Dear Members of the St Gregory’s College Family, 

I trust that Term 3 has been positive for everyone. Term 3 is always filled with so many events and learning experiences and this year has been no different! It has been wonderful to see so many families at the College this term through Information Evenings, Co-curricular events, PYP exhibitions, parent functions and through the general day to day life at the College. 

Year 12 2024 

The Marist Theme for this year is “First Light: Reveal the Spirit.” I think when I look back to the commencement of the year, I am sure that the students of Year 12 definitely had set their goals and hopes for the year in this positive light. The cohort was spoken to on a regular basis as a community in order to keep them focused on the year ahead. I think when we look at them as young men, fine young men, I am sure that the parents and the College could say that they are proud of what they have achieved this year. 

Year 12 have returned to the College after completing their trial exams after a wonderful ‘Year 12 Refection Day’ this week in Mittagong. We had the pleasure of having Andrew Voss speak to Year 12 about his reflections about this time of their lives and what he has learned about his journey and pathway into TV and Radio. This talk was very engaging and positive messaging to our boys as they prepare for the ‘downhill run’ in their time at the College.

Year 12 now have only five weeks of school left before their Graduation Day. I hope that this will be a productive time for them in the lead up to the Graduation and their HSC, commencing next term. As our Year 12 students very quickly move towards the end of their time at the College, keep them in your prayers as they venture into ‘adult life’ and time beyond the Greg’s gates! 

Feast of St Gregory – Tuesday 3 September

The Mass for the Feast of St Gregory is often one of our most celebrated events on the College calendar and this will take place Tuesday 3 September at 9am in the Br Luke Hall. This is an important Mass in the life of the College for a number of reasons. We are celebrating the Feast Day of St Gregory the Great to whom the College is named after. We are also announcing and acknowledging our new student leaders for 2025. Like always, our College Community and the broader College Community are very welcome to attend this Mass. 

As we did last year, we will also be inviting all Senior School father’s to a Father’s Day Breakfast prior to the Feast of St Gregory Mass. 

Hot Potato Band Visit Year 5 - 7

Our Year 5 - 7 students last week had the great opportunity to be involved in a workshop held by the effervescent Hot Potato Band. This unique group of young musicians provided a fun and engaging morning of performances and workshops for our Greg's students. 

We are sure that this session will have inspired many to attend a trial music lesson on an instrument of their choice. Please contact Miss Wray if your son or daughter would like to take up this opportunity.

Year 7 Experience Day

Earlier this week, we welcomed 180 Year 5 students to our College for the Year 7 Experience Day. There were plenty of smiles as the boys explored the farm, brushed the cows, patted the sheep and made their own butter. They also made use of our new food technology kitchens as they decorated their biscuits, spent a lesson in the science labs as they completed experiments and looked under the microscopes and finally, got hands-on in the metal work rooms as they made their own tech decks with their initials on it.

The day ended with a community barbeque with their families and lots of opportunity to play on our futsal, basketball and volleyball courts.

We loved having them visit us and experience a day in the life of a Year 7 student at St Gregory’s College and we thank all of our current students who assisted on the day as mentors for the Year 5 students who joined us. 

Year 7 2026 Enrolment Applications are due this Sunday 25 August. If you have any family or friends who are interested in St Greg’s, they can complete an enrolment application online via our website https://enrol7-12.stgregs.nsw.edu.au/student/enrolment 

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

Joel Weekes 

Acting College Principal 

Dear Members of the St Gregory’s College family,  

We are halfway through the term, and as always there has been a huge amount of activity around the College. We have had the Marist School Australia Cyclical Review, Lunch on the Lawn, Rugby League and Soccer Finals, Rugby Union fixtures, Trial HSC Exams, White Card Training, Junior School Open Classrooms, Western Boarding Families Dinner, Stage 6 Subject Selections, National Science Week with various excursions and incursions, Year Group Masses, Book Week, including the Spelling Bee competition, State Snow Sports, Year 12 HSC Music Showcase, Southern All Breeds Show Team Competition, and a Year 7 to 9 Dance with St Patrick’s College. This doesn’t include the teaching and learning, marking, feedback, reporting, and general day to day learning that the students are engaged in.

I would like to thank all staff that have been involved in these events in some way or another during the first half of the term. Our community is blessed with such a talented, committed, and self-sacrificing staff cohort that provide wonderful opportunities for our students to engage in their interest areas.

Year 12 Music HSC Works Showcase

On Thursday evening our five HSC Music students performed their major works that will be presented for marking in the coming weeks. Joseph Limbrey, Julian Evans, Christian Anjos, Matthew Parkin, and Zac Velasco presented either 3 or 4 pieces on the evening. The talent on display was amazing and had everyone in the room engrossed in their performances.  

Thanks to Mr Malaesilia for this wonderful initiative.  The praise from the families who had not previously been able to witness these performances outside of their homes was tremendous.  Thanks also to Mr Limbrey for being the volunteer drummer, Mr Malone, and Mr Quig for their attendance on the evening.

In an age where digital devices have become central to our daily lives, it's no surprise that our children are spending more time in front of screens. From online learning to entertainment, screens are everywhere, offering both opportunities and challenges. As parents, finding a healthy balance between screen time and other essential activities is more critical than ever.

Dr. Kristy Goodwin, a leading expert in digital wellbeing, recently addressed this pressing issue, urging both schools and parents to be mindful of how much time children spend on digital devices. Rather than resorting to strict bans, Dr. Goodwin advocates for a more measured approach—one that acknowledges the benefits of technology while also recognising the potential risks of overuse.

During her talk, Dr. Goodwin highlighted some startling statistics about our relationship with digital devices. On average, one-eighth of our lives is spent connected to the digital world. She suggested that if current trends continue, individuals may spend up to 17 years of their lives on mobile phones alone. Even more concerning is the fact that 75% of students nationwide admit to being addicted to their phones.

The increasing digitization of childhood has led to significant changes in how children spend their free time. Many now opt for screens instead of traditional outdoor activities like playing outside. While digital devices offer numerous advantages, they also pose challenges to both mental and physical health. Studies have shown that excessive screen time can lead to decreased attention spans, cognitive difficulties, disrupted sleep, behavioural issues, and overall declines in wellbeing. Dr. Goodwin emphasises that children's fundamental developmental needs—including relationships, language, sleep, play, movement, nutrition, and executive function—are being compromised by too much screen time, with sleep and movement being the most affected.

Guiding Your Child's Digital Journey

To help children maintain a healthy balance between screen time and other vital activities, it's essential for parents to set clear and consistent boundaries. Limiting screen time, even when it's met with resistance, is vital for their overall health.

Dr. Goodwin encourages parents to take an active role in managing their children's screen time, particularly when it comes to smartphone use. With the average age of exposure to explicit content now as low as eight years old, it's more important than ever for parents to establish and enforce strong boundaries around digital media.

Daily Screen Time Guidelines

For children aged 5-12, Dr. Goodwin offers the following recommendations to promote digital wellbeing:

• Sleep: Ensure your child gets 9-10 hours of quality sleep each night.

• Screen Time: Limit screen time to a maximum of two hours per day, including all forms of digital media.

• Physical Activity: Encourage at least one hour of exercise daily.

She also recommends no screens for at least 60 minutes before bedtime—to ensure better sleep.

Creating a balanced approach to screen time is about more than just limiting device use; it's about fostering a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle for your children. By setting clear boundaries, modelling good digital behaviour, and encouraging activities that promote wellbeing, you can guide your child toward a more balanced relationship with technology. Together, we can support our children in navigating the digital world in a way that enhances their lives rather than detracts from them.

At St Gregory’s we are conscious of using technology as a tool to enhance and support learning, to develop skills that are necessary to help navigate technology and to develop a healthy relationship with the digital world.

Diana Ivancic

Head of Junior School 

The Year 12 Reflection Day was held at The Hermitage Mittagong earlier this week. Having finished their Trial examinations, and with just a few weeks until Graduation, it was an opportunity for the young men to look back on their time at Greg’s, celebrate the present, and look to the future.

‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself; do this, and you will live.’

This Scripture verse was the theme for the day. With a combination of activities including puzzles to exercise the mind, ethical dilemmas relying on emotions, and a tug-o-war battle demonstrating strength, we explored what it means to be fully human and fully alive.

A highlight of the day was our Guest speaker Mr Andrew Voss, who left the boys with some challenging take-aways: avoid the should haves, take up every opportunity, be grateful to the people who have helped you get here and always remember that the Gregs’ crest is over your heart.

We finished the day with a celebration of Eucharist. We are blessed to have the Carmelite Fathers support us in this important part of our lives as Catholic people.

Book week is the annual celebration of books for young people and the joy of reading. Established in 1919, Children's Book Week is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country. The theme for 2024 is Reading Is Magic, and the featured artist is Australian illustrator and author Jess Racklyeft who illustrated 2022 CBCA Picture Book of the Year Iceberg (written by Claire Saxby). To celebrate Book Week at Greg’s, students have been involved in many activities and experiences including the coveted Spelling Bee, Books & Brunch, Match the teacher with the book, Do you Kahoot – Library Edition, Lunchtime Storytime, Cosplay Competition, Blackout Poetry, Art competition, Flash Fiction, Phillip Gwynne Creative Workshop, with the week culminating in a Whole School Mufti/cosplay/dress up day. 

So WHY is Reading Important?

Reading is important for a multitude of reasons, as it impacts nearly every aspect of life. Here’s why reading holds such significance:

1. Cognitive Development

• Enhances Brain Function: Reading stimulates the brain, improving memory, concentration, and critical thinking. It exercises the mind and promotes mental agility, helping to delay cognitive decline as one ages.

• Improves Vocabulary and Language Skills: Exposure to new words and language structures through reading expands vocabulary and improves communication skills, which are essential in both personal and professional settings.

2. Academic Success

• Foundation of Learning: Reading is the cornerstone of education. It’s essential for learning in all subjects, including math and science, as it helps in understanding complex concepts, following instructions, and engaging with texts.

• Critical Thinking and Comprehension: Reading encourages critical analysis and comprehension skills, allowing individuals to interpret, question, and understand various perspectives, which is crucial for academic success.

3. Emotional and Social Benefits

• Empathy and Understanding: Through reading, particularly fiction, individuals can experience the world from different perspectives, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of others' experiences and emotions.

• Stress Reduction: Reading can be a form of escapism, providing a mental break from the stresses of everyday life. It has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and contribute to overall mental well-being.

4. Cultural Awareness and Knowledge

• Broadens Horizons: Reading exposes individuals to different cultures, histories, and ideas, promoting cultural awareness and global understanding. It helps readers connect with people from various backgrounds and appreciate the diversity of human experience.

• Preservation of Knowledge: Through reading, knowledge, traditions, and cultural values are passed down from generation to generation, preserving human history and contributing to the continuity of culture.

5. Professional Development

• Improves Communication Skills: Proficient reading skills enhance one's ability to write clearly and communicate effectively, which are critical in nearly every profession.

• Lifelong Learning: Reading encourages continuous learning and professional growth. It keeps individuals informed about the latest developments in their field and helps them stay competitive in the job market.

6. Entertainment and Pleasure

• Enjoyment and Relaxation: Reading is a source of enjoyment and relaxation for many. It provides entertainment, stimulates imagination, and allows people to explore new worlds, ideas, and experiences.

7. Independence and Empowerment

• Informed Decision-Making: Reading empowers individuals to make informed decisions by giving them access to information. It fosters independence, allowing people to educate themselves on various topics and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

• Social Participation: Literacy enables full participation in society, including understanding legal rights, engaging in civic activities, and accessing services and opportunities.

Reading is vital because it enriches the mind, enhances personal and professional development, and fosters a deeper understanding of the world, contributing to a well-rounded, informed, and empathetic society.

Ms Judith Tolomeo

Director of Teaching and Learning

Dear College Community,

I hope this newsletter finds you well as we navigate the busy middle of Term 3. As always, our focus remains on not just academic excellence but also on the well-being and personal growth of each and every member of our St Gregory's College community. I am thrilled to share with you some important upcoming events that highlight our commitment to mental health, wellness, and fostering a supportive environment.

Wellness Week - Week 7 (2nd September to the 6th of September)

Wellness Week is just around the corner, and we have a fantastic line-up of activities planned to help students relax, rejuvenate, and focus on their well-being. This year's theme is HUMAN CONNECTION … A SMILE OR INTERACTION, emphasizing the importance of connecting with others across the College and improve wellness.

Here's a sneak peek at what's in store:

• Food store throughout the week

• Futsal competition

• Basketball 3-point shootout competition

• Volleyball competition 

• Handshake challenge in homerooms.

R U OK? Day 2024 

Looking ahead, we are also starting preparations for R U OK? Day 2024 the official day being Thursday 12 September 2024.  An assembly for Years 3 to 12 will be held on Wednesday 11 September 2024.

R U OK? Day is a National Day of Action dedicated to reminding everyone to ask, "Are you OK?" and support those who may be struggling with life’s challenges.

In week 8, we will all meet during Wednesday's assembly to acknowledge R U OK? DAY 2024. The theme for this year is:

Ask R U OK? Any Day.. because life happens every day.  

A lot can happen in a year, a month, a week.  Whether it’s your friend, family member, colleague, partner, or teammate, the people you care about go through life’s ups and downs every day.

By having regular, meaningful conversations, you build trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on, so when the people in your world find themselves struggling, they know you’re someone they can talk to.

So whilst R U OK? Day on Thursday September 12 is our National Day of Action, we encourage you to Ask R U OK? Any Day of the year because a conversation could change a life.

This year, we aim to make it our most impactful R U OK? Day yet, and we need your help! 

I encourage all of you to participate in Wellness Week and R U OK? Day preparations. These initiatives are vital in fostering a community that prioritises mental health and well-being. Remember, taking care of yourself and others is just as important as your academic and extracurricular commitments.

Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm. Let's continue to build a strong, supportive, and vibrant community here at St. Gregory's College.

Mr Vetrano 

Director of Students  

Upcoming Events 

• Wednesday 28th August – Stage 5 Subject Selection Workshops begin
• Friday 6th September – Stage 6 Subject Selections Due 
• Monday 9th September – Year 12 HSC Showcase Evening
• Wednesday 11th September – Year 8 Elective Information Evening

Stage 6 Course Selection

Our Year 10 students are well into their Stage 6 Course Selection journey now, and are currently involved in their mentor interviews to assist in finalising their choices for senior schooling. Over the past few weeks they have been involved in a number of workshops where our Heads of Department have presented the options available for them, which total some 37 courses on offer. A reminder that these forms are due back to the College on 6 September.

Stage 5 Course Selection

Our Year 8 parents should have received their first communication regarding Stage 5 Course Selection and on Wednesday this week students attended a workshop on the process they are about to undertake. An electives information guide has been given to each student to take home to parents, and Year 8 will hear from our Heads of Department about the various courses on offer during PC sessions in the next three weeks. 

Homework Club and Maths Study

A reminder about our Homework Club and Mathematics Study, which are two of the fantastic out-of-school opportunities that the College offers students. 

Homework Club is open every Monday afternoon from 3.15pm - 4.15pm in the Marian Centre. During this time, students can complete homework and prepare for assessments in the supervised and friendly atmosphere of the Marian Centre. Homework Club is facilitated by the Academic Care Team and different KLA staff are available each week to help students.

Year 11 and 12 students have their own study area and there will be specific activities designed to assist our senior students in preparing for their HSC. Our Inclusive Education team will also be on hand to provide Year 7 – 10 students with assistance.

We would encourage all families, but particularly our Seniors, and our Year 7 students, to come and be a part of Homework Club.

Each Wednesday, the Mathematics staff also offer Mathematics Study from 3.15 - 4.15pm. Again, this is a wonderful opportunity for our boys to receive that extra little bit of assistance that will help them understand and excel in Mathematics. 

Trial HSC Examinations

Our Year 12 students successfully completed their final HSC Assessments last week, as the Trial HSC Examinations wrapped up. Congratulations to these boys on their behaviour and punctuality throughout the two weeks of exams. There are just 5 weeks remaining to consolidate your knowledge and begin revision in your courses in the lead-up to the HSC Exams next term. 

Year 11 Preliminary Exams

Year 11 families and students have been sent an examination timetable and letter home outlining the expectations throughout the Preliminary Exam period. If you have not received this, please contact me.  

Mr Stephen Bullock

As part of our NAIDOC 2024 celebrations our First Nations boys participated in a Didgeridoo workshop. Throughout the workshop, the boys built on their knowledge of the Yidarki from the Northern Territory and the Didgeridoo. The workshop uncovered some hidden talents of some of our young men and will foster a passion for performance of the Didgeridoo.

Some of our Senior boys were taken into watch the WATA and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra play at the Opera House during the NAIDOC week celebrations at the College.  Mrs Hackett and Mr Humphries joined the group for dinner and the performance which was a celebration of a Gathering for Manikay performers, improvising soloists, with the orchestra.

This year the NAIDOC week celebrations wrapped up with the second running of the NAIDOC touch football event with our Day boys team getting a close fought win over our Boarders team. Some great skills were on display across SGC1 Oval with many students coming along to cheer on the boys.

Our NAIDOC assembly saw a celebration of dance with the First Nations boys performing for the first time the Bul-Wul dance, specific to the College developed using the local language of the Dharawal people. Recognition of the works from our First Nations program was celebrated and special guest NRL player Jack Wighton presented our First 15 men with their Indigenous round jerseys.

Last Wednesday, 14 August, in wet conditions, the Year 7 – 9 AFL team won the Greater Sydney/Central West School Cup tournament.

After winning our first two games of the day, we progressed to the Final against Westfield Sports High. The Final was a nail-bitter and finished with a 20-20 draw in regular time.

St Greg’s stepped up a notch in extra time to take the win 29-20 and earn themselves a place in the State Final which will be held on the Central Coast next term.

Congratulations to the team not only on their on-field success but also for the way they represented the school.

It is a pleasure to work with this talented team.

Mrs Sligar and Mrs Giles

Embracing Tier Two Vocabulary: A Teacher's Innovative Approach to Language Learning

At Greg’s, we are always proud to spotlight our dedicated teachers who go above and beyond to enhance student learning. This month, we are excited to celebrate the remarkable efforts of Kerry Todd, who has taken the concept of Tier Two vocabulary and embedded it into a fun and engaging classroom activity inspired by the popular New York Times "Connections" puzzle.

What is Tier Two Vocabulary?

Tier Two words are those high-frequency, sophisticated terms that appear across various academic contexts. Unlike basic words (Tier One) or subject-specific jargon (Tier Three), Tier Two words are the backbone of more advanced language skills. They are essential for students to understand complex texts and to express themselves with greater precision.

Understanding the importance of these words, Mr Todd has made it his mission to ensure that students not only learn these words but also enjoy the process. To do this, Mr Todd has developed a classroom activity that mirrors the beloved "Connections" puzzle, a game that challenges players to find connections between seemingly unrelated words.

How Does the Activity Work?

In Mr Todd’s version of the game, students are presented with a grid of words. The challenge is to group the words into sets based on their relationships, meanings, or contexts. These words are carefully selected from Tier Two vocabulary lists, ensuring that students are exposed to essential language that they can use across different subjects and situations.

For example, students might see words like "analyse," "contrast," "represent," and "evaluate." Their task is to figure out how these words are connected—perhaps they all relate to critical thinking skills. As students work through the puzzle, they engage in discussions, defending their choices and exploring different meanings. This collaborative approach not only makes the learning process more enjoyable but also deepens their understanding of the words.

Why This Matters

By embedding Tier Two vocabulary into a fun, puzzle-based activity, Mr Todd is doing more than just teaching words— he is fostering a love of language and critical thinking. Students are not just memorising definitions; they are exploring how words work, how they relate to each other, and how they can be used effectively in communication.

This innovative approach is particularly effective because it taps into students’ natural curiosity and competitive spirit. The puzzle format makes learning feel like a game, which is both engaging and rewarding. It also encourages students to think deeply about language, making connections between words and concepts that will serve them well in their academic careers and beyond.

A Model for Success 

Mr Todd’s commitment to integrating Tier Two vocabulary into classroom activities is a model of effective teaching. By turning vocabulary learning into an interactive and enjoyable experience, he is helping students build a strong foundation in language that will support their success across all subjects.

We applaud Mr Todd for his creativity and dedication to student learning. His innovative approach is a shining example of how teachers at Greg’s are continually finding new ways to inspire and engage our students on their literacy journey.

Last term we said goodbye to the joint St Gregory's and St Patrick's College musical, but on a recent Wednesday afternoon it was time for one last serenade. 

Fuelled by snacks and a level of anticipation never before felt in the hallowed halls of the Lavalla room, a rowdy and passionate collection of staff and students from both Colleges joined together for the final encore.  

There were audible 'oohs' when the cast were finally able to witness the miracle of the Darling family and Peter Pan's flight to Neverland. 

There were cheers and applause when Peter nailed 'I Gotta Crow' and 'Neverland'.

There was a whole group impromptu sing-a-long when the ever-catchy 'I Won't Grow Up' had it's final spin around the dancefloor.

And there was a boisterous cacophony of pirate bellows echoing throughout the empty halls of the College when Hook and his band of scoundrels delivered their final Waltz.

The junior school delighted in seeing themselves as Lost Boy ruffians and stoic Braves, whilst the senior school cast intermittently were moved to standing ovations when their favourites graced the screen. 

So now, as we finally draw the curtain on one of the biggest and most elaborately staged musicals we have had at St Greg's, and also the first to feature our wonderful performers from the Junior School, we are left with a bittersweet mix of sadness to see it go, and excitement for the many musicals ahead. 

Thank you, once again, to all that poured their time and energy into delivering this epic and timeless classic. From the amazing sets, to the precision stage management, the stunning lighting and sound design, the marketing, the catering, the endless hours of admin, the supervision, the support and to the unbelievably talented cast who have left us humbled and hungry for our next musical adventure, the 2024 musical will be hard to beat.

Thank you and we will see you soon at St Patrick's College, 2025.

Lauren Armbruster (Director), Natasha Patao & Kristy Falas (Production Managers)

Exploring the Relationship Between Circumference and Diameter in 8MAA and 8MAB

In recent mathematics lessons, students in 8MAA and 8MAB embarked on an exciting investigation into one of geometry's fundamental relationships: the connection between the circumference of a circle and its diameter. This hands-on activity allowed students to explore this relationship using simple tools like string and various circular objects.

Students were provided with different circular items such as plates, coasters, cans and cups. They were tasked with measuring the circumference of each object using a piece of string. After carefully wrapping the string around the object's edge, they straightened it out and measured its length using a tape measure. They then measured the diameter of each object, ensuring accuracy by measuring through the center of the circle.

As students compared the measurements of the circumference and the diameter, they began to notice a consistent pattern. By dividing the circumference by the diameter for each object, they discovered that the ratio was always approximately the same—around 3.14. This magical number is none other than Pi (π), a constant that is crucial in the study of circles.

It was a rainy Wednesday evening when 11 of our most talented mathematicians, scientists and debaters from Year 9, 10 and 11, boarded the bus  traveling to the University of Sydney for a chance to be involved in National Science Week activities. Together with our resident Maths savant, Mrs Sandra Hackett and myself, we were headed to a two-pronged extension event held by the Faculties of Mathematics and Science. 

The first of two events was a small-group seminar focused on the concept of infinity from a Mathematical perspective. Purported to be one the most difficult concepts to grapple with, the boys relished the opportunity to work with Milena Radnovic who is Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University in Sydney. 

Second on the agenda, and the main event for the evening, was the Species Showdown Debate held in the illustrious Great Hall on campus. Hosted by Associate Professor Alice Motion with special guest researchers from the Faculty of Science, three debates unfolded for the students including:

• Debate 1: EARTH vs SPACE

We should stop the search for life on other planets and protect the species we have here on Earth.

• Debate 2: JURASSIC PARK vs NOAH’S ARK

Bring back the Tasmanian Tiger or save the Tasmanian Devil?

• Debate 3: HUMAN INTELLIGENCE vs ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The robots are coming, resistance is futile, and they will be smarter than us.

Whilst the argument ranged from candid and pragmatic to highly esoteric, the highlight for the students was watching our very own Lucas Di Fazio proudly represent our College in a charades showdown giving us an epic impression of a robot. 

As we returned along the ivy-framed streets of USYD campus to our precision reverse-parked bus, we reflected on all we had learned and gained by not only merging into the general audience of high fliers from the country’s oldest university, but also witnesses the depth, complexity and humanity of our best and brightest minds in the country working towards a sustainable future for us all. 

The College is celebrating its Centenary in 2026. If you are able to assist with any old artefacts and or memorabilia for the 100 Year Celebration, please contact Adrian Quig, Head of Philanthropy and Fundraising at - aquig@stgregs.nsw.edu.au.

In our Year 5 Where We Are In Place and Time unit of inquiry this term, we have inquired about how society has changed over time. Our Central Idea was how our experiences shape culture, value and beliefs. We read the short novel “The Burnt Stick” giving us an insight into how Aboriginals were not recognised as Australians for the greater part of the 20th century, and made connections to our prior learning in Year 4 about the Stolen Generation. We also were able to learn about human rights, the history of women's rights and research a significant Australian to write an informative biography. 

At the beginning of the term we learnt about David Unaipon. David Unaipon was an inventor, advocate and author. He is an Aboriginal man who invented the mechanical shearing machine and now, farmers all over the world thank him for his amazing and helpful invention. He also advocated for Aboriginal equality and his legend saw his image placed on the $50 note. 

We looked deeper and were internationally minded when learning about Malala Yousefzai through the picture book “Free as a bird”. Malala was a risk taker and an influential person in Pakistan during the early 2000’s. She loves education and strives to learn new things. When she was just 11 years old, she spoke out about the Taliban as they were burning girl’s schools and not letting women have an education. As the Taliban heard about Malala’s rebellion against their unfair dictation, they came onto Malala’s school bus and shot her in an attempt to silence her. A year later, she fully recovered and is now giving speeches around the world, talking about and advocating for women’s rights and girl’s education. 

In our Who We Are unit of inquiry,we have talked about being safe online. We have learned what information is safe to share online, how to ensure when we are online we are having fun and being safe, as well as being responsible digital citizens.

This week, we have presented speeches in class and are excitedly looking forward to finding out who our grade finalists will be. We have also begun our next unit of inquiry where we are looking into How We Organise Ourselves, particularly how citizens participate in the decision making process. We are excitedly waiting for Friday when we will participate in a video conference with the Museum of Australian Democracy. In this interactive session, we will learn about the beginnings of government in Australia and the three levels of Government. This will serve as pre learning for our Year 5 Trip to Canberra in Week 7. We are also looking forward to running our own election and student parliament later in term. Many exciting things are on the horizon for Year 5 and we can’t wait to share these with you later in the term.

Emily Scott-Glassock and Rafaela Etuka

Year 5 Students

Last week, Year 4 took on a mission to uncover just how much waste our school produces in a single day—and what we can do to reduce it. The students conducted a thorough bin audit, examining the contents of rubbish bins across all classes. The goal? To find out what we're throwing away, identify items that could be recycled or composted, and ultimately reduce our school's environmental footprint.

What We Discovered

The audit revealed some surprising findings. A significant amount of waste could actually be recycled, but it’s ending up in the general waste bins instead. Items like paper, plastic containers, and even some food packaging were frequently tossed out without a second thought. We also found that a large portion of the waste consisted of food scraps, which could easily be composted rather than sent to landfill.

In total, the 18 classes in the Junior School threw out a grand total of 6514 items of rubbish on Tuesday between 8:30am and 1:10pm. That is just over 4 and a half hours. If this was the same during the 185 days or so we spend at school each year, the total could be somewhere around 1 200 000 items of garbage. This is just for our school. Could you possibly imagine if every primary school and high school in Australia completed the same exercise that we did?

Taking Action for a Greener Future

Armed with this information, Year 4 is ready to make a difference. We believe that with better recycling options and the introduction of composting facilities, our school can significantly cut down on waste. That's why we're planning to petition the school to provide more recycling bins in each classroom, along with composting bins for food waste.

Our grade is excited to present these findings and suggestions to the school leadership. We believe that by working together, we can create a cleaner, greener school environment.

Stay tuned for updates on our proposal, and let's all do our part to reduce, reuse, and recycle!

Winter IPSSO

IPSSO Results Week 3

On Wednesday, 7 August 2024, our teams competed against Wollondilly Anglican College.

Junior AFL 

Score  - SGC 46 - 0 WAC

Special Mention

• Ashton Noyce for filling in today. He didn’t hesitate to get involved and nearly scored a goal on debut

• Clara Romeo for skills at ground level. She would know when to tap the ball out of congestion and when to pick it up. 

• Patrick O’Neil for finding space and for his effectiveness with the ball. 

Junior Netball 

Score - SGC 22- 2 WAC

Special Mention

• Sophia Murialdo for always playing with determination.

• Harper Stassen for her fabulous defence and her swift shots. 

• Chloe Jones for striving to be the best player she can be. 

Junior Boys Soccer

Score - SGC 2 - 0 WAC

Special Mention

• Harrison Sacca for his excellent defence throughout the game.

• Harrison Oldfield for strong defence and scoring the 2nd goal at the end of the game.

• Henley Pereira for his strength in defence and for ensuring nothing got through. (MOTM)

Newcombe Ball

Score - SGC 2  - 0 WAC

Special Mention

• Amelie Vella for her incredible performance across the court today. She made all of her catches and didn’t miss a serve. 

• Arliyah Piaud for her immaculate catching. 

• Harvey Monte for his incredible rallies with the other team. Often taking them all on by himself. 

 Senior AFL

Score - SGC 59 - 17 WAC

Special Mention 

• Olivia Sheedy for excellent marking and kicking multiple goals.

• Indiana Vaccaro for her excellent use of speed and kicking many valuable goals.

• Audrey Oldfield for her determination and effort when she was in the midfield. 

Senior Netball 

Score - SGC 23  - 2 WAC

Special Mention

• Cleo Lane for her calculated intercepts, accurate passing, and never letting a ball lie.

• Accurate shooting, intuitive passing and defence in the partnership of Ivy Bushby and Lila Richards in the attacking circle.

• Kiera Howe for her flexibility in both defence and attack.

Senior Boys Soccer

Score - SGC 0 - 6 WAC 

Special Mention

• Zane Wagstaff for his confidence in goals and leadership in directing the team around the field.

• James Dash for confidently clearing the ball in defence

• Kye Harding for demonstrating good skill on the ball when dribbling.

Volleyball 

Score - SGC  2 -1 WAC

Special Mention

• Jett Piaud-John’s for his determination around the net. Saved numerous points for the team.  

• Sean O’Neill for his improvement in spiking the ball for the team, He was often our go to man when we were setting up a trick play. 

• Polly McGovern for showing leadership qualities throughout. She showed resilience during the first set and helped encourage St Greg’s to come back and win the game. 

IPSSO Results Week 4

Our games against Broughton Anglican College on Wednesday, 14 August 2024, could not proceed due to the weather.

IPSSO Results Week 5

On Wednesday, 21 August 2024, our teams competed against Mount Annan Christian College.

Junior AFL 

Score - SGC 74  - 0 MACC

Special Mention

• Alessia Siracusa- for her determination and scoring multiple goals

• Beau Stephens- for his outstanding work in the midfield and forward line. 

• Nneka Fashoyin- for scoring multiple goals.

Junior Netball 

Score - SGC 16 -2 MACC

Special Mention

• The whole team for their positive attitude and fantastic sportsmanship towards the other team. Well done girls! 

Junior Boys Soccer

Score - SGC 2 - 0 MACC

Special Mention

• Henley Pereira for his excellent determination in defence.

• Ethan Patterson for his excellent defence and Marcello Torcaso for scoring both goals

• Ben Mumford for his strength and excellent in the midfield

 Newcombe Ball

Score - SGC 2 - 1 MACC

 Special Mention

• Harvey Monte- for his determination around the middle of the court, and took numerous tough catches. 

• Chelsea Hodson for her incredible throws, often looking and throwing into the gaps left by the opposition team. 

• Amelie Vella for her confident catches and serving ability. 

Senior AFL

Score - SGC 84 - 2 MACC

 Special Mention

• Taylah Kenney- for her effective passes by foot and being accurate at goal

• Indiana Vacarro- for the challenging goals she scored. She made them look so easy.

• Jake Stephens- for his effective ball use and defensive pressure.

Senior Netball 

Score - SGC 28 - 29 MACC

Special Mention

• Piper Lane for creating space, overturning the ball and her decisive attack - brilliant game!

• Georgia Murialdo and Lila Richards for their targeted defence

• Mia Stevens and Kiera Howe for their flexibility and accuracy in shooting.

Senior Boys Soccer

Score - SGC 0 - 2 MACC 

Special Mention

• James Dash for always being first to the ball in defence

• Joshua Vella for showing strength and resilience in defence

• Mason Navratil for maintaining possession of the ball under pressure.

Volleyball 

Score  - SGC 3 - 0 MACC

Special Mention

• Siena Austin for her incredible catches and serves. This was Siena’s best performance. 

• Marcus Caprar for his incredible serving and triple touches. He often caught the other team off guard earning us a point. 

• Taylor Masterson for trying her hardest throughout the whole game. She was incredible. 

Wollongong Pathway Representative Sport 

Good luck to Lia Solylo, who will represent MacKillop at the NSWPSSA Girls Softball Trial, and to James Dash, who will represent Wollongong at the MacKillop Boys Cricket Trial in the coming weeks. 

We look forward to hearing how you go.

Western Region Athletics Carnival

The Western Region Primary Athletics Carnival occurred on Friday, August 9th, at Campbelltown Athletics Stadium. We are proud to advise that we were remarkably successful at the carnival.  

The carnival brought together students from various schools in our diocese to compete. Our school’s athletes showcased their talent, sportsmanship, and dedication on a competitive stage. Ally and I were fortunate enough to take over 30 students competing in both track and field events.  

We are thrilled to announce that our school emerged as the Overall 1st Champion school of the Athletics Carnival, the Overall 1st Girls' champion school, and the overall 1st Boys' champion school. Our students’ outstanding performances across various events contributed to this prestigious achievement. 

Our school’s athletes secured an impressive number of placements. Their commitment and hard work paid off, and we are proud of their exceptional performances. 

We had a few standout performances, with students securing a place as Age Champions.   

Eva Luximon: 11 years age champion.  

Nneka Fashoyin: 1st Junior Girls Age Champion. Nneka broke the junior girls' 200m record, which stood for 21 years, and the long jump record, which stood for 24 years! 

We thank the parents and carers for their unwavering support and assistance throughout the carnival. Your encouragement and belief in our students were instrumental in their achievements.  

Thank you to Mrs Allison Buckley and Mrs Robyn Bowen for their unwavering support and organisation; the day would not have run as smoothly without their expertise.

 Congratulations to the following students who qualified to represent Wollongong at the Mackillop Athletics Carnival on Wednesday, 25 September:

• Adriana Grados

• Nneka Fashoyin

• Francesca Mandarano

• Summer Quinn

• Beau Stephens

• Lia Solylo

• Kye Harding

• Taylah Kenney

• Eva Luximon

• Audrey Oldfield

AFL Paul Kelly Cup

Good luck to our AFL Girls Team at the Paul Kelly Cup State Finals on Wednesday, 28 August. The Paul Kelly Cup State Finals mark a significant milestone for our girls, showcasing their hard work and commitment throughout the tournament. We are immensely proud of their achievements so far. We are confident that they will continue to represent the College with the same spirit of sportsmanship and determination that they have consistently demonstrated throughout the competition.

Mr Howe, PDHPE Teacher/Sports Coordinator

This year we will be hosting the 17th annual Marshall Rogers Golf Day on Thursday 24 October 2024 at Lakeside Golf Club, Gledswood Hills . 

The Marshall Rogers Foundation Scholarship was established in 2007 after Marshall passed away suddenly on 13 September at the age of 50. 

Marshall, was an avid Wests Magpies and Wests Tigers supporter, with his passion stemming from his playing days at Wests, under the guidance of Warren Ryan and Roy Masters. 

He went on to coach at the Wests Magpies for a number of years, leading the Harold Matthews, S.G Ball and Jersey Flegg sides. 

Marshall coached many elite players during this time including Brett Hodgson, Eric Grothe Jnr and his nephew, Wests Tigers and Australian centre, Chris Lawrence. 

Marshall was a caring man who was devoted to the needs of the young men he was coaching, and above all else, always ensured they were having fun. The Rogers family wish to keep his legacy alive by supporting young men through their senior schooling at St. Gregory’s College, Campbelltown. The ‘Marshall Rogers Foundation Scholarship’ helps those students who wish to continue their schooling, but whose families may not have the means to make that happen. 

Please contact Mary Stepien on 0407 678 800 or email MStepien@stgregs.nsw.edu.au to provide your expression of interest in supporting this event by:

•   Registering a team 
•   An individual player
•   contact Mary Stepien for a copy of the Registration Form.

The College Foundation Office.

This year marks the St Gregory College 30th Annual Celebrity Sports Dinner Friday 22 November 2024.

Our sold-out black tie event welcomes Jessica Fox & James Tedesco to our major event for the College Foundation. Funds raised through the event assist the College in making outstanding opportunities available for the students at St Gregory’s. We appreciate your support;  So how can you get involved?