Dear Parents and Carers of the St Gregory’s College Community,

It has been a terrific start to the 2022 academic year and I wish to thank all parents and carers, staff members and students for returning this year with very obvious energy, positivity and a strong desire to make this a great year. There has certainly been a ‘spring in the step’ of our staff and students!

WELCOME TO NEW STUDENTS, FAMILIES & STAFF MEMBERS

A particularly warm welcome to all the new families joining the St Gregory’s community for the first time. We have new enrolments across most year groups and also a significant increase in the number of boarding students joining the College in 2022. On behalf of the St Gregory’s community, I wish each of our new students and families a wonderful journey with us here at the College. We are extremely proud of what this College has to offer young men and women. Please be assured of our support, direction and encouragement for the children and young people you have entrusted to our care.

This year we also welcome a number of new members of staff to the College. It certainly is an exciting time for these new staff as they begin their journey in the St Gregory’s community. Details of the new staff to the College were provided in my earlier ‘Letter from the College Principal’ prior to the commencement of the term and Mr Weekes has provided some additional brief details about each of these staff in his section of the newsletter. 

MARIST SESQUICENTENARY AND 2022 THEME

In 2022 we celebrate the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Marist education in Australia. It is a time to look back in admiration and gratitude and to look forward in hope and expectation. Over the last 150 years, Marist schools across Australia, including St Gregory’s College, have provided generations of young people with the solid foundations of a quality Catholic education in the Marist tradition. The Marist theme for 2022 is “Known and Loved – Dignity for All.” Further information about how we will be embedding this theme throughout the year, will be provided by the College’s Director of Mission, Mrs Cathie Clarke.

STRATEGIC PLAN

This is the final year of the current Strategic Plan 2020-2022. In the second half of this year, we will engage in a consultation process with all stakeholders in the College community to facilitate the development of the next Strategic Plan.  The focus areas in 2022 for each of the four Strategic Priority areas are set out below;

Priority Area 1 - Authentic and Engaged Catholic Community in the Marist Way

Key Focus 1: Empowering staff and students to be active contributors to the Catholic culture of the College

• Following consultation with staff, parents and students, policies for Social Justice in Action and Fundraising will be developed.

• Fundraising for the new Marist school in Timor-Leste will be the focus for 2022.

• Embedding the College prayer into the culture of the Senior School.

• Further growth and engagement with the local chapter of the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat.

• Staff formation in ways of being present and actively engaged in the faith life of the College.

• Engage parents in the Catholic life of the College through regular communication and participation in events.

Key Focus 2: Improve pedagogical practice in Religious Education classes

• Classroom visits in the Senior School. 

• Shared practice and collaborative resource development in the Senior School.

• Curriculum unit planning sessions in the Junior School.

• Watch Other Work (WOW) sessions in the Junior School.

Priority Area 2 – A Learning-Centred College

Key Focus 1 - Learning opportunities for students will be built on contemporary, evidence-based learning practices with a view to creating a Teaching & Learning Framework

• To develop a Teaching and Learning Framework (K-12).

• Use of a common language to enhance a shared understanding of quality teaching practices and quality assessment practices.

• Annual review processes for all staff, teaching and non-teaching, incorporating goal setting, professional learning and an appraisal of performance.

Key Focus 2 - Teaching will be built on collaborative, contemporary practices which will engage and inspire students, further developing them to be graduates ready to successfully take their place in a changing world

• Continued embedding of the Primary Years Program (PYP) and Learner Profiles in the Junior School. 

• Continued embedding of the Agile Graduate Profiles in the Senior School. 

• Integration of the Learner Profiles and Agile Graduate Profiles into academic care and wellbeing programs. A focus on literacy and writing across the Senior School. 

• Engagement of Junior School and Senior School staff in a Middle Leadership professional learning program.

Priority Area 3 – A Respectful and Unified College Community

Key Focus 1 - Further enhancement of the high expectations College culture

• Supporting staff with targeted professional learning that supports student behaviour management, within and beyond the classroom. 

• Focus on the consistency of approach in relation to behaviour management inside and outside the classroom.

• Development of a Stage 5 Achievement Matrix to support students transitioning into Stage 6 or from school to work.

• Further development of the Agile Graduate program in relation to the Wellbeing and Academic Programs at the College.

Key Focus 2 - Enriching the positive relationships between staff and students

• Continued implementation of the Agile Graduate Profile through embedding it into the College wellbeing program.

• Development of a respectful relationship profile, through the wellbeing program and targeted visual resources.

• A renewed focus on mutual respect and relationship building.

Priority Area 4 – Sustainable and Contemporary Processes and Facilities 

Key Focus 1 - Contemporary, vibrant, and sustainable infrastructure and facilities

• The successful completion and commissioning of all capital projects under construction in 2021.

• The commencement and near completion of the Multi-Purpose Facility.  

• All approvals received for the commencement in 2023 of the renovations to the 000, 100 and 200 Blocks.

• The development of a College Sustainability Plan.

Key Focus 2 - Streamlined and comprehensive communication and data information processes.

• The implementation of the College Learning Management System in the Senior School, including associated training.

• The essential modules in Sentral Enterprise implemented, including the Sentral App for Parents. 

• The continued review and implementation of the College Style Guide. 

• The continued review and implementation of the Plan-Check-Go Excursion System.

• The creation of a clear communication process that maps all our communication tools and bring clarity to how they are used, when they are used and by whom they are used.

WELCOME ASSEMBLY

We held a brief assembly of all students in the Senior School on the first full day of attendance. At that assembly, I challenged the students and staff to be positive about the year ahead and to work together to make it a great year. I have provided below some of the comments I made at this assembly;

Today marks the commencement of the 96th year of St Gregory’s College and only four years until we celebrate the centenary -  a remarkable achievement for this fine school. 2022 is also the sesquicentenary or 150th year of Marist education in Australia! And whilst a lot has changed since the humble beginnings of Marist education in Australia and the early days of St Gregory’s College, some things remain firmly in place – the active presence of the Marist Brothers community, the quality of the education and experiences offered, the strong culture and the many fine traditions. 

On that note, I would like to say something very briefly about our obligations. My obligations, your obligations, our obligations. Obligation is defined as an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound, a duty or commitment. In other words, because we are members of this Catholic community in the Marist tradition, St Gregory’s College, there are duties and commitments required of all of us. These obligations can’t be shirked or passed onto others. They are things we all must be prepared to do. 

We all have an obligation to give our best in all that we do, and nothing less. Whether that is in the classroom, on the sporting field, in applying ourselves to anything we take on. We are obligated to care for others, to be friendly, to cooperate with each other, to celebrate diversity and difference, to be respectful, to support and encourage each other, to treat others as we want to be treated. This year, we all need to recognise and ensure dignity for all, to have strong minds and gentle hearts. 

We are each a part of this community and we each have obligations to all other members of the community. We need to look beyond our own needs and be other person-centred. We can never take for granted our place here at St Greg’s and the many wonderful opportunities available to us. And finally, we must never dishonour the many generations of staff, students and families that have gone before us and who have contributed to building this great College. 

With your learning, when you are challenged or feel that something is too hard, adopt the mindset you are not there, yet! Don’t give up, persevere, and then experience the joy and exhilaration of achieving something you didn’t think was possible. Repay through effort the dedicated and committed work of your teachers and the sacrifices and desire of your parents for you to be the best that you can. 

So, please stop for a moment and think about your obligations as a student, or as a staff member at St Gregory’s College. How will you ensure that you meet your duties and responsibilities and truly live out the College motto - You will reap what you sow? Your journey begins again today. Know that we are here to see you succeed and to support you in being the best version of yourself. Be grateful and thankful for all the opportunities that come your way, but don’t sit back and wait for something to happen. Make them happen!

YEAR 12 - 2021 HIGH ACHIEVERS’ ASSEMBLY

The Class of 2021 produced some excellent results in the Higher School Certificate (HSC). These strong academic results are the result of the long-term commitment and hard work by both students and teachers. Many thanks to all staff for their dedication and desire to get the best from each student. The Director of Studies, Mr Bombardiere, is currently preparing a booklet to highlight the successes of the Class of 2021 in the HSC and this publication will be made available in the coming weeks. 

On Friday 4 February, we held our annual High Achievers’ Assembly to acclaim and affirm our highest achieving students from the 2021 – Year 12 cohort. It was a great occasion and lovely to witness our fine young men from St Gregory’s returning to receive their awards. At this assembly, we acclaimed our students who attained an ATAR over 90, or  Band 6 (over 90 in a subject) recipients and our special awards recipients. A highlight of the assembly was the recognition of Christopher Seton as College Dux for 2021 with an ATAR of 97.90. After receiving his award, Chris gave an outstanding speech, sections of which I have included below;

The most valuable contributions to my HSC experience were the relationships built with fellow classmates. A significant aspect of these relationships was a competitive spirit. With each assignment, assessment or exam my classmates would always push each other to be better. The competition was subtle and friendly, helping us to achieve marks that made our teachers proud. We not only improved our overall understanding of subjects, but it also created a sense of comradery that we had taken into the HSC.  

 

Other relationships were developed through the many co-curricular activities I was involved in during my time at the college. I built upon older friendships and formed new ones through these ventures, creating balance from my largely academic lifestyle. In my experience, the co-curricular and sporting opportunities brought students together to form unlikely yet rewarding relationships contributing to the overall spirit and heart of the college. It is from my understanding and experience that the co-curricular and sporting opportunities at the college bring students together to form unlikely yet rewarding relationships contributing to the overall spirit and heart of the college.

 

Not only did I form relationships with my fellow classmates, but built respectful alliances with my teachers. I believe this to be a crucial element to an enjoyable and successful schooling experience, particularly during the senior years. Within every subject, the teachers selflessly offer the greatest amount of assistance possible. The dedication and sacrifice that I have seen from many of our teachers to help us not only improve an understanding of a subject but also to become respectful young men is astonishing. 

 

During my HSC journey there were always a couple of constants that I could rely on; my family and my faith. The support of my family has been unrelenting and their patience unwavering; supporting me at every stage. My two sisters who had already experienced the HSC provided guidance that was invaluable. As for my faith, it was integral to my HSC journey as I strived to emulate Jesus in creating positive and constructive friendships. For Christ is worthy of my best effort. 

Chris could not have put it any better! It was wonderful to hear him speak about the constants in his life that you could rely upon during his HSC journey – family and faith. Chris also spoke about the conducive learning environment and community, how we must have respectful relationships with each other, how we must always be committed and dedicated, how we must face times of adversity and persist despite the challenges.

Through the challenging times of the last two years, in their final two years of secondary school, when the Class of 2021 had to deal with so much disruption and had to face great adversity,  the glue that helped them through was their family, their friends and their College community. It would have been easy to throw the towel in and quit, but no, they all persisted and saw it through. Despite the challenges we face, it is not so much what happens to us that actually makes a difference, it is rather what we do with what happens to us that determines where we will end up and how we will be changed or transformed by our experiences. Therefore, I wish to acknowledge not just the students who attained the results to attend the High Achievers’ Assembly, but each member of the Class of 2021 for the resilience and determination to gain their HSC in quite unprecedented circumstances. 

The Class of 2021 were certainly faithful to building upon the fine traditions, core values and heritage of the many generations of Marist Brothers, staff members and Old Boys and their families who have gone before us. I congratulate and thank them.

On behalf of our Marist Brothers Community, the College Leadership Team, the Teaching Staff and the School Administrative Staff, I take this opportunity to wish each child and young person the very best for the challenges and excitements of the year ahead. We are here to support them and their families at all times, and we look forward to working with you throughout 2022. Remember, our work is always in partnership.

I wish you God’s blessings always. May Mary, our Good Mother, Saint Marcellin Champagnat and Saint Gregory continue to guide us and inspire us on our journey.

Mr Paul Brooks

Acting College Principal (K-12) 

New Students and Staff

It has been an absolute pleasure to welcome back all the continuing students and staff into the 2022 academic year. Alongside them we also welcomed, 52 new Kindergarten students, 13 new students in Year 3-6, 27 new students starting in years 8-11 and 165 new Year 7 students. A particularly warm welcome to all the new families joining the St Gregory’s College community for the first time. 

A number of new staff have also commenced this year and it is certainly an exciting time for these new staff members as they start their journey in the St Gregory’s College community. It’s an exciting time to be at St Gregory’s College as we look towards our Centenary and celebrate this year the Sesquicentenary or 150 years of Marist Education in Australia. 

I now provide some brief information about each of the new staff members;

Mrs Julie Anne Bankowski – Leader of Learning (Learning Enrichment K-6)

Mrs Julie Anne Bankowski has come to St Gregory’s College as a highly recommended Literacy Coordinator from Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School Carnes Hill. Prior to this, she held the role of Literacy and Numeracy Specialist. 

Mrs Bankowski is currently completing her Master of Education (Gifted Education) through the University of New South Wales. In addition to her formal educational qualifications, Mrs Bankowski has completed other significant training, including being a Seesaw Ambassador and Apple Certified Teacher. She was also recently recognised with an award as Most Inspirational Teacher.  Mrs Bankowski has a strong history in providing additional support for students, including interventions to build core literacy and numeracy skills and coordinating enrichment programs such as the MANSW Investigating with Mathematics and STANSW Young Scientists. 

Mrs Rachel Newell – English Teacher

Mrs Rachel Newell has come to us from her previous role as Leader of Learning – English at St Benedict’s College, Oran Park, a position she has held for the past four years. Mrs Newell also held the positions of Director of Wellbeing and Year Coordinator in her time at St Benedict’s. From 2007 to 2013, Mrs Newell was the Macarthur Independent Schools Association (MISA) School Liaison Officer and from 2011 to 2015. Mrs Newell is coming back to St Gregory’s College after spending time at St Gregory’s College after being a Boarding Coordinator with responsibility for Valens House.

Mrs Newell is a committed and passionate educator, with more than twenty years of teaching experience together with a range of middle and senior leadership experiences. Throughout her career, she has been involved with coaching and adjudicating Public Speaking and Debating, facilitating senior retreats, coaching teams and being involved in all areas of school life.

We welcome Mrs Newell back officially to our St Gregory’s College community!

Mr Thomas Morrison - PDHPE Teacher

Mr Thomas Morrison has also been highly recommended to us after being employed as a PDHPE teacher at Magdalene Catholic College, having worked there from 2018 to 2021. In 2021, Mr Morrison has held the position of Assistant Stage 5 Coordinator and acted in the role of Year 10 Coordinator. Prior to his current engagement, Mr Morrison was employed at John Therry Catholic High School.  

Mr Morrison is well versed with education in a Catholic school in the Marist tradition. He also has a very strong background in playing and coaching Rugby League. Mr Morrison has played in the National Youth Competition and NSW Cup competitions, as well as at junior and schoolboy representative levels. Mr Morrison is currently part of the Wests Tigers coaching staff as a member of the Junior Pathways program, and in 2022 he will be the coach of the Laurie Daley Cup team for Wests Tigers.  

Mr Robert Kawa – Mathematics Teacher

Mr Robert Kawa comes to St Gregory’s College after being employed as a Mathematics teacher at Mount Carmel Catholic College. Previously, he held a position at St Patrick’s College, Campbelltown, following the completion of successful internships at William Carey Christian College and John Therry Catholic College.  

Mr Kawa has a passion for Mathematics education and making a difference to the lives of the young people he teaches. He uses engaging and innovative learning experiences to tap into real-life situations, allowing his students to apply mathematical ideas and processes throughout their daily lives.  We congratulate Mr Kawa on his appointment and formally welcome him to St Gregory’s College.

Nicholas Kmet – Technologies Teacher

We congratulate Mr Nicholas Kmet as our new Technologies teacher. He is known to St Gregory’s College as he has been a member of the College’s boarding staff for the last three years. In this role, Mr Kmet has been an excellent role model for the students, and he has been actively involved in coaching sporting teams. He is also a Member of the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat.

Mr Kmet has been previously employed as the Assistant KLA Coordinator of Technological and Applied Studies at John Therry Catholic College, Rosemeadow. He has experience teaching a range of courses, including Engineering, Industrial Technology – Timber, Visual Design, Food and Agriculture and Mandatory Technology.

In his teaching, Mr Kmet has demonstrated the ability to build strong and positive relationships with his students and colleagues. He is committed to working collaboratively with his colleagues and to continually improve his pedagogical practices through ongoing reflection and feedback. 

Mrs Cheryl Dodson – Learning Centre Assistant (K-6)

Mrs Dodson is an experienced Librarian with over 20 years working with children and young adults and a wealth of experience within various Library systems. We welcome Mrs Dodson who joins our Junior School as our Learning Centre Assistant (K-6) in 2022.

Mrs Dodson works well in teams and enjoys the camaraderie and mutual support of colleagues. She comes to us as the Children’s Librarian through Camden Libraries and has held a previous role as the Team Leader Children and Youth at the City of Canterbury Library. Mrs Dodson’s friendly and approachable manner and her ability to build rapport with colleagues and families will be welcomed in the Junior School. 

Welcome to St Gregory’s College Cheryl!

We Are Too Good Not To Be Better!

As we know, St Gregory’s College is built upon a strong 95-year history since its beginnings in 1926. Throughout this time so many staff, Brothers, students and family members have passed through the College and left their mark. Making this College the best place it can be has been a given at St Gregory’s College, and taking advantage of every opportunity yet another!

As this year commences, I want to remind our students of how truly lucky they are to be a part of this special community. We are a Marist community of learners that strives to be better each day, each week, each term and each year. 

As a College, ‘we are too good not to be better’. This is a mantra that I will be using with the students in conjunction with our College motto ‘You will reap what you sow’. Parents and Carers, I ask you to join me as we establish and expect high standards across the board of our children and of our students. 

A new year is a wonderful time to set new goals, have a clear direction and re-establish targeted routines to indeed reap what we sow.

I look forward to continuing to work with you as parents and carers in producing outstanding young men and women who, in Marcellin’s words, are good Christians and good citizens. 

The Western Entrance

Thank you for your patience at the drop-off and pick-up points from the Western Entrance. I appreciate that the traffic flow has been busier than usual. Please continue to exercise patience and courtesy when queueing up to wait for your son or daughter. Can I please ask that when parking, parents reverse park as a safety measure when students are moving to cars so that visibility of students on any roadways is enhanced when you are leaving the parking spot. We have also asked the students to exercise extreme caution when walking along the Western Entrance. 

Have a lovely weekend and we look forward to seeing you all back for Week 3.

As our St Gregory’s College motto states, ‘you will reap what you sow’.

Mr Joel Weekes

Acting Deputy Principal 

The Journey Begins

This week we welcomed our Kindergarten students to the College. It was wonderful to have their parents/carers enter the gates to experience this very special time in their lives. I welcome you all to our special community and wish you a successful year ahead.

Junior School Student Leaders

Last week Mrs Cosentino and I had our first meeting with the Junior School Leaders. They were certainly armed with lots of ideas and enthusiasm. I know that we are going to be in good hands with this team of young leaders. The Sports House Captains had their debut event at the Swimming Carnival last week, which was a very successful day. We will publicly recognise our team of student leaders at the College Opening Mass which has been rescheduled to Friday 11 March.

Meet the Teacher – Weeks 3 and 4

The ‘Meet the Teacher’ sessions will take place in Weeks 3 and 4. These 10-minute sessions provide parents with an opportunity to discuss any individual needs and set goals for your child. Mrs Sandra Landrigan will email parents information regarding booking a time.

Thank You to our Amazing Staff

I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication our amazing Junior School staff have displayed to begin this unpredictable new school year. From the administrative staff who have had to distribute RAHT tests, our Learning Enrichment Team who have assisted in the Kindy Best Start meetings and the classroom teachers, who spent a significant amount of time during the holidays to plan, prepare and organise their classrooms to make the start of the new school year for your children, great. They are selfless, passionate people. It is inspiring to work with them.

Mrs Diana Ivancic
Acting Head of Junior School

During this year there are many planned events to retell and celebrate the story of Marist education in Australia and there will be many opportunities to recognise and celebrate the faith-filled and committed Brothers, Marist lay teachers and staff, students and families who have been a part of this story. Stay tuned to this newsletter for details as they come to hand.

In recognition of the founder, Marcellin Champagnat, and his vision for young people, there are two goals of Marist education:

1. To develop strong minds and gentle hearts
2. To make Jesus Christ known and loved

As we celebrate this special year, these goals are recognised even more explicitly in the theme for 2022 for all Marist Schools – 

Known and Loved – Dignity for All. 

Anthony Clarke is the Director of the Marist Mission and Life Formation Team. Attached is his reflection on the theme which you are encouraged to read and ponder.

In our community here at St Greg’s, we hope that this year will be one where we accept diversity and celebrate difference, recognising that each of us is created in the image of God and, as Paul so beautifully describes in his letter to the Ephesians, created as God’s work of art. 

Mission - What’s been happening?

• We celebrated a special Mass as a staff community on our first day together. Celebrating Eucharist is an ideal way to begin our year’s ministry!
• We welcomed and prayed for our newest members in Kindergarten and Year 7 as well as staff and students across Years 1 – 11 in special assemblies.
• The College Prayer which has been integral to the Junior School community and their prayer life, was launched in the Senior School. This can be found on page 12 of the Senior School diary.
• We celebrated our High Achievers and all the graduands of 2021. Our prayer for them is that they use their gifts and talents in the service of others and for the glory of God. I was inspired by the words of the Dux of 2021, Chris Seton, who spoke of the importance of relationships in achieving success and added:

My faith, it was integral to my HSC journey as I strived to emulate Jesus in creating positive and constructive friendships. For Christ is worthy of my best effort.

Chris, as a community we could not be prouder of your efforts and the fine young man that you are.

Upcoming Mission Events:

• Community Masses in the Chapel – Sunday evenings at 6pm (February 13, 20, 27, March 13, 20, 27, April 3), Friday morning at 8am (February 25, March 18, 25, April 1)
• All are welcome to join us.
• Feast of St Valentine – February 14
• The Rite Journey Calling and Departure Ceremonies – February 24
• Shrove Tuesday – March 1
• Ash Wednesday ¬– March 2 
• Launch of the Lenten Appeal, with Timor Leste being the focus for our fundraising – more information to come.
• Staff Spirituality Day – a day of faith formation – March 4
• College Opening Mass – March 11
• Feast of St Patrick – March 17
• Harmony Day Assembly – March 18
• Feast of St Joseph – March 19
• Feast of the Annunciation – March 25
• Easter Liturgies – April 8
• Marist Sesquicentenary Mass, St Patrick’s Church Hill, attendance by invitation, live-streamed – 5pm, April 8

Mrs Cathie Clarke

Director of Mission

Teaching staff from both the Junior School and Senior School spent two days engaging in professional learning to prepare for the 2022 academic year. The first day began as a community, celebrating Mass and welcoming all back to the College. HSC results were celebrated, and new staff were welcomed. Staff spent time consulting on the development of the College Teaching and Learning Framework, re-engaging with the College Agile Graduate Model (Senior School) and Learner Profiles (Junior School), refining their understanding of differentiation and the importance of IEP’s in lesson planning and development, as well as attending KLA meetings, Year meetings, and completing individual planning and preparation. 

Staff will continue to engage in Professional Learning Groups, planning and developing their own professional learning goals aligned to the strategic direction of the College. 

It was certainly exciting to welcome the Year 7 2022 cohort on Monday 31 January. Throughout the day, Year 7 students were involved in a range of classroom experiences in Science, TAS, PDHPE, Art and Music, as well as experiencing a tour of the College and completing some PAT testing for data collection purposes. Year 11 and Year 12 also returned on this day: Year 12 continuing their HSC studies and Year 11 commencing their Stage 6 journey. 

Students in the Junior school returned on Monday 31st January with excitement and enthusiasm.

We welcomed the rest of the College (Years 8-10) on Tuesday 1 February. The day commenced with a college assembly, welcoming new students, and new staff, reflecting the wonderful community that St Gregs truly is. It is so exciting to be back in classrooms with the students, and I think we are all hoping remote learning stays just a distant memory. 

Ms Judith Tolomeo

Director of Teaching and Learning

As the School year commences, I believe it would be beneficial to give everyone an overview of the College Merit System. The Merit system at St Gregory’s acknowledges students by allowing them to accumulate a target of 75 points over the year. If they achieve this target, they will receive a College Medallion by the end of the year. 

Basic information: 

3 ways students gain positive acknowledgement 

Face mask-wearing and COVID safe practices

Masks are mandatory indoors in the Senior College. On Monday morning all students were briefed on the importance of wearing their face masks correctly during the school day. All students need to bring a mask each day to school, the College requires students to bring additional masks just in case one is damaged or needs to be replaced. I kindly ask all parents to ensure that students have additional masks in a bag throughout the coming weeks.

Student Wellbeing

Each year the College takes part in a university study that is backed by the Black Dog Institute.

Students in Years 8 and 9 are given surveys to complete and an app on their smart device to which they are asked to give honest information about their current wellbeing. The information is collated and forms part of the Black Dog Institute FUTURE PROOFING STUDY.

‘Harnessing science to create a brighter future for young people.’

Launched in 2019, The Future Proofing Study aims to prevent depression and anxiety in young people. This ground-breaking initiative will engage up to 20,000 Year 8 students and follow them over a 5-year period.

Why does the study exist?

During adolescence, 50% of all mental health problems emerge, and these can have lifelong consequences. We believe that prevention is better than cure. We also know we can prevent depression in 22% of young people at risk. However, the major problem is providing these prevention interventions easily and universally. The study aims to discover how we can use smartphones to deliver preventive interventions on a large scale. Comprehensive, technology-assisted data collection and analysis will also help to determine what triggers the development of mental health symptoms.

For further information about the Future Proofing Study please visit the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko5F963K1vM&t=52s

Kind regards,

Mr Vetrano

Director of Students.

 Thursday Sport

The College returns to competitive Thursday sport in the Parramatta Diocesan sporting competition.

Teams have been finalised and are ready for the upcoming 2022 competitions. Competition draws can be found on the Daily Notices.

Once again, parents/carers are not to attend these competition games and we encourage all students to travel to and from competition venues with the provided chartered transport. Umpires and coaches have been instructed to stop games immediately if parents approach venues/sidelines etc and make contact with student teams/groups. This competition requires all stakeholders to abide by the safety guidelines so all teams in all competitions can continue to the season out.

We will participate in three shortened seasons of competition across three terms in 2022.

Term 1 – Basketball and Cricket

Term 2 – Football and Rugby League

Term 3 – AFL and Touch Football.

** In Term 4, we will hopefully return to a Basketball/Cricket season that commences in Term 4 and rolls into Term 1 2023, as with our previous MCS sporting competitions.

A reminder as we are in Term 1 Summer sports, that all students will be required to supply their college hat and water bottle for Thursday sport. Sunscreen will be provided to students who request it as we aim to create awareness and protection against the summer weather.

Parramatta Selections/Gala Days: 

Gala Days are used to select the Parramatta Diocesan Rep teams that will allow students to compete at the NSWCCC carnivals. Previously, MCS had afternoon trials and on top of that, Thursday Sport competitions to select teams.

Term 1 Gala Days:

• Open Boys Basketball - Week 4
• U15 + Opens Rugby League - Week 6
• U15 + Open Touch Football - Week 7
• Open Boys Football - Week 9

Trials for these competitions have been advertised.

Senior College Swimming Carnival

The Senior College Swimming carnival will be held at Gordon Fetterplace Aquatic Centre on Friday 18 February. This will be a “Competitor’s Only” carnival for serious competitors.

Due to the guidelines provided by CSNSW and AIS, the college has opted of reduced numbers to mitigate the risk of possible transmission of COVID-19.

A letter to families should be in circulation soon outlining the preparation of the carnival.

Permission for the carnival was sent via email in the 2022 SGC College Sport Permission form.

This Permission form needs to be completed before the swimming carnival to allow entry into the pool and also allow participation in the events.

I remind all parents, carers and family, that no spectators will be permitted into the competition pool area throughout the day. Parents/Carers are not to mingle with students/competitors throughout the day and are to stay in the designated parent area, as per CSNSW guidelines.

If there are any further information requests, please make contact via email.

Upcoming Sport trials

Information regarding the upcoming trials for winter sports has already been emailed and will be advertised on Daily Notices to the community.

A reminder to students to ensure they attend meetings and trial sessions to increase their chances of selections.

PDS Open Boys Softball trials

Selection Afternoon Week 3 Monday February 14

Stanhope Gardens 4:00 - 5:30pm.

** Please see me for registration details.

PDS Open Boys Basketball Gala Day: 

Gala Day Week 4 Wednesday February 23

Team already selected and will train Wednesday mornings.

PDS Tennis Championships: 

Trials commence Week 3 Tuesday mornings - Juniors + Seniors

Gala Day Thursday Week 9 + Thursday Week 10

PDS Rugby League Gala Day: U15 + OPENS

Trials commence Thursday Week 1 - 15s + Opens

Trials continue Monday and Wednesday afternoons from Week 2+

Gala Day Week 6 Tuesday March 8

PDS Opens Team - "pen and paper" selection. Contracted players will not play in Gala Day.

Trials commence Week 6 - for all remaining teams/age groups (13/14/2nd/3rd/4th)

PDS Winter Season commences Term 2 Week 2

PDS Touch Football Gala Day: U15 + OPENS

Trials commence Week 4 - afternoons

Gala Day Week 7 March 16

PDS Opens Football Gala Day: 

Trials commence Week 6 @ Lynwood

Gala Day Week 9 Friday April 1

Trials commence Week 6 - for all remaining teams/age groups (Yr7/8/9/10/2^nd Grade)

PDS Winter Season commences Term 2 Week 2

Representative Pathway Event

Swimming

SGC Carnival - Competitors Only - Week 3 Friday February 18

ISA Swimming Championships Homebush - Wednesday March 9

PDS Swimming Championships Homebush - Friday March 11

Cross Country

SGC Carnival - Competitors Only - Week 8 Friday March 25 (Periods 3 - 5)

PDS Cross Country Championships Sydney Equestrian Centre - Friday May 6

ISA Cross Country Championships Sydney Equestrian Centre - Wednesday May 25

2021 Co-Curricular Award Winners

The College wrapped up our 2021 Co-Curricular assemblies this week with our final awards being presented to Year 11 (2021).

Special mention to the following recipients on their efforts throughout the year and contribution to the College Sport and Co-Curricular program.

Congratulations to our Sportsman of the Year and ‘All-Rounder” of the year to the following students:

NSW All Schools Athletics - 2021

We had three students who started the holidays by representing St Greg’s at the NSW All School Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park. (A couple of other students had also registered but given things like adverse weather conditions did not run)

Our three representatives were:

·         Cooper Clugston – 12 Years 800m where he finished 4^th in NSW and the 1500 m where he finished 6^th in NSW.

·         Will Carter – 13 Years 1500m where he finished 25^th in NSW.

·         Archie Nott – 14 Years 800m where he finished 4^th in a very strong race and 1500m where he claimed the state Silver Medal. Archie’s 800m race was a historical race in that the first two runners both broke the previous record and Archie’s time of 1:59 would normally easily see a medal. The race is on the NSW Athletics Facebook page if anyone is interested: https://fb.watch/9TWPp0z8RJ/

We were also represented on the live feed commentary team by old boy Joshua Azzopardi (2017) who is still running competitively in 100m and 200m events.

St Greg’s boys love the track!

Outstanding Students Performance

St Gregory’s very own Dominic Curtin of Year 12, continues to perform on the Australian stage. Please find a summary of his results.

NSW State Championships – Dominic won gold in the U16 MK1 (men’s K1) and bronze in the U18 MC1 (men’s C1) competition.

National Age and All Schools Championships. Dominic won silver medal in the U18 MK1 and the silver medal in the U18 MC1 competitions. Dominic also won gold in a team U18 C2 event.

Oceania Selection event – Dominic posted the fastest heat time for the Junior MK1. He finished 3^rd in the heats of U18 MC1. He then progressed to the finals where he finished 5^th amongst the junior men.

In the U18 MC1 category he finished 2^nd earning the Oceania Junior Silver Medal.

Great job Dominic and good luck with your upcoming competitions.

Latest Sport Information – 2022 NSW CCC calendar dates

 To ensure you remain up to date with the latest sport news, please use the following link to access the Catholic Schools NSW Sport website. They are also on Facebook – might be worth to follow.

 Trial dates for several sports are already confirmed for 2022 and I would recommend you investigate the dates and venues for your respective sports.

 Student registrations for some events are closing shortly. Please act now.

CSNSW website - https://csnsw.sport/

PDSSSC website- https://www.secondarysportparra.catholic.edu.au/

Yours in Sport

 Mr Jamie Cook

 Leader of Sport and Co-Curricular

Jamie.Cook@stgregs.nsw.edu.au

Congratulations to Molloy on being the overall Champion House.

We would like to recognise and congratulate the following students who will be representing the College at the Western Region Swimming Carnival on Thursday, March 3:

• Emilia Balan
• Jennifer Bartlett
• Tayah Bowen
• Samuel Brown
• Riley Byrne
• Tyler Cummins
• Keira Eagles
• Noah Forsyth
• Isaac Haddad
• Sofiya Hegarty
• Amelia Howe
• Cleo Lane
• Piper Lane
• Sabah Paki
• Mateo Parcio
• Charlize Potts   
• Ivy Smith
• Jake Stephens
• Thomas Stephens
• Denham Tsagalas
• Jhett Tsagalas
• Rose Webb
• Garbriel Yousseph

Wollongong Diocesan Trials

In weeks one and two of this term, the Junior School had several students attend the touch football and basketball Wollongong Trials. Well done to all that participated in these trials. Congratulations to Charlize Potts, Finn Dumesny and Denham Tsagalas for their Wollongong Touch Football Teams selection.  

IPSSO

This week our IPPSO Teams were finalised. On behalf of the IPPSO Coaches, we would like to thank the students for their commitment and willingness to trial at a high standard.

The Summer IPSSO Teams for 2022 are as follows:

Junior Oz Tag

Jacob Gordon                                     Ivy Bushby

Armando Traino                                  Piper Lane

Patrick Males                                      Cleo Lane

Hunter Clark                                       Addison Day

Ryan Delany                                       Evie Simpson

William Mumford                                 Taylah Kenney

Jake Stephens

Junior Basketball

Coby Ornowski                                   Stella Herbert

Joshua Suffell                                     Lila Richards

Rhys Hodson                                      Audrey Oldfield

Cooper Tarantola                                Emma Gotts

Ava Salvatore

Mason Navratil

Noah Jardine

Junior Cricket

Bryce Krol                                           Michaelangelo Tocarso

Samuel Brown                                    Jhett Tsagalas

Gabriel Yousseph                               Noah Woods

Patrick Ursino                                     James Dash

Junior Girls Soccer

Olivia Sheedy                                      Cara Jones

Kiera Howe                                         Nina Jacob

Indiana Vaccaro                                  Mia Stevens

Evangeline Palumbo                          Sarah Kempton

Caitlin Palmer                                     Polly McGovern

Eva Luximon

Senior Oz Tag

Finn Dumesny                                    Charlize Potts

Zane Mallinson                                   Sabah Paki

Denham Tsagalas                               Lucy Stewart

Thomas Stephens                              Ashley Colbourne

Noah Mckinnon                                  Claire Murray

Orlando Siller                                      Sienna Caruana

Daniel McMullen

Senior Basketball

Baxter Snushall                                   Geena Hokayem                   

Mateo Parcio                                       Ivy Quig

Joseph Issa                                         Anjelica Shields

Dylan Sheil                                          Zoe-Annissa Zorbas

Christopher Blyton

Anthony Michael

Senior Cricket

Oliver Trevitt                                       Rose Webb

Liam McGettigan                                Lawson Sutton

Humza Khan                                       Lucas Spragg

Charlie Farias                                     Lenny Ursino

Senior Girls Soccer

Charlize Anastasio                              Amelia Howe

Keira Eagles                                       Tayah Bowen

Jennifer Bartlett                                   Joya Zakhary

Nicola Blyton                                       Stephanie Walsh

Ivy Smith                                              Mikayla Faro

Isabella Palumbo                                 Merola Zakhary

Annie Jacob                                       Ruby Harrison

Congratulations to those students. All our teams are looking forward to commencing the IPSSO Summer 2022 competition against Wollondilly Anglican College on Wednesday, week 3.

Please respect that no parent spectators are permitted at any games for Term 1. The College will notify parents if this changes.

Wednesday Grade Sport

This year during grade sport, there will be an emphasis on building on house spirit. Students will be encouraged to get as many points as possible for their house. The total points allocated to each house after grade sport will contribute to their weekly total, increasing their chance to be the weekly champion house.

K-2 students will be participating in modified ball games and skills this year.

Years 3-6 students who are not in IPSSO teams will be doing skill-based sessions through modified games and in-house competitions. The sports undertaken will be the same as the IPSSO seasonal sports.  

Junior School Cross Country

Our Junior School Cross Country will be held on Wednesday, March 16, Week 7. The K-2 students will be running approximately 600m, and Year 3-6 students will be running 2kms. Year 2 students turning 8 this year are welcome to run in the 2km race. This week in our Year 2 PE lesson, we walked the majority of the course to give students an idea of what the 2km course entails. Please discuss with your child if this is something that your child would be competitive in and wants to do. Next week, a google form will be emailed to you seeking an expression of interest for your child to compete in the 2km race. If your child does not wish to participate in the 2km run or the google form is not completed to the College before the due date, they will compete in the 600m course.

I encourage students who wish to be competitive in the 2km race to commence their training now. The first three placegetters in each category for the 2km race will represent the College at the Wollongong Diocesan Cross Country Carnival in Term 2.

The categories for the 2km event are:

• 8/9 year boys
• 8/9 year girls
• 10-year boys
• 10-year girls
• 11-year boys
• 11-year girls
• 12/13 year boys
• 12/13 year girls

The categories for the K-2 event are:

• Kindergarten boys
• Kindergarten girls
• Year 1 boys
• Year 1 girls
•  Year 2 boys
• Year 2 girls

Mr Darryl Howe

PDHPE Teacher/Sports Coordinator