COLLEGE NEWSLETTER
February 2026
Message from the Head of College
Dear College Community,
On Sunday, February 15, we celebrated one of our Lord’s significant feasts—the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, which occurs when he was 40 days old. It was customary at that time for parents to present their newborn sons at the Temple, similar to our church practices today.
At the Temple, a sacrifice was required as a thank-you to God for the gift of their son. Typically, families would offer a lamb or a goat. However, St. Mary and St. Joseph were poor and could not afford such sacrifices. According to Old Testament traditions, they were permitted to offer two pigeons or doves instead, which was all they could bring.
It’s remarkable to think that the Lord Himself came from such humble beginnings, unable to afford a more significant sacrifice, yet He was celebrated in the Temple. While there may not have been a large crowd, two individuals stood out.
One was St. Simeon the Elder, who had lived for over 300 years. When Simeon was young, he was a member of a special group chosen by the king to translate the Old Testament from Hebrew to Greek. While translating a passage in Isaiah that spoke of a virgin conceiving a child, he hesitated. Concerned that the king would mock him for such an improbable claim, he considered changing “virgin” to “young girl.” But an angel of the Lord appeared to him, instructing him to keep the word “virgin” and promising that he would live to see the child.
Simeon waited patiently for years, his eyesight diminishing as he aged. One day, as he sat in the Temple, he prayed, asking God if He would fulfil His promise. At that moment, St. Mary and St. Joseph entered, carrying baby Jesus. The angel confirmed that this was the fulfilment of the promise. Simeon joyfully took the baby in his arms and proclaimed, “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation.” Shortly after, Simeon departed from this life.
Today, during the liturgy, when the priest prepares to read the Gospel, he carries the Gospel in a special box around the altar, echoing Simeon’s words: “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace.” This beautiful tradition connects us to Simeon and reminds us of the Lord’s love and humility.
Yesterday also marked the beginning of the Holy Lent, a significant season for reflection and repentance. Some may wonder why we fast or limit our diets during this time. Fasting helps train us to exercise self-control over our senses, thoughts, and actions. If we can manage our physical cravings, we can better control other aspects of our lives.
This fasting period lasts 55 days, which isn’t too long. I encourage everyone to try fasting, even if it’s just for a day or two each week. It’s a time for spiritual renewal.
Additionally, yesterday we remembered the martyrdom of the 21 martyrs of Libya, who sacrificed their lives for Christ just a few years ago. They boldly confessed their faith in the face of danger. These martyrs serve as a source of inspiration and pride for us today.
The Coptic Church celebrates February 15 each year as a day to honour these modern martyrs. May their courage inspire us to glorify God in our lives, and may we strive to offer our best to Him.
Blessings,
Father Tadros Sharobeam
Head of College
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents, Carers, Students and our SMCO Family,
As we move through the early weeks of the school year, it has been a joy to see the College return to its familiar rhythm of learning, activity and community life. Classrooms are busy, students are settling into routines and our staff continue to guide and support our young people with care and dedication.
Our Meet and Greet evening earlier this term was a wonderful start to the year. It was truly pleasing to see such a strong turnout and to witness so many parents and carers actively engaging in their children’s education. Your partnership with the College is invaluable. I remain deeply humbled and grateful for the trust, encouragement and support you continue to show our staff and our mission as a school community.
As educators, we are also attentive to the evolving challenges that face young people today. One area that continues to require careful attention is the increasing exposure to digital devices such as laptops and iPads. While these tools are essential for learning, we are also mindful that extended exposure can impact students’ concentration, attention span and, at times, their behaviour both inside and outside the classroom. On occasion, it may also contribute to unkind or antisocial interactions between students. I want to reassure families that such behaviour is not tolerated at SMCO and that we remain vigilant in guiding students to use technology responsibly and respectfully. Thankfully, these instances remain limited, but they remind us of the importance of working together, school and families, to support healthy digital habits for our children.
Alongside these reflections, there is much to look forward to. Planning for the future of our College continues with great momentum. We have commenced master planning for both of our campuses. At Coolaroo, this involves strategic reconfiguration of existing spaces so they can evolve into more contemporary and educationally responsive environments for our students. At Fraser Rise, master planning is progressing so that we are ready to move forward confidently when the next stage begins.
We are also eagerly awaiting the completion of our new Foundation to Year 2 Learning Centre in the near future. This beautiful new space will open many opportunities for our youngest learners and will provide a rich, modern environment designed specifically to support early learning and growth.
As always, I remain grateful for the spirit of partnership that defines our community. Together, guided by our Lord Jesus Christ and a shared commitment to our students, we continue to create an environment where every child is supported to grow, learn and reach their God-given potential.
With warm regards and prayers,
Germaine Saad
Principal
Whole College Liturgy
On Thursday, 12th February, our whole college came together to begin the academic year with the blessing of a beautiful Liturgy. We were blessed to be joined by several priests from both the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Syrian Orthodox Church, making it a meaningful and spiritually uplifting start to the year for our college community.
The Liturgy not only deepened our faith but also fostered a sense of unity and purpose among students and staff alike. As we gathered in prayer and reflection, we embraced the opportunity to set our intentions for the year ahead.
Madonna Kadas,
CORE Department
Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF)
From 1 January 2026, families eligible for CSEF will see an increase in support to $400 for primary and secondary school children, up from $154 and $256 respectively.
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) provides payments for eligible students to attend activities like:
- School camps/trips.
- Swimming extension activities and other school-organised sport programs.
- Outdoor education programs.
- Excursions/ Incursions.
- Graduations/ Valedictories.
Applications to the school are now open and will close on 26 June 2026.
· Families can list more than one student in the one application form if they are attending the same school.
· Payments are made directly to the school.
· Payments are for the application year and cannot be claimed for previous years.
Who can apply
Eligibility
· Eligible students in Foundation – Year 12, in a registered Victorian school.
· Where a school or family is unsure if the concession card is eligible, they are encouraged to submit the application into the CSEF system for validation.
· Those that are eligible to apply for the CSEF must be one of the following on the first student day of Term 1 (28 January 2026) or Term 2 (20 April 2026):
- A parent or carer who is the beneficiary of a financially means-tested card. Eligibility will be determined when the relevant concession card successfully validates with Centrelink on either the first student day of Term 1 or Term 2.
- A student over 16 years who is considered a mature minor and holds a valid means tested concession card (such as a Youth Allowance Health Care Card). For guidance on assessing whether a student is a mature minor, refer to the department’s policy on Mature Minors and Decision Making where the eligible card is in the name of the student, the fund is only granted to that student, not their siblings.
- A parent or carer whose child is 16 or over and the beneficiary of a financially means tested card but are not considered a mature minor.
Special consideration – category 1
The special consideration category aims to assist families who are not permanent residents and do not have access to Centrelink or have a means-tested Health Care Card, including:
- Asylum seekers.
- Temporary Protection visa holders.
- Humanitarian or Safe Haven visa holders who are not permanent residents.
Special consideration – category 2
Students in out-of-home care arrangements, including statutory kinship care, foster care and permanent care.
How to apply
Submitting an application
Parent/ Carer of eligible student/s who submitted an application to the College in the past is not required to submit a new application, as schools can rollover/copy the previous year’s application on the CSEF system to the current school year.
However, a parent/carer will only be required to submit an application form to the school in the following circumstances:
- The parent/ carer is applying for the CSEF payment for the first time – i.e. an application form was not lodged with the school in the previous year.
- The student has changed schools from the previous year.
- Circumstances have changed – for example: there has been a change in the care arrangement of the student, a change of name or CRN, or a new sibling has started at the school and the parent/carer wishes to apply for the CSEF payment for the new sibling also. If a sibling has left the school, a new application is required.
- If any other details on the application changes such as the declaration.
Parents/ Carers wishing to apply for CSEF payments for 2026 must submit their application form to the College by 26 June 2026.
Application Forms and more information are available at https://www.vic.gov.au/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund
Schools must have a copy of the health care card for their records and must retain application forms for a minimum of seven years, as CSEF applications may be audited by the department.
Parents/ Carers who have a question or need translated information are encouraged to contact the College on
9301 0999.
Hanan Khreish
Policy and Compliance Leader
Building a culture of cyber safety
Cyber safety tips
Develop strong online habits and make cyber-safe choices every day.
For easy-to-follow expert advice to help you stay safe online, visit https://www.vic.gov.au/cyber-safety-tips
نصائح السلامة السيبرانية
.هناك خطوات يمكنك اتخاذها اليوم لحماية نفسك الآن وفي المستقبل
:اتبع نصائح الخبراء والأدلة لمعرفة المزيد من خلال الرابط التالي
https://www.vic.gov.au/stay-safe-online-arabic
Getting started with social media
بدء استخدام منصات التواصل الاجتماعي
:لمشاهه فيديو مع ترجمة عربية إضغط على الرابط التالي
https://vimeo.com/737805621?fl=pl&fe=sh
Bullying No Way!
Bullying No Way! Website – Now Live
The Bullying No Way updated site offers a more engaging, accessible, and user-friendly experience for students, parents, educators and school communities. It features practical resources, guidance and content to support bullying prevention and response. You can access the updated Bullying No Way website through the link below:
https://www.bullyingnoway.gov.au/
St Mary’s Coptic Orthodox College has in place an Anti-bullying and Harassment Policy, which outlines prevention, reporting and responding to bullying concerns. This Policy is available on the College’s website, under Home/College Policies page. Parents and carers are encouraged to refer to this policy and communicate any concerns to the College through the right communication channels as outlined in our Complaints and Grievances Policy, which is also available on the same webpage. If you have a question or need interpretation, you’re encouraged to contact the College on 9301 0999.
الآن مباشر Bullying No Way! موقع لا للتنمر
المحدث تجربة أكثر جاذبية وسهوله Bullying No Way يقدم موقع الوصول والاستخدام للطلاب وأولياء الأمور والمعلمين ومجتمعات المدارس. تتضمن الموارد العملية والإرشادات والمحتوى لدعم الوقاية من التنمر والاستجابة له. يمكنك الوصول لهذا المحدث من خلال الرابط التالي Bullying No Way إلى موقع
https://www.bullyingnoway.gov.au/
لدى كلية القديسة مريم القبطية الأرثوذكسية سياسة لمكافحة التنمر والتحرش، تحدد الوقاية والإبلاغ والاستجابة لمخاوف التنمر. هذه السياسة متاحة على موقع الكلية الإلكتروني، تحت صفحة سياسات Home/College Policies الكلية
نشجع أولياء الأمور ومقدمي الرعاية على الرجوع إلى هذه السياسة وإبلاغ الكلية بأي مخاوف من خلال قنوات التواصل الصحيحة كما هو
موضح في سياسة الشكاوى لدينا
Complaints and Grievances Policy
. والتي تتوفر أيضا على ذات الصفحة الإلكترونية
إذا كان لديك سؤال أو تحتاج إلى ترجمه ، نشجعك على التواصل مع الكلية على الرقم 93010999.
SRC Awards
We are proud to announce the appointment of the SMCO Student Leadership Team for 2026. These students have been selected in recognition of their commitment to leadership, responsibility, and service to the school community.
Throughout the year, they will act as role models for their peers, demonstrating the SMCO values through their conduct, initiative, and dedication. We congratulate each member of the leadership team and look forward to the positive contribution they will make in 2026.
Secondary College Captains:
Kerollos Abdo
Claudia Tower
Secondary College Deputy Captains:
George Halabi
Chantal El Franji
Primary College Captains:
Head Girl: Aliroi Berhanu
Head Boy: Andrew Fam
Deputy Girl: Amila Alabdall
Deputy Boy: Noah Iskandar
Red House Captain: Klarita Yousef
Yellow House Captain: Raphael Fahmy
Green House Captain: Sarah Alemayehu
Blue House Captain: Yoliana Shemiss
Liz Robertson
Year 6 Classroom Teacher
Interschool Sport Basketball Competition
Girls Primary Basketball Team
The Year 5 and 6 girls basketball team proudly represented the college at the interschool competition on Friday, 13 February. The team played two competitive matches and, while they did not secure a win, they displayed impressive resilience, teamwork, and determination throughout the day.
Their positive attitude and strong sportsmanship were evident in every game, consistently supporting one another and showing respect to their opponents. The girls are to be congratulated on their effort and how well they represented the college.
Boys Primary Basketball Team
The Year 5 and 6 boys proudly represented the college at the interschool competition also, playing two matches and finishing with one win and one loss. Across the day, the team demonstrated excellent resilience, teamwork, and an ability to adapt to both the game and their opponents.
Their determination and positive attitude were clear in every match, and they should be commended for their effort and sportsmanship. Well done to all players for representing the college well.
Daniel Fornito
Primary Sports Coordinator
Primary Excellence Awards
On Monday 9 February, SMCO formally presented the Semester Two, 2025 Excellence Awards in recognition of our students’ outstanding achievements. Each semester, students who demonstrate academic excellence, kindness, and personal growth are awarded an SMCO badge, which they wear on their blazers with pride.
We sincerely thank our parents and carers who took the time to attend the assembly and witness the presentations. We encourage all students to continue to apply themselves diligently and strive for excellence, with the goal of achieving an award in Semester One this year.
Liz Robertson,
Years 5 – 6 Cluster Coordinator
Secondary Excellence Awards
On Monday, February 23, we had the pleasure of celebrating the outstanding academic achievements of our Secondary students for Semester 2 in 2025. It was a wonderful occasion, and we were delighted to see so many parents and carers join us in recognising the hard work and dedication of our young students.
Students were presented with academic badges, which they wore with great pride as a symbol of their commitment to excellence.
A special highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Father Macarius Awards, named by Father Tadros in honour of our beloved late Father Macarius. These awards recognise not only academic success but also character and commitment to our College values.
We are extremely proud of our students and grateful for the ongoing support of our teachers, parents, and wider College community. Together, we continue to nurture and celebrate the success of every student.
Mervet Boulos
Deputy Principal - Staff & Students
Meet & Greet
Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended our Primary and Secondary Meet and Greet evening on Thursday 19 February. It was a pleasure welcoming you and sharing insights into your child’s academic journey for the year ahead. We hope you found the sessions informative and enjoyed meeting our dedicated teaching team.
During the evening, we also highlighted the special events such as camps and other information sessions. Your partnership and involvement play a vital role in your child’s success, and we look forward to working closely with you throughout the year.
Mervet Boulos
Deputy Principal - Staff & Students
Year 12 Excursion to Supreme Court
Our Year 12 Legal Studies students recently had the valuable opportunity to attend an excursion to the Supreme Court of Victoria, where they were able to experience the legal system in action.
During the visit, students participated in a guided tour of the court, gaining insight into its history, structure, and role within Victoria’s legal system. A highlight of the day was a Q&A from Justice David Harper, a highly experienced former Supreme Court judge. Justice Harper has served across both the criminal and common law divisions, before his appointment to the Court of Appeal. His discussion provided students with a unique perspective on judicial decision-making and the responsibilities of key personnel in the courtroom.
Students were also able to observe proceedings in a real case currently before the courts. This included a retrial relating to the 2021 manslaughter case involving Troy Maskell.
The case arose from an incident at a service station in Strathmerton, where an elderly man, John Burke, was assaulted and later died from his injuries. Watching the retrial allowed students to see how legal arguments are constructed and challenged at a higher level of the court hierarchy.
In addition, students visited the Supreme Court Library, where they explored legal resources and examined past judicial decisions. This experience helped reinforce their understanding of precedent and the development of the law over time.
Overall, the excursion provided students with an engaging and practical insight into the workings of the legal system, supporting their studies and deepening their understanding of the principles of justice.
Chantelle Daher,
Humanities and Legal Studies Teacher
Humanities Week
Harmony Day
2026 Humanities Week was a fantastic celebration of culture, history and enterprise across SMCO!
We began on Monday 23rd February with Harmony Day, where students proudly wore orange wristbands and shirts as a symbol of unity, respect and belonging. The day was made even more special by two beautiful musical performances from our talented students, highlighting the rich diversity and talent within our College community.
Medieval Day
On Tuesday 24th February, our Year 8 cohort stepped back in time for Medieval Day. Through engaging, hands-on workshops run by Medieval Education, students explored life in the medieval world using authentic weapons, armour, archery equipment and even juggling gear. Interactive whiteboards and multi-sensory media enhanced the experience,
Interactive whiteboards and multi-sensory media enhanced the experience, bringing history vividly to life and deepening student understanding in an exciting and memorable way. Even the wild weather couldn't stop the fun and learning!
We wrapped up the week on Friday 27th February with the winners of our very first Secondary Sharemarket Game being announced. The competition generated enormous excitement, with students enthusiastically learning about investing and financial decision-making. The announcement of the winners, along with some fantastic prizes, was a highlight, and it was inspiring to see such strong interest in financial literacy at a young age.
A huge congratulations to all students and staff who made Humanities Week such an engaging and successful event!"
Rimon Dinkha
Head of Humanities
Primary Humanities Week! Discover & Celebrate!
In week 5, our Primary school proudly celebrated Humanities Week with a range of engaging activities and cultural experiences for our students.
On Monday 23rd February, our Year 5 and Year 6 students enjoyed a captivating puppet show that highlighted traditional Thai and Chinese puppetry, giving them insight into the storytelling techniques and cultural heritage of both traditions.
On Wednesday 25th February, our Year 1 and Year 2 students immersed themselves in Indigenous art. They created one big artwork on canvas while learning about the traditional symbols and colours used to convey meaning within Indigenous cultures.
Also on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th February, our Year 3 and Year 4 students participated in the Silent Escape Zone. In this interactive experience, students worked through a series of challenges based on different countries and historical facts, encouraging teamwork, critical thinking, and global awareness.
It was a wonderful week of celebration, creativity, and cultural learning across our Primary school.
Rebecca Prasad
Primary Curriculum Coordinator
Photo Day
PRIMARY PHOTO DAY
On Friday 27 February, our Primary students took part in Photo Day, capturing smiles and special moments from the school year. It was wonderful to see students looking so smart and confident as they posed for their individual and class photographs.
Thank you to our families for ensuring children arrived prepared and in full school uniform, and to our staff for helping the day run smoothly. We look forward to sharing the finished photographs with you soon!
Mervet Boulos
Deputy Principal - Staff & Students
DAV Debating 2026
Monday, March 3
6:00pm – 9:00pm
Secondary Photo Day
Friday, March 6
Labour Day - Public Holiday
Monday, March 9
Year 4 Swimming Lessons
March 10 – 11, 2026
NAPLAN
March 11 – 13, 2026
Year 12 Camp
March 11 – 13, 2026
Year 6 Swimming Lesson
Thursday, March 12
Year 5 & 6 Swimming Carnival
Friday, March 13
NAPLAN
March 16 – 20, 2026
Year 4 Swimming Lessons
March 17 – 18, 2026
Yr8 Camp
March 18 – 20, 2026
Year 6 Swimming Lesson
Thursday, March 19
Primary Basketball Interschool Sports
Friday, March 20
Year 1 - Bundoora Park Excursion
Friday, March 20
Harmony Day
Saturday, March 21
Language Week
March 23 – 27, 2026
NAPLAN
Monday, March 23
Year 6 Swimming Lesson
Monday, March 23
Year 4 Swimming Lessons
Tuesday, March 24
SRC Students Leaders workshop
Tuesday, March 24⋅9:30am – 3:00pm
Year 6 Swimming Lessons
Thursday, March 26
Elevate Study Skills
Friday, March 27
Primary Basketball Interschool Sports
Friday, March 27
Interm 1 - Reports Released
Tuesday, March 31
Reg. No. 1934
Address: 19-35 Thorpdale Ave, Coolaroo Vic 3048
Phone: (03) 9301 0999 I Fax: (03) 9302 2688
Email: info@stmarys.vic.edu.au