Welcome to Term 4! We have had a busy but wonderfully smooth start to the final term of the year.

Student Excellence: Hume Young Leaders Awards
We are incredibly proud to announce that Bianca B (8G) won the prestigious Young Leader of the Year Award for 2026 at the Hume Young Leaders Awards! In an outstanding achievement, Bianca was also awarded the Young Inclusion and Accessibility Leader for 2026.

Celebrating alongside Bianca, we also extend our warmest congratulations to our Penola Ambassadors, who were nominated for the Young Group of the Year Award. This is a phenomenal reflection of the leadership, dedication, and community spirit present within our student body.

Celebrating Sporting Success
We also had the wonderful opportunity to celebrate the fantastic achievements of our students in sports for 2026. It was fantastic to see so many of our junior students at the Sports Awards Ceremony, where they were officially congratulated and recognized for their dedication, teamwork, and sporting achievements throughout the year.

Celebrating the Year 12 Class of 2026
Our Junior students thoroughly enjoyed watching the colourful Year 12 Dress-Up Parade. It was a fantastic opportunity for our campus to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of the Year 12 cohort of 2026 as they conclude their secondary schooling journey.

Being involved in the annual Leadership Assembly was a major highlight for our students. They had the privilege of meeting their newly appointed school leaders for 2027 and hearing about the amazing opportunities and initiatives planned for the upcoming year.

Year 7 Camp & Information Night
Our Year 7 Camp Information Night will take place on Wednesday 4 November at the Junior Campus in our gymnasium. We look forward to seeing our year 7 families for this important information evening.

Grade 4 Discovery Day
This Friday, we are thrilled to welcome over 400 primary students to our Junior Campus for the Grade 4 Discovery Day. This day allows prospective students to explore our facilities and experience the diverse learning opportunities available at Penola. Many of our junior students will be acting as student ambassadors and helpers on the day, ensuring our young visitors have a welcoming, fun, and memorable experience.

Thank you to all families, students, and staff for making the start of this term so successful!

11 Standards in 11 months…today we look at Child Safe Standards 9 & 10:

Child Safe Standard 9:
‘Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.’

As Catholic educators, we have a moral, mission-driven, and legal responsibility to ensure that every environment where children learn, play, and connect, both physical and online, promotes safety and wellbeing. This responsibility is lived out not only through policies and procedures, but through the way school spaces, activities, and digital platforms are designed, supervised, and used each day.

Our commitment to child safety includes creating and maintaining safe physical spaces and responsible online environments that minimise risks and reduce opportunities for harm. This includes thoughtful supervision, clear expectations for behaviour and technology use, and proactive approaches that support children’s wellbeing, dignity, and inclusion in all settings.

Grounded in our Catholic mission to uphold the dignity of every child as made in the image and likeness of God, Child Safe Standard 9 calls us to act with compassion, vigilance, and responsibility. When our school environments are intentionally shaped by Gospel values to be safe, supportive, and respectful, both in person and online, children are protected, feel secure, and are enabled to flourish spiritually, emotionally, and academically across every aspect of school life.

CSS 9 is the environmental risk-control standard.

It focuses on identifying, mitigating, and monitoring contextual risks, both physical and digital. It does not operate in isolation. Its effectiveness depends on alignment with the other Standards. For example, the school physical environment should reflect commitment to the CSS through appropriate signage, where possible in various languages; supervision should be always active and visible.

Child Safe Standard 10:
Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.

As Catholic educators, we have a moral, mission-driven, and legal responsibility to ensure that our child safety practices are not only in place, but are regularly reviewed, strengthened, and improved. This responsibility is lived out not just through policies and procedures, but through ongoing reflection on how effectively they are understood, implemented, and embedded across school life.

Our commitment to child safety includes routinely evaluating our approaches to safeguarding, learning from experience, and responding to feedback from children, families, staff, and the broader community. By reviewing what is working well and identifying areas for improvement, schools can respond to emerging risks, strengthen consistency, and ensure that child safety remains effective and relevant.

Grounded in our Catholic mission, Child Safe Standard 10 calls us to act with humility, accountability, and care. When schools commit to continuous review and improvement, child safety and wellbeing are strengthened over time, ensuring children are protected, their dignity is upheld, and our communities continue to grow in trust and responsibility.

CSS 10 makes sure that our commitment to Child Safety is clearly articulated, accessible, consistent and enforceable. If the other standards are the “whatˮ, CSS 10 is the “howˮ.

For additional information on Child Safe Standards 9 & 10, please click on the link:

https://care.macs.vic.edu.au/child-safe-standards/

As we approach the end of another rich and faith-filled year, we take this opportunity to reflect on the moments that have shaped our spiritual journey as a community. From prayer and liturgy to service and formation, our College continues to live out the Josephite spirit of faith, courage, and compassion.

Father’s Day Mass:
Our College community gathered to celebrate our Father’s Day Mass, celebrated by Fr Benneth Osuagwu early on Monday 7 September. It was a joyful occasion to give thanks for the fathers and father figures in our lives, and to pray for continued blessing upon them and their families. This was followed by the Father’s Day breakfast held in the ASH. Students, their dads and staff gathered in celebration of fatherhood,

Year 12 Final Liturgy & Flag Signing
The Year 12 Final Liturgy was a moving and memorable celebration, marking the conclusion of our Senior students’ Penola journey. Year 12 classes went to the St Joseph chapel and participated in a short para-liturgy bringing an end to their formal education at Penola.

Following the liturgy, students took part in the traditional flag signing ceremony, leaving their mark as a lasting symbol of belonging to the Penola family. The 2026 flag that is set up outside Mannes House during the Year 12 exam period.

Year 8 Reflection Days
Held at St George Chaldean Catholic Parish, Campbellfield, and facilitated by Chris Doyle, our Year 8 Reflection Days invited students to reflect on faith, purpose, and the people who inspire them. Through music, storytelling, and prayer, students were encouraged to consider how they might use their gifts to serve others.

Socktober Friday 11 September
Archbishop Peter Comensoli and Fr Jackson Saunders from the Sandhurst diocese celebrated the launch of Catholic Mission at Penola. We hosted a number of visitors from primary and secondary schools in Melbourne to raise awareness of the Pope’s charity. Socktober brought to our attention the plights of children, especially in Myanmar, who have very little to get by. Many thanks to Mrs Lucarelli and Mrs Quiriconi and the Senior and Junior ambassadors for their involvement during the day.

Faith Life at Penola
Throughout Term 3, Fr Sam Pearson continued his regular Friday lunchtime visits to the Senior Campus, spending time in prayer and conversation with our students.

He also visited the Junior campus, where he and the Faith and Mission Team consolidated instruction on the Rosary. Given that Fr Sam took up a new appointment in another parish, we bid him farewell and thank him for his ministry to the College. He has been extremely generous coming out to the school, visiting and ministering to the needs of the students and the staff. We look forward to welcoming Fr Sam’s replacement in the coming weeks.

Staff and students at the junior campus have shown incredible dedication in promoting and praying the Rosary each Wednesday at lunchtime, creating a beautiful rhythm of communal prayer for our younger students.

The Faith Corner Youth Group continued to meet Mondays at lunchtime, providing a welcoming space for students to explore questions of faith and discuss how Catholic teaching can be lived in everyday life.

Year 11 Christian Services Project Term 3
Year 11 students completed their Christian Services program throughout Term 3, with most students volunteering a day of their time to an organisation of need. All students should be commended for their work throughout the term as you have added to the lives of the people that these social justice organisations work with. Some students were nominated especially for their contributions and impact for their service.

JJAMM Week
Last week we gathered for our Term 4 assembly, and we welcomed members of each of the organisations with whom we partner. Each received a cheque for $1913.08. In total, the College raised in excess of $11, 478.48

World Youth Day 2027
Preparations will also commence as we advertise World Youth Day 2027 to our students. WYD 2027 will occur in South Korea and will take place from 3-8 August 2027. Updated information is on MyPenola with student applications closing Friday 13 November 2026.

Year 12 Graduation Mass
Our Graduation Mass was celebrated on Friday 16 October at Our Lady Guardian of the Plants Chaldean Catholic Parish. Fr Benneth Osuagwu was the main celebrant of the Mass. We were blessed to have Fr Benneth with us to celebrate the Year 12 graduation.

As we continue to journey through the Year of Jubilee of St Francis of Assisi, I invite you to contemplate the enormous impact of the small Friar upon the Church 800 years ago.

Finally, through every liturgy, reflection, and act of service, our community continues to grow in faith, hope, and love. We give thanks for the students, staff, clergy, and families who bring the Gospel to life each day at Penola. May we continue to live with the spirit of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, trusting in God and doing good in all things.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us.

St Joseph, pray for us

And may we always remember, to pray for one another.

Important Reminder: Canteen Payments and Mobile Phones

From Wednesday 4 November, students will no longer be able to use their mobile phones to make payments at the canteen. Students must bring an ATM/debit card or cash to purchase food and drinks.

Please also remember that mobile phones must be stored securely in the designated lockers during the school day.

We ask parents and students to ensure these arrangements are in place ahead of Wednesday.

Celebrating our Year 12 students
The end of formal classes marks an important milestone for our Year 12 students. We congratulate them on their growth, achievements and contribution to the College, and acknowledge the teachers and families who have supported them throughout their schooling and wish them the very best as they conclude their final exams.

Year 10 and 11 examinations and Headstart
Our Year 10 and 11 students are also approaching their examinations. These provide an opportunity to consolidate learning, demonstrate understanding and strengthen the study habits needed for the next stage of their education. Students are encouraged to plan their revision, practise applying their knowledge and use teacher feedback to focus on areas requiring further attention.

Following examinations, students will move into Headstart, beginning their learning for the year ahead. Headstart is an important part of this transition: it introduces new subject expectations, builds foundational knowledge and helps students establish effective learning routines. Attending consistently, arriving prepared and participating fully will help students identify questions early and begin the new school year with greater confidence and a clear understanding of what is required.

Year 9 examinations
Our Year 9 students will also undertake examinations for the first time as the year draws to a close. Alongside demonstrating their learning, these examinations provide valuable experience in preparing for assessments, managing time and working independently. Students should begin revising early, revisit classwork and feedback, and ask their teachers for clarification where needed.

A strong finish across Years 7–11
With assessments continuing across Years 7–11, the coming weeks are an important and busy period of learning. Finishing the year well means maintaining effort in class, meeting deadlines and completing work with care. Students who are unsure about a task or finding their workload difficult should speak with their teachers early so that support can be provided.

Families can help by discussing upcoming assessments, encouraging manageable study routines and supporting regular attendance. Thank you for your continued partnership as we encourage every student to finish the year with purpose, take pride in their progress and prepare for the opportunities ahead.

Every student enters their final high school years with unique strengths and ambition. Access Monash offers two free programs to equip Year 11 and 12 students for VCE and higher education success.

• Access Monash Navigator: A free, guided online course that gives students the ultimate toolkit to conquer VCE and transition into higher education. Students will complete challenges packed with game-changing study hacks, insider tips for navigating higher education and the blueprint to super-charge their strengths to help them thrive now, and into their future.
• Access Monash Mentoring: Pairs Year 11 and 12 students with current Monash University mentors. Participants receive one-on-one advice, explore university pathways, gain real insight into degrees and campus life, and build confidence for exam prep and course applications.

Applications are open until November 16 - explore these free programs and plan your next steps today

Students still have time to apply for the programs via the online application forms:

• Access Monash Mentoring → Apply now
• Access Monash Navigator → Apply now

Students can also register for any of the upcoming online information sessions to find out more about the programs:

• Monday 26th October, 4pm - 5pm → Register here
• Tuesday 27th October, 5pm - 6pm → Register here
• Wednesday 28th October, 6pm - 7pm → Register here

Penola Catholic College’s Advanced Learning Stream, Future Leaders and Innovators, provides enriched learning opportunities for students who demonstrate strong academic ability, motivation, creativity and a commitment to learning.

Across English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Religion, students are encouraged to extend their knowledge, think critically and explore new ideas. The program fosters curiosity, resilience, problem-solving and confidence within a supportive learning environment that recognises students’ individual academic, social and emotional needs.

Through challenging and engaging experiences, our students are encouraged to reach their potential, embrace new opportunities and develop the skills to become tomorrow’s leaders and innovators.

The following excerpts from two Year 7 Advanced Learning Stream English students showcase the breadth of Creative Writing capabilities and the extension opportunities available to students through the program.

Patrick C
Barsam B

PENOLA LIVE 2026 has been scheduled for broadcast on Tuesday 3 November at 10am & 5pm. The broadcast runs for 3 hours 33m.

HOW TO LISTEN TO PENOLA LIVE on LIVE FM

There are two ways people can listen.

• Go to the LIVE FM website (www.livefm.online) and click on the radio player on the home page for listening on PC’s, laptops, iPads etc.
• Download the LIVE FM radio station app. Best way to do this is to go to the LIVE FM (www.livefm.online) homepage and click on links to the APP Store or Google Play store to install apps on phones or iPads.
• You could also just click on these links APP Store or Google Play to download the apps.

Message from Dr Edward Simons - MACS

Snap Education Tutoring

Therry Penola Women’s Footy

Meadow Park Soccer Club

Junior DJ Academy

HP Academy Soccer Programs