Newsletter - T3, W2 - 01/08/2025
From the Principal
The following scripture from Proverbs 31:8-9 was the theme for our student assembly this week.
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Although this passage was written centuries ago, it is as relevant today as it ever was. It's a direct call to action, asking us to use our voice for the good of others.
It is easier to understand this passage by breaking it down. "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves..."
Think about people that you know who don’t have a voice:
- The quiet person
- The shy person
- The person who is not the same as everyone else
- The person who doesn’t have a large friendship group
- The person who has been subjected to unjust treatment
- Or someone who has had some personal issues to deal with
This scripture asks us to be their voice, to comfort and support them.
"...for the rights of all who are destitute."
Destitute can mean many things, in this context it refers to those who are deprived of dignity, respect, opportunity, or a sense of belonging.
I have been instilling into students at every opportunity, the need to look beyond the surface level and recognise that each individual, regardless of their differences has worth and should be treated with dignity and respect.
"Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
This section of the passage refers to seeking clarity in a situation before reacting. Search for the truth and act justly, rather than take sides or simply follow the crowd.
We are called to actively defend those who are vulnerable and are unable to defend themselves and look for opportunities to help those in need.
It takes courage to follow Jesus’ example. He actively spoke up against injustice and consistently defended the vulnerable. By following the message of the Gospel, entire communities are strengthened through the building of a positive culture of support and compassion.
Athletics Carnival
We were blessed with fantastic weather on Thursday for the annual St Mary’s Athletics Carnival. Student participation was outstanding, and the positive school spirit was clearly evident. It’s wonderful to see how proud our students are of St Mary’s, and how proud we, as staff, are of them.
I would like to thank all the students and their families for supporting this important community building event. If your child was unable to attend, there will be more opportunities for them to contribute to this positive culture in the future. When reflecting on school life, it is often the culture and the relationships formed that are most remembered. Days like this play a vital role in shaping that experience.
Special thanks to Mr. Craig Beare for organising the day and to Mr. Andrew Bartlett for his ongoing assistance throughout. Although Mr. Bartlett has retired from full-time teaching, he remains a vital part of the DNA of St Mary’s Catholic College.
Congratulations
Congratulations to our Under 14 Girls Rugby League team for winning the Country Cup on Wednesday, defeating St John’s College, Woodlawn in the final. This is a fantastic achievement, especially considering they played with only 13 players and no reserves. The team will now head to Coffs Harbour on Thursday, 21 August 2025, I wish them well. The Sport section of this Newsletter will have more detailed information.
Have a great weekend.
Michael Campbell
Principal
Upcoming Dates
Week 3
Monday 04/08/2025 - Year 10 Subject Selection Interviews - Parish Hall, SMCC
Thursday 07/08/2025 - Byron Writers Festival
Friday 08/08/2025 - Apostoli Retreat
Week 4
Wednesday 13/08/2025 - Bullying, No Way Day
Friday 15/08/2025 - Assumption Mass - SMCC
Parish Mass Times
Weekend Mass
Saturday 5.00pm
Sunday 8.00am
Weekdays
Monday 9.00am
Tuesday 8. 00am
Wednesday 8.00am
Thursday 9.00am
Friday 9.00am
Saturday 9.00am
Adoration
Wednesday 5.00pm
Following 9.00am Mass Saturday
Reconciliation
Saturday 8.30am - 9.00am
Anointing of the sick
First Saturday of each month
Country Mass
Sunday, 10 August
Mallanganee, 10:30am
Mission Team
This weekend in our Church readings we hear "Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." (Luke 12:15)
In this passage it is a striking reminder that true richness is not found in possessions, but in a life centered on God.
As parents raising children in a fast-paced, consumer-driven world, we often feel pressure to provide more, more opportunities, more experiences, more material things. While it's natural to want the best for our teenagers, this scripture challenges us to ask: What kind of richness are we helping our teens seek?
We are reminded of the richness of gratitude, generosity, and faith. When we focus on what truly matters, relationships, values, and spiritual growth, we encourage our teens to build their lives on something lasting. It’s not about what we have, but who we are becoming.
Let’s encourage one another as a College community to raise young people who are not just successful, but wise; not just busy, but grounded; not just prepared for the world, but rich toward goodness.
Clare Axman
Assistant Principal - Mission
Evangelisation
G.O.A.T Retreat
In Week 1, 4 Male students and Mr Robinson travelled to Coffs Harbour Adventure Centre to participate in the G.O.A.T Retreat. This retreat brings boys from across the Diocese together to build teamwork skills, reflect upon their lives and decisions, and have an encounter of faith.
The boys participated in Laser Tag, Commando and High Ropes Courses and a night walk. There were opportunities to reflect on the decisions they have made so far and what they want their lives to look like in the future. Father Anthony Lemon celebrated Mass with the boys and gave them the chance to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal
Today, 1 August, Students and staff took the opportunity to wear their Jeans and Jerseys to raise funds for St Vincent de Paul. We thank all those who donated to this worthy cause.
Kate Rowlands
Leader of School Evangelisation
Message from the Leader of Inclusion & Diversity
Courses for Parents: ADHD and Autism
ADHD: This short course was developed with the help of Parents for ADHD Advocacy Australia (PAAA). This course is aimed at supporting the parents and carers of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Other people may also find it helpful, such as other relatives, teacher assistants, and teachers.
Autism: This short course is directed at parents and carers of children with autism. Other people may also find it helpful, such as other relatives, teacher assistants, and teachers.
Parents of children who’ve been identified on the autism spectrum have been interviewed to identify the issues that concern them the most. This is reflected in the videos throughout this short course.
Please find more information about the courses on the OLT platform linked here.
Learning & Teaching Team
Curriculum
Another step in parent feedback
Since the beginning of the year, the teachers of students in Year 7-10 have been marking student work and tracking student progress according to Literacy and Numeracy national standards.
From next week, those marks, and the tasks that students have done to produce those marks, will be made available to parents and students though Compass.
An explanatory video and a user-friendly website will also be released for parents and students next week.
The first task that was completed this term was a Year 10 HSIE task on the Vietnam War. This will be returned to students next week and a note sent home to parents explaining where they can access information and help.
If anyone has any questions once the information has gone home, please let me know.
Nadine Connolly
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Year 10 Subject Selection
The next step in our Year 10 subject selection process will occur next Monday, August 4. The Year 10 interview day is a compulsory feature of our subject selections - students cannot commence their Stage 6 classes unless an interview has taken place.
If there is no suitable interview time, please contact me and make an alternative time.
Year 10 students only need to attend school on this day for their interview. There will be no year 10 classes running on Monday.
Year 8 will be receiving information in the near future regarding subject selections for Year 9 & 10 2026/27.
The HSC Trial Examinations will be conducted in Week 6 of Term 3. The timetable for these examinations will be distributed to Stage 6 students and their parents next week. Information regarding the organisation of these exams will be provided at this time.
Chris Robinson
Leader of Curriculum
Message from the Leader of Pedagogy
At the start of this term, our professional learning was centred on feedback for learning. This is a key component of our whole school focus on effective assessment. Staff deepened their understanding to incorporate feedback further (both individualised and group) through peer and self-assessment to close the gap between current and desired learning performance.
Feedback is directly related to Success Criteria and can be developed by the teacher, the student and peers, and provides the opportunity for students to increase autonomy in their learning.
By integrating a variety of feedback, students can become more independent and assessment-capable as they know what the next steps for improvement look like.
As parents, we can support our children’s learning by engaging in conversations. Asking questions such as “How do you know how you're doing?”, “Where are you going next?” and “How can you improve?” helps them reflect on their learning.
By using these prompts, the emphasis shifts toward the learning journey itself, encouraging children to cultivate self-reliance and take greater ownership of their learning.
Kelly Scurr
Leader of Pedagogy
Message from the Leader of Pastoral Care
RUOK? Day
Thursday, 11 September 2025 is R U OK? Day, although we know that whether it’s a friend, family member, partner, or colleague, the people around us go through life’s ups and downs every day. That’s why we want everyone to feel confident to check in with the people they care about and Ask R U OK? Any Day.
Our College community will participate in this worthwhile cause. Thank you to our SRC for organising this.
Aaron Kennedy
Leader of Pastoral Care
Year 9 History Incursion
On Thursday, 30 July, our Year 9 students had the privilege of taking part in an exciting History incursion with Shane from WW1 Living History. The session brought the First World War to life in a way that was both informative and hands-on.
Shane shared a fascinating presentation and introduced students to a range of real and replica artefacts, giving them a deeper understanding of what life was like for soldiers on the front lines. Students even had the chance to handle these objects themselves, which really helped them connect with the stories and experiences being shared.
The incursion sparked plenty of curiosity, with students asking thoughtful questions and engaging in meaningful discussions. It was a fantastic experience that added so much depth to their study of World War I.
Emily Jones
Leader of HSIE
Sports News
Alex Gibbon Cup Rugby 7's - Under 16's
The College's Under 16s Rugby Union 7's team recently traveled to Evans Head to compete in the annual Alex Gibbon Cup.
Their first match was against Byron High School, who unfortunately didn't show up, awarding the College the win. The second game saw them face Woodlawn. Despite Woodlawn's quick start with two tries in the opening five minutes, the College's team showed great resilience. They dug deep, with Corey Love and Riley Newman each scoring a try, and came very close to leveling the score in the final moments.
Their final pool game was a tough match against McAuley Catholic College from Grafton, who demonstrated strong Rugby 7's skills, winning by seven tries to nil. Even against such formidable opponents, the College's team never gave up, playing with unwavering determination until the final whistle.
The College then played Evans River High in their last game. The College emerged victorious, scoring two tries thanks to Riley Newman and Blair Campbell, while holding Evans River to just one try.
The entire team had a fantastic day and displayed exceptional effort throughout the tournament.
Andrew Bartlett
Coach
Alex Gibbon Cup Rugby 7's - Under 14s
The College Under 14s Rugby Union 7's team had an impressive competition. They kicked off their day with a narrow victory against Maclean High School in their first pool game. Their second match was a nail-biter, unfortunately resulting in a one-point loss in the final minute against Lindisfarne from Tweed Heads. The College bounced back in their last pool game, securing a decisive 61-5 win against Byron Bay High School.
In the semi-final, the College faced Woodlawn. Despite being down to only two reserves after an injury to Jed Handford, the team showed incredible grit. Lucas Murray delivered a spectacular individual performance, scoring three tries to secure a 21-5 victory.
Advancing to the final, the College once again met Lindisfarne. Although the team played admirably, a depleted bench and exhausted players ultimately led to a 14-0 loss.
We want to congratulate the boys on their outstanding efforts and for finishing second overall on the day. Tries throughout the tournament were scored by Toby Makejev, Jackson Gay, Campbell Stuart, Ollie Formaggin, and Jed Handford. A special mention goes to Lucas Murray, who was a try-scoring machine with an impressive 10 tries throughout the day.
Dean Coggan
Coach
NRCC Girls Football
The College's Under 14 girls soccer team demonstrated immense determination and team spirit across a challenging series of matches. They faced tough losses of 5-1 against Banora and 6-1 against Mt St Patricks College, and narrowly missed out on victories with 1-0 against Xavier, 2-1 against Woodlawn, and 2-1 against Trinity.
Despite having only four regular soccer players, the entire team stepped up and performed admirably. Eva Crompton was a standout, showcasing her versatility as both goalkeeper and striker. Miley Falls displayed relentless energy throughout the games, and Marley Botfield anchored the defense with strong work.
This talented and supportive group of girls certainly did the College proud, signaling an exciting resurgence for girls' soccer at the College. Ms. Maguire was extremely proud of their efforts. A special thank you goes to Mr. Anderson for his support and for driving the team.
Keely Maguire
Coach
Under 14 Girls Country Cup
On Wednesday, 30 July, the College's Under 14 girls traveled to Mullumbimby to compete in the Country Cup Girls gala day. The girls played four fantastic games, showcasing their skill and teamwork.
The College won their first game against Evans River with a dominant 22-0 performance. In a close second game, they were narrowly defeated 4-6 by Woodlawn. Their third game was a semi-final against Murwillumbah High, where they secured their spot in the final with a strong 20-4 win.
The final was a rematch against Woodlawn. The College played a superb game, ultimately defeating Woodlawn 16-8 to claim the Country Cup!
A big thank you to Lila Stanfield for being an inspirational team captain and to Mr. Beare for supporting the girls throughout the day. The team now looks forward to competing in the regional finals in Coffs Harbour in August.
Georgia Callaghan
Coach
See below for the latest updates to upcoming sporting fixtures in Term 3:
- Wednesday, 6/8/25 - U14 & U16 Boys ‘Alex Gibbon’ Rugby Union 7’s, - Evans Head (Week 3)
- Tuesday, 12/825 & Wednesday, 13/8/25 - Yr 7,8 & 9,10 Boys & Girls Dio Basketball - Port Macquarie (Week 4)
- Tuesday, 19/8/25 - Yr 7-12 Boys & Girls NRCC Netball - Tweed Heads (Week 5)
- Tuesday, 2/9/25 - Diocesan Athletics Carnival - Coffs Harbour (Week 7)
- Wednesday, 3/9/25 - Y7-10 Boys & Girls Netball - Lismore (Week 7)
Term 3, 2025 Thursday Sport for Years 7 - 10.
Term 3 Sport options have closed. See below the activities on offer. Your child has been placed in one of these based on their top 4 preferred selections.
Stage 4 - Years 7 & 8
- Fishing - Weir or River, near the footbridge ($0 Students bring their own rods, tackle and bait).
- Multi sports- Tennis - Casino Tennis Courts ($3 per week includes equipment), Softball & Athletics, $0 - SMCC & Colley Park (3 weeks per activity).
- Volleyball - SMCC and possibly Colley Park - $0
- Rugby Union / League & Touch - Colley Park - $0
- Netball / Basketball - Colley Park & SMCC - $0
- Indoor Sports - Casino Sports Centre (Dodgeball, Basketball, Futsal, Pickleball - $22.50 for Term 3.
- Beef Bosses- Cattle appreciation - Earth Centre - $0
- 5km Pacers Walking- various routes around the Casino area - $0
- Sport Reform - SMCC and surrounds. This group will be made up of members who for whatever reason cannot participate in Sport. They will be doing activities based in and around the College with an emphasis on keeping our environment sustainable. We recognise that not all students can partake in sport each week and by doing activities such as this, it helps with our ideals of reaching out into the Community.
Stage 5 - Years 9 & 10
- Multi sports - Tennis - Casino Tennis Courts - $3/week (Includes equipment), Softball & Athletics - $0 - SMCC & Colley Park (3 Weeks per activity)
- Volleyball - SMCC/Colley Park - $0
- Rugby Union / League & Touch - Colley Park - $0
- Netball / Basketball - Colley Park/ SMCC - $0
- Indoor Sports - Casino Sports Centre (Dodgeball, Basketball, Futsal, Pickleball, $22.50 for Term 3
- Beef Bosses- Cattle appreciation - Earth Centre - $0
- 5km Pacers Walking- Various routes around the Casino area - $0
- Sport Reform - SMCC and surrounds (see above explanation in Year 7 & 8 sport).
Sports Calendars for 2025
Information about all upcoming sports in the College, Diocese and Catholic Schools NSW sport calendar. Please note some of these dates may change from time to time. Click on each one for the link.
St Mary’s Catholic College
Dio Sports Calendar
Catholic Schools NSW Sports Calendar
To check upcoming CCC events and registrations - Link to Catholic Sport NSW
Sport Search (½ way down page) → Step 1 (click on CCC) → Step 2 (select sport). Registration & Calendar is also there. CCC is a pathway and option for students to make a direct application to trial for a particular sport. The standard is usually high, depending on the Sport, therefore representative level is usually but not always the minimum requirement.
Craig Beare
Sports Coordinator
Uniform Shop News
Stock Updates
We now have stock of Girls' Cardigans, ranging from sizes 10-22.
Unfortunately, due to a high demand for scarves this year, our suppliers won't have any new stock until 2026.
Thank you,
Cheryl McDonald
Uniform Shop Opening Hours
Tuesdays 3.15pm to 4.15pm
Thursdays 3.15pm to 4.15pm
The Uniform Shop service is a cashless service. Methods of payment are by EFTPOS or online ordering via Flexischools. No fees are charged to families for using the Flexischools service.
Please note the following information for orders made via this service:
Tuesday Orders
- Cut off time is 12 noon on Monday
- Pick up available from the College office on Tuesday afternoon from 3.30pm - 4.00pm
Thursday Orders
- Cut off time is 12 noon on Wednesday
- Pick up available from the College office on Thursday afternoon from 3.30pm - 4.00pm.
Orders not collected will be given to the student to take home.
Whilst all care will be taken to ensure that stock availability is correct at the time of ordering, there may be some items that are not in stock at the time of packing the online orders. In this case, you will be contacted to advise of an estimated time of arrival for new stock of that item or given the option of a refund processed through Flexischools.
All uniform shop order enquiries can be emailed to: cash-uniform@lism.catholic.
Second Hand Uniforms
Sustainable School Shop is an online shop dedicated to buying and selling of second hand uniforms. For more information ring 1300683337 or visit www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au.
Please note that this facility is available for use with the new College uniforms only.
Canteen
Volunteers
We are looking for volunteers to assist in the Canteen. Please contact the Canteen via the College office if you are available at any time to help.
Flexischools
Flexischools is a well-established organisation allowing you to easily place all your canteen orders online at any time.
Download the Flexischools app from the App store or Google Play. Click here for details on how to set up your account.
Once registered, you can start placing orders immediately.
There is a charge of $0.29 per order for using this service.
If you have any questions, please contact the Flexischools Customer Service Team via their website contact page.
The normal process of ordering from the canteen (cash, eftpos, morning lunch orders) is still available.
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