To all our families and staff at our Junior Campus a sincere welcome to the school year of 2025.
The beginning to our 2025 year has certainly been busy. The first day of school at the Junior Campus all staff and the Year 8 students welcomed our new Year 7 students. We had the opportunity to have a combined campus assembly where our Year 7 students of 2025 were presented to our Junior Campus.
After being very busy making new friends, getting to know their teachers, becoming familiar with a secondary school timetable, and trying to navigate life as a high school student the Year 7s have certainly found their place at Penola. Here are what some students had to say:
“My first day was great the teachers were very helpful and they made sure that students were cared for properly especially as everything was new to us”
Khadeejah R, 7B
“It took some time to get used to our new daily schedule but it got easier as the days went on. I am enjoying high school more than I had expected. The teachers are really nice, and the classes have been fun to be in.” Anishka J, 7A
“I went to my first swimming carnival it was really fun, loved being with my friends, talking, laughing and swimming it was truly a great day.” Pearla A 7H
”The Fitness works incursion was really fun it helped us work in teams and cooperate with other students. It was a good way to get to know other students.”
Steven K, 7H
The Year 7 students also have had their first incursion relating to building relationships. During their ‘Fitness Works’ sessions on February 26 the Year 7s showed resilience participating with enthusiasm in the activities that promoted making new connections. I look forward to seeing them continue their journey as Penola students.
Our Year 8 students have also returned to school ready to learn and to participate in their second year of high school. There have been many Year 8 students who already know some of the incoming Year 7s and have offered them friendship and familiarity in a new school. Our Year 8 student leaders have been very influential in creating an environment that promotes inclusiveness and community for all students at the Junior Campus.
Some of our Year 8 students have also participated in our first school tour for 2025. They were complimented by primary students and their families on their presentation and public speaking skills. They certainly demonstrated what is means to be a Penola student. These students were Kai H, Ed M, Laura B, Eva D, Genevieve A, Finn H, Lucy M, and Ava C. Congratulations to these students!
In the coming weeks student leaders will be elected these positions include Class Captains and Penola Student Council members. If your child is interested in leadership, please encourage them to speak to their homeroom teacher and year level coordinators.
Upcoming Events
Next Wednesday at our Opening Mass held on the Senior Campus our Year 7 students will process into our sports and activity hall where they will be presented for the first time to our entire Penola Catholic College community. Students will need to be dropped off at the Senior Campus then all students will be bused back to the Junior Campus at the conclusion of the Mass. Students who use the Greenvale bus will be dropped off at the Senior Campus in the morning.
Family Partnership Meetings are scheduled to take place on March 13 for our Year 7 and 8 students. This is a prime opportunity for teachers, students and their families to share information that will enhance and support your child’s learning. The students will be dismissed at lunchtime please note there will be on Greenvale Bus service for the afternoon.
We look forward to seeing all our new families at our annual welcome dinner on March 21 at the Junior Campus.
On march 18-21 Year 7 reflection days will take place they will be held at the Hope Centre in Glenroy. Another opportunity for students to build relationships with their teachers and their peers.
Looking forward to another eventful year ahead.
