2 July 2025

Term 2

As Term 2 draws to a close and we reach the halfway mark of the 2025 school year, we pause for a moment to acknowledge all the wonderful opportunities, both in and out of the classroom, our staff have provided for our students during Term 2; celebrate academic and sporting success and reflect on the great community spirit that is constantly on display at St Catherine’s.

Looking forward, Term 3 promises to be one to remember with preparations for our 150 Year Anniversary well underway. We also ask you to keep our Year 12 Class of 2025 in your thoughts as they prepare for the Trial HSC Exams and embark on their last term of schooling.

Thank you for your continued support of our staff and students.

St Catherine’s Catholic College Staff

Student Spotlight

Tyson Williams

Congratulations to Tyson who continues to excel in motorcycling. Tyson completed and won Round 1 of the NSW State titles on the 85 and placed 3^rd on the 125.  He rode consistent placing 1^st in all 3 heats on the 85 and 3^rd in all 3 heats on the 125. He is continuing training for the next rounds. Good luck for the next rounds, Tyson!

Thomas Wake

Year 2 student Thomas Wake competed in the Semex Youth Challenge at the 2025 Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Eleven teams, approximately 110 youth, competed in the competition this year. Teams compete in three sections - parading, clipping and dairy judging. Thomas was a part of the Agri-Gene team. His role, along with two of his teammates, was placing four dairy cows and outlining their reasons. The Agri-Gene team placed first in a tough competition. 

Thomas and family went on to achieve Most Successful Dairy Breeder, Most Successful Brown Swiss exhibitor, Senior Champion Brown Swiss, and Intermediate Champion Brown Swiss amongst other awards. Congratulations to Thomas and his family!

• Is your child excelling in an activity outside of school? We would love to hear about it and share it with our College Community. To be featured in ‘Student Spotlight’ please send an email with the details including a photo to gina.kellner@mn.catholic.edu.au.

Upcoming Events

• Please note that these dates and times are subject to change and that all efforts will be made to communicate this through the College communication platforms.

Term 2

Term 3

Awards

Primary

Primary students are acknowledged for both academic achievement and effort, and for positive contributions to the life of the College. Teachers individually award Encouragement Awards (white awards) to students throughout the term. Students accumulate these awards to achieve higher levels of recognition. If your child receives the following number of awards, please send them in to Student Services for recognition of the next level of awards. 

4 Encouragement Awards          =        Merit Certificate
4 Merit Certificates                    =        Certificate of Excellence
3 Certificates of Excellence        =        Certificate of Distinction

Students also earn ‘Gotchas’ for exhibiting Positive Behaviours for Learning.

Congratulations to the following students who received awards at the end of Term 1 and during Term 2.

Distinction

Excellence

Merit

Kindergarten

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Secondary

Congratulations to the following students who received awards at our Term 2 Secondary Academic Assembly.

Principal’s Integrity Awards

Religion

English

Mathematics

Science

HSIE

PDHPE

Learning Technology

Creative Arts

LOTE

TAS

Primary Assistant Principal

Primary Assistant Principal

As we reach the end of another busy and rewarding term, it is a great time to reflect on all that our students, staff, and school community have achieved together.

The Primary students have embraced their learning with enthusiasm and excitement. There have been many opportunities for students to engage in academic, liturgies, sport, music, and cultural events. Whether it was cheering on their peers at our K-12 athletics carnivals, attending excursions, performing in assemblies, welcoming parents, grandparents and friends to our celebrations, or participating in wellbeing and enrichment activities, each experience has contributed to the life of our school.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our dedicated staff for their tireless work in organising and holding these events, and to our families for their ongoing partnership and support.

I hope that you were able to take the opportunity to speak with your child’s teacher at the Parent-Teacher interviews. Enjoy the holiday break and we look forward to welcoming everyone back next term, on Tuesday 22 July.

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Felicity Pearce
Assistant Principal - Primary

Ministry

As we come to the end of Term 2, our Catholic faith continues to unite and inspire us across all year levels. A special highlight was celebrating St Catherine of Siena’s Feast Day, where students took part in a liturgy honouring her wisdom and devotion and considering how we can bring her many strengths into our daily lives here at St. Catherine’s. Following the liturgy, fundraising stalls were held in support of the parish-college Hope Tree Charity, helping to bring hope to vulnerable communities. To finish our day of celebration, joy and colour filled our school during the Colour Run, which added fun and energy to round off such a great community day.

Our college community gathered for a beautiful Mother’s Day Breakfast, where families shared food, faith, and laughter. Our primary classes held a special Mother’s Day liturgy and classroom visits which provided opportunities for students to express love and gratitude for the mothers and carers in their lives.

Our Year 12 Retreat offered a meaningful pause for students to reflect on their relationships—with self, others, and God. Through prayer, discussion, and quiet time, they explored personal direction and deepened their sense of community and purpose.

Xavier House celebrated their patron, St Francis Xavier, with a joyful liturgy and fun activities, all while raising support for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. Their commitment to service truly honoured the spirit of their patron.

Throughout the term, Years 2, 4, 6, and 9 have attended Parish Masses, strengthening their connection with the wider church community. The students have participated in this faith expression with great reverence and respect, joining with the parish to celebrate the Eucharist and to pray for the needs of our world.

Year 8 recently participated in the Diocesan Religious Literacy Test, a diocesan wide assessment of student knowledge relating to their Religious Education lessons. Year 6 will also participate in their Religious Literacy Test in Week 7 of Term Three. It provides a wonderful opportunity for staff to gather data, revie teaching pedagogy, and create plane for future progress and improvement.

We extend heartfelt thanks to Fr John, who has led our parish so generously during Fr Thomas’ time away. We hope Fr Thomas has had a wonderful time reconnecting with family and enjoying his travels.

We look forward to lots of amazing events in Term Three. NAIDOC Day celebrations and Grandparents Day start us off in Week One. Don’t forget to mark the calendar for Week 7’s very special 150 years of Mercy Education in Singleton. There will be many things happening throughout this week to celebrate the occasion. Information will be sent out regarding this in the beginning of Term Three.

We wish all our students, staff, and families a refreshing and renewing term break!

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Leanne O’Brien & Meagan Edwards
RE/Ministry Coordinators

Term 2 Wellbeing Week

What a fantastic Term 2 Wellbeing Week we’ve had at St Catherine’s Catholic College. Across both Primary and Secondary, activities like card games, trivia, chalk talk, fruit fun, and thong throwing brought students and staff together in a spirit of fun and connection, promoting our strong sense of community.

Highlights included the ever-popular staff game of toy soldiers, the creativity of friendship bracelets, the energy of music & karaoke, and the fierce (but friendly!) competition at student trivia which included over 60 participants! The SCCC Staff also enjoyed a shared lunch with the Wellbeing Team making soups to share in The Cottage, as well as a sweet treat or two.

It was heartwarming to see so many students engaging in the K-12 Colouring Competition, showcasing their artistic flair and mindfulness. Winners were Macy Neyland (Year 10) Keziah Johnstone (5T) Khaiden King (2T) Toby Reid (KT) we hope you enjoy your canteen vouchers, well done!

A huge thank you to all the staff who organised and supported these events, your efforts made this week a wonderful celebration of harmony, faith, and integrity.

Week 7 was a beautiful reminder that wellbeing starts with small moments of joy shared together.

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Leaders of Wellbeing & Engagement

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

On the 29 May, the staff of St Catherine’s held a 'Biggest Morning Tea' to raise money for the Cancer Council.

Every dollar we raised, went directly to the Cancer Council, helping to fund life-saving research, prevention programs and support services for people going through one of the toughest challenges life can throw at them.

Thank you to the staff who baked and donated on the day. We managed to raise an amazing amount of $857.

Gifted Education

Wow, what a year so far!!!

• Virtual Academy – Stage 3 and 4 Wonderful to see our VA Team working so well so far this year. Zoe Dawson (Year 5), Benjamin Dee (Year 5), Bailey Castledine (Year 5), Ewen Fraser (Year 6), Matisse McLeod (Yr 6), and Levi Dawson (Year 7). Mr Richardson oversees the program and mentors our younger students with weekly check ins and support.
• Lego League Robotics – Selected students in Year 6 meet each Friday 11:00am-1:00pm to participate in an exciting program implemented by Mr Richardson utilising LEGO Spike Prime Robotics. Students are preparing to compete in the National Lego League. Students work together as a team to solve complex problems and devise creative solutions. The level of excitement and energy in these sessions is amazing.
• Open Day Robotics Demonstration – a massive thankyou to our Robotics Team for giving up their time from 4-6pm on Open day to share their love of learning with many members of the community. The workshop was a great success.
• Maths Olympiad – Stage 3 and 4. An exciting competition to challenge our most talented Mathematicians in Stages 3 and 4. Thank you to Mr James Vriesinga for assisting with coordinating the Stage 4 Team and Mrs Kirby Nash coordinating the Stage 3 Team.
• Children’s University – 40 students are enrolled in Children’s University this year. Wonderful Learning out of school hours, University of Newcastle excursion coming up in Term 2 Week 10 July 1 at NUSpace.
• Da Vinci Decathlon – Stage 5 Mia Millgate Year 10 selected for the Diocesan Teams. Students competed in an Academic Decathlon against many schools from within the Hunter Region.
• COGAT administration has now been completed. This year was all online testing. Mr Richardson has been busy identifying student provisions to determine the needs for each individual student, and testing all students in Years 2, 4 and 7. This was a new experience for many students this year.
• Staff committees are being implemented and overseen by Mr Richardson to develop the opportunities for our students within the K-12 Gifted Program at SCCC.
• Mr Richardson has been very busy behind the scenes working on Power BI Data Analytics, HSC Results Analysis and working with Leaders of Learning to develop creative learning opportunities for our Gifted Students.

What an amazing start to the year!

Nigel Richardson
Gifted Education Mentor Project Officer

Sport

Cross Country

Congratulations to the following students who were named Age Champions at our Cross Country Carnival:

Well done to all students for participating and earning point for their house.

House Point Score – Cross Country

Athletics Carnival

Once again we held our K-12 Athletics Carnival on the back oval. Students are to be commended for their participation and sense of community that was evident during the day. Several records were broken on the day. Congratulations to the following students:

• 16 Boys 800m - Elijah Campbell 2:14.55, previous 2:17.51, Ethan Newman 2022
• 15 Girls 200m - Ella Pursell 29.18, previous H Cox 29.55 1985
• 14 Boys 1500m - Levi Robinson 5:15.56, previous D Cope 5:42.87 2024
• 17 Girls Shot Put - Taylah Belcher 10.95, previous K Lynch 10.63 1981
• 15 Boys High Jump - Owen Trickey 1.65m, previous  J Brown (2016) and B Hetherington (2024) 1.60m
• 16 Girls High Jump - Sienna Brumby 1.36m, equal record A Welsh 2009.

Well done to the following students who were name age champions:

Chisholm scored a convincing win with a massive 1,900 points. Points will continue to be tallied throughout the remainder of the year to see who is named the overall winner of the prestigious St Catherine’s Cup!

House Point Score – Athletics Carnival

Primary Library

What have we been learning in the library in Term 2?

Kindergarten- Exploring the works and background of author Pamela Allen

Year 1- Frogs
Year 2- How toys have changed over time
Year 3- Festivals
Year 4- Convicts and the First Fleet
Year 5- Gold Rush!
Year 6- How have refugees contributed to life in Australia?

Borrowers of the Week

Alex Conley 3T
Dexter Dawson 2W
Toby Nash 1W

National Simultaneous Storytime                                                                   

On Wednesday, the 21st May we participated in the National Simultaneous Storytime. This event is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, family day cares, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops, and many other places around the country.  Across St Catherine’s, teachers read this year’s book The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel and Danny Snell.

Book Week (16- 23August)

Book Week will be celebrated in Week 5 of Term 3.  This year the theme is Book an Adventure.

We will celebrate with several activities:

Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th August

Visit from illustrator, Jade Goodwin.

Monday 18^th August –Tuesday 26^th August

Book Fair in the Library

Thursday 21st August

Perform Education Interactive Incursion- featuring shortlisted books from this year.

Friday 22nd August

Book Parade on the College Green (weather permitting) 9:15 (approximately).

Parents and carers are welcome. Students can dress up as a book character, or something to do with the theme.

Minecraft

Minecraft students this term have been building Tooth Fairy houses. One of the shortlisted books for Book Week: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Tooth Fairy (And Some Things You DIDN'T) by Briony Stewart, has been our inspiration.

Rota Kids

The Rotary Club of Singleton and ROTA Kids at St Catherine’s Catholic College have installed a peace pole. A peace pole is a monument that displays the message ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’ in the language of the country where it has been placed.

The idea of peace poles was first conceived by Masahisa Goi in 1955 in Japan and eventually gained popularity worldwide by 1983.

ROTA kids also wrote their messages of peace to add to the pole.

Melissa Morris, Margaret Cunningham & Tanya Phillips
Primary Library Staff

Primary STEM

Kindergarten

Kindergarten have been learning about the weather. They learnt about different types of weather and how the weather changes. Then we looked at how weather affects our lives and we built shelters to protect a toy from the elements.

Kindergarten also learnt about vehicles and how they move. Students then designed a most magnificent vehicle that was used to deliver a message to a friend.

Stage One

Year One observed changes in the sky and landscape. They observed, measured, described and record short- and long-term weather patterns. Students observed changes in the sky and created clouds in a jar, wind meters, anemometers and rain gauges.

Year Two have been learning about the properties of materials and investigating the needs of plants. They learnt about sustainable farming methods and grew lettuces hydroponically. Students managed sustainable forests on Minecraft Education and learnt about Plants and Pollinators using Lego We Do.

Year One and Two also learnt how to record instructions for others to follow and understand. They gave instructions for their friends to follow, published their instructions using Canva, and learnt how to program algorithms while using our Dash Robots.

Stage Two

Year Three investigated how natural processes, and human actions change the Earth’s surface over time. They learnt about erosion and its effects on the environment. Students conducted experiments about the effect of erosion on different surfaces and investigated solutions for erosion.

Year Four have been learning to identify materials based on their properties and understand how materials can be used for different products and purposes. Students used Lego We Do to design a device that sorts objects using their physical properties, including shape and size.

Year Three and Four also explored different methods for collecting data using digital devices. They looked at how numerical data can be represented visually through various types of graphs and charts. They used Dash Robots and visual programming to creatively retell a familiar story. They explored how movement, lights, and sounds can be integrated into a narrative to enhance storytelling and developed problem-solving and programming skills. 

Stage Three

Year Five learnt about the physical conditions which affect survival, focusing on understanding how plants and animals adapt to their environments for survival. Students developed their skills and understanding in this area through hands on experiments, research tasks and designing and create algorithms to represent their understanding. 

Year Six explored and interacted with their natural environment. They have developed their drawing skills using technology to create collages. Students studied artists and photographers who create ephemeral artworks. Students connected with their natural surroundings, use its materials to make artworks and photograph and share their works. 

Year Five and Six have been learning to design and program a maze game. They focussed on understanding the user, making a clear design, improving our game based on feedback, and thinking carefully about the steps we take during the process.

Kate Ferguson-Smith
Primary STEM Teacher

Kindergarten

Exploring Mathematics through loose parts

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We have 17 ATSI students in Kindergarten this year. The students are starting to learn about culture through art, yarning and experiences. Recently we had three students attend the local Reconciliation Ceremony. These students showed respect and great curiosity in the events. After the ceremony they joined Elders and community members for morning tea.

Students, with support from Miss Kasey, have created an artwork showcasing each student's footprint, marking their journey beginning in Kindergarten at St Catherine's in 2025. They have also learnt about the Aboriginal flag and what each colour means. They each created their own flag.

Year 1

What a busy and exciting term it’s been in Year 1! Each Wednesday, we’ve been running our F.R.O.G.S. program (F.R.O.G.S. stands for Fun, Relationships, Optimism, Growth, and Social Skills), which supports students in developing social confidence and friendship skills. Through hands-on activities, students have been learning how to navigate social situations, resolve conflict, and show empathy. 

One highlight was creating a Friendship Tree, which encouraged students to explore the qualities of a good friend while working together and navigating creative differences as a team. This engaging task helped build teamwork and provided meaningful opportunities for students to practise respectful communication and conflict resolution. 

In Mathematics, students explored the concept of mass through hands-on investigations using equal-arm balances. They compared a variety of classroom objects to discover how weight can be measured and balanced. Inspired by Who Sank the Boat? by Pamela Allen, students also designed and built their own cardboard boats, carefully balancing animal figurines as part of a fun and challenging STEM activity. 

Term 2 has certainly been full of learning, teamwork, and creativity! 

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Year 1 Teachers

Year 2

Year 2 have been very busy this term learning about the history of our Catholic Diocese and how technology has changed over time. After listening to stories and lots of research of the Early Church, we are very thankful to Bishop James Murray for persisting in asking the Religious Orders for help to ensure that we had a Catholic Education. It has also been interesting to see and learn how technology has changed over time, especially with telephones. 

Year 2 Teachers

Year 4

What a Term for Year 4! 

Term 2 has been a vibrant and enriching journey for our Year 4 students, filled with learning, laughter, and memorable experiences. 

Colour Run Celebration 

One of the standout moments was the Colour Run on Catherine of Siena Day. Dressed in white, our students ended the day as walking rainbows—covered in colour and full of joy! The air was filled with laughter and excitement as the whole school came together in a celebration of community and fun.

Mathematics 

In Mathematics, students explored directional language by navigating mazes and programming Bee Bots online. They developed their spatial awareness and logical thinking by giving and following step-by-step instructions. We also delved into 3D objects, constructing them from 2D shapes using marshmallows and toothpicks—a hands-on, engaging way to explore geometry and properties of shapes. 

English 

Our English unit brought history to life as students stepped into the shoes of Ned Kelly and his contemporaries. They crafted persuasive speeches, debating whether Ned was a hero or a villain, and used rhetorical devices to strengthen their arguments. The highlight was our Ned Kelly Dress-Up Day in Week 6, where students dressed as bushrangers, created wanted posters, designed armour in a STEM challenge, and immersed themselves in the era through creative activities. It was a day full of energy, learning, and connection to Australia’s past. 

Drama 

Throughout the term, students participated in drama games and activities that built their skills in collaboration, characterisation, focus, and voice projection. These sessions have prepared them for an exciting end-of-term performance, where they will showcase their growth and creativity in character development. 

Creative Arts 

In Visual Arts, students experimented with an unusual medium - coffee! Inspired by artist William Bradley, they painted First Fleet ships, learning to use light and dark tones to create depth and value. It was a sensory-rich experience that combined history and artistic expression in a unique way. 

Life Education Visit 

To round out the term, we welcomed the Life Education Van. These sessions focused on online safety and digital wellbeing, equipping students with practical tools to navigate the digital world responsibly and safely. 

From colourful celebrations to deep thinking and creative exploration, Term 2 has been a fantastic chapter in Year 4’s learning journey. We’re so proud of all they’ve achieved—and we can’t wait to see what Term 3 brings! 

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Year 4 Teachers

Year 5

This term in Creative Arts, Year 5 students have been exploring their creativity through both Drama and Visual Arts. 

In Drama, we’ve been diving into the world of performance. Students have been learning how to create scenes, work collaboratively, and use improvisation to build characters and stories on the spot. A highlight has been experimenting with pantomime, where students use only movement and facial expressions to convey meaning meaning no words allowed! It's been a fun challenge that has helped build confidence and expression. 

In Visual Arts, we’ve shifted our focus to sculpture. Using a variety of materials such as clay, foil, paper, and craft supplies, students have created imaginative sculptures. This unit has encouraged students to think in three dimensions, develop fine motor skills, and express their ideas in creative and tactile ways. 

It's been a vibrant and hands-on term in Creative Arts, and the enthusiasm and imagination shown by our Year 5 students has been a joy to see! 

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Year 5 Teachers

Year 6

What a fantastic Term 2 it has been for our Year 6 students! From taking on leadership roles to enjoying fun and educational experiences, our leaders of Primary school have made the most of every moment.

Colour Run Excitement

We wrapped up Week 9 with a splash of colour and a lot of fun! The Colour Run had everyone smiling, running, and cheering. Year 6 showed great spirit and teamwork, making the day one to remember.

Leading the Mother’s Day Liturgy

Year 6 led a beautiful and reflective Mother’s Day Liturgy earlier in the term with Kindergarten. With confidence and care, they delivered readings, prayers, and messages of love that honoured all the special women in our lives. It was a moving celebration that brought our school community together.

Attending Mass

Year 6 attended Mass in Week 7. All students showed reverence and respect listening to the Word of God. We treasure the opportunity to be so closely tied with our parish.

Unforgettable Canberra Camp

Students from our school have recently undertaken, an educational tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy. 

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

The trip to Canberra was a major highlight! Year 6 explored Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, Questacon, the Electoral Education Centre, and more. It was a week full of learning, laughter, and lasting memories. Students showed maturity, independence, and school pride throughout the experience.

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Fun In the Classroom

There’s also been lots of fun and engaging learning happening in the classroom! From writing tasks to maths challenges and collaborative projects, Year 6 have shown curiosity, creativity and a growing sense of independence in their learning.

Year 6 have embraced every opportunity this term with positivity, leadership, and a great sense of fun. As they continue to grow and prepare for their final semester of primary school, we look forward to even more exciting challenges and proud moments in Term 3!

Year 6 Teachers

Careers & VET

This term has been a busy one.

• Over 40 students obtained their White Card through HPOTS Cessnock
• Lachlan Stafa was lucky enough to win the “Golden Ticket” at the NSW Mining Dinner, which gives him a private tour of Bengalla Mine site
• We congratulated past student, Amelia Sternbeck on her outstanding achievement as “VET student of the Year” at the 2025 Awards Evening hosted by the Catholic Schools Office Maitland Newcastle
• Many students attended the Maitland Apprenticeships Pathways Explorer

Mandy Pursell
Leader of Learning Careers & VET

Secondary Learning Support

This year our Secondary Learning Support team consists of:

• Nicole Davenport – Secondary Learning Support Coordinator
• Mel Goward- Learning Support Teacher & Learning Support Coordinator
• Jodie Bowd- Learning Support Teacher (Primary and Secondary)
• Scott Berry - Learning Support Teacher

We are thrilled to welcome Scott to our learning support team this year!

Professional Development Day 

Learning Support recently attended our Professional Development Day at the Catholic Schools Office in Newcastle. These days are very important to building and developing knowledge in our Faculty. The sessions covered Inclusion in a Catholic School, Risk Assessments, new processes implemented by the CSO and Inclusive Technologies to support students in the classroom.

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our students this term!

Banjo Cole showcased his culinary skills in his practical Food Technology class, successfully making a delicious cheesecake and practicing order-taking at the canteen.

Jackson Webb demonstrated exceptional teamwork in a science research task, where he contributed to creating an earthquake-resistant building, complete with a pendulum to test its stability.

Mileyjay Hall worked really hard this Term in the Cattle Club. Mileyjay is here with the steer she prepared for Muswellbrook Show. Congratulations Mileyjay!!!

Khloe Henderson and Olivia Turnbull were asked to do radio interview with ABC at the Singleton Beef and Land Agricultural Education Day at Singleton Show ground. Both girls spoke with confidence about their experience in these areas and their goals for the future. Well done girls!

Secondary Intervention

The students in the Year 7 and 8 intervention groups have been working diligently to develop their literacy skills. We are progressing through the ‘Corrective Reading Program’ and focusing on enhancing phonemic awareness. Additionally, the students are reading a novel together titled ‘Mrs Frisby and the Rats of Nimh’ by Robert O’Brien. I am so proud of their growing fluency and confidence, and I commend the students for the support they offer to other members of the group.

Jodie Paix-Bowd - Learning Support Teacher

This term, our Learning Support team is proud to be running the Rock and Water program with two Year 7 groups. This evidence-based program helps students develop vital personal and social skills, including self-control, self-confidence, and resilience. Through a mix of physical activities, group discussions, and reflection, students explore how to respond to challenges with strength (rock) and flexibility (water).

The program is designed to support students in understanding their emotions, setting boundaries, and building respectful relationships—all essential foundations for success in high school and beyond. It’s been wonderful to see our students grow in confidence and connection as they engage with this empowering experience.

Scott Berry - Learning Support Teacher, Rock and Water Program

Secondary Learning Support Team

Religious Studies

This term, secondary Religious Education students have embraced the pedagogy of encounter model—a dynamic teaching approach designed to connect Catholic teachings with real-world experiences. This model encourages students to broaden their perspectives on faith while deepening their understanding of the Church’s role in contemporary society.

A key milestone for our Year 8 cohort was their participation in the Diocesan Religious Literacy Examination. While we eagerly await their results, we are incredibly proud of the hard work and high expectations students set for themselves during the lead-up to the task. In preparing for the exam, students engaged in a variety of revision strategies, developing strong study habits and critical thinking skills that will support them well into the future. Their dedication and thoughtful engagement with the curriculum were clearly evident throughout their preparation.

Staff professional development was also a focus this term. Mrs Price and Mrs Edwards travelled to Sydney to take part in professional learning specifically tailored to the Studies of Religion syllabus. They explored innovative teaching strategies and assessment practices, gaining valuable insights aimed at improving student outcomes and lifting HSC achievement across the bands.

In line with our commitment to future-focused learning, classrooms have continued to evolve through the integration of new technologies. A key priority has been supporting students in the ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence (AI). Rather than using AI simply to find answers, students are learning to treat it as a tool for inquiry—one that can help spark ideas, extend their thinking, and deepen their understanding. Through ongoing conversations around academic integrity, source reliability, and thoughtful questioning, students are building the skills to engage with AI in a way that enhances—rather than replaces—their own voice and reasoning. This approach promotes curiosity, creativity, and discernment, preparing students to navigate the digital world with confidence and integrity.

Overall, it has been a term filled with academic progress, meaningful encounters, and exciting innovation. Religious Education continues to play a vital role in shaping students who are not only knowledgeable, but also compassionate, reflective, and culturally aware.

Meagan Edwards
Leader of Learning – Religious Studies

Mathematics

Congratulations to Year 10 student Mia Millgate and Year 11 students Callan Hannigan and Tobias Galloway, for successfully completing the MATH1510 -Discrete Mathematics course through the University of Newcastle. These students stayed at school until 6:30pm for 13 weeks across the semester to participate in online lectures and assessments for this course.

Mia, Callan and Tobias received their final results last week: each of them scored 38/40 in their end-of-semester exam and achieved overall marks in the Distinction range! This is such a fantastic achievement so early on in their studies and we are so proud of what they have achieved.

Lauren Stacey
Leader of Learning – Mathematics

Science

Term 2 has been full of engaging experiments, exciting demonstrations, and hands-on learning across the Science classrooms. 

 Our students have had plenty of opportunities to roll up their sleeves and explore Biology firsthand, with a variety of dissections undertaken to deepen their understanding of body systems and organ function. These practical sessions are a highlight for many students and provide essential real-world context to their studies. 

 Year 9 students had a hair-raising experience exploring static electricity with the Van de Graaff Generator. It was electrifying fun—literally! Meanwhile, Year 10 delved into the science of waves, witnessing how sound vibrations can influence flames through the fascinating Ruben’s Tube demonstration. 

 A special thank you to Ms Towers and the Agriculture faculty for supplying us with liquid nitrogen, which allowed students to observe dramatic demonstrations of states of matter and phase changes, including sublimation. Watching materials freeze, shatter, and transform gave students an unforgettable insight into physical changes. 

 Looking ahead, our Year 11 and 12 Biology students, along with Year 11 Investigating Science, are heading off on an excursion to Western Plains Zoo. This is a valuable opportunity to explore adaptations, conservation, and classification in a real-world context. We can’t wait to share photos and highlights from this exciting trip in our next issue. 

 Year 11 Physics students have been diving into the science of sound, using their depth study to explore the physics of music. It’s been wonderful to see their creativity and critical thinking as they connect scientific theory to everyday experiences. 

 We also have some staff changes to share. This term we farewelled Mrs Breanna Digby, who is beginning her maternity leave. We wish her all the very best for the exciting arrival of her little one. At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Miss Sarah Cooper to the Science faculty. Miss Cooper brings great enthusiasm, and we’re thrilled to have her join the team. 

As always, thank you to all our students for their curiosity and engagement this term. We look forward to an equally exciting Term 3! 

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Jennifer Arrowsmith
Leader of Learning - Science

PDHPE

It has been a very productive term 2 in PDHPE with a variety of learning happening across all of our years. Please read below for some of the highlights of our classes. We are also very grateful for our Guest Speaker Paralympian Ameera Lee from the Australian Institute of Sport and Black Dog Institute. She spoke to the students about mental fitness and her journey as an athlete. Ameera Lee | Paralympics Australia

Some highlights from some of our subjects include:

Year 8 PDHPE

This term in Year 8 PDHPE, students have been looking at the different types of relationships in their lives, addressing why making these connections is important in our lives. Students have also looked at what might constitute a negative relationship and the types of power others can have over certain individuals. Students were able to identify help seeking strategies if they ever find themselves in a negative interaction with others. During PDHPE practical lessons, students were given the opportunity to prepare for the Athletics Carnival and engaged in a variety of sports such as Polo and Street Hockey and will begin the new unit ‘Invasion Games’ at the end of the term.

Year 9 PASS

This term in Year 9 PASS, students have explored the unit ‘Technology, Participation and Performance’. This unit highlights the need for technology in sport to improve the performance of athletes, aid in the officiating and refereeing of sports, and enhance the viewing of spectators. In practical lessons, students were engaged in the ‘Stick and Strike’ unit, playing a multitude of sports including Baseball, Lacrosse, Polo and Street Hockey, Cricket and Golf.

Year 10 PASS

This term in Year 10 PASS, students have engaged thoughtfully in the unit ‘Physical Fitness’. Students studied the different Components of Fitness needed by athletes in a range of sports, and how training these components can improve their performance. Students looked at the different types of training, its importance, and fitness tests used to measure an athlete's skill and ability. Students created fitness programs to be used at the local gym and participated in a range of fitness tests and team and individual challenges.

Year 10 PDHPE

This term in PDHPE, we're diving into the Life Challenges unit, where we'll focus on building personal strengths and developing the skills needed to tackle real-world issues like mental health, stress, employment, and independence. We'll cover exciting topics like resilience, managing anxiety, vaping, and preparing for job interviews, all while developing strategies to handle the ups and downs of young adulthood. In practical lessons, students have had a great time taking part in a range of invasion games, from AFL and Baseball to European Handball and Speed Ball!

Years 9 & 10 Child Studies

In Year 9 Child Studies, we have been exploring the physical characteristics of a newborn, along with the tests and special care options available to the child immediately after birth. Students have developed an understanding of ways to satisfy the needs of a newborn in order to promote their safety and wellbeing.

In Year 10 Child Studies, we developed our knowledge of the nutritional needs of children with reference to current dietary guidelines. Students have been challenged to think about necessary considerations that should be made when planning food for children on special occasions. The highlight was our baby food tasting blindfold challenge.

Years 11 & 12 CAFS

In Year 11 CAFS students explored family structures and communities and the roles individuals adopt within each. Students examined how constant change challenges families and communities, and that both informal and formal support available can assist them to manage the change effectively, with particular focus on relevant local events, such as the recent NSW Floods.

In Year 12 CAFS, we are powering through the content with all three core modules completed and are now diving into the final module – 'Individuals and Work.' Students are also revising their work and completing HSC style questions in preparation for the HSC Trial Exams – Week 3 next term. Students thoroughly enjoyed the Parenting and Caring Task, taking home the Real Care Baby, and I am incredibly proud of their resilience and the responsible way they embraced their roles as “parents”.

Year 11 Health and Movement Science

Our Year 11 Health and Movement Science class recently travelled to Sydney for an engaging and hands-on Depth Study excursion. We kicked off the day bright and early, heading straight into a high-energy workshop designed to bring our classroom learning to life.

Students tested their aerobic and anaerobic energy systems through a range of physical challenges, giving them a real-world understanding of how the body responds to different types of exercise. We also explored nutrition by analysing the content of various foods and took part in a smoothie-making competition – a definite highlight!

In the afternoon, students rotated through biomechanical testing stations, where they assessed strength and power using professional equipment and techniques. The experience not only reinforced key course concepts but also allowed students to see how theory connects with performance.

To wrap up the day, students worked in teams to create posters that showcased their learning and findings from the workshop. It was a fun and valuable day that deepened our understanding of health, movement, and performance – and left us with plenty to reflect on back in the classroom.

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Leanne Sponberg
Leader of Learning - PDHPE

CAPA

What a busy term we have had in the CAPA department. Please have a read of all the learning experiences, both in and out of the classroom, our students have been involved in throughout Term 2.

Drama

Year 12 Drama have been using all their creativity in devising an original piece of theatre for their group performance. They explore the concept of writer’s block and set off on a journey to solve the problem. Year 10 students have been working on Theatre Through Time. We have played and experienced Aboriginal Theare, Greek theatre and Shakespearian monologues. Year 9 Drama has played heroes and villains as they have explored Melodrama. They have written their own class play entitled “The Fallen Kingdom” which is very dynamic and exciting.

Photography & Digital Media

Year 11 Photography students are currently creating a portfolio of work based around the school musical, Aladdin. Students are developing skills in composition, design and colour to create cast shots, posters and social media posts, which they will submit in a program design. This project is designed to give students the opportunity to create a portfolio which will also be used to promote the musical.

Dance

The Year 9 Dance elective class attended Bangarra Dance Company’s latest work, ILLUME, on June 11 at the Sydney Opera House. Students have been studying Dance Appreciation and Performance and were given the unique opportunity to see their depth study live and meet two of the professional dancers of Bangarra; Wiradjuri women Maddison Paluch and Janaya Lamb. Students enthusiastically engaged in discussions and critical study of composition, choreography, and cultural contemporary dance works.

They have also been developing their compositional skills and applying them effectively to create short choreography segments for DioSounds and the school musical, Aladdin, as well as their own performance assessment pieces. Next term, they will focus on refining elements of composition and performance as they prepare their own solo dance works.

Visual Arts

Students in Year 7 have been looking into issues which effect the environment and are currently creating fish sculptures using materials found in the natural environment. The three-dimensional works are inspired by the art of Indigenous Australian Artist, John Davis.

Music

This term, Year 8 Music students have been learning about the Instruments of the Orchestra, focusing on identifying each instrument aurally. Year 9 students have explored Blues Music, with a focus on composing their own blues songs using Musescore. Year 10 have studied Popular Music, engaging in performance, composition, and listening activities across a range of pop genres. Year 11 students have been developing compositions that reflect a culture of their choice, while Year 12 have been working on their elective topics and revising the concepts of music, with a focus on aural identification.

During week 6, students from Years 7-12 showcased three vibrant performances at this year’s DioSounds at the Civic Theatre, Newcastle. Highlights included Never Tear Us Apart featuring our vocal ensemble, Nate Janssen (alto sax), and Kye Wilson (electric guitar); a high-energy rendition of Don’t Stop Me Now by our Stage Band and vocalists; and Since U Been Gone performed by our HSC Music students. Congratulations to all students involved!

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Musical – Aladdin Jnr

This term, we have continued rehearsals for our Secondary College Musical, Aladdin, to be held next term at the Civic Centre on 22^nd and 23^rd August. The cast have been working hard learning their dialogue, songs and dances. Staff and students have been busy behind the scenes sourcing props, costumes, and creating promotional material to help bring the magic to life. Stay tuned, as tickets will be on sale very soon!

Dominique Smith
Leader of Learning - CAPA

TAS

As Semester 1 draws to a close, so too does the first rotation of the Technology Mandatory course for Years 7 and 8. In Semester 2, students will transition to a new program, continuing their exploration of the key areas of study. Over the two years of Stage 4, our Technology Mandatory program offers students the opportunity to engage with each of the four focus areas—Materials, Food and Agriculture, Engineering Systems, and Digital Technologies—for one full semester each.

Stage 5 students have shown commendable commitment to Work Health and Safety procedures, with the majority now consistently bringing their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to all Technology classes.

Stage 6 students are approaching the final stages of their courses, with Major Projects nearing completion. We commend them for their sustained effort and dedication as they prepare to showcase their work.

We are also pleased to welcome two new staff members to the faculty. H’Raani Pilbeam joins us to teach Technology Mandatory and Visual Arts. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience, having worked extensively in the fashion industry. Paul Harriss joins the team two days a week as our new Technical Assistant, supporting the smooth operation of our workshops and practical spaces.

Onsite Canteen Experience – Food Service and Catering

As part of their Stage 5 Food Technology studies, our year 9 Food Technology students engaged in hands-on learning through an onsite canteen experience. This practical opportunity supports the Food Service and Catering focus area, allowing students to apply knowledge of food safety, hygiene practices, menu planning, and customer service in a real-world setting. By participating in daily canteen operations, students developed essential workplace skills, explored career pathways in the hospitality industry, and gained valuable insights into the role of food service in the wider community.

Justine Maccormick
Leader of Learning - TAS

Year 7 Excursion to Hunter Wetlands

In Week 3, our Year 7 students embarked on an exciting cross-curricular excursion to the Hunter Wetlands Centre, where they explored the natural environment through both scientific and geographical lenses.

The day was packed with hands-on learning experiences that supported two key units: Water in the World in Geography and The Living World in Science. As part of their fieldwork, students engaged in water sampling, orienteering, and data collection activities. They had the opportunity to use microscopes to examine wetland organisms up close, deepening their understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Guided by wetland educators, students also learnt about the importance of preserving fragile wetland environments and the role these habitats play in water filtration, flood mitigation, and supporting native species.

The excursion not only strengthened classroom learning but also fostered an appreciation for the natural world and the importance of sustainable environmental practices. It was a valuable day of inquiry, discovery and connection with the local landscape.

Hannah Atkinson
HSIE Teacher

Secondary Library

This has been a good term in the Secondary Library, and of course, everything has been made more interesting through preparation for the 150^th Anniversary.

We have conducted Library Activities and Lessons for students in Years 7 and 8. The lessons were based around the importance of ensuring that our sources of information are accurate.  Year 7 lessons focused on using existing school resources and SORA (access to digital library supplied by the school). The Year 8 lessons focused on Artificial Intelligence and the essential development to use AI carefully and wisely. Year 8 lessons were managed by Ms Barnes.

The Secondary Library space continues to develop towards a flexible learning and student well-being location. As secondary education continues to centre around the development of technology it is imperative to have a location which provides for collaborative learning, accurate research, private study, external courses, visual and audial production, plus general learning assistance and direction.  It is also essential to have a location for respite and relaxation when necessary.

Moving towards the 150^th anniversary, you will see this montage in the Library foyer. On the right-hand side, you will notice some pictures of Ada McDonald and her family,

One of the really special aspects of our Library is the great collection of archival information.

The fantastic historical summaries provided over the years by Dr Pam Como have made our space very unique but there is one other item impossible to ignore as we lead into the Anniversary. It is the workbook made by Ada McDonald who was a student at the College in 1903. Her book is a beautiful example of what learning was like 122 years ago. We have contacted Ada’s great granddaughter (Kate Murray) who has provided us with information about Ada’s life after she left St Catherine’s.

Book Week this year is 16 to 23 August and the theme for the year is “Book an Adventure”. At this stage the intention is to engage the students in a treasure hunt adventure based around the history of the College. There will be several aspects of the hunt over the Book Week, and it will be consolidated with a film around the students’ experiences.

Robert Parsons
Teacher/Librarian

Uniform Shop

The uniform shop will continue to operate using appointments and a drop-in system. The appointments are for uniform fittings for families who need to try on uniforms and drop-ins are for families who know what they need to purchase or are picking up orders. 

Due to the construction works taking place at the moment,  access to the uniform shop is via the front office until further notice. 

Opening hours throughout the school term are as follows:

Tuesdays

08:30am - 11:30am By Appointment
01:30pm - 03:30pm Drop In

Thursdays

08:30am - 11:30am Drop In

Fourth Saturday of the month

09:30am - 11:30am Drop in
11:30am - 01:30pm By Appointment

(during school term only)

Alternatively, uniforms can also be ordered online and delivered to your child’s classroom (primary) or student services for secondary. 

For appointment bookings and online orders please visit:

PLEASE NOTE – The Uniform Shop WILL NOT be open during the July school holidays. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Carley Vaughan
Uniform Shop Supervisor

Parish

Parish Sacramental Program

The Sacramental program will recommence with lessons for children to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday 27 July and Sunday 3 August at 4pm.

The children will then prepare for the Sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday 17 August and Sunday 24 August at 4pm.  

There will be a practice for the Mass on Wednesday 17 August at 5.30pm. 

The children will receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion during Mass on Sunday 21 September at 4pm. This is a special Mass with the Bishop to confer these sacraments. The whole parish is invited the attend to support the children in their faith journey. 

I am hoping to see all children at Mass on a regular basis so that they are preparing to receive these sacraments by watching and participating in the Mass. 

World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

The Fifth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on Sunday 27 July is to honor grandparents and the elderly, and foster connections between generations. The theme for 2025 is "Blessed are those who have not lost hope". Why not join your grandparents or elderly friends at Mass on that day to show them how special and important they are. 

150 years of the Sisters of Mercy

The parish is looking forward to sharing the celebrations of the 150^th anniversary of the Mercy Sisters starting their education program in Singleton. We look forward to seeing everyone at the special Mass on Sunday 31 August at 10am. 

School Holidays 

I would like to wish all staff and students a restful holiday break and if you are travelling I hope that you have a safe and happy time.  

Combined Churches of Singleton

The Combined Churches of Singleton holds a picnic in Rosepoint Park on the last Sunday of the month from 12.30pm. Everyone is invited to attend to enjoy a time of fellowship and BYO picnic lunch together as Christian brothers and sisters. We are blessed to be part of 7 local churches that represent the one church of our Lord Jesus Christ! The next picnic dates are 31 August and 28 September. 

Parish Office

The Parish Office will be closed the week of 21-25 July. If you have any items for the bulletin on 27 July please have them to the office by 15 July. 

Baptism bookings can be made by contacting the parish office on 5507 4048. Baptism in St Patrick's Church are held on the 1^st and 3^rd Sundays of the month after the 10am Mass.  At least one parent must be Catholic and one Godparent must be a practicing Catholic who has received all of the Sacraments. 

All Parish news and events can be found on the website:

As always, we welcome you to Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Singleton, St Brigid’s Church, Branxton, St Catherine’s Church, Greta and St Paul’s Church, Glendonbrook. For Mass times, please click on the link below to take you to the Parish Calendar:

Fr Thomas Chirackal
Parish Priest

Community Notices

Students in years 5-9 can express interest in joining a team to Write a Book in a Day. Email  alana.partridge@mn.catholic.edu.au  for more information.