Hearts and Minds Magazine - 2nd Edition - November 2021

R EOGRY O’RY L EE GME AGA M AGA S T SGTRG EG S ’CSOCL LOELG Z I NZEI N E

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Hearts & Minds

S T GREGORY’S

Hearts & Minds

Contents

COLLEGE

C AMPBELLTOWN

F RO M T H E E D I TO R Welcome to all our parents, friends, Old Boys’ and the wider community to another edition of Hearts & Minds. In this edition, we have been able to catch only a small glimpse of all that has happened in the Second Semester of 2021. And what a semester it has been; COVID-19 lockdown once again, Year 12 Trials and HSC, the Year 12 Graduation, another year without a Celebrity Sports Dinner and also the continuation of major capital works around the College. To say it has been a busy few months is an understatement.

In this edition, we showcase some of our Year 12 Major Works in Industrial Technology (Timber) and Design & Technology. This group of young men had the task of physically producing their project, all while being locked down. However, they have really produced some stunning works. During lockdown I put a call out to parents to send in a photo of their children’s ‘lockdown classroom’ and in this edition, we share many of those photos; some at a desk and others outside, but all with smiles on their faces!

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At the end of the year, we farewell Mr Lee MacMaster as he moves to his new appointment in Lismore. Lee has taken up the position of Assistant Director – Lismore Catholic Education from the beginning of 2022. In the words shared by Mr Paul Brooks;

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As you can appreciate, this would have been a very difficult decision for Lee knowing that he would be leaving behind St Gregory’s College, given that he has been so highly invested in giving his all for the betterment of all members of our College community over the past three years.

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We acknowledge Lee for his magnificent and tireless commitment to the College and for his dedication and selfless leadership. At the same time, we give due recognition to the significance of Lee’s appointment to this senior role as bearing testament to the breadth and depth of his long and distinguished career in highly successful educational leadership roles.

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We all wish Lee and his wife, Sue, the very best of luck in their future endeavours.

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As we prepare for Christmas, one of my personal joys is the Joy of Giving. Giving gifts, giving yourself, even giving hugs to family members; which we were devoid of for so long! So, please enjoy your Christmas and stay safe over the break. Remember, we have been blessed to be out of lockdown and able to spend the time with our family; locally and across borders, so take the time to listen and enjoy the time with them, and remember to give plenty of hugs!

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Melissa Watts

Editor & Communication, Marketing and Community Engagement Coordinator

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CONTRIBUTIONS

The deadline for the next edition of Hearts & Minds is 13th July 2022.

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Please email all contributions to mwatts@stgregs.nsw.edu.au

O N T H E C OV E R

Class of 2021 exiting the College on their last day.

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PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME

SENIOR SCHOOL The St Gregory’s Agile Graduate

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MISSION AT THE COLLEGE College Liturgical Life

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JUNIOR SCHOOL Leaders Wrap Up

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CAPITAL PROJECTS Exciting Capital Developments at the College

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JUNIOR & SENIOR SCHOOL Book Week

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WELLNESS WEEK R U OK? Day JUNIOR & SENIOR SCHOOL Remote Learning

JUNIOR SCHOOL PYP - The Journey Continues INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY JUNIOR & SENIOR SCHOOL World Teachers’ Day

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YEAR NINE The Rite Journey JUNIOR SCHOOL The Junior School Cookbook JUNIOR & SENIOR SCHOOL Sport in the College AGRICULTURE PROGRAM South Coast Steer School Spectacular FOCUS ON STUDENTS Year 12 Student Reflections YEAR TWELVE Major Works Projects ST GREGORY’S COLLEGE EVENTS Parent Engagement STAFF NEWS COLLEGE FOUNDATION Message from the Chairman

OLD BOYS From the President Old Boys Union Grateful for Greg’s

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VIRTUAL TOURS

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P RI N C I PA L’ S

Welcome

From the College Principal Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Friends of the St Gregory’s College Community,

W

elcome to the second edition of the year of our College publication, ‘Hearts & Minds.’

Since our last publication in July this year, the College has endured the lockdown period with all students and most staff remaining offsite, and online learning being the mode of teaching delivery. As I sit to write my article for this edition, we are coming to the close of our first full day back at the College for all our students in Kindergarten to Year 12, and the return of our staff onsite. It certainly has been an exciting day as we welcomed staff and students back onsite, hopefully for the remainder of Term 4, and hopefully in an environment where we are working hard to keep all our College community safe.

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As our students walked up the

path at the College today, I witnessed vibrant young people happy to

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be back…

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Seventeen long weeks have endured since the lockdown began. In this period, our ‘world’ as we use to know it has changed forever. We have learned more about agility, resilience and responsibility as we have traversed the many changes and challenges thrown at us via the COVID pandemic.

As our students walked up the path at the College today, I witnessed vibrant young people so happy to be back amongst their friends and teachers in an environment they know cares deeply about each of them.

What I want our students and their families to know is that the greatest lessons we need to teach as a result of our experiences over the past eighteen months with the pandemic, are lessons teaching our young people about hope.

We will fail our students miserably if our lessons are content-rich and engaging, but we miss the vital ingredient of teaching our students through a lens of hope.

Teaching our students to have hope is a valuable lesson that will help them go after their goals both today and in the future. We also know that hope is not simply being optimistic or happy all the time.

Hope is one of the most important values that young people can develop. A child who understands the value of hope will be less likely to give up. When the going gets tough, they won’t allow themselves to be overcome by discouragement.

One of the premier leaders in hope research, Shane Lopez, in his book, Making Hope Happen: Create the Future You Want for Yourself and Others, defines hope as “the belief that the future will be better than the present combined with the belief that you have the power to make it so!” (Lopez, 2013). In another way, the Dalai Lama says, “hope means keeping going, thinking I can do this” (Bstan, 2018).

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These definitions of hope, when applied to impacting student success, may be simplified by understanding that students with high hope:

S EN I O R

• Design and connect with a positive self-future.

• Develop goals that will lead them toward this better future.

• Have the confidence and self-efficacy necessary to believe they can be successful.

• Act with perseverance to create and follow the mental plans or road maps that guide hopeful thoughts.

Research clearly shows that young people who have hope are happier and more satisfied with life. In fact, they even do better at school and maintain better social relationships. On the other hand, young people who are lacking in this sentiment are less likely to meet their goals. They may have poorer relationships and feel powerless. Psychologists affirm that hopeful children are those who believe they can find ways to meet their objectives.

Every teacher has the capacity to develop hopeful thinking in their students. Great teachers can create ‘high hope’ classrooms environments by always: • Teaching students that hope matters.

• Teaching students how to learn.

• Helping students develop individualised ways to master learning.

• Communicating clear learning outcomes.

• Ensuring students are accountable for their actions. Students with low hope hunger for boundaries and consistency.

• Treating students with respect and building trust.

• Helping students find and develop hope on their own - not providing hope for them.

• Helping students learn how to solve the problem - not solving problems for them.

Instilling the value of hope in our students leads to multiple benefits. Our mission in promoting this value has never been as great as it is today as we continue to encounter the effects of the pandemic and move into the re-building phase of educating our students.

Finally, as members of our Marist family at St Gregory’s, we pray that St Marcellin walks with us each day, showing us the value of hard work, determination and a strong mind. We ask our Good Mother Mary to care and comfort us, giving us her example of a gentle heart at all times.

Quae Seminaveris Metes

Mr Lee MacMaster College Principal (K-12) )

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School

The St Gregory’s Agile Graduate Ms Judith Tolomeo - Director of Teaching and Learning

The St Gregory’s Agile Graduate was developed with the vision that every student graduates as a well-rounded individual who has developed capability and agility across 4 domains of the whole person: Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual and SocialEmotional.

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t the centre of what all students do are the 5 Marist characteristics of Presence, Simplicity, Family Spirit, Love of Work, and In the Way of Mary. For success in all domains, which are interconnected, St Greg’s graduates will be Responsible, Resilient, Resourceful, Relational and Reflective.

embrace the opportunities provided, show initiative and value their own learning. We look forward to returning to the classroom and continuing to develop learners that embrace challenge and achieve goals.

In the previous edition of Hearts & Minds, we introduced The St Gregory’s Agile Graduate Model and discussed its development from vision to implementation. Two aspects of the Model – Responsible and Reflective were explained in depth.

As we moved to remote learning in Term 3, the 3 R’s of Resilient, Resourceful and Relational became ever so important for St Gregory’s students.

Students needed to be resilient to cope with the changing demands of the remote learning environment and the many uncertainties that this brought for all. Students needed to be resourceful, forever looking for alternatives and opportunities for learning. More so than ever, students needed to be relational, collaborating with their teachers and their peers remotely, using opportunities provided through Google Teams, Google classroom, Zoom and email.

The College is extremely proud of all its students and how they have demonstrated their capacity to

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Agile Learners are

RELATIONAL

Agile Learners are

Agile Learners are

RESOURCEFUL

RESILIENT

They:

They:

They:

• Collaborate with peers – contributing positively and asking for help when needed

• Begin with an open mind

• View failure as a learning opportunity

• Know when to learn independently and when to learn with others • Value and respect the opinions of others even if they disagree • Show empathy and compassion – working cohesively in a team, with Family Spirit • Listen actively • Communicate in a concise, accurate and transparent way • Give positive reinforcement and affirmations to others • Give productive feedback to peers • Accept feedback in a positive way

• Know what knowledge and skills they already have to help them solve new problems • Know where to find information to help them solve new problems – gather data

• Consider resources before asking for help

• Imagine alternatives and opportunities • Ask questions to clarify understanding

• Practise self-compassion and engage in positive self-talk

• Collaborate – to capitalise on strengths of others

• See a task through to completion

• Follow a reasoning process to solve problems

• Surround themselves with positive relationships

• Seeking feedback from multiple sources

• Set SMART goals

• Try new things – take risks in learning • Show initiative

College Liturgical Life

• Keep trying, even when it is difficult

• Feel a strong sense of belonging and help others feel the same

• Anticipate challenges and prepare for them

Mission AT T H E C O L L EGE

Mrs Cathie Clarke - Director of Mission

Developing our young people as leaders is an important aspect of education at St Gregory’s. The leadership model we adopt is leadership by service, reflecting Christ’s ministry.

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To Be A Servant I have come not to be served but to serve, to give my life.

If you wish to be the first

• Engage in Trial and Error until they get it right

you must seek to be a servant, to be a servant of all.

• Value the process of learning rather than the outcome • Exercise self-control when feeling frustrated

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he leadership opportunities begin in Kindergarten as students are invited to take on additional roles in their classrooms, assemblies and in ministry, and grow as they progress through each stage of their learning.

Each year, 16 Year 12 students are identified as leaders of the College. Over three days these elected leaders are reminded of the values of good leadership at St Greg’s: • to do the right thing • to have the strength of their convictions • to acknowledge and appreciate diversity • to inspire others to act in a particular way • to live the characteristics of being Marist

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Each of our

elected leaders is to be congratulated for their work for the College.

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In 2021 the team reflected on what leadership meant to them, and what they would like to achieve in their time as leaders. The goals of the team were: 1. to encourage Participation 2. to build Unity 3. to strengthen the Academic nature of our College As they near the end of their time at the College, we invited each of our leaders to reflect upon their experiences:

Lachlan McInerney My role in 2021 was the College Captain.

Throughout the year my understanding of leadership and tool of measurement for what I had achieved changed. What I’m most proud of is the image I put forward. As a leader it was very hard to understand that eyes were always on you, everything you did was judged and talked about. This was a massive challenge throughout the year and caught me off guard many times, but, once I understood this I could begin to use it for good. I’m most proud of presenting a unique leader, someone who is always themselves and never perfect but understands the concept of respect for those around them. I learnt through this that many times you get things wrong, you make a mistake or lose track of the values you promised to keep as a leader. To overcome this, it took me a long time to realise the power of the team around me, leaders are never isolated, they are part of a team, and the power that team holds is immeasurable. I had to learn to ask for help, to step down and recognise things I wasn’t the best at, calling on

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those around me, despite being the “leader”.

When being a leader you’re presented with many opportunities to create lasting memories, but one will always stand out. My favourite day in leadership came at the end of my first term.

Something had happened within our year group that had really taken its toll on the vibe and atmosphere of our year. One morning despite being ridiculously nervous I decided to ask to speak to the boys one morning at PC. When I got up I didn’t have anything planned and what I said probably didn’t make much sense but I was talking to them as Lachlan, as just one of the boys and as their leader. I realised in that moment that that’s the type of leader I wanted to be, one that could lead genuinely with the heart.

Charlie Redman Throughout 2021, I have been the College Vice-Captain. As ViceCaptain I have worked closely with all aspects of our leadership team that allowed me to not only create great memories but also establish some great relationships with many other boys. In my role I often assisted our Marist Solidarity Leader in his efforts to fundraise, as well as discussed initiatives with our College Captain, Lachlan McInerney, such as junior school involvement and even assembly procedures where we would regularly give each other a pre-speech ‘pump up’!

time, we were able to connect with some of the younger boys of the College, get to know our teachers better, and settle in for the night with a contentious game of cards. The experiences and laughs shared are sure to stick with me for some time.

One of the most important aspects that I took away from leadership was the confidence I built up in myself to not only speak unscripted in front of a large crowd, but also put forward my thoughts in meetings and see these ideas come to fruition. As Vice-Captain I often had some of the boys outside of our leadership team who also had a certain idea or wanted a voice heard, in those situations I took it in my stride to either invite them to a meeting or express that very idea myself.

Reflecting over the course of the last year, I feel as though I have grown so much as an individual, as well as a leader. The leadership opportunities at the College are exceptional and I encourage any young Greg’s student to aspire for greatness.

To the leadership team of 2021, I say well done.

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Bayley Suters I was the Marist Solidarity Leader/ Mission Captain. In this role I assisted in fundraising for Lenten Appeal. I also assisted in fundraising for the Marist foundation in Timor Leste to help build new schools, toilets block and other facilities.

I am proud of myself and the rest of the boys, for the efforts we put in throughout the year to help raise these funds, and in all other areas of College leadership we were involved in, including masses, assemblies and involvements with other year groups.

During my time as a leader, I was challenged by the balance between aspects of school life, sometimes it was a very busy sport, learning and leadership balance. I also realised that our group didn’t see ourselves at the top, but rather that we were there to serve others and essentially be “servants”.

Leo Malaesilia I was the Co-Junior School Leader which meant that not only was I tasked to work closely with the Junior School with organising events, but to also help exemplify the same Marist characteristics set out in the Senior School.

Presence played a crucial role in demonstrating our welcoming and loving culture at Greg’s. Alongside other Year 12 boys, we often visited the Junior School to help in the classroom and to participate in celebrations which included their Ash Wednesday Ceremony.

My best time as a leader was probably our leadership days where we spent a day or two together getting to know each other and setting our goals for the year.

These days were fun and so many memories were made.

Year 12 Retreat It was such a blessing that we were able to participate in Retreat with the Graduating Class of 2021! Being together at the Hermitage in Mittagong is always a special time and COVID had meant that the event, usually held in Term 4 as the cohort began the HSC year, had been cancelled. I know that staff and students were grateful for the opportunity to gather at the end of Term 2, fortunately just before the second extended lockdown began.

“Awake My Soul” Each of our elected leaders is to be congratulated for their work for the College. They have truly witnessed to the characteristics of being Marist in a year of rapid change and unprecedented expectation. In person and in the virtual sphere they have upheld family spirit, modelled a love of work, been present for others, radiated joy in the simplicity of their words and actions and acted always in the Way of Mary – humbly and modestly. Congratulations Gents on a fine year!

Quae Seminaveris Metes

St Greg’s students love to sing and for this group the hymn Awake My Soul has become a favourite. These words became the focus of our Retreat with each presentation, activity and discussion group aiming to enliven the spirit deep within.

The Retreat experience built on the Reflection Day in Year 11, 2020. On that day we reflected on emotions and the importance of recognising these in our lives.

We planted seeds in recogniton of our College motto and we set goals, short term and long term.

The greatest feeling of being a leader, in particular the Junior School Leader, will have to be the bright smiles on the kids’ faces when stepping foot onto their school grounds. Being that somebody who they looked up to energised my drive to give back to the community.

Some of the themes explored on Retreat included:

From guiding the growth of the Junior School to working behind the scenes of College Assemblies and Masses, enabled me to give back to the community I called home for the past six years.

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• Making Decisions

Which decisions do you need to be attentive to currently in your life? How do you ensure you are making good choices?

• God Moments How can you recognise God present in your life?

• All About You

What are the strengths, challenges and hopes of this group?

• Heroic Habits and Masculinity What are the traits of a truly heroic person? How do you measure success as a human person; as a man?

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We also had the opportunity to participate in liturgy – Reconciliation, Affirmation and Eucharist. The Carmelite Fathers celebrated the Mass for us in a simple yet powerful mix of prayer, symbol and song.

A good way to measure the success of any program is to ask the participants. Here is what our Year 12 students wrote in response to the question: What are the strengths of Retreat:

“Nature of interactions between students and teachers” “Conversations; self-reflecting; sessions” “The serious talks and people being real with each other” “Sharing; atmosphere of nurturing, openness and togetherness”

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The sharing and no-one judging others for tough times in their lives “Forming trust”

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“Being vulnerable” The Year 12 Class of 2021 have faced disappointment and enormous challenges in their senior years. They are to be commended for embracing the Retreat experience with enthusiasm and positivity. As they prepare for Graduation from St Gregory’s we reflected on how much they have changed and grown during their time at the College.

With Mrs Sawyer, Ms Khoury, Mr Nelson and all the Retreat staff, I hope that the life lessons and life experiences will stay with them for a long time; that they will allow their souls to be awake and that faith and God will continue to be a part of the fine young men they are.

“Developing as individuals; spirituality” “Seeing personal side of others; shows love for everyone; understanding others; bonding” “The way you can connect with others you haven’t talked to before. Also reflecting on yourself”

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Life lessons that are taught; relationships; friendships

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You will reap what you sow

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J U N I OR

School

Leaders Wrap Up

Our time at the Junior School has been a wonderful ride that we will never forget.

Junior School Captains

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t all started in Year 3, back in 2018 with the opening of the Junior School. So many new teachers, families and peers who would soon become our great lifelong friends. Many amazing memories have been created throughout our journey from the first days, IPSSO games, carnivals, learning experiences, special events and even the remote learning period. We have learnt so much over this time and for that, we are so grateful to our community.

Opportunities Every day at St Greg’s has been so unique and so much fun. Days like International Mindfulness Day are so much fun, where we had the opportunity to commemorate all the different cultures we have at the College. Days like these have really been fantastic memories. We also have public speaking competitions every year including the Gordon Fetterplace Speaking Competition which has helped us in developing our skills. Clubs such as Choir, Band and Wakikirri have helped us to discover new skills and friendships.

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We have had some amazing IPSSO Sport and gala teams over the years. The coaches have created memories we will never forget. All the teams developed skills that helped them to win. We have also had some great swimming, cross country and athletics events. The moment the gun fires or the whistle blows signifies to us all that the competition is underway. One thing that we seem to have in common at St Greg’s is that we love the competition!!! It continues to put big smiles on our faces!

Remote Learning Remote learning definitely wasn’t the same as being face to face in the classroom. Not seeing friends for so long was really hard,

The teachers have always made each day at

the Junior School so amazing.

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but our teachers worked so hard so we could still have fun with our learning. Having remote learning in some ways may have been a blessing by helping us to become more independent and get a little taste of high school. It was a very new and different experience for all of us.

School Community The St Gregory’s College community welcomed us with open arms when we started here in the Junior School. The teachers have always made each day at the Junior School so amazing. Even having a year with our Kindergarten buddy has been so lovely. Having a “good morning” from the teachers is always delightful. They have helped us grow in our learning and develop new skills.

Teachers have guided us on our journey and prepared us for our next step . . . high school!

Being a part of the wider St Gregory’s College community has been a real privilege to be a part of. For the girls of Year 6, we wish you well at your new schools. For the boys who are continuing into the Senior School, we wish you all the best on this exciting journey.

We both have been here since Year 3 and over the 4 years, the Junior School has prepared us well for our individual high school journeys. St Greg’s has not only helped us to grow in our learning, but who we are as individuals. We have learnt the Marist Ways and connected to the community. We want to thank everyone for all that the College does and this amazing opportunity of leadership alongside the other amazing captains.

A sincere thank you to all Year 6 students and teachers for the past 4 years and thank you to our St Gregory’s College community for such wonderful memories.

By Connor Potts and Tessa Sabu Mandapam Junior School Captains

Junior School House Captains Something I loved about online learning?

What we loved about Remote Learning was definitely the peace and quiet we got while working, no one was slowing us down or distracting us. Another big thing that we benefited from was doing our work in a certain order that helped us focus. Some of us liked doing the harder type of work first and some liked doing the easiest first but being able to do the work in the order you liked was a good thing about Remote Learning.

The biggest thing that the House Captains liked about learning from home is eating whenever you want!!! It was great to eat while you were doing work and having it straight out of the fridge, so it was nice and cold.

Something we hope we can transfer from remote learning to the classroom.

We hope that we can transfer our ability to be agile from Remote Learning, into the classroom.

Having many different and creative ways to express ourselves through fun tasks has been rewarding and we look forward to keeping this connection for the rest of the year. Most students

these days are quite adaptive in using various forms of technology, one thing that I am sure will continue to evolve, is the different creative ways we can use technology to support our learning in the classroom. Remote Learning required us to use skills that we at times wouldn’t use as regularly in the classroom. This has added to our skill level and we look forward to building on this in the future.

Something we found hard about Remote Learning During Remote Learning we had many ups and downs, some things we found fun or easy, others were more challenging. Some problems and challenges we faced were; missing the social interactions with friends and not being able to complete group tasks face to face; some activities were hard as we were not able to have a face to face conversation and discussion with the teachers.

One thing that we will take from this experience is the fact that social interactions with our friends is so vital. It is not until we all returned to school that we realised just how important it is to be surrounded by friends. Mental health is such an important issue in today’s society and this experience has taught us all to value each moment with your family and friends. We had a lot of challenges this year, but we made it and we are so excited to be back in the classroom.

By Alexandra Nothdurfter, Zahra Eva, Olivia Jardine and Ethan Handunneththi.

Junior School House Captains

Junior School Marist Ministry Leader There is no doubt that this year has been very chaotic and one that has been tough for so many in our community. We have been in and out of lockdown and the various restrictions have made it really hard to plan for the various events that we know St Gregory’s for. But when we had an opportunity, big or small, we took it and made the most out of it. The online and faceto-face Assemblies, Liturgies and Masses have been a real treat, and I have enjoyed being a part of them.

Firstly, I want to thank Mrs Bowen and Mrs Clarke for their unwavering support. They have always been the brains behind the Liturgical celebrations and the Marist Missionary activities. They have taught me how to be the best version of myself and how to do things that would have a lasting impact. They guided me on my journey to becoming the first Marist Leader.

Even before online learning, the liturgies and celebrations of Eucharist were never easy to prepare. We had to find readers, readings, songs for the choir to sing, and so much more. I cannot express in words how much went on for just a 45-60-minute Mass. If you were to ask me what was easier; preparing for face-to-face or online, I would probably say online! All the hard work that goes into a liturgy or Mass is shown by the quality. Last year, when we had our first online liturgy, I was in awe of its success and the quality. It was almost as good as a face-to-face celebration.

In terms of Marist Initiatives, this year was very slow. The lockdown made it difficult to get traction with initiatives. Unfortunately, there were no Missionary visits, very few fundraisers, and the traditional whole-school events were minimal. However, the things we did do, including the Lenten and Christmas Appeals, made a positive impact on the students and the community.

All in all, I am really proud to be a St Gregory’s College student. I am glad that we adapted to the constantly changing environments and made the most out of the year.

By Michael Yousseph Marist Ministry Leader

Left to right: Olivia Jardine, Zahra Eva, Ethan Handunneththi and Alexandra Nothdurfter

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C AP I TAL

Projects

Exciting Capital Developments at the College Mr Lee MacMaster - College Principal (K-12)

Just as the recent lockdown period began in late June this year, up went the construction fences, and work on our three current major capital projects at the College kicked off.

T

he timing certainly was not great as the Sydney lockdown impacted the construction industry significantly and for many weeks our projects seemed to be progressing at a snail’s pace.

Luckily, the workers returned to our three sites in a short space of time, and since then, they have made significant progress on our new Entrance Area to the College Administration Block; the new Basketball and Futsal precinct (both these projects are at the Senior School); and the new undercover Netball / Basketball / Volleyball court precinct at the Junior School. It has been exciting to watch the progress of each of these precincts take shape and I know the students and staff are looking forward to the full use of these facilities from the commencement of the 2022 academic year.

These new projects reflect our College strategic priority of ensuring outstanding facilities for our students and the broader St Gregory’s community to utilise. As the College Principal, I am mindful of the need

“

to create learning and recreation spaces that enable our students to demonstrate their gifts and talents. These new facilities will certainly be well utilised, and their contemporary design and construction will enable our College to be a leading school in the Macarthur region for outstanding teaching and learning spaces.

In other exciting news for the College community, our architects are currently finalising the design and planning for our new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) / Music / Food Technology/ Theatre complex to be built adjacent to the Technology and Visual Arts precincts. This new project has been designed with a strong emphasis on contemporary classroom design, flexible furniture and the use of modern pedagogical practices. We anticipate this new complex will commence in early 2022 and be completed in time for the 2023 academic year.

These new projects reflect our College

strategic priority of ensuring outstanding facilities for our students and the broader

”

St Gregory’s community to utilise.

Basketball Courts.

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Aerial view of Junior School.

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The new projects for the College keep coming in 2022 with the following projects budgeted for completion throughout the year: -

J U N I O R & S EN I O R

School

• The Indigenous Learning Space and Outdoor Class spaces in the grassed area between the Donovan Centre and the Brother Luke Hall

Book Week

• Construction of Wet Weather Awning at the Junior School Parent Pick Up Area

Mrs Rachael Cosentino - Teacher Librarian/Literacy Specialist Junior School

• Construction of a Covered Walkway from the Brother Luke Hall to the 400 Block

Senior School Garden.

• Additional Female Toilets at the Senior School • Construction of the Farm Car Parking Area - Resurfacing and Kerbing

Children’s Book Week is an annual event held each August, promoted by the Children’s Book Council of Australia. During Book Week, schools and public libraries celebrate books and Australian children’s authors and illustrators.

T

ypically, the week sees Library displays, book-related activities and events and lots of competitions around the Book Week theme. This year’s theme was “Old World’s, New World’s, Other World’s”. At St Gregory’s we also see Book Week as an opportunity to involve the whole College in literacy activities, on both campuses. We are very fortunate to have a dedicated Book Week Team and a great K-12 vision for these celebrations.

• Continual Refurbishment of the Boarding Houses (Senan House in 2022) • Solar Panels for the Senior School campus • New BBQ / Canteen Area for SGC 1 Playing Field Throughout 2022, the planning and designing for the refurbishment of the 000, 100 & 200 Block classrooms will be finalised ready to begin construction in these areas throughout 2023.

projects, and to Marist Schools Australia for their support of our initiatives.

I take this opportunity to thank the Federal and State governments for the generous grant they have provided towards the STEM and classroom refurbishment

I hope you get an opportunity to witness the evolution of the College in terms of our capital improvements. You are very welcome to drop in and take a look!

Amidst lockdown this year, Book Week 2021 saw a revised program that made the most of remote learning but still provided students with opportunities to tell stories, learn about the craft of writing and tell stories to one another. Each morning of Book Week our Junior students were treated

to a special story from a guest teacher and on two of these mornings, our Senior Student Leadership Team also read online to the whole school.

Along with these stories being shared every day, all of the Junior School students had the opportunity to meet author Coral Vass online, in our virtual author sessions. In addition, the students in Years 4-6 also enjoyed an online author visit with author and illustrator, Anna Ciddor. These sessions were well-attended by our students learning from home and we hope that our parents and carers got to enjoy them as well.

Coral’s passion for making connections between images, her ideas and the intended reader was fabulous. It was a wonderful experience for our

Junior School

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21

students to explore in their own planning and writing. Similarly, Anna’s insight into historical fiction writing, providing photos from her trip to France and details from her research, was an enlightening experience for them as well.

On Thursday, 26 August we launched our Virtual Book Character Parade, using photos submitted by families via Seesaw. Although never the same as the real parade feel, this year’s virtual Book Character Parade was still a magnificent showcase of the ingenuity of our students and their families, especially in creating their own costumes with limited supplies at home. We had some truly magnificent submissions using everyday items and not much else.

Also on the 26 August, we released our Book Week Wrap Up video including the announcement of all of our competition winners. These competitions celebrated the theme of ‘Worlds’. Kindergarten through to Year 11 students participated in the “Where in the World Competition” attempting to identify the world location of a staff member.

All students were also invited to participate in Spelling Bees. These were organised as Senior and Junior

Competitions. Mrs Ursino in the Senior School had over 250 students enter the preliminary rounds of the Spelling Bee, whittling down to a tie for the winner. In the Junior School, Mrs Limbrey invited all students in Kindergarten through to Year 2 to participate in an online Spelling Bee, with 87 students joining in.

All in all, this year’s Book Week celebrations did not go as planned but the result was still a program of exciting literacy learning opportunities and lots of fun.

The Senior School also held a writing competition - Flash Fiction - and the Years 5 and 6 students in the Junior School, along with the Senior Boys wrote and performed their own Slam Poetry.

Other Junior School competitions included The K - Year 4 ‘Other Worlds’ competition where students used whatever they had at home to create an ‘Other World’. We had some amazing Lego constructions, clever digital and Minecraft Worlds and very talented artistic creations.

“

Each morning of Book Week our Junior students were treated to a special story from a guest teacher…

”

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WEL L N ES S

Week

R U OK? Day Mr Baldino Vetrano - Director of Students

Wellness Week 2021 was a wonderful opportunity to support both staff and students throughout Week 8 of Term 3 and beyond.

D

uring remote learning, COVID-19 restrictions made some of us feel isolated and alone and it became extremely important that during these difficult times the wellbeing of students and staff were our main priority.

The College Counsellors developed a number of very proactive activities throughout the week for students to complete in the lead up to RUOK? Day. Homeroom teachers did an amazing job in guiding students to complete the activities and enhanced the atmosphere with support and compassion to everyone. Each day, students were given different activities to complete. The aim was to stimulate discussion throughout Homerooms and to connect with each other in a personal and honest way.

Being able to ask someone if they’re ‘really’ OK is not easy to do and our students needed to master these skills so they could approach others with care and dignity, while truly looking out for one another. Activities were designed to help students ask, listen and encourage action when it comes to

24 S T G R E G O RY ’ S C O L L E G E | Hearts & Minds

having meaningful conversations. The activity also promoted meaningful insight into the strengths and weaknesses of social media when asking RUOK? Staff also shared wellbeing tips and recommendations throughout the week.

Motivational and inspirational messages were sent to all, in the hope that EVERYONE was travelling well and feeling inspired.

At the end of the week, all students across the College were encouraged to wear a splash of yellow in support of RUOK? Day. Our young men took the initiative seriously and it was extremely pleasing to see how creative some students were in displaying their support for positive mental health.

Finally, our staff and students came together in making a promise video, this was shared with the College community on the last day of Wellness Week 2021. It is very clear that wellbeing is of high priority at St Gregory’s and our College community takes great pride in making sure we are all safe and well.

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J U N I O R & S E NI O R

The COVID-19 pandemic has been the worst disturbance to global education and training systems in a century, with the longest school closures affecting more than 1.6 billion learners at its peak time.

School

Remote Learning

A

s we reflected on Term 3, remote learning was starting to feel like the “new normal”, with our daily routines so very different to that of just a few weeks earlier.

Ms Judith Tolomeo - Director of Teaching & Learning

We recognised that homes were not classrooms, often making explicit and timely feedback opportunities more difficult. Feedback more than ever was needed to support students in their learning and development. Check-in questions and exit questions were perfect assessment for learning activities providing feedback of student understanding and progression along with their engagement in the learning environment. Feedback to students provided explicit strategies for improvement.

Teachers provided learning overviews at the commencement of each week to support students as they navigated through their own weekly timetables. Overviews provided a lesson-by-lesson structure that highlighted the Learning Intention and Success Criteria, outlined the learning

“

activities planned and described any other resources or links needed for the lesson.

Video conferencing was used to support lesson activities and provide students with a forum to discuss, ask questions, seek clarification, and apply knowledge of the content and theory being taught. Lessons provided enough time for students to “do, apply, show” their understanding.

Lessons continued to be student centred, and teacher-facilitated where possible, as we would see normally in a face to face lesson setting. Video conferencing (Microsoft Teams / Zoom etc) provided an opportunity to engage with students, answer questions, provide explicit instructions and guide learning opportunities. This would not exceed 50% of the lesson time, enabling teacher support via Google Classroom, Teams chat or email for the duration of the lesson.

Throughout Term 3, we continued to provide as many opportunities for students as possible. Students competed in English Championships with a number of fantastic

Teachers provided learning

overviews at the commencement of each week to support students as they navigated through their own weekly timetables.

”

Malia Behn (2M)

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Isaac Matthews (KB)

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“

Feedback more

than ever was needed to support students in their learning and development.

”

Charlize Anatasio - Active time at home

Max Anastasio (Year 7)

results. Individual standouts: Aaron Sojan (Year 8), Domenico Cocco (Year 8), Patrick Ward (Year 10), Lucas Di Fazio (Year 8) and Callum Granger (Year 10). Overall standout result: 14th in our school category size in AUSTRALIA! The Year 10 Agriculture students entered the Hermitage Ag Science competition where the students had to prepare and conduct an experiment, create a poster and a video on sustainability and food waste (each year the topic changes).

There were 130 schools and 3600 students entered from across the country. The College was represented by two teams- Ben Anderson/ Elliot Power and Macs Rubain/ Joe Offord/ Toby Drinnan. The class won an encouragement award. Only two were awarded for Years 9-10 category and St Gregory’s was one of them!

Science Week was celebrated in Week 6 with an array of activities. These included Biotechnology challenges, genetically modified food activities, Virtual Reef diver simulations, and opportunities for students to attend online seminars throughout the week.

Book Week was celebrated in August and whilst it looked a little different this year, the activities developed and run by staff across the Junior and Senior Schools were nothing less than amazing. The theme this year was Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds. Activities included: A Poetry Slam, Flash Fiction Writing Competition, Read A Book, Spelling Bee, Author Visit, Where in the World are St Greg’s Staff, Story Time, and a Virtual Book Character Parade.

St Gregory’s Feast Day was celebrated on 3 September. Whilst we couldn’t gather as a Community at the College grounds, College

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Left: James Hardiman-Stone

Bryce Skillen (Year 11)

Eva Luximon (3M)

Staff, Students and Families were able to do so virtually.

Year 10 Student Thomas Anderson was “Commended” for his poem ‘Battle Against the Dust’ in the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Competition. Thomas’ poem will appear in the anthology that will be available on the website: https://www.dorothea.com.au/award-winners On Monday 23 August, all teaching staff (K-12) engaged with James Anderson and the Agile Learner. The focus of the day was to engage with and explore the “Learner Landscape”. Staff looked at the importance of a Growth Mindset in developing more skilful learners and explored common misconceptions about Mindsets; why most interventions don’t work, and how to adopt a “style guide” to help develop more growthoriented mindsets in our students. Staff examined the Learning Landscape and how the metaphor of the Learning Landscape can help students begin to understand themselves as active, skilful

Hugo Carr (Kindergarten)

Christopher Blyton (4M)

learners, paying particular attention to the nature of challenges and how students equip themselves with Habits of Mind to prepare them to succeed at increasingly difficult challenges. During the final part of the day, staff engaged with the concept of Learnership - the skill of learning. Teachers were asked to complete a Learnership Diagnostic related to the students they teach and to identify the degree of skill with which their students are engaging in the learning process.

As we return to the classroom, we need to remember that true learning doesn’t happen without a challenge. We must stretch (not strain) ourselves to increase our standards and abilities. As the world’s expert on expertise, Anders Ericsson, points out,

“

If you never push yourself

beyond your current best, you will never improve.

”

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JUNIOR

School

PYP – The Journey Continues Mrs Diana Ivancic - PYP Coordinator

During Term 3 inquiry learning in the Junior School took a very different approach to the usual scenes of classroom group work and butcher’s paper, student work covering walls and excursions.

T

he teachers and students adapted to the online environment using different approaches to inquiring, collaborating, researching and presenting.

The COVID pandemic has resulted in our Junior School students becoming skilled in coordinating Zoom online meetings in order to work with a team to research and present lines of inquiry. This took skills in organising time, upskilling in the use of technology and perfecting their presentation skills.

Our Junior School students continued their Spanish lessons, practising their speaking skills through voice and video recordings and writing in Spanish.

Parents were also involved in conversations, picking up a few words here and there.

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) values all these approaches to learning, skills that have been essential in adapting to the online learning we were faced with in Term 3 and early Term 4 in 2021. It has been such a positive outcome to what we often saw as a negative experience of online learning.

The Junior School has been granted the opportunity to apply for authorisation as an IB (International Baccalaureate) School towards the end of Term 4, 2021. This process which is usually made up of a three-day face-to-face visit will be organised virtually, yet another challenge we will be faced with during this pandemic. However, we feel very confident and accept the challenge.

We look forward to a favourable outcome and a great way to end the 2021 Academic Year!

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I N T E R NATI O NA L LI TERACY

Day

International Literacy Day Ms Judith Tolomeo - Director of Teaching & Learning

This year’s theme for International Literacy Day was “Literacy for a humancentred recovery: Narrowing the digital divide”. The theme of ILD 2021 is set to create more awareness among people regarding digital literacy.

T

he teachers and students adapted to the online environment using different approaches to inquiring, collaborating, researching and presenting.

International Literacy Day takes place on 8 September every year to raise awareness and concern for literacy problems that exist within our own local communities as well as globally.

International Literacy Day was founded by proclamation of The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, in 1966 “to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights.” International Literacy Day brings ownership of the challenges of illiteracy back home to local communities where literacy begins, one person at a time.

Although much progress has been made in improving literacy rates in the more than fifty years since the first International Literacy Day, illiteracy remains a global problem. There are thought to be more than 750 million adults around the world who cannot read.

What exactly is literacy?

Literacy can be defined as “the quality or state of being literate: educated…able to read and write.”

Because you can read this and no doubt spend a lot of time reading online, it may seem incredulous to learn there are people living and working in your own community who not only

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cannot read this, but are unable to read a book, arestaurant menu, a road sign, a voting ballot, an instruction manual, a prescription bottle label, or a cereal box.

Can you imagine navigating modern-day life without the basic ability to read and write?

Wiping out illiteracy in every local community around the world is what International Literacy Day is all about.

Studies show that giving the brain a daily workout reading, writing, and working with numbers keeps brain cells healthy as we age, reducing the chances of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia later in life. The lack of literary skills limits social engagement at all age levels and prevents adults and children from being able to participate fully and contribute to the betterment of society. Learning to read and write improves our ability to communicate effectively with others by enhancing oral language, allowing us to express our feelings, thoughts, and ideas with others more clearly. Knowing how to

“

Literacy is the

key to personal empowerment and gives us personal dignity

”

and self-worth

read, write and work with numbers are critical skills for jobs with opportunities to advance up the social-economic ladder. Literacy breaks the cycle of poverty, one life at a time.

The College acknowledged the importance of International Literacy Day with all students engaging in activities. The Mathematics department recognised that 50% of errors in Mathematics occurs prior to doing any calculations due to not understanding what the question is asking. PDHPE students focused on cause-and-effect language and the use of verbs. Students have been looking at text types in Agriculture, whilst Year 8 Italian engaged in literacy as part of their assessment task, creating an eBook about an Italian family. Students focused on using adjectives in English and Italian to construct several family member descriptions. Years 9 and 10 Computing students completed written activities with a focus on verbs, adjectives, punctuation and cause and effect paragraphs. They also reviewed topic vocabulary by playing online spelling games through the Educandy website. Science classes celebrated International Literacy Day by reading articles from scientific journals. The boys wrote a response, addressing key points in the article, scientific ideas presented, and what they learnt from reading the article.

Our Community Engagement Team ensured parents of the College became involved too. A call-out was made to Senior & Junior parents to share the books they were reading, the importance of reading and share their areas of employment where literacy is very important. A video was pulled together of parents sharing their favourite books and why they love it.

All areas of employment were collected and a word cloud was made (above).

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JUNI OR & SEN IOR

“

Great teachers are at the heart of our schools and have a significant impact on young peoples’ lives every day, Ms Mitchell said.

”

School

World Teachers’ Day Ms Judith Tolomeo - Director of Teaching & Learning

World Teachers’ Day was celebrated across NSW on Friday 29 October, with Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell encouraging the community to let the State’s 160,000 teachers know how important they are.

T

his year, despite major challenges, our College staff made sure quality education continued for the students at St Gregory’s. It has reinforced the significant role that teachers play in the lives of children and students, their families and communities.

World Teachers’ Day was an opportunity for staff to celebrate and be proud, and the College was excited to share this day with all staff and students. The College held an impressive morning tea to say “Thank you” to all staff for all they do every day. The gathering was held outdoors in front of the College Grotto overlooking the vast College grounds for the Senior School staff and onsite in the Junior School.

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Two of the Colleges’ longest serving staff members; Mr Peter Hogan and Mr Greg Serrone, had the honours of cutting the “WTD” cake at the Senior School celebration. The College’s Leader of Learning, Mr Don Perna, captured a great aerial shot of all Senior Staff during the morning tea celebrations with the drone.

I am sure we all agree, that with the fabulous staff we are blessed with at St Gregory’s, that teaching does have a “bright future”.

The College Leadership Team wrote personal messages of thanks to all staff, which accompanied a World Teachers’ Day cookie, in the shape of an apple. Throughout the day, students wrote “Thank you” messages to staff in appreciation for their dedication and ongoing support. Throughout the week, staff uploaded to the College social page, their response to “How does Teaching have a bright future”.

throughout the pandemic with

“

They have shown this

their tireless commitment to

”

their students.

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YEAR

Nine

The Rite Journey Mr Daniel Goodhew - Year 9 Leader

The Year 9 Pastoral Program at St Gregory’s College has undergone major transformation throughout 2021. Year 9 2021 sees the first year that the College implemented a new year-long program called ‘The Rite Journey’ (TRJ). The program is delivered by our Homeroom Teachers who have been specifically trained for the Rite Journey program and is delivered during Year 9’s Pastoral Care lessons.

What is ‘The Rite Journey’?

M

ost traditional cultures have a carefully crafted process guided by elders that provide this growth and development. However, in western society, this tradition has been lost and we see that adolescents often take it upon themselves to create their own rites of passage which often are not healthy and do not contribute to any real growth.

There are significant challenges that young people are faced with today; the dominance of media, changing nature of family structures; the 24/7 access to information (which is not always accurate); unfiltered content and instant gratification of a world where we carry the internet in our pockets - all this takes a toll on society as a whole and, there is a price to pay. Unfortunately, the added pressures flow onto families and we are aware of the impact these have on raising and relating to adolescents.

“

Learning to be an adult; male or female in any society, involves guidance, mentoring and a great many conversations with trusted and reliable elders (parents, mentors, teachers etc.). However, these days we see young people turn to peers or the media for such guidance and this has resulted in a loss of human connection as screens dominate our adolescents’ lives.

The College Leadership Team sees the importance that we as a College community play in guiding the young men in our care on their journey during the TRJ program, however, we know that the extremely important relationships in a young person’s life are fostered at home and within their community.

A unique feature of ‘The Rite Journey’ (TRJ) is the seven steps that form a contemporary Rite of Passage. The Rite Journey team here at the College, have created a special and memorable series of events, aimed at

A unique feature of ‘The Rite Journey’

(TRJ) is the seven steps that form a contemporary Rite of Passage.

”

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honouring our boys as they transition into young adulthood; 1. The Calling 2. The Departure 3. The Following 4. The Challenges 5. The Abyss 6. The Return 7. The Homecoming

Our Hope During TRJ, students will have numerous conversations around what it is to be a respectful and responsible man in society.

As the young men journey through the year, we hope that the discussions they are having at school may also stimulate conversation in their homes. Feedback from around the globe has indicated that TRJ has been a catalyst in positively transforming and supporting relationships and supporting the development of young adults that can contribute positively to society and growing into fine men, friends, husbands and fathers.

The Rite Journey at St Gregory’s College In Semester One, our Pastoral Program got off to a great start, as our Year 9 cohort and their families, were introduced to TRJ through The Calling and The Departure

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ceremonies. The evening was a great celebration and set the tone for the rest of the program.

Throughout the semester, Year 9 engaged in several practical activities, including juggling, drumming and listening, stave throwing activities, Minute to Win It challenges whilst also delving into small group discussions and reflecting on ‘Who am I really?’ and ‘How do I have a good relationship with others?’

At the beginning of Semester Two, the unpredictable nature of COVID-19 meant that we were placed back into lockdown and students (and staff) were asked to be agile with their learning.

The young men of Year 9 are to be commended for showing great resilience during a particularly challenging time. This meant that several cocurricular, sporting and TRJ events; including ‘The Abyss’ (camp), ‘The Return’ and ‘The Exit’ ceremony had to, unfortunately, be postponed for 2021. In good news, we have pencilled in the celebrations for early 2022 as we return to the program throughout 2022.

More information on TRJ can be found on Andrew Lines website https://theritejourney.com/

“

…honouring our boys as they

”

transition into young adulthood.

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Junior SC HO O L

The Junior School Cookbook Our St Gregory’s Family Around the Table Mrs Diana Ivancic - Assistant Head of Junior School

One of the key components of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) is the concept of international mindedness.

I

nternational mindedness is a concept that captures a way of thinking, being and acting, characterised by an openness to the world and a recognition of our deep interconnectedness to others. 2021 certainly has given us an insight into the similarities we experience with other countries around the world and the importance of respect, support and humanity.

This year, the Junior School embarked on a Cookbook project, inspired by the image of St Marcellin’s table at La Valla in France. The image and the experience of the shared table is a great symbol. It represents for us the beginning of our vocation as Marists. To be disciples of Jesus, in the style of Marcellin, is to live a family spirit that gathers us into community and invites us with the Brothers into a great Marist family. At the table of our families, we come together to celebrate our life in common.

During the project, families found joy in recalling and dusting off old recipes, remembering things that made them happy as children and resurrecting some handwritten, food-stained recipes or traditions passed down from generations. Grandparents passed their secret recipes and techniques onto grandchildren and recipes that have been previously committed to memory have now been written down on paper.

This book is the result of a team effort from parents, staff and students at St Gregory’s College Junior School.

Around the Table began as a vision by Mrs Paula Grados, our Spanish Language Teacher when Spanish was introduced as part of our curriculum in 2021. She saw the potential of her love of food, exploration of cultural traditions and cultural inclusion as a wonderful community building project everyone could get involved in. This vision was shared and supported by Joel Weekes and myself. Mrs Natasha Carr, a parent of the Junior School, and director of Studio Rouge Design Studio, embraced the team’s vision and brought it to life.

The vision became a huge project with a collection of around 190 recipes from over 130 families, 41 community sponsorships, photo shoots, editing and production. The families supported the project with great energy and enthusiasm. It also provided families with a creative family project to undertake during the COVID-19 lockdown period of 2021.

There is a kinship that occurs naturally over a shared meal. The diversity of culture among our community is a source of inspiration. We hope that those who read Around the Table, enjoy making new memories and sharing these recipes with their family and friends.

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J UNI O R & S E NI OR

Senior School

Sport

A

s Term 2 was ending, I don’t think anybody thought we were heading into another lockdown period.

Unfortunately, as a result, our 2021 Spring and 2022 Summer MCS seasons were cancelled, leaving the College with another hindered sport and co-curricular season.

Sport in the College Mr Jamie Cook - Sport and Co-Curricular Coordinator, Senior School Mr Darryl Howe - PDHPE Teacher/Sports Coordinator, Junior School

However, the College did experience some outstanding results from our MCS Winter season with both Rugby League and Football teams winning five premierships.

Congratulations to our U13B, Third Grade and First Grade Rugby League teams and to our Year 9 and Year 10 Football teams who were successful in their 2021 winter campaigns.

On the back of strong football and rugby league performances, the College had several students selected into the MCS Representative teams. Year 12 students; Harrison Gelder, Domonic Rajacic and Declan Price, and Year 10 student, Liam Starr, played major roles in assisting MCS to the NSWCCC semi-finals. However, they were unfortunately defeated by Newcastle/ Maitland, the eventual winners. Liam Starr was selected into the NSWCCC team as a central defender, a massive achievement for a 16-year-old.

Year 9 students; Lachlan Dooner, Luke Fielding and Callum McMenemy, were selected into the U15 MCS team while Year 12 students; Liam Sutton, Emmanuel Kandidakis and Sipiliano Vaohea, along

“

with Year 11 students; Charlie Guymer and Thomas Fletcher) were selected in the U19 MCS team. Special mention to Liam Walsh (Year 10) who was also selected in the U15 Presidents team.

All boys competed to a very high level with three students being named in the prestigious NSWCCC Rugby League team.

Congratulations to Lachlan Dooner (U15’s), Liam Sutton and Emmanuel Kandidakis who were named in the Opens team.

Looking forward to 2022, the College will be joining the Parramatta Diocesan Secondary Schools Sports Council (PDS) at the start of the 2022 calendar year, as the Metropolitan Catholic Schools (MCS) Sports Association comes to a close, after 54 years of facilitating student representation. The participating schools in the MCS Competition will now join their governing diocese for their weekly sport and representative pathways.

The opportunities that PDS will allow, especially through gala days that will facilitate student pathway selection into the Parramatta Diocese representative teams, will ensure the students of St Gregory’s have the opportunity to reach their sporting potential against the same elite competition at NSWCC, NSW All Schools and School Sport Australia events.

Mr Jamie Cook Sport and Co-Curricular Coordinator (7-12)

The College ended up with our most

successful result to date!

”

Year 9 MCS Football

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First Grade Grand Final Winning Team

Paul Kelly Cup AFL Winners

Junior School

T

he 2021 sporting calendar once again was impacted

by COVID 19. Compared to last year, we were able to participate in more sporting activities and achieve great results. Still, many sporting events and competitions could not commence or be completed due to the COVID 19 situation.

Unfortunately, our 2021 Junior School Athletics Carnival was one of these events impacted by the lockdown restrictions and was cancelled.

Our students were fortunate enough to compete in several competitive sporting gala days and achieve success in winning; Paul Kelly Cup (AFL) - Southern Region, Group 6 Rugby League Gala Day and the Wollongong Diocesan Rugby Union Knockout.

Mackillop Representatives

Wollongong Representatives 2021

Denham Tsagalas - U/11’s Rugby League/Touch Football/Swimming

Lucy Stewart - Girls Softball Nicola Blyton - Girls Softball Christopher Blyton - Boys Softball Rose Webb - Girls Cricket Jayden Suffell - Rugby Union Zac Palumbo - Boys Football Michael Yousseph - Hockey

Representative Sport

Fletcher Kroh - Opens Rugby League

The highlight of our representative sport in 2021 was our Junior School Swimming Teams results at the Western Region Swimming Carnival in Term 1 held at The Gordon Fetterplace Aquatic Centre.

Sean Hindmarch - U/11’s Rugby League

The College ended up with our most successful result to date! The College came first place in Female point score, Male point score and the Overall Champion School for the meet. This was exciting to win the Overall Champion School for the meet, as St Justin’s Oran Park had been consecutive winners for many years and for myself and the students in the swim team who were once a part of their school community made the victory even sweeter.

The representative pathway for Years 3 - 6 Junior School students is Wollongong Diocese, Mackillop, New South Wales Primary School Sports Association (NSWPSSA) and Sporting Schools Australia (SSA). Even with an

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interrupted sporting calendar, the students who participated in our representative pathway sports and carnivals did themselves and our College proud.

Olivia Jardine - Netball Thomas Stephens - Rugby Union/Swimming Seth Obereigner - U/11’s Rugby League/ Touch Football Benjamin Lawrence - U/11’s Rugby League/ Touch Football Connor Potts - Opens Rugby League/ Touch Football/ Rugby Union/Swimming Cohen Smith - Swimming Piper Lane - Swimming Jennifer Bartlett - Swimming Keira Eagles - Swimming Baxter Snushall - Swimming

Marcus Desira - Rugby League Leonardo Valdmanis - Basketball/Opens Rugby League

Alexander Truong - Boys Football Ivy Smith - Swimming Alexandra Nothdurfter - Swimming

IPSSO (Independent Primary Schools Sporting Organisation) IPSSO is a weekly competition where we compete against local independent schools in various sports in a summer and winter format.

Our weekly 2021 IPSSO Summer and Winter Competitions started strongly, with most of our teams on top of the ladder. Our Summer and Winter teams could only complete half of their games due to the COVID restrictions and lockdowns that impacted Term 3 and Term 4 games. Each week, most of our teams produced dominant scores against our opposition while still displaying humility and respect towards everyone involved. It was very disappointing that both the Winter and Summer Competitions were unable to be completed. Most of our teams were well placed to make the finals and looked like certain contenders to become overall IPSSO champions.

The IPSSO coaches for 2022 are excited to build upon the results and learnings from 2021.

Mr Darryl Howe PDHPE Teacher/Sports Coordinator (K-6) IS S U E 02 | NOVE M B E R 2021

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AGR I C U LT U R E

Program

South Coast Steer School Spectacular Miss Hayley Mahoney - Leader of Learning - Agriculture

For three years, Cadfor Murray Greys at Binda, owned by Mr Rod Hoare and Helena Warren, have partnered with a school to participate in the South Coast School Steer Spectacular. For two years, it was Chevalier College in the Southern Highlands and this year St Gregory’s College at Campbelltown. Rod is an Old Boy of the College, so it held a special place in his heart to undertake this partnership.

Third Grade Grand Final Winning Team

A

s part of the Year 9 Agriculture program, the students learn about beef cattle. As a result of this, the College incorporated the South Coast School Steer event into their teaching and learning. We received two Murray Grey steers for the competition. The students broke them in, prepared them and designed their

feeding regime. The steers were fed DDG pellets (kindly donated by Manildra feed), oaten chaff, oaten hay and pasture. They weighed 269kg and 270kg when they arrived at St Gregory’s. Their final weights were 366kg and 320kg.

Despite the torrential rain at the South Coast School Steer Spectacular and having to camp and

13B Rugby League Winning Team.

Year 10 MCS Football Team

Members of the College Show Team.

Vincent Pisciuneri, Year 9

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exhibit in these conditions, the team did an exceptional job. The team achieved 1st in the fun fact finder, Bronze medal for the steer report composed by Elliot Power (Year 10) and Third place in Herdsman (Marcus McGuiness led the team). In the Parader event; Vincent Pisciuneri 1st place and 3rd overall, Vince Vaccaro 2nd place, Riley Keogh 1st place and Champion overall, Thomas Anderson 5th place, Patrick Bird 1st place and 3rd overall, Macs Rubain 3rd place, Joel Offord 2nd place, Cooper Wray 3rd place, Toby Drinnan 4th place and Oliver Pullen (Year 9) 5th place.

In the Junior Judging, Massimo Pisciuneri achieved 2nd place, Thomas Anderson 2nd place and Patrick Bird 3rd Place.

One steer, R115, placed 5th in the Middle Weight hoof class, with the Judge, Mr Stuart Glover, saying “ I think this steer will hang up better than this position, I think he may deserve to be further up the line” Stuart was right!

R115 achieved a Silver medal for Middle Weight Carcass and was Champion Middle Weight Carcass. This deserves a special mention, as Cadfor has achieved Middle Weight Champion for three years, and two years as Champion Carcass overall.

The hook results were 84/100, with the p8 fat 6 and the ribs 7.

St Gregory’s College Show Team would like to thank all the sponsors, Cadfor and The South Coast Beef Association for this well run and educational event.

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Focus O N S T U D EN T S

Year 12 Student Reflections

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s a Year 12 student sitting my HSC during the current COVID-19 pandemic, I found it hard to stay motivated and on top of my studies. This was a different me compared to the start of Year 12 back in October Alex Mullan 2020, which feels like an eternity ago. I was eager to get started and be on top of my studies and try my very best in all endeavours of my life. Term 2 was one of the best terms; being appointed 1st Grade Soccer Captain.

This was a great motivator in my studies and sport life and helped me stay on track with school assessments. Along with this was having a great bunch of mates supporting me the whole time, which was really beneficial and we all bounced off each other during the hard times. I would call friends to help with schoolwork or just to catch up and I found this helpful with understanding ideas or concepts we had learnt or weren’t too sure about. Also, explaining the content to someone else helped me further. I received a majority of my strength to push through from my family, especially my parents. They always put things into perspective with how achieving great results can benefit me in the long run with my future career.

There were some tough moments, with not seeing family or friends, and this did dampen my spirits, but with the future looking good with lockdown restrictions easing, not only have my spirits changed, but my friends and family’s spirits have also lifted. One of the best parts of online schooling has been the very first thing that I do in the school day and that’s joining the Homeroom team’s call.

The teachers and Year Leaders have been very entertaining and making sure the start to the day has always been fun.

O

ver the past two years, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at St Gregory’s.

During my time at the College, I have been fortunate enough to make plenty of new mates through boarding and coJames Sykes curricular activities.

Although COVID has impacted the amount of time I have been able to spend at school, I am grateful for all the opportunities the College has given me.

Throughout this year, COVID has forced us to embrace online learning which has had many impacts on our academic and sporting endeavours.

Although these impacts have been difficult, I believe I have coped well whilst being back home, as I have been able to spend plenty of time with my family and mates. The major impacts for me have been not being able to have face to face learning with teachers, to ask questions or get help, not being able to participate in sport and not being able to see my school mates for a long period of time. I have had the resilience to overcome these challenges through keeping a positive mindset towards my learning.

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I

n an ordinary year, completing the HSC involves overcoming obstacles; this is also true in abnormal years, such as the one we find ourselves in now.

To many people, the prospect of not going to school for several months is utopian.

Riley Anderson However, for the current Class of 2021, nothing can be further from the truth. In saying this, both the students of Year 12 and myself have refused to succumb to the obstacles we face; instead, we persevere together; edging ever closer to the finish line that seems to love running away from us. Most apparently, since lockdown has begun, everyone has suffered from a lack of social interaction, this also translates to the Class of 2021. To circumvent this issue and remain connected most boys have gone online to socialise and enjoy time with their mates. This is certainly true for me and has helped me take breaks from schoolwork. We have also had to operate and work in an environment characterised by constant uncertainty. This environment makes procrastination and laziness exponentially more appealing. This is perhaps the most difficult challenge we as a unit have had to face. Personally, I have tried to remain consistent in my studies even when I do not feel like working, having a strong sense of responsibility for my own efforts has also assisted in escaping the lure of procrastination.

Importantly, my teachers have been both very understanding of the situation but also stringent

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in stressing application to study, I believe this has been significant in keeping students on track.

Overall, I think the class of 2021 has faced a number of obstacles. I truly believe the prescription to overcoming them is to look straight back at them, recognise them rather than looking away and hoping they disappear. Then anyone can commit themselves to overcome whatever obstacle they may face; both in the current COVID environment and the future.

A

t the beginning of my Year 12 journey, I did not expect to be completing my final term at home engaging in online learning. Completing Term 4 from home brought the challenges of staying focused with many outside Lachlan McGufficke distractions, as well as trying to keep motivated. However, I was able to overcome these challenges with the support of both my teachers and friends, as we were all dealing with the same situation. Every day my teachers would instil a positive/can-do attitude in me, allowing me to stay focused in classes and continue to do my best.

Similarly, my mates were always there to lend a hand if needed, which made online learning a lot easier and enjoyable, considering the circumstances.

I

t’s truly odd looking back on the last two years, particularly how COVID-19 made such a significant impact on our studies, more so on our HSC year. An impact that I initially deemed for the worse, but I’ve come to realise the true positives that Joshua Berhardt have resulted from this bizarre phenomenon. 2021 was the year; our year of ensuring rediscovery, rebuilding and redemption – to pick up the pieces from last years’ experience with the first COVID-19 outbreak. 2021 was the year to not take any opportunities for granted and seize every experience. However, despite it being a year of hope, there has been a level of uncertainty amongst us.

Based on what has happened in recent events, it has taken a toll on the Year 12 HSC preparations.

In sighting my personal experience in manoeuvring through this challenge, I would like to share my personal anecdotal experience with my Music HSC performances. I initially engaged a live band to accompany me in my performances and had a few practice sessions. I was more than chuffed because the music course has been one of my all-time passions, and I was determined to complete to a high standard. However, due to the sudden COVID lockdown restrictions, it prohibited me from continuing in this manner and posed a problem of how I was going to execute my performances.

Initially, I was devastated, to say the least, due to the fact that something I was looking forward to

having been suddenly vanquished. I also found myself in doubt of whether I was going to be able to efficiently execute these performances as I had planned and practised.

However, with the consistent unfailing words of wisdom from my father, and the more passionate and “forceful” approach from my mother, I managed to pick myself up from an all-time low, to regaining a sense of will and resilience to ensure that I could get the job done. My first approach was to re-strategise and decided to continue as a solo performer with the aid of backing tracks, which I arranged and recorded myself on GarageBand. I also went through a very pain-staking process to mix the backing tracks with the recorded videos containing my vocals so as not to compromise on the end results and ensure the outcome was of a high standard. Whilst I was initially disappointed in not being able to use a live band, I was happy with the outcome which eventuated because of my adaptability, resilience and hard work.

So, the pivotal things that I learnt from my experience were that I chose to abide by the wise words of David de Vecchis the 2020 College Captain, to; “…not throw in the towel just yet…” after a 12-year journey of academics and planning for the future. I also chose to focus on the positives that eventuated from this situation – I got to know and spend more quality time with my family; who are my main influence as well as my teachers that helped me gain my sense of resilience.

On reflection, whilst the Year 12 cohort’s will and determination have been challenged, I am encouraged by my resilience and perseverance to succeed, despite the odds.

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YEAR

Twelve

Major Works Projects Design and Technology Industrial Technology – Metal and Engineering Technologies Industrial Technology – Timber Products and Furniture Technologies

Christopher Techera - First Aid Chair I chose this project as having experience in sports such as Rugby League, I have witnessed many injuries, especially around the leg. After seeing players walk off the field injured and putting pressure on the injury and possibly causing long term issues, I decided to work around this issue, so I designed this First Aid Chair to fix this.

The project is specifically designed for people who play sports such as, but not limited to; basketball, soccer, netball, rugby league and rugby union. This First Aid Chair will mostly be used for the sporting fields (grass/turf and courts).

Funny moment: During the production of the chair, I didn’t have any brakes on the first set of castors I used and my chair was rolling away in my backyard, I didn’t notice until I turned around and it was gone. That was funny to me at the time, which made me realise I needed brakes for the chair!

Nicholas Kynaston - The Secure Locker I chose this project based on my experiences with lockers while at school and was unsatisfied with the functionality and safety of my locker. I wanted to solve this issue and designed and built The Secure Locker.

“ ”

The skills I have learnt I will

have forever.

The project is designed mainly for a student within a school environment, but could be implemented into gyms, workplaces and other locations where lockers are required.

Several challenges hindered my production, but the main challenge was being unable to access the workshop and tools which limited my options when building the project.

After completing this project, I have learned that I have an interest in electronics and programming components, which I will hopefully take into my future career.

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Joshua Shipley - Portable homeless bed/accommodation

Nathan Allen - Outdoor Picnic Table

I chose this project when I heard of the increase in homelessness in Australia. I enjoy helping people in need and thought the best way possible was to aid the homeless due to them not having much or anything at all. From this, I created my project to accommodate and aid the homeless.

As a family we love to have BBQ’s and eat outdoors, I chose this project as we needed a larger table. I made this project for my parents as a gift for them to use at their house.

Getting steel to school was a challenge, I had to cut it shorter to transport it in the car. As the project progressed it got quite large and I had to store it outside. To stop it rusting, I had to cover it with a tarp.

There were many challenges and obstacles I had to overcome making this project, and the COVID pandemic and lockdown was my biggest challenge. Also, to design the project so nothing touched, and the hinges were some major obstacles that I had to overcome.

In late 2020 I tore my ACL and needed surgery in 2021. This put me behind schedule, but I spent some Thursday afternoons in the workshop to catch up. COVID was also a problem and I had to put the timber seat and table top on at home.

My dad was a good help with getting the project finished.

I learned that you must work hard to have a quality project and I also found that helping those in need is a great passion of mine.

Alec McDonnell - Dog Box I choose to make this project because I want a safe space for dogs while travelling and also a space for tools and a fridge and other valuables that I want to keep out of the weather. The finished item will be installed on my Ute. During this project, I learnt that I have a passion for metalwork and that I am able to solve problems that I didn’t think I could and that I would like to use these skills for a trade later in life.

Michael Borg - Fishing workbench I chose to make a fishing workbench as it was something I wanted and I liked the design. This project was designed for me and for use at home in the shed.

I learnt that I have a determination to finish what I start.

I can see myself using these skills I have developed in future careers and life.

This was a great experience, as I learnt how to design a product to suit my needs. I learnt a lot of new skills, especially welding and grinding. I also realised how important it is to work with other people, as we had to share tools and help each other to move big projects. I really needed help from my parents to move the materials and apply the finishing touches.

The skills I learnt I will have forever. They will help me with getting a job and when I need to fix things at home. I did work experience in the holidays, and I can see that I will be able to use my skills in the workplace.

Funny moment: A funny thing that happened is when grinding back a weld, I ground off too much and my job fell apart and I had to weld it back together again.

Boutros Azizi - Baby Change Table My sister having her first child was what inspired me to choose this project. I wanted to make something meaningful to both her and the baby. This project is going to be used as a change table for my niece until she no longer fits it. It will then be passed from sibling to sibling as a sort of family heirloom.

Time management was the major obstacle faced; to finish the project in time to get it painted before the due date as well as finding the right knockdown fittings so the change table can be easily assembled and disassembled.

I see myself using skills that I had learned during the entirety of this process in future endeavours such as my Carpentry Apprenticeship and future career as a Builder.

Funny moment: During the entire building process, being told that my project was a bed for me to sleep in with storage for my small number of belongings!

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Mark Obima - Multipurpose Jacket Because I wanted to learn new skills and gain a better insight into how clothes were made, I chose to undertake this project. I’m also interested in fashion.

The jacket can be used by anyone and can be used anywhere at anytime, as the jacket, through its replaceable sleeves and durable body , can withstand and be adaptable to many situations and occupations.

The biggest challenge I had to face was learning how to sew from scratch. My skills were obviously underdeveloped and not up to industry standard, so it was difficult to create prototypes and even a finished product by myself. Another challenge was to secure a clothing manufacturer that could create the finished product as directed by myself. Firstly, trying to secure one was difficult since obviously funding an ambitious high school student may have risks for the business. Secondly, due to COVID-19, many clothing manufacturers prices increased or they couldn’t produce clothing due to restrictions at the workplace.

Brodie Roth - Outdoor Dining Set I chose this project because I felt like making an outdoor dining set for my major project which will be used by my parents at home.

I encountered a few challenges, but the one that really stuck with me was routing the edges of the seats. I overcame this challenge by researching and finding the solution to completing this effectively.

I also learnt that woodworking requires years of skill to perfect the job!

Connor Hamblion - Forge and Tools My project was chosen due to my interest in this area of work, and my love of tool making and metalworking. This project will be used by myself and in my shed at home to forge and make tools.

I learnt the basics of how to sew, how to use a sewing machine and the best materials to use for future projects and DIYs. I also gained insight into how difficult it actually is to make clothes!

I had minimal challenges, other than learning to forge, and how to use the tools needed to do so. This was done through work experience and other classes. I overcame these challenges, by using my prior knowledge and skills to build new ones.

Jayden Alvarez - Volleyball Machine I chose this project because I am very interested in the game of Volleyball and access to such machines are virtually impossible unless you’re in a professional team. The machine will be used by me, for my training routine.

I used classes and teachers within this industry, to learn to use and make tools and items better. I also learnt that I was able to develop new skills fairly quickly and apply them to other aspects of my metalworking.

I learnt many things during this process, but the main one would be; making projects like this isn’t as easy as it seems, as there is lots of trial and error. It’s not a straight path to success.

Nic Lopresti - Guitar and Stand

Thomas Smith - Outdoor Kitchen I made this project to hold all the appliances my father has, and to have access to them all in one spot. I came across a few obstacles during this project, one being engraving the fish in the panels, I cut it too deep.

To overcome this setback, I had to buy a thick piece of American Walnut and make my own veneer.

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I choose this project as I play the guitar.

The stand was built to showcase the guitar, and to provide extra storage. The guitar will be played, and the stand is for storage and display.

There were too many challenges to count when building the guitar and stand. Some include breaking the side timber of the guitar when bending it to shape, and the stand design being fundamentally flawed. As a result, I had to redesign a support system for the stand, which resulted in me restarting the project.

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Vic Lopresti - Fine Woodworking Benchtop Tool Chest

Brent Heyhorn - Smoker

The motivation behind this project stems from a need to house my woodworking hand tools in an organised tool chest. Prior to the creation of my major project, my tools were stored tightly in a toolbox where it became very time consuming to find and use a certain tool.

I wanted to build this project as it would prove to be a difficult task that would test the skills I have developed over the course. I chose a project that would get used in my household and not sit collecting dust. I enjoy a good smoked meat, so why buy the smoked meat when I can make my own.

The project is for and will be mostly used by myself. I plan on utilising this tool chest to store my tools in the future.

The process of creating my major project presented many challenges, in my planning and managing skills, and my ability to design and alter those designs. More specifically it challenged my woodworking skills by incorporating advanced fine woodworking skills such as; an inlaid dovetail, Japanese dovetail (sunrise joint) and various types of mortice and tenons.

Challenges with my project were constant, I felt advice from teachers was the most helpful. I researched woodworking magazines and searched online to problem solve as well.

I learnt that the process of creating something you truly believe in is worth it, even if the challenges may seem daunting.

The project is mainly for me, but my family will enjoy using it too and will certainly like the food that comes from it.

I had much support during the project, but my grandad was a massive help during the construction of the smoker, as he provided me with tools and equipment to complete the project at his yard while the COVID pandemic was at its peak. He also connected me to a sandblaster for free to rid the tank of rust and he also sourced the tank for free.

Many skills were learnt during the production, and these skills will be great for future projects, as they taught me fundamental skills like welding techniques, which will prove handy for future endeavours.

In the future I will continue with woodwork as a hobby, I find pleasure in it.

Bayley Suters - Entertainment Unit Alex Engeler - Hall Table & Chess Board I chose the Hall Table project as it is a perfect size that can display items but is not too heavy to transport. The Hall Table will be sitting in the hallway of my house.

I am also a Design & Technology student and decided to design and produce a Chess Board to solve an issue for people with tremors. The project is designed for people who suffer from tremors but would like to play Chess.

I had a few challenges with both of my projects, but the main one was that there were so many different curves and angles that were extremely difficult to cut or shape.

I overcame these challenges by completing a fair bit of research, prototyping and experimentation.

The skills I gained during the builds will be extremely useful to expand my current business and display my work in the carpentry projects completed for clients.

Something funny that happened was midway through the Hall Table project when I assembled the frame of the table and it was knocked off the workbench and broke.

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I chose to undertake this project as my brother had an outdated entertainment unit in his house and a new unit was needed. This piece allowed me to display a wide range of different skills and techniques and also, design the style of the job to match the styles in the home.

I faced a few obstacles completing this project; the first obstacle I faced was the ‘Leigh Jig’ did not suit the size of my timber, resulting in me being unable to cut my dovetails quickly and effectively using the router. I had to cut each dovetail by hand, taking a ridiculous amount of time, which put me behind schedule in a major way. Then, COVID had a profound impact on the construction of my job, as we were stuck at home and I was unable to finish my job by the due date.

We were asked what we learnt about ourselves during the project and I learnt that I am a perfectionist and a procrastinator, which made me very slow. I couldn’t afford to lose time during the process because it slowly all added up to a big chunk of time.

Funny moment: When Sir accidentally dropped my chevron drawer front and it smashed into pieces.

It was quite a frustrating moment, but we still got a laugh out of it.

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S T G RE GO R Y ’ S CO L LEGE

Events

Parent Engagement Mrs Ally Buckley - Parent Engagement Coordinator

Marcellin Champagnat valued a sense of ‘Family Spirit’, and we work hard to ensure that it is experienced by all families at St Gregory’s College.

Lockdown mummies

K

eeping our parents connected and informed is critical as our Parent Forums allow face to face communication to be shared by our teaching staff along with parent engagement with opportunities for questions and feedback to the College.

Listening to our parent community brings with it growth and strategic thought, witnessed, even more, this year as we embraced technology and moved our Parent Forums into a mix of face to face and online capacities. The Q&A features online allowed parents to still participate

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with questions and allowed us to record the forums and share them via YouTube for parents to view at a convenient time.

This online capacity allowed for a larger number of parents to participate along with more connections from our Boarding families.

A focus for our forums is to share with parents relevant and topical insights.

Some highlights for 2021 included a detailed exploration of the PYP Programme in the Junior School and a presentation on Drug Use relating to e-Cigarettes and Vaping in Australian

teenagers by Mr Vetrano and Mr O’Brien for the Senior School.

We are so lucky to have such a huge parent volunteer army at St Gregory’s which directly benefits our students. Parent volunteers were welcomed into the College at the start of the year for the College Open Day, Swimming Carnival, Cross Country, classroom helping and banking all of which would not have been possible without the help from our parents.

Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions volunteers were greatly missed at the College in Terms 3 and 4.

St Gregory’s College places enormous value on our parents being part of our community, especially sharing in events with their sons and daughters. We commenced our year off with the ever-popular Mother’s Day Breakfast for K-6, Years 7 and Year 8. We hosted our inaugural Family Trivia Night with the evening bringing together family teams in a night of fun, laugher, games and woodfired pizza. We loved having families join us during the day to share a picnic for Lunch on the Lawn. We also invited Year 10 boys and their parents to their first family evening that included art and sporting activities. Families participated

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in a lesson delivered by our Art staff, which involved lots of experimenting and working together using straws to blow coloured and iridescent inks to create abstract artwork. The evening concluded with dinner in the Boarders’ Dining Hall, and each family leaving with a memento, their abstract artwork! The evening was a fabulous night for the boys and their families.

COVID-19 put a grinding halt to hosting families onsite at the College, but we were still able to come together for a K-12 Virtual Trivia evening with families joining in the crazy spirit by dressing up.

Although it was online, there was much fun and congratulations to the winners on the night; 1st Place

The Cocco Family

2nd Place The Gould Family 1st Place Fancy Dress ‘Lockdown Mummies’ The Degeling Family

2021 brought with it many challenges that required our students to be agile and required parents to be ‘teachers’, as online learning was introduced for Term 3 and part of Term 4. The College is greatly appreciative of the care and patience shown by our parents for their amazing contribution and support as we all juggled this new environment. We certainly are blessed with a wonderful community at St Gregory’s and we all look forward to having our parents back onsite in 2022.

“

The College is greatly

Virtual Familly Trivia

appreciative of the care and patience shown by our parents for their amazing contribution

”

and support …

Virtual Familly Trivia

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S TAFF

New staff welcomed to St Gregory’s College in 2021.

News

Welcome to New Staff

St Greg’s has benefitted from the arrival of several new members to our College.

Miss Bianca Suraci Enrolments Registrar (K-12) Ms Bianca Suraci commenced at St Gregory’s College on Monday 18 October 2021 as the new Enrolments Registrar (K-12).

Bianca was previously employed as the Administration Officer at Challenge Community Services, a foster carer agency and NDIS provider. In this role, she had responsibility for a wide breadth of office management duties including staff training and induction, events management, budgeting, and team communications.

Prior to this, Bianca worked as a Schools Administration Officer.

Bianca has completed a Certificate IV in Business Administration along with a Statement of Attainment in Executive Skills. More recently, Bianca fulfilled the requirements to be awarded a Certificate IV in Human Resources.

“

Welcoming staff. Nice rural

She has also partially completed a Bachelor of Commerce Degree with a dual major specialising in marketing and management. Apart from her formal qualifications, Bianca has achieved advanced proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Suite and Adobe and a range of other software used in delivering presentations. She is also very experienced and highly literate in the use of a range of social media platforms.

Bianca also brings to this role a demonstrated strong background in areas such as customer service and positive stakeholder engagement, effective change management processes, facilitation of complex team collaboration exercises as well as highly developed verbal and written communication skills. The College extends a very warm welcome to Bianca as she joins the St Gregory’s College community, and we wish her every success and happiness in this new role and for her time at the College.

”

environment. Friendly students!

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Miss Skye Baxter Farm Assistant Ms Skye Baxter commenced on Monday 26 July in the role of Farm Assistant. Skye had recently completed a very successful fourmonth temporary appointment in this role, demonstrating a tremendous willingness to gain considerable new knowledge and skills to add to her previous range of farm experiences.

In addition to the work on the farm, Skye has also been involved in supporting the educational program at the College, including the agricultural shows and Show Team.

Prior to her time at St Greg’s, Skye held a range of Farm Hand positions with companies such as Settler Simmentals, Muscateer Valley Lowlines and Mill Farm Silkies. She has completed a Certificate II in Agriculture and she also has several other achievements to her name including the 2019 Tocal Beef Cattle

Mr Nicholas Bestulic HSIE (History) Teacher Assessment Scholarship, 2018 Hawkesbury Junior Showgirl and member of the 2016 Western Sydney University Forum.

Apart from her direct work with farm animals, including cattle, sheep and poultry, Skye has experience with equipment maintenance and farm machinery operation. She has also gained experiences in livestock handling, farm maintenance, feeding routines and workplace health and safety. Skye also has experience preparing livestock for shows, including educating students on the way to handle and care for livestock.

We congratulate Skye and we wish her a very happy and successful time at the College.

Skye also has experience “ preparing livestock for shows, including educating students on the way to handle and care for livestock.

”

Mr Nicholas Bestulic commenced his employment at St Gregory’s College on Monday 16 August 2021. Nicholas is a graduate of St Gregory’s College, completing his Higher School Certificate in 2016. He then commenced his tertiary studies and has since successfully completed a Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology & Ancient History and Philosophical Psychology) through the University of Wollongong.

Nicholas is currently nearing completion to fulfil the requirements for a Masters Degree (Secondary Teaching – HSIE) and Graduate Certificate in Religious Education through the Australian Catholic University.

Nicholas has recently been engaged in a combination of paid and voluntary work as a private English Tutor assisting adults to improve their verbal, written, and reading English skills, in preparation for their International English Language Testing System Exam (IELTS). In following his passion for archaeology, Nicholas was the excavation team leader in the University of Wollongong Archaeological Excavation in 2019 involved with the archaeological excavation and research of the Bundanon Trust sight, Illaroo for which he was required to submit an extensive report on the team findings.

We congratulate Nicholas on his appointment and extend a warm welcome back to the St Gregory’s College community.

We take this opportunity to wish Nicholas all the very best as he commences this position.

St Gregory’s College, completing his Higher School “Nicholas is a graduate of Certificate in 2016. ”

Mr Andrew Andrews Science Teacher We congratulate Mr Andrew Andrews on his appointment to the position of Science teacher.

Andy commenced his employment with St Gregory’s College during Term 3. He was previously employed as the Assistant Science Coordinator at De La Salle College Bankstown, a position he also held in his time at Kogarah Marist. Andy was also employed for sixteen years at Waverley College where he was a Year Coordinator for eight years.

the Australian Catholic University. Andy is a very experienced teacher, having taught Stage 4 & 5 Science for twenty-eight years and Stage 6 Chemistry for twenty-one years. He is an experienced marker of HSC Chemistry and his students have excelled with his dynamic, challenging and learnerorientated approach. Science and Chemistry, in particular, has been a lifelong passion for Andy and this shines through and inspires his students. Outside of the classroom, Andy has been actively involved in coaching debating, cricket, football, and tennis teams.

Andy holds a Bachelor of Science and Diploma in Education, both from the University of Sydney. He also completed a Graduate Certificate in Chemistry through

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Ms Judith Tolomeo Director of Teaching and Learning Replacing Mrs Louise Millar as the College’s Director of Teaching and Learning is Ms Judith Tolomeo. Judith was previously employed as the Curriculum Coordinator at Mount Carmel Catholic College, a position she has held since 2014. She also held the position of Numeracy Instructional Coach. Previously, Judith was the PDHPE Coordinator at Good Samaritan Catholic College, Hinchinbrook from 2003-2013 and prior to this she held positions at schools overseas and in Australia, including being the PDHPE Advisor in the Southern Region of Sydney Catholic Schools.

Judith has completed a Bachelor of Applied Science and Graduate Diploma of Education from the University of Western Sydney as well as a Post Graduate Certificate in Sports Education from the same institution. She is currently

completing a Master of Theology Degree through the University of Newcastle. Judith has taught a range of courses in the PDHPE area across Stages 4, 5 and 6, including the mandatory PDHPE course, Community and Family Studies, Physical Activity and Sports Science and Sports Lifestyle and Recreation.

She also has had previous experience teaching Agriculture and Science.

Apart from her school leadership positions, Judith is currently part of the Teacher Expert Network (TENS) with NESA and she has also held roles including being the Newman Coordinator, NAPLAN Group Leader, Diocesan Program and Policy team member as well as being an experienced HSC marker. Judith is a member of the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat and has completed Marist formation programs including Footsteps.

Judith is currently part of “ the Teacher Expert Network (TENS) with NESA… ”

S TAFF

News

Farewell to Staff Mr Rick Nieuwenhuis Mr Rick Nieuwenhuis concluded his employment on Friday 30 July after twenty-three years of dedicated service to St Gregory’s College.

Rick commenced his employment in May 1998 as a Farm Assistant, with a background of working in a range of roles related to sheep and cattle farming, following the completion of his Advanced Diploma of Farm Management from the University of Sydney Orange Agricultural College. In 2008, Rick was appointed to the position of Farm Manager.

Throughout his twenty-three years at St Gregory’s College, Rick demonstrated his obvious passion and an unwavering and wholehearted commitment to the College’s Farm, Agriculture program and Show Team along with the very significant redevelopment of the whole of the agricultural precinct over the last two decades.

Rick has been integral to the planning, design, development, and implementation of so many upgrades and improvements during his tenure in the role as Farm Manager. Among many changes, Rick has played a critical role in tree plantings, paddock fencing, pasture improvement, stock breeding program, access paths to the Southern Precinct and overall, an incredible and remarkable facelift of the whole precinct to the current excellent standard.

all these interactions and through all his work, Rick has been a significant influence in maintaining agriculture as an integral part of the College’s endeavours.

Rick has also been a central part of the many successes and achievements during his very lengthy involvement with the Show Team program. Despite ongoing success at a wide range of agricultural shows over many years, Rick would rate the successes in 2013 as being a very significant highlight in his time at St Greg’s. In that year the College secured many gold and silver medals at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and it was a fantastic year overall for the agriculture program and Show Team.

Whilst a very humble man and not seeking any acknowledgement, Rick can be assured that his magnificent contributions over more than two decades have placed St Gregory’s College at the forefront of agricultural schools and we are grateful for his very generous and tremendous commitment to ensuring that we are able to offer such a wonderful program for the students.

In short, Rick Nieuwenhuis has made an outstanding contribution to St Gregory’s College, and we are indebted to him for his highly significant contributions over this very extended period. He has impacted in such a positive way and his expertise will be greatly missed. We take this opportunity to thank him most sincerely for his outstanding service and commitment and we offer Rick every best wish for his future and God’s blessings for his time beyond St Gregory’s College.

Rick worked closely with several Agriculture Coordinators and many Agriculture staff over his years at St Greg’s and he also had a strong connection with the late Br Luke Smyth. Rick formed excellent relationships with many other staff, both non-teaching and teaching, and through

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Mr Peter Hogan Mr Peter Hogan finishes up at St Gregory’s College in a transition to retirement on 10 December 2021.

To say that Peter is a long-serving member of the College Community is an absolute understatement. Peter commenced teaching at the College in 1979 specialising in Sociology, Special Education, PDHPE and English. Apart from some shortterm periods of long service leave, Peter has been a continuous member of the staff at St Gregory’s College for an incredible 43 years! A truly magnificent achievement!

Peter has served the College with distinction over a long period of time, and in that time, he has given his heart and soul to the College in so many ways. He has touched the lives of many young men as a teacher, a leader, a role model and mentor, a friend and as a confidant. As an extremely highly regarded and respected member of the community, Peter is often brought up during old boy celebrations where he is fondly remembered as being a firm but fair man who maintained good relationships and who encouraged his students to be the best men they could be. Peter has also been a wonderful colleague to so many staff members and we know that his impact will forever be in their hearts and minds.

At the Mass to celebrate the Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat in 2019, Peter was recognised for his forty years of service to Marist education.

At that time, the College gave Peter a resounding vote of genuine and wholehearted thanks and congratulations for his unfailing

commitment and unwavering support of the Marist Charism and his 40 years of service in a Marist School. Though the sustained applause said it all, this was a difficult moment for Peter given his lifelong embodiment of the three hallmark virtues of humility, simplicity, and modesty.

In 1993 Peter was appointed to the position of Year Coordinator and since that time, he has led both Year 9 and Year 10. As a Year Leader, Peter has inspired and motivated many young men. Peter’s ability to support students and their wellbeing comes naturally, and his interactions with our young men are met with wisdom, kindness, and a strong sense of justice. Peter has always been the voice of reason and exhibits the utmost professionalism and respect. Peter has been the quintessential gentleman. The young men whom he has led have been challenged to be empathetic, respectful, and accepting of diversity. Encouraging and consistent, he has demonstrated great compassion for the more vulnerable students under his care.

Peter recounts that, throughout his extended period of employment at St Gregory’s, he has been extremely fortunate, indeed blessed to be part of a wonderful community and family. St Gregory’s College holds and will always hold a special place in Peter’s life, heart, and soul.

In his letter of resignation, Peter indicated his struggles coming to this decision, given that his movement into retirement will be such a significant and life-changing event. However, it will allow Peter to spend more time with his children and three young grandchildren. We take this opportunity to acknowledge Peter’s outstanding contribution to St Gregory’s College and we wish Peter every happiness and God’s blessings as he transitions into his retirement.

has been a continuous member of the “staffPeter at St Gregory’s College for an incredible 43 years! ” 70 S T G R E G O RY ’ S C O L L E G E | Hearts & Minds

Ms Kerryn Doherty Ms Kerryn Doherty concluded her appointment on Friday 5 November to take on a permanent English teaching position at Magdalene Catholic College. Kerryn commenced her employment at St Gregory’s in mid-2018 as a new graduate and, over the last three years, she has been a highly valued and respected member of the teaching staff. She has predominantly taught English across Stages 4-6 and she has been extensively involved in the College’s cocurricular program. In addition, Kerryn has held the position of Assistant Year 7 Leader in 2021.

Kerryn is acknowledged and thanked for the great enthusiasm that she brought to her classroom teaching and for her willingness

Mr Michael Bullock Mr Michael Bullock finishes up at St Gregory’s College on 10 December 2021 to take on a new position at Oran Park Anglican College in 2022.

Michael commenced his employment in 2019 as a permanent fulltime PDHPE and Catholic Studies teacher and the College’s First XIII Rugby League coach. In 2020, he was appointed to the position of Stage 5 Boarding Coordinator, a position he has held for the past two years. Throughout the last three years, Michael has taught courses in PDHPE, Catholic Studies and VET. In particular, he has been integral to the very successful introduction of the VET Fitness course.

Beyond the classroom, Michael has been extensively involved in sports coaching, not just in his capacity as the College’s First XIII Coach, but also in further developing the rugby league program. He has worked hard to continually

to be extensively involved in areas beyond the classroom. Her commitment to both the weekday sports program and Saturday sport through coaching and managing teams has been outstanding.

In her resignation letter, Kerryn mentioned that this was an extremely difficult decision for her, but this opportunity provides the chance to further her career in another school. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunities that St Gregory’s has offered her, noting that this time has been a real growth experience that will help guide her as she moves forward with her teaching career. Kerryn feels truly blessed to have started her career as a teacher at such a remarkable school. We take this opportunity to sincerely thank Kerryn for her devoted service and commitment to the College over the past three years and we wish her every success as she embarks on this new opportunity.

raise the profile of rugby league. He has also been consistently involved in coaching teams in areas such as cricket, athletics, touch football and swimming. In short, his contribution to the co-curricular program has been outstanding.

In the boarding community, Michael has also made a very significant impact in a short space of time. He has set high expectations of the students, maintained regular contact with families and provided tremendous support to the young men entrusted to his care. He has been an excellent mentor and role model for the young men and a highly valued member of the boarding community team.

Prior to commencing at St Gregory’s College, Michael worked in a variety of roles including sports coach, holiday camp trainer, personal trainer, Primary School PDHPE teacher, CrossFit Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach.

This wealth and range of different experiences have been a great asset to the College, along with Michael’s very high calibre of personal qualities. His long association with St Gregory’s extends back to 2004 when he commenced as

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a student. To this day, Michael has retained his enthusiasm, passion and commitment to the College. However, after a period of discernment, he has made the decision to take on a new opportunity that will allow him to spend more time with his wife and young family.

In his letter of resignation, Michael recounts that the last three years have been an amazing experience. Apart from taking on his first permanent teaching role and working across three departments, he also expressed his gratitude for being provided with the opportunities to have coached the First XIII Rugby League whilst developing the rugby league program and being appointed as a Boarding Coordinator. Michael mentions

Mr Luke Wilson Mr Luke Wilson concludes his employment with St Gregory’s College at the end of this year to take up a position at Chevalier College, Bowral at the beginning of 2022.

Luke commenced his employment with St Gregory’s College in 2007 when he was employed as a Live-in Supervisor in Senan House. In 2008 he commenced a PDHPE teaching position and took on the position of Alfred House Coordinator from 2008-2009. Throughout all his time at St Greg’s, Luke has been an extremely valued and respected member of the staff. The College has been blessed to have Luke as a teacher and a leader over the past 14 years. He has been an outstanding practitioner and a wonderful person. Luke has served with great distinction, and he has left a massive imprint on the St Gregory’s College community.

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that he will always look back with fond memories and with a smile on his face taking many great memories of forming wonderful friendships with fellow staff members and amazing bonds with many great young men.

Michael states that he and his family will always have St Gregory’s in their hearts, but they are also excited with their plans to transition to their new home to be built on the south coast at some point in the hopefully not too distant future. We take this opportunity to thank Michael for his tremendous contributions to the College community over the past three years and we wish him, Sarah and their young family all the very best, every success and happiness and God’s blessings in the next chapter of their lives.

Luke is commended for his embodiment of the Marist Charism through presence, simplicity, and his emphasis on family spirit together with his strong endorsement and support of the principles of Strong Minds and Gentle Hearts. He has consistently displayed collaborative and relational leadership through his calm, approachable, receptive, and optimistic approach and manner. It is obvious to all of us that Luke has a very positive and strong rapport and connection with the students along with a great care and concern for their wellbeing and holistic development. He displays excellent commitment and professionalism, respectful interactions, great integrity as a person and he has been an excellent role model to the boys and staff.

Luke has taught the full range of courses within PDHPE across all Stages. He has been an excellent teacher, engaging and motivating students and developing strong relationships with his students. He has always set high standards and challenged students to give of their best. Luke has taught Stage 6 PDHPE for the last twelve years, with strong results, including once particularly notable achievement with Rhys Graham scoring 97 in PDHPE in the 2010 HSC. He has been an HSC Marker of PDHPE for the last seven

years, and Senior Marker for the last two years.

Luke has also been an active member of the PDHPE Department, including being the Acting Leader of Learning for one term in 2015.

Luke has held the roles of Assistant Year Leader and Acting Year 9 Leader. From 20172020 Luke held the position of Year 7 Leader and this year he has been the Year 8 Leader.

In this role, Luke has been highly effective at introducing the students into the Senior School and providing them with wonderful support.

In particular, he has set and defended the standard and ensured that the students always responded positively. With formal training in counselling, Luke has been well placed and especially able to support students experiencing challenges and difficulties in their lives. His compassionate and reassuring support for

Mr Lee MacMaster After three years as the College Principal (K-12), the College farewells Mr Lee MacMaster at the end of 2021.

Since his appointment for the start of 2019, Lee has consistently led St Gregory’s College Campbelltown with distinction. His focus on the faith life of the College, leadership of learning, continued development of the Junior School and other important capital works, have been greatly appreciated by parents, students, and staff. His decisive interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic have been highly valued and influential within and beyond the resilient and supportive St Greg’s community. As we can all appreciate, this would have been a very difficult decision for Lee knowing that he would be leaving behind St Gregory’s College, given that he has been so highly invested in giving his all for the betterment of all members of our College community over the past three years.

As a leader, leaving a legacy is something that is entrusted to you. When you leave, you want to ensure that you have left things in a stronger

these students, indeed all of the boys directly under his care, has been outstanding.

Outside of the classroom, Luke has been extensively involved in the co-curricular life of the College. He has coached and refereed rugby union, along with coaching Premiership teams in MCS Rugby League, MCS Football and Athletics.

Luke has also developed great familiarity with the northern beaches, having been involved in the Year 7 camp at Narrabeen on eight occasions!

He has also attended Senior Retreats, both the role of group facilitator and presenter, including a session on Masculinity in 2016.

We warmly congratulate Luke on his recent appointment, and we sincerely thank him for his outstanding contributions to St Gregory’s College. We wish him all the very best and God’s blessings for his time beyond St Greg’s.

place than when you joined. This challenge of legacy is set to all leaders to influence and inspire, so that their impact is felt in a positive way long after they have completed their time. Lee can finish up at St Gregory’s College knowing that he has moved the College forward in so many positive ways. But like Dr Seuss says, ‘Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.’ We certainly will be!

Lee will leave a legacy beyond his time at St Gregory’s College that he can be extremely proud of. In his time at the College, Lee has made a significant impact on school transformation, particularly in the areas of faith formation, learning and teaching, co-curricular involvement and bringing together the wider K-12 community.

Lee will be leaving a legacy of many programs, initiatives, and footprints in his time here as the College Principal. What is best for the students has always been at the forefront of his thinking and planning. His vision is dynamic, and his actions have been evident in so many areas.

Lee has been instrumental in setting the direction for St Gregory’s College as it approaches its centenary. His leadership of the strategic planning process to develop the College’s strategic priorities for 2020-2022 have laid a very strong foundation for a clear direction

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into the future. In fact, the four priorities within this plan provide a good snapshot of the strong emphasis that Lee has consistently placed on what matters: an authentic and engaged Catholic College in the Marist way; a learningcentred College; a respectful and unified College community; and sustainable and contemporary processes and facilities.

The strong and consistent emphasis and support for the history, traditions and culture of St Gregory’s College have been readily evident on many occasions. Quite often, Lee has drawn upon this rich heritage to instil into the hearts and minds of students, staff, and families the need to be faithful to the purposes for which the College was established and its place into the future. He has placed a strong emphasis on the College as a Catholic community in the Marist tradition as being at the centre of the College core business.

He has been supportive and actively engaged with the Marist Brothers’ community. He has maintained the strong traditions of Eucharistic celebrations and played a very hands-on role in improving student participation in Masses and other liturgical celebrations.

At the same time, it has never been a secret that Lee has a passion for learning and a strong commitment to ensuring that students and staff are fully immersed and engaged in their pursuit of lifelong learning and an unquenching desire to achieve improved educational outcomes. His strategic appointment of new positions within the College, such as Academic Care Leaders in the Senior School and Stage Leaders in the Junior School are but two examples of placing the emphasis on where it needs to be.

His dedication to ensuring that the College has an embedded contemporary learning culture has been evident through his focus on quality teaching and learning. As we move towards implementing a learning management system in the Senior School, he can be

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rightly satisfied that good progress is being made towards these goals.

On so many occasions, over the last three years, Lee has been proactively engaged in many events and activities that align with promoting a respectful and unified community. He has been a strong supporter of many initiatives around student and staff wellbeing. He has looked for ways to engage families such as through the Lunch on the Lawn, and other activity days for Senior School year groups and their families.

He has encouraged the use of blogs for parent communication and placed a strong emphasis on positive education transition programs. He was a staunch supporter of the National Day of Action Against Bullying, RUOK? Day, NAIDOC Week and other significant events that raise awareness of important issues. He has worked hard to market and promote the College and build enrolments in Boarding.

Lee has been very active in developing the College site and providing improved facilities for the students and staff. One of his first achievements was the design and construction of the Marist Way, linking the Junior and Senior campuses. In more recent times, he has led the planning for the current projects, including the Junior School undercover courts for basketball, netball, and volleyball; Senior School basketball courts and Futsal court; and new entrances to the Senior School Administration Building and top car park. In addition, planning is well underway for the construction of the new STEM facility in the Senior School, which will also provide spaces for Music and Food Technology and a theatre.

Of course, along with any great leader, there is wonderful support. Mrs Sue MacMaster, together with Mr MacMaster have both been magnificent and strong supporters of all College events.

Despite a demanding workload and competing priorities, he and Mrs MacMaster have had a consistent engagement and active presence in the full range of activities involving students from both the Junior School and Senior School. They have always been in attendance at weekday and Saturday sport; agriculture shows; public speaking and debating; activity days, camps, and retreats; the College musical; lunch on the lawn; and so many other events in the calendar. The Junior School, in particular, owes deep gratitude to Mrs MacMaster for being such a significant part of the Junior School family, generously giving of her time to read and assist in the infants’ classes. Her smile and presence at College events will also be missed. Mr and Mrs MacMaster, your giving nature and steadfast commitment to the College during your time here will be long remembered.

The College community has indeed been very fortunate to have been led by a person of Lee’s calibre over the last three years. He has brought great expertise and an absolute wealth of experience in Catholic education of more than forty years to the role. We have been blessed to be led by such a passionate, dedicated, and professional leader. While at St Gregory’s College,

Lee has brought about changes and initiatives which would have not been accomplished without his dedication and drive to improve the learning for all boys and girls, staff, and the development of the College’s physical environment. It is clear to all of us that building an engaged learning community that is entrenched in the Marist tradition has been a priority over the last three years.

We acknowledge Lee for his magnificent and tireless commitment to the College, as our colleague and as our leader. At the same time, we give due recognition to the significance of Lee’s appointment to this senior role as bearing testament to the breadth and depth of his long and distinguished career in highly successful educational leadership roles. We know that this will continue in his future work in the service of Catholic education.

Lee, thank you on behalf of the College community for your vision, your dedication, your effort, your support, and most of all thanks for all the memories that you have created in this community of learners. We wish both you and Mrs MacMaster every best wish and God’s blessing as you embark on a new part of your life journey.

From the perspective of the staff at St Gregory’s College, Lee has been a great colleague. Great colleagues are the kind of people you can rely on, get along with, share a joke or two with, and ask for help. He has definitely been all these things.

Many staff can attest to having deep gratitude for his kindnesses and unwavering support for them.

Lee truly cares for and supports his staff and never forgets to thank them for all that they do.

It is only fitting that we join together in one huge voice to say thank you to Lee for all that he has done for our community in his time as the College Principal.

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Wedding

Rachel Witheridge

of Emily James

Congratulations to the Witheridge Family on the recent birth of their son, Austin.

On Saturday 26 June 2021, Agriculture teacher Ms Emily James and RAAF Officer Flight Lieutenant Jason Hickson celebrated their wedding at the historic Fitzroy Inn in Mittagong NSW. Braving the chilly highlands weather, 65 guests including the College’s Agriculture faculty attended in style for the intimate afternoon ceremony and evening reception. The timing was impeccable, with Greater Sydney moving into lockdown that weekend, it was an opportune moment to spend with cherished friends and family.

We wish them all the best for their life together.

Welcome to the Family Congratulations to our staff and their families who welcomed little ones into the world. We wish them all well and look forward to meeting each and every one of them. May God bless them all.

Baby Austin Eli Witheridge was born on 14 September.

May God bless Rachel and her family.

Matthew Coffey Congratulations to Matt and Kristy Coffey on the recent birth of Billy, our newest member of the St Gregory’s College ‘family’.

Baby Billy Michael Coffey was born healthy and happy on Wednesday 11 August 2021 at 5.48pm weighing 7 lbs 6 oz and measuring 48.5cm long. Mum, Dad and new bub are doing well!

May God bless Kristy, Matt, Billy and their families.

Natasha Patao Congratulations to Natasha, Adam and Ellie Patao on the birth of Stephanie, their daughter and sister, and our newest member of the St Gregory’s College ‘family’.

Baby Stephanie was born healthy and happy on Wednesday 13 October at 11.01am weighing 3.45kg and measuring 49cm long. Mum, Dad, Ellie and new bub are doing well and are happy to be home as a family!

Natasha has let us know that Ellie is absolutely smitten with her baby sister and is a wonderful helper! May God bless the Patao family.

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Jana Stevens Congratulations to Jana and Chris Stevens on the birth of their son, Jake.

Baby Jake William Stevens was born healthy and happy on Friday 30 July 2021 at 8:56am weighing 6 lbs 8 oz and measuring 50.5cm long.

May God bless Jana, Chris and their family.

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College FOUNDATI ON

Message from the Chairman of the College Foundation

The College Foundation was formed in 1983 with the purpose of establishing a fund to assist the College in the development and improvement of facilities to enable the best possible physical and educational environment for the education of all students.

W

hile the restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID Pandemic have created great difficulties for the students and staff at the College, the Foundation has continued to deliver on its mission to provide funding to enable our students to enjoy the best facilities possible and to provide the opportunities for some students whose parents could not afford to send their children to St Gregory’s College.

In a very difficult year contributions by parents to the Foundation Building Fund have continued and the Foundation is most grateful for the ongoing support in what must be a very trying financial time.

Again, this year, many of the usual activities conducted by the Foundation have had to be cancelled. For the second year running, our major fundraising event, the Annual Celebrity Sports Dinner, could not proceed, however, the organising committee decided to proceed with an online raffle and silent auction.

The raffle commenced on Tuesday 5 October 2021 with prizes of $10,000.00 for 1st, $5,000.00 for 2nd and $2,500.00 for 3rd. The silent auction was launched on 1 November 2021 with some great items on offer. The raffle and the silent auction were both promoted via social media and community networks and there was a terrific response from the College community. The raffle and silent auction concluded on 12 November 2021 with the lucky raffle winners and successful purchasers at the auction being advised by phone and email.

In addition to the great support received for the raffle and silent auction we also received continuing support from our sponsors of the Dinner and I would like to acknowledge the following sponsors who made significant donations.

• Wests • Meehans Solicitors • Office Products Depot • DartWest • CDF Wollongong

“

The Foundation is most grateful for the

• • • • •

Chartwells Group Kaczanwski Braycharlo Estate Wakeling Motor Group Brancourt Family Dairy

• • • •

Simon Goold Architects Earthing Solutions TRN Meadows Family

On behalf of the Board of the Foundation can I extend much appreciation for the great support the Foundation has received, and we all look forward to being able to welcome people back to the College for future functions.

ongoing support in what must be a very trying

”

financial time.

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Bruce Hanrahan AM College Foundation Chairman

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OLD

Boys

From the President Old Boys Union

ARE YOUR DETAILS UP-TO-DATE?

Mr Stephen Bullock

The St Gregory’s College website is your home for information about Dear Old Boys, Despite being unable to provide a report on the events that would have occurred over the last few months, for obvious reasons, I write to you with great optimism for the upcoming 12 months, and I look forward to welcoming many of you back to the College for events that we will be able to host in 2022.

We have finalised event details and dates for Old Boy’s events for 2022:

reunions, events and news from the worldwide network of Old Boys.

It is also the easiest way to stay in touch.

Registering and keeping your details up-to-date takes only a few minutes, and helps us know where you are, what you are doing and how to reach you.

Visit: https://www.stgregs.nsw.edu.au/connect/old-boys-alumni/

• 50 Year (1972) Reunion Lunch – 19 March 2022 • Old Boys’ Oztag Day – 3 April 2022 • Old Boys Vintage Luncheon – 21 June 2022 • Old Boys’ Reunions – 25 June 2022

Visit our Old Boy’s Facebook page @stgregsoldboys Visit our St Gregory’s College Campbelltown Linked In page and join the Alumni page

• Old Boy’s Night at the Menangle Trots – 27 August 2022 • Marshall Rogers Golf Day – 24 November 2022 For the many who missed reunions in 2021, you will be provided with the opportunity to join with your fellow cohorts back at the College again in 2022 in what will hopefully be a large gathering of Old Boys from a variety of year groups.

During 2022, we would also encourage as many of you as possible to contact us if you are able to support the College in any way, this could be in the form of being a guest speaker at one of our assemblies or workshops, acting as a mentor for some of our students, supporting students financially or sponsoring one of our events, such as the Marshall Rogers Golf Day which is held in November.

Networking has been on our agenda for some time, and the Committee would like to explore ways where our Old Boys are able to better do this with each other throughout the next 12 months. This may be by way of social media advertising, LinkedIn, connection evenings or the like. If you have any suggestions, we would love to hear them.

Please send your ideas through to the team at foundation@stgregs.nsw.edu.au I can only hope throughout the next few Hearts & Minds publications, I can report back on the successful hosting of events as the College returns to a ‘more normal’ way of life, and that you all stay safe in the meantime.

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Do you know a College Old Boy who isn’t in contact with the College?

Please let them know they can email Mary Stepien at mstepien@stgregs.nsw.edu.au to add their details to our database.

Reunion

CLASS OF ’76

Drinks have been arranged to celebrate 45 years at the Orchard Hotel Chatswood, Saturday (1:00pm) 15 January 2022. Please send an email to tim_sullivan@hotmail.com, if you will be attending the informal reunion, so we can confirm numbers with the hotel.

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Grateful for Greg’s Old Boys’ stories

Bernie Haughey - Class of 1982

M

y name is Bernie Haughey and I attended St Gregory’s from 1977 to 1982. Dayboy 1977 - 1979 | Boarder 1980 - 1982

In August this year, following the publication of the first edition of ‘Hearts & Minds’, I offered an apology to Chad Henney (Old Boy of the College) for the wording changes I made to his submission – ‘Grateful for Greg’s – Old Boys’ stories.’

An extract from the apology – “Dear Chad, I want to apologise unreservedly to you and Joel for any hurt my previous decision may have caused and I hope you can accept that this in no way was intended to disrespect either of you or your relationship.

I hope the steps I have taken today go some way in demonstrating to you that I have listened and heard what you have had to say.”

Please find below the full version of Chad’s submission.

Mr Lee MacMaster - College Principal

Chad Henney - Class of 2007

A

fter graduating in 2007, I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications at the University of New South Wales. I now work as a television producer currently at Network Ten. Throughout my High School years and beyond, St Gregory’s taught me the value of working hard to achieve your goals - Quae Seminaveris Metes - and this has certainly helped me excel in my life and career.

My favourite part of my work is telling human stories and I have been given the opportunity to do this travelling around the world. St Greg’s always promoted its students to be active and responsible members of society and throughout my career, I have been able to give a voice to people, and their stories, who are often not heard.

One of the proudest projects I have worked on was when I partnered with an Australian charity, Midwife Vision, and filmed the work they do in cooperation with Tanzanian midwives, doctors and mothers in a public hospital in Dar es Salaam.

We are aiming to enter the currently untitled film to film festivals later in the year.

I have wonderful memories of school and the community and especially all the Brothers who lived faith in action. Brother Luke was a true gentleman and a fine example of devotion to God and all in the St Gregory’s family. Other outstanding men included Brother Ernest (Headmaster) and Brother Silverius (Maths Teacher) coaching the team in Athletics and taking us to many pre-season carnivals all over Sydney.

In 1982 our St Greg’s Athletics Team won the MCS Athletics Shield. I was lucky enough to be the Opens Athletics Champion that same year at St Greg’s.

I have the fondest memories of the St Gregory’s family including the Marist Brothers, the lay teachers and my fellow students. There was never a dull moment at the College because there was always action on the sporting field and action in many other classes. It was an honour and privilege to be a student. My older brothers Stephen, Mark and Nicholas also attended St Gregory’s. We appreciate the love, support and sacrifice that our parents Kevin and Joan made in allowing us to attend such a fine school family.

I was so inspired by the St Greg’s community religious and lay staff that I became a high school teacher.

I share a timeline below; • Saint Benedict’s Marist Auburn NSW

• Mount Carmel, Varroville, NSW

• Frawley College, Scarborough, QLD

• Saint Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe, QLD

I was dedicated with this teaching vocation for 34 years 1986 to 2020.

I have been married to my wife Sharon since 1993 and we have been blessed with 4 wonderful children; Karl, Alexandra, James and Luke (4 children in 4 years) and are living in Boondall, Queensland.

I have also been involved in Goju Ryu Karate since 1977 and frequently travel to Japan to train with my Japanese Sensei.

I have represented Australia twice while competing in Goju Ryu Karate; 1990 in Australia and 1992 overseas. In 1992 I gained two third places overseas in Hong Kong in the International Goju Kai Championships.

I decided to leave full time teaching last year and concentrate on the teaching of Life Skills through Karate www.agkk.com.au and the Skills For Life program for school students. www.skillsforlife.com.au

I look forward to what the future holds and producing more human-centred stories. Later in the year, I am excited to be getting married to my partner Joel.

Almost 15 years after graduating I am thankful for my experience at St Greg’s that has allowed me to reach my potential in all aspects of life.

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Garry Beard - Class of 1973

Bradyn Challis - Class of 2017

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y name is Bradyn Challis and I was a full time boarder from 2014 - 2017. I was only at St Greg’s for a short time, but they were some of the best and most memorable times of my life!

Being from Northern Riverina, Merriwagga to be exact, roughly 45 minutes from Griffith, my parents made the choice to send me on my way to a well-known school, which at the time,I had no idea existed. My parents knew harvest workers, from Ulladulla, who told us about how great this school was and that their boys attended when they lived in Campbelltown, and loved it. After graduating in 2017, I moved back to Griffith and undertook a TAFE course in Meat Retail (Butcher). I am still butchering and absolutely loving it. If you’re ever in Griffith make sure to stop by Central Butchery and mention you’re an Old Boy! I’m also a DJ and Music Producer, Vize Verza and while I was a student at St Greg’s, I was the resident DJ and this is where my skills were really honed. I would spend most of my free time either down at the farm or on my laptop making the ‘cringiest’ beats I could and then blasting music through speakers for the whole of Senan House to hear.

However, this certainly didn’t sit well with Miss Burke, that’s for sure!

My time in boarding helped me to grow and mature into the person I am today and I cannot thank everyone in the Boarding Houses enough, for looking after me through the years I was there! My time at Greg’s gave me a ‘can-do’ attitude and the notion that nothing is impossible. This is still my attitude to life after graduating and will continue to be so.

The things I loved the most about St Greg’s and boarding, would have to be the farm.

The farm for me became the home away from home. Having grown up where I did, the farm definitely settled the nerves of being so far away from home. Being able to represent the College in shows such as Sydney Royal Easter Show, Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show, Dubbo Show and a whole host of local shows, was an eye opening experience. My highest achievement would most definitely be making the State judging final for judging meat breed sheep. Although I didn’t make it any further, this was one of the highlights for me, that’s just to name one, however, there were many of these, from representing the school on and off the field, I have taken everything I learnt to heart and use it in my day to day life.

I’m grateful to everyone who helped and supported me in my time at Greg’s and I cannot thank you all enough!

There is so much more I could say, but for now short and sweet, Maroon and Blue will never walk alone.

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left St Gregory’s and went to the University of NSW to study Civil Engineering. I left in my second year and started work for the Australian Pipeline Commission on the natural gas pipeline from Moomba to Goulburn. I joined the line working for the testing crew, 250km west of West Wyalong through to Boorowa.

I went back to Sydney and bought a one-way ticket to London where I back-packed and clocked up 1,200 miles around the UK. My itinerary consisted of the countries; Amsterdam, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Russia, Poland & Germany on the return. Then down to Switzerland, Italy & out to the Greek Islands. Headed back to Australia via public transport through Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal then Thailand and home.

After being away 10 months, I returned to the work force and had a courier company, I also sold door to door Glory Boxes, worked in wedding reception houses & bar work at St George Motor Boat Club & Mic Morlands Hotel, Sans Souci as a Bar Manager.

I then joined the family business, which is now 45 years ago, as an upholsterer and we just celebrated 121 years in business! We had one factory in Sans Souci 1700sq mts and 32 people.

Turnover then was $3m.

Today, we have over 50, 000sq mts spread across Qld, NSW, VIC, TAS, SA, WA & NZ. 450 staff & exporting finished product, made in Australia, to China, Hong Kong, Thailand, South Korea & Papua New Guinea. Today, our annual turnover is $150m!

The Board of Directors today consists of myself as Chairman & Managing Director, my brother Allyn as a fellow Director, a CEO, CFO & a non-executive who is the daughter of one of our sisters.

The business is still 100% still family owned, with 4 shareholders; my two sisters Christine & Lexie, brother & myself. Now with 3 children from the 5th generation working in the business. Our father, Austin William Beard left in 2004 & Mum in 2018.

I am now happily married to Margaret Veronica and celebrating 39 years together in 2021.

We have four children; Sally Anne, 37 (Working for AHB) who is married to Owen, 40 (Selfemployed builder) & they have four children Paisley 4, Hugo 3, Lilly 2 & Florence 1.

Austin Matthew Beard, 35 (Working for AHB) married to Jess, 34 (homely mum) & they have children, Charlotte 3 & Albert who was born on 20 May this year.

Anthony Thomas Beard, 30 (Musician in a band called Caravana Sun & own label called Caspia) married to Sarah, 30 (Midwife at RPA).

Rachel Elizabeth, 28 (Working at AHB) partner Luke Mahony, 26.

Triumphs in my life…

• The privilege Mum and Dad gave me with Boarding at St Greg’s for 6 years, living with the Marist Brothers and to have great mates today from the College.

• Back packing overseas.

• Meeting & marrying my beautiful wife and best mate Margaret.

• Having 4 beautiful & healthy children.

• Joining the family company 45 years ago.

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• Member of Australian Made since 1984.

• Been a Director of Family Business Australia over many years since 1999.

• Received the Family Business Award in 1999.

• Received the Chairman’s Award for myself for service in 2018.

• Working with Mission Australia over 8 years ago, stopping 7 beds going into landfill. Today through Soft Landing this year alone, we will have stopped over 600,000 pieces going into landfill across NSW, Vic, & WA! • November 2020 received a grant from the Federal Government to start the Australia Bedding Stewardship Council to involve all parts of our industry to maximise the end of life of raw materials from bedding.

aircraft manufacturing industry at Hawker de Havilland, Bankstown. In 1988 I started a business locally manufacturing and selling bicycles that have been a major part of my life ever since, supplying World Champions, Paralympian’s and a Prime Minister.

As I’ve heard said many times, St Gregs turns boys into men and school programs, like “The Rite Journey”, are a great initiative that I think is well-timed at what can also be a challenging time of life for some teens.

I would like to thank teachers; Br Ernest, Peter Mulholland, Br John Honan, Peter Hogan and others for their perseverance and the experience that St Greg’s offered, which has not been lost on me.

• Making it to 65.

• Having fifty A.H. Beard stores in China, selling Australian Made A.H. Beard bedding. www.shahbeard.com • Being part of a family business that has survived World Wars, Depressions, Recessions, Credit squeezes and Stock Market crashes.

• Today to have gone into COVID with 450 people and come out the other side with no losses.

• Being one of the companies featured in “Family Business Success Stories” alongside some great aussie names.

• Able to travel the world & meet like- minded people in the bedding game.

Paul Hillbrick - Class of 1984

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t is with gratitude and thanks to my parents for allowing me to experience four years of my Senior school life at St Gregory’s (1981 – 1984). It’s not until you are a parent and you start to consider your own child’s education, that you understand what your parents had to deal with when choosing an education provider.

I hold fond memories of St Greg’s and the friendships and acquaintances made, some that still exist forty years later! As a student, I didn’t realise the greater community that St Greg’s was part of and that some of the teachers were highly respected within the Macarthur region and continue to be.

At the age of thirteen, and with the help of St Greg’s staff and my parents, my energies outside of school were channelled into the sport of cycling, in which I competed.

With the sound of the final school bell, my challenge was to escape by bike and try to make it past the old cattle grid, before the words of “encouragement” blared out of the windows of the school bus heading towards Campbelltown Station.

After realizing that I was probably better suited to starting a career earlier in life, I commenced an apprenticeship in the

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Ryan Hoffman - Class of 2002

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yan has had a successful career in Rugby League. He has played 325 NRL games, 265 Storm Games and 60 NZ Warriors games. He has represented NSW and Australia.

In 2014 he won NSW Player of the Year and was awarded the Origin Series Winner. Ryan is currently the Football Operations Manager at Melbourne Storm.

I started at St Gregory’s in 1998 where I went into Year 9. I moved from South Australia and having lived in Campbelltown several years before, I had known of St Greg’s and always wanted to attend.

I loved it so much I actually stayed on an extra year. I did the Pathways Program and did my Year 12 over 2 years (2001/2002). I was playing Reserve Grade for Wests in my last 2 years and the College allowed me to do all my rugby league commitments without letting my schoolwork suffer.

I was a day student, but I spent a lot of time with the Boarders. That was one of the best things about the group of fellas I went to school with. We all got along whether you were a day boy or boarder.

I absolutely loved my time there. A lot of people looked forward to leaving school, but I loved it. Some of the best memories were footy related. Starting off playing U14’s on the terraces to eventually playing on MCS 1 and having the whole College do a tunnel out onto the field. Hearing Sub Tuum midway through a game. Doing the Hoolipop after winning the Schoolboy Cup in 2000 with the whole College there at the Sydney Football Stadium and then seeing the number of Old Boys that had come to reunite with each other, watch the game and eventually celebrate with us afterwards! Swimming carnivals, Champagnat Day, school camps, Mr Townsend having us watch the ‘Life of Brian’ for History and quoting the movie for the next 3 years whenever we saw him. I am also old enough to remember the College Rodeo which was always a great weekend.

The blokes I went to school with were all fantastic and had a great relationship with the teachers.

St Greg’s reunited me with two blokes who became my best mates and were both best men at my wedding. Chris Britton and Steven Feeny. I first knew Chris when we played footy together in U6’s then I moved after that year and didn’t see him again until I started at St Greg’s nearly 10 years later.

Same with Steve, we played cricket together in U10’s then I moved and again we reunited in Year 9.

They are just two fellas but I went to school with so many great people. I have also met so many people who were not even at the College when I was there but the fact they went to St Greg’s gave us that immediate connection and that is something I have found so important in later life. Having a connection with people through shared experience lets you know that you will always have someone who has walked the same path and that can be really comforting.

There are many things I learned from being at St Greg’s, but the biggest thing would have to be the motto. Quae Seminaveris Metes (You will reap what you sow). This to me is fundamental to success. You don’t get rewards without putting in the work first. It has served me well in football and life.

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Virtual Tours In July of this year, we launched our new website and to complement it, we also launched the K-12 College Virtual Tour! You can take a flight through our Senior, Junior and Boarding facilities and view 360’s, photos and videos along your journey.

Virtual Tours are a very helpful tool for students and parents weighing up Colleges or as a substitute for those unable to visit.

We hope you enjoy the St Gregory’s College virtual tours!

K–12 Campus

Junior School Classroom

Junior School Library

Brother Luke Hall

College Chapel

College Farm

Marian Learning Centre & Library

Boarding Facilities

Senior Boarding Room

Senior Cafe & Dining Hall

Science Laboratory

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Technologies Centre

Visual Arts Rooms

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100 Badgally Road, Gregory Hills NSW 2557 100 Badgally Road, Gregory Hills NSW 2557

Telephone: 024629 46294222 4222 Telephone: 02

Email: Email:enquiries@stgregs.nsw.edu.au enquiries@stgregs.nsw.edu.au

www.stgregs.nsw.edu.au www.stgregs.nsw.edu.au Follow us on

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Hearts & Minds