From the College Principal
Mr Matthew Brennan - The College Principal
Mr Matthew Brennan - The College Principal
Dear members of the St Gregory’s College family,
Welcome to the latest addition of our written newsletter. There has been much happening already this term, as you will see from this edition. Many thanks to all those who have contributed and I hope you enjoy reading about the wonderful opportunities over the last month or so. I have two main things I wish to draw your attention to.
Centenary Mass and Cocktail Evening
What an incredible day! We were blessed with beautiful weather, and it was wonderful to see so many past students, staff, and parents join our current community for a morning of fun, music, and reverence. Approximately 6,000 people attended the celebrations.
Bishop Brian celebrated our Mass alongside eight additional priests. The ceremony included our Traditio Ceremony and addresses from the Provincial of St Mary's Star of the Sea, Br Darren Burge, and the National Director of Marist Schools Australia, Dr John Robinson.
Having spoken with many people who attended, both past and present, a few key themes emerged. Firstly, there was the joy expressed by all present, with games and activities organised by Mrs Buckley, Mrs Monte, and Mr Morrissey. Secondly, there was the opportunity to recognise past, present, and future College Captains and hear about their journeys before they participated in a hula hoop competition.
Finally, one of the most memorable aspects of the day was seeing our students transition so effortlessly from the excitement and fun of a stadium environment to the reverence of the Mass. Through their respectful silence, enthusiastic singing, and thoughtful participation, they created a truly faith-filled atmosphere of which our community can be proud.
Thank you to Campbelltown City Council, led by Mayor Darcy Lound, for their support in allowing the College to host this special event at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Thank you also to Wests Group Macarthur for hosting a morning tea at The Sherwood and for their support of the Mass. We are blessed to partner with them, and the College is very grateful for their generous gift commemorating this milestone.
The celebrations concluded with a Cocktail Party held at the Campbelltown Catholic Club for 500 guests. Attendees were entertained by current and former students, all showcasing their incredible musical talents, and enjoyed a wonderful selection of hot food and sweets. Thank you to Calabria Family Wines, proud Old Boys of the College, for providing gifts for all who attended. Finally, thank you to the Campbelltown Catholic Club for its generosity and willingness to host the event.
This concludes the events celebrating our Centenary. Thank you to everyone who attended Back to Greg's Day, including the rodeo, in March; the Back to Greg's Staff Function in June; and, of course, the festivities on Friday. To the staff who put so much work into these events, while continuing to fulfil their many other responsibilities, thank you. To our Centenary Committee, we also extend our sincere thanks for your dedication and hard work.
There is limited Centenary merchandise remaining, which can still be purchased through the College Shop.
Term 4
I will be on leave for Term 4 this year, undertaking lecturing and study opportunities at the University of Wales in Swansea. The trip will also include visits to several K-12 boarding schools in the United Kingdom and Ireland and I will also be taking a bit of a break.
This leave has been planned and approved since late 2025 and is something staff have known about for most of 2026. As a result, several staff members will be stepping into acting leadership roles during Term 4.
Mr Weekes will assume the role of Acting Principal in my absence. Mr Morrissey has been appointed Acting Deputy Principal for Term 4. Mr Halaifonua will serve as Acting Director of Boarding, and Mr Kmet will take on the role of Acting Junior Boarding Coordinator.
I look forward to seeing many of you over the next two weeks as we continue to celebrate this very special time in our College's history.
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,
Well, here we are, with just a few short weeks remaining in Term 3, and there is certainly plenty on the agenda as we head towards the end of the term, particularly for our Year 12 students, with Graduation fast approaching. It is always wonderful to see so many parents and visitors attending our community events. We continue to look forward to celebrating with, and witnessing, as many families as possible actively participating in their sons' and daughters' education here at St Greg's.
Being Proud of our School
It may be a cliché, but it remains true: you get out of school what you are prepared to put into it. Our College motto, "You will reap what you sow", reflects exactly that. I see this every day, with students taking advantage of the many opportunities available to them, even amidst the challenges and adversity they may encounter.
The last few weeks have been particularly busy in our College calendar, and many of these events have relied heavily on community engagement, which has made me incredibly proud to be part of this amazing community. Last week's Centenary celebrations were a tremendous success, bringing together so many members of our College family. We have also enjoyed lunches on the lawns, the Year 12 Major Works Evening, Music Showcases, the Marist Oratory competition, and, most recently, this week's Father's Day Breakfast, which welcomed more than 1,200 attendees. Thank you for the spirit, enthusiasm, and engagement you bring to our community.
What Happens in the Classroom Matters!
What happens in our classrooms from Kindergarten to Year 12 matters. Meaningful conversations and ongoing dialogue among staff about what our classrooms look and feel like are vital. During August, our K-12 teaching staff were challenged with the question: How much screen time should a Kindergarten, Year 3, Year 7, or Year 11 student be exposed to each day?
It prompted a passionate and lively discussion, and it is a conversation we will continue as we develop our K-12 Teaching and Learning Vision. This work builds on the efforts of an outstanding working party that is already putting plans into action to develop a K-12, school-wide pedagogical approach that will be launched in the near future. Watch this space!
Our teaching staff, and the work that takes place in our classrooms, are among our greatest strengths. Our students do not get lost in the crowd or become just another number. Our focus is on the whole child, not simply the rugby player, the trumpet player, or the gifted and talented student.
The individual student standing before a teacher is more than just a name. Every student has a story, a history, a family, and a unique personality. Each has interests, fears, strengths, and challenges. Our aim is to nurture and develop their social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth. We do this well, and I am proud, as Head of Junior School, to be part of a culture that values and supports every child.
Most importantly, St Gregory's College is renowned for producing outstanding young men in Years 7-12 and exceptional young people in our Junior School from Kindergarten to Year 6. They embody the core values of the College: young men and women of character who care for themselves and others, communicate and collaborate effectively, and are actively engaged in service to their communities and society.
Co-curricular Assembly
For those members of the community who were able to attend last week's Co-curricular Assembly, I am sure you left as impressed as I was.
Here at Greg's, we are blessed to be part of a school where opportunities and achievements are celebrated, recognised, and promoted. The dedication of our coaches, leaders, and College staff who support the co-curricular program has been vital to its ongoing success.
A huge congratulations to the 190 students who walked across the stage and were recognised for their involvement and achievements in activities they enjoy.
A special shout-out to Old Boy, Olympian, and recently crowned Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Josh Azzopardi, for being our special guest for the morning and taking the time to meet and congratulate so many students.
As our St Gregory's College motto reminds us, "You will reap what you sow."
Celebrating Student Success
We are incredibly proud to share that Noah has been awarded Junior Highly Commended for the Camden LGA in the 2026 Living Stories Western Sydney Writing Prize.
Noah's outstanding entry, Whiteboard at the Window, was recognised among the strongest submissions in the region and earned him a $50 prize. As an added honour, his work will also be published in the 2026 Living Stories anthology, Is It True ...?
This is a wonderful achievement and a testament to Noah's creativity, dedication, and talent as a writer. Congratulations to Noah on this well-deserved recognition.
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
Screen Smart Children: Finding the Right Balance
At a recent Principals' Conference, I had the opportunity to hear Dr Mark Williams speak about children, technology, and, most importantly, the power of genuine human connection. I had also recently read Screen Smart Children by Dr Mark Williams and Gavin McCormack, which explores how we can help children develop a healthy and purposeful relationship with technology.
The message I took away was not that screens are inherently harmful, nor that technology has no place in education. Rather, it highlighted the importance of being more intentional about when, why, and how children use screens. Dr Williams does not advocate banning screens altogether. Instead, he encourages parents and educators to help children develop a thoughtful, balanced, and healthy relationship with technology.
When used with intention and purpose, technology can be a powerful tool for connection, creativity, and learning. In other words, the goal is not to remove technology but to ensure it is used meaningfully and purposefully.
The Power of Real Human Connection
One of the strongest messages from Dr Williams was the importance of face-to-face human interaction. Children learn a great deal through conversation and by being physically present with others.
Face-to-face interactions help children develop communication skills and become more attuned to cues that can be difficult to replicate through a screen, including tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language. These skills are essential for developing empathy, building relationships, and understanding others.
Time spent talking around the dinner table, playing with friends, reading together, or simply being present with one another is incredibly valuable. These everyday moments help shape children's social and emotional development in powerful ways.
What Does the Research Tell Us?
Some of the research discussed by Dr Williams is particularly thought-provoking. Children who spend more than three hours a day on screens have been shown to score lower on some measures of language development and creative functioning. Excessive screen use has also been associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and difficulties with attention.
Current data suggests that teenagers spend more than 8.5 hours each day on digital devices outside of schoolwork, while children aged 8-12 spend around 5.5 hours per day. These figures provide an opportunity to pause and reflect on just how much of our children's lives are spent looking at screens.
Not All Screen Time Is the Same
It is important to remember that not all screen time is equal. There is a significant difference between mindlessly scrolling through short videos and using technology to research a question, create a presentation, collaborate with classmates, or produce something meaningful.
Perhaps the question we should ask is not simply, "How much screen time is my child having?" but also, "What is my child doing with that screen time?"
Our Approach at St Gregory's College
At St Gregory's College Junior School, we are continually reviewing how technology is used in our classrooms. We want to ensure that devices are used purposefully and effectively as tools to enhance learning.
Our teachers carefully consider whether technology genuinely improves the learning experience. If it does, it has an important role to play. If it does not add value, there may be a more effective way for students to learn.
We want our students to be confident and capable users of technology. Equally, however, we want them to develop the capacity to concentrate deeply, communicate face-to-face, build meaningful relationships, think creatively, read, write, play, solve problems, and engage fully with the world around them.
What Can Families Do at Home?
This is not about banning technology or creating a completely screen-free childhood. It is about establishing healthy boundaries and helping children understand that they are in control of their technology, rather than technology being in control of them.
Families might consider:
- Establishing screen-free times, particularly during meals and before bedtime.
- Encouraging outdoor activity and physical play.
- Prioritising face-to-face conversations and family time.
- Encouraging creative and purposeful uses of technology rather than passive scrolling.
Reclaiming Balance
Perhaps the most powerful message from Dr Williams is that this is not about rejecting technology altogether; it is about reclaiming balance.
Technology can be an extraordinary assistant. It can help us learn, communicate, create and connect. But when devices become the boss instead of the assistant, we can lose focus and feel less connected to the people and world around us.
Our responsibility as parents and educators is not to keep children away from technology, but to help them develop the wisdom to use it well.
The goal is not more technology or less technology. The goal is purposeful technology.
At St Gregory’s College Junior School, we will continue to reflect on research and ensure our approach remains thoughtful and purposeful, centred on what children need most: strong relationships, deep learning, meaningful connection and the opportunity to grow into confident, capable and compassionate young people.
I would highly recommend Screen Smart Children to parents who would like to explore this topic further.
Mrs Diana Ivancic
Head of Junior School
From the Director of Mission
Mrs Cathie Clarke - Director of Mission
Mrs Cathie Clarke - Director of Mission
Celebrating Our Centenary
One hundred years ago, a seed of hope was planted here in Campbelltown when the Marist Brothers, inspired by the generosity and vision of Thomas Donovan, began the work of educating young people in the Marist way.
Our Centenary Mass, presided over by Bishop Brian Mascord and concelebrated by Old Boy Fr Sean Cullen, Fr Aloysius, the Carmelite Fathers, and many priests of the Diocese, was a fitting celebration of faith, community, and the rich history of St Gregory's College.
During the celebration of the Eucharist, we prayed in gratitude for every Brother, teacher, staff member, parent, benefactor, and student who has helped shape the life of this College. Through their dedication, leadership, and service, they have ensured that the spirit of St Gregory's has remained alive for a century. Generations of staff, families, Old Boys, and students have received this rich inheritance and, in turn, entrusted it to those who followed.
Together, we united gratitude for one hundred years of forming young people in the Marist way, young people who have gone on to serve their families, communities, Church, and nation with courage, faith, and generosity.
We were especially blessed to welcome Old Boys back to the choir and band, helping to lead us in song as we sang together in full voice. Our spirits were lifted as we sang the words of the Communion Hymn:
Go up to the mountain,
Joyful bearer of good news;
Shout with a full voice:
Our God is near.
Following Mass, our new senior student leaders made their pledge and symbolically received the symbols of leadership. The readings for the Feast of Pope St Gregory the Great were particularly fitting as we welcomed these young men into leadership and entrusted them with the responsibility of upholding the faith, culture, and traditions of our community.
St Paul's Letter to the Corinthians reminds us to "preach not ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord", while the Gospel of Luke calls those who lead to do so through service: "Let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant."
Our Class of 2027, led by the newly elected senior student leaders, recited their pledge:
College Captain: Hudson
Leader of Marist Life: Michael
Leader of Academia: William
Leader of Sport and Co-Curricular: Lachlan
Leader of Wellbeing: Jeremy
First Nations Leader: Alick
Leader for Junior School: Marshall
Boarding Captain: Jimmy
Together, they made the following commitment:
"We accept these symbols and the challenge to keep alive the traditions and spirit of the St Gregory's College family. May we be present to one another, model a love of work, and act with humility, simplicity, and modesty as fine Marist men."
The Centenary celebration was prayerful and faith-filled, bringing together song, story, history, and community. It was a moment to pause and give thanks for all that has been, while looking with hope towards all that is yet to come.
And now, we begin our second century.
May we continue to sow the seeds of the Gospel with the same hope, generosity, and trust that inspired those who came before us. May the Marist spirit continue to flourish in the lives of our young people, and may they, in turn, carry this rich inheritance forward for generations to come.
We look to the future with confidence, knowing that, with God's grace, the harvest is still to come.
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
Learning with Grace: A Day of Professional Learning and Curriculum Renewal
On Monday 20 July, staff from St Gregory’s College joined colleagues from across Catholic education for the Catholic Schools NSW Learning with Grace K–12 Curriculum Reform Conference. The day provided a valuable opportunity to step beyond our College context, engage with leading educational thinkers and practitioners, and consider how curriculum reform can continue to strengthen learning, teaching and student flourishing.
The conference brought together an impressive range of voices from education, research, curriculum, Aboriginal education, technology, Catholic identity and school leadership. Among the keynote speakers were Dylan Wiliam, Emeritus Professor of Educational Assessment at University College London; Professor Rebecca Winthrop, Co-Director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution; and Professor Miriam Tanti, a leading researcher in artificial intelligence, cognition and pedagogy. Their contributions challenged educators to think carefully about what students need to learn, how we know whether learning is occurring, and how teachers can use evidence to continually refine their practice.
A strong theme throughout the day was the importance of purposeful, evidence-informed teaching. Dylan Wiliam’s work in formative assessment reinforced the powerful role teachers play in gathering evidence of student understanding and responding to that evidence through effective feedback and instructional decisions. This connects strongly with our own focus at St Gregory’s on pedagogical precision and ensuring that assessment is used to improve learning rather than simply measure it.
The conference also provided an opportunity to consider the rapidly changing educational landscape. Professor Miriam Tanti explored the implications of artificial intelligence for cognition, pedagogy and learning. As AI continues to reshape education and society, the challenge for schools is not simply to adopt new technologies, but to ensure that technology enhances thinking, creativity, agency and authentic learning. These conversations align closely with our commitment to future-focused and innovative learning within the St Gregory’s Teaching and Learning Framework.
Another important dimension of the conference was the focus on Aboriginal education and the authentic inclusion of Aboriginal perspectives within the curriculum. Presentations from Sharon Cooke, Jenni Wenzel, Clarrie Hoskins and Sharna Tosevic highlighted the responsibility of educators to ensure Aboriginal voices, histories, cultures and perspectives are represented authentically and respectfully. This is an important part of our ongoing work to develop culturally responsive curriculum and learning experiences.
The day also showcased the expertise and innovation that exists across Catholic schools in NSW. Presentations explored curriculum reform, assessment, feedback, AI, data, wellbeing, professional learning, middle leadership and Religious Education. Of particular relevance was the work being undertaken to develop middle leaders through the AITSL Middle Leader Standards, strengthening the capacity of leaders to influence teaching practice and lead sustainable improvement.
For St Gregory’s staff, the conference was more than a day of professional learning. It was an opportunity to pause, listen, question and reconnect with our purpose as educators. It reminded us that curriculum reform is not simply about new syllabuses or changing content. It is about ensuring that what we teach, how we teach and how we assess continues to meet the needs of young people and prepares them to flourish in a rapidly changing world.
Most importantly, the day reinforced that educational improvement is a collective endeavour. As we continue our work at St Gregory’s, the challenge is to bring the learning from professional development back into our classrooms, our teams and our conversations, always asking: How will this improve learning and contribute to the flourishing of our students?
This is at the heart of our commitment to Learning with Grace.
Write a Book in a Day
TheWrite a Book in a Day competition is a fun and creative challenge that sees budding writers and illustrators create an original book in just one day. Designed to unlock creativity, the competition encourages literacy, teamwork and resilience. Eligible books are shortlisted and submitted to a judging panel, which determines the award winners and prize recipients.
An incredible aspect of the competition is that digital editions of the completed stories are made available online and shared with hospitals across Australia. Funds raised through sponsorship support The Kids' Cancer Project, a national charity dedicated to childhood cancer research.
On Tuesday 8 September, students participated in our annual Write a Book in a Day enrichment incursion. Six teams took part, with four teams from the Senior School and two teams from the Junior School spending the day in the Marian Centre writing and illustrating their books before the 4.00pm submission deadline.
- Year 5 – Adriana, Hugo, Seanna, Noah, Isla, Jake, Scarlett, Lucas, Ki, Emily
- Year 6 – Grace, Alessia, Maltida, Elyse, Benjamin, Knox, Xavier, William, Harrison, James
- Year 7 – Tadhg, Alexander, Henry, Oliver, Julian, Josiah, Lee
- Year 8 – Taite, Adwin, Oliver, Samuel, Noah, Lucas, Jack, Bryson, Ebrahim
- Year 9 – Hugh, Lawson, Aaron, Koby, Riaan, Lucas, Cooper, Levi, Viduk, Rylan
- Year 10 – Jet, Aiden, Connor, Harrison, Eoin, Lenny, Ashen, Jack, Maksim, Mateo
Collectively, students have raised an outstanding $5,117 in sponsorship to date, with all funds supporting The Kids' Cancer Project. The day was a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their creativity, collaborate with their peers and contribute to a meaningful cause. If you would like to donate, here are the links by team -
- Year 5 Team - https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=41
- Year 6 Team - https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=17
- Year 7 team - https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=18
- Year 8 Team - https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=19
- Year 9 Team - https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=20
- Year 10 Team - https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=21
Student Reflection
My Write a Book in a Day experience was amazing, and I really enjoyed working together with my peers. Collaborating to create a book that we could all be proud of was a rewarding experience, as everyone contributed their own ideas and creativity.
Throughout the day, we communicated effectively, listened to one another's suggestions and worked together to overcome challenges. Although creating an entire book in one day sounded difficult, it was exciting to see our ideas gradually come together and develop into a finished story.
Our book, Arkon: The Dragon Below, represents the hard work and creativity of our entire group, and I am proud of what we achieved together. Overall, Write a Book in a Day taught me the importance of teamwork, communication and perseverance, while allowing me to enjoy the creative writing process, something I had not previously enjoyed as much.
Eoin, Year 10 Team
My experience at Write a Book in a Day was truly exceptional. I particularly enjoyed the brainstorming and planning stages, where many of our ideas began as fun and imaginative suggestions before eventually coming together into a cohesive story.
We faced a few challenges with our plot, but as a team we worked hard to solve them. While some team members became distracted at times, everyone contributed in their own way, including helping to illustrate and colour the book.
If I were to participate again next year, I would spend more time planning the story before beginning the writing process. Overall, it was a fantastic experience that taught me the value of teamwork and careful preparation.
Henry, Year 7 Team
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
Looking Out for One Another
As we move through Term 3, it is important that we continue to focus on the everyday expectations that help our students thrive at St Gregory's College. Attendance, attitude and academics remain central to student success. Being at school every day, arriving on time, and being ready to learn are simple but powerful habits that build responsibility, resilience, and positive pathways for the future.
Our expectations around grooming and presentation also remain high. Students are reminded that the College uniform is a visible expression of pride in our community. As we continue through winter, students are expected to wear the correct winter uniform, including appropriate College-approved items, and to maintain the required standards of hair, grooming, and personal presentation. These expectations are not simply about appearance; they reflect our shared commitment to discipline, pride, and belonging.
Recently, our Year 11 students attended the inaugural Bstreetsmart presentation at the Afterpay Arena in Homebush. This was a remarkable and confronting event that provided our young men with an important opportunity to reflect on the consequences of decisions made behind the wheel. Driver education is particularly important as our students approach an age at which many will soon become drivers themselves. The stories shared reinforced the responsibility that comes with driving and the potentially life-changing consequences of poor choices. I commend our Year 11 students for their participation and maturity throughout this important experience.
Our RUOK? Day Assembly was a wonderful event, with many students and staff contributing to a program centred on this year's College theme:
LOOK AROUND AND COLOUR THE WORLD WITH GRACE!
Our theme brings together three important ideas. Look Around reminds us to notice our mates, check in with those around us, and never underestimate the difference a simple conversation can make. Colour the World celebrates the uniqueness, diversity, and wonderful character of our College community. Finally, Grace connects with our 2026 Marist theme, Full of Grace: Transform the World with God's Love.
Together, these ideas challenge us to be people who notice, include, encourage, and care for one another.
The assembly was led by students from both the Senior and Junior Schools. A special mention goes to Stefano Tinazzi of Year 12 and Mr Duncan, who courageously shared their wellbeing journeys with the community. Thank you to all the students and staff who contributed to making the assembly such a meaningful and impactful occasion. To view the assembly, please click the link here.
Finally, it is important to acknowledge the wonderful Centenary Mass at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. This was a significant moment in the history of St Gregory's College as we gathered to celebrate a century of faith, education, community, and Marist tradition. It provided an opportunity to honour those who have shaped our College over the past 100 years and to look forward with hope and confidence to the next century.
As always, I encourage our students to continue to look out for one another, take pride in who we are, and live our Marist values each day.
Mr Baldino Vetrano
Director of Students
From the Director of Boarding
Mr Luke Morrissey - Director of Boarding
Mr Luke Morrissey - Director of Boarding
Dear Parents and Friends,
I write to you from Gunnedah and the dusty streets of AgQuip. It's been great catching up with current families, future students, and many Old Boys. The weather has been fantastic, and the crowds have been big.
Mr Brennan has recently announced to our community that I have been appointed to act as Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School in Term 4. I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve in this capacity. Please be assured that I will continue living on-site and will remain involved in the oversight of the day-to-day running of the Boarding School. As Matt mentioned, Mr Halaifonua will be taking on Acting Director of Boarding and Mr Kmet will be taking on Acting Junior Boarding Coordinator positions in Term 4.
Term 3 is the busiest of our terms from a calendar perspective. Here's a brief update on some of the highlights from the past few weeks.
New Boarding Students
We welcome two new boarding students to Year 8 this term:
- Zac from Oyster Bay (Year 8)
- Christian from Narellan Vale, a current day student who has become a weekly boarder (Year 8)
We look forward to welcoming more students in Term 4.
Congratulations
- Academic Success: Congratulations to our students who worked hard throughout Semester 1 and achieved significant growth and strong results. It was wonderful to see so many boarders recognised at the Academic Assembly.
- Indigenous Students: Our Indigenous students represented the College and their culture with pride at the NAIDOC Assembly. This also coincided with our annual First Nations Round against Kinross Wolaroi School. The pre-game jersey presentation, procession, cultural dance, and exchange of gifts were exceptionally well organised. Securing victories in the majority of games made the occasion even more memorable. Congratulations to Mr Humphries for his organisation of this event.
- Harry, Jacobi, Jordan, Cohen , Connor, and Karrwii on their Year 12 Australian Indigenous Education Foundation Graduation earlier this week. The boys participated in a two-day graduation program, including a ceremony at Taronga Zoo overlooking Sydney Harbour, alongside 60 other graduates from across Australia.
- Year 10 students for successfully navigating their Stage 6 subject selection process for 2027.
- Year 12 students for successfully completing their HSC Trial Examinations over the past three weeks.
- 2027 Boarding student leaders - Jimmy (Boarding Captain), Marshall (Leader for Junior School) and Alick (First Nations Leader)
ISA Rugby Finals
Last weekend, all of our teams travelled to Bathurst to compete in the ISA Rugby semi-finals. We recorded a number of wins in the Plate Finals; however, our 2nd XV and 3rd XV teams were unfortunately defeated in closely contested matches and did not progress to Finals Gala Day at the College.
Despite not having a team competing on Finals Day, the boys did a fantastic job supporting the event through BBQ duties, set-up, and pack-down throughout the day. The canteen was also a great success, with proceeds going directly into the boys' activities budget for use throughout the remainder of the year.
ISA Summer Sport
We will commence planning for ISA summer sport in the coming weeks. Basketball, cricket, and possibly touch football (pending student availability due to representative rugby league trials) will be offered.
Activities will also be arranged for sport-free weekends as we transition into the summer season.
Upcoming Important Dates
- 2026 Graduation
A reminder that Graduation is now only 22 teaching days away!
- Thursday, 24 September Final Boarders' Mass (6.15 pm) and awards presentation, followed by the Year 12 Student and Parent Cocktail Party and Farewell. All Year 12 families are expected to attend.
- Friday, 25 September Graduation Ceremony, Graduation Mass, and Year 12 Formal and Awards Ceremony. All Year 12 families are expected to attend these events.
- WK9 and 10 - Year 11 Examinations
Preliminary examinations will take place in Weeks 9 and 10 of this term. These examinations are a crucial step in preparing students for their HSC studies next year. The examination schedule is currently being finalised and will be distributed in the coming weeks.
Term 3 Holidays
Term 3 concludes on Saturday, 26 September.
Please note that all students are required to attend the Graduation events on Friday, 25 September. Parents are welcome to sign their sons out following the Mass, which is expected to conclude at approximately 1.00 pm.
Travel arrangements will be made for Saturday, 26 September, to allow for an appropriate farewell to our Year 12 graduates.
Boarders are expected to return on Monday, 12 October, with SSTS organising transport. Boarding houses will reopen at 4.30 pm, and classes will resume on Tuesday, 13 October, at 8.25 am.
On the Road
The Moree and Tamworth Boarding Expos were a success, with many positive conversations and a number of campus tours booked.
As we often say, our families are our greatest ambassadors. If you would like us to visit your region because you know families who may be interested in boarding at St Gregory's, please contact me directly and we will do our best to make it work within our travel schedule.
Ad Jesum Per Mariam
Mr Luke Morrissey
Director of Boarding
First Nations
Shaun Humphries - First Nations Liaison Officer
Shaun Humphries - First Nations Liaison Officer
First Nations Students Celebrating Culture and Achievement
This term commenced with our First Nations boys and girls proudly participating in our NAIDOC Assembly performances. This year, our girls were joined on stage by their St Patrick’s Girls’ College mentors, showcasing the Buribunma dance. Our boys also shared their dances, with the dance troupe continuing to grow.
A special collaboration between St Patrick’s and Senior student Jordan Briar saw an original song performed as part of the celebrations. We also recognised the creative achievements of Jacobi Fernando and Connor Rose, whose contributions to art were showcased on a national platform as part of the NRL Indigenous Round celebrations.
First Nations Leader Karrwii Fair-Townsend was recognised for his original poem, which detailed his journey in developing his skills as a mentor and reflected on the influence of his family in shaping the way he works with our Junior boys. Karrwii continues to work towards his goals of becoming a deadly mentor and leader within our community.
This term, many of our Senior boarders will also be celebrated for their achievements by their scholarship providers. They continue to engage with their transition support plans, supported by Mr Humphries and our external scholarship partners. We sincerely thank AIEF, The Smith Family and the GO Foundation for their ongoing support of our First Nations program and our young men.
Indigenous Round was celebrated at home this year against Kinross. With all games played in a strong spirit of respect and community, First Nations culture was proudly showcased during the first 15 minutes of play, with both teams participating in gift exchanges and First Nations-inspired dance.
Mr Shaun Humphries
First Nations Liaisons Officer
Senior School News
Year 7 English
Year 7 English
Year 7 English - Learning Through Culture and Country
Since the start of Term 3, Year 7 ENF students have been exploring acclaimed playwright Jack Davis' play Honey Spot. The play follows the growing friendship between Tim, a young Aboriginal boy, and Peggy, the daughter of a local forestry ranger. Through their story, students have been examining themes of environmental conservation, reconciliation, and the ways in which overcoming racial prejudice can foster greater cultural understanding.
In the classroom, students connected with these themes by exploring how the characters William and Tim created their own didgeridoos. This provided an opportunity to consider the relationship between cultural understanding and environmental stewardship.
Students then ventured beyond the classroom and into the College grounds to inspect local gum trees. This hands-on experience helped them develop an understanding of sustainable harvesting practices and the deep respect and care First Nations peoples demonstrate when gathering natural resources while protecting living trees.
The outdoor lesson became particularly special when our First Nations students, Jax, Lachlan, and Blaine, led a discussion about the Coolamon. They shared their knowledge of how these traditional carrying vessels can be sustainably crafted from tree bark and wood without harming the life of the tree, while creating scar trees that remain as important cultural markers.
To conclude the lesson, students gathered beneath the shade of the trees to read scenes from Honey Spot, surrounded by the natural environment that reflects many of the themes explored in the play. It was a wonderful example of active learning, student leadership, and cultural appreciation, bringing the text to life beyond the classroom.
Ms Lynette Brown
English Teacher
Year 9 2026 Parents - Year 10 2027 Laptop Program Reminder
Year 9 2026 Parents - Year 10 2027 Laptop Program Reminder
Year 9 2026 Parents for Year 10 2027 - Laptop Program Reminder
Families of students entering Year 10 in 2027 are reminded that the current student laptop program is coming to an end, with a new device program commencing at the beginning of next year.
As outlined in the correspondence previously distributed by College Principal, Mr Matthew Brennan, all Year 10 students in 2027 will be required to use a College-approved Apple MacBook purchased through the College's partner provider, CompNow. St Gregory's College does not operate a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program, and all student devices must be managed in accordance with Marist Schools Australia requirements.
Families are encouraged to review the information previously provided and place their order during the designated purchasing period to ensure their son is equipped and ready for the commencement of the 2027 school year. Ordering will open on 21 September 2026 and close on 27 October 2026.
The College's managed laptop program provides students with a secure, reliable and consistent learning environment, ensuring they have access to the technology, tools and support required for learning both in and beyond the classroom.
For further information regarding device specifications, ordering procedures or payment options, please contact me or the IT Department.
Mr Don Perna
Head of Information and Communications Technology
Year 10 Excursion to the Archibald Prize
Year 10 Excursion to the Archibald Prize
Year 10 Excursion to the Archibald Prize
As part of their current unit on portraiture, Year 10 Visual Arts students recently visited the Archibald Prize exhibition, providing an exciting opportunity to experience portraiture beyond the classroom.
The excursion allowed students to engage firsthand with the work of professional Australian artists and explore the diverse ways contemporary artists represent identity, personality, and character through portraiture. Students closely examined a range of artistic styles, materials, techniques, and approaches, building on the concepts they have been studying in class.
Students thoroughly enjoyed their visit to the gallery, with the excursion providing a first gallery experience for many. Viewing artworks in person offered a valuable opportunity to appreciate their scale, detail, texture, and technique in ways that cannot always be captured through images viewed in the classroom.
Students will now draw on their experience of the Archibald Prize to inform and inspire their own artmaking as they develop individual approaches to portraiture throughout the term. The exhibition has provided a rich source of inspiration and insight, encouraging students to explore new ideas and techniques in their own creative practice.
Mr Marcus Fitzpatrick
Visual Arts Teacher
Year 10 Geography Excursion to Sydney Fish Market
Year 10 Geography Excursion to Sydney Fish Market
Year 10 Geography Explores Sydney Fish Market
On Monday, 31 August, Year 10 Elective Geography students participated in an exciting behind-the-scenes tour of the Sydney Fish Market, gaining valuable insights into one of Sydney's busiest seafood industries.
The tour began in the auction room, where students learned how the unique Dutch auction system is used to sell fresh seafood quickly and efficiently. They were amazed to discover that the market processes around 50 tonnes of seafood each day.
Students then explored the storage and collection areas, where they encountered an incredible variety of seafood, including freshly caught shark, oysters, mackerel, bluefin and yellowfin tuna, abalone, salmon, and barramundi. Highlights included seeing a live mud crab and a massive 56 kg tuna, which sold for an impressive $40 per kilogram.
The excursion continued through the retail stores and restaurants, where students observed a range of live species and learned about the importance of sustainability within the fishing and aquaculture industries.
To conclude the day, students enjoyed a well-earned lunch of fresh fish and chips while reflecting on their learning. The excursion provided a fascinating real-world connection to the concepts studied in Geography and fostered a deeper understanding of the industries that help supply seafood to communities across Australia.
Ms Raquel Russo
HSIE Teacher
Year 11 Excursion - Bstreetsmart
Year 11 Excursion - Bstreetsmart
Year 11 Students Attend Bstreetsmart
On Wednesday 12 August, Year 11 students attended bstreetsmart at Afterpay Arena, Sydney Olympic Park. bstreetsmart is Australia’s largest youth road safety education event, designed to encourage young people to make safer decisions as drivers and passengers and help reduce road trauma.
Students were given a powerful and realistic insight into the consequences of unsafe driving. The program included a live crash re-enactment involving emergency services, survivor stories and presentations highlighting the dangers of speeding, distraction, drink and drug driving, and other risky behaviours.
The experience provided an important opportunity for students to reflect on their responsibilities as drivers and passengers. The confronting presentation reinforced that decisions made on the road can have lifelong consequences, while also highlighting the importance of looking out for friends and making safe choices.
Overall, the day provided an engaging and thought-provoking road safety education experience, giving students valuable lessons that extend beyond the classroom and encouraging them to make responsible decisions whenever they are behind the wheel or travelling with others.
Mrs Julie Sligar
Assistant Head of Year 11
Year 12 HSC Showcase
Year 12 HSC Showcase
Year 12 Students Shine at 2026 HSC Showcase
St Gregory's College proudly celebrated the creativity, craftsmanship, and dedication of its senior students at the successful Year 12 HSC Showcase, held earlier this week.
Presented during the College's Centenary year, the evening brought together students, families, and staff to recognise the outstanding Major Works completed across Music, Society and Culture, Industrial Technology – Timber, and Visual Arts.
Guests explored an impressive exhibition of Visual Arts Bodies of Work, featuring drawing, photography, sculpture, printmaking, and designed objects. Each work communicated a personally meaningful idea, exploring concepts such as cultural heritage, family, identity, perception, memory, and contemporary society.
The Industrial Technology – Timber display highlighted the exceptional craftsmanship and technical skill of students through an impressive range of functional projects. These included handcrafted cabinets, television units, foosball tables, a butcher's block, a park bench, a writing desk, and other finely crafted furniture pieces.
Society and Culture students presented their Personal Interest Projects (PIPs), which investigated a diverse range of contemporary social and cultural issues. Their projects demonstrated extensive primary and secondary research, thoughtful analysis, and a strong understanding of the forces shaping individuals and communities.
This year, the evening also featured performances by Year 12 Music students Dylan, James, and Alexander. Through voice, guitar, and saxophone, the students entertained the audience while demonstrating impressive musical skill, confidence, and expression.
Every project and performance represented countless hours of planning, experimentation, problem-solving, and refinement. More importantly, the Showcase reflected the perseverance and commitment demonstrated by our Year 12 students and their teachers throughout their final year of study.
The College congratulates all participating students on their remarkable achievements, with special mention to the People's Choice Award recipients: Liam for Visual Arts, Vincent for Timber, and Oliver for Society and Culture.
The 2026 HSC Showcase was a fitting celebration of the talent, dedication, and creativity of our Year 12 cohort and a memorable addition to St Gregory's College's Centenary year.
Miss Elissa Ferenc
Head of Visual Arts
Science Week
Science Week
Science Week
Science Week in Week 5 was an incredible celebration of curiosity, discovery, and learning. The excitement, wonder, and enthusiasm generated throughout the week were truly remarkable.
One of the highlights was the high-voltage "Fizzics Show", which captivated our Year 9 students. The energy in the hall was electric as physics principles came to life before their eyes. From watching everyday objects freeze and shatter within seconds using liquid nitrogen to witnessing high-powered air cannons launch giant vortices across the room, students were amazed by the spectacular demonstrations. It was particularly pleasing to see several brave volunteers step up on stage to assist with the live experiments, proving that our students are not just learning science, they are living it.
Later in the week, our attention turned from physics to biology with the hands-on "Reptile Show". La Valla was buzzing as expert wildlife handlers introduced our Year 7 scientists to friendly snakes, curious lizards, alligators, and native tortoises. Students impressed us with their confidence and enthusiasm as they interacted with the animals, took photographs, and learned about the unique adaptations that help these fascinating creatures survive in their environments.
Events such as these remind us that children are natural scientists when given opportunities to explore, question, and investigate the world around them. We hope the excitement of Science Week sparked many interesting conversations and discoveries beyond the classroom.
A huge thank you to the staff who attended, volunteered, and supported our Science Week activities. We are incredibly proud of our bright young scientists and the enthusiasm they bring to learning each day.
Mrs Sherrie Rodricks
Acting Head of Science
Tournament of Minds Competition
Tournament of Minds Competition
St Gregory’s Hosts Regional Tournament of Minds Competition
Last weekend, St Gregory’s College proudly hosted more than 600 students, teachers and families from schools across South West Sydney for the Regional Tournament of Minds competition.
Tournament of Minds challenges students to work collaboratively in teams of seven to solve complex problems across four disciplines: Language Literature, Social Sciences, The Arts and STEM. Teams present their long-term challenge solutions to a panel of judges before completing an impromptu challenge that tests their creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
St Gregory’s fielded six teams from Years 4 to 10 across the various disciplines, with all students demonstrating outstanding creativity, collaboration and commitment throughout the day.
Our senior teams performed particularly well, with the Year 8 team being awarded the Spirit of TOM Award for the second consecutive year, recognising their exceptional teamwork, sportsmanship and enthusiasm.
Congratulations also to our Year 10 team of Jet, Joey, Harrison, Andrew, Jack, Will and Rhys, who won their division and have qualified for the Tournament of Minds State Finals at the University of New South Wales.
It was an outstanding day celebrating learning, creativity and high potential, and we wish our Year 10 team every success as they prepare to represent St Gregory’s at the State Finals.
Mrs Lauren Armbruster
English Teacher / High Potential and Gifted Learners Project Officer
Marist Oratory Competition
Marist Oratory Competition
Outstanding Results at the Marist Oratory Competition
On 31 August, St Gregory's College competed in the 34th Marist Oratory Competition, hosted by Parramatta Marist. The competition brought together students from 17 Marist schools across New South Wales and the ACT to showcase their public speaking skills.
Representing the College were Zac (Year 7), Taite (Year 8), Harry (Year 9), Billy (Year 10), Lachlan (Senior Division), and William (Impromptu Division).
It was a highly successful evening for St Gregory's, with the College awarded the Overall Runners-Up Trophy, finishing just behind St Patrick's Marist College, Dundas.
This outstanding result was supported by several excellent individual performances. Taite was awarded 1st Place in the Year 8 Division, while Harry and William both achieved 2nd Place in the Year 9 and Impromptu Divisions, respectively.
Congratulations to all six speakers, who approached the competition as a team and demonstrated the preparation, confidence, and collaboration that contributed to this excellent result. Their efforts were a wonderful reflection of the high standards of public speaking, leadership, and Marist education fostered at St Gregory's College.
Mr Peter Baz
HSIE Teacher / Public Speaking Coordinator
Senior School Sport
Senior Sport
Senior Sport
Senior School Sport
As Season 2 of our PDSSSC competitions draws to a close, it has been another exciting and successful period for sport at St Gregory's College. Our students have represented the College with pride, commitment, and sportsmanship across Rugby League, Football, Swimming, Chess, and a range of other competitions.
Football & Rugby League Grand Finals
It was a highly successful finish to the PDSSSC Football and Rugby League seasons, with our teams competing across multiple Grand Finals.
Our Junior A Football team produced a fantastic performance against St Columba, securing the Premiership after a thrilling match that went all the way to a penalty shootout. Congratulations to the players and coaches on an outstanding achievement and a fantastic way to finish the season.
Our First Grade Football team also competed in the Grand Final against Parramatta Marist. Unfortunately, the boys went down 2–1 in a closely contested match. Despite the result, reaching the Grand Final is a fantastic achievement, and the team should be extremely proud of their efforts throughout the season.
Our U15's Rugby League team capped off an outstanding season by being crowned undefeated PDS Premiers.
Featuring predominantly Year 9 students, along with several Year 10 boys, the team worked exceptionally hard throughout the year and finished the regular season as undefeated minor premiers. This set up a highly anticipated Grand Final against traditional rivals, St Dominic's College.
The boys produced a stellar performance when it mattered most, securing an impressive 26-6 victory to complete their undefeated season and claim the premiership.
Congratulations to every member of the team on their commitment, teamwork, and outstanding performances throughout the competition. Their dedication and resilience have been rewarded with a remarkable achievement that they, their coaches, and the College community can be extremely proud of.
We would also like to extend our congratulations to our First Grade Rugby League team, who unfortunately went down to St Dominic’s in the PDSSSC Grand Final. For our Year 12 students, this game marked their final appearance representing St Gregory’s College. We thank them for the commitment, dedication and countless hours they have given to the College throughout their school sporting careers.
They should be extremely proud of what they have achieved and the example they have set for the younger students coming through.
Bill Turner Cup
Congratulations also go to our Bill Turner Football Team, which progressed all the way to the Round of 16 in the National Competition. To be recognised among the best 16 school football teams in the country is an outstanding achievement.
The team eventually came up against a strong Westfields Sports High School side, bringing their campaign to an end. However, reaching the Round of 16 is something the players, coaches, and the College should be incredibly proud of. Congratulations to everyone involved on an outstanding campaign.
Success Across Rugby League and Chess
CCC Rugby League - A combined team featuring players from the College's Second Grade and U/16 squads travelled to Holy Cross College, Ryde, to compete against some of the strongest Rugby League schools across New South Wales.
St Gregory's began the tournament with pool-round victories over Parramatta Marist, Newman Regional College, and Red Bend Catholic College. Finishing second overall secured a semi-final clash against All Saints' College, Maitland. A clutch conversion by Ruben Evans proved decisive, sending the boys through to the final against traditional rivals, St Dominic's College.
With rain making conditions difficult, the final developed into a hard-fought defensive battle. St Gregory's trailed 2-0 with just four minutes remaining before a brilliant shift down the left edge created an opportunity for Hamish Butler to score in the corner and give Greg's a 4-2 lead.
The boys defended courageously during the closing minutes to secure the College's first-ever CCC Cup victory, capping off a remarkable tournament campaign.
Hamish completed an outstanding day by being named Player of the Tournament. Congratulations to the entire squad on a memorable achievement and a historic success for St Gregory's College.
Our 13s Rugby League team also recently competed in the Schoolboy Cup 13s Competition. While the result was not what we had hoped for, we would like to congratulate all of the players and coaches for their time, effort and commitment in preparing for the competition. Representing the College at this level is an achievement in itself, and we are proud of the way the team embraced the opportunity.
Tim Sheens Cup Winners - Each year, St Gregory's College and St Dominic's College contest the Tim Sheens Cup. Tim Sheens, a former NRL player and premiership-winning coach with strong connections to both colleges, was once again in attendance to watch an exciting U15 clash.
St Gregory's dominated the opening half and went into the break with an 18-0 lead, inspired by Bodhi's brilliant attacking raids. However, the momentum shifted early in the second half as St Dominic's used an excellent kicking game to reduce the margin to 18-12 within the opening 10 minutes.
The Greg's boys eventually regained their composure and crossed for a further three tries, sealing an impressive 30-12 victory. It was a terrific contest between two strong teams, and the College sincerely thanks Tim Sheens for his continued support of this special initiative.
A special mention must also go to Mason and Reece, who were completing a three-week immersion at the College from the United Kingdom. Both students had the opportunity to represent St Gregory's in the match and performed exceptionally well, making valuable contributions to the team's success.
Our Chess team has also been competing strongly throughout the season, producing some outstanding results and continuing to demonstrate the depth of talent across our co-curricular programs. Congratulations to all students involved for their commitment and sportsmanship.
PDSSSC Athletics Championships
Our College Athletics Team recently travelled to Homebush to compete against 29 schools at the PDSSSC Athletics Championships.
Our students competed in 60 events and collected more than 30 medals, continuing St Gregory's strong tradition of success in athletics.
There was outstanding competition throughout the day, including a new record in the prestigious Opens 100m sprint, where a St Dominic's College student recorded an incredible time of 10.67 seconds.
We are extremely proud of the efforts and achievements of all students who represented the College. Some of the standout performances included:
12 Years
Caleb: 2nd in 200m, Discus and Long Jump
Harrison: 1st in Javelin and Long Jump
Anish: 1st in High Jump
13 Years
Cooper: 2nd in 1500m
Jack: 2nd in 800m
Adam: 1st in Javelin
Tadhg: 1st in Shot Put
Kye: 1st in Long Jump
14 Years
Jonas: 3rd in 1500m
Brax: 2nd in the 100m Heat
Hunter: 2nd in Long Jump
Blaine: 2nd in Shot Put and 3rd in Discus
15 Years
Michon: 1st in 400m
Will: 3rd in Long Jump
Andrew: 2nd in Discus and 3rd in High Jump
16 Years
Nic: 2nd in 1500m and 3rd in 800m
Aiden: 3rd in 1500m
Rory: 2nd in 100m
Eddie: 1st in Shot Put
17+ Years
Thomas: 3rd in 200m
Cody: 3rd in Javelin
Amaziah: 2nd in Shot Put
Jacobi: 1st in Long Jump, winning by an incredible half metre
Kingston: 1st in High Jump
Relay Results
14/15 Years Relay: 3rd
16/17+ Years Relay: 2nd
Congratulations to all students who competed and represented St Gregory's College at the Athletics Championships. We look forward to seeing many of these athletes continue to compete at representative level and wish them every success in their future events.
Representative Sporting Success
A huge congratulations to Sean, who recently represented St Gregory’s College and New South Wales at School Sports Australia, the highest level of school sporting representation in Australia.
At just 16 years of age, Sean continues to demonstrate an incredible ability to balance his school commitments with elite-level sport. His dedication, discipline, resilience and commitment to improvement are a fantastic example to our students.
Sean produced outstanding performances throughout the week in both the17–19 Years Senior Boys and Open events.
17–19 Years Senior Boys
🥈 4 × 50m Medley Relay
🥈 4 × 50m Freestyle Relay
4th – 50m Butterfly
4th – 50m Freestyle
Open Events
🥈 10 × 50m Mixed Freestyle Relay
🥉 4 × 100m Men’s Freestyle Relay
These results are an outstanding reflection of the hard work and determination Sean has put into his swimming. We are incredibly proud of the way he represents both St Gregory’s College and NSW with such pride, professionalism and sportsmanship.
A huge congratulations to Sean on this remarkable achievement. This is a fantastic milestone in what promises to be an exciting sporting journey ahead.
National Snowsport Achievement
What a way to finish the season!
Nixon – 16th in Snowboard Slopestyle
Harry – 18th in Snowboard Cross
A massive well done, gents!
Having two St Gregory’s students finish inside the Top 20 in Australia is an incredible achievement and the perfect way to wrap up an outstanding Snowsport season.
Harry showed fantastic technical ability in Snowboard Cross, using his edge control to carry speed through the course.
Nixon took on the challenge of Slopestyle in difficult, wet conditions and chose the harder rail for his run, sliding all the way to the end in style.
Congratulations to both boys on an outstanding season and a fantastic achievement on the national stage.
Looking Ahead
As we move beyond Season 2 and into the next phase of our sporting calendar, there is plenty more to look forward to. From representative competitions and Athletics through to our upcoming co-curricular opportunities, our students continue to embrace every opportunity to compete, challenge themselves and represent St Gregory’s College.
Thank you to all of our students, coaches, staff and families for their continued support of St Gregory’s Sport. The commitment shown across our sporting programs continues to make our College community incredibly proud.
Go Gregs!
Mr Mitchell Tyler
Head of Sport and Co-curricular (YR 7-12)
Junior School News
Year 2 Unit of Inquiry
Year 2 Unit of Inquiry
Year 2 Exploring Our College History
As part of their Unit of Inquiry, ‘Where We Are in Place and Time’ , Year 2 students have been exploring how people and significant events can shape and change communities.
With St Gregory’s College celebrating its Centenary this year, students have been investigating how the College has changed over its 100-year history. They have been exploring photographs, objects and other artefacts to discover what these items can tell us about life at the College in the past.
This inquiry has provided students with a wonderful opportunity to connect their learning with our own College history and develop an appreciation for the people, places and events that have helped shape St Gregory’s over the past century.
Miss Natasha Breski
Year 2 Classroom Teacher
Year 4 Narrabeen Camp
Year 4 Narrabeen Camp
Year 4 Sport and Recreation Camp
Year 4 recently travelled to the Sport and Recreation Camp at Narrabeen for two action-packed days of adventure, teamwork and new experiences.
Accompanied by Mr Hayes, Ms Vella, Mrs Burton, Mr Howe, Mrs Bowen and Miss Rourke, students embraced a range of exciting activities designed to challenge both their minds and bodies while building teamwork, resilience and friendships. Of course, the teachers joined in the fun as well, putting their own skills and coordination to the test along the way.
Throughout the camp, students participated in a variety of activities, including orienteering, where they applied their mathematical knowledge and navigational skills, canoeing on Narrabeen Lake, and archery, which tested their aim, focus and concentration. Each activity provided opportunities for students to challenge themselves, work collaboratively and encourage one another.
A highlight of the camp was the evening Mini Olympics, where students represented different countries in a series of fun and competitive challenges. The friendly rivalry, enthusiastic cheering and strong team spirit made for an unforgettable experience.
After a restful night in cabins nestled among the trees, students were ready for another day of adventure before enjoying a final lunch and making the journey home.
The camp provided a wonderful opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zones, develop new skills and strengthen friendships. It was fantastic to see our Year 4 students embrace every challenge, support one another and create memories that will last for years to come.
Mrs Erin Burton
Year 4 Classroom Teacher / High Potential and Gifted Learners Project Officer
Year 6 PYP Exhibition
Year 6 PYP Exhibition
PYP Exhibition 2026: How the World Works
The Year 6 PYP Exhibition is well underway, with students embracing the opportunity to explore issues that matter to them, ask meaningful questions and consider how they can contribute to a more sustainable future.
This year, students are exploring the Central Idea:
Understanding systems and phenomena enables us to sustain our future through innovation and choice.
Where Did It All Begin?
The Exhibition journey began with a provocation designed to encourage students to think deeply about the systems and phenomena that shape our society.
Students were presented with questions such as:
What if the world had no electricity?
What if there was no sunlight?
What if we didn't have any currency?
These provocations encouraged students to consider just how interconnected the world around us is, and how changes to one system can have significant impacts on people, communities and the environment. Most importantly, they sparked curiosity and questions — the starting point for meaningful inquiry.
From there, students explored a range of issues connected to the Central Idea and identified those they were most passionate about investigating. They have unpacked the Central Idea in their own words, reflected on how their understanding has developed, and explored the concepts and Lines of Inquiry that will guide their learning.
Their inquiry focuses on:
An issue in society as a phenomenon - exploring who, what, when and where.
Systems in society that lead to the issue - exploring why and how.
Our responsibility to consider diverse perspectives when innovating - asking what next, who and why?
Students have now been grouped according to the issues they are most passionate about. Working collaboratively, each group has established essential agreements, begun exploring their Lines of Inquiry and developed research questions to guide their investigations.
A particularly important part of this year's Exhibition is the opportunity for students to work alongside staff mentors and Year 9 and 10 student mentors. These mentors are supporting students to ask deeper questions, challenge their thinking, consider different perspectives and reflect on their progress throughout the process.
We have also been fortunate to have volunteers from St Patrick's College supporting our Year 6 students each week. Some of these students are former St Gregory's Junior School students themselves, making their involvement a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community and support the next generation of learners.
The students are increasingly taking ownership of their learning by organising meetings, preparing agendas, documenting their research and making decisions about where their inquiry will take them. While the final Exhibition is an important celebration, it is the journey of inquiry, collaboration, reflection and action that sits at the heart of the PYP Exhibition.
Come and Celebrate With Us
We warmly invite families and members of our whole College community to come and see the learning that has emerged from this journey.
A group of our Year 6 students have designed an invitation encouraging members of our community to join us for the Exhibition.
Tuesday 22 September 2026
6:00pm
Gregorian Theatre
No RSVP is required, and everyone is warmly welcome to attend.
We look forward to welcoming our community and celebrating the curiosity, collaboration and thinking of our Year 6 students.
Mr Mark Gannon
Assistant Head of Junior School - Teaching and Learning & Administration
Tournament of Minds Competition
Tournament of Minds Competition
St Gregory’s Hosts Regional Tournament of Minds Competition
On Saturday, 29 August, St Gregory's College proudly hosted the Sydney South-West Tournament of Minds Challenge.
As part of the St Gregory's College High Potential and Gifted Learners (HPGL) Program, the Junior School was proudly represented by two teams of seven students, who spent six weeks preparing innovative solutions to their chosen challenges. With four challenge categories available, our teams selected the STEM and Language and Literature challenges.
On the day, students presented their Long-Term Challenge solutions and tackled the Spontaneous Challenge, thinking creatively and working collaboratively under pressure. Their performances were a wonderful reflection of the commitment, resilience, and hard work they demonstrated throughout the six-week preparation period.
The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and should be incredibly proud of their achievements. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and teamwork were recognised through the positive feedback received throughout the day. We were also delighted that St Gregory's College received the Spirit of TOM Award for the second consecutive year, a fantastic achievement that reflects the positive spirit and support shown by our students, staff, and wider College community.
A special thank you to Dr Cheryl Gajda and Mrs Burton for supervising and supporting the students throughout their preparation and on the day of the challenge.
An even bigger thank you goes to Mrs Lauren Armbruster for the enormous amount of work undertaken behind the scenes, liaising with Tournament of Minds coordinators and helping to make St Gregory's College such a successful host venue for the event.
Finally, a huge thank you to the many parents and teachers who supported Mr Riley Coughlan in operating the BBQ and Café throughout the day. Their efforts ensured that visiting teams, families, and volunteers were well catered for, while also helping to raise funds for the Marist Association Australia.
It was a fantastic day of creativity, collaboration, and community, and we are incredibly proud of all our Junior School students who participated.
Mrs Erin Burton
YR4 Teacher / High Potential and Gifted Learners Project Officer
Junior School Sport
Junior Sport
Junior Sport
Celebrating Junior School Sport
Independent Primary Schools Sporting Organisation (IPSSO)
Winter IPSSO
IPSSO Results – Round 7
On Wednesday, 22 July 2026, our teams had a Bye and there were no fixtures scheduled.
IPSSO Results - Round 8
On Wednesday, 29 July 2026, our teams competed against OPAC.
Junior AFL - Score: SGC 86 - 6 OPAC
Special Mention
- Roisin - accurate kicking in front of goal
- Michael - outstanding clearances from the midfield
- Olivia - determination and grit in every contest
Junior Netball - Score: SGC 3 - 9 OPAC
Special Mention
- Gisele - excellent defence
- Luna - great movement in attack
- Alexis - strong intercepts through the midcourt
Tee Ball - Score: SGC 10 - 7 OPAC
Special Mention
- Alexia - showing no fear in the outfield
- Logan - excellent backstop skills
Junior Boys' Soccer - Score: SGC 1 - 3 OPAC
Special Mention
- John-Paul - stopping a penalty kick from becoming a goal
- Rocco - excellent ball work across the field
- Lucas - scoring Gregs' goal
Senior AFL - Score: Forfeit
Senior Netball - Score: SGC 19 - 15 OPAC
Special Mention
- Harper - strong defence
- Ella - great movement through the midcourt
- Charlotte - reliable shooting in windy conditions
Softball - Score: SGC 8 - 0 OPAC
Special Mention
- Marcello - a fabulous hit from the tee resulting in a home run
- Lucia - confident and consistent play as catcher
- Harvey - an impressive debut in pitching
Senior Boys' Soccer - Score: SGC 0 - 2 OPAC
Special Mention
- Xavier - several excellent saves
- Harrison - great skill in the midfield
- Benjamin - outstanding defence
IPSSO Results - Round 9
On Wednesday, 5 August 2026, our teams competed against Wollondilly Anglican College.
Junior AFL - Score: SGC 77 - 0 WAC
Special Mention
- Ilaria - an all-round strong performance
- Skylar - multiple goals and excellent speed in attack
- Christian - determination and effort throughout the game
Junior Netball - Score: SGC 5 - 5 WAC
Special Mention
- Evie - reading the play well to anticipate intercepts
- Delaney - 100% effort throughout the match
- Rylee - strong movement of the ball down the court
Tee Ball - Score: SGC 8 - 12 WAC
Special Mention
- Cooper - excellent skill in the outfield and voted Player of the Match
- Logan - encouraging teammates and backing up well
- Henry - excellent catching at first base
Junior Boys' Soccer - Score: SGC 2 - 2 WAC
Special Mention
- Xavier - excellent defensive work
- Teddy - accurate shots on goal
- Leo - scoring two goals
Senior AFL - Score: SGC 83 - 0 WAC
Special Mention
- Jagger - impressive marking and kicking skills
- Nash - accuracy in front of goal
- Poppy - great tackling and goal-scoring efforts
Senior Netball - Score: SGC 22 - 3 WAC
Special Mention
- Chloe - strong defence on the circle edge
- Sophia - excellent defence in the circle and strong three-foot holds
- Natalia - great movement through the midcourt to re-offer
Softball - Score: SGC 1 - 0 WAC
Special Mention
- Indianna - an outstanding catch during play
- Harper - strong hitting from a fast pitch
- Harvey - continued growth as a pitcher
Senior Boys' Soccer - Score: SGC 8 - 0 WAC
Special Mention
- Henley - outstanding midfield play
- Harrison - brilliant passing in attack
- Michael - strong defence and cover at the back
IPSSO Results - Round 10
On Wednesday, 12 August 2026, our teams competed against BAC.
Junior AFL - Score: SGC 59 - 14 BAC
Special Mention
- Skylar - impressive ball skills
- Madden - strong tackling
- Ilaria - excellent marking skills
Junior Netball - Score: SGC 5 - 12 BAC
Special Mention
- Delaney - strong performance in centre with numerous intercepts
- Evelyn - excellent defensive game, disrupting opposition attacks
- Rylee - tireless effort across the court with strong attacking and defensive play
Tee Ball - Score: SGC 17 - 11 BAC
Special Mention
- Billie - excellent development in fielding skills
- Henry - a fantastic all-round performance
- Lachlan - outstanding outfield play
Junior Boys' Soccer - Score: SGC 0 - 0 BAC
Special Mention
- Xavier - strong defence
- Rocco - excellent defensive clearances
- Eli - great transition between attack and defence
Senior AFL - Score: SGC 35 - 8 BAC
Special Mention
- Alessia - impressive ball use and accuracy in front of goal
- Beau and Jagger - determination throughout the game
- Tiana - outstanding defensive pressure
Senior Netball - Score: SGC 34 - 8 BAC
Special Mention
- Scarlet - strength and composure when shooting
- Francesca - excellent passing, receiving and movement across the court
- Harper - outstanding positioning and defensive work
Softball - Score: SGC 5 - 0 BAC
Special Mention
- Charlie - outstanding catching and fielding throughout the game
- Noah - his maiden home run and bringing two additional runners home
- Isaac - excellent catching and brilliant work at first base
Senior Boys' Soccer - Score: SGC 3 - 4 BAC
Special Mention
- Ben - excellent play in defence and midfield
- Lachlan and Henley - bravery against bigger and stronger opposition
- Knox - scoring two goals and creating opportunities for teammates
IPSSO Results - Round 11
On Wednesday, 19 August 2026, our teams competed against MAS.
Junior AFL - Score: SGC 86 - 0 MAS
Special Mention
- Darcy - excellent ball use
- Kekoa - strong tackling and accurate goal kicking
- Skylar - outstanding defensive pressure in the forward line
Junior Netball - Score: SGC 4 - 17 MAS
Special Mention
- Ariana - great movement through the midcourt
- Havana - excellent shooting
- Rylee - strong attacking and defensive efforts across the court
Tee Ball - Score: SGC 21 - 4 MAS
Special Mention
- Spencer - Players' Choice Player of the Match
- Alexis - excellent catching in the outfield
- Parker - significant improvement and strong performance as backstop
Junior Boys' Soccer - Score: SGC 1 - 1 MAS
Special Mention
- Rocco - excellent defensive cover
- George - scoring Gregs' goal
- John-Paul - confident goalkeeping
Senior AFL - Score: SGC 107 - 8 MAS
Special Mention
- Alessia - effective use of speed and kicking skills
- Harrison - accuracy in front of goal
- Nneka - strong clearing kicks from midfield
Senior Netball - Score: SGC 32 - 7 MAS
Special Mention
- Sophia - outstanding movement as Centre
- Chloe - strong shooting and defensive work in the circle
- Ella - excellent shooting and movement around the circle
Softball - Score: SGC 0 - 14 MAS
Special Mention
- Noah - a stunning catch from a powerful hit
- Marcello - strong fielding and tireless effort
- Ki - great fielding and consistent effort throughout the game
Senior Boys' Soccer - Score: SGC 1 - 6 MAS
Special Mention
- Ethan - strong defence
- Henley - excellent midfield play
- Benjamin - outstanding defence and determination in the tackle.
IPSSO Results - Round 12
On Wednesday, 26/8/26, our games against MACC were washed out.
IPSSO Results - Round 13
On Wednesday, 2/9/26, our teams competed against St Peter's.
Junior AFL - Score SGC win - St Peter's forfiet
Junior Netball - Score SGC 10 - 2 St Peter's
Special Mention
- Maddison – Great defence in the midcourt
- Charlotte – Good movement in the circle
- Alexis – Great at finding space in the midcourt to move the ball down the court
Tee Ball - Score SGC 15 - 10 St Peter's
Special Mention
- Audrey Leechburch Auwers – sensational outfield flyball catch
- Henry Thomas – excellent fielding and batting
- Spencer Hawkins – hitting a spectacular home run
Junior Boys Soccer - Score SGC 5 - 0 St Peter's
Special Mention
- Carter - transition between attack and defense
- Ryan - energy in attack
- Eli - defensive reads
Senior AFL - Score SGC 146 - 8 St Peter's
Special Mention
- Summer - speed and attacking skills in the midfield
- Tiana - accurate kicking
- Will and Harrison - great marks and accuracy on goals
Senior Netball - Score SGC 26 - 5 St Peter's
Special Mention
- Stella – Good movement in the circle and great drives to circle edge
- Zarah – Reliable midcourt player who feeds beautifully into the circle
- Charlotte – Fantastic movement in the circle and great shooting
Softball - Score SGC 17 - 5 St Peter's
Special Mention
- Leo – great home run
- Lincoln – great home run
- Noah - consistent effort in batting and pitching
Senior Boys Soccer - Score SGC: 12 – 1 St Peter's
Special Mention
- Xavier - scoring his first goal for the team
- Noah - excellent attacking skills
- Knox - incisive breaks and scoring a hat-trick
On Wednesday, 9/9/26, we had the following teams compete at the IPSSO Winter Finals:
- Senior Softball- 3rd
- Senior Netball- 1st
- Junior AFL- 1st
- Senior AFL- 1st
Congratulations to all of our Winter IPSSO Teams this year. We are proud of your efforts, and we look forward to our Summer IPSSO Teams resuming next term.
Junior School Annual Athletics Carnival
What an incredible day of energy, effort, and outstanding sportsmanship we witnessed at our Junior School Athletics Carnival last Friday! The sun was shining, the house chants were echoing, and every student gave their absolute best on the track and in the field.
Congratulations to Kilian House, which claimed the title of Champion House for 2026!
We would also like to celebrate our individual standouts who demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement throughout the carnival. A huge congratulations to our 2026 Age Champions:
- Juniors - Michael and Charlotte
- 11 Years - Hunter and Adriana
- Seniors - William and Nneka
Thank you to our maintenance staff for their hard work behind the scenes in preparing for the day, and to all College staff and parent volunteers who helped make the carnival run so smoothly.
Paul Kelly Cup Regional Finals
Earlier this term, St Greg's Girls' and Boys' Paul Kelly Cup teams represented the College with pride at the Regional Finals in Blacktown.
After some outstanding performances in the pool matches, both teams faced tough opposition in their semi-finals. Unfortunately, both teams were narrowly defeated by just one goal.
Although our teams did not progress to the Grand Final, we are incredibly proud of the way our students represented St Greg's throughout the day. At times, some opposition players displayed poor sportsmanship through overly physical play and negative comments towards our players. However, our students remained calm, ignored the distractions, and continued to play the game in the right spirit. This demonstrated genuine respect, resilience, and sportsmanship, and they should be very proud of their efforts.
Finally, a big thank you to Mr Howe and Miss Cecil for their support and commitment to both teams throughout the competition.
Wollongong Pathway Representative SportNSWCPS Golf Tournament
Congratulations to Timothy and Jeronim, who proudly represented the College at the NSWCPS Golf Tournament. A special congratulations to Jeronim, who finished second overall on net score.
MacKillop Cross Country Championships
Our St Gregory's students proudly represented the Wollongong Diocese at the MacKillop Cross Country Championships, held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre.
We congratulate the following students on their outstanding achievements:
- Lucas - 8/9 Years Boys - 26th
- Cooper - 10 Years Boys - 2nd
- Annabelle - 10 Years Girls - 18th
- Beau - 11 Years Boys - 11th
- Nneka - 12 Years Girls - 32nd
A special congratulations to Cooper, whose outstanding second-place finish in the 10 Years Boys event earned selection to represent MacKillop at the NSWPSSA State Cross Country Championships. Cooper continued his impressive season by placing 15th in New South Wales, an exceptional achievement at the highest level of primary school cross-country competition.
We also congratulate the following students on their recent representative pathway achievements:
MacKillop Touch Football: Beau and Stella
MacKillop Rugby Union Trials: Beau and Hunter
NSWPSSA Netball Trials: Francesca
We wish Charlie the very best as he represents MacKillop at the NSWPSSA Softball Trial next week.
Western Region Athletics Carnival
Our Junior School Athletics Team enjoyed a highly successful day at the Wollongong Western Region Athletics Carnival on Friday, 31 July. The team represented the College with pride, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
At the conclusion of the carnival, our athletes achieved:
- 1st place in 15 events
- 2nd place in 11 events
- 3rd place in 7 events
- 4th place in 5 events
The team also broke the Wollongong record in the Junior Girls 4 × 100m Relay.
Age Champions
- Hunter - 1st, 11 Years Boys
- Beau - 3rd, 11 Years Boys
- Cooper - 2nd, 10 Years Boys
- Roisin - 2nd, 9 Years Girls
- Nneka - 2nd, 12 Years Girls
- Adriana - 2nd, 11 Years Girls
Overall Results
- 1st - Overall Boys School
- 1st - Overall Girls School
- 1st - Overall Champion School
Congratulations to all students who competed on the day. We also thank our staff and parents for their wonderful support throughout the carnival.
A special thank you to Mr Hayes, who worked with our relay teams on their changeovers in the lead-up to the carnival, helping ensure there were no dropped batons on the day. We also thank Mr Fuser and Mrs Hooper for their support and assistance during the event.
Congratulations to the following students who qualified to represent Wollongong at the MacKillop Athletics Trial on Wednesday, 23 September:
- Nneka - 12 Years: 100m, 200m, Long Jump, High Jump
- Nate - Junior High Jump
- Roisin - Junior Girls Relay, Long Jump
- Beau - 11 Years: 100m, 200m
- George - Junior Boys Relay
- Cooper - Junior Boys Relay, 200m, 800m
- Christian - Junior Boys Relay
- Michael - Junior Boys Relay
- Charlotte - Junior Girls Relay, 1500m, Shot Put
- Annabelle - Junior Girls Relay
- Anika - Junior Girls Relay
- Ella - 8 Years 100m
Mark Taylor Cricket Competition
Good luck to our Mark Taylor Cricket Team as they verse St Clare’s on Thursday 24 September.
Term 4 Cricket After School Program
Next term, Cricket NSW is running an after-school program at the College. Please refer to the flyer in this newsletter for further information.
GO GREGS!!!
Mr Darryl Howe
Sports Coordinator
Key Dates and Events
Celebrity Sports Dinner - 20 November 2026
Celebrity Sports Dinner - 20 November 2026
2026 Celebrity Sports Dinner
St Gregory's College is proud to host our upcoming Celebrity Sports Dinner, an evening that promises great entertainment, inspiring stories and the opportunity to support our College community.
Join us on Friday 20 November at St Gregory's College, as we welcome special guest Jelena Dokic, whose remarkable journey as an elite athlete, author and commentator has inspired people around the world through her resilience, determination and courage.
The evening will also feature an exclusive Sponsorship Only - Up Close and Personal session with Laurie Daley, one of rugby league's most respected figures. Guests will hear firsthand insights and stories from his distinguished career in sport, leadership and life.
This special event provides a wonderful opportunity for parents, alumni, friends of the College and members of the wider community to come together for an unforgettable evening while supporting St Gregory's College
Tickets are still available:
$225 Individual Ticket
$2,250 Table of 10
We encourage families, businesses and community members to secure their tickets and join us for what promises to be a memorable night of inspiration, sport and connection.
For ticket bookings and further information, please contact MStepien@stgregs.nsw.edu.au
YR 7-9 Dance
YR 7-9 Dance
Key Dates
Key Dates
Community Notice
Road Safety around schools
Road Safety around schools
Centenary Memorabilia
Centenary Memorabilia
As we approach Year 12 Graduation in our Centenary Year, families are reminded that a limited range of St Gregory’s College Centenary memorabilia is still available.
For all students, none more so than our graduating Class of 2026, these special items are a wonderful keepsake of an historic year, celebrating 100 years of St Gregory’s College and their own place in the College’s story.
Limited stock remains, so don’t miss your opportunity to secure a piece of our Centenary.
Centenary memorabilia can be purchased via our College Uniform Shop or online store here - https://www.noone.com.au/school/st-gregorys-college/shop?custom_tags=100-year-commemorative
Uniform Shop Trading Hours
Uniform Shop Trading Hours
Getting in Early for Term 4!
The Term 3 school holiday hours for the Uniform Shop are here! With Term 4 just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get organised and make sure your child is ready for the new term.
Remember, Term 4 is summer uniform , so please check that your child’s uniform is correct and looking its best in line with our Uniform Policy.
See below for the Term 3 school holiday Uniform Shop trading hours.
