26 September 2025

Student Spotlight

• 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 admin@singleton.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 4

IT News

Student BYOD Devices important message

Please note that there is a separate body of work underway to ensure any staff and shared devices are upgraded to Windows 11.

Student BYOD Devices important message: Windows 10 is reaching end of life

Action is required for students with BYOD Windows 10 devices as Windows 10 will soon no longer be supported by Microsoft.

To ensure your student device security you should upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as possible.

Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 will end on 14 October 2025, meaning it will no longer receive critical security updates.

To stay protected and ensure optimal performance, it is strongly recommended that all students with BYOD Windows 10 devices follow Microsoft’s instructions and upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as possible. There is no charge for this upgrade.

Why this matters:

Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 from 15 October 2025.

Upgrading to Windows 11 helps reduce security risks.

Student Work Protection: Staying current helps safeguard assignments, projects, and personal data.

Ways to install Windows 11 - Microsoft Support

Upgrade to Windows 11: FAQ - Microsoft Support

Read our FAQs for more support:

How do I check what version of Windows am I running?

Select Start > Settings > System, then select About. You then see Edition, Version, and OS Build information.

We encourage all families with Student Windows 10 computers to begin the upgrade process now to avoid last-minute disruptions. If you need assistance or have questions about upgrading, please reach out to the IT support team in our school.

What if my device can’t upgrade?

If a Student’s BYOD laptop is running Windows 10 and can’t be upgraded to Windows 11 (usually due to older hardware), Microsoft is offering a free security update program to help keep the device safe for one more year.

The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is designed to keep your current Windows 10 PC protected after support ends, helping you stay secure during the transition.

How to Join Microsoft’s ESU Program

Microsoft has made it easy to enrol directly from the laptop:

On eligible computers, a setup wizard will appear in Settings > Windows Update.

There are three ways to enrol:

Free – Sync your settings to the cloud using Windows Backup. You must be logged in as administrator and with a Microsoft account.

Free – Use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.

Paid – Buy a one-year license for $30 USD (families cover this cost).

Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 | Microsoft Learn

Eben De Wet
IT Field Support Officer

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.

Excellence

Merit

Kinder

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Kindergarten 2026 Orientation

Our 2026 Kindergarten students have been enjoying our ‘Stay and Play’ orientation days during Term 3. There will be more sessions next term.

Louise Stevenson 
Learning Support Coordinator (Primary) 

Kindergarten

Kindergarten have been exploring English through literacy groups. 

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Kindergarten Teachers

Year 1

Term 3 has been a very busy and exciting time in Year 1

In Maths, our students have been working hard as eager mathematicians, exploring problem-solving in hands-on and fun ways. 

One of our focus areas has been learning about mass. Students investigated different objects to see if they were heavier, lighter, or the same. They used balance scales to discover why it’s important for both sides to be equal and enjoyed solving challenges to find items with the same mass. 

We have also been exploring patterns and how they can grow by the same quantity each time. Students created their own growing patterns and explained the rule that made their pattern continue. 

It has been wonderful to see their curiosity and reasoning skills grow as they explained their thinking and worked together to solve real-world problems! 

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Year 1 Teachers

Year 3

Term 3 has flown by in the blink of an eye, as Year 3 students tackled new challenges, explored fresh ideas, and worked hard in all areas of their learning!

Through engaging hands-on activities, Year 3 students have been developing their mathematics skills while working collaboratively to solve problems and explore new concepts.

Year 3 Teachers

Year 4

This term has been filled with exciting opportunities for our Year 4 students. A real highlight was the Todd Woodbridge Cup in Tennis, where our students showed fantastic teamwork and sportsmanship. We were especially proud to see two of our teams make it through to the next round, where they will compete against other schools in the area. 

Our students helped to run the Father's Day School Liturgy and prepared so well. They practiced their readings, movements and singing meaningful songs, only to deliver a very special day for our father figures and community at St Catherine's College. 

Another memorable experience was our excursion to the Murrook Cultural Centre. Students explored rich aspects of Aboriginal culture, learning through dance, traditional painting, and viewing significant artefacts. It was a hands-on and engaging way to deepen their understanding and appreciation of culture. 

Overall, Term 3 was a term of productive teamwork, leadership opportunities and celebration, and we look forward to even more adventures in Term 4. 

Year 4 Teachers

Year 5

Rock and Water Program

This term, Year 5 participated in the Rock and Water program, with weekly 45-minute sessions. The program is designed to strengthen self-esteem, resilience, and social skills, while also reducing bullying and negative feelings. Students particularly enjoyed the practical activities and the opportunity to work with other classes.

Throughout the program, students explored their personal strengths, developed confidence, and learned strategies for working positively with others. This was a valuable and enjoyable experience for Year 5, and the skills gained will continue to support them in building strong friendships, demonstrating resilience, and preparing for the challenges of Year 6 and beyond.

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Year 5 Teachers

STEM

This term in STEM, students from Kindergarten to Year Six have been exploring a wide range of exciting topics:

• Kindergarten have raised mealworms, created “hairy caterpillars” with grass seeds, and investigated the needs of pets and wild animals.
• Year One explored different habitats and designed and built their own in a shoebox.
• Year Two studied how humans grow and change, presenting their findings using diagrams created in Canva.
• Year Three grew beans and peas and researched the life cycles of their favourite animals.
• Year Four investigated food production and built terrariums to grow lettuce and herbs.
• Year Five studied Space and constructed models of our solar system using playdough and balloons.
• Year Six focused on Music, designing and building their own instruments from recyclable materials.

A highlight of the term was the Science and Engineering Challenge Day in Muswellbrook, where our Stage Three students competed against high school teams and impressively won three out of the eight challenges.

Primary Stem Teachers

Year 12 2025

Congratulations to our Year 12 Class of 2025. The community of St Catherine's Catholic College are proud of your achievements and wish you well for the upcoming HSC exams. You all hold a special place in our hearts and will be missed.

Year 12 Presentation of Awards

SPECIAL AWARDS

ACADEMIC AWARDS

First in Course

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Year 12 Mentor/Mentee Afternoon Tea and Trivia

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Farewell and Student-Led Assembly

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2026 College Leaders

Write a Book in a Day – 2025

Can you write a book in a day? We did! 35 students in 5 teams accepted the challenge on Friday August 8 from 8am to 8pm. Students from Year 5 to Year 9 were involved. 

Write a Book in a Day is a fun and creative team writing competition for students in years 5 - 12 with some very unique aspects: It involves a collaborative team effort (5 – 10 per team) where students plan, write and illustrate a book. Every story grows from a unique set of parameters given to each writing team, the book must be completed within 12 hours. Completed books are shared digitally with children in hospitals across Australia. In 2024, 523 schools and writing groups from across Australia participated 

This wonderful project covers advanced curriculum outcomes, provides a hands-on learning experience, engages High Potential and Gifted students in teamwork, inclusiveness and collaboration, provides an opportunity to teach empathy and engages the wider community. 

The result is hours of entertaining and inspirational reading for sick kids in hospital. Plus, all sponsorship funds raised go toward scientific research to discover better treatments and ultimately a cure for children with cancer. 

The Kids’ Cancer Project is an independent national charity supporting childhood cancer research. Since 1993, thanks to strong community support, the charity has contributed tens of millions of dollars to research projects to help children with many types of cancer. 

We are so proud of our students’ efforts on the day. 

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Ms Alana Partridge (Pedagogical Mentor) 
Mr Nigel Richardson (Gifted Education Mentor Project Officer) 

Food Technology

As part of their Food Technology studies, Stage 5 and 6 students demonstrated high standards of behaviour and cooperation during the planning, preparation, and service of food for the M@SC Night event at the Civic Centre.

This practical experience provided an authentic opportunity to apply food preparation skills in a real-world context, supporting syllabus outcomes related to hygiene and safety (e.g., FT5-1), effective teamwork and communication (FT5-6), and food service and presentation (FT5-8).

The students’ participation reflected a strong understanding of food service principles and highlighted their ability to work collaboratively in a hospitality setting.

Greeta Samuel-Devadoss
Food Tech & Science Teacher

CAPA

What a show-stopping Term 3 it’s been in CAPA! From performances to projects, our students have been shining brightly, and here’s a glimpse of the fun and creativity they’ve enjoyed. 

Drama 

Year 12 Onstage Nominations 

Congratulations to the entire Year 12 Drama class who have been nominated for OnSTAGE, a showcase of outstanding HSC Drama performances!  

Congratulations to Hayley Bolam, Phoebe Gunn, Felina Mayo, and Grace Towart for this incredible achievement. A special congratulations to Grace, who also received an individual nomination for her performance. 

This success wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and support of their teacher, Ms Lisa Hall. 

Visual Arts 

Our Year 7 Visual Arts students have had a busy term creating ceramic animals as part of their Noah’s Ark unit, inspired by artist Marie Prett and incorporating personal traits. They also visited Hunter Valley Zoo to gather inspiration and images for their sculptures.  

Year 12 Visual Arts students finished and submitted their final Body of Work major projects and are now prepping for their upcoming HSC exams.  

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Music 

Year 8 Music students have immersed themselves in Rock Music, learning guitar riffs, drum beats, and rock songs on keyboards, while composing their own tracks using Soundtrap. Year 9 students have explored Australian Music and honed their listening skills for their end-of-term test. Year 10 focused on Film Music, composing soundtracks for selected film excerpts. Year 11 studied Music for Small Ensembles, preparing for their final Year 11 performance and aural exam. Meanwhile, our Year 12 Music students, have been refining their repertoire ahead of their HSC Practical Examination (worth 70% of their overall HSC mark) in Week 9. 

ASPIRE  

In Week 2, the annual ASPIRE production lit up Newcastle’s Civic Theatre with The Rise of Bozz. Two of our very own St Catherine’s students proudly took to the stage, joining more than 150 talented performers from across the diocese. Our Year 5, Year 6, and Secondary CAPA students were fortunate to be in the audience to experience the show. Congratulations to Nate Janssen (Band Ensemble) and Hannah Dewar (Drama Ensemble) on your outstanding contributions – we are so proud of you both! 

Secondary Musical – Aladdin JR. 

In Week 5, we staged our Secondary Musical, Aladdin JR., whisking audiences away on a magical adventure filled with colour, energy, and unforgettable music. With vibrant sets, dazzling costumes, and captivating performances, the production highlighted the remarkable creativity and talent of our students. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this enchanting story to life and making it a highlight of 2025! 

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150 Year Celebrations 

A huge congratulations to the students who were involved in the music for the 150 Years Celebrations in Week 7 this term – at the Parish Mass on Sunday 31st August and the College Liturgy on Monday 1st September. Your commitment, talent, and joy in music added so much to these special events and helped make our celebrations truly memorable. We are so proud of the way you represented our College community. 

M@SC Showcase 

During Week 7, we held our annual M@SC (Music at St Catherine’s) Showcase, highlighting the talents of students who receive music tuition at the College. The concert featured around 100 students from Years 1 to 12, showcasing their skills through solos, ensembles, band performances, and HSC performances. This special evening also coincided with our College’s 150 years of Catholic Education celebrations, making it a truly memorable occasion. Congratulations to all students involved! 

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Dominique Smith
Leader of Learning – CAPA/LOTE

Aboriginal Education

Our students have been working in many areas of culture and learning. Recently we visited St Joseph’s Primary School Merriwa as part of our give back to community program. The students celebrated NAIDOC Day with the school by running culture and dance workshops as well as Aunty Lisa telling stories of the dreaming. We also recently visited Macdonald Jones Stadium for the Wollatuka Numeracy Sport Day. The students learnt mathematics and geometry through real world learning which is the present in the 8 Ways of Learning.

Edward Bennetts
Leader of Learning Aboriginal Education

Careers

Year 10 Work Experience – A Valuable Learning Opportunity

During this term, our Year 10 students participated in their Work Experience Program, gaining first-hand insight into the world of work. This opportunity allowed students to explore potential career pathways, develop practical skills, and build confidence in a professional environment.

We would like to sincerely thank all the employers and organisations who generously hosted our students. Your time, guidance, and support provided them with invaluable experiences that will help shape their future decisions. The willingness of our community partners to mentor young people makes a significant difference, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment.

Well done to all Year 10 students for representing our school with maturity and enthusiasm throughout the program.

Mandy Pursell 
Leader of Learning Careers & VET 

Canteen

NEW ITEMS

We have Rainbow and chocolate paddle pops for $3

BIRTHDAY BUCKETS

These are becoming very popular as the weather warms up, so be sure to organise them early and book in your childs day.

Remember if your child has a birthday that they would like to celebrate with their class, please call us a few days in advance and we can organise the above ice blocks (no slushies), mousse or jelly for the class. Payment is to be made at the time of ordering.

VOLUNTEERING- It’s for everyone

Come and enjoy lunch on us and some conversation and chatter!!!

Parents, Carers, Grandparents, Aunties, Uncles, Friends- you’re all welcome.

Please consider volunteering in the canteen, it’s a great way to meet other members of our community and see your children’s smiling faces in their educational environment. We understand the busy schedules of our parents and carers and appreciate even just a couple of hours of your time. We can work around shift patterns and rosters.

Please find below the link for the online registration and induction

Alternatively, if you have any questions regarding volunteering, please contact Kellie or Sarah on kellie.holz@mn.catholic.edu.au or sarah.dunn@mn.catholic.edu.au 

Thankyou for your continued support.

Canteen Roster

Canteen Staff

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. 

For your convenience, the uniform shop is located on site with access via the admin building. 

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:

Carley Vaughan
Uniform Shop Supervisor

Parish

Parish

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

https://singletoncatholicparish.org.au/

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:

https://singletoncatholicparish.org.au/calendar/

Fr Thomas Chirackal
Parish Priest

Community Notices