Students from Years 7–8 delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s da Vinci Decathlon, coming together from across the Diocese to tackle complex challenges spanning Mathematics, Engineering, Code Breaking, Creative Production and more.
Working with new peers, students formed dynamic teams – demonstrating exceptional collaboration, creativity, and high-level problem-solving. The 2026 theme, Time, inspired innovative thinking and deep connections across disciplines.
Year 7 Results – Catholic Schools Virtual Academy
• Legacy – 1st place
• Mathematics – 1st place
• Science – 1st place
• Cartography – 2nd place
• Engineering Challenge – 3rd place
• Ideation – 3rd place
Overall the Year 7 Catholic Schools Virtual Academy came in 3rd place behind St Philip’s Christian College Newcastle and Newcastle Grammar.
Congratulations also to St Mary’s Gateshead for achieving 2nd place in Engineering Challenge.
Year 7 Team:
Nicholas Johns All Saints’ College, Maitland
Harrison Sturmer St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm
Hudson Rosemond-Stephens Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie
Phoenix Denny St. Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton
Robert McRae St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead
Oscar Vincent St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead
Thomas Power St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar
Alois Madden Trinity Catholic College, Adamstown
Year 8 Results – Catholic Schools Virtual Academy
• Mathematics – 1st place
• English – 1st place
• Science – 1st place
• Code Breaking – 1st place
• Cartography – 1st place
• Art and Poetry – 2nd place
• Ideation – 3rd place
Overall the Year 8 Catholic Schools Virtual Academy came in 2nd place behind St Philip’s Christian College Cessnock.
Congratulations to St Mary’s Gateshead for achieving 1st place in Engineering Challenge and 2nd place in Ideation.
Year 8 Team:
Matteo Tettamanzi St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm
Xavier Crosby St. Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton
Levi Dawson @ St Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton
Mary (Emilie) Obligado St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm
Oliver McNally St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar
Kaitlyn Kelly St. Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton
Dempsey Grant Trinity Catholic College, Adamstown
The event highlights the impact of providing high-potential learners with authentic, challenging opportunities beyond the classroom. We are incredibly proud of how our students represented the Diocese – with enthusiasm, integrity, and a genuine passion for learning.
We look forward to Year 9–10 competing today and Year 5–6 on Thursday.
