College Newsletter | Term 1 - Week 2 | 10 February 2023

Welcome to 2023!

Mr Matthew Brennan - College Principal (K-12)

Dear members of the St Greg’s family,

"It’s just like a well-oiled machine!" That comment was made to me by a parent towards the end of week one when I asked how his son’s start to the school year had been. It was in reference to the smooth beginning his son in Year 10 had experienced.

Certainly, from my perspective, the year has started very well, and the comment is a compliment to the organised and efficient approach of our staff. However, walking around the grounds and into classrooms, it is obvious that my experience of St Greg’s in the first two weeks of our 97th academic year was so much more.

Brotherhood and our Welcoming Community

We often hear the term "brotherhood" used by the boys in the Senior School and there are many instances of this. This was personified by an interaction I witnessed between a Year 11 student and a new Year 7 on Wednesday of the first week. From a distance I saw the Year 7 boy confused and trying to make sense of his map and timetable in his diary. The Year 11 student, without being asked, helped the younger student identify his classroom and walked him to the room. This natural and simple moment is what builds welcoming communities and is an example of the St Greg’s "brotherhood".

On Monday I also experienced this community as we welcomed the Kindergarten young people for their first full day at the Junior School. Having a few moments to chat with parents and staff at the morning tea and witness the excitement and positivity of all involved was wonderful.

Our Welcoming Assembly was held on Tuesday of Week 1. The first assembly is always a great way to demonstrate our family spirit, and as with any family, we warmly welcome newcomers. For many years I have watched the new members of our community embraced in this special way. Our Marist theme for 2023 is Created and Called – a revolution of love and tenderness. What better way to express love and tenderness than in the authentic welcome we witnessed at this assembly. Click on the link below to watch the Welcome Assembly.

Welcome Assembly

Opening Mass

It was again another occasion where the College came together and celebrated, not only the beginning of our academic year, but the chance to gather as an extended community in Eucharist. The singing of the community, coupled with their responses and reverence, ensured that all present felt uplifted and positive about the year ahead and of the Greg’s family. Particular congratulations to Angus Limbrey for his outstanding address as College Captain. A link to the mass can be found below:

Opening Mass 2023

Staff Hopes for 2023

The staff gathered as a community in the days before your children returned to prepare for the positive year ahead. Staff were asked to think of three things that, as a community, we wished to achieve this year. The findings are interesting. The bigger the word, the more people chose it. My hope is our community, as we reset after three challenging years, is one full of happiness, positivity and balance – just like the wonderful staff.

Growth in the Junior School in 2024 and beyond

The College is very excited to be growing in 2024 with Kindergarten – Year 3 increasing to a third stream in next year. This is due to the large number of the local Gregory Hills community seeking an education at St Gregory’s. Exciting times ahead.

ChatGPT

There has been much written and spoken over the last few months regarding in the Artificial Intelligence chatbot, ChatGPT. The College has engaged a Project Officer to explore this new technology and the possible benefits and uses for both our staff and students, through the lens of improving Teaching and Learning, as well as from a Staff Wellbeing perspective. Regular updates to the community will be provided throughout Term 1, with a timeline of looking at a St Gregory’s college-wide approach to embracing this new and exciting technology.

May St Marcellin, St Gregory and Mary Our Good Mother continue to watch over the St Greg’s Family.

Matthew Brennan

College Principal

Senior School News

Mr Joel Weekes - Assistant Principal

Dear Members of the St Gregory’s College Community,

Well, we are off and running for 2023 and there is so much to be grateful for with our new year upon us. The students across the K-12 College have started strongly and with them has come energy, life and vibrancy. I must say that the College is empty without them!

It has been so refreshing for all members of the College community to return to some sense of normality as we have been able to return to our regular timetable and many of our regular routines.

Western Entrance, Monday Morning and Partnership

Celebrating Student Success

As I did last year, 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.

Events on the Horizon

New Beginnings

Mrs Diana Ivancic - Head of Junior School

Dear Parents/Carers,

There’s nothing quite like a new school year:

A new diary
A new teacher
A new pair of white joggers
A new workbook
A new pencil case
A new lunch box
A new friend.

Beginning the school year is always filled with new hope and goals and experiences. Last week we welcomed our new Kindergarten students as well as other new students in Years 2 - 6. As they walked through the gate wearing bright new joggers and brand-new hairstyles, there was a sense of excitement and hope.

Our Junior School, now at capacity with 380 students, looks ahead at new plans as we expand in 2024.

Old Reminders

There is nothing I love more than greeting the smiling faces of students and families in the morning at the drop off line. It is the best part of my day. We are blessed to be on a private road where there is no public thoroughfare, and our community can pick up and drop off in a well organised and safe manner.

As a community we should all look out for each other. Show respect, patience and kindness. For the safety of all concerned please remember:

No U-turns on Keiran Geaney Drive
Always use the pedestrian crossing, even if you are parked down the road
Indicate before pulling out onto the road
Rules are in place to keep everyone safe.

Meet the Teacher Evening and Year 4 Parent Bootcamp

On Tuesday 14 February, parents and carers are invited to attend information sessions with the child/children’s teacher/s. During this session, teachers will share important information about expectations, learning, excursions/camps and other events that will occur in that grade this year. It is an opportunity to also ask questions.

Year 4 Parent Bootcamp: this is a compulsory session that at least one parent for each student should attend. Matters regarding caring for the device, insurance and cybersafety are very important. Please contact your child’s teacher if you are unable to attend.

5:00 – 6:00pm Years 1 -3
5:30 – 7:00pm Year 4 (Device Bootcamp & information session)
6:00 – 7:00pm Years 5 – 6

We have tried our best to accommodate for more than one child; you may wish to split your time across two classes if these clash and contact your child’s teacher for missed information.

Year 4 1:1 Chromebook Rollout

This year, Year 4 students are the first to take part in the new 1:1 Device Program. All Year 4 students participated in an IT Bootcamp with our IT Department and classroom teachers to ensure all students are equipped with the skills to properly use and care for their device in a safe and informed manner. The College has partnered with HP to provide these devices and Mr Hayden McWilliams from the IT Department will be at the Junior School on a daily basis to provide any support needed. I attended one of the sessions last week and saw a grade of very excited students.

First Day of Kindy

What a wonderful start to the year, welcoming our newest members of St Greg’s in Kindergarten.

There were many smiles and only a few tears (mainly from the parents). Our “Tim Tams and Tissues” morning tea gave our Kindy parents an opportunity to meet with each other and have a chat. We should be so proud of our Kindy students; they have had a wonderful start to their schooling life.

Canteen and Flexischools

We are fortunate to have catering available on the College grounds and lunch orders prepared by Chartwells. If you have any concerns, questions or feedback, this should always be made directly to Chartwells kitchen on stgregoryscatering@compass-group.com.au

Under no circumstances should parents be contacting any of the canteen staff directly via mobile or email. We appreciate your cooperation with this matter.

2023 Professional Learning

There was certainly a positive buzz around the College as we welcomed a number of new staff on Wednesday 25 January. New staff were engaged in an induction day, which included: Learning and Teaching at the College, Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Care, College Policies and Procedures, ICT, a tour of the College and time with their mentor. The Junior School welcomed Mark Gannon (Assistant Head JS), Verity Mackay, Emily Walker and Brigette Khan, whilst in the Senior School we welcomed Shaun Gaspi, Lynette Brown, Kieran Wakeling, Christopher Evans, Troy Nuske, Emily Wilson, Leisa Grant, Mitchell Tyler and Tahlia Morris. We also welcomed 2 new GAP students; Patrick Cleary and Tyler Davison, and in Boarding, we welcomed Adam Withnall.

The middle leadership planning day provided an opportunity for both JS and SS leaders to collaborate, with sessions incorporating Junior School Stage Leaders, Senior School Leaders of Learning, Senior School Academic Care leaders and Senior School Year leaders, as well as Boarding Coordinators. The focus for this day was the College Strategic Plan and priority areas for improvement, particularly the College Teaching and Learning focus for 2023 and beyond.

Teaching staff from both the JS and SS spent two days engaging in Professional Learning to prepare for the 2023 academic year. The first day began as a community, celebrating Mass and welcoming all back to the College. HSC results were celebrated, and new staff welcomed into the entire College community. The first staff professional learning day was centred around the College’s focus for the year, with all staff engaging in discussion and dialogue, “Identifying and celebrating Greg’s Culture”. This could be summarised as the ABC for 2023: A – Academic, B – Behaviour, C – Culture.

The explicit Teaching and Learning focus for 2023 is “know your students”. Staff spent time using Data Placemats to develop class profiles, refining their understanding of differentiation and the importance of such in lesson planning and development. Staff in the Senior School will continue to engage in Professional Learning Groups throughout 2023, planning and developing their own professional learning goals aligned to the Strategic direction of the College. Professional learning opportunities will continue within these groups, providing cross KLA collaboration. The focus for Semester 1 is “Universal Design for Learning”, with all SS staff completing an online course, “Inclusive Frameworks: Universal Design for Learning”, attributing to 6 hours of NESA accredited PD.

Staff spent time reviewing Annual Review processes, goal setting, discussing, and planning for Quality Assessment Practices and Procedures, as well as attending KLA meetings, Year meetings, and completing individual planning and preparation. Throughout these Professional Learning days, time was also spent with staff re engaging with the College Agile Graduate Model (SS) and Learner Profiles (JS). Staff in the Junior School were engaged in team building activities, writer’s workshops as well as analysing the cultural forces that define classrooms.

Students returned on Tuesday 31st January with excitement and enthusiasm, with the day commencing in the Senior School with a College assembly, welcoming new students, and new staff, reflecting the wonderful community that St Greg’s truly is. It was certainly exciting to welcome the new Year 7 2022 cohort. Throughout the day, Year 7 students were involved in a range of classroom experiences in Science, TAS, PDHPE, Art and Music. Year 12 returned, continuing their HSC studies and Year 11 commencing their Stage 6 journey.

It is certainly exciting to be back in classrooms with the students as they commence their 2023 educational journey.

Ms Judith Tolomeo

Director of Teaching and Learning

Reminders for 2023

Dear College Community,

Welcome back to another school year. 2023 is the Year of the ‘RESET’, we look forward to seeing our students flourish and develop into amazing young men who have set goals and manage to achieve them. I also extend a warm welcome to our new students and their families.

This year the focus is on Academics, Behaviour and Culture, simply known as our A.B.C. Together, the College community will be working hard to set high standards and uphold them.

Our Year 7 students have made a wonderful start, it is always heart-warming to see so many new faces who are eager to make a positive start. Last week I walked around the College and visited some Year 7 classes on Friday afternoon, The boys were all very attentive and excited about the learning opportunities.

A special mention to Mrs Price and her Year 7 Homeroom team who have guided the boys to the best possible start.

Important pastoral events Term 1

Term 1 is a very busy time for both staff and students. The term is filled with many events and celebrations:

Week 3 - Year 7 Twilight Dance
Week 4 - Year 9 The Rite Journey Calling and Departure Ceremony
Week 6 - Years 7-9 Dance at St Pat’s
Week 7 - Year 7 Boys and Blokes Sports Olympiad
Week 8 - Harmony Day Assembly
Week 8 - Year 7 Grandparents Day
Week 9 - Year 10 The Rite Journey Homecoming Ceremony
Week 9 - Year 10-12 P.A.R.T.Y Program 2023
Week 10 - Year 10 Camp

Rewards Program @ Greg’s

In this newsletter, I would like to refresh parents on how students at St Greg’s can obtain Green Stamps, Reward Points and Positive Merits throughout the year. The aim is to reach 100 points to qualify for a College Medallion.

Students and parents can track their progress and points tally via the Rewards dashboard. Students can also redeem points to receive exclusive College memorabilia and other incentives. All this information is found in the student diary.

Student Diary Use

As the term begins, I would like to remind parents of the importance of checking their son's College diary consistently each week. There is an expectation that parents sign the bottom of the Student Diary each week and look over their son’s communication that may be coming from teachers. This is replicated with parents placing notes in the diary for the teacher to read. Parents are also required to read over the policy pages in the diary about Cyber safety, Bullying and harassment and ICT responsibilities, both the student and parent need to sign these pages to show their acknowledgment and support.

Absenteeism and Attendance

We expect all students to be punctual each day and attend school regularly. School attendance is carefully monitored as it forms part of a legal document. If your child is away from the College you will receive an SMS notification. We ask that parents consistently communicate with the College when a student is absent in explaining their absence. This can be completed by the Sentral Attendance App or via email at studentservices@stgregs.nsw.edu.au or by voicemail. If your child requires extended leave, they will need to seek the College Principal's approval.

Kind regards

Mr Baldino Vetrano

Director of Students

Upcoming Events for the Senior Students

Upcoming events

Monday 13 February -Year 7 Laptop Bootcamp
Wednesday 15 February - Year 7 – 10 2022 Semester 2 Academic Awards Assembly
Wednesday 15 February - Year 11 Information Evening (Online 7.00pm)
Thursday 16 February - Year 7 PAT testing
Tuesday 28 February - Year 10 Information Evening (Online 7.00pm)
Tuesday 14 March - Year 7 Study Skills Evening (Br. Luke Hall 6.30pm)
Wednesday 15 March - NAPLAN Begins (Year 3, 5, 7, 9)
Tuesday 21 March - Year 8 Study Skills Evening (Br. Luke Hall 6.30pm)
Monday 27 March - Year 12 Assessment Block
Thursday 30 March - HSC Minimum Standards Year 10 (and catch-up for Year 11/12)

Welcome!

Dear Parents and Friends,

What an encouraging and positive start to the year we had last Monday as we welcomed 36 new students into our boarding community. It is fantastic to see our boarding numbers growing again with up to 150 boarding students to begin the year. It is still early; however, it is pleasing to see how quickly our new boys have settled into life at the College. This year’s cohort is made up of students from all over Australia, including the Northern Territory, Regional New South Wales and Metropolitan Sydney. Despite the obvious challenge of familiarising themselves with a new school, living arrangements, routines and being away from family, these boys are doing a remarkable job. Sincere thanks to all parents, friends, and boarding staff for helping these boys adjust so well.

I thank all our existing families for continuing to support the College and spreading the good news about St Gregory’s College. You are our best advocates, and we thank you for promoting our College. I encourage all our new families to immerse themselves in what St Gregory’s has to offer. This is a special place that will not only provide tremendous opportunities for your son in assisting his transition from boy to man, but will allow you the opportunity to meet some wonderful people and enjoy some fantastic experiences as you join your son on this journey. Welcome to St Gregory’s College.

There has been plenty of activity over the first couple of weeks with numerous onsite activities and offsite activities. A whole school trip to Gunnamatta Bay was enjoyed by all on Sunday, which was a good opportunity for the boys to relax after a busy first week. There was plenty of eating, wrestling in the water and spending hours jumping off the pier.

The College Sports Program is in full swing with Parramatta Diocese Sport (PDS) and Independent Schools Association (ISA) competitions being successfully run in Cricket, Basketball and Touch Football, and our Vertical Team's competition was launched this week, with a weekly Touch Football Competition the first order of business. Additionally, the gym and pool have been busy, Rugby League and Rugby Union training has commenced in preparation for our Winter competitions, and it is wonderful to be celebrating our weekly mass and hearing the boy's sing. Your sons have been very busy!

On Tuesday last week I spoke to the boys about a number of areas I would like us to focus on as a community this year;

Wellbeing (fostering a safe community where students feel valued and can thrive)

I outlined our policy regarding bullying and explained very clearly that behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated.

Commitment (to growing as learning community and students achieving their best)

I put the challenge to all boarders that they should be aiming to ensure maximum effort in all subjects at all times.

Contribution (to our College and Boarding Community through service and co-curricular)

We are a high expectations College, and our Boarding students should be setting the standard in this regard. I will be setting high expectations for the boys in relation to grooming and uniform and encouraging the boys to open their minds to new challenges and opportunities. Playing Saturday sports is a good start however there are so many other opportunities to contribute to the life of the College and beyond. The College Musical and Public speaking and debating are just a couple of the opportunities that will present themselves this term for the boys to actively engage with College life. This ties in well with Mr. Brennan’s challenge for the students to be focusing on A.B.C; Academics, Behaviour and Culture.

STAFFING

It gives me great pleasure to welcome five new boarding supervisors to our team in 2023. Mr. James Sykes, Mr. Patrick Star, Mr. Adam Withnall, Mr. Pat Cleary and Mr. Tyler Davison. James, Patrick, and Pat have a connection with the College as old boys, while Tyler has joined us as a GAP Student from Wales, and Adam is the current Head of Mathematics at Mount Carmel Catholic High School, another local Marist School. All of these gentlemen will be fine additions to our boarding staff.

As indicated in my welcome letter this year, I remind you that our management structure for 2023 involves Tevita Halaifonua, looking after our Years 7 to 9 students, and Prateek Kripal looking after our Years 10 to 12 students. Please ensure you have all their contact details as they manage your sons on a daily basis. Could I also remind everyone to watch out for communication from Danielle Sherd and ensure that any change to your personal details is communicated to us as quickly as possible.

BOARDERS' HANDBOOK

The Boarder's Handbook has been updated with all our procedures and policies for 2023. Hard copies of these were provided to all families on your son's return to the College. For families that did not receive this, we have posted your copy. Please contact Danielle Sherd if this has not arrived.

ISA SPORT

The summer sports program recommenced last week. Our basketball, touch football and cricket teams have three rounds remaining of their competitions before the semi-finals. Where possible we have added new boarders to our teams, however in some instances they will need to wait until the commencement of our winter sports competitions in Week 7 to participate fully. Training for the winter competitions has already commenced.

For all families, please be aware that the semi-finals for the ISA competition are on the 4 March. This clashes with our Free Weekend. It is expected that boarders commit to these games for the integrity of the competition and the good reputation of the College. If your son's team is in the semi-finals and he can’t play I would ask that you have a conversation with me directly about this.

The current tables are as follows:

Team	Current Place	Team	Current Place
1st XI Cricket	2nd	Basketball - U14/A	5th
Junior Touch	4th	Basketball - U/14B	1st
Senior Touch	5th	Basketball - U/15A	1st
Basketball - 1st V	1st	Basketball - U/15B	3rd
Basketball - U/13A	3rd	Basketball - U/17A	4th
Basketball - U/13B	8th	Basketball - U/17B	8th

COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA

The Australian Boarding Schools Association produce a quarterly magazine called ‘Lights Out’. It is a wonderful resource that has lots of interesting stories relative to Boarding. The e-version of this resource can be accessed on the ABSA website https://www.boarding.org.au/our-community/lights-out-journal-1 You can also sign up to the website to receive notifications. It is a wonderful resource, and I would encourage all of our boarding families to make use of it.

A reminder about our Facebook and Instagram accounts. These sites are live so please make sure you get onto them if you have accounts. If it is your first foray into social media, (I do not blame you) perhaps your sons can assist you!

The wonderful Boarding Coordinators have also set up blogs you can follow showcasing what your son is up to while in boarding. These blogs can be accessed here:

Year 10 to 12 – https://pkripal.wixsite.com/senioryearsboarding

Year 7 to 9 - https://thalaifonua.wixsite.com/juniorboarding2022

I am excited for the year ahead, and I look forward to continuing to grow our boarding program to benefit the wonderful young men in our care. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns. We have already dealt with a few bouts of homesickness and some medical issues, including COVID, so communication is key to getting these things sorted.

Ad Jesus Per Mariam

Luke Morrissey

2023 School Fees

Dear Parents and Carers

As we have now generated the 2023 Fee Invoices. Could I please remind all families that you log into your portal to view your invoice and set up your payment schedule for fees.

On our fee schedules, and now in our conditions of enrolment, we state that at least 25% of the annual fees must be paid each College Term and that the whole fees must be paid in full by 30 November each year.

Please ensure that you check the portal on a regular basis for sundry invoices which need to be paid within 14 days of receiving the invoice.

Navigating Online Friendships - FREE online webinar

This 30-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people in secondary school.

It will cover:

how to support young people to have safe and respectful relationships online
what to do when something happens at school and ends up on social media or private messaging apps
how to report to social media platforms and eSafety.

Thursday 23 February 7.30pm

Canteen and Flexischools

Under no circumstances should parents be contacting any of the canteen staff directly via mobile or email. We appreciate your cooperation with this matter.

NRL Indigenous All Stars Community visit

On Saturday 4 February, Tharawal community centre hosted a community event where NRL Indigenous male and female players were invited to engage with community before leaving to embark on this years All Stars celebrations for 2023 in Rotorua New Zealand. This year’s celebrations will pay respects to the 50th year anniversary of the first all First Nations Rugby league team to tour New Zealand.

It was great to see a number of our day and boarding boys attend the community event and engage in the community activities on the day. Not only did our boys engage with the players heading over to represent the Indigenous All Stars team this year, but they also got to engage with local elders, community leaders as well as link up with community who were able to attend on the day.

A highlight of the day was the acknowledgement of achievements of both Lorima Cosgrove and Preston Smallwood. Both boys recently were selected to represent NSW in the Koori V Murri Interstate challenge and they were both recognised for their achievements on the day by the NRL playing group.

Year 7 Twilight Dance

Music Excursion to Sydney Opera House

The Music faculty has started the year running with its first of many excursions of 2023. On Thursday of Week 1, a group of 17 boys attended the Sydney Opera House to attend a live orchestral performance of the music for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

The boys thoroughly enjoyed watching the film whilst taking note of the performance of the orchestra sitting in front of the screen. A delightful evening was had by all. with the added bonus of being witness to a Ryan Gosling film being shot on the Opera House steps.

2023 School Fees

Dear Parents and Carers

As we have now generated the 2023 Fee Invoices. Could I please remind all families that you log into your portal to view your invoice and set up your payment schedule for fees.

Please ensure that you check the portal on a regular basis for sundry invoices which need to be paid within 14 days of receiving the invoice.

Sport in the Junior School

Wollongong Diocesan and Mackillop Trials

On Wednesday 15 February; Charlize Potts, Ivy Smith, Taylah Kenney, and Finn Dumesny will represent Wollongong at the Mackillop Touch Football Trial in Yass, NSW. We wish these students all the best at this trial.

Independent Primary Schools Sporting Organisation

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

Junior Oz Tag

Abigail Delaney
Harrison Fuser
Jayk Jedryhowski
Stella Jensen
Oliver Moore
Beau Stephens
Emilia Balan
Hunter Clark
Noah Jardine
Cleo Lane
Taylor Masterson
Jake Stephens
Mia Stevens

Junior Basketball

Benjamin Devlin
Tiana Eva
Clara Romeo
William Simpson
Zac Bruce
Tyler Cummins
Hayden Grill
Estelle Paki
Jessica Ruksens
Lincoln Watling

Junior Cricket

William Ashton
Lucas Hayes
Jude Lane
Benjamin Mumford
Marcello Torcaso
James Dash
Alphonse Philip
Patrick Ursino

Junior Girls Soccer

Nneka Fashoyin
Lucia Gajda
Chloe Jones
Francesca Mandarano
Sophia Murialdo
Alessia Siracusa
Harper Stassen
Charlotte Sutton
Amelia Vella
Amelia Gillard
Ava Haddad
Isabella Iuliano
Emily Scott-Glassock
Lia Solylo
Georgie Wilson

Senior Oz Tag

Ivy Bushby
Jacob Gordon
Taylah Kenney
Piper Lane
William Mumford
Lila Richards
Sienna Caruana
Finn Dumesny
Zane Mallinson
Nate Millar
Charlize Potts
Braxton Woolford

Senior Basketball

Addison Day
Stella Herbert
Audrey Oldfield
Coby Ornowski
Joshua Suffell
Christopher Blyton
Hudson Buckley
Noah Forsyth
Sabah Paki
Dylan Sheil

Senior Cricket

Samuel Brown
Ryan Delaney
Charlie Farias
Cooper Hayes
Humza Khan
Archie Putland
Lucas Spragg
Lawson Sutton

Senior Girls Soccer

Siena Austin
Kiera Howe
Cara Jones
Eva Luximon
Georgia Murialdo
Evangeline Palumbo
Olivia Sheedy
Indiana Vaccaro
Jennifer Bartlett
Sofia Corbo
Keira Eagles
Mikayla Faro
Amelia Howe
Isabella Palumbo
Ivy Smith

Congratulations to those students. All our teams are looking forward to commencing the IPSSO Summer 2023 competition against Wollondilly Anglican College on Wednesday, Week 3.

Wednesday Grade Sport

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

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

Years 3-6 students outside IPSSO teams will be doing skill-based sessions through modified games and in-house competitions. The sports undertaken will be the same as the IPSSO seasonal sports.

Junior School Cross Country

Our Junior School Cross Country will be held on Wednesday, March 8, Week 6. The K-2 students will be running approximately 600m, and Year 3-6 students will be running 2kms.

Year 2 students turning 8 this year, are welcome to run in the 2km race. Next week in our Year 2 PE lesson, we will walk most of the course to give students an idea of what the 2km course entails. Please discuss with your child if this is something your child would be competitive in and wants to do. Next week, a google form will be emailed to you seeking an expression of interest for your child to compete in the 2km race. If your child does not wish to participate in the 2km run or the google form is not completed to the College before the due date, they will compete in the 600m course.

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

The categories for the 2km event are:

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

The categories for the K-2 event are:

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

AFL NAB Auskick

On Fridays from the 17 February to the 10 March, the AFL will hold sessions at the College from 3:15 pm – 4:15 pm. For further information, please refer to the flyer in this newsletter.

Darryl Howe

PDHPE Teacher/Sports Coordinator

Interschools Snowsports Championships

In 2023, St Gregory’s will be providing students with an opportunity to travel to Perisher to compete in the NSW Interschools Snowsports Championships. The Interschools Snowsports Championships is a series of snow sports competitions where students compete for their school as part of a team or as an individual in any of the nine discipline events. The competition is open to school students from Kindergarten to Year 12.

School students from all ability levels are encouraged to enter, with an emphasis on fun and participation in the initial Regional Championships. As the competitions move into the State and Australian events, the level of competition and the degree of difficulty increases. It is advised that all competitors must be able to execute linked turns and ride a chairlift/T-bar confidently, prior to competing in regional level events.

It is also important to note that St Gregory’s will not be booking accommodation, lift tickets or offering supervision of students during any Snowsports Championships. It is the responsibility of individual students and their families to organise accommodation and travel to and from the Championships. The College will assist in the registration of competitors and facilitate any information sharing that may be required prior to competition.

The College will pay students' registration which includes event insurance and administration costs for running the event. Race entry fees of $49 per discipline, per competitor at each Championship are paid by Parents. Please note that the entry fees do not include your lift ticket.

If you are interested in having your son or daughter compete, please fill in your expression of interest by clicking on the link below and where you will have access to further details

Expression of Interest - https://forms.gle/BuLgcKkN3dDCbbCK8

Important 2023 dates & info:

Entries need to be finalised by early June.

St Gregory's competes in Northern NSW & QLD Championships with the first regional stage of the competition occurring on July 4th to 7th 2023 (Tue to Fri – 4 days) at Perisher. If successful at this stage students may continue to compete in the:

SUBARU NSW/ACT/QLD STATE Championships: August 21st to 25th 2023 (Mon to Fri – 5 days & nights) at Perisher.
SUBARU AUSTRALIAN Championships: September 5th to 10th 2023 (Tues to Sun – 6 days) at Mount Buller, VIC.

For any further details, please contact Mrs Ally Buckley, Parent Engagement Coordinator and Snowsports Coordinator, on the following email abuckley@stgregs.nsw.edu.au

What Disciplines are on Offer?

• Alpine – Skiers are timed on a modified giant slalom course.

• Ski Cross – skiers are timed individually on a course including jumps and high-banked turns.

• Moguls – Skiers are scored on a bumps/jumps course.

• Snowboard GS (Giant Slalom) – Snowboarders are timed on a modified giant slalom course.

• Snowboard Cross – Snowboarders are timed individually on a course including jumps and highbanked turns.

• Cross Country Classic – Raced with skate or classic cross-country skis or style with a mass start. Teams need to field three skiers to achieve a team result. Classic cross-country style must be used.

• Cross Country Relay – Three skier relay team event only.

• Ski Slopestyle – Skiers are scored on a variety of obstacles including jumps, rails and/or other terrain park features. Division 1 – 3 can only compete in this discipline.

• Snowboard Slopestyle – Snowboarders are scored on a variety of obstacles including jumps, rail and/or other terrain park features. Division 1 – 3 can only compete in this discipline.

Teams?

Interschools is a team-based competition for students attending the same school, although individuals can also enter. The Cross-Country Relay is a team-only event. To achieve a team result, teams need to include:

• 3-4 competitors for Alpine.

• 2-3 competitors for Ski Cross, Moguls, Snowboard GS, Snowboard Cross and Ski and Snowboard Slopestyle.

• 3 competitors for the Cross Country Classic and Relay.

What Division do I Compete In? Teams and individuals compete in their school divisions:

• Division 1 – Years 11 & 12

• Division 2 – Years 9 & 10

• Division 3 – Years 7 & 8

• Division 4 – Years 5 & 6

• Division 5 – Year 4 and below.

• Division 6 (Kindergarten to Year 2) is available in Alpine and Ski Cross only.

Competitors can compete up a division to make a team, but competitors must stay in that division in further Championships. Competitors can compete in one discipline in their own division and another division for other disciplines. Primary school competitors (Division 4 & 5) cannot race in a Secondary Division (1, 2 or 3). Females can compete in a male team.