Newsletter - T3, W10 - 26/09/2025
From the Principal
Year 12 Graduation
On Wednesday, we farewelled a remarkable group of young men and women, the Year 12 Graduating Class of 2025.
Graduation is always a time of mixed emotions. It is a celebration of achievement, growth, and resilience. It is also a time to say goodbye to students who have contributed so much to the St Mary’s community; they have left a lasting impact on the College.
They have successfully managed the endless challenges of the high school years through resilience and maturity. These students developed positive relationships with their peers and the staff of the College. They have been role models to our younger students and have lived out the College’s values through their everyday interaction.
The Graduation Mass and Ceremony held this week was a strong reminder of the strength of our Catholic community. Surrounded by family, friends, staff, special guests and fellow students, our Year 12s were sent off with heartfelt blessings, gratitude, and pride. It was a moving celebration, one that honoured the fantastic people they have become.
Thank you to the families of our graduating class for entrusting us with your child's formation. Your partnership, support, and faith in St Mary’s have helped shape these young adults.
To the young adults of the 2025 graduating class. You will always be part of this College community, and we look forward to hearing about the many ways you will make your mark on the world.
Wakakirri National Award Nomination
The College was informed during the week that ‘Wakakirri 2025: I say, you are beautiful’ has received a National Award Nomination in this year’s Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival! This is a huge achievement and something our students should be incredibly proud of. Our story, creativity, and commitment to inspiring change truly stood out.
St Mary’s is now being considered for a National Award alongside other National Award Nominees from across Australia. These results will be revealed during the Season Wrap-Up TV Special in Term 4.
Show Awards
• Ensemble Award for Overall Performance
• Ensemble Award for Dance Performance
• Storytelling Award for Story Theme and Concept
• Ensemble Award for Choreography
• Production award for Cinematography
Congratulations to Ms Keely Maguire and the following students involved:
Izabel Baker
Tiana Bennett
Elizabeth Carey
Zoe Connolly
Emma Green
Eden Hobbs
Alexia Lloyd
Madisson Lynn
Lilly-Anne Marks
Maddalena Noijens
Brieanna Parker
Faith Sheargold
Olivia Wilson
Under-14 Girls Rugby League Team Shines at State Finals
Our Under 14 Girls Rugby League team travelled to Bathurst on Tuesday to compete in the Rugby League State Final held on Wednesday. The girls played with outstanding skill, determination, and sportsmanship, narrowly going down to a strong Kildare side 26-16.
Throughout the competition, the team represented the College with great pride and resilience, showcasing the spirit of our community.
I would like to thank everyone in our community who organised and supported fundraising efforts at short notice to enable the girls to travel to Bathurst. Your generosity and commitment are a great example of community and school partnership in action.
I would like to especially thank Mia Simpson & Ebony Bunting for their fundraising efforts.
Thank you to the following businesses for their sponsorship:
- Casino RSM Club
- The Charcoal Inn
- Metcalf Quality Meats
- Leviat Pty Ltd
- Aplus Automotive Parts
- Bennetts Buslines
We are incredibly proud of our students. Well done to our Under 14 Girls Rugby League team!
ENCORE 2026 Performance Nomination: Kayden Campbell
Congratulations to Kayden Campbell, who has been nominated for performance in ENCORE 2026, a prestigious showcase celebrating outstanding HSC Music performances, compositions, and musicology presentations.
ENCORE will take place at the Sydney Opera House on Monday, 2 March 2026. While not all nominated works are selected for the final concert, this nomination is itself an exceptional recognition of Kayden’s talent, dedication, and achievement in Music.
Michael Campbell
Principal
Upcoming Dates
Term 4, Week 1
Monday 13/10/25 - Staff Development Day
Tuesday 14/10/25 - Term 4 commences for Students
Thursday 16/10/25 - HSC Examinations Begin
Thursday 16/10/25 - Year 10 History Incursion - SMCC
Thursday 16/10/25 - Steer Showing - Lismore Showgrounds
Week 2
Friday 24/10/25 - Year 8 Headspace Workshops - Respectful Relationships
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, 28 September
Tabulam, 10:30am
Mission Team
In our readings over the weekend we hear "Between us and you a great chasm has been set in place..." (Luke 16:26)
This offers a sobering reminder: what matters most is not wealth or status, but how we treat others, especially the poor, the overlooked, and the vunerable. The rich man lived comfortably, but he failed to see and respond to the suffering at his doorstep. Only too late did he realise the importance of compassion and justice.
As we come to end of schooling journey for our Year 12 students we remember graduation marks a transition, not just in academics, but in responsibility and maturity. It's a moment to celebrate achievement, but also to look ahead with purpose.
We want our young people to succeed, but more importantly, we hope they leave our College not only fulfilled, but kinder; not only confident, but compassionate. In a world that often celebrates personal gain, may they be people who notice those at the gate, those in need, those excluded, those hurting, and choose to act with love.
To our graduates: As you step into new opportunities, never forget that the person you are matters more than what you achieve. Use your gifts not just to build a life, but to build up others. Let your St Mary’s education be a foundation not just for success, but for service.
Congratulations to each of you. Go forward with courage, with faith, and with hearts open to the needs of the world.
Clare Axman
Assistant Principal - Mission
Evangelisation
Ignite
We currently have 6 students attending Ignite with Ms Hall and our CYM Megan in Brisbane. It will be an amazing experience and we look forward to hearing all about this year's event when we return next term.
Year 12 Retreat
Students in Year 12 2026 will be participating in their annual retreat in Term 4 during transition week. The purpose of the Retreat is to enhance the spirituality of students. This is a valuable time for our students to deepen their friendships with each other and to set personal goals as they embark on their final year of school.
This is an overnight retreat held at Camp Drewe in Lennox Head which is a compulsory event. Consent and payment is due as soon as possible.
Stage 6 Retreat
Students in Year 11 and Year 12 in 2026 will participate in the Senior retreat day. Throughout the day students will form new relationships with their peers and be equipped to tackle their final years of schooling. This will be held at the Parish Hall, with students having normal recess and lunch breaks.
The Compass event is currently open for consent and payment.
Kate Rowlands
Leader of School Evangelisation
Learning & Teaching Team
Curriculum
Congratulations to the Year 12 Cohort for completing 13 Years of education in NSW.
The HSC begins on Thursday, 16 October and concludes on Friday, 7 November. On behalf of the College, I wish all our Stage 6 students the best of luck for these Examinations. Students are reminded that they need to ensure they have all their relevant examination equipment with them. Please make sure you are in attendance at least 15 minutes before the scheduled Examination start time.
Year 8-10 Semester 2 Examinations begin Week 4 next term. The Examination Timetables will be distributed to parents and students on the first day back next term.
Year 10 are advised that the NESA All My Own Work (AMOW) program will be conducted at the College during Transition Week. More details to follow; However, students will need to bring a fully charged device to complete the program on the day. AMOW is a requirement of NESA and students who have not satisfactorily completed the program will not be allowed to enter their Stage 6 classes until this has been done.
Christopher Robinson
Leader of Curriculum
Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT)
During weeks 1 to 4 next term, our students will undertake their annual Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) in English, Mathematics, and Science. These online assessments are adaptive, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on each student’s responses, providing a personalised and accurate measure of their skills.
Testing will take place in the school gym, where students will complete the three tests under quiet, supervised conditions. The PAT assessments are an important part of our ongoing commitment to monitoring student progress. They help teachers identify individual strengths and areas where extra support may be needed, enabling more tailored and effective teaching.
PAT testing occurs every year and plays a vital role in guiding your child’s learning journey. Should you have any questions about the testing process, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.
Kylie Parker
Numeracy Coordinator
SRC Fundraiser
The SRC would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported our recent Slushy Fundraiser. Thanks to your enthusiastic participation, and love of icy treats, we have raised valuable funds which will go towards installing a new school bubbler. We are now one step closer towards keeping everyone cool and hydrated all year round.
A very special thank you goes to Northern Rivers Jumping Castles, whose generous donation helped make the day extra special. We are incredibly grateful for their support.
Stay tuned for more SRC events coming soon.
Ashleigh Bailey
SRC Mentor
Sports News
Congratulations to the Under 14 Girls on their incredible run to the Country Cup Rugby League State Final in Bathurst! It's fantastic to see the local community and sponsors rally behind the team to make a trip like this possible.
The College would like to extend a huge thank you to the many generous sponsors and parents who supported the team's journey. Your contributions were vital in making this trip happen.
We are so grateful for the support of: Casino RSM Club, The Charcoal Inn, Metcalf Quality Meats, Leviat Pty Ltd, Aplus Automotive Parts and Bennetts Buslines.
We also want to give a special shout-out to parents Mia Simpson and Ebony Bunting for their amazing fundraising efforts.
The team set off for Bathurst early on Tuesday morning. After a 12-hour bus trip that included a training session in Lithgow, they arrived at 6:30 PM.
On Wednesday morning, following a good night's sleep and breakfast, the girls had an exciting start to their day. Before their 10:30 AM game, they took a lap of Mount Panorama, the famous track for the annual Bathurst 1000 motor race.
At the top of the mountain, the girls stopped for a photo opportunity and a chance to take in the splendid view of the track and the Bathurst area.
In the Country Cup State Final, the College's Under 14 Girls team faced Kildare Catholic College on Jack Arrow Oval. Despite falling behind early, with Kildare taking a 22-0 lead, the girls showed incredible resilience.
A late first-half try by captain Lila Stanfield brought the halftime score to 22-4. After a strong halftime talk, the team began a powerful comeback, with Lila Stanfield and Eva Crompton scoring tries and Eva converting both to narrow the gap to 22-16.
Despite injuries to Amarni Collins and Eva Crompton, the team's momentum continued. A potential game-tying try was called back due to a knock-on, and Kildare secured a final try in the last moments of the game, making the final score 26-16.
Though they didn't win, the team's effort and comeback were worthy of a state final, and they should be extremely proud of their performance. The College also extends a massive thank you to the parents who traveled to Bathurst to support the girls.
A big thank you to Georgia Callaghan for traveling with the girls and managing the team. Also, a special thanks to Louise Stuart from Bennetts Buslines for not only sponsoring the team but driving us safely to Bathurst and back. On the return trip, the girls also had an opportunity to take in the view of the 3 sisters and the view of Katoomba National Park.
Term 4 - Thursday Sport Options
Stage 4 & 5 - Years 7 - 10*
Volleyball - SMCC and possibly Colley Park - $0
Water Polo - Casino Swimming Pool - $4.50 per session (paid upfront via Compass event)
5km Pacers Walking- Various routes around the Casino area - $0
Indoor Sports - Casino Indoor Sports Centre - $2.50 per session (paid upfront via Compass event)
Striking & Fielding Games - SMCC & Colley Park - $0
Touch Football - Colley Park - $0
Tennis - Casino Tennis Club -$3.00 per session (paid upfront via Compass event)
* Please note, current Year 10 students will only do 4 sessions in Term 4 as they move into Year 11 from 17/11/25. Therefore, if they are doing Water Polo or Indoor Sports, they will only be charged for 4 sessions instead of 6.
Parents/Guardians, can you please consent and pay (if necessary) over the Holidays so your child can participate Week 1, Term 4.
See below for the latest updates to upcoming sporting fixtures:
- Friday, 24/10/25 - Diocesan Under 15 & Open Boys & Girls Volleyball - Coffs Harbour (Week 2, Term 4)
- Thursday, 6/11/25 - Diocesan Open Boys & Girls Water Polo - Alstonville (Week 4, Term 4)
- Monday, 10/11/25 - Northern Diocesan All Ages Golf - Casino (Week 5, Term 4)
- Thursday, 13/11/25 - Diocesan Under 15 Boys & Girls Water Polo - Alstonville (Week 5, Term 4)
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
Uniforms for Year 7, 2026
If you have a new student starting next year, please consider starting to get your Uniforms ready while we have the stock. Call in and see us during our opening hours so you're prepared for next year.
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 1300 683 337 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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