Dear members of the St Greg’s family,
Welcome to the final addition for Term 2. The College has had some great things happening over the last month, and many are celebrated in this edition. I encourage you to read and share this with family and friends.
Enrolments 2025
The College conducted a number of tours recently in the Junior and Senior School for enrolments for 2025, 2026 and beyond. For next year, the College has extremely limited places for Years 2,3 and 4 in the Junior School and Year 8,10 and 11 in the Senior School. All other years have waitlists. Please share with interested friends and family as I am confident that the limited places will fill quickly once known. A link is located below:
Recent Visitors
The College has had many visitors over the last month including people from St Francis de Sales Regional College in Leeton, the Westminster School from Adelaide, Newman College from Perth, Marist Brothers from across Australia and the Pacific and educational consultants across Sydney. In speaking with them before departing they all had some common themes. They were incredibly impressed with the College facilities and wanted to pay credit to our Maintenance and Cleaning teams. Other comments included the settled and calm nature of the junior and senior school, the positivity and happiness of the students and staff and the helpfulness of all they encountered. To receive these comments unsolicited from people from many different schools and contexts says a great deal about our community and where we are currently placed.
Feast of Marcellin Champagnat Mass / Br Vince
The College community came together for the Feast of Marcellin Champagnat Mass. Over 2000 people from our community gathered in prayer to celebrate the founder of the Marist Brothers. A special feature is the presentation of Champagnat Awards to our students as well as service awards for staff. Congratulations and thanks to the following staff:
10 Years
• Jude Tolomeo
• Danielle Sherd
• Stephen Bullock
• Louise Limbrey
20 Years
• Steve Mann
• Michael Smith
• Gail Daniels
• Ed Stefanski
25 Years
• Michelle Gardiner
40 Years
• Kerry Todd
There is also a Community Award. This year the award recipient was Mr Kerry Todd. A video of the Mass and celebrations can be found on the link below.
We also had a chance to recognise Br Vince Shekleton, who celebrated his 100th birthday on the 19 June. Below is an extract from a social media post with some links outlining his remarkable life and the impact he has had on so many.
Today is a truly special day for the Star of the Sea family as we joyfully celebrate a remarkable milestone! One of our beloved Brothers, Br Vincent William Shekleton turns 100, making him the oldest living Marist Brother in the entire SOTS Province.
Born on 19 June, 1924, Br Vincent dedicated over 80 years to the Brotherhood. For perspective, he has lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War era, the fall of the Berlin Wall and 9/11, among other momentous global events. While one significant event after the other kept populating the pages of world history, Br Vincent's life too started resembling an epic novel.
He has served as a teacher in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands immediately after WWII, volunteered in refugee camps in Thailand, and worked in China following the Tiananmen Square incident.
Read more about his inspiring life and his enduring legacy as a much-loved and respected Marist Brother:
Happy Birthday, dear Br Vincent, the SOTS family wishes you love, happiness, and health. 😊
Also, their website https://www.mariststar.org/post/100-years-young-celebrating-the-incredible-journey-of-centenarian-marist-brother-vincent-shekleton
Sport
It was great to see the wonderful participation from students and parent involvement in the recent Junior School Athletics Carnival, held at the College. The level of engagement from the students resulting in all staying warm and having fun. A particular thanks to Mr Daryl Howe for his outstanding overall organisation of a great day.
Our Senior Basketball team also had much success in the recent NSWCCC Championships. For the first time in the College’s fine sporting history, the side were undefeated in their seven games and were crowned champions. Congratulations to Mrs Giles and Mr Limbrey on leading this outstanding achievement.
College Musical
Over 1800 people attended and enjoyed the 3 nights of Peter Pan, performed by very talented students from St Patrick’s College and our own students from both the Junior and Senior school. The months of preparation certainly proved worthwhile with stunning performances.
Thank you to all the staff who made it possible, in particular Mrs Armbruster, Mrs Patao and Mrs Falas. Also all the parent volunteers who assisted in so many ways, led by Mrs Buckley. A short gab of the performance can be found in the link below.
Wagga dinner
Last Friday I had the opportunity to attend the Country Dinner in Wagga. It was a wonderful chance to catch up with past, current and future families. Many thanks to Mrs Sherd for her overall organisation and to Mr Morrissey for his attendance and outstanding leadership of the boarding community.
Grandparent’s Day
It was great to welcome in excess of 300 grandparents of Year 7 students on Tuesday. Amongst the tours, liturgies and many activities, the children got to spend time showing off their school to their special grandparents. Thank you to Mrs Stepien, Mr Quig and Mrs Buckley for the overall organisation of the day and again, the significant number of parent helpers.
Vintage Luncheon
On Wednesday, we welcomed back oldboys who had graduated before 1975. After morning tea, a beautiful liturgy (thanks to Mrs Clarke and Mrs Johnstone) and a tour of the College, we sat down to a delicious baked dinner and the men traded stories of a bygone era. It was very special to hear the stories and reconnect with these pioneers. Thank you again to Mrs Stepien and Mr Quig for their work in coordinating the day and making it so special for those who attended.
The Rite Journey Homecoming
A great conclusion to the programme was held last night. Thank you to the Homeroom Team, led by Mr Goodhew, Mrs Monte and Mrs Buckley for all their work in making this a critical part of our Pastoral Care program, providing skills, insights and activities to help shape our young men in their most difficult years. Thank you also to the parent buy in, a critical component of any school activity.
After school conversations
I am often asked by parents across the junior and senior school how best to engage in conversation with their children about their day at school. I often say the three easy ones are 1. What was the best part of the day? 2. What was the worst part of the day? And 3. What was the funniest thing that happened today to finish with you both hopefully laughing. I have listed some additional potential ‘icebreakers’ for parents to try below:
• What did you learn today in [subject]?
• What was challenging at school today?
• What went well at school?
• What topic do you want to learn more about?
• Was there anything you disagreed with today?
• Did you talk to someone new today? Who?
• Did you help anyone with their learning? Did anyone help you?
• What was the best part of your day? Why?
• What surprised you today?
• How did that make you feel? Why?
• Why do you think that happened?
• What's your opinion on that? What other perspectives might exist?
• What could you do differently next time?
• How do you think you could solve this problem?
• How can I better support your learning?
Reflecting on your child’s school experiences may bring up memories of your own. Whether you had negative experiences or were a confident student, it is important to empathise with your child’s unique positives or challenges. If you feel upset with the school or individuals, take some time to process your feelings before addressing the issue with your child. Often, a good night’s sleep can provide both you and your child with a fresh perspective.
Children may fixate on the negatives, overlooking the positive aspects of their day. While it is important to address challenges, make sure to highlight the positives as well. Schools and parents can collaborate to create environments that nurture curiosity and a love for learning.
Curiosity drives engagement and motivation, leading young people to explore subjects more deeply. This passion for learning equips them to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world. By encouraging young people to ask questions, explore their interests, and form their own opinions, we provide them with the tools to thrive.
Men’s weekend
Please see below an opportunity for likeminded men to have a break from the pace of life and take some time to reflect.
A Men’s support weekend!
‘Journeying through the tough times’
How do we make sense of the tough & challenging events in our life? This weekend will offer a reflective space in a respectful & confidential environment exploring how we care for ourselves, embrace life & move forward in a healthy & positive manner.
Date: Friday Aug 30th for 5pm dinner - Sunday Sept 1st 11am.
Location: The Hermitage, 843 Old South road, Mittagong.
Cost: $510 (fully catered, ensuited rooms, all linen provided).
How to book: email bill.sullivan@marists.org.au for a booking form. The weekend is limited to 15 participants. Payment is required in order to reserve a place for the weekend.
This is my final newsletter for the term. I wish all families a great break together and also a productive and enjoyable Term 3.
May Mary, Our Good Mother, and St Marcellin and St Gregory, continue to watch over our community.
My very best wishes
Matthew Brennan
College Principal K-12