Dear Members of the St Gregory’s College family,   

As we very quickly head towards the end of Term 3 and as I write this final newsletter article, I reflect on what has been a very active and successful term. The past few weeks have been wonderful in the life of St Greg’s and this has reminded me of the many blessings that we have as members of this great community. Each and every day is peppered with the myriad of opportunities we provide for the young men and women at the College. I continue to be very proud of our students at St Greg’s – they are confident, well-mannered and are a credit to their families and the school. 

Like most terms here at St Greg’s it has been jammed packed full of events, learnings and experiences. Just this term we have been through a College Inquiry Cycle Review, Course Selection Processes, NAIDOC Celebrations, Lunches on the Lawn/Open Classrooms, Experience Days, we celebrated 100 days of Kindy, HSC Trials, Camps, Book Week, Music Showcases, Athletics Carnivals, Father’s Day Celebrations, Masses, a Champagnat Day Carnival, Photo Days and so much more. Let alone the events still to come over the next two weeks with the Maroon and Blue Ball, Year 11 Preliminary Exams, PYP Exhibition and Year 12 Graduation. Luckily there is a break just around the corner! 

I want to thank our St Gregory’s College community for another wonderful term and for your support in making this fine College the place that it is for our students from K-12.

Year 12 – Thank You and Farewell

I believe that one of the most exciting times of your life is finishing school. As a young person, you instantly gain the independence of ‘being an adult’ either prepping for work to come or as you move onto alternate study. For most, there are a few months where work or University has not started yet, it is summer and there is free time on your hands!

Before Year 12 get to that really exciting point though, there are still a handful of weeks prior to the HSC exams. As a community, I want to wish each of our Year 12 students all the best as they complete their final 2 weeks of term with their classmates and teachers before we celebrate their graduation from school after 13 years of education.

I spoke to Year 12 last week about the ‘end game’ and yes, it is close, but we are not quite there …. yet. This is where the test of grit is shown by our Year 12 students. There is competing pressures of being a Year 12 student at this time of the year. Being so close to the end of 13 years of school is a reality. Pair this up with early entry offers to universities that around 56 students received just this week with more to come and final days of school looming. 

As a college community we congratulate and thank our Year 12 students of 2024 for their very significant contribution. We thank their families for the important part they have played as partners in the growth of this community and of their children into the fine adults they have become. We look forward to their graduation and mass on Friday 27 September. We wish them every blessing as they take steps into the next exciting phase of their lives.

Showcasing Our Year 12 Talents

As we head rapidly towards the end of another term it’s good to look back and feel proud of our achievements this term. Our commitment to providing an outstanding student experience has been very evident.

The Year 12 HSC Showcase Evening on Monday was a tremendous success and showcased the depth, breadth and diversity of talent among our boys. Subjects like Visual Arts, Design and Technology and Industrial Technology (Timber and Metals), allow our students to express themselves in limitless ways and I know those of us who saw their work were provoked, challenged and inspired. As I walked from one piece of work to the next, it was so good to see the proud looks on the faces of the students as the community took note of their piece of work that had been in the making for the last 9 months or so.

Thank you to the supporters of these boys who came along on Monday evening to witness these wonderful pieces and a special shout out to our teachers who have driven these boys to develop these major works this year.

Student Leadership at Greg’s

The student leadership of this fine college is vitally important in assisting to set the tone of the school. Their impact, however subtle or obvious, has a major impact on how the student body as a whole behaves, responds and conducts itself. Our leaders have the whole Greg’s community watching them…  students, staff and parents. 

At our St Gregory’s Feast Mass last week, we had the opportunity to thank our current Year 12 Leaders who have served our community so well over the past 12 months, whilst also acknowledging and congratulating the new leaders for 2024/2025. I want to thank our current Year 12 leaders. Hollins, Joseph, Lachlan, Matthew, Anthony, Daniel and Samuel who have been an absolute pleasure to work with this year. They have led their portfolios so well and I thank their mentors who have guided them along the way. Congratulations on a fine job as leaders.

I have always found the concept of Servant leadership a powerful metaphor.  The model of Christ who said whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant. This involves attributes like humility, respect, compassion, and giving. To lead is to put others first. 

Congratulations to the following Year 11 students who will serve our community:

 Domenico Cocco – College Captain

 Declan Malone – Leader of Marist Life

 Jackson O’Hehir - Boarding Captain

 Matthew Fitzgerald - Leader of Academia

 Arthur Hackett - Leader of Wellbeing

 Aidan Richards - Leader of Sport and Co-Curricular

 Ben Dolan - Leader for Junior School

Deklin Jarrett - First Nations Leader

Culture of a Collaborative Environment

Henry Ford the industrialist and founder of the Ford Motor Company once said:

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success."

The concept of collaboration is a powerful one in education and is a key 21st century skill that we encourage, promote and support here at St Greg’s.  Most businesses and workplaces actually require employees to have these collaborative skills. When people work together great things are achieved.

Our College thrives in a collaborative environment. Teachers collaborate regularly in curriculum planning; administration staff collaborate frequently to arrange successful community events, our maintenance team are always planning out as a team the next event and of course, our upcoming Maroon and Blue Ball, is a wonderful example of Ford’s thoughts with our volunteers led by Mrs Buckley. 

This community thrives off collaboration and to witness the amount significant events and learnings that take place at a College like St Gregs is a testament to the fine work of our teachers, staff, students and parent community. 

Dear Members of the St Gregory’s College family,  

I trust that Term 3 has been a positive one for all members of our community. It has been wonderful to see so many families at the College this term through the various events including, Information Evenings, co-curricular events, parent functions and through the general day to day life at the College. I would like to thank all the staff that have been involved in these events in some way or another during the term and thank the general community for their continued support.

In Term 4 I will move back to my substantive position of Director of Boarding. I would like to thank all of the staff, students, and parents, that I have had interactions with in my Acting role this term. I have found the challenge thoroughly enjoyable and hope that I am handing it back to Mr Weekes with a number of things achieved. I would also like to publicly acknowledge Mr Prateek Kripal who has filled in for me as Director of Boarding and managed the portfolio exceptionally well. 

Student Behaviour and Standards

Our values at this College are more than words if they are to mean anything; they must be lived. Presence and Family Spirit are the two Marist characteristics that come readily to mind. Being present with one another, caring for one another and ourselves and acting with integrity and character in all our words and deeds, as a family. At Greg’s our aim is to develop fine young men of character who treat every person with respect and dignity.

I have learnt a lot in this role during Term 3. It would be naive of any of us to think that poor behaviour does not exist at the College or that we expect every student to behave the same every day. We are educating young people . . . they all make mistakes. Our students are blessed to come to a school like St Gregory’s College – it is a privilege. As a community, we have fantastic students and families and need to ensure that as a community, we continually strive to meet the high expectations that we set for our young men. Being a ‘Greg’s Man’ comes with expectations that are upheld. 

As parents and carers, I want to thank you for the trust that you put in the College to help guide and instil this stance. Like you, we want to see our young boys develop into men of substance and character and this is not done without persistence, guidance from our wonderful teachers and a strong relationship with parents/carers and students.

Staff Appointments

As is the case in all schools from time to time we have changes in staff roles due to various leave or other arrangements. 

We wish the following staff well as they go on leave in Term 4, and the staff replacing them every success in their temporary position.

Staff on Leave Replacement Staff

Ms Michelle Arentz – Assistant English Co-Ordinator (Term 4 to Term 3 2025) Ms Natasha Patao 

Mr Pat Newell – Year 12 Co-Ordinator (Term 4) Ms Julie Sligar – until the conclusion of the HSC

Ms Alcica Price – Year 8 Co-Ordinator (Term 4) Ms Lauren Ross

Ms Lauren Ross – Assistant Year 10 Coordinator (Term 4) Mr Troy Nuske

I would also like to congratulate the following staff for their appointments in 2025:

• Ms Lauren Armbruster – English Teacher (Permanent)

• Ms Kathryn Mason – Junior School Classroom Teacher (12 months)

• Ms Georgia Dalley - Junior School Classroom Teacher (12 months)

• Mr Sam Duncan – College Counsellor (12 months)

I would also like to thank Mr Steve Bullock for Acting as Director of Studies this term. He has done an amazing job in the busiest term, Mr Prateek Kripal for Acting as Director of Boarding, and Ms Natasha Patao for Acting as Stage 6 Academic Coordinator. Your efforts are truly appreciated by our community.

Year 12 Co-Curricular Awards

In the Year 12 Year Group time today, we acknowledged the students for all of their co-curricular achievements at the College this year. I would like to thank the boys for their participation in the sport & co-curricular programs we offer. I am sure you would agree that it is a huge part of what makes up the fabric of St Gregs. It requires commitment from your sons and from the teachers that do an amazing job in their areas of expertise or interest. I would also like to thank Mr Tyler for his continued work in this space and for bringing the assembly together. No major awards were presented today. We will be presenting a number of major awards for Sport & Co-Curricular at our Graduation Assembly in two weeks time.  

Upcoming Events

Term 3 is the busiest on the College calendar with lots of events across year groups. Some of the upcoming events are listed below:

Week Date                         Event

8       14 September                Maroon & Blue Parents Dinner

9       16 September                Year 11 Preliminary Exams Commence

        19 September                SS Poetry in Action – Year 7 to 9

10    24 September                 Year 7 Vaccinations

        26 September                Year 11 Preliminary Exams Conclude

        26 September                Year 12 Boarders Final Mass & Parent Event

        27 September                Year 12 Graduation Assembly – 9:00am

        27 September                Year 12 Graduation Mass – 11:30am

        27 September                Year 12 Graduation Dinner – 6:00pm

Specific information in relation to Graduation has been sent to Year 12 Parents and Carers  by Mr Newell. 

Celebrating Student Success 

Marist Oratory

The 32nd Marist Oratory competition was recently held at Parramatta Marist High School. This is a public speaking competition that had 14 Marist Schools from across NSW competing across the evening.

Our representatives were: Lachlan McInerney (Year 8), Lachlan Selby (Year 9), William Carter (Year 10), Kieren Foran (Senior Prepared), and Joseph Limbrey (Senior Impromptu). All boys spoke very well on the night, and some were unlucky not to place. A huge congratulations to Kieren Foran who placed 4th and to Lachlan Selby who placed 1st in his division. This is the second year in a row that Lachlan has won this competition. 

NSW Basketball All Schools Champions

I would like to congratulate our 1st Grade Basketball team, and their coaches Ms Giles, and Mr Limbrey, for recently being named the best school basketball team in the state, after defeating Westfield Sports High School in the NSW All Schools Championship final. We beat Bulli High School in the semi-final, and followed it up with an 85 to 76 victory against Westfield Sports, with Charlie McBeath scoring 43 points in the final. This is the first time we have won this competition. An amazing achievement!

This means that we are now the current holders of this title for both Basketball and Cricket. The first time this has been achieved by the College.

Write a Book in a Day

I would like to thank all the students that participated in the program on Tuesday, and Ms Tolomeo and Ms Timmins who assisted the students. Ms Tolomeo has written about this in the newsletter, but it is an amazing example of student extension and success. Additionally so far they have raised over $3,000 for the Kids Cancer Institute. Well done to all!

 Student Successes

Through the newsletter, I will draw your attention to some of the outstanding efforts, successes, and ventures that our students achieve that we love to celebrate. Please email any student success to me so we can continue to celebrate with your son or daughter -  lmorrissey@stgregs.nsw.edu.au or from Term 4 jweekes@stgregs.nsw.edu.au.

 Have a wonderful finish to the term and 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!

Ad Jesum per Mariam - Everything to Jesus through Mary

Luke Morrissey  

Acting Assistant Principal/Head of Senior School

Dear Parents and Carers,

The past two weeks have been very busy in the Junior School, with lots of events that have taken place.

Teacher Aide Appreciation Week

In schools, there are many people who work hard to ensure that our students are cared for, supported and given access to learning. Many are often not recognised because they work quietly in the background. Last week we celebrated and acknowledged a team of important educators in our Junior School – our Inclusive Education Officers (Teacher Aides). This dedicated team support our students and staff every day, quietly.

On behalf of the students, staff and school community I would like to acknowledge and thank Mary-Ellen Hayes, Janine Orton, Elizabeth Cesarin, Taylah Berthaly, Jordan Carrick, Sam Hackett and Dan Brennan for being such a wonderful team and integral part of our school staff. 

PYP Exhibition

The Year 6 PYP exhibition is almost here, and the Year 6 students, teachers and mentors have been working extremely hard to prepare for their presentation night.

The PYP Exhibition is the culmination of the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Programme. The students have worked in small groups to inquire into a central idea, engaged with primary sources, met with their mentors and created artistic representations for the exhibition night. 

The whole St Gregory’s community is welcome to attend the exhibition and support the students in our 3rd PYP Exhibition. 

We are looking forward to celebrating with you all on the night.

Year 5 Canberra Trip

Last week, students in Year 5 undertook an educational tour of the nation’s capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programmes with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their civics and citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian government is contributing funding of $30 per student under the Parliament And Civics Education Rebate programme towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion. 

The 3-day trip to Canberra included visits to the New and Old Parliament House, the War Memorial, Questacon, the Mint and the embassies. It was an amazing opportunity to visit Australia’s capital city and develop knowledge and understanding about our government.

Mrs Erin Burton, Mrs Amanda Kerr, Mr Darryl Howe and Mr Mark Gannon accompanied the Year 5 students. The students represented the school with pride and integrity. They showed respect in places such as the War Memorial and Parliament House. A wonderful experience for all staff and students. I thank the teachers who left their families for three days to provide our students with these rich opportunities.

Student Leadership in the Junior School

Last year, the College underwent a review of the Student Leadership structure both in the Junior School and Senior School. The new Senior School student leaders were announced at the St Gregory the Great College Mass last week, with the eight leaders presented with their roles and badges. What a joy it was to see Ben Dolan announced as the Junior School Leader. Ben was a student in the Junior School seven years ago.

In 2025 we will recognise 7 students to fill formal leadership positions.

These positions will include:

1. School Captains – boy & girl

2. Vice Captains – 4 positions

3. Marist Ministry Leader

These positions will be determined by a process including student votes from Years 4-6, staff votes and group interview. The Junior School Leadership will rule out students for valid reasons, including but not limited to behaviour records and poor attendance without reasonable cause.

The applications will be reviewed by the Head of Junior School to determine if they are shortlisted to progress through to a group interview. The group interviews will be conducted by the Head of Junior School.

The new student leaders for 2025 will be announced at the Celebration of Learning.

Year 5 students will participate in a Leadership Day on Friday September 20 and will be offered the opportunity to apply for a leadership position on the application which will be given out. I look forward to receiving applications for our 2025 leaders in the coming month.

I look forward to ending the term strong. 

God Bless,

Mrs Diana Ivancic

On September 3 we came together as community in gratitude for the many blessings bestowed on us at St Gregory’s College under the patronage of Pope Saint Gregory the Great. During the celebration of Eucharist, led by Father Sam of the Carmelite Fathers, we presented the elected student leaders for 2025 and celebrated all the Senior Class and their leadership in our Traditio Ceremony. 

A vote of thanks was extended to the Student Leadership Team of 2023 /2024, each of whom set goals for themselves and for the common good of our community and were highly successful. They have been supported by captains of the many sporting and cocurricular groups and by the Year 12 cohort who have demonstrated strong leadership.

For 2025, we recognised 8 students to fill formal leadership positions for the benefit of the entire student body and the larger school community.  

Congratulations to 

Boarding Captain: Jackson O’Hehir

Leader for Junior School: Ben Dolan

First Nations Leader: Deklin Jarrett

Leader of Wellbeing: Arthur Hackett

Leader of Sport and Co-Curricular: Aidan Richards

Leader of Academia: Matthew Fitzgerald

Leader of Marist Life: Declan Malone and

College Captain: Domenico Cocco

In the Traditio Ceremony the outgoing leaders symbolically passed on their role and responsibility. 

Year 7 students Ned Taylor from Bourke, and James Fitzpatrick from Grasmere joined Lawson Malaesilia, a member of the Year 12 class of 2036, to ask about each symbol.

The Crest:

On the crest are the Marist symbol, a sheaf of wheat and the College motto. In the Marist way we look to Mary as a guide and support.  The wheat links us to our history as an agriculural school and to our motto,  you will reap what you sow.

 The Candle:

Jesus said,"I am the light of the worls."  and so the lighted candle has always been a symbol of Christ present with us.

The Academic Trophy: 

The trophy symbolises academic success and the dignity of work.

The Crucifix: 

The crucifix is a reminder of the love Jesus showed for each of us.

The Water: 

The water is a symbol of hope.

The Coolamon:

This symbolises the important role of our first Nations students and the sharing of their culture in the College.

The Pencils:

The pencils represent the five characteristics of Marist. These are important qualities which are nurtured in our Junior School. 

The Lamb:

This lamb symbolises all the goodness that our rural areas offer. 

The Year 12 leaders recited their pledge of leadership for 2025:

'We accept these symbols and the challenge to keep alive the traditions and the spirit of the St Gregory’s College family. May we be present to one another, model a love of work, and act in humility, simplicity and modesty as fine Marist men'

Prayer for the feast of St Gregory:

Pope Gregory the Great was a light for others,  committing himself to a life of learning and service. He demonstrated great leadership in ministering to all peoples. With him as guide, may we too light the way for others, modeling the values of Christ in all we do. 

Cathie Clarke

Director of Mission

The “Write a Book in a Day” competition is a fun, creative challenge that sees budding writers and illustrators create a book in just one day! Perfect for helping unlock creativity, the competition encourages literacy, teamwork, and resilience. Eligible books will be shortlisted and submitted to a judging panel who will decide the winners of the book awards and prizes! And the incredible part is, digital editions of the completed stories are made available online and shared with hospitals across Australia. Funds raised through sponsorship go to The Kids’ Cancer Project, a national charity supporting childhood cancer research.

Tuesday 11th September was our annual “Write a Book in a Day” enrichment incursion. There were 5 Teams of students; 4 from the SS and 1 team from the JS, in the Marian Centre for the day, writing and illustrating a book to submit by 4pm. The Team members were: 

Year 10 – Lucas Ryan, Liam King, Ethan Kenney, Mitchell Williams, Micah Pace, Leon Leejo, Connor Rose, Jacobi Fernando, Avaneesh Chavan, Isaac Cooper

Year 9 – Sacha Colompar, Jeremy Price, Alvin Mamala, Declan McManus, Kai Summerland, Campbell Hodgson, Aleksandr Zyffert, Lachlan Selby

Year 8 – Connor Dawson, Aiden Cameron, Eoin Richards, Benjamin Collins, Cameron Parsons, Lenny Ursino, George McKenzie, Maksim Kholodov, Edward Preferment, Benjamin Moore

Year 7 – Disas Gunathilaka, William Barrett, Braxton Catford- Potter, Mylo Grimston, Koby Claxton, Lawson Sutton, Jacob Muscat, Zac Zorbas, Toby Morrisey, Luke Shaggal

Junior School (Year 5) Charlie Quig, Amelia Gillard, Charlie Hoyle, Jessica Ruksens, Ava Haddad and (Year 6) Addisson Day, Siena Austin, Zoe Kouliatsis, Polly McGovern, William Mumford

Collectively, we have raised a total of $3310 to date in sponsorship from the day which also goes to The Kids Cancer project.

Some of our student reflections have been included below. 

Thank you very much for the opportunity to participate in the Write a book in a day program. I believe it is a fantastic program for both the poor people who are in hospital, suffering with cancer to distract them and also for those who write the books. It is a great day to bring many different people with varying talents to work together for a great cause. I found it was a really fun experience and I enjoyed working with those who I haven’t worked with before, bouncing ideas off each other so that we can create the best story. It made us think creatively and well outside the box with the difficult criteria, such as having to relate a movie director, a construction worker and a penguin. I found it was not only good to make me think in a different way, but also in having fun and a great bonding experience, all so that those who are suffering in hospital can have a brief distraction.                                                 

Mitchell Williams Year 10

Write A Book in A Day was a fantastic experience. Being able to collaborate with peers and create a book with some wild, whacky, and weird prompts was a challenge we all took on. In the end, we created an excellent book that we hope can bring some happiness to kids in need.

 Lachlan Selby Year 9

WABIAD allowed me to express my imagination while working in a group setting and brainstorming collaboratively. The idea of also having to hand draw the illustrations for the book as well was a nice touch as that is what I did all day. Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to participate in this great event for a great cause.

Connor Dawson Year 8

Ms Judith Tolomeo

Director of Teaching and Learning

Dear Parents,

Please see below an article about the recent changes to WhatsApp and how this could affect our students and community. 

The Perils of WhatsApp AI Image Generation: What Parents Need to Know.

In recent months, WhatsApp has introduced new AI-powered image generation features that allow users to create highly realistic images with minimal input. While this technology might seem fun and creative, it also presents significant risks, especially for our students. As educators, we want to inform our College community about the potential dangers of these features and what parents should be aware of to protect their children.

What’s Happening?

WhatsApp’s AI image generation feature allows users to create lifelike images by simply typing a description. The images produced can range from innocent, everyday scenes to highly detailed, realistic images of people or situations. This feature is similar to tools seen on other platforms, but because of WhatsApp’s massive global user base and private messaging format, the risks are greater.

Why This Is Concerning for Students?

The ability to create realistic images may seem harmless at first glance, but it carries some serious concerns:

1. Misinformation and Manipulation.

With AI-generated images, it becomes easier for individuals to create fake or misleading content. Students might be exposed to images that appear real but are entirely fabricated, making it difficult to discern fact from fiction. This can lead to the spread of misinformation, causing confusion and damaging reputations if the images are used maliciously.

2. Cyberbullying.

One of the greatest dangers is the potential for cyberbullying. AI-generated images can be used to create embarrassing or harmful images of students, which can then be shared across social media platforms. The realistic nature of these images makes it even harder for victims to defend themselves, as the line between what is real and fake becomes increasingly blurred.

3. Inappropriate Content.

AI-generated images can also be used to create inappropriate or explicit content, putting students at risk of being exposed to harmful material. Worse still, these images can be shared without consent, leading to serious emotional and psychological consequences for the affected individuals.

4. Privacy Concerns.

Parents should be aware that AI-generated images, once created, can be shared widely and quickly. Even in private WhatsApp conversations, the potential for images to be forwarded and circulated among larger groups is high. This can lead to personal images, even those created innocently, being misused or falling into the wrong hands.

What Parents Can Do?

As the use of AI in messaging apps grows, it’s important for parents to stay vigilant and proactive in protecting their children. Here are some steps parents can take:

• Talk to Your Children: Have an open conversation with your child about the risks of AI image generation. Explain the dangers of sharing and creating images online, and encourage them to be cautious when interacting with these features.

• Monitor Usage: Keep an eye on your child’s WhatsApp usage (indeed all Social Media platforms), especially if they are part of group chats where AI-generated images might be shared. Be aware of any unusual activity or images that seem out of place.

• Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules about what is appropriate to share and create online. Reinforce the importance of consent and respect when using digital tools.

• Stay Informed: As technology continues to evolve, staying informed is key. Make sure you understand the latest features in the apps your children are using and educate them about any risks.

Dear St Gregory's College Community,

As we move into the heart of the school year, it is heartening to witness the vibrant community spirit and the remarkable focus on student wellbeing throughout the College. This past week has been particularly special as we celebrated Wellness Week, the theme this year is HUMAN CONNECTION, A SMILE or INTERACTION. This was capped by an unforgettable RUOK? Day Assembly that brought us all together in support of mental health and wellbeing.

Wellness Week Highlights: Futsal and Basketball Challenges

Our Wellness Week kicked off with a great sense of camaraderie, energy, and fun. Students and staff alike participated in a series of Futsal and Basketball challenges  which fostered healthy competition and teamwork across all year levels. The enthusiasm on the courts was contagious, and it was wonderful to see everyone come together in such a positive way, promoting physical health and wellbeing. Congratulations to all teams for their participation, and a special shout-out to our champions who showed both skill and sportsmanship.

RUOK? Day Assembly: A Powerful Celebration of Wellbeing

The RUOK Day Assembly was a highlight of the week, filled with powerful moments that truly brought our community closer. The assembly began with an uplifting performance by the Junior Wellbeing ambassadors and Junior school choir, who sang a heartfelt rendition of “We Are the World” Their voices echoed unity and hope, setting a meaningful tone for the rest of the event. 

Our senior students then took to the stage with an emotional and impactful slam poetry performance, which captured the audience’s attention and left us all inspired and cheering. Their words spoke deeply to the challenges young people face today, the importance of human connection and their delivery was nothing short of spectacular.

Perhaps the most moving moment of the assembly was when William Stokes, a Year 12 student, bravely shared his personal story regarding his own wellbeing journey. His honesty and courage touched us all, reminding us of the importance of reaching out and supporting one another. William's vulnerability resonated with many, and his message of resilience was a powerful reminder of the strength within our community.

Matt Caruana's Inspiring Presentation

Late last week, students from Years 9 to 12 were privileged to hear an inspiring presentation from Matt Caruana, who spoke about overcoming adversity and the importance of mental health. Matt’s powerful story and message of resilience left a lasting impact on our students. His openness about his own challenges and the strategies he used to overcome them were both thought-provoking and motivational. We are grateful to Matt for sharing his journey with us, and it was clear that many students left the presentation with a renewed sense of hope and determination.

Introducing the Wellbeing Ambassadors

Another exciting development in the College’s focus on student wellbeing is the introduction of our new Wellbeing Ambassadors. This initiative has been a fantastic way to involve students in promoting mental health awareness and support within the school. Our Wellbeing Ambassadors have already made significant strides in the Junior School, where they have been leading discussions on mental health, organising wellness activities, and serving as role models for their peers. Their work has been invaluable, and we look forward to seeing the continued positive impact they will make throughout the school community.

In closing, I would like to thank all the students, staff, and families who contributed to making Wellness Week and RUOK? Day such a success. It is through events like these that we are reminded of the strength of our community and the importance of looking out for one another.

Let’s continue this journey of fostering a supportive, inclusive, and caring environment for all.

Warm regards,  

Mr Vetrano 

Director of Students  

Upcoming Dates

Monday 16th September – Year 11 Preliminary Exams Commence

Friday 20th September – Year 8 Subject Selection Forms due

Friday 27th September – Year 12 Graduation Assembly and Formal

HSC Showcase Evening

On Monday evening, the Major Works produced by our Year 12 students this year went on display in the Br Luke Hall. The evening was very well attended by not only our current students and parents, but there were many grandparents, staff and Old Boys on site to see the amazing works produced. Thank you to our Industrial Arts and Visual Arts departments for your work with the students throughout the year, and thank you to all those who attended the evening. 

Best in Show Awards:

Design & Tech: Lucas Donnelly

Visual Art: Lloyd Hartmann

Industrial Technology Timber: Julian Puntoriero

Industrial Technology Metals: Rhys Colbourne

Year 11 Preliminary Exams

Our Year 11 students will begin their Preliminary Examinations from Monday next week, we wish them well over the examination period and will see them back in classes mid-next week. A reminder to students and carers/parents that if you are unable to attend an exam due to illness or misadventure, you must complete a Student Assessment Form which will need to be returned on your first day back to the College. 

PAT Testing

Students in Years 7-10 have undergone a series of PAT Tests this week, which will help inform our staff of their progress in Maths, English, and Science. Thank you to our students who have undertaken these tests, giving their best efforts.

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we move into Week 8, the boys have been actively involved in a range of programs, events, activities, and sports training. Here’s a brief update on the highlights from the past few weeks.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW LEADERS

During our recent celebration of St Gregory’s Feast Day, we proudly introduced the new school leaders for 2025. We are thrilled to announce that Jackson O’Hehir (Lord Howe Island, NSW) has been appointed as Boarding Captain for next year, one of eight key leadership roles at the College. Additionally, Deklin Jarrett (Goonellabah, QLD) has been named as the College’s First Nations Leader. Both Jackson and Deklin exemplify the values we strive for, and we congratulate them on this well-deserved achievement. We wish them all the best in their roles.

We are also excited to announce the 2025 Boarding Leadership Group. After a close vote within the boarding community, the following students have been selected as Boarding Leaders. Their specific roles will be decided in the coming weeks:

• Archie Gay (Boorowa, NSW)

• Deklin Jarrett (Goonellabah, QLD)

• Sebastian Sia (Lord Howe Island, NSW)

• Preston Smallwood (Bilambil Heights, NSW)

• Hugh White (Bowral, NSW)

These leaders will officially take on their roles during the upcoming boarders’ graduation mass. Congratulations to these outstanding young men, and we look forward to seeing them thrive in these important roles.

BEYOND BOARDING PROGRAM

As part of our ‘Beyond Boarding’ initiative, a series of expert-led sessions have provided valuable learning opportunities for our students:

• Moneyvest: Our finance partner delivered a finance course on budgeting, payslips, investing, and taxation. Year 11 and 12 students recently completed their sessions, and Years 7 to 10 will participate in Term 4.

• Elephant Ed: This sex and lifestyle education organisation engaged our Year 11 and 12 students in candid discussions on relevant and challenging topics. The boys showed great respect and engagement throughout.

• Youth Solutions: This organisation led a session for Year 12 on drugs, alcohol, and resilience, focusing on developing skills to promote positive health behaviours and reduce harm.

• Healthy Eating: CaterCare dietitians presented a session for Year 12 on fostering positive food habits and maintaining a healthy diet.

• Twilight Retreat: A retreat aimed at strengthening bonds within the boarding community will also take place soon.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

There are several exciting activities planned for the boarders over the coming weekends, so please encourage your sons to participate.

VERTICAL TEAMS COMPETITION

The Vertical Teams competition concludes this week, with the winning team to be announced on Thursday morning. The winners will enjoy an outing this coming weekend as a reward for their hard work and teamwork.

YEAR 11 EXAMS

We wish our Year 11 students the best of luck as they begin their Preliminary exams next week. These exams are a crucial step in preparing for their HSC next year. If you have any concerns regarding your son during this time, please do not hesitate to contact me for assistance.

GRADUATION EVENTS

Graduation is fast approaching, and I’d like to remind families of the key dates:

• Thursday 26 September: Final Boarders’ Mass and Parent Graduation Cocktail Party at 6:15 pm.

• Friday 27 September: Graduation Assembly, Mass, and Dinner, starting at 9:00 am.

We expect all families to attend both events to celebrate this important milestone.

TERM 3 HOLIDAYS

Term 3 concludes on Saturday 28 September. Please note that all students are required to attend the Graduation event on Friday 27 September. Parents are welcome to sign their sons out after the Mass, which will conclude at around 1:00 pm. Travel will be arranged for Saturday 28 September to ensure a proper farewell to our Year 12 graduates.

Boarders are expected to return on Monday 14 October, with SSTS organising transport. Boarding houses will open at 4:30 pm, and classes will resume on Tuesday 15 October at 8:25 am.

Thank you for your continued support.

Take care,

Prateek Kripal

Acting Director of Boarding 

On Thursday the 29th of August, Vince Vaccaro was named VET Student of the Year in Primary Industries at the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong's Annual Awards night.

Vince is studying a Certificate II In Agriculture at St Greg’s and has always shown a strong interest in the Agriculture Industry.  This award recognises Vince's strong commitment to his studies and his excellent performance during his work placement, where he was offered a job at a well-known cattle farm. Vince's achievement reflects his hard work and dedication, as well as the support of his teachers, Emily Wilson and Hayley Mahoney. This award showcases the value of the VET program at St. Gregory's College and the opportunities it offers students in their chosen fields. Congratulations Vince!

Molly Clarke

Head of Department- VET

On Indigenous Literacy Day, our College community had the privilege of welcoming renowned author Kylie Captain for an inspiring and enriching day of storytelling, culture, and connection. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students came together to listen to Kylie share her powerful life story and journey as a proud Gamilaroi woman, leader, and author.

The day began with Kylie’s engaging presentation in the Gregorian Centre, where she spoke to Year 7 and our Senior School indigenous students about her experiences of resilience, overcoming adversity, and the importance of embracing one’s identity. Her story resonated deeply with students, who were moved by her authenticity and message of hope. Kylie’s passion for storytelling shone through as she encouraged students to believe in themselves and the strength of their communities.

In a special session, Kylie also spent time with our Junior School Indigenous students, where she skillfully adapted her story to suit the audience. Through interactive discussions and storytelling, Kylie connected with the students on a personal level, making her story accessible and relatable to our youngest learners. The children were captivated by her warmth and sincerity, and they left the session feeling inspired and proud of their heritage.

After the presentations, students had the unique opportunity to join Kylie for a more personal "yarn" over a shared meal. Sitting together in a relaxed setting, students asked questions, listened to more tales of her experiences, and even discussed their own dreams and challenges. The informal conversation allowed for a deep sense of connection, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of Indigenous perspectives and stories.

Kylie Captain’s visit was not just a day of learning but also a day of celebration. Her words inspired both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to reflect on their own journeys and the importance of storytelling in shaping our communities. We are incredibly grateful for her presence and the lasting impact she has made on our school.

This event highlighted the power of sharing stories and how they can bridge cultures, spark meaningful conversations, and empower our students to embrace their unique voices. We look forward to welcoming more opportunities to celebrate the richness of Indigenous culture in the future.

On Wednesday September 4, 10 students from the Junior School travelled to Kings School Parramatta for a Social Action Expo. Cara Jones has recounted the day below.

In the morning, once arriving at Kings, we listened to 3 amazing presentations. We learned about the B-Kinder Foundation, Cana Farm and School Aid. They were all very interesting and we were able to learn about the different things other communities do for each other.

 The Year 6 students created a stall to show to other schools that were at the event all of the things our school does to show social action and help others.  We talked about how we raise money for Marist Solidarity through our AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE GOLD GOLD GOLD campaign and our annual Easter raffle. We also talked about how we donate to the Marist 180 ‘Christmas Noel’ program through our families giving gifts to those who are living in their care, and we discussed how in Year 5 we travel to Mater Dei to work with and help the students there.

Overall, we had an awesome day and are grateful for the opportunity to tell others about all the great things we are doing at St Greg’s.

Thanks Mrs Bowen and Miss Cecil for taking your time to being able to take us to the Expo!

Cara Jones

What a full and exciting term it has been for our students in the Junior School Library. It’s always buzzing with learning - questions, discussions, inquiring, researching and consolidating. 

Some highlights have been:

Our learning around the 2024 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Shortlist. 

(Insert picture of shortlist on wall)

The 2024 CBCA Winners are:

• Book of the Year: Younger Readers- Scar Town by Tristan Bancks
• Book of the Year: Early Childhood- Gymnastica Fantastica by Briony Stewart
• Book of the Year: Picture Book- Timeless by Kelly Canby
• Book of the Year: Eve Pownall Award- Country Town by Isolde Martyn & Robyn Ridgeway
• Book of the Year: New Illustrator Award- Hope is the Thing by Johanna Bell

Book Week Dress Up Parade. 

The theme this year was “Reading Is Magic”.  Students and teachers enjoyed dressing up for the day and having fun at the parade! It was also great that so many people in our school community joined us- thank you!

Nathan Luff Visit

We were very fortunate to have children’s author, Nathan Luff come to our school to do workshops with our students. It was held in the Gregorian Centre during Book Week. Nathan commented on how great the students were at participating and engaging with his stories and content. Well done students! It was also great to see the teachers enjoying it too. What I found excellent about the day was how Nathan was able to change his presentations to appeal to the audience in front of him with age-appropriate content. We had many students who pre-ordered books that were signed by him personally. 

5-Word Magic Story Writing Competition

Prior to Book Week, we opened a competition where it was optional to enter a 5-word Magic story competition. We had 145 entries. It was heartwarming to see so many students having fun with it and really thinking of creative stories! There was a winner for each grade. Well done to these students:

Kindergarten - Audrina Frkic - Bibity, Bobity, you’re a princess.

 Year 1 -  Evelyn Salter - Ring the devil at midnight.

 Year 2 -  Lincoln Smith - No wizard dares to defeat.

 Year 3 -  Scarlett Frikic - True loves kiss woke her. 

 Year 4 -  Stella Jensen - The wizard was stuck forever.

 Year 5 -   Rafaela Etuka - Mysterious beasts spawn at midnight.

 Year 6 -  Polly McGovern - She disappeared when I blinked.

We look forward to finishing off a great term by engaging with online safety and digital citizenship lessons. 

Some handy tips for parents to keep your children safe online are:

1. Set clear ground rules about who they communicate with and how. 

2. Use technology to protect them such as parental controls.

3. Spend time with them online, periodically checking profiles, posts and internet use.

4. Model healthy online habits. 

5. Let them have fun expressing themselves but encourage open communication with you. 

Yours in Library,

Mrs Timmins 

Teacher Librarian 

Hola a todos! Hello everyone!

I recently attended a Conference for Language Teachers from all over Sydney. 

These meetings are always fun and full of stories of successes in the classroom. 

I was lucky enough to be amongst wonderful Language teachers from many independent schools where we shared the ways our students interact and learn the best.

Spanish at St Gregory’s Junior School stood out that day. I was able to share and demonstrate the way I have been able to obtain the very best from our students through song, play,  the use of picture books, and storytelling. 

Not just stories like familiar Fairy Tales, but stories of cultural backgrounds, stories about immigration and how we all have family stories that have made us who we are.

This Term, our Spanish classes have focused on storytelling. 

We have looked at friendship - amistades, generosity - generosidad, family - familia and school life – la vida en el colegio.

Learning to express our own needs and to be able to identify the needs of characters in bilingual books has been quite fun. 

We have created a super wall of successes and work in progress pieces. 

From drawings of rainbow fish, maps of our local shops in Gregory Hills (labelled in Spanish of course) to portraits of grandmothers and friends with Spanish personality traits. has enabled children and teachers to see the variety of work and fun we get up to in class.

I encourage you to sing Spanish songs, watch Spanish movies or listen to your child’s stories about what they did and heard Mrs Grados say on their Spanish day. 

Learning a new language can be a lot of fun if those around you get into the fun also.

Mrs Paula Grados

Independent Primary Schools Sporting Organisation (IPSSO)

IPSSO Results Week 6

On Wednesday, 28 August 2024, our teams competed against Macarthur Anglican College.

Junior AFL 

Score : SGC 32  - 13 MAS

Special Mention

• Alessia Siracusa- for her ability to get possession of the ball despite strong winds working against her. 
• Clara Romeo for giving it 100% every minute of the game
• Patrick O’Neil for showing determination throughout the game.

 Junior Netball 

Score : SGC  23 - 2 MAS

 Special Mention

• Sofiya Hegarty for playing with a positive attitude even when the wind was pushed her shots all over the place. 
• Stella Jensen for her swift, long shots at goal. 
• Zarah Rossi for always finding a free space and quickly moving the ball up the court. 

 Junior Boys Soccer

Score : SGC: 1 - 2 MAS

 Special Mention

• Harry Fuser and William Simpson for their outstanding keeping in both halves.
• Noah Cameron for the strength and determination he displayed in the midfield.
• Henley Pereira for his wonderful defence and intelligence when moving the ball forward. (MOTM)

 Senior AFL

Score : SGC  2 -  28 MAS

 Special Mention 

• All the girls that filled in this week, thank you for stepping up and giving it your best.
• Jacob Gordon for his willingness to assist the girls with drills before the game and offering positive feedback during the game. 
• Patrick Males for showing a positive attitude and great determination throughout the game. 

 Senior Netball 

Score :SGC 18  - 10 MAS

 Special Mention

• Cleo Lane for her spirited and athletic attack
• Lia Solylo and Sasha Pereira for filling in with fantastic attack and defence
• Mia Steven for her superb shooting and attack.

 Senior Boys Soccer

Score : SGC  5 - 2 MAS

 Special Mention

• Joshua Suffell for scoring a hattrick
• Michaelangelo Torcaso for his control and strong distribution of the ball.
• Ryan Delaney for his energy on the wing and precision crossing.

 IPSSO Results Week 7

On Wednesday, 4 September 2024, we had a bye.

 IPSSO Results Week 8

On Wednesday, 11 September 2024, 7 out of 8 teams qualified and competed in the IPSSO Finals.

Well done to our 7 teams that qualified to compete at this year's Winter IPSSO finals. Your hard work, dedication, and passion throughout the season have truly shone through.

Congratulations to the Junior Netball, Junior AFL, and Senior AFL teams on being crowned IPSSO Champions of 2024.

Junior Boys Soccer 2^nd

Senior Netball and Newcombe ball 3^rd

Volleyball 4^th

We also want to extend our congratulations to all the teams for a remarkable season. Each game was a display of skill, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Your progress and growth throughout the season have been impressive, and your effort and determination to do well have not gone unnoticed.

A huge thank you goes to the coaching staff, whose guidance and support have been essential in bringing out the best in each athlete. To the parents, friends, and supporters, your encouragement and enthusiasm have fuelled our teams’ success.

Congratulations once again to all our teams and coaches for a truly great season!

                                                                                  GO GREGS!!!!

Wollongong Pathway Representative Sport

Well done to Lia Solylo for representing MacKillop at the NSWPSSA Girls Softball Trial and to James Dash for representing Wollongong at the MacKillop Cricket Trial recently. We are proud of your efforts.

 Good luck to the following students representing Wollongong at the Mackillop Athletics on Wednesday, 25 September:

• Adriana Grados
• Nneka Fashoyin
• Francesca Mandarano
• Summer Quinn
• Beau Stephens
• Lia Solylo
• Kye Harding
• Taylah Kenney
• Eva Luximon
• Audrey Oldfield

Wollongong sport trial nominations for 2025 were communicated to Year 4 and Year 5 families last week via the Parent Portal. Please ensure nominations are completed by the due dates. 

AFL Paul Kelly Cup State Finals

In week 6, our girls' Paul Kelly Cup AFL team took to the field for the state finals at Giants Stadium, home of the GWS Giants. Throughout three games, they secured a convincing win in one match while narrowly falling short in the other two. During the tournament, the team displayed remarkable skill and unwavering determination.

Though they didn’t make it to the semi-finals, their exceptional sportsmanship and performance were truly impressive. Congratulations to our girls for their outstanding representation of our college! Their dedication and the values they showcased are a testament to our community. They should be incredibly proud of their efforts and the example they’ve set for everyone.

 Many thanks to Mr Tim Herbert for being a great coach throughout the tournament.

 Mr Howe PDHPE Teacher/Sports Coordinator

Dear Parents and Carers,

NSW Health will be visiting the College on Tuesday 24 September 2024 as part of the NSW Vaccination Campaign. NSW Health is offering a single dose of HPV and Boostrix (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis -whooping cough). Students are permitted to wear the sports uniform if they are involved. Please ensure your child eats breakfast on the morning of the vaccination.

Consent for the school vaccinations is done through NSW Health. You can now provide online consent for your child’s routine school vaccinations. Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received by NSW Health. If you would like your child to receive this vaccine, please provide consent as soon as possible as per the instructions below. Please note that under the NSW Health school-based vaccination programme this vaccine is only provided free of charge during your child’s current school year. For more information on school vaccinations, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination or call Liverpool Public Health Unit on (02) 9794 0855. If you require information in another language, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/school_vaccination_language.aspx. You will need the following to provide online consent:

1. To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit:

 https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school

2. Follow the steps to log in to your existing Service NSW account. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s licence. If you don’t have a Service NSW account refer to https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/myservicensw-account/how-to-create-an-account to create one.

3. Update or confirm your personal details in Service NSW as required.

4. Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child. You will need to:  

a)    Enter your child’s personal details

b)    Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child  

c)    Read the Parent Information Sheet and privacy statement at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/school_vaccination_language.aspx

d)    Provide consent  

Thank you for your support. 

Dear Parents and Carers,

From 27 August  through the 11 September, students have had sibling, portrait , homeroom and co-curricular photos taken.

To order please go to www.theschoolphotographer.com.au and click Order photos under the Parent section. Enter the code X1689PRE51G to choose an option.

All student photo enquiries can be emailed to enquiries@theschoolphotographer.com.au or call 02 9674 9824. 

Reminders  to order will be sent before the closing date in Term 4. Sport and cocurricular photos will be available to be viewed online early Term 4 and orders will close late Term 4. Please contact the College on 02 4629 4222 or email bgraham@stgregs.nsw.edu.au for further information.

Stephen Bullock attended St Gregory’s between 1996-2001, before attending Western Sydney University to complete a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) / Bachelor of Law. Stephen worked in law firms over the next couple of years, mainly on Commercial Litigation matters before moving to Flight Centre for the following five years. After seeing a lot of the world, Stephen retrained to become a teacher in 2013 completing a Graduate Diploma in Education via the University of New England and began his teaching career at St Gregory's in 2014. 

During his time at the College, Stephen has been actively involved in the Co-Curricular program, coaching the College Mock Trial team (State Champions in 2016), Cricket, Rugby League and Athletics, and teaching Legal Studies, Business Studies and Junior HSIE classes. Stephen has been the Stage 6 Academic Care Leader for the past 4 years, and this term is the Acting Director of Studies.

In 2014, in consultation with Catherine Jeffcoate, Stephen restarted the Old Boy’s Committee at the College, setting up the Old Boy’s Facebook page and adding events to the calendar such as Oztag Days and the Menangle Trot’s Night. The Committee also hosts reunions at the College each year and Vintage Luncheons for our Old Boys who graduated more than 50 Years ago.

“St Gregory’s is not just a workplace for me, it is a second home, and I feel absolutely privileged to be a part of the community at the College, and engage with such a wide variety of students, staff and Old Boys so regularly. It gives me great joy bumping into Old Boys at shopping centres, sporting events,  College events and the like, and hearing about their adventures after their time here. To know you have had even a small impact on their life journey is really special.”

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

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. 

He 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 Marshall 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 email aquig@stgregs.nsw.edu.au or contact my mobile on 0402 901 843 for your expression of interest in supporting this event.

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.

On behalf of the College Principal, the College Foundation Chairman, Mr Bruce Hanrahan and the 30th Annual Celebrity Sports Dinner planning committee, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our major sponsors for their unwavering support.  A special thank you to Wests Group Macarthur for being our Major Sponsor, and to our Gold Sponsors, Meehans Solicitors and  KFC Constructions.  Your contributions are invaluable to the students of St Gregory’s College.