interests? More on that later.

Often Careers Counsellors are ‘blamed’ later for poor career choices, or their suggestions are misinterpreted as advice. I am careful not to tell students what they should or should not do with their lives, but I prefer to listen to their aspirations, confusion or concerns and then try to build their confidence to look further, broaden their thinking and give them some areas to research further.

Sometimes the smallest gesture can have an enormous effect on a young person’s direction. I always keep this picture of a pretty teacup near my desk to remind me how far-reaching the smallest gesture can be.

This tiny and already 100-year-old Minton teacup was given to 8-year-old William Johnston in 1919 by his grandmother when she broke the saucer and felt it was of little use anymore. Little did she know what a huge influence it would have! William treasured it and kept it by his bed until his death in 1986.

William was the son a of a modest bootmaker in rural Lilydale and might have entered the trade himself, but instead that little teacup had sparked an interest in fine porcelain, extending to paintings, furniture and ceramics of the Georgian, Regency, Victorian and Louis XV periods. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but as he became wealthy and amassed a collection of over 15,000 pieces, he became a well-known figure in Melbourne as an importer and dealer in antiques, decorator and property developer. He left his house and collection to be preserved for the benefit of future generations under the care of the National Trust. (https://johnstoncollection.org...) I am sure his grandmother had no idea!

Some young people are influenced by a kind person in the health professions. Many follow the nursing or physio path after suffering an illness or injury. 2015 CBC College Captain, Anei Ochan-Thou, was a refugee from Sudan who arrived in Australia aged 4 and was placed in the care of a doctor for a forehead laceration. This simple experience inspired him to work hard at school and enter a career where he could help people in future, as he had been helped, by becoming a doctor. He studied Science at Melbourne University and post-graduate medicine, then did his internship residency at Western Health. He is now a Critical Care HMO in Anaesthetics at Austin Health, with the aim of being an anaesthetist. That spark of inspiration has led him here and his determination has paid off.

Another student, a graduate from the Class of 2024, found his dream job and course by reading an email I sent to Year 12s just after the exams, and following up on an opportunity. The student had spoken to me about his interest in work in the area of defence systems, but we struggled to work out exactly what qualification would best lead him there – Industrial Design or Engineering, perhaps. He read the email about a “degree apprenticeship” opportunity with RMIT. He applied and after a lengthy and highly competitive selection process, has been offered the position at BAE Systems, a large global company supplying the design and manufacture of air and sea defence equipment and systems. The young man will start an apprenticeship in Systems Engineering part-time with BAE on a generous salary whilst completing a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, followed by a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at RMIT. All paid for by BAE Systems. What a future awaits him!

Sometimes it is just about recognising and grasping the opportunity that presents itself.
You never know where that spark will come from. Or when. I am sure it does not come from a sentence beginning “You should…” 

So…what can parents do? In my mind, the most lasting gift to your child is to listen to their ideas and expand on them; to give them experiences and encourage them to explore the possibilities. Not to settle, but to work towards goals, all the while recognising that change is a constant, in our lives as in our careers. Parents can help their children develop the curiosity to look further and the confidence and resilience to seize the day!

Careers Counsellor 
Mandy Elwood

The VCE VM Students went out last week for an Enrichment Day to Port Melbourne and then travelled to the St Kilda Botanical Gardens in preparation for the Eco-Centre Leadership program. It was a very hot day however, students engaged with the work in a positive manner, learning about different plant species and looking at the socioeconomic break down of the suburbs. We will be further looking at how these areas have changed over time and the gentrification of the working-class inner-city suburbs. Students will visually plot the changes to house prices in these areas over the last few decades.

Grant Goldbold
Vocational Major Coordinator

Academic Scholarship Exam – 15 March 2025

St Mary’s College is committed to supporting academic excellence and is pleased to offer scholarship opportunities for high-achieving students. The 2025 Academic Scholarship Exam will be held on Saturday, 15 March 2025, providing students with the opportunity to showcase their academic abilities.

We encourage all eligible students to register and take advantage of this opportunity. Further details, including registration information, can be found on our College website. Applications close soon, so don’t miss out!

Melbourne United Talent ID Session

St Mary’s College students have an exciting opportunity to take part in the Melbourne United Academy Talent Identification Session at MSAC - 20 March 2025. This session is designed to develop skills, test abilities, and identify emerging basketball talent.

Students will participate in professional-level drills, game play scenarios, and fitness assessments, all led by Melbourne United coaches. This is a fantastic chance to receive expert coaching and potentially be selected for further development opportunities.

For more details and to register, visit Melbourne United Academy Talent ID Session. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience! 🏀

David Formosa
Director of Development

Year 8 Food Technology is focusing on sustainability this term, exploring ways to reduce food waste and use seasonal produce. As part of their learning, students will be making preserves, and we need your help!

We are seeking donations of clean jars (300-500ml) with lids, preferably with labels removed. A collection box has been placed in Reception for any contributions.

Your support in providing jars will help our students engage in hands-on learning while promoting sustainable food practices. Thank you for your generosity!

Sandie Saundry
Food and Tech Assistant 

On Tuesday, 11 February 2025, the Technology Department, along with schools in over 180 countries, participated in Safer Internet Day. This is a global initiative that promotes positive internet usage, digital responsibility and online safety. This year's theme was "Together for a Better Internet," which aimed to encourage schools and parents to work together to create a safer digital world.

At SMC, we ensure daily that e-safety is promoted, and our students develop the skills and awareness needed to navigate the online world responsibly. It was fantastic to see a number of students, especially from the Year 11 cohort, attend our lunchtime activities, which included:

• Interactive quizzes testing students’ knowledge of cyber safety.
• Online activities highlighting the importance of strong passwords, privacy settings, and recognising online scams.
• Discussions on digital wellbeing, cyberbullying, and managing screen time.

Congratulations to Dakira and Kate from Year 11 who were able to answer the daily quiz and won a prize.

A special thank you to Trish Maguire, our school counsellor, who shared tips and advice on how they can navigate their digital usage more safely. Trish emphasized the importance of asking for help if students experience issues online, whether it be cyberbullying, privacy breaches, or online harassment. If any student is facing challenges related to their online usage, support is always available through various avenues at the school including Pastoral Care Teachers, Pastoral Leaders, Director of Students, Jen Howard and of course our school counsellor, Trish McGuire.

How Parents Can Support Safe Internet Use at Home

The eSafety Commissioner offers valuable resources for parents to help guide their children in making smart online choices. There are various topics that can be a topic of conversation at the dinner table. We encourage all parents to explore these free resources at https://www.esafety.gov.au/new...

While Safer Internet Day is only one day, we will continue to empower our students to make informed and responsible decisions online.

Sylvia Pastore
Teacher

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.

• 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