Dear Members of the St Gregory’s Family,

        It has been a very successful few weeks for our community, as you will read in this last edition for 2024. Success looks different for all students and is achieved in and out of the classroom, on and off the sporting arena, and through co-curricular pursuits. Enjoy reading about the great work our students from K-12 have done recently.

Reflecting on the Deeper Meaning of Christmas

The festive season is upon us. The world is adorned with decorations and echoes with carols; however, it is crucial to move beyond mere sentimentality. The call to actively seek peace and goodwill involves more than a superficial celebration; it requires a genuine commitment to embodying the Christmas spirit in our interactions with others.

I recently read a pertinent quote by Holocaust survivor and 1986 Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel: “The opposite of good isn’t evil, it’s indifference.” The quote is relevant when considering the themes of peace and Christmas because, in this context, indifference becomes a serious concern.

The Christmas story is of profound significance, symbolising hope, love, and the potential for positive transformation. The arrival of the Christ child is a testament to divine intervention in human history, bringing with it the promise of peace on Earth and goodwill toward all.

While celebrating Christmas, we are faced with a challenge: will we remain indifferent to the needs of those around us and their struggles? Or, rather, will we reject passive observance and actively seek opportunities to spread love, foster understanding, and contribute to the well-being of others?

Recognising Effort

While we recognise and celebrate our students’ outstanding achievements, which have led to the many successes mentioned, the real measure of success isn’t necessarily the accolade. Instead, it is the hard work behind it. Many students have worked exceptionally hard and have not necessarily been recognised. Their efforts, sometimes without affirmation, are truly admirable.

Various writers, including Daniel Coyle, author of The Talent Code: Greatness Isn’t Born. It’s Grown, argue that we should “use the language of rewarding effort and not talent” and that “it is best to acknowledge the efforts to master small tasks.” He goes on to say that “being a prodigy is an unreliable predictor of long-term success.” The achievements and successes of the year are the culmination of persistence, overcoming adversity, learning from failure, discipline, dedication, and sacrifice. What we celebrate are these qualities. It was done so well in our Junior School ‘Celebration of Learning’ and will be celebrated in the Senior School next Wednesday.

Dear Members of the St Gregory’s Family,  

      It is hard to believe that this is the last newsletter of the year, and that our students will be finishing for the year next Wednesday! In all schools, this time of year becomes extremely fast-paced. That said, at our College, the learning taking place in the classroom remains engaging and is focused on getting the best from the students. This is our goal and focus right up until the last day of this year. We are really looking forward to our final days next week and celebrating the year on the last day with all of our students at the College Mass and the Years 7-10 Academic Awards Assembly. It is expected that all students attend on the final day before their well-deserved Christmas holiday break.

A Time of Celebration  

Last Friday, and indeed today, we celebrated two of our final assemblies of the year in the Senior College. It was a lovely time to recognise the wonderful achievements of our students throughout the year. Some of the achievements we acknowledged in our assemblies included Immersion presentations, Dorothea Mackellar Poetry winners, Band Performances, National Basketball and Marist Cricket send-offs, Bell Shakespeare winners, ICAS Awards, sporting feats, and many more.

There are so many wonderful things happening at St Gregory’s, with our students taking up the endless opportunities to be involved in the culture and fabric of this amazing College. Well done to all the students who were celebrated.

We look forward to celebrating the Christmas Mass and the Year 7-10 Academic Awards Assembly to finish off the year this coming Wednesday.

As the College year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and celebrate all that we have achieved together in 2024. This year has been filled with incredible events, wonderful successes, and a sense of unity that continues to define our College community.

For our Year 6 students, this moment marks the end of an era. They are our foundation group when our Junior School first opened its doors in 2018, and their journey has been so special to watch. As they walked into a brand-new school building with minimal resources and new staff, they placed their trust in St Gregory’s to help them learn and grow. This group holds a special place in our hearts, as they have grown alongside our College, helping to shape its identity and spirit. There are not many students and families who have had the opportunity to be founding members of a College. You are all part of a new chapter in history.

As Year 6 students prepare to embark on their next chapter of their educational life in high school, we farewell them with our blessings and well-wishes. Though it’s a bittersweet moment, we are filled with pride for all they have achieved and confidence in the bright futures that await them. Leaving the familiar surroundings of primary school can be daunting, but it also opens the door to exciting opportunities and new beginnings. We know they will continue to shine wherever they go.

On a personal note, I too look forward to embarking on an adventure as I take leave in 2025 to travel with my husband. While I am excited for the adventures ahead, I will deeply miss the daily smiles of our students and families at the gate each morning and afternoon. Being part of this community is a privilege and a joy, and I am so thankful for the incredible memories we’ve created together. I know that I leave the College in the capable leadership of Mr Mark Gannon and Mrs Robyn Bowen. 

As we approach the Christmas season, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone—students, parents/carers, and staff—for the support, collaboration, and shared commitment to making our College a place of excellence and belonging. May your Christmas be filled with joy, good health, and cherished moments with your loved ones.

Wishing you all a safe and restful holiday, and I look forward to hearing about the continued growth and success of our wonderful College community in 2025.

God Bless

Diana Ivancic

Head of Junior School

Throughout 2024, many students in Year 10 have worked towards completing the Community Service Project. Many of these students have gone above and beyond to earn a Service Medallion. Two of our students have been recognised for their extraordinary contribution with a special monetary award.

Congratulations:

Nicholas Adams

Nathaniel Antonius

Oliver Askew

Angus Banks

Jayden Bonetti

Ryan Burfitt

Eamon Callaghan

Ashton Chan-sau

Tristan Chanthivong

Dylan Chew

Cooper Clugston

Heaven Concepcion

Giles Consunji

Anthony Day

Bailey Ehlen

Karrwii Fair-Townsend 

Jacobi Fernando

Isaac Filipo

Owen Fishlock

Thomas Geale

Archie Graham

Joseph Hallaby

Joshua Harris

Fraser Holdsworth

Khai Hughes

Connor Keating

Ethan Kenney

Liam King

Leon Leejo

Benjamin Lepre

Riley Logozzo

Cooper McInnes

Nash Moody

Dylan Murray

Cameron Newell

Alexander Nolan

Declan O'Donovan

Micah Pace

Rymer Perrin

Nate Power

Jack Sainsbury

Thomas Scott-Glassock

Mitchell Sewell

Amal Shibu

George Smith

Marcus Sykes

Jaxon White

Aydon Whitehead

Mitchell Williams

High potential students are those whose potential exceeds that of students of the same age. They may benefit from an enriched or extended curriculum and learning opportunities beyond the typical level of their age peers.

So, what has been happening in the High Potential Learning space at St Gregory’s?

This week, St Gregory’s College hosted our inaugural Hackathon. This all-day event, frequently run in universities, challenges students to solve a given problem by investigating, planning, and prototyping a solution within the day.

Four schools participated: St Gregory’s College Senior, two teams from the Junior School, Clancy Catholic College, John Therry, and St Patrick’s College. Students from Year 5 to Year 9 worked on solving emerging issues brought about by the rapid expansion of our Southwest Sydney corridor. These included a focus on wellbeing and train stations, rapid evolutions in public transport using a gondola system, an eco-net that spans industrial areas to capture increased carbon dioxide, and even evolutionary green fuels for the many airplanes that will soon be part of our skyline.

We welcomed some amazing judges, including Sally Quinnell (MP) and a representative from the Western Sydney Airport, who deliberated on these incredible ideas from our best and brightest in the area. The winning team from St Patrick’s College pitched a green fuel alternative that was out of this world.

The day was a huge success, with students consistently engaged and buzzing about real-world, authentic learning. Their project management skills, collaboration, time management, and creativity are all assets in the changing workplace, and these students will undoubtedly be at the vanguard of all things STEM in the coming years.

We will be holding this event annually and are looking forward to an even bigger and brighter event in 2025.

Special thanks goes to Mrs Lauren Armbruster, St Gregory’s High Potential Project Officer, who planned for, and and coordinated this fabulous event. 

Judith Tolomeo

Director of Teaching and Learning

Dear Students, Families, and Staff,

As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the many incredible experiences and achievements that have shaped this year. From moments of discovery to milestones of growth, it’s been a year filled with inspiration and community spirit.

A Year of Growth and Adventure

One of the highlights of Term 1 was the Year 7 and 8 Camp, which brought together our youngest secondary students for an unforgettable experience. Whether it was tackling team challenges, exploring the outdoors, or bonding over campfire stories, the camp was a powerful reminder of the value of connection and collaboration.

For our Year 9 and 10 students, the Rite Journey program continued to be a cornerstone of personal growth and reflection. The accompanying camps were transformative experiences, challenging students to step out of their comfort zones and deepen their understanding of themselves and their peers. These moments were a testament to our commitment to nurturing not just academic success but also personal development.

Celebrating Achievements

From the exceptional projects presented in a variety of different subject areas to the captivating performances in the school musical, this year has been a showcase of the incredible talents and dedication of our students. Highlights included the unforgettable Year 12 Graduation Ceremony, where we celebrated the achievements and bright futures of our senior class, and the various sporting teams’ thrilling championship victory, which united us all in pride and excitement.

Building Community

Throughout the year, we gathered for events like Harmony Day, Wellness Week, and RUOK? Day, fostering a sense of togetherness and celebrating the unique contributions of everyone in our school. Service projects, such as visits to youth detention centres and student immersions, underscored our commitment to giving back and making a positive impact beyond our College.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, 11 December: Year 7 – 10 Academic Assembly and Reports will be Published

Wednesday, 18 December: HSC Celebration Breakfast (HSC Results Released by NESA)

Friday, 7 February: HSC High Achievers’ Assembly (9:00 am)

Homework Club

Homework Club has now finished for the year. We wish to congratulate all the boys who attended Monday afternoon sessions. Homework Club will resume in Week 2 next year.

Stage 5 Electives and Stage 6 Course Selection

Earlier in the term, Year 8 and Year 10 students received their course offers for next year. Students can change their electives/courses until Friday, 7 February. After this time, they will be locked into their courses so that they can complete the hours required for the course. Please be aware that some courses are now full, so students will not be able to change into these courses. Change forms are available from Student Services.

HSC Disability Provisions – 2025

HSC students receiving Inclusive Education assistance in assessment tasks may be eligible for HSC Exam Disability Provisions. The application process is through NESA, and parents will need to contact our Head of Department for Inclusive Education, Mrs. Grant (lgrant@stgregs.nsw.edu.au) at the end of this term or the beginning of the first term of 2025.

Disability Provisions address specific student examination needs related to the individual impact of:

• NESA approved, medically evidenced physical or psychological disability
• NESA approved, medically evidenced visual or hearing impairment that may require specialised equipment
• A diagnosed, medically evidenced learning disability, who, because of NESA approved testing, may need to use a reader or writer during examinations.

More information can also be found using the link below:

NSW Education Standards Authority HSC Disability Provisions

Year 7 – 10 Academic Assembly

The College’s Year 7 – 10 Academic Assembly will be held in the Br. Luke Hall at 9:00 am on Wednesday, 11 December. This will be a chance to celebrate students’ achievements for 2025. All families are welcome, and the families of award recipients will be notified by email on Monday, 9 December.

Year 7 – 10 Semester 2 Reports

Semester 2 Reports will be issued on Wednesday, 11 December. This will be a great opportunity for families to celebrate each student’s achievements, to discuss goals and improvements for 2025, and to continue thinking about their career path.

For students in Year 7 – 9, grades in Reports are a useful indicator for general career directions but also for courses that students might choose in Year 11 and 12. The College makes recommendations for students mid-way through Year 10 to guide their course selection in Stage 6. There are higher level courses that are only suitable for students who have demonstrated aptitude (and good grades) in the Year 10 Semester 1 Report. More information is available during our Information Evenings at the beginning of 2025 and in students’ Academic Handbooks.

HSC Results and Celebration Breakfast

HSC Results will be available for students on Wednesday, 18 December. Students will access their HSC results on NESA Students Online and their ATAR results from the UAC Website. In preparation for this, we advise all students to have their Student Number, and their access codes stored so that they can find out their results and download their testamurs. Students can also indicate on the NESA Students Online whether they would like results to be sent to them via SMS.

On Wednesday, 18 December, the College will also host our annual HSC Celebration Breakfast. This will be a time where our HSC students can come together at the College to share their results and debrief with fellow students and their Year 12 teachers. All Year 12 students are welcome at this event and the College Annual will be available for students to collect on the day.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

           The final weeks of the academic year are filled with activities and events that will keep your children focused as we move towards the end of the year. With end-of-year assessments and exams having just concluded for Years 7 to 10, the following weeks will be about feedback and preparing for 2025. Year 12 will be busy with their first lot of HSC assessments over the final weeks of school. Throw in a final school outing to Jamberoo, House Christmas parties, Altar Servers’ Dinners, Christmas light spotting, boarding awards, some vertical teams events, both a school and boarders’ Christmas Mass, your child will be in much need of a rest as they head home this festive season.

Boarding Awards for 2024

As per my recent letter to you, on Tuesday 10 December we will hold our final boarders’ Mass for Years 7 to 11, as well as our Annual Awards Ceremony. This is a wonderful way to celebrate the students’ successes this year. The Years 7 to 10 Academic Awards, and the Final College Christmas Mass will be held on Wednesday 11 December, with boarding students being able to be signed out at the conclusion of Mass (approximately 1:00 pm).

Marist Cricket Carnival

We wish Archie Gay (Boorowa), Cooper Tuilakeba (Wagga), Hugh White (Bowral), and Angus Banks (Wagga) all the best as they accompany me to the Marist Cricket Carnival at St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill this week. The annual week-long tournament will see the students play against some of the strongest schools in Australia. We will be playing schools from Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, and country Victoria. Go well, Greg's!

End of Year Activity

Our annual end-of-year celebration will occur on Saturday 7 December. We will be heading to Jamberoo Action Park, with activities across both Saturday and Sunday. As outlined in the Boarding Handbook, all students are expected to be in attendance this weekend.

Staff

As we sign off the year, I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the staff who have contributed to the care of your children this year. Our live-in supervisors Ms Santa-Maria, Mr Sykes, Mr Hastie, Mr Brennan, Mr Withnall, Mr Hackett, Mr Singh, Mr Kmet, Mr Rule, and Mr Fox have done an amazing job. Mr Vetrano, Ms Burke, Mr Morrison, and Ms Keith have also provided invaluable support to our Boarding Program.

I would like to thank both Mr Kripal and Mr Halaifonua for their contributions this year. These men do wonders with your children managing their daily care. They are tremendously talented and passionate men who make our boarding program better each day. To Ms Sherd, thanks for all the management of the administrative side of boarding; her support and friendship are truly invaluable in my role. To Ms Wafer in the laundry, for taking such wonderful care of the boys’ personal belongings, and finally to Ms Croker and Ms Hardwick for everything they do to support the medical care of your children.

I would also like to thank Mr Hackett and Mr Sykes for their contribution to our community. They have both resigned and will be heading off to travel and commence work in their university qualifications. More will be said at the end-of-year dinner.

2025

All families will be sent communication in relation to the beginning of the 2025 academic year. Please note that all students are expected to be back in boarding on Wednesday 29 January. More details will be sent in relation to this.

I would like to wish you all a very happy, holy, and safe holiday period. Thanks for all your support this year. I look forward to working with all of our current families and new families in 2025.

All the best,

Luke Morrissey

Director of Boarding

In preparation for the opening of our First Nations Garden in the Junior College, our four Year 6 First Nations students, Audrey, Marley, Jacob, and Jett,  worked with Mr. Humphries to design and create a lasting impression on the garden themselves.

Working with Mr. Humphries, the students creatively came up with a design, using their handprints and footprints, to leave their mark on one of the totem poles in the garden.

The pole will acknowledge these four students as the first, First Nations students to enter the school from Kindergarten and graduate through to Year 6.

Mr Humphries said, “In anticipation of the opening of the garden, it has been wonderful that the students have been able to leave their mark on the Muru Nangamai Garden.”

The Muru Nangamai (Dreaming Track) Garden was opened on the 8th of November.

Shaun Humphries

First Nations Liason Officer

Year 12 Mathematics Advanced students recently engaged in a dynamic activity designed to deepen their understanding of function transformations. This hands-on learning experience encouraged exploration of how the order of transformations impacts the appearance of graphs and the underlying algebraic representations.

Students worked in small groups to investigate various combinations of transformations applied to functions, including translations, dilations, and reflections. Each group analysed scenarios involving different orders of transformations, such as applying a horizontal translation followed by a reflection versus reversing the order.

To gain a comprehensive understanding, students tackled the problem using different methods, including algebraically and graphically.

Discussions focused on:

· The significance of transformation order and its effect on the final graph.

· Comparing and contrasting different methods of representation to identify patterns and make connections.

· Sharing strategies and observations across groups to consolidate understanding.

The activity fostered collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Students reported a deeper understanding of transformations and greater confidence in interpreting and manipulating functions. This consolidated learning will undoubtedly benefit them as they continue to explore advanced mathematical concepts.

SMASHED: Educating Year 10 on the Dangers of Alcohol

Early November, St Gregory’s College had the privilege of hosting Gibber Education’s impactful stage show, SMASHED, aimed at educating Year 10 students about the negative impacts of alcohol. The performance was a powerful tool in demonstrating how alcohol consumption can affect various aspects of life, including relationships at home, with friends, and within the school environment.

The show portrayed scenarios where alcohol impaired judgment, leading to poor decision-making. A significant focus was placed on the issue of consent, highlighting how alcohol can cloud one’s ability to make sound decisions and respect boundaries. These realistic depictions helped students understand the serious consequences that can arise from alcohol misuse.

Following the performance, students participated in an interactive workshop. This session provided them with the opportunity to reflect on the scenes they had just witnessed and discuss how the situations could have been handled differently. The students were encouraged to think critically and propose positive alternatives to the actions shown in the play. Their responses were insightful and demonstrated a strong understanding of the importance of making responsible choices.

The SMASHED program not only raised awareness about the dangers of alcohol but also empowered students to think about their own behaviours and the impact of their decisions. It was an eye-opening experience that left a lasting impression on all who attended.

We extend our thanks to Gibber Education for bringing this valuable program to our school and to Troy Nuske for their efforts in supporting this event. The lessons learned from SMASHED will undoubtedly contribute to the well-being and safety of our students as they navigate their teenage years.

Year 10 Students Leaving in 2024

As our Year 10 students at St Gregory’s embark on the next chapter of their journey, we wish them all the very best for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. In a heartfelt farewell, the students were addressed by Mr. Brennan, Mr. Weekes, Mr. Ivancic, and Mr. Goodhew, who each shared words of wisdom and encouragement, reminding them of the values they have cultivated during their time at St Gregory's.

To mark the occasion, a small gift was presented to each student as a token of our gratitude for their contributions and a reminder of the strong foundation they’ve built here. These gifts symbolise not only our appreciation, but also the enduring connection they will always have with St Gregory’s.

We are immensely proud of the young men they have become and are confident they will continue to make a positive impact wherever life takes them. Their journey at St Gregory's has equipped them with the skills, knowledge, and values needed to navigate the future with confidence and integrity.

Good luck, Year 10, your St Gregory's family is cheering you on! 

Daniel Goodhew

Head of Year 10

Congratulations to Cameron Cosis of Year 9, who has achieved his AMEB Clarinet Grade 5 this year. 

Many of our instrumentalists take the opportunity to set goals for themselves to achieve a certain level by the end of a year or term. The College Music department has had many successful students achieving AMEB grades 1–8 over many years. Should you wish to find out more, please chat to your child's tutor or email kwray@stgregs.nsw.edu.au.

Should your child wish to take the opportunity to start learning an instrument, then please follow the link below. It can also be found on the College website.

REGISTRATION FOR INSTRUMENTAL TUITION 2025

Touch Football

Junior A’s (Semi-Final):

The Junior A’s had a challenging game, losing 7-2 to Patrician Brothers in their semi-final. Despite the loss, the team executed their game plan effectively, utilising strategies like quickies and arrows. They managed to score two tries through creative play variations, but the opposition’s pace and set plays proved too strong.

MVPs:

3 – Toby Selfe

2 – Riley Freeth

1 – Hunter Tietie

Intermediate A’s (Grand Final):

A strong team performance led the Intermediate A’s to a 7-4 victory over the Intermediate B’s in the grand final. The team excelled in both attack and defense, using quick skills and effective communication to capitalise on their opponents’ weaknesses.

MVPs:

3 – Rhys Parmeter

2 – Finn McLeod

1 – Angus Banks

Intermediate B’s (Grand Final):

Narrowly missed out in their grand final against the Intermediate A’s, with a solid effort throughout the game. Earlier in the week, they secured an impressive 8-4 win over St Pat's Blacktown in the semi-final, showcasing excellent team defense and offensive strategy.

MVPs:

3 – Jordi Elkin

2 – Brodie Dorahy

1 – Marshall Andersen & Xavier Young

Year 11 A’s (Grand Final):

The team faced a tough grand final, losing 11-4 to St Dom’s. Despite the setback, their season achievements were commendable. St Dom’s proved too strong with their pace and skill, but the team can hold their heads high for their overall performance this season.

MVPs:

3 – Brock Achurch

2 – Josh Vella

1 – Tyson Walker

Futsal

Intermediate (Semi-Final):

The Intermediate team had a thrilling semi-final, narrowly losing 5-4 to St. Dom’s after leading 4-1 in the first half. A lapse in concentration allowed the opposition to fight back, ending the season in a narrow defeat.

MVPs:

3 – Adam McElhone

2 – Alex Troung

1 – Jesse Cutajar

Year 11 (Grand Final):

A spectacular comeback led to a 4-3 golden goal victory against Marian in the grand final. After trailing 3-0, the team rallied with standout performances from Declan in goal and Chewe and Luka in attack. Luka’s long-range golden goal secured the dramatic win.

MVPs:

3 – Declan

2 – Chewe

1 – Luke

This week featured both semi-final and grand final matches, showcasing the determination and skill of our teams. Each performance reflected the effort put into training and the resilience of our students. Congratulations to all players for their outstanding efforts and achievements!

We are excited to announce that Kindergarten 2026 enrolment applications are open! All applications are to be completed via our website, and must be submitted by Sunday, 23rd March 2025.

Please note the below prior to completing your enrolment application: 

• Click here to view our enrolment guide. Please note that Steps 1 and 2 are not mandatory as part of your application. 

• Your child must turn 5 on or before 28th February 2026. If your child does not meet this age cut-off, their application will not be considered for 2026 commencement.

• Please ensure you submit all documents that are relevant for your child. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

We welcome you to attend our Kindergarten 2026 Enrolment Information Evening on Tuesday, 25 February 2025, at 6:00 pm in the Br Luke Hall at the Senior School. On the evening, you will be provided with the full range of opportunities available across the College and the enrolment process. Registrations for this event are essential. To register, please visit our College Events page on our website.

If you have not previously attended a College Tour or an Open Day and would like to visit our College, you can book into one of our upcoming events via our College Events page on our website.

Please click here to start your application.

Bianca Suraci

Enrolments Registrar

Independent Primary Schools Sporting Organisation (IPSSO)

Last Wednesday, we proudly hosted the 2024 IPSSO Summer Finals, and it was a fantastic day! Six out of eight teams qualified, an incredible achievement showcasing the talent and determination of our students here at the Junior School.

Qualifying Teams:

Junior Oztag

Senior Oztag

Junior Cricket

Senior Cricket

Junior Girls Soccer

Senior Basketball

Our teams won their first match and advanced to the Gold Medal matches!

Congratulations to our champion teams:

Junior Oztag

Senior Oztag

Junior Cricket

Wollongong Diocese Sport

Congratulations to Zachary Luszczynski on his selection in the Wollongong Boys Tennis Team.

Congratulations to Nneka Fashoyin on her impressive 4th-place finish in the 10-Year Girls’ Long Jump at the School Sport Australia Athletics Championships, with a PB of 4.23m! This jump resulted in 4th place overall in Australia! At this championship, Nneka was invited to compete in the Northern Territory relay team, which was short on runners and finished 6th. Well done, Nneka. We are proud of your achievements throughout this pathway!

Swimming Carnival 2025

Last Tuesday, our school gathered at the Gordon Fetterplace Leisure Centre for the much-anticipated 2025 Junior School Swimming Carnival. The event began with each house team dressed in bright colours, cheering loudly, waving banners, and showcasing their chants. It was great to see every swimmer, from the youngest to the most experienced, give their best effort and be cheered on by enthusiastic teammates. It was a hot day, and students enjoyed their free time in the water while our Year 6 leaders swam their 25m events.

The swimming carnival was a wonderful day filled with fun, teamwork, and school spirit. Thank you to our staff, our parent volunteers, and Alison Buckley for helping to make the day a success.

Congratulations to our Age Champions:

Junior Age Champions

• Girls: Olivia Gordon
• Boys: Henry Thomas

11 Years Age Champions

• Girls: Alessia Siracusa and Nneka Fashoyin
• Boys: Riley Byrne

Senior Age Champions

• Girls: Cleo Lane
• Boys: Tyler Cummins

Congratulations to Molloy on being the champion house!

Congratulations also, to the following students who have qualified to represent the College next year at the Western Region Swimming Carnival on Thursday, 27 February, at the Gordon Fetterplace Leisure Centre:

• Albert Askew
• Zac Bruce
• Riley Byrne
• Tyler Cummins
• Patrick Kempton
• Isaac Matthews
• Santino Oliveri
• Beau Stephens
• Jake Stephens
• Hunter Stewart
• Henry Thomas
• Ricciardo Yousif
• Mabel Carr
• Alexia Clark
• Ayla Cummins
• Nneka Fashoyin
• Olivia Gordon
• Cleo Lane
• Delaney O’Brien
• Makenzie O’Brien
• Alessia Siracusa
• Lia Solylo
• Ellie Wafer

I appreciate your support this year and look forward to another successful year in 2025. Enjoy your break, and be safe.

GO GREG'S!!!

Darryl Howe

PDHPE Teacher/Sports Coordinator

Chloe Sewell 5 Blue

Chloe’s wakeboarding journey began with a simple question from her mum: “Did she actually stand up? I think we should sign her up!” Fast forward to her first-ever competition with Wakeboard NSW, and Chloe is already making waves—literally! Competing in the Girls Rookie division, Chloe dazzled the judges and secured first place.

Here are some action-packed shots from the event to showcase her incredible talent. Keep an eye on this rising star—you might just see her at the top again soon!

Erin Burton

Year 5 Teacher

Season’s Greetings from the Finance Team

As we approach the festive season, the Finance Team would like to extend our warmest wishes to all our families. We hope you have a Merry Christmas filled with joy, and we wish you a safe and healthy 2025.

We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all the families who have settled their accounts for the year. Your timely payments help ensure the smooth operation of our College. Thank you very much for your cooperation and support.

For those families who have not yet finalised their accounts, we kindly ask that you do so as soon as possible. Prompt payment of outstanding fees is crucial for maintaining the resources and programs that benefit all our students.

Once again, we wish you all a wonderful holiday season and look forward to a prosperous and successful new year.

Warm regards,

The Finance Team

Ben Rogers: Head of Recruitment, Parramatta Eels

Ben Rogers is a pivotal figure in the Parramatta Eels’ organisation, serving as the Head of Recruitment. Based in the Greater Sydney Area, Ben has been instrumental in shaping the team’s roster and ensuring the club’s competitive edge in the National Rugby League (NRL).

With a keen eye for talent and a strategic approach to team building, Ben collaborates closely with the coaching staff and management to align player acquisitions with the club’s long-term vision. His efforts have been crucial in assembling a squad that not only competes at the highest level but also embodies the values and spirit of the Parramatta Eels.

Ben’s role involves extensive scouting, evaluating player performance, and negotiating contracts. His ability to identify emerging talent and secure key signings has earned him a reputation as one of the top recruitment professionals in the league. Under his leadership, the Eels have seen significant improvements in their roster, contributing to the team’s overall success and future prospects.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ben is known for his dedication to the sport and his commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive team culture.

Ben still volunteers his time for our St Gregory’s College community, assisting with Old Boys events and coordinating the Annual Marshall Rogers Golf Day each year. Named in honour of his father’s memory, Ben and his family continue their father’s legacy by raising money each year for the tuition of one of our students. Held in October each year, this event is a prime example of community spirit and generosity, an important pillar of our Marist way of life, and honours Marshall Rogers, Ben, and his family, to which we all benefit.

Adrian Quig

Head of Philanthropy and Fundraising

As we prepare to welcome back the class of 1974 this Saturday night, we take a stroll down memory lane with some pics from the yearbook!

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