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  • College Newsletter Term 4 | Week 5 | Thursday 12 November 2026
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In This Issue

From the College Principal

  • Mr Joel Weekes - Acting College Principal

From the Assistant Principal / Head of Senior School

  • Mr Luke Morrissey - Acting Assistant Principal / Head of Senior School

From the Head of Junior School

  • Mrs Diana Ivancic - Head of Junior School

From the Director of Mission

  • Mrs Cathie Clarke - Director of Mission

From the Director of Teaching and Learning

  • Ms Judith Morrison - Director of Teaching and Learning

From the Director of Students

  • Mr Baldino Vetrano - Director of Students

From the Director of Studies

  • Mr Ric Bomardiere - Director of Studies

From the Director of Boarding

  • Mr Tevita Halaifonua - Acting Director of Boarding

First Nations

  • Shaun Humphries - First Nations Liaison Officer

Senior School News

  • Lions Youth of the Year Competition
  • Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award
  • Year 8 & 9 WeSSSTA Geography
  • Year 9 TRJ Camp
  • Year 10 Elective Geography Excursion
  • Year 12, 2027 Retreat
  • Year 9 2026 Parents - Year 10 2027 Laptop Program Reminder

Senior School Sport

  • Senior Sport

Junior School News

  • Junior School STEM Team Celebrates Taronga Zoo Success
  • Year 3 Camp Teen Ranch
  • Year 5 Camp Canberra

Junior School Sport

  • Junior Sport

Key Dates and Events

  • Key Dates

Community Notice

  • Centenary Memorabilia
  • Road Safety around schools

From the College Principal

Mr Joel Weekes - Acting College Principal

Mr Joel Weekes - Acting College Principal

Dear members of the St Gregory’s College family,

St Greg’s continues to be a busy and vibrant place, with students embracing learning opportunities, participating in a range of activities and making the most of every day. Over the past couple of weeks, we have had much to celebrate, including the Year 11 Retreat, JS Young Archies, Year 9 TRJ Camp, Kindy Social Evening and Playgroups, Year 11 Academic Awards, Marshall Rogers Golf Day and Badgally Beatz Music Evening, alongside all the regular activities that make our College thrive!

As we move towards the end of the school year, it is important that we maintain our focus on learning, continue to demonstrate our school values and make the most of the opportunities ahead. Every day counts, and I encourage all students to continue striving for their personal best, showing kindness and respect towards others, and taking pride in their achievements.

I would also like to acknowledge the wonderful efforts of our dedicated staff, who continue to provide engaging learning experiences and support our students to grow and succeed. Thank you also to our families for your ongoing partnership, encouragement and support throughout the year. The connection between home and school plays such an important role in creating a positive learning environment for all.

Countering the Forces of Mediocrity – Kindness Breeds Kindness

At our recent assembly in the Senior School, I challenged our students to think about a simple but powerful idea: countering the forces of mediocrity and recognising the positive contribution each of us can make to our College community.

As young men growing into the people they will become, it is important to recognise that we all face choices every day. We can choose to put in the extra effort or settle for doing the bare minimum. We can choose to respectfully challenge poor behaviour or simply go along with what others are doing. We can choose to be present and engaged with those around us or take the easier option of withdrawing from meaningful conversations and connections.

Mediocrity is not always obvious. Sometimes, it is found in the small decisions we make when nobody is watching. It can be a lack of effort in the classroom, accepting negative attitudes within a friendship group or not taking the time to show appreciation for the people who support us. Being the best version of ourselves requires courage, effort and, at times, the confidence to go against the crowd.

One message I am particularly passionate about is that kindness breeds kindness, just as negativity breeds negativity. The attitudes and behaviours we surround ourselves with have a significant influence on the people we become. When we experience kindness, respect and encouragement, we are more likely to pass those qualities on to others. Equally, when negativity is allowed to become the norm, it can quickly shape the culture around us.

When we think about making a difference, we often imagine doing something big or extraordinary. In reality, some of the most meaningful contributions come through small, everyday actions, such as making the effort to be respectful, including someone who might otherwise be left out, offering a helping hand or encouraging a mate.

A great school is about much more than its facilities, academic results or sporting achievements. It is about the people within it and, most importantly, how they treat one another. Every young man has something valuable to contribute. You do not need to be the best athlete, the highest academic achiever or a student leader to make a difference. Your kindness, effort, sense of humour, willingness to help and the example you set for others all matter.

One of the wonderful things about our community is that we have the opportunity to develop young people who are confident, respectful, courageous and considerate of others. Our College has a culture and spirit that we should never take for granted. A great example is our singing! In many schools, it might not be considered particularly 'cool' for students to sing. At Greg’s, we sing! It is a wonderful expression of confidence, belonging and the collective spirit that makes our community unique.

As we continue through the term, let us remember that we all have the capacity to influence the culture around us. One positive action can inspire another, creating a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the initial moment.

Let us continue to challenge ourselves, reject mediocrity and recognise the responsibility we each have to make our community better.

You can make a positive difference right now, exactly where you are. Let's create a culture of kindness that is worth catching!

As our College motto states, ‘you will reap what you sow.’

Joel Weekes
Acting College Principal

Mr Joel Weekes - Acting College Principal

From the Assistant Principal / Head of Senior School

Mr Luke Morrissey - Acting Assistant Principal / Head of Senior School

Mr Luke Morrissey - Acting Assistant Principal / Head of Senior School

Dear Members of the St Gregory's College Family,

It has been a wonderful professional experience stepping into the role of Acting Deputy Principal this term. The opportunity to become more broadly involved in College events and engage with students and staff beyond my usual responsibilities in Boarding has been a genuine privilege.

The College continues to hum with activity as we reach the halfway point of Term 4. As is always the case at St Gregory's, there is much happening. The 2026 HSC has now successfully concluded, with the Physics examination bringing to a close almost four weeks of intensive work for our graduating class. Congratulations and thanks to Mr Bombardiere for his coordination of the HSC process, and to our Presiding Officer, Erin McMullan, for her outstanding work in managing the examinations on behalf of NESA.

Year 10 students have recently completed their assessment block, with a number of students now undertaking work placement during the remaining weeks of the term.

Preparation is also well underway for the Year 8 and Year 9 end-of-year assessments. Needless to say, this can be a challenging time for students and, quite often, there can be an underlying tension that may present as anxiety or moodiness at home. We know that some students find this part of the year particularly demanding. Patience, encouragement and helping your child establish a study plan can make a significant difference in easing the pressure and setting them up for success.

It was also a pleasure to celebrate the academic achievements of our Year 11 students at the Academic Awards Ceremony earlier this term. Congratulations to all award recipients, particularly Lachlan Selby, who was named Dux of Year 11. A large number of Year 11 students will complete work placements for their vocational education courses over the coming weeks, while the remainder have already begun their HSC studies, with some subjects requiring assessment tasks to be completed before the end of the year.

Year 9 - The Rite Journey Camp

It was an absolute pleasure to spend much of last week with students from Years 9 and 11. Our Year 9 students embraced every aspect of this year's The Rite Journey Camp.

A sincere thank you to Mr Coffey and the staff who accompanied the students throughout the experience. Taking 170 Year 9 students away on camp is no small undertaking, and the staff were exceptional in the way they supported, guided and challenged the boys. Through the solo experience, daily challenges and reflective activities, students were provided with opportunities to grow in resilience, gratitude and self-awareness.

The boys returned tired, challenged and, hopefully, with a greater appreciation of the opportunities available to them at St Gregory's. From all reports, the waterslide and challenge course were particular highlights as well.

Year 11 Retreat and Leadership Days

Year 11 students were divided into two groups throughout Retreat Week. While one group attended the Retreat in Mittagong, the other participated in a Leadership Day at the College.

Thank you to all staff who accompanied the students to Mittagong, particularly Mrs Clarke, Mr Newell and Mrs Sligar, who dedicated the entire week to supporting the Retreat program. The feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive.

I had the privilege of attending the Leadership Day, which focused on preparing the incoming Year 12 cohort for their final year at St Gregory's. Students participated in discussions around leadership, post-school pathways and our Buddy Program for the incoming Year 7 students of 2027. The day also included a BBQ shared with the cohort.

Thank you to Ms Morrison, Mr Goodhew, Ms Sawyer, Mr Ivancic and Mr Coughlan for their involvement, and to the students for their positive engagement and participation.

In my short time in this role, I have been thoroughly impressed by this cohort. Their maturity, enthusiasm and willingness to contribute to College life have been outstanding. They have much to offer as future leaders of our community, and I look forward to watching them flourish as they embrace the opportunities and responsibilities that come with leading the College during their final year of schooling.

Marshall Rogers Golf Day

It was wonderful to represent the College at the Marshall Rogers Golf Day earlier this term.

This event raises valuable funds for the College Foundation, helping provide educational opportunities and support for students and families within our community.

Congratulations and thank you to Mary Stepien, Adrian Quig and the Rogers family for organising another highly successful event.

Celebrating Student Success

One of my favourite parts of contributing to the newsletter is the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students. Whether their success comes in the classroom, on the sporting field, in the arts or through service to others, we are always proud to recognise their accomplishments.

If your son or daughter has achieved something noteworthy, I encourage you to share the news with me at lmorrissey@stgregs.nsw.edu.au so that we can continue celebrating the wonderful successes of our students.

Fresh from the cricket field, Kynan E has scored an outstanding 172 runs out of the team's total of 401 in the Second Round of the Downie Shield Knockout Competition.

Lucas S also continued his exceptional form, scoring 80 runs to follow up his unbeaten century in the Berg Shield the previous week. He was part of a remarkable 200-run partnership with Toby M, who finished unbeaten on 99.

These are fantastic achievements and a testament to the dedication and talent of our cricketers. Congratulations, gentlemen.

Congratulations also to Kobe T, who recently represented Samoa at the Youth Olympic Games, achieving an outstanding 7th place finish in the world. This is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to Kobe's dedication, talent and commitment to his sport. We congratulate Kobe on this incredible achievement and look forward to following his future success.

As we move towards the end of the year, there is still much to accomplish. Planning for 2027 is already well underway, and there is a strong sense of purpose across the College as we look confidently to the future.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement as we move towards the Christmas season.

Mr Luke Morrissey
Acting Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School

Luke Morrissey - Acting Assistant Principal

From the Head of Junior School

Mrs Diana Ivancic - Head of Junior School

Mrs Diana Ivancic - Head of Junior School

A Wonderful Term of Connection, Community and Celebration

It has been wonderful to see our St Gregory’s family grow this term as we begin welcoming our newest students and families who will join us in 2027.

We recently hosted our first Kindergarten Orientation Afternoon, giving our incoming students an opportunity to become familiar with their new surroundings, meet some of their teachers and begin building connections with future classmates. A new initiative this year has also been our Kindergarten Playgroup, which has been a great success. It has been lovely to see children and parents gathering in the hall for relaxed afternoons of play, laughter and interaction, helping to build friendships and familiarity well before their first day of school.

Last Friday evening, we also welcomed our 2027 Kindergarten parents to a Social Evening in the Marion Centre. It was a wonderful opportunity for families to meet one another and begin forming connections with the parents who will share the next seven or more years of their children's educational journey. At St Gregory’s, we pride ourselves on our strong sense of Family Spirit. We want every family joining our College to feel that they are becoming part of something special, not simply enrolling their child in a school, but joining a welcoming and supportive Marist family.

Last Friday also provided another very special opportunity, as I hosted the IPSHA Principals Conference, welcoming 60 Principals from across NSW and the ACT to our College. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our new hall and school facilities, and I was incredibly proud to share our Junior School with them. The compliments were plentiful, with visitors commenting on our beautiful grounds and buildings, the Year 6 leaders who warmly greeted and escorted them, our talented choir who performed, and the lovely lunch provided by Catercare.

As I reflected in my address on the day, our school does not exist because of me as Head of Junior School, but because of the amazing teams of people around me. It is our teachers who fill these classrooms with rich learning experiences, our students who greet visitors with such warmth and confidence, Mrs Michelle Marks (PA) and our wonderful administration team who organise and make things happen behind the scenes, and our maintenance team who work tirelessly to ensure our grounds are immaculate, our venues are ready and everything is in working order, often before 5am!

These are the people who demonstrate one of our Marist Characteristics, Love of Work. They are often the unseen people whose dedication makes so much of what we do possible. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all the teams around me. We are truly blessed to work in a community where people willingly pull together every day for the benefit of our students and families.

As we look towards the end of term, there is still so much to celebrate, with our Celebration of Learning, Year 6 Graduation, Move Up Day and End of Year Mass on the horizon. I look forward to sharing these special occasions with our families as we bring another wonderful year to a close. As we celebrate, let us also remember to acknowledge the many people who work quietly behind the scenes to make these moments possible. They are an important part of what makes St Gregory’s such a special place to belong.

Mrs Diana Ivancic 
Head of Junior School

Mrs Diana Ivancic - Head of Junior School

From the Director of Mission

Mrs Cathie Clarke - Director of Mission

Mrs Cathie Clarke - Director of Mission

Living Life in All Its Fullness Through Faith, Reflection and Service

The highlight of the Year 12 Retreat each year is the final evening, when we gather to share a meal, celebrate Mass and enjoy a night of trivia and team challenges. It is a joyful and memorable occasion that truly brings our retreat theme, Life in All Its Fullness, to life.

The Year 12 Retreat for the Class of 2027 was a wonderful experience. Our young men spent time at the Hermitage in Mittagong, the spiritual home of the Marist community throughout Australia. Away from the day-to-day busyness of life, their phones, studies and workplaces, they were given the opportunity to slow down, reflect, connect and simply enjoy being present with one another.

Throughout the retreat, we explored our strengths, challenges, hopes and sources of inspiration. We reflected on the qualities that help us become the best versions of ourselves, including courage, humility, perseverance and compassion. These conversations challenged the students to consider what it means to live a life of purpose and to be a good human being.

In one session, students were asked to prioritise the many important aspects of their lives. It was heartening to see that they were unanimous in identifying family, faith and friendships as the foundations upon which their lives are built.

I encourage families to take the opportunity to speak with their sons about the themes explored on retreat and the insights they gained from this valuable experience.

This week, we also launched our annual Christmas Appeal for the St Vincent de Paul Society. As a lay Catholic organisation working towards a more just and compassionate society, St Vincent de Paul provides us with a tangible way to put our faith into action. The St Gregory’s community has always responded with extraordinary generosity, and we are confident this year will be no different. Please check your son’s or daughter’s homeroom or grade list to see how your family can support the appeal.

Our Year 10 students are also collecting toiletries, socks and personal hygiene products for the Reiby Juvenile Justice Centre. These items are gifted to young people upon their release, helping to restore dignity and provide support as they begin a new chapter in their lives.

As we move towards the final weeks of the year, I thank our students and families for their continued support of the many opportunities that nurture faith, character and service within our community. May we continue to be sources of grace to each other and strive to bring hope and fullness of life to those around us.

Mrs Cathie Clarke
Director of Mission 

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

Teaching and Learning: Building a Shared Approach to Learning Across K–12

On Monday 9 November, teaching staff from across the Junior and Senior Schools gathered for a K–12 professional learning meeting focused on strengthening our shared approach to teaching and learning. The meeting provided an opportunity for staff to collaborate, reflect on classroom practice and consider how we can continue to create purposeful, engaging and inclusive learning experiences for every student.

Central to our discussions was the importance of activating student learning. The beginning of a lesson presents a valuable opportunity to spark curiosity, establish connections with prior knowledge and prepare students for new learning. Effective learning activations do more than capture attention; they provide teachers with important insights into what students already know, understand and can do.

Staff began with an engaging activity that invited them to select a colour representing how they were feeling and share their thinking with colleagues. This simple experience demonstrated how an accessible prompt can encourage participation, stimulate conversation and create connections within a learning community.

Building on this experience, teachers worked collaboratively in their Department and Grade Teams to develop a bank of learning provocations and activations relevant to their subjects and year levels. The focus was on designing activities that connect directly to lesson content, provide evidence of students’ existing understanding and generate curiosity about the learning ahead.

Importantly, the professional learning was designed to translate directly into classroom practice. Staff were challenged to select and implement one or more of their activations during the following week, with opportunities to share their experiences through the Senior School KLA meetings and Junior School Co-Lab sessions. This approach reflects our commitment to professional learning that is practical, collaborative and focused on improving student outcomes.

The meeting also reinforced the importance of our St Gregory’s K–12 Learning Flow, which provides a shared structure for purposeful teaching while recognising the diverse developmental needs of students across Kindergarten to Year 12. Through its emphasis on readiness, retrieval, explicit instruction, guided and independent practice, and reflection, the Learning Flow supports consistency in high-quality teaching without limiting teacher creativity or professional judgement.

Looking ahead, staff were also invited to contribute to the 2027 and Beyond Professional Learning Needs Survey. This initiative seeks to identify individual professional growth goals alongside KLA, stage and whole-school priorities. Staff voice will play an important role in shaping a targeted, evidence-informed professional learning program that builds collective expertise and responds to the evolving needs of our College community.

As we continue embedding our GREGS Teaching and Learning Framework, opportunities such as these remind us that meaningful improvement is achieved through shared responsibility, professional dialogue and a willingness to continually refine our practice.

Ultimately, our commitment remains clear: to ensure that every student experiences teaching that is relational, purposeful, engaging and responsive to their learning needs.

Ms Judith Morrison
Director of Teaching and Learning

Ms Judith Morrison - Director of Teaching & Learning

From the Director of Students

Mr Baldino Vetrano - Director of Students

Mr Baldino Vetrano - Director of Students

Dear College Community,

There is much to celebrate across the College, and it is wonderful to see our students continuing to embrace the opportunities available to them, both inside and outside the classroom.

Year 9 The Rite Journey Retreat

Our recent Year 9 The Rite Journey (TRJ) retreat was a tremendous success and represented an important milestone in the students' Rite Journey experience.

A particularly significant part of the retreat was the completion of the solo component, an experience designed to challenge students to develop independence, resilience, self-reliance and personal reflection.

As part of this experience, students spent 18 hours in solitude, isolated in their own tents and removed from the distractions, conversations and routines of everyday life. During this time, students were responsible for cooking and preparing their own meals, managing their needs and navigating the experience independently.

For many students, this was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Being alone with their thoughts, taking responsibility for themselves and learning to be comfortable in solitude provided a valuable opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.

The solo experience encourages students to recognise their own capabilities, develop confidence in their decision-making and appreciate the importance of taking responsibility for themselves. It also provides a rare opportunity for young people to slow down, reflect on who they are, consider the person they want to become and think about the values that will guide them into the future.

Completing this extended period independently is no small achievement, and the willingness of our Year 9 students to embrace this challenge is something worth celebrating.

"Sometimes the greatest growth happens when we step away from the noise, spend time with ourselves and discover what we are truly capable of."

We congratulate all students on their participation, courage and commitment throughout the retreat. We also acknowledge the staff who supported and facilitated this important experience.

Year 11 Retreat

We also enjoyed a wonderful Year 11 Retreat. As highlighted in Mrs Cathie Clarke's article, the retreat provided an important opportunity for our senior students to pause, reflect and consider their individual journeys, their relationships and the responsibilities that come with being senior members of our College community. Experiences such as these play an important role in developing character, resilience, leadership and a strong sense of belonging.

Upcoming Examinations

As we look ahead, our focus now turns to the upcoming examination block for Years 7-9. This is an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning, preparation and commitment to their studies.

I encourage all students to establish positive study routines, seek assistance when needed, manage their time effectively and approach their examinations with confidence.

The Importance of Being Present

One of the most important contributors to student success is consistent attendance.

Every day at the College matters. Regular attendance allows students to engage fully in their learning, maintain positive relationships, participate in College life and develop the routines and habits that underpin long-term success.

When students are absent, they can miss valuable learning experiences, important instructions, classroom discussions and opportunities to build connections with their teachers and peers.

We ask all students and families to continue prioritising regular and punctual attendance. Being present, prepared and ready to learn are fundamental expectations of every member of our College community.

Maintaining High Expectations Across the College

As a College, we must remain committed to maintaining high expectations in all aspects of school life.

These expectations extend beyond academic achievement. They include the way we conduct ourselves, the respect we demonstrate towards others, our approach to learning, our presentation, our participation and the contribution we make to the wider College community.

High expectations are not simply standards we set for students; they reflect our shared belief in what every student is capable of achieving.

We expect students to:

  • Demonstrate respect, kindness and consideration towards others
  • Attend school regularly and arrive punctually
  • Be prepared, organised and engaged in their learning
  • Take responsibility for their behaviour and decisions
  • Uphold the College's values and standards
  • Strive for personal excellence and support those around them

It is important that these expectations remain consistent across every year group and every aspect of College life. When students, staff and families work together with a shared understanding of these standards, we create an environment in which everyone can thrive.

The success of our recent retreats reminds us that education is about so much more than academic outcomes. It is about developing confident, respectful, resilient and responsible young people who feel connected to their community.

As we move through the coming weeks, let us continue to celebrate our successes, support one another and maintain the high standards that define our College.

I encourage every student to take pride in their contribution, make the most of each school day and continue striving to be the very best version of themselves.

Every day counts. Every student matters. Every opportunity makes a difference.

Mr Baldino Vetrano
Director of Students 

Mr Baldino Vetrano - Director of Students

From the Director of Studies

Mr Ric Bomardiere - Director of Studies

Mr Ric Bomardiere - Director of Studies

Academic Milestones, HSC Celebrations and Year 11 Achievements

HSC Finished!

Congratulations again to our Year 12 students, who have now completed their HSC examinations. After a gruelling four weeks of examinations, comprising 38 exams, students finished last Thursday with Physics.

Year 12 students are invited to attend our HSC Results Breakfast on Wednesday 16 December from 9.00am. The College will also invite our High Achievers back for the HSC Academic Awards Assembly in early February.

Year 11 Academic Awards

Last Friday, our Year 11 students were recognised for their academic achievements. Among the notable recipients were:

DUXLachlan S
Award for Academic GrowthSebastian C, Xavier Y
Ruben F Scarf Award for CommitmentJulian B
The Anthony Esler Outstanding Mathematics StudentLachlan S
Service AwardHarrison R
GIO Perpetual Award Trophy for Consistency and effort in Academic StudiesCampbell H
The Brother Paul Hough Award for Social Justice and ActionFrancesco T
Principal's Award for Academic AchievementAlessandro C, Alvin M, Jeremy P, Lachlan S, William W
Principal's Award for Engagement in LearningEshan M, Sesath G, Campbell H, Declan M, Dean M

Congratulations to all our award recipients on their achievements and commitment to their studies.

Stage 5 Elective and Stage 6 Course Offers

Year 8 and Year 10 students have recently received their course offers for next year. The following courses will be offered in Year 9 and Year 11 in 2027:

Year 11

Studies in Catholic ThoughtAncient HistoryHealth and Movement Sciences
Studies of Religion 1Modern HistorySports, Lifestyle and Recreation
Studies of Religion 2Legal StudiesAgriculture
English StudiesBusiness StudiesDesign & Technology
English StandardGeographyIndustrial Technology - Metals
English AdvancedWork StudiesIndustrial Technology - Timber
English ExtensionBiologyVET Construction
Mathematics StandardChemistryVET Hospitality
Mathematics AdvancedPhysicsVET Fitness
Mathematics ExtensionVisual ArtsVET Primary Industries
TVET & SBAT CoursesMusic 1​

Year 9

Major Courses - 200 HoursMinor Courses - 100 Hours​
AgricultureAgricultureCommerce
CommerceDramaElective Geography
Industrial Technology - EngineeringFood TechnologyIndustrial Technology - Metals
Industrial Technology - MetalsIndustrial Technology - TimberPhotography and Digital Media
Industrial Technology - TimberPhysical Activity and Sports StudiesVisual Arts
Music​​
Physical Activity and Sports Studies​​

Ric Bombardiere
Director of Studies 

Ric Bombardiere - Director of Studies

From the Director of Boarding

Mr Tevita Halaifonua - Acting Director of Boarding

Mr Tevita Halaifonua - Acting Director of Boarding

Dear Boarding Families,

It has been an action-packed, purposeful and vibrant start to Term Four on ‘the Hill’. As we navigate the final stretch of the academic year, our young men continue to demonstrate outstanding commitment to their studies, co-curricular activities and College life.

Fostering ‘Philia’: Fraternity and Connection

At the heart of Boarding this term is philia, the spiritual concept of deep, virtuous friendship and brotherly love. This has remained our guiding principle across all Houses as we seek to enhance and strengthen relationships within the Boarding community. Our Boarding Leaders have been active in their leadership, creating various opportunities for Junior and Senior boarders to interact and engage in joyful activities.

Term 4 So Far:

Welcoming New Faces: Six new boarders commenced their journey in Term Four: Manny G (Griffith), Jack R (Griffith), Matthias L (Temora), William S (Temora) and Luke B (Bathurst). I commend these boys on their positive start and contributions to Boarding.

Life Skills and Workshops: Boarders have participated in various presentations and interactive development workshops, including sessions with the CaterCare dietitian, as well as workshops on body image, strength training and Elephant Ed.

‘Philia’ Time and Connection: Every Friday from 7.00 pm, our Boarding Leaders lead ‘Philia’ Time. Within their allocated Houses, they have organised a range of activities, including karaoke, spelling bees, trivia and adapted touch football, to engage the Boarding community and strengthen connections. Week 3 also featured our Boarders Community Night, held at the ‘start’ for many of our boarders, the cul-de-sac at Valens House, where they had the opportunity to relive some of their early Boarding memories.

Camps and Retreats: Week 4 was memorable across all year groups, with Year 9 (Edgar House) attending The Rite Journey Abyss Camp, Year 11 (Senan House) embarking on their Retreat Week, and Year 10 (Alfred House) completing their Assessment Block. Our young men are to be congratulated for their valuable contributions and efforts during this time.

Weekend ISA Sport: Boarders continue to represent the College each Saturday in ISA Sport. Thank you for your ongoing support of our weekend program by ensuring that leave arrangements do not impact your son's participation.

Looking Ahead: What's Coming Up

As we head towards the conclusion of the College year, our focus shifts to finishing strongly academically while enjoying seasonal end-of-year celebrations.

Academic Focus: Our young men will continue their structured evening routines to prepare for final assessments and end-of-year examinations.

Boarders' Final Mass and Award Ceremony: We look forward to welcoming families to our Boarders' Final Mass on Tuesday 8 December.

Christmas Mass and End-of-Year Pack-Down: Our final College Mass for the year will be the Christmas Mass on Wednesday 9 December. This will be the final opportunity for our Greg's community to come together to celebrate the Eucharist. Boarders are welcome to pack down their rooms and depart after Mass.

Overall, thank you for entrusting the Boarding Team and me with the care of your sons. Please do not hesitate to contact your son's Boarding Coordinator or me if you have any questions or concerns.

God bless you and your loved ones,

Mr Tevita Halaifonua
Acting Director of Boarding 

Tevita Halaifonua - Acting Director of Boarding

First Nations

Shaun Humphries - First Nations Liaison Officer

Shaun Humphries - First Nations Liaison Officer

First Nations STEM Workshop: Connecting Culture, Science and Learning

St Gregory’s College Campbelltown recently celebrated an exciting first, hosting a First Nations STEM workshop that brought together culture, science, engineering and wildlife education in a meaningful learning experience for students from Kindergarten to Year 7.

The College welcomed Old Boy Luke Davis from Western Sydney University and Josh Nicholls from Sydney Zoo, whose knowledge, enthusiasm and practical activities helped bring the day to life. Their contributions gave students the opportunity to engage in engineering challenges, learn about native animals and consider the ways observation, problem-solving and traditional knowledge contribute to our understanding of the world.

Throughout the workshop, students participated in cultural dancing and explored the significance of totems and traditional practices. These experiences created opportunities for cultural connection, shared understanding and respectful conversations about First Nations identity and knowledge. Hands-on activities also encouraged students to think creatively and approach challenges with curiosity and teamwork.

A particular highlight was the opportunity to get up close to native wildlife through the Sydney Zoo experience. For many students, connecting their classroom learning with living animals helped make the relationship between Country, wildlife and environmental responsibility more tangible. Combined with the engineering activities, the program showed that learning can be engaging, practical and deeply connected to culture.

The success of the event reflected a shared commitment to providing inclusive educational opportunities that celebrate First Nations perspectives. It also demonstrated the value of partnerships between schools, universities and community organisations in broadening students’ experiences and helping young people see themselves as capable learners and future innovators.

The College also extends its sincere appreciation to Western Sydney University for generously providing gift bags for students and staff, and to Luke Davis for sharing his time and expertise. Access to this valuable educational experience at no cost was an important contribution to supporting First Nations education and student participation.

Thank you also to Sydney Zoo for its ongoing educational resources for schools and for enabling Josh Nicholls to join the workshop. His involvement added a memorable wildlife learning experience to an already rich and varied program.

Above all, the day was about connection: connecting students with culture, connecting scientific inquiry with First Nations knowledge, and connecting the College community with organisations committed to education. This inaugural workshop provides a strong foundation for future opportunities that honour culture, inspire curiosity and create lasting learning experiences for students at St Gregory’s College Campbelltown.

Mr Shaun Humphries
First Nations Liaisons Officer  

Mr Shaun Humphries - First Nations Liaison Officer

Senior School News

Lions Youth of the Year Competition

Lions Youth of the Year Competition

Lions Youth of the Year – Outstanding Public Speaking Achievement

The Lions Youth of the Year Competition, organised by the Campbelltown City Lions Club, was held over two days at Wests Leagues Club. The interviews, worth 70% of the overall competition, took place on Sunday, 1 November, followed by the Public Speaking section, worth 30%, on Wednesday, 4 November.

Year 8 students Peter D and Taite J competed against much older students from Years 10–12, making their participation an impressive achievement in itself. Both boys performed exceptionally well, with Peter proving highly competitive despite his young age.

A particular highlight was Taite's outstanding achievement in winning the Public Speaking section of the competition. Competing against students several years older, this was a fantastic accomplishment.

Congratulations to Peter and Taite on representing St Gregory's College so well!

Mr Peter Baz
Public Speaking Coordinator/HSIE Teacher

Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award

Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award

Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Hike – 22 Kilometres of Adventure

On 26–27 October, 18 students completed their Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Hike, travelling from Brooklyn to Wondabyne Station and camping at the base of Mt Wondabyne. For most of the boys, this journey was the final requirement to complete their Bronze Award. Accompanied by Mr O’Flynn and Mr Sullivan, the students took responsibility for planning the journey from start to finish, including their route, meal stops and walking times.

The adventure began with a ferry trip across the river, but the track soon delivered an unexpected surprise, taking us through the front and backyards of people living along the waterfront! It was certainly an unusual start to a bushwalk. From there, students faced their first challenge: navigating off-track and climbing approximately 100 metres to reach the ridgeline. Their efforts were rewarded with magnificent views of the Hawkesbury River in time for morning tea.

Day One included exploring the waterfalls at Rocky Ponds during lunch and enjoying a spectacular sunset from Mt Wondabyne. Back at camp, Flynn D provided another memorable highlight by cooking a cake for Alexander Z, an impressive achievement using camping equipment!

On Day Two, students explored Kariong Brook Falls before tackling another challenging climb out of the valley and onto the ridgeline. This tested everyone's endurance and certainly got the hearts pumping! After walking along the ridge, the joy on the boys' faces was clear when they spotted the sign indicating just 2.5 kilometres downhill to Wondabyne Station. Having covered 22 kilometres over two days, there was plenty of amusement when the train journey returned them to the starting point in just seven minutes!

Congratulations to all students for their teamwork, perseverance and willingness to take on the challenges of the journey. Thank you to Mr Sullivan for accompanying the group and supporting the boys throughout the hike.

Mr Brendan O'Flynn  
Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator/Head of Technologies 

Year 8 & 9 WeSSSTA Geography

Year 8 & 9 WeSSSTA Geography

WeSSSTA Geography Trivia Competition – 2026 Champions

St Gregory’s College had an outstanding day at the WeSSSTA Geography Trivia Competition at St Mary’s, with three teams of Year 8 and Year 9 students competing against 12 other schools from across Sydney!

The competition put the boys’ geographical knowledge to the ultimate test, challenging them on everything from world flags and capital cities to country outlines, national parks, major highways, international airlines and famous landmarks.

Teams powered through the 10 rounds and secured first place with an impressive 102 out of 120 points. They edged out strong competitors Penrith High, who scored 98 points, and Holsworthy High, who scored 97 points, to claim the title and a cash prize!

Adding to the excitement, Bryson, Damien and Kiyaan each won cash prizes after triumphing in knockout rounds of heads or tails, putting their world geography knowledge and a little bit of luck to the test!

It was a fun-filled, action-packed day of teamwork, friendly competition and impressive geographical knowledge, with plenty of excitement along the way. The boys represented the College brilliantly and returned to school with a well-deserved victory.

Congratulations to all our students on this fantastic achievement! St Greg’s will be proudly engraved on the WeSSSTA Competition Trophy as the 2026 champions.

Ms Raquel Russo  
HSIE Teacher 

Year 9 TRJ Camp

Year 9 TRJ Camp

The Abyss - Learning to do Hard Things!

Building resilience, independence and discovering what they are capable of.

Our Year 9 boys have returned from The Rite Journey Abyss Camp, having faced challenging storms, cooked outdoors on Trangias in the pouring rain, encountered a few unwelcome leeches and navigated plenty of mud!

From Challenge Valley and the waterslide time challenge to Survivor-style team-building games and kick tennis, the boys embraced every opportunity with outstanding behaviour, enthusiasm and participation.

But perhaps the greatest challenge was nearly 18 hours of solitude. No phones. No technology. No mates. No distractions. Just time to think, reflect and discover what they are capable of.

In a world filled with constant noise and connection, learning to be comfortable with yourself is a powerful experience.

A huge thank you to our dedicated St Gregory’s College staff, who gave up precious time with their own families to support our boys.

We are also incredibly grateful to the outstanding Boomerang Adventures staff. Their genuine care, positive role modelling and ability to truly know our boys are what make this experience so special. They know when to encourage, when to listen and when to gently challenge each boy to become the best version of himself.

We couldn't be prouder of our Year 9 boys. They returned muddy, exhausted and, hopefully, a little more independent, resilient and mature!

Because growing into a good man isn't about avoiding challenges. It's about discovering that you CAN do hard things.

Mrs Debra Monte 
TRJ Project Officer 

Year 10 Elective Geography Excursion

Year 10 Elective Geography Excursion

The Geography of Sport: Exploring the SCG and Allianz Stadium

On Monday 9 November, our Year 10 Elective Geography class headed to the iconic SCG and Allianz Stadium precinct to explore The Geography of Sport. Students had the opportunity to gain a hands-on understanding of how sports architecture, tourism, smart technology and culture shape modern urban spaces.

From comparing the SCG’s historic red-brick Members Pavilion with Allianz Stadium’s sleek, modern architecture, students investigated the history of cricket, the evolution of stadium design and heritage. They also explored sport tourism, gaining an insight into the high-tech media suites and corporate boxes while investigating the spatial networks that power live global broadcasts.

A highlight of the excursion was stepping inside the team dressing rooms, fresh off Sunday's Rugby League World Cup showdown between the Australian Kangaroos and Samoa! Standing in the recovery zones used by elite international athletes provided a fascinating insight into modern sports infrastructure, with the added excitement of seeing where the players had sat during Sunday's game!

Ms Raquel Russo 
HSIE Teacher

Year 12, 2027 Retreat

Year 12, 2027 Retreat

Year 12 Retreat: The Hermitage, Mittagong

Last week (2–6 November), our Senior cohort embarked on their Year 12 Retreat, with students split into two groups across the week for a meaningful three-day experience on the beautiful grounds of The Hermitage in Mittagong. It was an outstanding week from start to finish, leaving a lasting impression on both students and staff.

Both groups of young men arrived with open minds and receptive, gentle hearts. Throughout the retreat, students and teachers engaged in a variety of activities that required genuine vulnerability and openness to make the experience meaningful for everyone. The deep level of respect demonstrated throughout all sessions was something our entire College community can be immensely proud of. Not a single issue arose, and the boys supported one another wholeheartedly.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the week was how seamlessly the students adjusted to life without their mobile phones. With generous amounts of free time throughout their stay, the level of face-to-face social connection was a pleasure to witness. While many spent their breaks playing basketball, tennis and cricket, or tossing footballs around the open grounds, just as many gathered indoors for pool, table tennis, card games and Jenga. Others simply relaxed and chatted, while several took peaceful walks across the paddock to pay their respects at the Marist Brothers cemetery.

The boys showed exemplary maturity in every setting, fully participating in both small-group discussions and larger presentations. Additionally, each assigned group approached their post-meal clean-up duties willingly and without complaint.

We extend our sincere thanks to the team at The Hermitage, including a 2019 Old Boy, for their warm hospitality throughout the week. (Though we suspect Mittagong may currently be facing a slight ice cream shortage as a result of our visit!) Special thanks go to Mrs Cathie Clarke for her exceptional preparatory work, alongside Mrs Gemma Johnstone, Miss Lydia Khoury and Mrs Julie Sligar, whose dedicated efforts helped ensure the week's success. We are also deeply grateful to the wonderful team of College staff members who gave their time and energy to support the retreat.

Above all, congratulations to the boys themselves. You were truly awesome, and we could not be prouder of you. Since returning to normal classes on Monday, the positive energy and strong sense of unity across the cohort have been clear evidence of just how powerful this retreat was.

Mr Patrick Newell 
Head of Year 12 (2027) 

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

Senior School Sport

Senior Sport

Senior Sport

St Gregory’s College Sport Wrap-Up

What an extraordinary year of sport it has been for St Gregory’s College! Across cricket, triathlon, basketball, touch football, football fives and golf, our students have demonstrated outstanding skill, resilience, sportsmanship and pride in representing the College. Below is a summary of the key highlights and results across all sporting codes throughout the year.

Knockout Cricket Success

We kicked off our Downie Shield and Berg Shield knockout campaigns in fine fashion, securing Round 1 victories in both competitions.

Downie Shield: Defeated St Paul’s Greystanes. After posting a total of 166, the boys faced a tough challenge, with St Paul’s at 2/105. A brilliant bowling display, led by Flynn S and Lachlan S, turned the match around, bowling out the opposition for 147.

Berg Shield: Dominated Aquinas Menai, highlighted by superb batting performances from Lucas S (106 not out) and Toby M (99 not out).

PDSSSC Golf Gala Day

St Gregory’s sent 10 representatives to the Parramatta Diocesan Secondary Schools Sports Council (PDSSSC) Golf Gala Day at the challenging, Greg Norman-designed Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club.

Individual Standout:Noah F led the field with an extraordinary round of 66 (-5). In a rare diocesan double victory, Noah claimed both the Gross (Scratch) Champion and Net Champion trophies.

Top Performers:Ben D finished fourth in the net category with a strong round of 72 (+1).

Team Results:

Noah F – 66 (-5)

Ben D – 72 (+1)

Bailey P – 74

William W – 78

Lachlan N – 82

Chett O – 84

Drew M – 89

James F – 96

Harry S – 97

Owen S – 100

NSW All Schools Triathlon Teams Event

Four College teams competed at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith in the 300m swim, 10km cycle and 3km run event.

Junior Team A: Jack B, Lincoln D and Isaac D – 42nd out of 49 teams

Junior Team B: Alexander C, Luca D and Benjamin R – 45th out of 49 teams

Intermediate Team: Samuel B, Chett O and Lochie R – 93rd out of 98 teams

Senior Team: Kye A, Oliver B and Chace L – 45th out of 73 teams

Special Mentions: Our Year 9 students in the Senior Team stepped up to compete against Year 11 competitors, achieving a commendable 45th-place finish. Oliver B also emerged from the water in an impressive seventh position overall.

Intermediate Basketball Carnival

The Intermediate Basketball squad showed immense grit, determination and growth throughout the high-pressure tournament.

Day One: Suffered a narrow 44–43 loss to McCarthy College, despite 13 points each from Devine B and Jake D. Further close losses followed against Mater Maria, where Hayden G scored 10 points, and Xavier College, where Riley T led the offensive effort and Austin S contributed strongly in defence.

Day Two: Bounced back with a thrilling 44–42 win over Aquinas College to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Quarter-Final: Demonstrated significant growth in their man-to-man defence against St Dominic’s College, going down 29–48. Rhys M led a balanced scoring effort.

Touch Football Highlights

7/8 A Team

Round 2: Secured wins over Xavier (5–0) and Bede Polding (4–0), with strong defensive performances from Taite J (MVP) and Chase G. Tries were scored by Caleb L, Rocky B, Tyrone M, Kooper T (MVP) and Carter S.

Round 6: Defeated Bede Polding 6–0, powered by two length-of-the-field tries from Brax B (MVP), before drawing 1–1 with St Dominic’s 1. Rocky B (MVP) impressed with his defensive efforts.

7/8 B Team

Round 2: Fought hard in a 4–2 loss to Parramatta Marist 1, with Regan M named MVP, before securing a 2–1 win over St Columba’s. The victory was sealed by an individual try from Zane I (MVP).

Round 7:Zane I (MVP) and Ryan O led the attack in a competitive 4–1 loss to St Paul’s.

9/10 A Team

Round 2: Recorded victories against Parramatta Marist (3–0), with Toby S named MVP, and Emmaus (5–0), with Hudson E named MVP. Tries were scored by Mason M, Chett O and Jack C.

Round 6: Defeated Emmaus 6–0, with Toby R named MVP and Billy T scoring two tries. This was followed by a tight 5–3 loss to St Dominic’s 1, with Jett J named MVP and Chett O scoring two tries.

Round 7: Defeated Penola 6–3, supported by strong play from the middle forwards.

9/10 B Team

Round 2: After a 3–2 loss to St Columba’s, with Sam B named MVP, the team bounced back to defeat St Paul’s 3–2, with Riley F named MVP.

Round 6: Drew 4–4 with Bede Polding in an exciting contest, with Jarvey C named MVP.

Round 7: Played out a 3–3 draw against St Paul’s, with Blaine C scoring a last-second intercept try and Nate H named MVP. Beau M also earned MVP honours against St Dominic’s 2.

Football Fives Highlights

7/8 A Team

Round 4: Recorded a convincing 5–0 win, led by Lorenzo (MVP) and Jonas up front, with Sam providing strength in defence.

Round 7: Mounted a dramatic comeback from 3–0 down to secure a 3–2 victory, with Sam (MVP) and Jonas starring up front and Jack putting in a solid defensive performance.

7/8 B Team

Round 2: Secured a 4–1 victory, breaking a halftime deadlock through sharp passing and clutch saves from Archer E (MVP).

Round 4:Zane O (MVP) scored a brilliant hat-trick in a narrow 5–3 loss to St Paul’s.

Round 7: Defeated St Luke’s 3–1 in a complete team performance, with Izac R named MVP.

9/10 Team

Round 4: Defeated Santa Sofia 4–3, featuring a hat-trick from Nic N (MVP) and the winning goal from Dom S.

Round 6: Beat Marion 3–2, with Dom S (MVP) scoring twice and Nic N adding another goal.

Round 7: Suffered a narrow 4–3 loss to St Dominic’s 1, with Rocky S (MVP) leading a determined team effort.

Year 11 Team

Rounds 2 and 6: Claimed 5–0 forfeit victories over Marian and Blacktown 2.

Round 4: Played out a remarkable 7–7 draw against Blacktown 1, driven by Maahir’s (MVP) six-goal performance, key saves from Noah and an equaliser from Alex.

Congratulations to all our student-athletes for representing St Gregory’s College with distinction throughout the year!

Mr Mitchell Tyler
Head of Sport and Co-curricular (YR 7-12)

Junior School News

Junior School STEM Team Celebrates Taronga Zoo Success

Junior School STEM Team Celebrates Taronga Zoo Success

Our Junior School STEM Team has achieved an outstanding result, securing a second consecutive win in the Taronga STEM Enrichment Design Challenge.

The challenge invited students to apply their creativity, problem-solving skills and understanding of animal wellbeing to design enrichment items that enhance the lives of animals living at Taronga Zoo. Through the design process, students considered the physical and behavioural needs of animals, developing innovative solutions aimed at promoting engagement, stimulation and welfare.

We are especially proud of Heath F, whose enrichment design for a pygmy marmoset was awarded first place from more than 250 entries. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Heath's creativity, critical thinking and dedication throughout the project.

Following the competition, students had the exciting opportunity to visit Taronga Zoo to deliver the winning design and meet both the pygmy marmosets and their keepers. Seeing an idea progress from the design stage into a real animal habitat was a memorable and rewarding experience, providing valuable insight into the important work involved in animal care, conservation and welfare.

Congratulations to Heath and all members of our STEM Team for their enthusiasm, innovation and commitment. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing what they accomplish next.

Mrs Cheryl Gajda
STEM Project Officer

Year 3 Camp Teen Ranch

Year 3 Camp Teen Ranch

Year 3 Camp at Teen Ranch

Year 3 students enjoyed an exciting and memorable day at Teen Ranch, participating in a range of outdoor adventure activities as part of their Day Camp experience.

Throughout the day, students embraced new challenges, built confidence and demonstrated wonderful teamwork as they took part in activities including the flying fox, giant swing, archery and rock climbing. These experiences encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, develop resilience and support one another as they tackled each challenge.

The day was filled with enthusiasm, laughter and a strong sense of achievement. It was wonderful to see students encouraging their peers, celebrating successes and making lasting memories together.

A special thank you to the staff who accompanied the students and helped make the day such a positive and enjoyable experience.

Mrs Gabrielle Borg
Year 3 Teacher

Year 5 Camp Canberra

Year 5 Camp Canberra

Year 5 Canberra Excursion

Year 5 students visited Canberra from 14–16 September as part of their Unit of Inquiry, How We Organise Ourselves. During their visit, students and teachers explored several important organisations and landmarks that help shape our country. Below are student recounts of some of the places they visited and the experiences that made a lasting impression.

Royal Australian Mint

When we went to the Royal Australian Mint, we had an amazing time learning about how money is made and what is needed to make it. The first thing we did was walk up the stairs, which had a bunch of five-cent coins embedded in them all the way to the top. We then stopped on the second floor, where there was a huge wall displaying all different types of coins, including some exclusive collector coins. After that, we got to see some of the mechanisms and robots that are vital to the coin-making process. Our time at the Mint was awesome and very enjoyable.

Emily Cooley

Old Parliament House

Old Parliament House is the original Parliament House in Australia. It opened in 1927, while the new Parliament House opened in 1988. Today, Old Parliament House is home to two organisations: the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) and the Museum of Australian Democracy.

At the Electoral Education Centre, we learnt about how people in the community vote for their representatives in the House of Representatives and explored the history of our democracy as a nation. We then visited the Museum of Australian Democracy, where we learnt more about Australia's democratic history and past Prime Ministers. We also went into the House of Representatives and had an in-depth discussion about what happens there.

Michael Tacca

Questacon

Questacon is a place where you can have lots of fun and experience exciting scientific and technological activities. At Questacon, there is a big slide that everyone wanted to try (well, almost everyone!). Once you get to the top, you hold on to a bar for at least three seconds, then let go and slide all the way down. It is so much fun!

There is also a house at Questacon that looks like a normal house, but then a storm happens. Let's just say it shakes – a lot! Questacon was a really fun place, and I'm so glad we went.

Zoe Brown

Australian War Memorial

When we went to the Australian War Memorial, we saw many interesting things and heard many intriguing stories. We looked at a very long wall displaying the names of soldiers, nurses, postal service workers, veterinarians, pilots, sailors and many others who served our country.

Inside the Memorial, we explored many badges, uniforms, posters, pictures, dioramas and quotes. The boats, fighter jets and other important items on display were not replicas; they were from the actual wars. Overall, everyone had a great time learning about the stories and history shared at the War Memorial.

Mya Sagar

Geoscience Australia

Geoscience Australia is a place where they explore minerals, fossils, erosion, history and much more! There were so many activities and displays to discover. We looked at the periodic table, which has 118 elements. I even got to touch a piece of the Moon!

We also had to complete a worksheet featuring the symbol Au, which represents gold. My friend and I teamed up with a couple of other students to create a frequency on an earthquake machine. Geoscience Australia was really fun, with so much science and technology to explore.

Ayla Cummins

Australian Parliament House

When we visited Parliament House, we learnt about Australia's national capital and the place where decisions are made about laws for our country. Luckily, we got to meet our Federal Member of Parliament, Dr Mike Freelander, who answered all our questions about Parliament and how he came to be elected.

Next, we visited the House of Representatives and watched a sitting in progress. We then went to the Senate, where we listened to an interesting speech about superannuation, before heading back to the bus.

Lucas Balan

Dr Cheryl Gajda
Year 5 Classroom Teacher / STEM Project Officer

Parliament and Civics Education Rebate
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families with the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government is contributing $30.00 per student to the school through the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

Junior School Sport

Junior Sport

Junior Sport

Celebrating Junior School Sport

Independent Primary Schools Sporting Organisation (IPSSO)

The IPSSO Summer Finals are being held here at the College on Wednesday 18 November. We have 5 of 8 teams qualified for this day. Good luck to the following teams at these finals:

Junior Oz Tag

Senior Oz Tag

Senior Boys Cricket

Senior Basketball

Senior Girls Soccer

Round 1 – Wednesday, 14 October 2026 vs OPAC.

Junior Basketball - Score SGC 13–6 OPAC

Special Mention

  • Olivia K – Strong attacking play with the ball
  • Connor C – Great defensive work down the court
  • Gisele S – Great shooting

Junior Oz Tag - Score SGC 25–2 OPAC

Special Mention

  • Xavier S – Outstanding attacking skills which led to many tries
  • Ilaria C – Strong game on both sides of the ball
  • Indiana N – For scoring many tries

Junior Cricket - Score SGC 3/67 – OPAC 3/77

Special Mention

  • Spencer H – Outstanding batting today with two boundaries
  • Christian G – Taking a great wicket with his bowling and hitting a lovely boundary
  • Luke S – Outstanding bowling figures

Junior Girls Soccer - Score SGC 2–2 OPAC

Special Mention

  • Audrey L – A fantastic defender, showing great determination and teamwork skills
  • Alexia C – Showing great persistence and determination, proudly scoring the team's first goal
  • Billie M – Showing outstanding determination, scoring a crucial goal to help the team secure a well-earned draw

Senior Basketball - Score SGC 44–25 OPAC

Special Mention

  • Ben D – Fantastic defence
  • Tiana E – Great work moving the ball down court and scoring
  • Tobias Y – Great defence and attacking of the ball throughout the game

Senior Oz Tag - Score SGC 17–1 OPAC

Special Mention

  • Knox M – Dominant game in attack
  • Nicholas G – Worked hard all game
  • Poppy P and Stella J – Great attacking skills

Senior Cricket - Score SGC 3/60 – OPAC 3/43

Special Mention

  • Lucas H – Scoring 29 runs with four boundaries and a six
  • Lachlan F – Excellent bowling figures
  • Isaac M – Excellent bowling and taking two wickets off the last two balls
  • Marcello T – Three fantastic catches in the field

Senior Girls Soccer - Score SGC 3–0 OPAC

Special Mention

  • Francesca M – Consistently pursuing the ball and helping defenders despite playing in the striker position
  • Charlotte S – Consistently encouraging the team and ensuring players were in the best possible position
  • Ellie W – Volunteering to play in defence and clearing the ball when it entered our half


Wollongong Diocese Sport

Good luck to all students trialling for Wollongong sporting teams over the coming weeks.

We also extend our best wishes and a special mention to Nneka F, Hunter S, Beau S and Adriana G as they attend the Wollongong CDF Sports Awards Night on Friday, 13 November.

Congratulations to Nate B on his recent selection for the Wollongong Cricket Team. We wish him well at the MacKillop Trials next Monday and Tuesday in Wagga Wagga.

Congratulations to our athletes on a remarkable athletics season representing St Gregory's and the Wollongong Diocese. After standout results at the MacKillop Championships, highlighted by Nneka F winning the Senior Girls Age Champion title, our team advanced to the NSW PSSA State Championships at Sydney Olympic Park.

Remarkably, every St Gregory's representative achieved a top-10 state finish:

Nneka F – 5th in 12 Years Long Jump and 6th in High Jump

Cooper – 7th in Junior Boys 800m

Anika, Roisin, Charlotte and Annabelle – 6th in Junior Girls 4x100m Relay

A huge congratulations to Nneka F, who has now been invited to represent NSW in the Tetrathlon (100m, 800m, Long Jump and Shot Put) at the School Sport Australia National Championships in Melbourne from 29 November to 3 December 2026.

Mr Darryl Howe
PDHPE Teacher / Sports Coordinator

Key Dates and Events

Key Dates

Key Dates

Community Notice

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

Road Safety around schools

Road Safety around schools

Community Notices

2027 Flying Training Camp | 9-17 January | Camden Airport

Each January, the Royal Aero Club hosts an intensive Flying Training Camp, bringing together aspiring young aviators and volunteer flight instructors for nine days of flying, learning and making lasting friendships.

We're expecting around 35 young people this January, many will be taking their very first steps into aviation. With practical flying lessons, ground school, mentoring and plenty of opportunities to learn from experienced aviators, the camp provides a unique introduction to an industry that many young people might otherwise never have the chance to experience.

Whether students are considering aviation as a future career or simply have a passion for flying, the camp is designed to help them develop their skills, build confidence and work towards their next aviation milestone, potentially even their first solo flight when eligible and ready!

Further information and applications: https://camp.royalaero.com.au/

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