Newsletter - T3, W6 - 29/08/2025

From the Principal

Last Sunday, the St Mary's community gathered to celebrate with Fr Peter Slack, as he marked the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. It was a fitting celebration for a remarkable man who has dedicated his life to serving God, the Church, and our community with unwavering faith, compassion, and humility. 

Fr Peter loves our students and has been a great champion for the St Mary’s Parish Schools, Primary and Secondary,  “One body breathing with two lungs”. Fr Peter has fostered a strong sense of community, encouraging the moral and spiritual growth of both staff and students.

For over 20 years, Fr Peter has been a consistent source of inspiration to our students, staff and their families. His commitment to nurturing young people through kindness, patience, wisdom and deep love has changed the lives of St Mary’s students, past and present. He has left a long-lasting impact on our College community.

Fr Peter’s humility reminds us all of the power of servant leadership, walking in accompaniment with the students of St Mary’s. His example challenges us to live out our faith through kindness and love.

On behalf of the entire St Mary’s community, I would like to congratulate Fr Peter and send our sincere thanks to all he has done for us.

Congratulations to our new College Captains
We are proud to congratulate our newly appointed College Captains, who were commissioned last Tuesday, 19 August, in a very appropriate ceremony. 

These students have been appointed not only for their leadership potential, but also for the way they live out the College’s motto of ‘Reaching Out’.

As leaders, they are called to serve their peers with humility and integrity, following the example of Jesus, who taught us that true leadership is grounded in relationships and service to others.

We look forward to their contributions in making their mark on the culture of the College.

College Captains: Josie Carey, Patrick Zeller
College Vice-Captains: Violet Zeller, Finbar Standfield

Champagnat House Captain: Belle Wall
dePaul House Captain: Sienna Thomas
McAuley House Captain: Stella Harley
Mackillop House Captain: Savannah Murphy

Year 9 Camp
This week, our Year 9 students attended Camp Kokoda for a few days of adventure, reflection, and connection. The camp was a valuable opportunity for students to step away from the classroom and grow together as a community.

Through shared challenges and team building, students formed deeper friendships with each other and can connect with school staff outside the confines of the classroom. 

As a Catholic School in the Diocese of Lismore, we believe that all students should achieve the ‘Fullness of Life’. The Year 9 camp is an expression of this, as our students were given the opportunity to build community by growing socially and emotionally.

I would like to thank all families for their support and the staff who accompanied our students on this most worthwhile venture.

Trial HSC Examinations
Congratulations to our Senior students for the way they have conducted themselves during the Trial HSC Examinations.

We acknowledge their hard work, determination, and resilience during this challenging period. All students need to reflect on their results, apply teacher feedback, and move to action in preparation for the HSC Examinations.

Have a great weekend.

Michael Campbell
Principal

Upcoming Dates

Week 7
Tuesday 02/09/25 - Showcase - SMCC
Tuesday 02/09/25 - Catch-up Vaccinations
Tuesday 02/09/25 - Diocesan Ahletics  - Coffs Harbour
Wednesday 03/09/25 - Schools Cup Netball - Lismore

Week 8
Tuesday 09/09/25 - Catch the Wave Year 8 Reflection Day - SMCC
Wednesday 10/09/25 - Stage 6 Business Studies Excursion - Richmond Dairies

Parish Mass Times

Weekend Mass
Saturday 5.00pm
Sunday 8.00am

Weekdays
Monday 9.00am 
Tuesday 8. 00am
Wednesday 8.00am
Thursday 9.00am
Friday 9.00am
Saturday 9.00am

Adoration
Wednesday 5.00pm
Following 9.00am Mass Saturday

Reconciliation
Saturday 8.30am - 9.00am
Anointing of the sick
First Saturday of each month

Country Mass
Sunday, 14 September
Tabulam, 10:30am

Mission Team

This Sunday, our Gospel says “Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24)

As parents and teachers, we are constantly guiding our teenagers through choices, some easy, some difficult. In a world full of distractions and pressures, it's tempting to take the wide and easy path. But we are reminded that the most meaningful growth often comes through the narrow path: through perseverance, integrity, and love that puts others first.

Helping our teens walk this path doesn’t require perfection, but presence. When we model values like honesty, compassion, faith, and forgiveness, we help them learn what it means to live with purpose. The narrow door may be challenging, but it leads to a life that is full and lasting.

Let us walk alongside our young people with courage and hope, encouraging them to choose what is right, even when it’s not easy.

Clare Axman
Assistant Principal - Mission

Evangelisation

SHINE
Once again, Shine was a fantastic discipleship event for our ministry students. It was lovely to see our students making new friends from across the Diocese. They engaged in a variety of prayer and activities that assisted them in reflecting on their life journey to this point and where they want to head in the future.

Kate Rowlands
Leader of School Evangelisation

Camp Kokoda
We have just returned from an incredible camp for our Year 9 students. It was wonderful to see our young people push themselves outside of their comfort zone and extend themselves in their relationships with their peers. Keep an eye out for photos of our experience on our College social media accounts.

Aaron Kennedy
Leader of Pastoral Care

Learning & Teaching Team

Showcase 2025
Mark your calendars!
On Tuesday, 2 September at 6:00 PM, St. Mary’s Catholic College will come alive with colour, sound, and creativity for Showcase 2025.

Explore an incredible range of student work – from bold contemporary paintings and intricate sculptures by our talented visual arts students, to innovative timber projects crafted by our skilled technology students.

Enjoy captivating live performances from our gifted music students and immerse yourself in a night that celebrates artistic expression across all forms. With delicious food, interactive displays, and an atmosphere full of energy, this event is a tribute to the imagination and hard work of our students.

Come support our young creatives and be inspired by the next generation of artists, designers, and performers.

Tickets are $6.00 per person and are available to purchase through CompassTix.

Everyone is welcome – We can’t wait to see you there!

Message from the Library

Book Week Image Competition
To celebrate Book Week, the Library recently held a manipulated image competition. Students were invited to insert themselves into the world of a book.

The winner was this amazing image by Brianna MacDonald.

The following images by Bethany Dyason, Karen Dyason, and Charlotte Young are Highly Commended.

Sports News

This Tuesday, 2 September, we're sending 47 athletes to compete at the Diocesan Athletics Championships in Coffs Harbour. We wish them the best as they test their abilities against other athletes from our Diocese and hope they have a great day.

On Wednesday, 3 September, our junior and intermediate girls' netball teams will compete in Lismore at the NSW Schools Cup.

The following Monday, 8 September, our Under-14 and Under-16 boys and girls will travel to Ballina for the NRCC Volleyball gala day.

We wish all our student-athletes the very best of luck in their upcoming competitions!

Diocesan Basketball Championships
The College sent four teams to compete at the Lismore Diocesan Basketball Championships in Port Macquarie.

Junior Girls' Teams
The 7/8/9 girls' team had a tough start with a loss to Xavier Catholic College but showed great effort, with Eydie Martin scoring 2 points and Elly Graham adding 4. The team's offense improved in subsequent games against McAuley and Woodlawn, with multiple players scoring. They finished the tournament with a strong effort against Regional, Port Macquarie, demonstrating significant improvement and great sportsmanship.

The 9/10 girls' team faced a challenging first game against MacKillop Port Macquarie, but quickly bounced back. In their second game against Xavier Catholic College, they showed excellent teamwork and shared the scoring. The team continued to play hard in their final game against Woodlawn, growing as a team throughout the tournament and enjoying the experience.

Ellen Hall
Coach

Junior Boys' Teams
Ten boys made up the St. Mary's 7/8 team. On the first day, they played against Mt. St. Patrick's in Murwillumbah and secured a win against Woodlawn. The second day saw them compete against MacKillop and Xavier Catholic College. The boys played their best game of the tournament against Xavier, ending with a strong win.

The 9/10 boys' team played with great enthusiasm and passion in their four games over the two days. Despite their best efforts, they did not manage to secure a win.

A big thank you to all of our students who represented the College at the Diocesan Basketball Championships, your behaviour and sportsmanship was outstanding. 

Daniel Sekulic
Coach

NRCC Girls and Boys Netball
The 9/10 Girls' team overcame an initial loss to Trinity, winning the rest of their division games against Woodlawn, St. Joseph's Banora, and Mt. St. Patrick's Murwillumbah. This strong performance earned them second place in their pool.

They advanced to the semi-finals but were defeated by Xavier Catholic College in a competitive match. The team then played for third place against Woodlawn A, ultimately losing but securing an impressive fourth-place finish overall for the tournament.

Ellen Hall
Coach

The Year 7/8 girls' A team played with determination, winning their first two games against Mt. St. Patrick's and Woodlawn, and securing a draw against Trinity. Despite a loss to St. Joseph's Banora, they finished their pool games with a win against McAuley, placing them third in their pool.

In their final game, they defeated Woodlawn to secure a final third-place finish. The team's positive attitude and pride in representing the College made for a memorable day.

Emma Northam
Coach

The SMCC 7/8 Girls B team showed great determination and effort in every game, despite facing strong defense. For some students, this was their very first time playing Netball, and they gave it their all. The team worked hard to learn on the fly, support one another, and put their new skills into action. Although they didn't get a win, their teamwork, resilience, and positive attitude were outstanding.

The Year 7/8 and 9/10 Boys' teams had a tough day, facing formidable opponents. Despite their valiant efforts, neither team was able to secure a win.

The boys should be commended for stepping up to play a game that is new to many of them. They played with heart, enthusiasm, and demonstrated excellent sportsmanship throughout the day.

See below for the latest updates to upcoming sporting fixtures in Term 3:

• Tuesday, 2/9/25 - Diocesan Athletics Carnival - Coffs Harbour (Week 7)
• Wednesday, 3/9/25  - Year 7-10 Boys & Girls Netball - Lismore (Week 7)
• Monday, 8/9/25 - Under 14 & Under 16 Boys & Girls Volleyball - Ballina (Week 8)
• Friday, 24/10/25 - Diocesan Under 15 & Open Boys & Girls Volleyball - Coffs Harbour (Week 2, Term 4)
• Thursday, 6/11/25 - Diocesan Open Boys & Girls Water Polo - Alstonville (Week 4, Term 4)
• Monday, 10/11/25 - Northern Diocesan All Ages Golf - Casino (Week 5, Term 4)
• Thursday, 13/11/25 - Diocesan Under 15 Boys & Girls Water Polo - Alstonville (Week 5, Term 4)

Sports Calendars for 2025
Information about all upcoming sports in the College, Diocese and Catholic Schools NSW sport calendar. Please note some of these dates may change from time to time. Click on each one for the link.

St Mary’s Catholic College 
Dio Sports Calendar
Catholic Schools NSW Sports Calendar

To check upcoming CCC events and registrations - Link to Catholic Sport NSW
Sport Search (½ way down page) → Step 1 (click on CCC) → Step 2 (select sport). Registration & Calendar is also there. CCC is a pathway and option for students to make a direct application to trial for a particular sport. The standard is usually high, depending on the Sport, therefore representative level is usually but not always the minimum requirement.

Craig Beare
Sports Coordinator

Uniform Shop News

Uniforms for Year 7, 2026
If you have a new student starting next year, please consider starting to get your Uniforms ready while we have the stock. Call in and see us during our opening hours so you're prepared for next year. 

Uniform Shop Opening Hours
Tuesdays         3.15pm to 4.15pm
Thursdays       3.15pm to 4.15pm

The Uniform Shop service is a cashless service. Methods of payment are by EFTPOS or online ordering via Flexischools. No fees are charged to families for using the Flexischools service.

Please note the following information for orders made via this service:

Tuesday Orders
- Cut off time is 12 noon on Monday
- Pick up available from the College office on Tuesday afternoon from 3.30pm - 4.00pm

Thursday Orders
- Cut off time is 12 noon on Wednesday 
- Pick up available from the College office on Thursday afternoon from 3.30pm - 4.00pm.

Orders not collected will be given to the student to take home.

Whilst all care will be taken to ensure that stock availability is correct at the time of ordering, there may be some items that are not in stock at the time of packing the online orders. In this case, you will be contacted to advise of an estimated time of arrival for new stock of that item or given the option of a refund processed through Flexischools.

All uniform shop order enquiries can be emailed to: cash-uniform@lism.catholic.edu.au

Second Hand Uniforms
Sustainable School Shop is an online shop dedicated to buying and selling of second hand uniforms. For more information ring 1300683337 or visit www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au.

 Please note that this facility is available for use with the new College uniforms only.

Canteen

Volunteers
We are looking for volunteers to assist in the Canteen. Please contact the Canteen via the College office if you are available at any time to help.

Flexischools
Flexischools is a well-established organisation allowing you to easily place all your canteen orders online at any time.

Download the Flexischools app from the App store or Google Play. Click here for details on how to set up your account. 

Once registered, you can start placing orders immediately.

There is a charge of $0.29 per order for using this service.

If you have any questions, please contact the Flexischools Customer Service Team via their website contact page.

The normal process of ordering from the canteen (cash, eftpos, morning lunch orders) is still available.

Advertisements