From the College Principal
Mr Matthew Brennan - The College Principal
Mr Matthew Brennan - The College Principal
Dear members of the St Gregory’s family,
Thank you for taking the time to read our latest newsletter. As you will see in this edition, many exciting and positive things have been happening in our community this term.
It was wonderful to see so many students and their families supporting ANZAC Day. To be involved in four different services and marches across four time slots and three venues was a bold undertaking. The strong support from the St Greg’s community made an important statement about our values and sense of community. It was also very special to have Old Boys march alongside students in our centenary year.
We have also experienced incredible success with our Show Team and have made great strides in our High Potential Program, participating in numerous events, showcasing our talents, and, importantly, learning from these experiences.
Our Mother’s Day gatherings for the Junior School and Years 7 and 12, including three beautiful liturgies, once again provided our community with an opportunity to reflect on what is most important. Many thanks to the staff, particularly Mrs Bowen, Mrs Clarke, and Mrs Buckley, for making these mornings so special.
We have also celebrated students’ successes at various assemblies across K–12, and these will continue throughout the year. In addition, we held a very successful Years 10–12 Careers Expo Afternoon, with over 100 exhibitors and many breakout sessions. It was pleasing to see several other schools in attendance. Thank you to Mr Ivancic for his outstanding work.
This weekend, we will host our Annual Boarders’ Weekend, a time when our boarding families come to the College to watch their sons play sport and enjoy each other’s company throughout the day, before gathering for the Eucharist on Saturday evening to celebrate Pentecost. The day concludes with a parent function after Mass. It is a wonderful event, and I thank Miss Sherd, Mr Morrissey, and all involved in organising this important community-building occasion.
In regard to our Centenary celebrations, I again ask that you save the date: Friday, 4 September. We will celebrate our Centenary Mass at Campbelltown Stadium, beginning at 10.00am and concluding at approximately 12.00pm. Students will be able to return home at the conclusion of this celebration. At 6.00pm that evening, we will hold our Gala—an adults-only event, at The Cube. More information will be shared shortly; however, as numbers are limited to 800 guests, tickets are expected to sell quickly. I take this opportunity to thank Campbelltown City Council, Wests Macarthur Group, and Campbelltown Catholic Club for their outstanding support.
Finally, two invitations. You are warmly invited to attend our Feast of Marcellin Champagnat Mass at 9.00am on Wednesday, 3 June. This is always a special occasion and is made even more meaningful when families and friends are able to attend.
Secondly, we are hosting an evening with best-selling author and presenter, and host of Australia’s most downloaded parenting podcast, Dr Justin Coulson, titled Raising Boys . Details are provided below. I encourage all who are available to register and take advantage of this valuable, free event for our community.
Free Live Event for Parents: Raising Boys with Dr Justin Coulson
Raising boys today feels more complicated than ever. Between the daily battles over screen time, sudden drops in school motivation, and explosive emotional outbursts, it is easy to feel overwhelmed.
To help our families navigate these challenges, St Gregory’s College has secured free access to a live " Ask Me Anything" online session with Dr Justin Coulson on June 16.
Celebrating the launch of his highly anticipated new book, BOYS, Dr Coulson will be answering your most pressing questions about how to deeply connect with your son, manage the ongoing tension around screens, and guide him toward becoming a good, resilient man.
When:
Tuesday 16 June 2026 | 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM AEST
Where:
Online (Join from the comfort of your living room)
Cost:
FREE for St Greg’s families
Click here to register and receive your private event link:
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
Dear Members of the St Gregory’s College family,
Our Greg’s community has been alive with energy, achievement, and participation across a wide range of activities so far in Term 2. It has been wonderful to see students embracing every opportunity presented to them and representing our College with pride, enthusiasm, and resilience. As our Year 8–10 students continue their half-yearly exams this week, we look forward to the many events and experiences that await them as we reach the midpoint of the term.
Our recent Careers Expo for Years 10–12 provided students with valuable insights into future pathways, professions, and opportunities beyond school. We thank the exhibitors, tertiary representatives, and industry professionals who generously shared their knowledge and experiences. Events such as these are instrumental in helping students make informed decisions about their futures and inspire them to pursue their goals with confidence. A special thank you to Mr Ivancic for his leadership in this space, to the Maintenance and IT teams for their ongoing support, and to the student volunteers who assisted with the setup of the Expo.
Congratulations to our students who continue to compete in the Bill Turner Soccer Knockout Competition. A 5–0 win in their first match has seen them progress to the next round, which will be played next week against Oran Park. Mr Goodhew and Mrs Birkenhead praised the team’s outstanding teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship, which reflected the very best of our community spirit. The commitment and encouragement shown towards one another were a credit to both the students and staff involved.
We also recently held our annual Photo Day, an important occasion for capturing the memories and milestones of the school year. In celebration of our 100-year history, classes were photographed around the original entrance to the College, where historical photographs were once taken. Thank you to Barry Graham for organising this day and to our photographers for their excellent support. We also thank our students and families for their preparation and cooperation, and our staff for ensuring the day ran smoothly and efficiently.
A special congratulations to Will Carter and Lachlan Selby, who progressed to the Rostrum Public Speaking Finals. Both students spoke exceptionally well against strong competition from across the NSW zone. The confidence, preparation, and communication skills on display were impressive. Public speaking requires both courage and discipline, and all participants should be proud of how they presented themselves and their ideas. I am pleased to share that Will Carter was named runner-up following an outstanding performance.
As always, I thank our staff, students, and families for their continued support, which makes these opportunities possible. Together, we build a vibrant school community where students are encouraged to strive for excellence in all aspects of school life.
Celebrating Student Success
Through this newsletter, I enjoy highlighting the outstanding efforts, achievements, and experiences of our students. Please feel free to share any successes so we can continue to celebrate with your son or daughter by emailing me at jweekes@stgregs.nsw.edu.au
What’s on the Horizon?
Week 6
Monday 25 May – Years 8–10 Assessment Block continues
Tuesday 26 May – Junior School Mass (9.00am, Hall)
Wednesday 27 May – Bill Turner Cup
– IPSSO Junior School Sport
– Peter Mulholland Cup Round 2
Thursday 28 May – Year 6 Excursion (Maritime Museum)
– P.A.R.T.Y Program
– PDS Sport
Friday 29 May – K–2 Assembly
– CSDA Debating Round 6
– Years 7–9 Dance @ St Patrick’s College
Saturday 30 May – ISA Rugby
Sunday 31 May – Musical Rehearsals
Week 7
Tuesday 2 June – RSA/RCG Barista Course
Wednesday 3 June – K–12 Champagnat Mass
– Years 7–10 Football Gala Day
– IPSSO Junior School Sport
Thursday 4 June – K–12 Champagnat Day Activities
– PDS Sport
As our St Gregory’s College motto states, “You will 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
Building a Love of Reading
Dear Parents and Carers,
There is always much talk in the media about NAPLAN and literacy and numeracy standards in schools. Regardless of whether you are for or against standardised tests, NAPLAN is here to stay, and it can provide us with useful data.
What it is unable to measure is the love of reading and books that our children can develop in their primary years and beyond.
When I interview students starting in later years, I ask if they are prepared to commit to reading every night for at least 15 minutes. This is one of our non-negotiables at St Greg’s. It is the most important skill we can instill in our children. We do this through modelling, setting aside time to read to them or with them every night and having the same expectation as their school. Regardless of whether they have homework every night, reading is fundamental and should happen every day.
How We Support Reading at St Gregory’s
- Weekly Library Lessons: Our College prioritises a library lesson for one hour each week, teaching library skills and exposing students to a range of quality literature. Children are encouraged to borrow every week.
- Premier’s Reading Challenge: Every child in the school participates in the challenge in order to expose them to a range of books.
- National Simultaneous Storytime: St Greg’s will join millions of children across Australia as they gather to read Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller by A.Jackson & A.Lloyd on 27 May at 12pm.
- Library Enhancements: Our College has installed beautiful timber Learning Trees and new forward-facing shelving to house our growing collection of picture books. The students have a wonderful, relaxing place to sit and enjoy a book.
For those of you who have read James Clear’s book Atomic Habits you will understand the concept of making small changes, frequently. As part of our College Strategic Priorities this year, the staff are committed to making 1% changes in various areas of learning and teaching.
What is a 1% change you can make in your home to develop the love of reading and ultimately improve literacy skills? I’d love to hear about them!
Let’s work together to build reading habits.
Mrs Diana Ivancic
Head of Junior School
From the Director of Teaching and Learning
Ms Judith Morrison - Director of Teaching and Learning
Ms Judith Morrison - Director of Teaching and Learning
Excellence through Equity: Redefining Differentiation at St Gregory’s College
At St Gregory’s College, our commitment to the inherent dignity of every young person requires us to constantly refine our classroom practices. On Monday, 20 April, our staff engaged in a pivotal professional learning day, with the second session focused on differentiation. Drawing directly from the latest research presented at the Catholic Schools New South Wales (CSNSW) K–12 Differentiation Conference, this session challenged us to move beyond a “one‑size‑fits‑all” model of schooling and embrace high‑impact, evidence‑based pedagogy.
The day began by addressing a common educational myth: that differentiation means lowering standards or fundamentally altering tasks to make them easier. Grounded in the insights of David de Carvalho (Executive Director of Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn), staff explored differentiation through the lens of the Science of Learning. De Carvalho warns against the “soft bigotry of low expectations” and the dangers of the “compassionist’s prison”, the well‑intentioned but damaging habit of reducing academic rigour under the guise of empathy.
Instead, staff analysed the critical difference between accommodating a learning weakness and addressing it. For example, allowing a struggling student to create a visual poster instead of writing an analytical report may simply bypass the barrier. True, high‑yield differentiation involves maintaining high standards while increasing pedagogical precision, using explicit instruction, worked examples, managing cognitive load and providing writing scaffolds so students can develop essential literacy skills. If a student does not grasp a concept initially, our role as educators is not to repeat the same explanation, but to provide alternative approaches and real-time, responsive feedback.
To implement this approach, staff explored the strong relationship between Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (Tomlinson & Allan, 2000). UDL provides a proactive foundation by reducing learning barriers for all students, while differentiation enables targeted responses based on ongoing data.
Staff were challenged to reflect on their current students and programs through three key questions:
- Who exactly needs support (using our SGC Data Placemats to identify gaps)?
- What specific teaching strategies or scaffolds will address these gaps?
- How will we know it is working through inclusive assessment design?
During Key Learning Area (KLA) breakout sessions, faculties applied these concepts into immediate practice. Teachers reviewed one current teaching program and one assessment task per stage, auditing marking criteria and entry points to ensure students can demonstrate authentic learning outcomes without artificially inflating results.
By understanding each student’s background, developmental stage and readiness, educators at St Gregory’s College continue to ensure that high expectations are supported by strong professional practice, driving academic growth and excellence for every student.
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
2026 ACER Social‑Emotional Wellbeing Survey – St Gregory’s College, Campbelltown
At the beginning of the term, St Gregory’s College participated in the ACER Social‑Emotional Wellbeing Survey, involving more than 850 students across Years 7–12. The survey provided valuable insight into the wellbeing landscape of our students and, most importantly, confirmed what we witness each day within our community, St Gregory’s is a place where young men are supported, connected, optimistic and flourishing.
The results were overwhelmingly positive and offered a strong affirmation of the culture that exists throughout the College. Across almost every wellbeing measure, our students performed above national averages when compared with nearly 37,000 students from schools across Australia. This is an outstanding reflection of our students, families and staff, who contribute daily to the strong sense of belonging that defines St Gregory’s College.
One of the most encouraging findings was the high level of happiness and school connection reported by students. A significant majority indicated that they feel happy, safe and proud to belong to the College community. Students consistently reported strong friendships, positive relationships with peers and staff, and confidence in themselves and their futures.
Particularly pleasing was the strong sense of hopefulness demonstrated across all year levels. Students expressed optimism about their future and confidence in their ability to succeed. Equally encouraging was the finding that motivation towards learning remains high, with many students showing a strong desire to achieve their best and challenge themselves academically.
The survey also highlighted the strength of our community culture. Students reported feeling connected not only to the College but also to the wider community through service opportunities, co‑curricular involvement, sporting participation and pastoral initiatives. This sense of connection remains central to the formation of the “Good Christian and Good Citizen.”
Another standout area was the support students receive from home. Students overwhelmingly acknowledged the encouragement and care provided by their families, reinforcing the importance of the strong partnership between school and home.
Importantly, behaviours relating to alcohol and drug use remain significantly below national averages across all year levels. This is a positive reflection of the values‑based environment within our College community and the guidance provided both at home and at school.
While the overall findings are extremely positive, the survey also highlights opportunities for continued growth. As with many schools across Australia, elevated stress levels in some middle and senior year groups remain an area of focus. The College remains committed to ensuring students have access to wellbeing support, counselling services, pastoral care programs, and opportunities to develop resilience and emotional regulation skills.
These results are a source of pride for our entire College community. They reflect a student body characterised by resilience, kindness and optimism. I would like to thank our students for their honesty in completing the survey, our staff for their care and dedication, and our families for their ongoing support and partnership.
Together, we continue to nurture a school culture where students feel valued, connected and empowered to flourish.
Mr Baldino Vetrano
Director of Students
From the Director of Boarding
Mr Luke Morrissey - Director of Boarding
Mr Luke Morrissey - Director of Boarding
Boarding Update – Term 2
Term 2 continues to move quickly, with a wide range of events and activities engaging both our families and students. Students in Years 8 to 10 are currently completing assessment week, which brings increased study demands and, for some, a level of anxiety. Alongside this, ISA Rugby, National Boarding Week, Family Weekend and other planned activities ensure a busy and rewarding term for all.
Family Weekend
Our annual Family Weekend is here, and we look forward to welcoming families to the College as we take on St Patrick’s College, Strathfield.
The marquee will once again be in full swing, with the Runciman, Khan, Smith and Townsend families generously volunteering to provide a spit roast lunch. Morning tea will be available, along with live music throughout the day.
Please note that all students are expected to attend the 1st XV fixture .
| TEAM | TIME |
|---|---|
| 1st XV | 2:15pm |
| 2nd XV | 1:00pm |
| 3rd XV | 10:00am (SGC 1) |
| U16 | 11:00am |
| U15 | 12:00pm |
| U14 | 10:00am (SGC 6) |
| U13 | 9:00am |
The Boarders’ Mass will commence at 6:30pm, with all students expected to attend in full winter uniform. The cocktail function and sibling dinner will follow the conclusion of Mass.
Important Dates
The Boarder Free Weekend will take place from 5–8 June. Any changes to travel arrangements, including cancellations, should have already been communicated to Danielle Sherd.
Tuesday 9 June is a travel day for Regional Boarders, while school operates as normal for Weekly Boarders. The Boarding House will be accessible that morning for those who require it, and all weekly students are expected to attend school.
The Maroon and Blue Ball will be held on 1 August, coinciding with the final round of rugby. This is a major parent-only event and promises to be a fantastic evening. We encourage all families to attend.
On the Road
The 2026 Boarding Expo circuit is underway, with a successful weekend in Dubbo resulting in many positive conversations, enquiries and upcoming tours.
Upcoming events include:
- 29–30 May – Wagga Boarding Expo
- 30 May – Temora Dinner, Temora Hotel (6:30pm)
- 10–11 July – Mudgee Field Days
- 23 July – Moree Boarding Expo
- 24–25 July – Tamworth Boarding Expo (TBC)
- 18–20 August – AgQuip (TBC)
Additional events in Cootamundra, Bourke, Nyngan and Warren will be announced shortly.
Our families remain our strongest advocates. If you know of any families considering boarding, please feel free to share my details, I am always happy to connect.
National Boarding Week
In Week 4, we celebrated National Boarding Week, joining more than 22,000 boarding students across Australia.
The week was filled with engaging activities including special dinners, dessert outings, vertical team events, a community gathering, a successful boarding dance and a memorable volleyball win over staff. It was a wonderful celebration of our boarding community and the strong relationships between students and staff.
Sunday Boarders’ Mass
Our Sunday Boarders’ Mass is held each week at 6:15pm in the College Chapel. All members of our College community are warmly invited to attend.
Social Media
A reminder to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages to stay up to date with College news and 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
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
First Nations Students Attend NRL ANZAC Round Launch
A number of our First Nations students were invited to join the NRL Referees at the launch of ANZAC Round 2026.
As part of the event, students attended a pre-release screening of the documentary Bringing His Spirit Home . The documentary shared the story of Gomeroi man William Allen Irwin DCM and highlighted the service and sacrifice of many First Nations men and women who have served Australia in the armed forces.
Following the screening, students were given a tour of the NRL Headquarters at Moore Park and participated in a careers Q&A session with the NRL Indigenous Strategy staff. This provided valuable insight into the diverse career pathways available within the NRL and the broader sporting industry.
The experience was both educational and inspiring, offering students an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of First Nations servicemen and servicewomen while also exploring future opportunities in sport and leadership.
Mr Shaun Humphries
First Nations Liaisons Officer
Senior School News
Year 11 Geography Excursion
Year 11 Geography Excursion
Year 11 Geography Fieldwork Excursion
On Monday 30 March, the Year 11 Geography classes travelled to Balls Head Reserve, Waverton, for an engaging day of fieldwork facilitated by the Sydney Observatory Hill Education Centre.
The excursion focused on the natural processes, cycles and circulations that shape land and water environments, providing students with the opportunity to apply key geographical skills in a real-world setting.
Throughout the day, students participated in a range of hands-on activities, including the use of quadrats to investigate invertebrates, as well as measuring humidity, gradient, wind speed, temperature, light intensity and soil moisture.
One of the highlights of the excursion was the spectacular view across Sydney Harbour. Students also enjoyed exploring the local environment and enthusiastically engaging in fieldwork activities throughout the day.
The excursion provided a valuable opportunity for students to experience Geography beyond the classroom and to further develop their practical investigative skills in an outdoor setting.
Miss Raquel Russo and Mrs Lauren Ross
HSIE Department
Rostrum Voice of Youth public speaking
Rostrum Voice of Youth public speaking
Rostrum Voice of Youth
The Rostrum Voice of Youth Public Speaking Competition was held at St Patrick’s College, Campbelltown, on Monday 16 March.
The College was represented by the following students:
Junior Division (Years 7–9): Ethan (Year 7), Anish (Year 7), Gilon (Year 8)
Senior Division (Years 10–12): Lachlan (Year 11), William (Year 12)
Lachlan and William were the winners of their respective rooms, while Anish Poudel was awarded runner-up. This was an outstanding achievement by all speakers involved.
Having watched Ethan and Gilon present, I would also like to commend them on their strong performances and the significant effort they invested in preparing their speeches.
Lachlan and William then represented the College at the Regional Finals, which were hosted at St Gregory’s College on Monday 4 May (Week 3).
Congratulations to all students involved.
Mr Peter Baz
HSIE Teacher
Ethics Olympiad
Ethics Olympiad
St Gregory’s Debuts at the Ethics Olympiad
On Tuesday 5 May, ten students from Years 11 and 12 participated in the College’s first Ethics Olympiad.
The Ethics Olympiad provides students with a unique opportunity to develop their communication, critical thinking and respectful discussion skills through the exploration of contemporary ethical issues. The event encourages students to engage thoughtfully and collaboratively with challenging and often controversial topics.
Throughout the day, teams participated in a series of four Ethics Olympiad heats, where they were assessed against criteria that rewarded clear, concise and respectful discourse in response to a range of ethical case studies.
The participating students were:
Year 11 - Ethan, Cambell, Dean, Lachlan, William,
Year 12 - James, Giles, Cody, Anthony, Max
This year the cases were:
Salacious Gossip
Spreading personal information may be tempting, but it risks serious harm to others. The case asks whether truth or public interest can ever justify gossip.
Digital Afterlife Management
After death, a person’s online identity remains, raising questions about who controls it. It explores whether the dead retain rights over their digital presence.
In-Vitro Meat
Lab-grown meat could reduce animal suffering and environmental damage. The case questions whether its benefits outweigh concerns about unnaturalness and cultural resistance.
Redefining Humanity
Emerging technologies challenge traditional ideas of what it means to be human. It examines whether enhancing humans undermines authenticity or human value.
A Phenotypic Prometheus?
Genetic modification offers the potential to design human traits. The case considers whether such control is ethical, especially given issues of consent and inequality.
Ode to a Scab
A worker crosses a picket line during a strike to secure income. It explores the conflict between individual need and collective worker solidarity.
A Monthly Subscription to Brutality
People pay to consume violent or disturbing content. The case questions whether consuming such material contributes to moral harm or desensitisation.
Taking the Spot or Earning It?
A student gains a scholarship through special consideration rather than pure merit. It examines fairness, questioning whether equity justifies unequal selection processes.
The teams performed exceptionally well, but most importantly, students gained invaluable experience in ethical reasoning, collaboration and academic discussion. These skills strongly support learning across a range of curriculum areas.
We look forward to the Middle School Ethics Olympiad in November and hope to see this highly academic program continue to grow as part of the St Gregory’s High Potential and Gifted Education co-curricular program.
Mrs Lauren Armbruster
High Potential and Gifted Learner Project Officer
CSDA Public Speaking
CSDA Public Speaking
CSDA Public Speaking Competition
On Friday 27 February, eleven students competed in Round 1 of the Catholic Schools Debating Association (CSDA) Public Speaking Competition. The competition involved 76 schools competing across six venues throughout Sydney.
St Gregory’s was represented by the following students: Zac (YR7), Josiah (YR7), Charlie (YR8), Noah W. (YR8), Aaron (YR9), Harry (YR9), Joseph (YR10), Jonah (YR10), Jeremy (Senior), Lachlan (Senior), William (Senior)
The standard of public speaking demonstrated by our students was exceptionally high and notably stronger than in previous years. All students are to be commended for the commitment and serious preparation they brought to the competition.
Four students progressed to Round 2, the Zone Final, held on 6 March, an improvement on last year’s result and one of the strongest outcomes among the twelve schools competing at our venue.
The students who advanced to the Zone Final were: Josiah (YR7), Noah W. (YR8), Harry (YR9), William (Senior)
All four students performed strongly against high-quality competition. Following the Zone Final, two students progressed to the Grand Final at St Patrick’s College, Strathfield, on 13 March: Noah W. (YR8), William (Senior)
This was a remarkable achievement, placing both students among the top public speakers in Sydney Catholic Schools. The Year 8 division featured approximately 140 students, while the Senior division included more than 200 competitors. Congratulations to William Carter on this outstanding accomplishment.
It also gives me great pleasure to announce that Noah W. was awarded first place in the Year 8 Division, making him the top Year 8 public speaker in Sydney Catholic Schools for 2026. This is an exceptional achievement and a testament to Noah’s preparation, confidence and speaking ability.
Congratulations, Noah, on a fantastic result.
Mr Peter Baz
HSIE Teacher
da Vinci Decathlon
da Vinci Decathlon
da Vinci Decathlon State Event - Senior School
On Thursday 14 May, 39 seniors students represented St Gregory’s College at the da Vinci Decathlon State Event held at Knox Grammar School, competing against some of the strongest academic teams from across New South Wales.
The da Vinci Decathlon is a prestigious academic competition designed to challenge high-potential students through complex, collaborative problem-solving. Inspired by the interdisciplinary genius of Leonardo da Vinci, teams of eight students compete across ten disciplines, including Engineering, Science, Cartography, Ideation, Creative Producers, Legacy and Code Breaking. The event encourages students to think critically, work collaboratively and apply knowledge creatively in high-pressure situations.
Competition numbers reflected the strength of the field: Year 7: 75 teams, Year 8: 82 teams, Year 9: 58 teams, Year 10: 59 teams and Year 11: 40 teams
We are pleased to recognise the following achievements:
- Year 11 – 4th place in Cartography and 9th place in Ideation
- Year 10 – 10th place in Creative Producers, 12th place in Legacy and 15th place in Science
- Year 7 – 5th place in Engineering
These outstanding results reflect the dedication, resilience and intellectual curiosity of our students, who embraced the challenge of competing at a high level while working collaboratively to solve complex problems.
Congratulations to the following students for their commitment throughout the competition:
Year 7 - Aiden, Lee Alexander, Zachary, Hugo, Lucas, Lincoln, Julian, Mitchell
Year 8 - Luke, Noah W, Shivan, Adwin, Oliver, Samuel, Jack, Samuel
Year 9 - Lucas, Lawson, Koby, Riaan, Aaron, Nick, Bryson (YR8), Taite (YR8)
Year 10 - Rhys, Youseff, Nicholas, Benjamin, Cameron, Maksim, Lenny, Harrison
Year 11 - Declan, Dean, Kai, Campbell, Sacha, William, Lachlan
The da Vinci Decathlon teams were expertly led and supported by Mr Joshua Redmayne, Mr Jacob Dabrowski, Mrs Sandra Hackett and Mrs Lauren Armbruster, whose guidance and encouragement helped students prepare for this enriching academic experience.
Congratulations to all students involved for representing St Gregory’s with excellence, determination and pride. Their achievements are a testament to the strength of academic enrichment at St Gregory’s and the value of curiosity, creativity and collaboration.
Mrs Lauren Armbruster
High Potential and Gifted Learners Project Officer
Senior School Sport
PDS Basketball Gala Day 2026
PDS Basketball Gala Day 2026
PDS Basketball Gala Day 2026: Strong Performances and Finals Run
The St Gregory’s Basketball teams delivered an outstanding day of competition at the PDS Basketball Gala Day on Friday 1 May, highlighted by strong performances, resilience under pressure, and impressive teamwork across both Junior and Intermediate divisions.
Intermediate Basketball
The Intermediate Basketball Team showed excellent energy and skill throughout the day, finishing as runners-up after reaching the final.
By their own admission, the boys were disappointed with their earlier performances in the PDS Thursday competition, which included a series of close losses that saw them miss the semi-finals. However, they responded in the best possible way, putting those results behind them and producing a sensational run of basketball at the Gala Day.
The team won six consecutive games to reach the final, with a particular highlight being their strong defensive commitment and ability to push the ball in transition. Their improvement and cohesion throughout the day were evident in every game.
In the final, St Gregory’s went down 38–30 to St Dominic’s College. However, the scoreline did not fully reflect the competitiveness of the match, with the boys mounting two strong comebacks and remaining within reach late in the game. A contentious late call that overturned a key basket proved pivotal, before St Dominic’s closed out the match with several late scores as St Gregory’s pressed for a dramatic finish.
Despite the result, the coaching staff expressed immense pride in the team’s effort, attitude, and development across the day. The boys represented the College with great spirit both on and off the court, and their progress provides strong optimism moving forward.
Junior Basketball
The St Gregory’s Junior Basketball Team also produced a fantastic display of tenacity and determination throughout the PDS Gala Day.
Across a series of fast-paced and tightly contested games, the boys consistently demonstrated composure under pressure, securing several narrow wins in thrilling finishes. Their ability to perform in high-pressure moments highlighted their growing confidence and resilience as a team.
More importantly than the results, the day provided valuable experience, strengthening team bonds and creating lasting memories that will contribute to their continued development in future competitions.
Overall, both squads represented St Gregory’s with pride, resilience, and strong sportsmanship. The Gala Day proved to be a highly positive experience for all involved and a strong indicator of the talent and potential within the College basketball program.
Mr Shaun Gaspi & Mr Ben Limbrey
Senior School Basketball Coaches
First Grade Basketball Open Boys PDS FInal
First Grade Basketball Open Boys PDS FInal
First Grade Basketball – Joint Premiers in Thrilling Grand Final
The First Grade Basketball Team were crowned Joint Premiers alongside St Dominic’s College following a hard-fought and unforgettable Grand Final last Thursday.
Entering the match as Minor Premiers, the team knew they faced a significant challenge against a well-drilled St Dominic’s side featuring several representative players. St Gregory’s started strongly and took an early lead, however St Dominic’s responded with accurate perimeter shooting, resulting in multiple lead changes throughout the contest.
With 2 minutes and 45 seconds remaining, St Gregory’s trailed by five points. Demonstrating composure, resilience and clear purpose, the team fought their way back into the game, levelling the scores at 45–45 at the final siren.
Extra time was played, with both teams showing tremendous determination and neither side willing to concede defeat despite the physical demands of the match. After a further five minutes of play, the scores remained locked at 48–48.
Following the conclusion of extra time, officials declared that no further overtime would be played and the teams were named Joint Premiers.
The team now looks forward to a rematch against St Dominic’s in the upcoming NSWCCC Tournament.
Mrs Melissa Giles
First Grade Basketball Couch
Parramatta Diocese Cross Country
Parramatta Diocese Cross Country
Parramatta Diocese Cross Country - Outstanding Results!
St Gregory’s students delivered an excellent set of performances at the Parramatta Diocese Cross Country Carnival, producing strong results across all age divisions and demonstrating great determination throughout the course.
A number of students achieved top placings in highly competitive fields, with several securing qualification to the CCC Cross Country Carnival to be held on 24 June.
12 Years
4th Harrison
5th Caleb
6th Luca
13th Zavier
19th Anish
13 Years
3rd Noah
6th Cooper
8th Harry
10th Cooper
14 Years
7th Taite
8th Jake
13th Kiyaan
27th Bryson
15 Years
9th Lachlan
30th Nate
35th Lucas
38th Michon
16 Years
2nd Nick
3rd Aidan
5th Eoin
11th Jeremy
18th Mitchell
17 Years
4th William
6th Leonard
7th Kade
8th Cooper
9th Giles
Students finishing inside the top six (highlighted results) will now progress to represent the Parramatta Diocese at the CCC Cross Country Carnival on 24 June.
A special thank you goes to Dan Reyes for his support out on Checkpoint 16 throughout the day.
Mrs Julie Sligar
Assistant Head of Mathematics and Assistant Head of Year 11
Western Sydney Local AFL Gala Day
Western Sydney Local AFL Gala Day
Senior AFL Undefeated Champions at Western Sydney Gala Day
On Tuesday 28 April, the Senior AFL team competed in the Western Sydney Local AFL Gala Day at Blacktown Sports Park, delivering an outstanding performance across the day to finish as undefeated champions.
St Gregory’s produced a dominant display across all matches, showcasing strong ball movement, disciplined defence, and consistent teamwork. The result sees the team progress to the next round of the competition.
Match Results
Pool Game 1:
St Gregory’s 12.6 (72) defeated Westfield Sports High 2.0 (12)
Pool Game 2:
St Gregory’s 8.4 (52) defeated Model Farms High 2.0 (12)
Cross Over Game:
St Gregory’s 5.5 (35) defeated Endeavour Sports High 4.1 (25)
Grand Final:
St Gregory’s 4.9 (33) defeated Islamic College of Sport 2.1 (13)
The team should be congratulated on an excellent all-round performance and their achievement in finishing the day as undefeated champions.
Mrs Julie Sligar
Assistant Head of Mathematics and Assistant Head of Year 11
Bill Turner Cup - Round 2
Bill Turner Cup - Round 2
Bill Turner Cup (Round 2) – 5–0 Win vs Elizabeth Macarthur
The St Greg’s boys continued their strong start to the Bill Turner Cup campaign with an impressive 5–0 victory over Elizabeth Macarthur High, who entered the match full of confidence after their dominant 9–0 win in Round 1.
There was no complacency from our St Greg’s side, who started brightly and struck early through Jake. His long-range effort caught the opposition off guard and gave the team the perfect start. The next ten minutes proved challenging, with Elizabeth Macarthur building momentum and controlling territory for periods of the half. However, our Greg’s defence remained composed under pressure and absorbed the challenge well.
In the final stages of the first half, the boys showed their clinical edge. Rocky calmly finished a one-on-one opportunity to double the advantage, before a strong long throw from Lucas found Jake, who timed his header perfectly to make it 3–0 at the break.
With the wind behind them in the second half, St Greg’s continued to press forward. Zane Mallison added another early in the half with a tidy finish into the bottom corner, before Cooper Carlsen continued his outstanding goal-scoring form with a superb long-range strike into the top left corner.
The 5–0 result was another solid team performance built on discipline, composure, and clinical finishing. Well done, gents.
Thank you to Rhys, who officiated with fairness, consistency, and professionalism as referee, as well as Mateo and Mitchell, who led the warm-up and carried out lineman duties throughout the match.
Mr Goodhew and Mrs Birkenhead
Coach and Manager
Junior School News
PYP Academic Outcomes
PYP Academic Outcomes
Academics in the PYP: What the Research is Telling Us
At St Gregory’s College Junior School, we are proud to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), a framework that places curiosity, student agency, and deep learning at the centre of classroom practice.
Recently, new research from the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) has provided strong global evidence regarding the impact of the PYP on student learning.
Drawing on data from more than 71,000 students across 254 international schools, the study found that there was no area in which non-IB students outperformed those in the PYP. PYP students consistently performed as well as, or significantly better than, their peers across reading, scientific literacy, and writing.
Reading was identified as a particular strength, with PYP students achieving strong results across almost every year level. Positive outcomes were also seen in writing and scientific literacy.
While these results are encouraging, what matters most is what sits behind them.
The PYP is designed to develop the whole child. Through inquiry-based learning, students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and make meaningful connections. They are supported to take increasing ownership of their learning, building confidence, independence, and a genuine love of learning.
This research affirms what we see every day in our classrooms here at St Gregory’s College: students who are engaged, growing, and developing the skills they need not just for school, but for life.
If you would like to explore the research in more detail, you can access the summary here: https://ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/research/pdfs/isa-summary-eng.pdf
Further IB research can also be found on the IB website, offering deeper insights into the impact of IB programmes around the world.
Mr Mark Gannon
Assistant Head of Junior School - Teaching and Learning & Administration
da Vinci Decathlon
da Vinci Decathlon
da Vinci Decathlon State Event - Junior School
On Thursday 14 May, 16 Junior School students represented St Gregory’s College at the da Vinci Decathlon State Event held at Knox Grammar School.
This highly competitive academic event brought together some of the strongest teams from across the state, with 74 teams in Year 5 and 84 teams in Year 6 competing on the day.
Our students demonstrated outstanding effort, collaboration and problem‑solving skills as they worked across 10 challenging disciplines, including Engineering, Mathematics, Code Breaking, Art and Poetry, Science, English, Ideation, Creative Producers, Cartography and Legacy.
We are pleased to acknowledge the following achievements:
- Year 5 – Equal 8th place in Art and Poetry
- Year 6 – Equal 10th place in Cartography
Congratulations to the following students for their commitment and teamwork throughout the competition:
Year 5 Participants:
Hudson, Scarlett, Michael, Tobias, Amelia, Mya, Noah, Alexi,
Year 6 Participants:
Harrison, Nathaneal, Ella, Alexander, Indianna, Jacob, Leo and Stella.
A special thank you to Dr Cheryl Gajda for her dedication in preparing the students and accompanying them on the day.
Well done to all involved on a fantastic achievement.
For full results and further information, please visit: https://www.davincidecathlon.com/davinci/results/
Mrs Erin Burton
High Potential and Gifted Learners Project Officer
Junior School Sport
Sport Report
Sport Report
Celebrating Junior School Sport
Independent Primary Schools Sporting Organisation (IPSSO)
Well done to our Summer IPSSO teams. Below are the final standings, and we look forward to your return in Term 4.
Junior - OzTag: 1st, Girls’ Soccer: 7th, Boys’ Cricket: 1st, Basketball: 1st
Senior - OzTag: 1st, Girls’ Soccer: 2nd, Boys’ Cricket: 2nd, Basketball: 1st
Winter IPSSO
Congratulations to the students selected for the Winter IPSSO teams. This year, Tee Ball and Softball have replaced Newcombe Ball and Volleyball.
IPSSO Results – Round 1
On Wednesday, 13 May 2026, our teams competed against Wollondilly Anglican College.
Junior AFL - Score: SGC 44 – 8 WAC
Special Mention
Michael - his strong debut
Ilaria - her strong attacking skills
Kekoa - his strong tackles
Junior Netball -
Score:
SGC 3 – 3 WAC
Special Mention
Evie – excellent defence and intercepts
Delaney – strong movement of the ball down the court
Charlotte – great movement around the court
Tee Ball -
Score:
SGC 3 – 10 WAC
Special Mention
Henry - anticipating play and acting decisively
Billie - readiness in tagging players out
Cooper - supporting teammates and being prepared for each play
Junior Boys’ Soccer -
Score:
SGC 4 – 1 WAC
Special Mention
Rocco - fantastic defence
George - effective crossing and wing play
Ryan - his energy in both attack and defence
Senior AFL -
Score:
SGC 60 – 7 WAC
Special Mention
Jagger and Poppy - a strong AFL IPSSO debut
Beau - spoiling opponents’ marks and scoring an impressive goal
William - creative attacking play in the forward line
Senior Netball -
Score:
SGC 27 – 6 WAC
Special Mention
Francesca – excellent shooting, rebounding, and midcourt defence
Sophia – strong defensive work in the circle
Charlotte – great movement around the court
Softball -
Score:
SGC 3 – 4 WAC
Special Mention
Leo - strong defensive hitting
Noah - consistent pitching accuracy
Indianna - strategic thinking and communication
Senior Boys’ Soccer -
Score:
SGC 4 – 0 WAC
Special Mention
Lachlan - dominance on the right wing (MOTM)
Noah and Harrison - scoring a goal each and controlling the midfield
Henley - strong attacking play
IPSSO Round 2
Games scheduled for Wednesday, 20 May 2026, were washed out.
Junior School Annual Cross Country
In the final week of Term 1, the Junior School held its Cross Country Carnival. The sun was shining, and the energy was outstanding as students pushed themselves across the course.
Congratulations to Kilian House for taking out the overall win.
Individual Winners
12 Years: Knox & Nneka
11 Years: Beau & Adriana
10 Years: Cooper & Annabelle
8/9 Years: Lucas & Indiana
Year 2: Ayden & Ella
Year 1: Nash & Makaira
Kindergarten: Parker, Archie & Stella
A sincere thank you to our staff and parent volunteers who helped make the event a success.
Wollongong Pathway Representative Sport
Our Junior School Swim Team performed exceptionally well at the Western Region Swimming Carnival on 5 March, demonstrating excellent sportsmanship and achieving outstanding results:
🥇 Overall Champion School
🥇 Overall Girls Champion School
🥈 Boys Point Score Runners-Up
Congratulations to Henry and Annabelle for placing 3rd overall in the Junior Age Category.
Thank you to Mrs Amanda Kerr and Mrs Rebecca Sidorenko for their support.
Cross Country
On Tuesday, 28 April, our Cross Country team competed at the Wollongong Championships in Nowra. Junior competitors completed a 2km course, while 11- and 12-year-old students ran 3km.
St Gregory’s was crowned Overall Champion School , marking the first time the Junior School has achieved this result.
MacKillop Trials Qualifiers
Cooper – 3rd (10 Years Boys), Lucas – 5th (8/9 Years Boys), Annabelle – 5th (10 Years Girls), Nneka – 5th (12 Years Girls), Beau – 7th (11 Years Boys)
Thank you to Mrs Timmins for her support and management of the team.
Wollongong Sporting Team Selections
Swimming: Henry, Isla, Chase, Patrick, Cooper
Rugby Union: Hunter, Beau
Rugby League: Beau, Poppy, Harper
Cross Country: Cooper, Lucas, Annabelle, Nneka, Beau
MacKillop Sporting Team Selections
Charlie (Softball), Nneka (AFL), Adriana (AFL), Francesca (Netball)
Good luck to:
Beau – Boys Touch Football (12 June)
Amelie and Knox – Wollongong Football trials (29 May)
Timothy and Jeronim – NSWCPS Golf Tournament (30 June, Blackheath Golf Club)
Athletics Carnival
We look forward to the Athletics Carnival on Friday, 12 June (Week 8).
Motiv8 Sports will again run the K–2 Carnival alongside the Years 3–6 events. Further details will be shared via the Parent Portal closer to the date.
Paul Kelly Cup AFL
On Thursday, 26 March, our Year 5 and Year 6 students competed in the Paul Kelly Cup at Kirkham, fielding one boys’ team and one girls’ team.
Both teams showed impressive skill, teamwork, and determination, progressing to their respective grand finals. The boys were narrowly defeated by St Clare’s in a hard-fought match, while the girls secured a strong victory to claim the title.
The girls will now progress to the regional finals on Tuesday, 28 July, competing for a place in the State Finals.
GO GREGS!!!
Mr Darryl Howe
Sports Coordinator
Key Dates and Events
2026 Maroon & Blue Parents Dinner
2026 Maroon & Blue Parents Dinner
1926: Glitz & Glam - Maroon & Blue Parents Dinner 2026
Year 7 Experience Day
Year 7 Experience Day
Year 7 Experience Day
St Gregory’s College invites your son to spend the day at the College and experience a day in the life of a Year 7 student.
Date:
Monday 27 July 2026
Eligibility:
Boys currently in Year 5 in 2026 only
Year 7 Experience Day provides students with the opportunity to explore the College, Students will participate in lessons such as Agriculture, Science, Woodwork, Metalwork & Food Technology and gain insight into life at St Gregory’s.
Registrations are essential
and will open on
Monday 15 June 2026
.
Registration is available via the College Events page:
https://enrol7-12.stgregs.nsw.edu.au/events/
Enrolment applications for Year 7 2028 close Sunday 2 August 2026.
Applications must be submitted online via the College website -
www.stgregs.nsw.edu.au
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 on sale now www.trybooking.com/dlhfw
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 M (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 K (Year 5) and Xara P (Year 4)
Uncle Fester , the eccentric but loveable – Alexander L (Year 12)
Grandma , the quirky matriarch – Astrid M (Year 10) and Libby-Rose M (Year 10)
Lurch , towering butler of few words – Fraser H (Year 12) and Dylan K (Year 11)
Mal Beineke , the ever-conventional – Harrison R (Year 11)
Alice Beineke , polite and proper – Lily B (Year 11)
Lucas Beineke – William C (Year 11)
It – Levi K (Year 9)
Thing – Chaise F (Year 11)
Mrs Kristy Falas
College Musical Team
Community Notice
Back to Greg’s Rodeo Hats – Final Release
Back to Greg’s Rodeo Hats – Final Release
Back to Greg’s Rodeo Hats – Final Release
Missed out on a Rodeo Hat at our Back to Greg’s Day? You asked, we listened.
One final round of Centenary Rodeo Hats is coming, so don’t miss your chance to secure one. Pre-order by the end of this week to secure yours.
$30 each. Available for a limited time only. Delivery expected end of June 2026
Free pickup or postage available.
Order Now through the Noone shop
Don't miss out!
Road Safety around schools
Road Safety around schools
