From the College Principal
Mr Matthew Brennan - The College Principal
Mr Matthew Brennan - The College Principal
Our 100th Year: Faith, Community and Celebration
Dear Members of the St Greg’s Community,
Welcome to the first written newsletter for 2026, our 100th year! The year has begun productively across K–12, with students and staff embracing the many opportunities available to them both in and beyond the classroom. These have included Opening Assemblies, our High Achievers Assembly, the Tissues and Tim Tams Morning Tea for our Kindergarten parents, and our Opening Mass.
It has been wonderful to welcome many new families to the College this year across K–11, and I have greatly enjoyed meeting so many of you. It has also been a pleasure to reconnect with families in both the Senior and Junior Schools at the various events held during our first five weeks.
We are equally delighted to welcome new staff across both the Junior and Senior Schools, each bringing unique skills and talents to enrich our community.
A particular highlight has been moving into the next stage of development in the Junior School and into the refurbished 000 Block in the Senior School. These contemporary learning spaces have been very well received by students and staff alike, and we are already seeing exciting innovation take place within them.
In recent times, particularly over the past week, we have witnessed a world in crisis. On Sunday evening, I read a powerful piece by well-known child and adolescent psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg on how parents can approach conversations about global events with their children. The link is available here , and I encourage you to take the time to discuss this important topic with your children.
On a brighter note, our Back to Greg’s Day is fast approaching on Saturday, 21 March . While the rodeo is officially sold out, many activities will be available on campus for all families from 12.00pm . I have been heartened by the number of parent volunteers assisting as we prepare to welcome back many generations of St Greg’s families. The purpose of the day is to celebrate all that is good about our College and to re-engage past families. It promises to be a wonderful celebration.
To mark our centenary, the College also has special Centenary merchandise available for purchase, including ties, pashminas, and a limited-edition Centenary book showcasing our rich history in photographs. Additional commemorative items will be available for sale on 21 March.
I am pleased to confirm that the Centenary Mass will be held on 4 September at Campbelltown Stadium . This is an exciting development for the College, with the organising committee setting an ambitious goal of 10,000 attendees. Further details regarding the Mass and the Gala Event that evening at the Campbelltown Catholic Club will be shared in due course. For now, please save the date and plan to join us for this significant occasion.
I hope you enjoy reading about the many initiatives and achievements featured in this newsletter. I look forward to connecting with many of you in the weeks ahead.
A reminder that applications for 2027 enrolments close on Sunday, 8 March 2026 .
May Mary, Our Good Mother, and St Marcellin continue to watch over our community.
Mr Matthew Brennan
College Principal K–12
From the Assistant Principal/Head of Senior School
Mr Joel Weekes - Assistant Principal/ Head of Senior School
Mr Joel Weekes - Assistant Principal/ Head of Senior School
A Strong Start to the 2026 School Year
Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Friends of the St Gregory’s College Community,
The 2026 academic year is off to a wonderful start. Over the first five weeks, it has been a pleasure to welcome back our staff and students as we settle into the new school year. There has certainly been a noticeable “spring in the step” across the College, with both staff and students embracing the opportunities a new year brings.
Welcome to New Students, Families & Staff Members
A particularly warm welcome to all the new families joining the St Gregory’s community for the first time. It is fantastic to see so many families choosing to be part of this great College. On behalf of the entire St Gregory’s community, I wish each of our new students and their families a wonderful journey with us.
We are extremely proud of what the College offers young people. Please be assured of our ongoing support, guidance and encouragement for the children you place in our care.
This year, we also welcome several new staff members across both the Junior and Senior Schools. It is certainly an exciting time for them as they begin their journey within the St Gregory’s community.
New Junior School Staff
Cassidy Walker – Year 6 Classroom Teacher
Brittany Rasmussen – Year 5 Classroom Teacher
Loretta Hooper – Year 2 Classroom Teacher
Rebecca Sidorenko – Year 2 Classroom Teacher
Adrian Tiliakos – Teaching Intern
Eliza Rouke – Teaching Intern
New Senior School Staff
Joseph Sullivan – Mathematics Teacher
Christopher Hickman – Science Teacher
Simon Romijn – Part-Time Science Teacher
Rainer Smith – Part-Time Science Teacher
Cameron Riley – Maintenance Team
Emma Farias – Part-Time Marketing Assistant
Matthew Frijo – Boarding Supervisor
Nicholas Larsen – GAP Student
Ayden Palmer – GAP Student
Boys' Education – Countering the forces of mediocrity
The term mediocrity literally means “halfway up the mountain.” It suggests being in the middle, neither leading the pack nor lying at the bottom but sitting halfway up in a state of having given up. This middle level of success can be described as mediocrity (from the Latin mediocris , meaning “unremarkable”).
This week I facilitated a professional learning session with staff on Boys’ Education. Throughout the session we unpacked our why as educators, why we have chosen to teach in an all-boys environment in the Senior School and what staff have learned about teaching boys during their time with us.
During the session we explored several statistics from the OECD and the IBSC (International Boys’ Schools Coalition). These statistics focused on areas such as:
- The developmental age gap between boys and girls most significant around ages 11–13
- The attainment gap when entering tertiary education
- Reading performance
- Environmental and cultural influences
- Parent, teacher and student relationships
- The influence of technology on the development of both boys and girls
One of the highlights of this session was the clear passion our staff have for St Greg’s and for teaching our students. A quote that sparked meaningful conversation was:
“The teacher-boy connection does not merely contribute to or enhance teaching and learning; relationship is the very medium through which successful teaching and learning is carried out.”
— Reichert & Hawley
I am sure that many teachers reading this can appreciate the strength of this statement.
One point that many staff agreed upon is that within boys’ education we must continually work to counter the forces of mediocrity here at St Greg’s. At times our boys can become complacent. Mediocrity can become a state of mind, a trap that prevents individuals from feeling the discomfort required to grow and improve. As we know, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link; therefore mediocrity within our students can become a burden that holds them back from achieving their potential.
The good news is that mediocrity can be challenged and overcome. Our teachers observe every day that each student is inherently capable of great things. While some students are naturally driven to pursue excellence, others benefit greatly from mentoring, encouragement and guidance.
In my experience, three common factors often lead students towards mediocrity:
- A lack of ambition
- A reluctance to take responsibility
- Conforming rather than daring to be different
I invite all members of our community to join us in countering the forces of mediocrity by encouraging our boys to strive to become the very best versions of themselves. That is something we all want to see.
As we conclude Week 5 of Term 1, I have already witnessed many examples of the commitment shown by both our staff and students. Each day I am impressed by the way our community approaches learning and work with enthusiasm and purpose.
To our parent community, please remember that we are always here to support you. We look forward to working with you throughout 2026, knowing that the education of our young people is always a partnership between school and home.
As our College motto reminds us:
“You reap what you sow.”
Mr Joel Weekes
Assistant Principal (K-12) / Head of Senior School
From the Head of Junior School
Mrs Diana Ivancic - Head of Junior School
Mrs Diana Ivancic - Head of Junior School
A Dynamic Start to 2026
Welcome back to the new year. I have been fortunate to meet many of our families through Parent Information Evenings and at the school crossing or gate each morning. It has been a very positive start to the year, with the opening of our new building and the expansion of our school through additional Kindergarten classes and new staff members.
We often think that we send our children to school so they can learn, and we frequently associate learning with facts, content, and information. However, I heard a quote last week that truly resonated with me:
“There is no knowing; only doing, learning and growing.”
The measure of success for our young people should be centred on continuous learning and growth. This occurs through the multitude of experiences they are exposed to each day at school. As I walk around our campus, I am continually amazed by the range of opportunities we provide, and it makes me incredibly proud to be part of such a dynamic community.
From a faith perspective, students have participated in our College Opening Mass, Ash Wednesday liturgy, and Faithful Friday.
Over the past few weeks, co-curricular clubs have commenced, including STEM Club, Art Club, Mini Marists, Choir, and Recorder Group, to name just a few. Our library is open every lunchtime for games and reading, our STEAM room has officially opened, and our Maths and Science groups have begun.
The Music Room has been a hive of activity with classroom lessons and instrumental tuition sessions, while Junior School students have started afternoon rehearsals for the musical. The Show Team has been preparing for their first performance at the Camden Show, and Mr Howe has been training students for Cross Country. Students have also participated in AFL Auskick sessions.
Year 5 recently attended an excursion to Centennial Parklands, and students in Years 3–6 enjoyed a performance by the Hot Potato Band. Classes have also been enthusiastically practising their dances for Back to Greg’s Day.
All this doing, learning, and growing, what a wonderful range of experiences our students are privileged to enjoy. I encourage you to take the opportunity to talk with your children about these experiences. Learning and growth take many forms, and at St Gregory’s, our focus is on the development of the whole child.
Thank you for entrusting us with your young person. We are truly privileged to watch them learn and grow.
Mrs Diana Ivancic
Head of Junior School
From the Director of Mission
Mrs Cathie Clarke - The Director of Mission
Mrs Cathie Clarke - The Director of Mission
Full of Grace: Transforming the World with God’s Love
2026 marks a most significant milestone for the College, and already we have celebrated our faith community in many meaningful ways.
Staff gathered in the College Chapel to celebrate the Eucharist, reflecting on the stained-glass windows, a Centenary project generously funded by the Catholic Club.
At the Opening Assembly, we introduced the 2026 theme of Grace and prayed a blessing over our new students and staff.
Students in Years 7 and 8 attended camps, where they prayed together in gratitude for one another, their teachers, and the many opportunities that will be offered to them throughout the coming year.
Pantries were emptied and pancakes enjoyed on Shrove Tuesday, and Ash Wednesday liturgies were celebrated across the College as we began the important Season of Lent, a time of penance when we are called to prayer, self-denial, and almsgiving.
Our Year 7 students were also welcomed through a new program designed to initiate them into what it means to be a Greg’s man. This included an informative session in the College Chapel, a meeting with their Big Brothers, singing practice, and participation in the College Opening Mass, where this year’s theme was explored more deeply:
Full of Grace – Transform the World with God’s Love - This theme reminds us that grace is God’s unconditional love - freely given, received, and shared. Because we are loved, we are called to do good and to use the gift of God’s love to change the world and make it better. Grace appears in simple acts: a kind word, a helping hand, a prayer for someone, patient listening, or standing with someone in need. Let us open our hearts to grace and be ready to say “yes” with courage, kindness, and faith.
As we begin another year of faith formation in the Marist way, we are reminded of the five characteristics intrinsic to our relationships:
- Presence – We seek to meet young people in their own space and build authentic relationships with them.
- Simplicity – Our interactions with young people are genuine, unpretentious, and straightforward.
- Family Spirit – We strive for relationships marked by the warmth and tenderness of a loving family.
- Love of Work – We are passionate about our work, valuing diligence and taking pride in our achievements.
- In the Way of Mary – We consciously bring the qualities of Mary to our relationships, calling upon her tenderness, courage, and humility. Marcellin and his early Brothers understood that relating to young people in Mary’s way, through compassion and love, is to be the face of Mary to them.
All parents and friends are warmly invited to join us for the Senior School Easter Liturgy, to be held in the College Hall on Wednesday, 3 April at 9.00am.
Mrs Cathie Clarke
Director of Mission
From the Director of Teaching and Learning
Ms Judith Morrison - Director of Teaching and Learning
Ms Judith Morrison - Director of Teaching and Learning
Boys Education at Greg's
At the recent K–12 Staff Meeting held on Monday, 2 March, teachers engaged in a one-hour professional learning session focused on boys’ education. The session invited staff to reflect honestly on their experience of teaching boys, current research in the field, and what this means for learning at the College.
We began with a simple yet powerful reminder: just as adults can become distracted in meetings, boys can be distracted in classrooms. Engagement is not automatic, it must be intentionally cultivated. Research shared from the OECD and the International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) highlighted several important realities. Between the ages of 11 and 13, boys and girls often develop at different rates. In Australia, boys are over-represented in the lowest literacy performance bands, and young men are more likely to leave school early or not complete tertiary education. At the same time, boys remain strongly represented among high performers in Mathematics and Science.
We also considered the significant impact of screen time, now averaging more than eight hours per day for teenagers and how this affects attention, executive functioning, and resilience. Drawing on insights from educators and researchers such as Maggie Dent, as well as IBSC studies by Reichert and Hawley, staff reflected on the importance of movement, modelling, explicit teaching, and structured routines. Boys often respond positively to novelty, competition, challenge, and clear expectations what researchers describe as “transitivity”, where energy and engagement carry learning forward.
A central theme of the session was relationships. Research consistently affirms that boys “learn their teachers before they learn their subjects.” A boy’s perception of his teacher’s attitude towards him is one of the strongest predictors of engagement. Relational learning is not simply “warm and fuzzy”; it is grounded in high expectations, consistency, and genuine care. As educators, we hold responsibility for building and sustaining these learning relationships.
We also explored the concept of the Hidden Curriculum, the unwritten lessons boys absorb about behaviour, respect, responsibility, and character. Every interaction communicates expectations about who they are and who they are becoming.
Practical strategies discussed included:
- High challenge with high support
- Regular “temperature checks” to monitor understanding and wellbeing
- Clear boundaries supported by calm, consistent discipline
- Using teachable moments to foster emotional growth
- Adjusting language to de-escalate behaviour and reinforce positive identity
Our commitment is not to view boys through a deficit lens, but to understand their development and respond intentionally. By strengthening relationships, maintaining high expectations, and working in partnership with families, we aim to support every boy academically, socially, and spiritually from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Ms Judith Morrison
Director of Teaching and Learning
From the Director of Students
Mr Baldino Vetrano - Director of Students
Mr Baldino Vetrano - Director of Students
Building Momentum in 2026
As we reach the end of the first five weeks of the 2026 school year, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on what has been an outstanding start for our young men at St Gregory’s College.
The energy across the College has been overwhelmingly positive. Classrooms have been settled and purposeful, staff have spoken highly of the boys’ engagement, and there is a strong sense that our students are eager to make the most of the opportunities before them. A new school year always brings a mixture of excitement and uncertainty, yet our students have embraced the challenge with maturity and enthusiasm.
A particularly warm welcome must be extended to our Year 7 students. Their transition into life at St Greg’s has been exceptional. Starting high school is a significant milestone, and our newest cohort has approached it with courage and openness. From navigating the campus to forming new friendships and engaging in co-curricular activities, they have made a remarkable impression. It has also been pleasing to see our older students guiding them, reinforcing the strong culture of brotherhood that defines our College.
Week 1 set a positive tone for the year with our Year 7 and Year 8 camps. These experiences provided invaluable opportunities for students to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience, and strengthen relationships. Camps are about far more than activities; they foster connection, teamwork, and a willingness to support one another. Staff reported that the boys represented the College with pride and respect, demonstrating leadership, cooperation, and gratitude throughout the experience. The foundations laid during these camps will no doubt carry through the remainder of the year.
In Week 3, our community came together for the annual Swimming Carnival. This event is always a highlight of Term 1, and once again it did not disappoint. The day was filled with House spirit, friendly rivalry, and enthusiastic participation. It was particularly encouraging to see boys stepping forward to compete, cheer, and contribute regardless of their swimming ability. Carnivals such as this remind us that participation and community spirit are just as important as podium finishes. The support shown for one another was a testament to the inclusive culture we continue to foster.
This week, we gathered as a College for our Harmony Day Assembly, a powerful and timely celebration of unity within our diverse community. Students and staff shared reflections on the importance of inclusion, respect, and understanding. The central message was clear: culture connects us all. In a world that can at times feel divided, our College remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring every individual feels valued and respected. It was inspiring to witness the confidence of our presenters and the attentiveness of the audience as we reflected on what it truly means to belong.
As Director of Students, I am immensely proud of the way our young men have begun 2026. These first five weeks have demonstrated that when we prioritise respect, courage, and unity, our community thrives. I look forward to all that the coming months will bring and thank our families and staff for their continued partnership in shaping the fine young men of St Gregory’s College.
Mr Baldino Vetrano
Director of Students
From the Director of Boarding
Mr Luke Morrissey - Director of Boarding
Mr Luke Morrissey - Director of Boarding
Boarding Life in Full Swing
Dear Parents and Friends,
It has been a packed first 5 weeks of the academic year, and I am proud of the way our boarding students have commenced the year. Opening Masses, the Summer Sport season, the commencement of Rugby and Rugby League for our senior students, outings, major sporting events such as the Swimming Carnival and Cross Country, school camps, school sport commitments, study skills workshops, Ash Wednesday liturgies, and the general busyness of boarding life have certainly kept everyone active. The boys are now primed for a well-earned restful weekend at home with family and friends.
I would like to thank all students, parents, carers, and boarding staff for the tremendous work undertaken to begin the year so positively. I also sincerely thank parents and carers for your ongoing support in this partnership of educating your sons.
Please see below some important announcements:
Boarders’ Free Weekend and Travel
As per previous correspondence, the Boarders’ Free Weekend will take place this coming Friday, 6 March. All boarders may return home from 2.30pm on Thursday, 5 March. The Boarding House will remain closed until Monday, 9 March.
The Boarding House will reopen from 7.30am on Monday for weekly students requiring access to collect school supplies prior to attending school. Regional boarders will return to the Boarding House on Monday evening and attend school from Tuesday, 10 March.
We are currently finalising travel arrangements for those who opted into organised travel and will forward all details as soon as possible.
ANZAC Weekend
The NSW Premier recently announced that as ANZAC Day falls on a weekend this year, Monday, 27 April will be observed as a public holiday across NSW. As this falls only 1 week after the conclusion of the school holidays, we have decided to keep the Boarding House open for this weekend.
We will organise a range of activities for the boys, including attendance at the Roosters v Dragons ANZAC Day match, a long-standing tradition when tickets and scheduling permit. If you are planning for your son to take leave that weekend, I kindly ask that you submit the leave request well before the school holidays so that appropriate ticket numbers can be confirmed.
ISA Sport
The Summer Sport program has now concluded. I would like to congratulate Mr Finn Dryden and the Junior Touch Team on winning the Division 3 competition. The boys won a closely contested final that went into extra time and concluded with a four-on-four drop-off. They prevailed 7–6, with new boarder Jack Croker scoring the winning try. Congratulations to all involved.
A sincere thank you to all boys who participated in ISA Basketball, Cricket, and Touch Football, and particularly to the coaches who generously gave their time to support the various teams.
The Winter Rugby season will commence following the Boarders’ Weekend, with trial matches beginning shortly.
Our Head of Rugby, Mr Malaesilia, will email all parents with the Rugby fixtures for the season. A summary has also been included below for your reference.
| DATE | OPPOSITION | VENUE | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14/03/2026 | Canberra Marist | Canberra | |
| 27/03/2026 | St Edmunds College | SGC | |
| 02/05/2026 | Shore School | Shore | |
| 09/05/2026 | Riverview | SGC | Mother's Day Weekend |
| 16/05/2026 | St Stanislaus College | Bathurst | |
| 23/05/2026 | St Patrick's College | SGC | Family Weekend |
| 30/05/2026 | St Augustine's College | SGC | |
| 13/06/2026 | Central Coast Grammar | SGC | |
| 20/06/2026 | St Pius College | Chatswood | |
| 25/06/2026 | Oakhill College | Castle Hill | |
| 01/08/2026 | Kinross Wolaroi | SGC | First Nations Round |
| 08/08/2026 | Semi Finals | Bathurst | |
| 15/8/2026 | Finals | SGC | |
The times for the trial against Canberra Marist in Canberra on March 14 are as follows:
| Under 13 | 10:30 AM |
| Under 14 | 11:30 AM |
| Under 15 | 12:30 PM |
| Under 16 | 1:30 PM |
| Opens - 3 Way Trial | 2:30 PM |
Centenary Celebrations
It is with great excitement that our first Centenary celebration, Back to Greg's Day with the return of the Rodeo and Art Show, is fast approaching. I know many of our families have secured tickets to the Rodeo, and with 4,000 tickets sold, it promises to be a fantastic evening. The day will also feature a fair, rides, food trucks, and a range of other activities for the boys to enjoy throughout the day. Our boarding students will also assist with the running of the event throughout the day.
Please ask your son about the Centenary Boarding badge he received as part of our Opening Boarding Mass for the year. We are immensely proud that the College began as an agricultural boarding school and continues in that mission 100 years later.
Boarding House Additions
We are currently in the process of installing new bed frames and mattresses in all Year 7–10 boarding houses. This project has commenced in Edgar House and will continue over the next 12 months. We hope Year 9 parents are already hearing some positive feedback about the new mattresses.
New Medication Permissions
We have recently become aware that a number of boys are keeping personal medications in their rooms, such as Panadol, which is not permitted under the College Medications Policy. We ask for your support in ensuring that your son hands in any medications to boarding staff.
In conjunction with our College Nurse, Aimee Krol, we have developed a medication permissions form to ensure the highest level of care is provided to your son. This form will be distributed in the coming week, along with a copy of the College Medications Policy.
For parents who have not yet arranged for their son’s medication to be placed in a Webster pack, we kindly ask that this be organised as soon as possible.
Contacts
A general reminder of the key contacts of the boarding school:
Tevita Halaifonua - Junior Years 7-9 Coordinator: Email - thalifonua@stgregs.nsw.edu.au Phone - 0409 228 713
Prateek Kripal - Senior Years 10-12 Coordinator: Email - pkripal@stgregs.nsw.edu.au Phone - 0431 208 852
Danielle Sherd - Boarding Administrative Assistant: Email - boarding@stgregs.nsw.edu.au OR dsherd@stgregs.nsw.edu.au Phone - 02 46 294 222
Please ensure you have these numbers saved.
Social Media
Sincere apologies that the boarding social media pages have been quiet this term. IT have fixed the problem and posts will begin again. I will put through a number of old photos from events we have already have, as well as upcoming events.
The sites are as follows so please make sure you get onto them if you have accounts.
Facebook : /St Gregory's College Boarding Instagram : @stgregorysbording
Boarding Resource
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.
I hope you enjoy the Free Weekend with your son.
Ad Jesus Per Mariam
To Jesus through Mary
Mr Luke Morrissey
Director of Boarding
First Nations
Shaun Humphries - First Nations Liaison Officer
Shaun Humphries - First Nations Liaison Officer
Fingal House Coolamon Scar Tree Carving
As we welcomed this year’s cohort to the College for 2026, the young men were greeted by the artwork completed on the Scar Tree located at the front of Fingal House.
Working alongside Mr Humphries, the 2025 cohort from Fingal House (Year 8) carved a coolamon for the House to display and worked together to share their story through symbolism.
The scarring on the tree tells their story, one that many of our young men who have called the Fingal House home can connect with.
The design, developed in consultation with the young men of Fingal House in 2025, depicts the pivoting pathways of the House’s students.
The line work, also reflected in many Aboriginal artworks, represents a time of growth for our young men, a time when their individual paths begin to take shape and become more defined.
The 24 dots surrounding the three yarning circles represent the 24 young men who lived in Fingal House in 2025 and worked with Mr Humphries to carve the coolamon now displayed in Fingal House and to design the story represented in the scarring of the tree.
Mr Shaun Humphries
First Nations Liaisons Officer
Senior School News
Year 10 Geography Excursion
Year 10 Geography Excursion
Exploring Oceanography in Action: Year 10 Fieldwork at Chowder Bay
On Monday, 23 February, the Year 10 Elective Geography class participated in a fieldwork excursion to Chowder Bay in connection with their current unit of study, Oceanography. The excursion was delivered by Saltwater School, operated by the Lands Edge Foundation, in collaboration with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science.
The day commenced along the shoreline at Chowder Bay, where students undertook transect and quadrat sampling to systematically investigate the presence of microplastics and microplastics within the sand. This hands-on data collection activity enabled students to identify spatial patterns in plastic distribution and draw informed conclusions regarding potential pollution sources, including recreational use, boating activity, and urban runoff. Through this process, students applied key geographical fieldwork techniques while examining the impact of human activity on coastal environments.
Students then extended their investigation into the marine environment by conducting snorkelling-based underwater transects. During this activity, they counted and recorded various fish species, kelp, seagrass, and visible rubbish within the water. This provided an opportunity to assess marine biodiversity and indicators of environmental health through direct observation. Students also observed and handled marine organisms, including a sea urchin and a sea hare, further enhancing their understanding of local marine life.
As part of the program, students visited a seahorse sanctuary that operates as an active research site. They observed seahorses being raised in tanks prior to their eventual release into Chowder Bay and learned about the use of artificial habitats constructed from kelp, which are being trialled to increase seahorse reproduction and support population stability. This experience highlighted the role of scientific research and conservation strategies in protecting vulnerable marine species.
The excursion concluded at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science, where students participated in the Hidden Engineers project. During this session, they examined kelp and sediment samples using microscopes to investigate the microorganisms present within these ecosystems. This microscopic analysis supported students’ understanding of trophic levels, nutrient cycling, sediment stability, and overall ecosystem function.
Overall, students had a fantastic experience at Chowder Bay. Through practical investigation and exposure to real-world research contexts, they strengthened their geographical inquiry skills and developed a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and the impacts of human activity on coastal environments.
Miss Raquel Russo
Geography Teacher
Senior School Sport
Junior School News
Sharing the Planet - PYP
Sharing the Planet - PYP
PYP Unit of Inquiry - Sharing the Planet
Year 5
As part of their PYP Unit of Inquiry, Sharing the Planet, Year 5 students visited Centennial Parklands to apply their Working Scientifically skills in a real-world context.
Students used geographic tools to observe and assess the large bat colony within the parklands and conducted water quality surveys of the wetlands. Through this fieldwork, they collected and analysed data, strengthening their understanding of ecosystems and environmental change.
It was a valuable day of fieldwork and applied learning, with students developing as confident young scientists while embracing real-world inquiry in the field.
Year 6
This week, I had the pleasure of co-teaching with the talented Year 6 team, Cassidy Walker and Simon Edwards, to launch their PYP Unit of Inquiry on Sharing the Planet . Students generated their own data by measuring ice before and after testing, timing different melting methods, and investigating the properties of water.
STEM Club also kicked off strongly this year with a great turnout. Students explored non-Newtonian fluids by making oobleck and unpacking the science behind it. A big thank you to Erin Burton for co-teaching with me.
It was fantastic to see such high levels of student engagement and agency across both experiences.
Dr Cheryl Gajada -
Year 5 Teacher / STEM Project Officer
Junior School Sport
Sport Report Weeks 1-5
Sport Report Weeks 1-5
Celebrating Junior School Sport
2026 Junior School Western Region Swimming Team
We would like to recognise and congratulate the following students who represented the College at the Western Region Swimming Carnival on Thursday, 5 March:
Lucia Gajda
Ethan Patterson
Summer Quinn
Beau Stephens
Nneka Fashoyin
Harrison Fuser
Alessia Siracusa
Ayla Cummins
Harper Clark
Makenzie O'Brien
Patrick Kempton
Chase Kerema
Isaac Matthews
Michael Tacca
Annabelle Lowe
Ricciardo Yousif
Cooper Fox
Henry Thomas
Alexia Clark
Delaney O'Brien
Enzo Boullosa
Harrison Desfosses
Isla Arundell
Henry Hook
Sophie Morrison
Thank you to Mrs Amanda Kerr and Mrs Rebecca Sidorenko for managing the team at the carnival.
Congratulations to the students who qualified to compete at the Wollongong Swimming Trials on Tuesday, 10 March. We look forward to hearing how you go.
Wollongong Diocesan Trials
Good luck to our students trialling for Wollongong representative teams in the coming weeks. We look forward to hearing your results.
Congratulations to the following students who have been selected for Wollongong teams:
Touch Football: Beau Stephens
AFL: Beau Stephens, Harrison Oldfield and Hunter Stewart
Girls Netball: Francesca Mandarano
Junior School Annual Cross Country Carnival
We are excited to host our Cross Country Carnival on Monday, 9 March. The event will begin at 8:45am with the 3km runners. As there is no fixed timeline for the morning, please refer to the Parent Portal for further details. We wish all students the very best of luck.
Paul Kelly Cup AFL Team
Congratulations to the following students selected to represent the College in the Paul Kelly Cup:
Jagger Piaud-Johns
Emilia Simone
Nash Xerri
Harper Clark
Harley Dawson
Nicholas Galluzzo
Adriana Grados
Ashton Noyce
Hunter Stewart
Noah Bullock
Charlotte Hogan
Tiana Eva
Nneka Fashoyin
Harrison Fuser
Jayk Jedryhowski
Stella Jensen
Francesca Mandarano
Jacob Meyers
Patrick O'Neill
Harrison Oldfield
Poppy Perkins
Alessia Siracusa
Benjamin Devlin
Chloe Jones
Knox Miller
Oliver Moore
Sophia Murialdo
Summer Quinn
Clara Romeo
William Simpson
Harper Stassen
Beau Stephens
We wish you all the best at the Camden competition on Thursday, 26 March.
Independent Primary Schools Sporting Organisation (IPSSO) Round 1
Round 1 was cancelled due to extreme heat.
Round 2 – Wednesday, 25 February 2026
Opposition: Wollondilly Anglican College (WAC)
Junior Basketball
SGC 13 – 12 WAC
Special Mentions:
Lachlan Foley – great defence and ball control
Olivia Koros – excellent dribbling skills
Madden Day – consistent shooting and passing
Junior Oz Tag
SGC 5 – 4 WAC
Special Mentions:
Kekoa Bywater – consistent effort
Bodhi Blewitt – strong communication and attacking skills
Congratulations to our debutants on a great game
Junior Cricket
SGC 2/56 – 3/41 WAC
Special Mentions:
Spencer Hawkins – impressive debut with both bat and ball
Leo Small – quick in the field, leading to a great catch and run out
Luke Sawyer – accurate bowling that restricted the opposition total
Junior Girls Soccer
SGC 0 – 6 WAC
Special Mentions:
Layla Meadows – strong in attack and defence
Alexia Clark – strong midfield performance
Billie Milne – persistent attacking efforts
Senior Basketball
SGC 90 – 2 WAC
Special Mentions:
Natalia Cosoleto – strong shooting and work rate
Tiana Eva – excellent contribution in attack and defence
Benjamin Devlin – great movement down the court
Senior Oz Tag
SGC 17 – 2 WAC
Special Mentions:
Beau Stephens – impressive performance
Jagger Piaud-Johns – strong running game
William Simpson – excellent try assists
Senior Cricket
SGC 3/84 – 6/57 WAC
Special Mentions:
Daniel Tiju – superb bowling, taking 3 wickets in 2 overs
Harry Fuser – 20 (retired) on senior debut
Jude Lane – 20 (retired) in a strong batting innings
Senior Girls Soccer
SGC 6 – 0 WAC
Special Mentions:
Francesca Mandarano – excellent accuracy in front of goal
Sophia Murialdo – tireless effort across the field
Nneka Fashoyin – nonstop work rate and strong passing
Round 3 – Wednesday, 4 March 2026
Opposition: Macarthur Anglican School (MAS)
Junior Basketball
SGC 12 – 26 MAS
Special Mentions:
Gisele Sami – strong scoring and ball control
Ryan Simpson – great defence
Connor Clark – consistent effort
Junior Oz Tag
SGC 24 – 1 MAS
Special Mentions:
Ilaria Canceri – impressive work on both sides of the ball
Nate Bullock – strong passing skills
Alexia Kandris – powerful attacking runs
Junior Cricket
SGC 2/63 – 6/28 MAS
Special Mentions:
Fletcher Monte – first IPSSO wicket
Timothy Fuser – powerful batting, including the first six of the season
Luke Sawyer – accurate bowling, taking two wickets
Junior Girls Soccer
SGC 1 – 2 MAS
Special Mentions:
Alexia Clark – first goal of the season
Layla Meadows – strong defensive performance
Clara McMullan – excellent goalkeeping
Senior Basketball
SGC 62 – 31 MAS
Special Mentions:
Adriana Grados – outstanding control throughout the game
Noah Cameron – consistent effort
Leo Youkhana – reliable in both attack and defence
Senior Oz Tag
SGC 18 – 1 MAS
Special Mentions:
Pyper Ahearn – impressive tagging
Knox Miller – strong work rate at marker
Poppy Perkins – powerful attacking runs and multiple tries
Senior Cricket
SGC 3/61 – 5/51 MAS
Special Mentions:
Jude Lane – retired on 22 and took a classic catch
Marcello Torcaso – 1/1 with the ball and a strong catch
Lucas Hayes – spectacular one-handed catch
Senior Girls Soccer
SGC 3 – 2 MAS
Special Mentions:
Genesis Fareed – excellent midfield performance
Amelia Austin – outstanding effort as goalkeeper
Alessia Siracusa – scored the winning goal
Winter IPSSO Trials
In the coming weeks, trials for Winter IPSSO sports will be held during lunchtime. Students in Years 3–6 are invited to trial for:
- AFL (mixed)
- Boys Soccer
- Girls Netball
- Tee Ball (Years 3–4)
- Softball (Years 5–6)
Further information will be shared shortly.
Mr Darryl Howe
Junior Sports Coordinator
Key Dates and Events
Back to Greg's Day
Back to Greg's Day
Back to Greg's Day Featuring the Return of the Rodeo & Art Show
The Addams Family Musical
The Addams Family Musical
The Addams Family Are in Full Swing at St Gregory’s!
Rehearsals for The Addams Family are well and truly alive at St Gregory’s in our Centenary Year. We’re putting “Family first and Family last”!
Since Week 2, our cast has been gathering every Wednesday afternoon for 2.5 hours of wonderfully weird and kooky creativity in the hall. With 63 senior students from St Gregory’s and St Patrick’s Colleges, alongside 19 talented students from Years 4–6 at St Gregory’s College Junior School, the energy has been anything but grave.
Under the creepily creative direction of Mrs Lauren Armbruster, choreography by Mrs McInerney (St Patrick’s), music by Mr Bernard Malone and Mr Laurie Malaesilia, students have been enthusiastically learning songs, running lines, and incorporating stage directions and movement. The opening number and first scene are now complete, and looking frightfully good!
From harmonies that snap to dance moves that are to die for, our cast is embracing every moment of this delightfully dark production. Stay tuned for updates over the next few months, you’d be ghoulish to miss it!
Tickets go on sale early in Term 2, so save the dates in your calendars, you won’t want to miss these ghoulishly talented students.
Performance Dates:
Wednesday, 17th June (Preview) – 6:30 pm
Friday, 19th June (Matinee) – 10:00 am
Friday, 19th June (Opening Night) – 7:00 pm
Saturday, 20th June – 7:00 pm
Cast:
Gomez Addams , the dramatic patriarch – Julian Maher (Year 11)
Morticia Addams , the elegant but mysterious – Adele L (Year 12)
Wednesday Addams , the darkly intelligent – Sophie M (Year 10)
Pugsley Addams , the mischievous – Alexi Kuang (Year 5) and Xara Pasqualin (Year 4)
Uncle Fester , the eccentric but loveable – Alexander Langford (Year 12)
Grandma , the quirky matriarch – Astrid M (Year 10) and Libby-Rose M (Year 10)
Lurch , towering butler of few words – Fraser Holdsworth (Year 12) and Dylan Klepser (Year 11)
Mal Beineke , the ever-conventional – Harrison Rooney (Year 11)
Alice Beineke , polite and proper – Lily B (Year 11)
Lucas Beineke – William Carter (Year 11)
It – Levi Kidd (Year 9)
Thing – Chaise Fourie (Year 11)
Mrs Kristy Falas
College Musical Team
St Greg's Art Show
St Greg's Art Show
St Greg’s Art Show Returns for Our 2026 Centenary
As part of our 2026 Centenary “Back to Gregs Day” celebrations, the Visual Arts Department is proud to announce the return of a much-loved tradition: The St Greg’s Art Show . From 1987 to 1999, this exhibition was a highlight of the College calendar, bringing the community together to celebrate creativity and artistic talent. In 2026, we are bringing it back for one special occasion, and we would love you to be part of it.
This special exhibition will invite Old Boys to return to the College and showcase their creative work as part of our Centenary festivities. The event will celebrate the artistic legacy of St Greg’s while highlighting the diverse creative pathways pursued by our alumni.
We have already received a strong response from Old Boys expressing interest in exhibiting, and we warmly invite more members of our alumni community to become involved. Eligibility is also open to those with a direct or immediate family connection to the College. This includes current or former staff, as well as immediate family members (partners, parents, siblings, or children) of these groups.
We are also inviting all members of the community to participate in a special Incognito-style exhibition within the St Greg’s Art Show. This unique component will feature artworks displayed anonymously, allowing each piece to be viewed and appreciated purely on its own merit. To take part, you are simply required to produce a small A5-sized artwork for the Incognito exhibition.
Incognito kits will be available for collection and return at the Senior and Junior Front Offices before 18 March. Alternatively, you may use the link below to register for a postal entry:
https://forms.office.com/r/pg8JCNWngn?origin=lprLink
We look forward to celebrating 100 years of St Greg’s by showcasing the extraordinary talent within our community.
Ms Elissa Ferenc - Head of Visual Arts
Community Notice
Increased Parking Patrols and Enforcement in School Zones
Increased Parking Patrols and Enforcement in School Zones
Bingara Village Construction Works
Bingara Village Construction Works
Coles Bingara Village - Notification of Construction Works
Dear Resident,
Mainbrace has received approval from Council to modify traffic conditions to allow for precast panel lifts, as shown in the attached Traffic Management Plans.
The works will commence in the week starting Tuesday the 10th of March and continue over the following weeks until all planned modifications are completed. Construction activities will comply with Wollondilly Shire Council Regulations.
The following Panel Lifts are planned for below:
- Greenbridge Dr: 10/03 – 13/03/26 – Pedestrian & motorists management.
- Pembroke Parade: 13/03 – 16/03/26 - Pedestrian & motorists management lane closure.
- White St: 26/03 – 02/04/26 – Road closure setup with detour.
- Corner of White St & Greenbridge Dr: 08/04 – 09/04/26 - Pedestrian & motorists management.
While all reasonable efforts will be made to limit the impact of works on neighbours, some inconvenience may occur during this period. Mainbrace and our client apologise for any disruption these works may cause.
We appreciate your understanding and patience during this period. If you have any concerns or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 0433 702 181 or nirajshah@mainbrace.com.au
Thank you for your understanding.
Kind regards,
Mr Niraj Shah
Project Manager, Mainbrace Construction
