In the 55^th World Peace Day message, Pope Francis summarized his three factors which are crucial for peace, as quoted by  “Vatican News”: “Men and women who are conscious of their role in society, and who work and find fulfilment in places where human dignity is respected, will become artisans of peace, walking together on the path of intergenerational dialogue, education and work: three indispensable elements for making possible the creation of a social covenant without which every project of peace turns out to be insubstantial.”

Intergenerational dialogue, between the elderly, say, grandparents, and the young, is what Mary did with her cousin, the elderly Elizabeth, as St Josemaría reminds us, in Furrow, 371: “Turn your eyes towards the Blessed Virgin and see how she practised the virtue of loyalty. When Elizabeth needed her, the Gospel says that she went cum festinatione— joyfully making haste. Learn from her!”

This can happen in the family setting, or at aged care facilities. It will be greatly appreciated, by men, and, above all, by God. Much peace will surely come of it, for one and all.

Please pray for our sick and injured family and friends:

Zoey de Villiers (KW); Irene Nimenzo, grandmother to Anastasia (5G) and Jacinta (KB) Campbell; Cecilia Obeid (5G), sister to Clare (4G) & Lucy (2G);Giorgio Murgolo, son to Michael Murgolo (Founding Class);Simon Elbayeh, father to Olivia (7G); Joshua Gibbons (Yr5Wollemi), brother to Catherine (8B) & Madeleine (7B) Gibbons; Helen Stanojevic (Teacher); & Emmanuel Hanna, brother to Cecilia (10B) & Lucia (7G) Hanna.

Please also remember those who have passed away:

Nicholas Mentis, grandfather to Mariah (10) Seecy; Lucrecia Concepcion, great-grandmother to Lael Nasayao (4B); Stephen Leitch, uncle to Marcus Dowsett (KG); VinceBellet, brother to Donna Murphy (English Teacher); Aden McFarlane, great grandfather to Charlotte McFarlane (4G); JamieDowsett, father to Marcus (KG); Argyna Santiago (Class of 2025) &Aiyana Cabanero (Yr10 2019) sister to Amara (10) Cabanero.

If you would like to add any intentions to the Prayer Board, please send them to melanie.merriman@montgrove.nsw.edu.au. Please also let Melanie know when your intentions can be removed. 

With the upcoming school holidays, our Year 10 students, together with their teacher volunteers, will be hosting the Montgrove K-6 Girls Holiday Programme from Monday 29th September - Wednesday 1st October.

All proceeds will go towards the building of our new Chapel.  As numbers are limited, please register your daughter by Monday the 23rd September to secure her spot through the link below.

https://forms.gle/Ysz27y5tX5976KWa8

Looking forward to seeing many of the students there to support this wonderful cause!  For any queries please email Christine Lay or Teresa Barry on  

montgroveholidayprogramme@montgrove.nsw.edu.au

When: Monday 29th September - Wednesday 1st October

Time:   9.00am -3.00pm 

Cost:   $40 per day per child or

            $100 for 3 days per child 

Bring: Recess Lunch Hat and any medications needed 

Only 2 weeks to go for the 2025 Premier's Reading Challenge!!

Students in Kindergarten to Year 2 are challenged to read or experience 30 books. 20 of these books must be from the relevant Challenge booklists, and up to 10 books can be personal choice books. Books can be read with a parent, carer, teacher or another student.

Students in Year 3 to Year 10 are challenged to read 20 books independently. At least 10 of these books must be from the relevant Challenge booklists, and up to 10 books can be personal choice books.

If a book is from an approved PRC series, students can enter up to 5 books as Challenge books, and can read up to 10 other books from the same series as Personal Choice books. More information on the rules of the Challenge can be found onthe PRC website.

Books must be added to a student’s online reading record by Friday 19 September 2025in order for their reading record to be validated and receive a certificate.

How do students log their reading?

Save The Date

On Tuesday 28th October we will be celebrating Grandparents Day.  Please mark the date in your diaries. 

More information to follow.

Year One took a big step back in time – all the way to the 1800s – as we visited the historic Rouse Hill Schoolhouse. From the moment the bus pulled away from school, excitement was high (and not just because of the novelty of sitting next to our best friends on the bus!).

Our students were an absolute credit to our school – so much so that the staff at Rouse Hill declared they were the best group they had ever hosted. That’s quite the compliment, and one we proudly pass on to our amazing Year One families!

Our day was packed with hands-on learning and old-fashioned fun. The children dressed the part and truly embraced what school life was like in the 19th century – complete with slate boards, copperplate handwriting, and strict (but kind!) old-school teachers. Reading, writing, and arithmetic were on the menu, and it was heartwarming to see how engaged and enthusiastic our students were – even without iPads or interactive whiteboards!

Week 6 at Montgrove College welcomed Book Week 2025 – The theme “Book an Adventure”

Excitement was palpable as the morning greeted students, parents and teachers with a colourful display of creativity and imagination showcased by the Kindergarten to Year Four students as they paraded their book character costumes with joy. Parents and teachers enjoying themselves as they watched on as the children participating!

The celebrations continued with a range of activities in and around the library for all primary to participate in. Year Five and Six students were challenged by an escape room that had them solving riddles, breaking codes and navigating obstacles. Guest readers added to the excitement, with the school captains reading stories to Kindergarten and Year Three. Classrooms across the primary years were transformed into story worlds as the children decorated their classroom to reflect chosen picture books.

While Kindergarten and Year One got to vote for their favourite picture books and enjoyed colouring, Year Two channeled their creativity to create bookmarks, and some Year Four students wrote about authors who inspired them, while others played a map-matching game that tested their knowledge of literary landscapes.

As we entered, the residents' faces brightened up as they welcomed us with kind smiles and warm waves. Some of the residents even remembered us from the previous year. We performed six songs in total. Many residents bopped along, some with tears of joy in their eyes, while others swayed to the music and held hands with their friends. When we finished playing the songs, we had the chance to meet and chat with the residents. They thanked us for coming and asked us to visit again with more songs. They were all very friendly and welcoming. We also joined in a special celebration for all the residents with birthdays that month. We even sang ‘Happy Birthday’ while our ukulele teachers strummed along. They treated us to some delicious carrot cake. After we finished talking to the residents, we had to say goodbye. We truly hope to visit again this Christmas, and of course, we will prepare more songs for the residents to enjoy.

Sehaj Tung, Nadine Roncesvalles and Navya Mukerjee

Montgrove Advanced Ukulele Group

Week 5 was a huge week for our senior Geography students who completed field work on two excursions at Field of Mars Reserve and the Blue Mountains.

Year 11visited Field of Mars Reserve to learn about the wet and dry sclerophyll forests in the area. Our study of Earth’s Natural Systems has focused on Australian Eucalypt forests and the natural processes within these ecosystems. Students collected primary research data including soil tests, temperature and humidity. Even though the weather was rainy, we had a fantastic day.

Year 12are currently studying Global Sustainability, learning about tourism as an economic activity. Students visited Scenic World to experience the Skyway and Scenic Railway, explore the rainforest and most importantly learn about the sustainable initiatives that Scenic World have implemented to make them a carbon neutral ecotourism business. Their sustainability coordinator, Ben, spoke to our class about the various strategies that Scenic World use and their goals for sustainability into the future. We ended the day with a visit to another tourism business, the Fairmont Resort in Leura, where we had fun skating in their famous ice rink.

Primary

On Monday 25th August, our Representative Primary Athletics team competed at the 2025 Hills Zone Carnival, held at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre. All of our students gave an outstanding effort, with the highlight of the day being our Junior Relay Team who placed 1st in their event.

Congratulations to the following students on their impressive individual results:

Mia P - 1st in 10yrs Girls 100m Dash, 2nd in 200m Dash, 2nd in High Jump

Cecily R - 3rd in 12yrs Girls 200m Dash

A special congratulations to our Junior Relay Team, Michaela L, Samara S, Antonia S and Mia P, who, along with Mia for her individual events, have now qualified to represent HZSA at the Primary CIS Athletics Carnival on Friday 5th September.

Secondary

On Tuesday 26th August, our Representative Secondary Athletics team competed at the Hills Zone Carnival, held at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre. Montgrove delivered another impressive performance, with many students placing strongly in their events.

Congratulations to the following Secondary students who placed in their events:

On Tuesday 19th August, 32 students travelled to Tangara School to compete in our annual Tangara - Montgrove Cup.

The day kicked off with the Senior Basketball match, which was a nail-biter right to the end. Montgrove held on to secure the win 25–24. Our Junior Basketball team followed with another strong performance, starting evenly before pulling away to record a 24–16 victory.

Next up was Futsal. After a tight first half, Tangara showed their skill and teamwork, running away with the match 4–0. The final event of the day was Netball, where Tangara’s strength and consistency proved too strong, taking the win 27–10.

With both schools winning two games each, the overall Cup came down to points differential. After the final tally, Tangara claimed the Cup for 2025.

Lunchtime was a highlight, as students from both schools were able to mix, share stories, and enjoy a sausage sizzle together, adding to the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the day.

A special mention goes to our Year 12 cohort, who accompanied our teams to Tangara and were a fantastic support throughout the day, cheering loudly and lifting spirits.

• Lessons during class time for infants and primary students.  Before school lessons for secondary (or after school at a nearby private studio)
• Beginner to advanced levels taught
• Two optional student recitals held each year at the Joan Sutherland Centre
• AMEB piano and music theory examinations offered
• Teacher is accredited and a full member of the NSW Music Teacher’s Association

To register for the "Loving with the Heart of Christ" afternoon, please click on the link below

https://forms.gle/G7KgzyRjR294t9Rk6

To register for the Retreat for Women please click on the link below

https://forms.gle/2vCRmXNcGxvowhBd6

We are proud to announce the formation of Montgrove College’s very first volleyball team! This exciting milestone marks a new chapter in our school’s sporting journey and reflects the growing interest and enthusiasm for volleyball among our students.

Under the guidance of our dedicated coaches, Renae Bernacer (Class of 2024) and Mr Rey Esteban (Wollemi Dad) and managers, Mrs Michelle Anastacio and Mrs Anne Bernacer, the team has trained with passion, commitment, and teamwork. Whether they’re serving aces or diving for the save, each player has shown exceptional effort and sportsmanship, representing Montgrove with pride on and off the court.

The team is competing in their first season at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre (PVRSC) and are facing off against experienced opponents with determination and heart. While results are important, what truly stands out is their unity, resilience, and the sheer joy of playing together as a team.

Congratulations to all the players for being part of this historic first. We look forward to watching the team grow, improve, and continue to inspire others in the Montgrove community.

Go Montgrove!

Montgrove College Trading Hours 2025

Mondays: 8:30am to 12:30pm

Ordering online couldn’t be simpler.

 Go to www.midford.com.au

1. Select Montgrove College from the online School Shops tab.
2. New users to click the ‘Register New Account’ button.
3. Start the registration process by selecting Montgrove College from the drop-down menu and add Montgrove unique school pass phrase: Montgrove2007
4. Add your personal information, create a username and password.
5. Order the items you need, select pick up from the uniform shop on Monday's or option of home delivery.

NOTE: Choosing home delivery is the fastest way of receiving your orders and home delivery is free for all orders over $50.

Please book appointments throughour online appointment system by using the below link.  https://Midford.as.me/MontgroveCollege

For enquiries please email:montgrove@midford.com.au

As a part of our biannual pricing review, please find attached Montgrove’s uniform retail pricing as of Term 4, 2025.

To keep increases to a minimum, items have a 2% price increase, rounded up to the nearest dollar. This typically equates to $1 - $2 increases on items. On some items, there is no increase.

Date: Saturday 20 September 2025

Meet: Martin's lookout carpark, Springwood

Time: 8:00am SHARP

Route: "Lost World"

Duration: 4-6 hours

Bring: Water, snacks, sturdy shoes and determination

RSVP: Tom (0433 337 436) or Vasco (0414 396 643)

"We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision." These were words Pope Francis wrote last year, when he designated 2025 as a Jubilee Year of Hope. The time could not be better for us to reflect on this message, to take it to heart and to see how we can be true pilgrims of Hope in our everyday lives.

At Montgrove College, we have been trying to live out this Year of Hope in various ways. Last May, girls from Years 5-11 did their class pilgrimage to the Franciscan Shrine of the Holy Innocents in Kellyville, one of the sites of the Jubilee Doors in the Parramatta Diocese. Religion teachers helped to prepare their students to receive the special Plenary Indulgence as they walked through the Holy Doors. Afterwards, girls got to take recess or lunch, and spend some time enjoying the beautiful gardens and surroundings of the Shrine. A big thank you to the Franciscans who opened the doors of their Shrine to Montgrove students and teachers.

On 23 May, Year 12 students had their Retreat at the Edmund Rice Retreat Centre. It was a day when the girls could unite as a grade and get spiritually recharged. Together with Mass and meditation, the girls also got to listen to the testimony of Ms. Teresa Cullen, a graduate of our sister school Tangara, who shared her insights about life after school. The Year 12s loved hearing her story, and appreciated her willingness to share her struggles and how she persevered through them – a true witness of Hope! A big thank you to Mrs. Concepcion and Ms Aguilar for running the retreat.

This term, we have also had many opportunities for Parent Formation. On 9 August, Year 5 mums and daughters had a special day of bonding and fun at the Edmund Rice Retreat Centre. Guest speakers Kristine Zamora and her daughter Maria, from the Class of 2024, gave some dynamic talks, sharing their insights and words of wisdom to the Year 5 mums and daughters. Afterwards, mums and daughters did some diamond art, making cute little key rings. Then, they did some fun mother-daughter games, where the competitive spirit came out. A huge thank you to Mrs. Abacum and Mrs. Japon for helping to organise this day, and to the Year 11s who volunteered their time to ensure that the day ran smoothly.

On 27 and 28 August, we had our Primary and Secondary Montgrove-Wollemi KPFs with Dr Judith Locke. Judith is a clinical psychologist, who has done extensive research on the factors that contribute to building resilience in young people. She has written several highly acclaimed books, including the Bonsai Child and the Bonsai Student. She has travelled around the country and internationally, speaking to many parents and teachers on strategies that they can use to help young people grow in self-esteem and confidence. By mixing humour with realistic examples, Judith gave convincing reasons for why parents should be intentional about balancing responsiveness (care, love and affection) with being demanding. Parents were able to order copies of her books on the night, and some parents were already thinking of “the one thing” they could start to change in their parenting moving forward.  

I would like to thank the Formation Assistants Mrs. Anne Bernacer and Mrs. Nancy Reid as well as PARED IT and Maintenance who helped in the preparations, and to all Montgrove and Wollemi staff and parents who supported this KPF.

Dr Kristine Malabanan

Director of Formation