Newsletter - T2 W4 - 23/05/2025

From the Principal

"And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." (Luke 2:52)

Luke highlights a continuum of growth for Jesus, intellectually, physically, socially and spiritually. Although the term ‘Growth Mindset’ had not yet been named, Jesus' life was a testament to a growth mindset. He lived out the belief that through commitment to God and perseverance, an individual can continually grow and reach their potential in a world full of challenges.

The College actively encourages students to develop a growth mindset which is central to unlocking their potential.

A growth mindset is the belief that our abilities can be developed through dedication, hard work, and perseverance. It's about seeing challenges not as blocks, but as opportunities for learning and growth.

When confronted with a difficult task or challenge, a fixed mindset can lead to a block. We may then feel a sense of discouragement and a reluctance to try again.

A growth mindset approaches the same situation with a different perspective. A tough challenge can be conquered with the right strategies and hard work. This change in thinking leads to greater resilience and encourages us to embrace and act on feedback. This thinking paves the way for the determination to persist even when things get difficult. 

Staff at St Mary’s create a culture where a growth mindset is encouraged. This can be seen in the emphasis on learning, valuing effort, valuing positive relationships, accepting constructive feedback and the creation of a safe and supportive learning environment.

Parents/Carers work in partnership with St Mary’s and play an important role in nurturing self-belief at home by encouraging perseverance, praising genuine effort and a focus on learning from mistakes.

As we move through your child's high school journey together, it is important to encourage a growth mindset. By believing in growth, we empower our students to reach their full potential.

Michael Campbell
Principal

Upcoming Dates

Week 5
Monday 26/5/25 - Friday 30/5/25 - Beef Week
Tuesday 27/5/25 - Stage 6 PTS Night - SMCC
Thursday 29/5/25 - Beef Cup - Various locations (see Compass for details)
Friday 30/5/25 - Beef Day - SMCC

Week 6
Tuesday 3/6/25 - Country Cup Rugby League - Queen Elizabeth Park
Friday 6/6/25 - Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day)

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, 25 May
Mallangee, 10:30am

Mission Team

In our Gospel reading this weekend we discuss the importance of the Holy Spirit. This verse reveals a profound truth: the Holy Spirit is not an abstract force, but a divine Person who actively works within and among believers. God promises a living presence — one who will dwell within them and lead them in peace. This peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God through the Holy Spirit.

In a world filled with confusion and fear, this passage invites us to trust in the quiet, steady work of the Holy Spirit. We may not always feel the Spirit's presence in dramatic ways, but like a steady flame, the Spirit enlightens, warms, and empowers.

TTFM
This week, we are finalising our annual Tell Them From Me survey. This provides us with an opportunity to hear from our stakeholders (students, families and staff) about their experience of St Mary’s Catholic College. The results of this survey assist us in formulating our future plans and annual goals. 

Beef Week
We are currently in final preparations for Beef Week. The College Cattle Team will be working hard this week as they present the livestock. Our sportspersons will be solid as they play against Casino High in an attempt to win the coveted Beef Cup. Finally, our whole College is preparing for the festivities that are Beef Day! We look forward to the range of events and will be sure to share our experiences on the College social media pages.

Clare Axman
Assistant Principal - Mission

Evangelisation

ACYF
The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is a national gathering of Catholic young people established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC). It exists to provide young people with opportunities to deepen their relationship with Jesus, be empowered to be disciples in the world today and encounter and celebrate the vitality of the Church in Australia. In 2025, young people from across Australia in Year 9 (in 2025) to young adults 25 years of age are invited to attend the event in Melbourne.

Students in the Year 9 Ministry class have been asked to indicate their interest in attending this event. Further information for those chosen to attend will be provided in the coming weeks.

Kate Rowlands
Leader of School Evangelisation

From the Leader of Pastoral Care

Beef Day
We are looking forward to our annual Beef Day next week. Don’t forget to bring your coins to Beef Day so you can participate in the side show alley activities. We have lots of prizes on offer in a variety of events from (mechanical) bull riding, best dressed, pet show, bush ironperson and busking. 

We ask all parents to ensure Compass Event permissions have been finalised prior to the day.

Boys and Young Men Online Free Parent Webinar
Free Parent Webinar: Boys and Young Men Online 27 May 12.30 - 1.15 pm

For boys and young men, the internet can be a place where they seek connection, validation and guidance as they explore what it means to be a man today. However, it also exposes them to risks like concerning content, online exploitation and the growing influence of harmful ideologies.

This free webinar will help parents understand:

• Social and cultural influences shaping boys and young men.
• How boys engage online, build relationships and how they may be vulnerable to manipulation or exploitation.
• The impact of social media, gaming, and influencers on their attitudes, behaviours and sense of identity.
• Practical strategies to build critical thinking, challenge harmful narratives, and create open conversations that empower boys and young men to navigate the online world safely and respectfully.

Register for this webinar here.

Aaron Kennedy
Leader of Pastoral Care

Learning & Teaching Team

From the Leader of Curriculum
Year 9 and 10 examinations have taken place this week and we would like to commend the students on the way they have attempted these examinations. The examinations will conclude next Tuesday, May 27.  The examinations, along with other tasks that have been completed by students this semester, will assist teachers in determining Semester One grades. We will also try our best to ensure that any students who have been absent from examinations have an opportunity to catch up, but it may not be possible in all circumstances. 

A reminder that Stage 6 (Year 11 & 12) Parent/Teacher/Student conferences are being held on Tuesday evening, May 27, from 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm. These are valuable opportunities to meet around the progress of the students early in the HSC Courses, these bookings can be made through Compass.

Chris Robinson
Leader of Curriculum

Year 9 Geography Excursion - Byron Bay

Rainy skies didn’t stop the adventure as our Year 9 Geography students hit the road to Byron Bay for an exciting day of fieldwork! Students embraced the opportunity to explore the coastline and apply their classroom learning in a real-world setting. Throughout the day, they examined various erosion hotspots, assessed the impacts on both the environment and local infrastructure, and looked into the management strategies currently in place to protect the area. It was a valuable and engaging experience that deepened their understanding of coastal processes and environmental sustainability.

Emily Jones
Leader of Learning HSIE

Sports News

This term has seen many sporting events being postponed or cancelled due to the ongoing wet weather. Most events have been rescheduled but in some cases it is not possible because an alternative date cannot be found due to other clashes such as exam blocks, school camps, etc. across the whole network of schools in the Diocese. Below is an updated list and their new dates where possible. Apart from these, the rest of the calendar remains the same at this stage.

• Open Boys Rugby League, Wednesday 7/5 now Wednesday 11/6 @ Woodlawn
• U14 & U16 NRCC Rugby League Thursday 8/5 @ QEP, Cancelled
• Dio X-Country Friday 16/5 @ Grafton now Monday 26/5 @ Woolgoolga
• U14 Cochrane Cup Boys Rugby League,Thursday 15/5 now Wednesday 4/6 @ Banora Point
• U14 NRCC Girls Soccer, Monday 19/5 now Tuesday 29/7 @ Byron Bay
• U14 Rugby Union 10’s, Wednesday 21/5 now Thursday 28/8 @ Wollongbar

NRL- Jamie Chapman Cup
On Tuesday, May 13 the College  Under 14 & Under 16 girls travelled to Ballina to compete in the Jamie Chapman Rugby League 9’s. The weather was unpredictable but our students competed well, those who attended are to be congratulated on their sportspersonship.

Under 14 Girls
The girls were amazing throughout the day demonstrating skills and knowledge of the game against some really tough opposition. The girls came up against South Grafton in their first game. They were defeated 16-4. Eva Crompton scored the first try of the day.

In their second game they competed against St Joseph’s Banora Point and were defeated 8-4. Eva again scored another try in this game. 

In the final game for the girls, they fought hard against Woodlawn but unfortunately were defeated 16-4 in a very tough game. 

Coach- Georgia Callaghan

Under 16 Girls
After a quick warm up, the girls were keen and equally nervous before their first game against Maclean High School. The match finished 9-8 with the College declared the winners after scoring the opening try and receiving a bonus 5 point try.

Our second game was against eventual winners St John’s College, Woodlawn.

In their final game against Murwillumbah High School, the College earnt a well deserved 8-4 win with Kaydence O’Connell scoring out wide late in the game to seal a very successful day for the girls.

It’s important to note that several of the Under 16 girls were also eligible to play in the Under 14’s. Great effort!

Coach- Craig Beare

Beef Week Cup- Thursday 29/05/25 @ Queen Elizabeth & Colley Parks

See below a timetable for Beef Week sporting events against Casino High and the venue. Parent support is always valued and encouraged, so please come down and cheer on the kids as they play in this valued community school's event.

Sports Calendars for 2025
Information about all upcoming sports in the College, Dio 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.

Below are some Sports (check website for all) and the date of the event. Check the website for when dates when applications close.

• CCC Netball 15's - Penrith - Thursday 29th May
• CCC Netball 18's - Penrith - Thursday 30th May 
• CCC Basketball Opens Championship - Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th  June
• CCC 16 & Opens Basketball Trials - Thursday 19th June

Craig Beare
Sports Coordinator

Uniform Shop News

Stock Update
The College Uniform Shop has received new stock of Junior Boys Shirts, in sizes 16 & 20.

We are still awaiting the stock of our girls' cardigans and will advise when they have arrived by making them live on the Flexischools ordering system.

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.

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