Message from the Head of College
Dear College Community,
One of the most beautiful moments in the Gospels is when our Lord Jesus Christ welcomed the little children to Himself. As He was teaching, children came eagerly to be near Him, but those around Him tried to send them away, believing that He was too busy. Jesus responded by saying, “Let the little child...
Message from the Principal
July and August have been exceptionally full months at SMCO, with our students embracing opportunities to learn, compete, perform, serve and grow beyond the classroom.
Across the College, learning came to life in many different ways. Our Year 9 students took their learning into the heart of Melbourne through City Cite...
General Information
Family online safety
All parents want their children to be safe when learning and playing online.
The eSafetyCommissioner [https://www.esafety.gov.au/] provides reliable guidance for parents and carers, including videos and advice sheets about online safety, as well as issues and advice, social media age restrictions, webinars and many more resources, all free of charge to help you and your family stay safe online.
Other eSafety pages are available for Women, Seniors, Educators, First Nations, Communities, and Industry.
Webinars for parents and carers
The livewebinars [https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars] give parents and carers the knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safer online experiences.
Guidance in different languages
At eSafetyparents page you will find guidance in different languages, including Arabic. The short videos, easy-to-read advice sheets and conversation starters will give you the confidence to talk with your children about online safety. They include tips to help them stay safe, and important information about what to do if something bad happens online.
Report online harm
eSafety helps Australians prevent and deal with harm caused by serious online abuse or illegal and restricted online content. The eSafetyCommissioner can investigate
- cyberbullying of a child or young person (under 18)
- adult cyber abuse (18 years and older)
- image-based abuse (sharing, or threatening to share, intimate images without the consent of the person shown) and illegal and restricted content.
eSafety helps remove serious online abuse, and illegal and restricted online content. To learn more, or report online harm and seek help, visit the eSafety ‘Report abuse’ page at https://www.esafety.gov.au/report
Hanan Khreish
Policy and Compliance Leader
Highlights
Year 12 Archery Attack Excursion
Our Year 12 Students recently enjoyed an exciting day out at Archery Attack in Reservoir, where they took part in a fun-filled session of this fast-paced team activity. Combining elements of archery and dodgeball, students worked together to develop their teamwork and communication skills while enjoying some friendly competition.
The excursion provided a fantastic opportunity for students to build confidence, stay active and strengthen friendships in a safe and supportive environment, as well as to have a well-earned break from their studies. It was wonderful to see everyone encouraging one another, demonstrating resilience and displaying excellent sportsmanship throughout the day.
A big thank you to our staff for helping to organise and supervise the excursion and to our students for representing the school so positively. It was a memorable day enjoyed by all!
Mr Rimon Dinkha
Year 12 Coordinator
Hume City Council Youth Awards
We are proud to congratulate Ogean Markos on receiving a Certificate of Recognition at the Hume City Council Youth Awards on Friday the 31st of July. This award acknowledges young people who have made a positive contribution to their school and the wider community through their leadership, commitment, and positive attitude.
This well-deserved recognition reflects Ogean’s dedication, kindness, and willingness to make a difference. We are delighted to celebrate this achievement and commend them on being an outstanding role model for our college community.
Congratulations on this wonderful accomplishment!
Hayley Tronson and Mervet Boulos
Student Leaders Workshop
On Thursday, 23 July, our Student Leaders participated in a leadership workshop designed to strengthen their leadership skills and build their confidence as role models within our school community.
Throughout the workshop, students took part in a range of engaging activities that focused on communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and effective leadership. The day provided valuable opportunities for our student leaders to reflect on their roles, develop practical strategies, and build the skills needed to positively influence and support others.
We are proud of the enthusiasm and commitment our Student Leaders demonstrated and look forward to seeing them put their new skills into action throughout the year.
Mervet Boulos
College Deputy Principal – Staff & Students
Interschool Sports Competition
On Wednesday, 29th of July 2026, our Year 4, 5 and 6 students proudly represented St Mary’s Coptic Orthodox College in an exciting day of Inter-school sport. Across four competitive matches, the team demonstrated outstanding resilience, teamwork and sportsmanship.
The day began with a hard-fought 2–0 loss, followed by a thrilling 3–3 draw in match two. The team showed great determination to secure a strong 3–1 win in match three, earning their place in the Grand Final. In a closely contested final, the team gave their all but were narrowly defeated 3–2, experiencing the heartbreak of a very close loss.
Despite the result, the students should be incredibly proud of their efforts, consistently displaying courage, respect and unity throughout the day.
A special mention goes to Shannah Tower, who stepped into the team at late notice and made a valuable contribution. Another special mention goes to Adriana Dib, the youngest player on the team, who was also the most influential player of the day with an exceptional performance.
Well done to all students involved for representing St Mary’s Coptic Orthodox College with pride.
Daniel Fornito,
Primary PE Coordinator
SMCO Violin & Cello Meet & Greet
The SMCO Violin and Cello Meet & Greet and Students’ Recital was held on Thursday, 6 August, bringing together students, families and members of our Music team for a wonderful celebration of musical progress and achievement.
Parents had the opportunity to meet our violin and cello teacher, Miss Laura Kate Pollock, discuss their child’s progress and learn how they can support their musical development at home. Students then joined their families and music staff for an informative presentation about the Music Enhancement Program (MEP), followed by a practical demonstration of effective home practice strategies.
The afternoon culminated in an impressive student recital, where our young violinists and a cellist proudly showcased their progress, confidence and developing musical skills. It was wonderful to see our students perform with such focus and enthusiasm and to receive such positive feedback from their families.
The event also highlighted the opportunities available through the MEP as students continue their musical journey. As the program grows, students will have the opportunity to progress towards VCE Music, providing a pathway for further study and development in music.
A special thank you to Miss Laura, Music staff, our talented students and their families for making the afternoon such a memorable celebration of music, students’ achievements and future possibilities.
Sandra Mlikota
Head of Music
SMCO Piano & Clarinet Meet & Greet
The SMCO Piano and Clarinet Meet & Greet and Students’ Recital, held on Monday, 10 August, provided families with an enjoyable insight into the students’ musical development and the opportunities available through instrumental learning.
Parents had the opportunity to meet with our piano teacher Ms Robyn Cole and piano /clarinet teacher Mr. Jackson, to discuss their child’s progress and gain practical ideas for making home practice more effective and enjoyable. The teachers also performed a special piano and clarinet duet, demonstrating how the two instruments can work together while sharing helpful practice tips with families.
The recital showcased a wonderful range of students, from beginners taking their first steps in instrumental music through to intermediate and advanced performers. The high standard of all performances was particularly impressive, with students demonstrating confidence, preparation and developing musical expression.
For families, the recital was also a valuable opportunity to see the progression that students can achieve through regular lessons and practice, and to gain a clearer picture of where their musical journey can lead.
Thank you to our piano and clarinet teachers Ms Robyn and Mr. Jackson, SMCO staff, students and families for contributing to another successful and inspiring Music Enhancement Program event.
Sandra Mlikota
Head of Music
SMCO Middle School Choir Performs at Royal South Street Eisteddfod in Ballarat
On Thursday 13 August, SMCO Middle School Choir had a wonderful experience competing at the Royal South Street Eisteddfod Choral Competition at Federation University in Ballarat. Competing alongside 16 school choirs, our students embraced the opportunity to perform, challenge themselves and showcase their vocal skills.
The choir performed three contrasting songs, demonstrating a range of skills including unison singing, two-part harmony and three-part harmony. Our students gave their best on the day and should be proud of their commitment, preparation and performance.
An important part of the experience was also listening to the other participating choirs. This gave our students the opportunity to hear a variety of vocal styles and interpretations, while gaining a greater understanding of what makes an effective and successful choir performance.
A particular highlight was receiving valuable feedback from renowned Australian choral composer and adjudicator Mr. Mark Puddy. His professional insights provided our students with clear direction on how they can continue to develop their intonation, harmony and overall choral singing skills.
We look forward to taking this feedback onboard and continuing to work together to strengthen our musical skills, confidence and performance as a choir. Well done to all our Middle School Choir students!
Sandra Mlikota
Head of Music
SMCO Senior Band Achieves Third Place at the Royal South Street Band Competition
On the 21st of August, the St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox College Senior Band competed in the Royal South Street Festival of Band and Strings in Ballarat. The band, comprising seven talented secondary students, represented our College to an exceptionally high standard, impressing the adjudicators with their soulful rendition of three complex and challenging pieces.
The band achieved an excellent third place, receiving a score of 86/100. We congratulate all our band members on their dedication and efforts in representing the College and look forward to celebrating many more of their performances and achievements in the future!
Joshua Scarpaci
Band director
Guitar and Drums Meet & Greet
During the Guitar and Drums Meet & Greet and Recital, students performed solo, in small groups, or were accompanied by their guitar/drum teacher, Mr Joshua Scarpaci, and drum teacher, Mr Nelson Otten. Students from Year 3 through to Year 10 were represented, showcasing a wonderful range of musical abilities and musical pieces in different styles. Students played acoustic, electric and bass guitar. The Year 9 Band gave a fantastic performance, demonstrating the students’ ensemble skills and confidence as musicians.
Across all of these events, the most rewarding aspect has been seeing students perform together, support one another and share their love of music. These recitals give our students an authentic performance experience while allowing parents and families to see the progress being made through the Music Enhancement Program.
A huge congratulations to all our students and their parents and a sincere thank you to our dedicated instrumental and vocal teachers for their commitment, encouragement and support. We look forward to seeing our young musicians continue to grow and flourish in the years to come.
Sandra Mlikota
Head of Music
SMCO Vocal Meet & Greet and Students’ Recital
The SMCO Vocal Meet & Greet and Students’ Recital, held on Monday, 24 August, was a wonderful celebration of the students’ vocal development, musical achievements and love of performing. The event was warmly attended by many students and families, creating a supportive and encouraging atmosphere throughout the afternoon.
The recital featured 30 performers, who presented their music in small groups. The performances included beautiful vocal harmonies, with individual students also showcasing their voices through solo sections within the group performances.
It was particularly wonderful to see such a broad range of ages and abilities represented. Every performance was well polished, with students demonstrating preparation, confidence and enjoyment of singing. The beautiful harmonies created by the groups were a highlight of the afternoon.
The event provided families with a valuable opportunity to see the progress students are making through their vocal lessons and to celebrate their achievements together. The positive atmosphere and enthusiastic support from parents and students made the recital a truly enjoyable experience for everyone.
A special thank you to our vocal students, their families, SMCO singing teacher Miss Sabrina Lim How and SMCO staff for contributing to such a successful and memorable afternoon of music.
Sandra Mlikota
Head of Music
RACV Incursion
Our Foundation students recently enjoyed an engaging RACV incursion focused on staying safe at home and on the road. Students learned important road safety skills, including how to cross roads safely and the importance of being aware of their surroundings. They also explored simple ways to stay safe at home. It was a fun and informative session that helped our students build valuable safety skills for everyday life.
Foundation Team
Year 8 Girls Soccer - Northern Metropolitan Regional Finals
The Year 8 Girls Soccer team represented SMCO on Monday, 17 August, competing against three strong schools in a challenging day of interschool competition. The girls approached the tournament with a positive mindset and showed plenty of determination throughout each match.
The opening game against Kyneton College was a closely fought contest. SMCO competed strongly and created opportunities but unfortunately fell just short, going down in a tight battle. The girls responded positively in their second game against St Helena, producing a determined performance to earn a well-deserved draw. It was encouraging to see the team work hard for one another and continue to compete right until the final whistle.
The final match was always going to be a significant challenge against Melbourne Girls College, who proved to be a very strong and experienced side and ultimately went on to become the Regional Champions. Despite the result, the girls gained valuable experience competing against high-quality opposition.
Most importantly, the team demonstrated resilience, teamwork and a willingness to learn throughout the day. There is plenty to take away from the experience, and with continued training and development, this group has a strong foundation to build on moving forward.
Paul Di Lizia,
PE Teacher
Year 7 Table Tennis - Hosted at SMCO
Friday, 21 August, was a fantastic day for our Year 7 students as they represented SMCO in the interschool table tennis competition. For many of our students, it was their first experience competing as part of a team, making the day an exciting opportunity to develop confidence, teamwork and school pride.
Our Year 7 Boys team performed strongly throughout the competition, finishing second overall behind Sirius College, who went on to take the tournament victory. The boys should be proud of the way they competed and supported one another throughout the day.
The highlight, however, was undoubtedly the Year 7 Girls team. Competing in a three-team round-robin against Gladstone Park and Roxburgh Park, the girls were outstanding, winning both of their matches without dropping a single set throughout the entire day. Anastasia Botrous, Anastascia Morkos, Jolie Ibrahim, Aulest Hadaia, Maia Arous and Atoor Toma represented SMCO with enormous enthusiasm and pride.
Their undefeated performance means the girls will now progress to the Northern
Metropolitan Regional Finals on 26 October. It was wonderful to see the excitement and on their faces as they experienced competitive team sport for the first time. A fantasticbeginning to their sporting journey at SMCO!
Paul Di Lizia,
PE Teacher
Year 7 Basketball
Friday, 21 August, was a valuable day for our Year 7 students as they represented SMCO in interschool basketball. For many of the students, the experience was about stepping onto the court, learning to compete as a team and building confidence in a new environment.
The Year 7 Boys team started the day with a closely fought opening game. Although they narrowly missed out on the result, the boys competed with plenty of effort and showed a willingness to learn from the experience. Their second game provided further opportunities to develop their understanding of the game, gain valuable court time and grow in confidence.
The Year 7 Girls team showed excellent resilience throughout the day. With every game, they became more confident, more competitive and more comfortable playing together as a team.Their improvement from one game to the next was particularly pleasing and highlighted the value of these early sporting experiences.
Overall, both teams represented SMCO positively and embraced the challenges of interschool basketball. The day was less about results and more about developing skills, confidence, teamwork and a love for representing their school.
Paul Di Lizia,
PE Teacher
Faith In Action - Primary CORE Week
Our Primary students enjoyed a wonderful CORE Week from 17–21 August, filled with faith, creativity, learning and fun. Throughout the week, students participated in a variety of engaging activities, including an Art Competition, an incursion and hands-on activities, providing opportunities for students to explore and express their faith in creative and meaningful ways.
The week was followed by a beautiful celebration of the Feast of St Mary on Monday 24 August, when the whole Primary School gathered to celebrate the Divine Liturgy with His Grace Bishop Rewis, Papal Legate of the Diocese of Melbourne and Affiliated Regions. It was a blessed occasion for our students and staff to come together in prayer and thanksgiving as we honoured our beloved St Mary.
Adding to the celebrations, our Primary Coptic Choir proudly performed at St Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Kensington. Their beautiful performance was a wonderful reflection of their dedication, commitment and love for the Coptic hymns and our Church.
We thank God for blessing our CORE Week and the Feast of St Mary celebrations, giving our students opportunities to learn, serve, celebrate and grow in their faith.
Primary CORE Team
Coptic Choir Performance at St Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church
On Sunday 23 August, our Primary and Secondary Coptic Choirs had the wonderful opportunity to serve and perform at St Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, Kensington. It was a beautiful occasion that allowed our students to share their love for God and their faith through their talents.
The Primary Coptic Choir presented two beautiful hymns: “Ezekiel,” the Wednesday Theotokia Lobsh, and “Mama Mary.” Their joyful voices and enthusiastic participation were a wonderful expression of their faith and devotion.
The Secondary Coptic Choir performed “Shere Ne Maria,” the seventh part of the Sunday Theotokia, and “A Cloud of Holy Witnesses.” Their dedication and commitment to learning and serving through the Coptic hymns were truly commendable.
We are incredibly proud of all our choir members for their hard work, dedication and willingness to serve. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the students, their families and everyone who supported the students in preparing for this special service.
May God bless our students and continue to use their voices to glorify His Holy Name.
Wafaa Zakarie,
CORE Teacher
St Mary’s Feast Fundraiser
We give thanks to God for His abundant grace and for blessing our St Mary’s Feast Fundraiser. Through our community’s incredible generosity and support, we raised $4150 over the 2 days.
Following the visit of Bishop Joseph, Bishop of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, and after his touching words during our Secondary liturgy, we felt that God was directing us to use these funds to support our brothers and sisters in South Africa. We trust that this small gift will be a blessing to those in need.
We are also grateful to God for placing the needs of our brothers and sisters in Fiji on our hearts. That’s why the school decided to hold another fundraiser during Term 4 to support our Church in Fiji. Stay tuned!
Thank you for being a wonderful college community and for showing Christ’s love through your generosity.
A special shout out to our college alumni who dedicated their time to come and support our Fundraiser.
May God bless those who contributed, served, donated and supported this fundraiser.
Pauline Iskander,
CORE Teacher
Bible Verse of the Month– Luke 1:37
For with God nothing will be impossible.
What’s On
Year 9 City Cite Program
Our Year 9 students recently completed an outstanding week at the City Cite Program in Melbourne CBD. Throughout the week, students stepped beyond the classroom to engage in authentic, real-world learning experiences that challenged them to think critically, collaborate
effectively, and develop a deeper understanding of important social issues.
As part of the program, students visited the Melbourne Magistrates Court, where they observed the justice system in action and gained insight into the legal process. They also visited The Big Issue Classroom, where they learned about the work of The Big Issue magazine and how it provides opportunities for people experiencing homelessness, marginalisation, and disadvantage to earn an income with dignity by selling the magazine. Students
also spent time with the Intersection organisation, learning about the experiences of people facing social disadvantage and the importance of empathy, inclusion, and community support. In addition, students explored
Melbourne's iconic street art laneways and discovered how public art can be used to communicate powerful social messages and tell the stories of diverse communities.
Throughout the week, students heard from a range of inspiring guest speakers, including members of Victoria Police, a refugee who courageously shared their journey of resilience and hope, and a former gambler who spoke openly about the impact of gambling addiction and the importance of making positive life choices. Working collaboratively in small groups, students completed a Deep Dive Inquiry Project, investigating a significant social issue affecting our community. They conducted background research, interviewed members of the public, collected and analysed survey data, evaluated evidence, and developed informed conclusions. Each group presented their findings through a visual display board, a PowerPoint presentation, and an oral presentation, demonstrating both their research skills and their understanding of the issue they investigated.
The City Cite Experience provided students with valuable opportunities to develop independence, resilience, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills. Most importantly, it encouraged students to become informed, compassionate, and active citizens who are better equipped to understand and respond to the challenges faced by members of our community.
Congratulations to all Year 9 students for the maturity, enthusiasm, and respect they demonstrated throughout the week. Their positive attitude, engagement, and willingness to embrace new experiences were outstanding, and they represented St Mary Coptic Orthodox College with honour throughout the program.
Farag Saad,
Year 9 Coordinator
Important Dates:
- Yr9 Camp Monday, August 31 – Wednesday, September 2
- Year 5 - Positive Peer Relationship Tuesday, September 1
- ArtVo - Year11 Psychology Thursday, September 3
- InterSchool Sports - Yr8 Basketball Team Thursday, September 3
- Hosting Table Tennis - Yr8 Teams Hosting Table Tennis Thursday, September 3
- Year 8 - Thrive Incursion Friday, September 4
- Father's Day Morning Tea Friday, September 4
- Victorian School Music Festival Box Hill - Secondary choir Monday, September 7
- Victorian School Music Festival Box Hill - Primary choir Tuesday, September 8
- Year 3 - CERES in Brunswick (Excursion) Thursday, September 10
- Foundation - Living Things - Incursion Thursday Thursday, September 10
- Year 9 - Civics & Citizenship incursion (Humanities) Friday, September 11
- Saint Demiana's Foundation - Year 2 Grand Opening Ceremony Monday, September 14
- Year 5 Camp Tuesday, September 15 – 17
- Year 4 - Science Incursion Tuesday, September 15
- Term 3 - Last Day for Students Thursday, September 17 Thursday, September 17
- Students Free Day Friday, September 18
- Term 3 - Last Day for Teachers Friday, September 18
- Students Free Day Monday, October 5
- Term 4 -Teachers Return Monday, October 5
- Term 4 -Students Return Tuesday, October 6