Building on the strong foundation established in 2025, including expanded student engagement and elite-focused experiences, the partnership continues to deliver exciting opportunities both on and off the netball court.

The partnership also follows a significant milestone for the College, with 2025 marking 50 years of netball at St Michael’s College, celebrating five decades of participation, community connection and sporting excellence! In 2026, the courts across the College will fill with close to 300 students across Primary and Secondary Campuses, the highest participation numbers in the College’s history. The Thunderbirds partnership provides students with the opportunity to further develop their skills through an inclusive and high-quality netball program, game-day experiences for selected year levels and further development for coaching staff.

An additional standout element of the partnership this year is the involvement of Kate Heffernan, elite midcourt player for the Adelaide Thunderbirds. Before joining the Thunderbirds, Kate enjoyed a successful netball career in her home country of New Zealand. Kate brings international experience to her work with students, providing them the opportunity to gain knowledge from an athlete who has both played at high levels of National sport and also captained at an international level.

Further, students will engage with Latanya Wilson (Latty), seen as one of the best defenders in the league. With six seasons at the Thunderbirds, dual premierships and being crowned the Adelaide University Club Champion for the second-consecutive year, Latty will bring her strengths in defence to further upskill students to take to the court.

St Michael’s College Talent and Development Program Co-ordinator, Kaiden Brand, is looking forward to seeing the continued development of students over the year ahead, following a strong year in 2025:

“It’s fantastic to see our netball program continue to grow, with students across both campuses embracing the opportunities created through our partnership with the Adelaide Thunderbirds. We’re excited to see our students and coaches continue to benefit from the valuable development opportunities this partnership provides.�

These opportunities reinforce St Michael’s College commitment to sport as a key part of student wellbeing, leadership and community culture. The College is proud to continue working with the Adelaide Thunderbirds and looks forward to another year of netballÌýsuccessÌýwithin the College Community.

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At our 2025 Graduation Mass, the following was shared by Robert Dempsey, on the achievements and contributions of this years recipient – Aidan Sbatella.

“This year’s award winner has fulfilled the criteria of the De La Salle Award, making an outstanding contribution to our community. They have been academically diligent, earning excellent feedback from all teachers for their commitment to study and behaviour, while serving as a source of encouragement and inspiration for their peers.

As a leader, this student has consistently led through example. They’ve guided younger students in faith-based activities, presented to classes on study habits and perseverance, and regularly stepped forward to assist at events. One staff member described them as “someone who doesn’t seek attention but simply makes the College a better place for others through small, consistent acts of service.�

They have also engaged in broader community life, attending Diocesan forums for young people in the Church and representing the College at major faith and education events. Another staff member explained that they’ve rarely seen someone who is “not only a great student, working hard and helping others in class, but a young person with a servant heart, often doing things for other people without being asked.�

Beyond the classroom, this student has shown a deep commitment to service and social justice – preparing and presenting chapel services, assisting at Retreats, and volunteering behind the scenes at College events; including Breakfast Club, an ANZAC Day Dawn Service, College tours and making ribbons for White Ribbon Day. They have represented St Michael’s at the Marian Procession, participated in the Rosary and Benediction, and read the Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Prayer at Founders Day Mass. Most notably, they trained and served as a Eucharistic Minister during Year 12 Masses, demonstrating humility, faith and dedication to the Lasallian ethos. They organised chapel services to recognise the canonisation of Carlo Acutis for every year level and explained his legacy of promoting Eucharistic miracles.

This student’s leadership and genuine care for others embody the essence of being Lasallian. Their legacy is one of faith, service, and community that will inspire others for years to come.

Congratulations to Aidan Sbattella, the recipient of the De La Salle Award for 2025.”

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Students of the 2025 cohort were recognised for their achievements at a whole Secondary School assembly which was held during Week 1 of this term.Ìý We acknowledge and congratulate the award winners below and also thank them for their contributions to the College.

Service to the College
Sienna Zienkiewicz

Mary MacKillop Award
Aidan Sbattella

ADF Leadership and Teamwork Award
Brendan Talbot

Best All Rounder Award
Erin O’Shea

Mary Colton Award
Sophie Hall

Student Citizenship Award (Order of Australia)
Liliana Walsh

College community Leadership Award (Mark Butler School Award)Ìý
Aiden Colella

Female Athlete Of The Year
Zahlia Niemann

Male Athlete of the Year
Zane Peucker

Sport Representative of the Year
Celine Huynh

Brian Gilbertson Co-curricular artist Music Award
Kiara Didyk

Co-curricular Performing Artist Award
Siena Tappert

Muriel Matters Award
Hannah Timpani

Ralph Broughton Award
Harrison Northeast

We trust our 2025 graduates will continue to recognise and grow their many gifts and talents and share the Lasallian spirit of service with the wider community.Ìý We look forward to seeing all they achieve over the years to come!

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Mark is recognised as one of the best junior cricket coaches in Australia. His accolades include:Ìý

• Two-time SACA Coach of the Year (2016-2017 and 2023-2024)Ìý

• Level Three Cricket Coach Ìý

• West Torrens District Cricket A Grade Coach (2016-2025)Ìý

• Multiple Premiership winning coach at West Torrens District Cricket Club Ìý

• Varied coaching roles throughout SACA and the Darren Lehmann AcademyÌý

• Played 84 First Class games for South AustraliaÌý
• Represented Australia at 2nd XI and Prime Minister XI level.Ìý

‘After many years of coaching in High Performance programs at the SACA and Premier Cricket at West Torrens, I am excited for this opportunity to bring my coaching experience to St Michael’s College. I look forward to working with the students to help them improve as a team and as individuals.’ – Mark HarrityÌý

The College’s cricket program continues to expand and in partnership with West Torrens Cricket Club, St Michael’s College has also secured a grant through SACA and Cricket Australia, to develop new cricket pitches, providing students with access to some of the best turf wickets and surfaces in South Australia.Ìý Ìý

Over the years, St Michael’s College has produced several standout cricketers, including Spencer Johnson (Class of 2013), who has made a mark as an Australian International cricketer, representing the Australian National Cricket team in One Day Internationals and T20, as well as in the BBL, the Hundred, Major League Cricket, Vitality Blast, the Indian Premier League and for South Australia. On the domestic scene, Old Scholars such as Daniel Drew (Class of 2014) who has played for South Australia, in the Twenty20 BBL and is Bradman Medallist, Harry Nielsen (Class of 2012) who is in the Adelaide Strikers squad and played in the Cricket Australia XI, and Conor McInerney (Class of 2011) a South Australian Squad member, continue to excel.

Mark Harrity has coached Spencer, Daniel and Harry during their time at West Torrens Cricket Club, highlighting the strong connections between the College and the broader cricketing community. Spencer and Daniel shared reflections on their journey from school cricket to the professional stage, offering inspiration and advice to current students, with both having fond memories of their time spent under Mark’s coaching guidance. In particular, the 2016 Triple Premiership at West Torrens Cricket Club, with it being Mark’s first year coaching them both, was a real highlight to be part of!

When it comes to playing Cricket at St Michael’s College, Daniel Drew shared his experience of the camaraderie and friendships built while playing for the College and West Torrens. With many students playing for both St Michael’s College and West Torrens, the team morale would continue outside the school gates, with lifelong friendships made. A sentiment echoed by Spencer, who emphasised the enjoyment that comes with being part of a team environment.

For Mark Harrity, the opportunity to coach Students at St Michael’s College, opens up new doors and opportunities to support more students to follow in the foot steps of Spencer and Daniel. He said, ‘to have the opportunity to coach the kids at an earlier stage, where we can have more influence over their development as cricketers, and their skills and techniques is exciting’.

‘We are excited to welcome Mark Harrity to St Michael’s College as our 1st XI Cricket Coach. His experience and proven track record in developing young cricketers will be invaluable to our program. We look forward to seeing our students thrive under his guidance and achieving new heights in cricket.’Ìý – Tony Daley, Principal

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St Michael’s College is committed to fostering a culture of safeguarding that recognises and upholds the dignity and rights of all, particularly children, young people, and the vulnerable. The school community has zero tolerance for child abuse. Allegations or concerns about the abuse or safety of a child or young person are taken seriously and reported in line with agreed policies, practices, and legislation. Anyone who brings forward a suspicion, concern, knowledge, or allegation of current or past abuse will be responded to sensitively, respectfully, actively, and in a timely manner.

The College Board and leadership teams are dedicated to implementing and continually reviewing strategies, policies, practices, and systems that support a child-safe culture.

Principles

St Michael’s College aims to:

• Protect all children and young people from harm through legislative requirements, professional duty of care, and pastoral care.
• Promote safeguarding children and young people as everyone’s responsibility.
• Build a culture prioritising and maintaining safe environments through policy compliance and continuous improvement.
• Provide children and young people with opportunities to be heard and participate in the life of the College.
• Respond to the particular needs of children and young people from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.
• Communicate the commitment to being a Child Safe Organisation with zero tolerance for harm, risk of harm, or abuse-related trauma.
• Plan for safe, open, and supportive environments and identify areas of risk.
• Deliver relevant safeguarding training, education programs, and guidance to those engaging with children and young people.

We aim to develop and implement protective systems and safe practices that are both preventative and responsive. Raise, report, and respond appropriately to all signs and indicators of harm, risk of harm, and abuse, including disclosures and concerns of inappropriate behaviour.

Responsibilities

St Michael’s College is responsible for implementing and monitoring procedures and practices that demonstrate a safe environment for all and work collaboratively to ensure effective achievement of a Child Safe Organisation. The College is also responsible for appropriately responding to any allegations or concerns relating to the abuse or safety of a child or young person in accordance with applicable legislation and supporting documents.

For more information or to raise a concern, please contact the Executive Assistant on (08) 8356 5966 or email child.safeguarding@smc.sa.edu.au.

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In Semester 2, students in Year 10 will be completing the Exploring Identities & Futures (EIF) as the first stage of their SACE Certificate. This is designed to assist students to identify possible career paths. Various Parent/Student Information Nights are scheduled to explain the subject selection process and SACE Certificate requirements, and the College recommends parents and students to attend these if at all possible.

A reminder that Mr Schirripa, Mr Vizaniaris and Ms Coorey are available for careers counselling and Ms Harris will be available for advice on VET courses.

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Success looks different for every student at St Michael’s, and the Careers Expo aims to help students plan for their own future pathway. From internships and apprenticeships to university programs and job opportunities, our Expo provides the opportunity to explore and connect with over 40 exhibitors from a diverse range of industries, giving students the opportunity to explore future pathways and potential career opportunities. The aim is to inspire students to broaden their horizons and consider careers they have not previously considered.

Students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of careers and pathways and understand the skills required; investigate study options to future pathways; network with industry experts; connect with experienced professionals, industry leaders, and alumni eager to share invaluable insights and advice; forge meaningful connections that could shape future endeavors; attend presentations; and participate in interactive experiences.

The Careers Expo is being run in conjunction with SACE Information Sessions for students and parents/caregivers who are currently in Years 10 and 11. Term 3 is the time when students and parents make important decisions regarding subject choices in preparation for future career pathways. These choices are guided by student interest and success in preparatory subjects. Our Information Sessions explain the subject selection process and SACE Certificate requirements, and we encourage parents/caregivers to attend these informative sessions in conjunction with the Careers Expo.

Below is the evening format and timings:

To help plan who to connect with at the Expo, please refer to the Careers Expo Booklet. It lists all exhibitors with a colour code and number, and includes a map showing their locations for the evening.

St Michael’s College invites students to embark on a journey of exploration, inspiration and opportunity….

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Golf St Michael’s recently concluded four weeks of golf sessions in partnership with Grange Golf Club. Students were fortunate to receive coaching from club professional Dylan Thomas in the same premier facility that plays host to the world’s best players. It was fantastic to see the improvement and experience gained over a short amount of time.

Soccer Sarah Morgan has recently concluded her specialised four-week program in preparation for the Term 2 and 3 Girls’ soccer season. As a current women’s A-League player, Sarah has been incredible for our student’s development and preparation. Thank you, Sarah, for your time and expertise!

Netball Our partnership began with Romelda Aiken-George leading netball training sessions. Our Open Teams refined their passing and footwork skills, and goal shooters from Years 7 to 12 participated in a specialised session. Our netball teams are now gearing up for an exciting season ahead.

Bloom Leadership Sessions Bloom Leadership ran an extensive leadership program for students aspiring to be future leaders. Bloom Leadership is led by former Australian netball captain Nat Von Bertouch and former Port Adelaide AFL Captain Tom Jonas. The program has two phases: ‘Inspiring Leaders,’ which works with our College Middle Years Leadership Program, and ‘Inspiring Athletes’ for Year 8s, 9s and 10s.

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Our Primary campus developments have been completed – enjoy our walkthrough virtual video tour of our Stage 3 buildings.

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