From the Deputy Principal

Dear St Mary’s College Community,

My name is Kate Bawden and I am the Deputy Principal of St Mary’s College. This week I have been invited to answers some questions to allow our community to get to know me better.

What career path led you to the role of Deputy Principal at St Mary’s College?
I began my teaching career at Marymount College and quickly jumped into Leadership roles central to teaching and learning. I then became the Director Teaching and Learning for the Sacred Heart College - Champagnat Campus and in 2022 I became the Head of Campus at Sacred Heart and loved the variety and diversity of the role. As I step into the role of Deputy Principal at St Mary’s I look forward to embracing all things Wellbeing, Learning and Inclusion and the opportunities of being a city, all girls’ school that brings with it!

What has been the most rewarding part of your career working in schools?
Witnessing students thrive in their learning and embrace the many and varied opportunities we are fortunate to provide to our young people.

When you’re not at work, where might we find you?
You can find me at Seacliff Surf Club with my family and friends embracing all the awesome things about the beach, but also giving back to the community through lifesaving.

What is your proudest achievement so far?
Being a parent to three boys, two who have completed their schooling journey and now blazing their own paths as confident, resilient young men. I still have one son in Year 9, who will no doubt keep me on my toes for the next few years!

Do you have any pets?
I have a Kelpie x Australian Cattle Dog called Digga, who lives up to his name, and yes another male in the household!

Where is your favourite place to visit?
The Yorke Peninsula where we camp every summer holidays with family and friends.

What are you most looking forward to in your role at St Mary’s College?
Engaging with families and building upon the inclusive culture of the College to ensure all our young people can thrive and have every opportunity in a supportive environment to be successful.

I look forward to getting to know our wonderful students and families in the St Mary’s community.

Kind regards,

Kate Bawden

Deputy Principal

Sports Day

On Thursday 23 February, St Mary’s College will hold our annual Sports Day event at SA Athletics Stadium.

Sports Day is an R-12 community event that includes all students, staff, families, and old scholars. With a focus on participation and being connected to the House Team, students also compete for the Spirit Trophy which is awarded to the most enthusiastic and supportive team on the day.

Whether it’s dance students presenting the Health Hustle for the whole school, athletes performing on the track and field, or teams working together to win the novelty events, Sports Day is a chance for students and staff to get up and be active. It also provides students with the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge learnt in PE, and allows staff to select a team to take part in the upcoming SAPSASA and SACSSGSA Interschool Athletics Carnivals.

The highlight of the day is the Staff vs Student 8 x 50m relay and Tug of War, and this year we will also be holding our inaugural R-12 House Relay which is sure to be a favourite!

Sports Day is a compulsory event, and all students are encouraged to participate actively to support their House. Please refer to the SEQTA message for more information or contact your child’s Care Group Teacher.

*Please note due to the forecast hot weather, Sports Day may be rescheduled. Families will be notified of any changes to the day as soon as possible.

Meet our New Staff!

Mr David Gauci

Your role at St Mary’s College: I am the Coordinator of Performance Music.

Previous employment: I have come from Cardijn College at Noarlunga where I was in the same role for 12 years.

What do you love most about your work: What I love most is when you see things coming together, and when you hear students creating great music. I love seeing students discover the creative spirit within and the sound of voices in harmony. I also love collaborating with like-minded staff.

What opportunities are you looking forward to at St Mary’s College: My first will be directing the College Musical 'Oliver!' from then on, its remembering a number of new faces!

Ms Nicole Lionnet

Your role at St Mary’s College: I am an Education Support Officer (ESO) with the Year 5/6 classes.

Previous employment: I've come from working in State Government where I have been a Senior Project Officer for approximately 14 years. I'm also a Social Worker and have worked in the homeless and domestic violence sectors.

What do you love most about your work: I am really loving building up relationships with the Year 5/6 students - they have a great community!

What opportunities are you looking forward to at St Mary’s College: I really looking forward to supporting the range of wellbeing and interpersonal skills offered to the students. This is a community that prioritises kindness and restorative practices - it’s brilliant!

Ms Monique Green

Your role at St Mary’s College: I am the Leader of Learning and Innovation.

Previous employment: In 2022 I worked at Pembroke School as the Assistant Head of Digital Technologies, and prior to that I was at St Peter’s Girls’ as a Digital Technologies Teacher and STEM Coordinator.

What do you love most about your work: That I get to work with lots of different students on projects that align with their interests (and mine) and that I am challenged to think about where the future of education is headed and how as a school we can prepare our students and the broader community.

What opportunities are you looking forward to at St Mary’s College: I am really looking forward to obtaining my Level 1 Barista Training Certificate. I am also looking forward to developing new ways to capture and celebrate learning that occurs outside the classroom.

Mr Dominic Yoon

Your role at St Mary’s College: I am the Stage 1 & 2 and Year 9 Mathematics Teacher

Previous employment: I had my first-year experience at St Bernadette and Christ the King's school as a Japanese teacher. Last year, I was at IQRA College teaching Stage 1 & 2 Mathematics and Physics.

What do you love most about your work: Being able to engage with the students, building relationships, seeing them improve under my guidance, connecting and reaching out to students with different needs.

What opportunities are you looking forward to at St Mary’s College: I am looking forward to learning from the St Mary's College staff as this is my third year as a teacher. I also hope I can continue to improve myself through a variety of professional learning experiences.

Introducing our 2023 Music Coordinator

My name is Maddie and I am the Music Coordinator for 2023.

My passion for music began when I started school at St Mary’s College in Reception. I was inspired by my older sister Hayley who played trumpet leading me to do the same, as well as joining the choir.

The Music Department has offered me endless experiences and opportunities over the last 13 years. This year, I’m aiming to give back to the school by encouraging other students to embrace every opportunity just as I did. Leadership for me is being a voice for the Music Department and assisting others in pursuing their passions. Music connects people through a common interest which is so important and I’m grateful for everything that has led me to achieving my role this year.

The best part of playing music is performing and sharing our hard work with the St Mary’s community and beyond. This forms unbreakable bonds between students and unforgettable memories. This is the first year since 2019 that we have attended Generations in Jazz in Mount Gambier, and it’s great to see everyone’s hard work, engagement, and positivity leading up to the event.

When I’m not at my music stand, I enjoy art, spending time with my friends and family and being outdoors. I have a cat called Felix and he is the best cat ever, he’ s not a fan of my trumpet though!

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me a bit better, I can’t wait to work with everyone this year - stay tuned!