As we come to the end of another productive and successful term, we take the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the many achievements and experiences that have enriched life at the Junior Campus.

Our final week of term has been filled with excitement as students celebrated Languages Week. A range of engaging activities took place across the campus, including lunchtime competitions and an immersive language experience alongside senior students studying French, Italian, and Japanese. Students were also encouraged to explore the Languages Week book display in the library and borrow exciting texts translated from these languages, broadening their cultural and literary horizons.

Students have also been invited to participate in a creative competition by designing a “cultural product.” We look forward to viewing the entries and awarding prizes to the most imaginative and culturally inspired creations.

Sporting success has also been a highlight this term. Congratulations to our Year 7 AFL Mixed Premier League Team, who progressed all the way to the Grand Final. The team demonstrated outstanding teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

We also congratulate all Year 7 students who participated in the SACCSS competition during Term 2. Students represented the College with pride across a range of sports, including basketball, volleyball, netball, soccer, and AFL. A special congratulations goes to our Girls Basketball Team, who achieved an impressive semi-final finish in their division.

Last week, we were delighted to welcome our Year 11 students back to the Junior Campus as part of their annual Reflection Day. It was wonderful to see senior and junior students interacting and building positive connections across year levels. These opportunities help foster a strong sense of community and will be particularly beneficial for our Year 8 students as they begin preparing for their transition to the Senior Campus. Earlier this month, Year 8 students also visited the Senior Campus to explore the diverse range of elective subjects available to them as Year 9 students in 2027.

We would also like to acknowledge the outstanding achievement of Marieel Y (7I), who recently participated in a writing competition organised by Hume City Council. Marieel’s work was presented by Advocates for Dignity, Hume City Council, and the Refugee Week Working Group as part of the 2026 Refugee Week Artwork and Story Writing Competition.

The competition theme, “A Million Stories: Journey to Hope,” invited participants to share stories of resilience, belonging, and hope. Marieel was recognised for the creativity, thoughtfulness, and emotion reflected in his writing, as well as for sharing his unique voice and perspective with the wider Hume community. His work was exhibited at the Refugee Week 2026 Celebration Event held at Broadmeadows Town Hall on 20 June. This achievement is a wonderful example of how our young people are making a difference and promoting cultural understanding through storytelling.

It has been wonderful to see our junior students enthusiastically preparing for this year’s Junior Production, Alice in Wonderland Jr. Over the past few months, both the cast and crew have been dedicating countless hours to rehearsals, bringing the much-loved story to life through their creativity, talent, and hard work.

As excitement continues to build, students have been refining their performances, learning choreography, perfecting musical numbers, and working behind the scenes to ensure the production is a success. Their commitment and teamwork have been truly impressive.

We look forward to opening night on 13 August and cannot wait to see our talented junior students showcase their incredible efforts on stage. We encourage our community to come along and support what promises to be a fantastic production.

Child Safe Standards
The Child Safe Standards for June is outlined below and titled standard 5. For further information, please visit: https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/

Child Safe Standard 5

‘Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.’

Finally, congratulations to all Junior Campus students on successfully completing their assessment requirements for Semester One. Your hard work, perseverance, and commitment to learning throughout the semester should be celebrated.

We wish all students and families a safe, restful, and enjoyable term break and look forward to welcoming everyone back for an exciting Term 3.

11 Standards in 11 months…today we look at Child Safe Standard 5:

“Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.”

As Catholic educators, we have a moral, mission-driven and legal responsibility to uphold and actively promote the wellbeing and safety of every student entrusted in our care. Our commitment to the protection of children and young people is grounded in fairness, inclusion, and respect for diversity, ensuring every child is treated with dignity and care. As Pope Francis stated:

“The effective protection of minors and a commitment to ensure their human and spiritual development, in keeping with the dignity of the human person, are integral parts of the Gospel message that the Church and all members of the faithful are called to spread throughout the world.” (2019)

Our Catholic communities strive to create welcoming and inclusive environments where diversity is honoured, equity is embedded, and the unique needs of every child and young person are respected.

What does this look like at Penola Catholic College?

• Equity honours each child as created in the image of God, acknowledging true justice provides the support each one needs to thrive, not simply the same support for all.
• Diversity recognises and values difference. This includes culture, language, disability, gender identity, faith, family background, and lived experience.
• Child safety responses must be inclusive. Policies and practices should be accessible and responsive to the needs of all children, not just the majority.
• Barriers to safety are actively addressed. Schools identify and reduce structural, cultural, or other barriers that would impede human flourishing.
• Respectful practice is essential. Staff interactions reflect dignity, cultural awareness, and respect for each child and their unique circumstances.
• Everyone shares responsibility. All staff contribute to creating safe, welcoming environments where every child feels respected, supported, and protected.

The Impact
When children and young people have their individual differences and backgrounds known, respected, accommodated and honoured, they:

• Flourish, feel safe, valued, and respected in everyday interactions, which strengthens their wellbeing and reduces the risk of harm or disengagement.
• Are more able to participate confidently in learning and school activities, as reasonable adjustments and inclusive practices support their safety and access.
• Experience a genuine sense of belonging across classrooms and school spaces, helping to prevent exclusion, isolation or marginalisation.
• Are less vulnerable to harm, discrimination, or misunderstanding, because staff proactively recognise and respond to diverse needs and circumstances.
• Develop trust in staff and school processes, making it more likely they will seek support, report concerns, and engage in a child safe system.

If you would like to know more about Child Safe Standard 5 or any other CSS, please contact Mr Shane Griffin

Welcome to the fourth instalment of the Faith and Mission Newsletter for 2026. Staff and students have been extremely busy engaging in the faith life of the College.

As we concluded the month of May, a special Mass was celebrated at the Junior Campus on Friday 29 May. We gathered to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost at the Junior Campus, formerly known as Sancta Sophia (Holy Wisdom). This occasion provided an opportunity to recognise the origins of the school and to commemorate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. Pentecost marks the birth of the Church. More than five hundred students and staff gathered in the Mary Aikenhead Gym, where Fr Sam Pearson, an alumnus of the College and parish priest at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Gladstone Park, was the principal celebrant.

June, the Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was filled with activities across the College calendar. As the semester drew to a close and students turned their attention to examinations, work experience (Year 10), and City Experience (Year 9), the Year 11 students participated in Reflection Days facilitated by Youth Mission Team Australia (YMT). Through an engaging and interactive program, students explored the concept of social justice.

The day was grounded in Scripture, particularly Matthew 7:7–12: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” In this passage, Jesus emphasises our responsibility towards one another and presents the Golden Rule: to treat others as we ourselves wish to be treated.

Prior to the YMT sessions, students explored Catholic Social Teaching and Magifica Humanitas, reflecting on the inherent dignity of the human person. YMT then led activities centred on three key themes: affirming, empowering, and restoring human dignity. Their presentations were engaging, informative, and reflective. The day concluded with a beautiful liturgy that invited students to contemplate their own relationship with Jesus Christ.

The final week of Term 2 began with the Year 12 Reflection Day. Students reflected on their experiences from Day 1 with Fr Rob Galea before launching into the day's theme, “Launch into the Deep.” This theme was explored through the call of the first disciples in Luke 5:1–11.

Mr Mikho shared his personal faith testimony, encouraging students to reflect upon their own faith journeys and relationships with God. Students also participated in Mass, celebrated by Fr Benneth Osuagwu, who spoke about the martyrs Saints John Fisher and Thomas More. He presented these saints as powerful examples of individuals who remained steadfast in their faith despite significant pressure to renounce their Catholic beliefs.

Following lunch, the Year 12 students gathered in the Performing Arts Centre to hear Steve and Annie Lawrence speak about relationships, dating, and the sanctity of marriage through a Catholic lens. This session marked the beginning of a series of presentations by Real Talk, which will continue throughout Term 3 and focus on the Theology of the Body.

On Wednesday 24 June, the Church celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist. The Church celebrates the births of only three people: Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St John the Baptist. While the births of Jesus and Mary are perhaps more readily understood, the celebration of St John's birth stems from Scripture. In the Gospel of Luke, the unborn John leaps for joy in Elizabeth's womb as Mary approaches. John was “filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb” (Luke 1:15) and was therefore sanctified before birth. For this reason, the Church celebrates his natural birth with the solemnity of a Nativity, observed exactly six months before the Nativity of Christ. St John the Baptist was also the last and greatest of the prophets, serving as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments.

Wednesday 24 June, also marked the Memorial Mass for Charlie Collings. Although Charlie passed away on 29 April, and some time had elapsed, the Memorial Mass was celebrated for theological reasons rooted in Scripture and Church tradition.

In Deuteronomy, the Israelites mourned Moses for thirty days, a pattern later adopted by the early Church in commemorating the faithful departed. As early as the fourth century, St Ambrose attested to the practice of offering Masses on the third, seventh, and thirtieth day after death. Pope St Gregory the Great further affirmed the value of this tradition, recounting an occasion in which thirty consecutive Masses offered for a deceased monk led to his release from Purgatory. At its heart, the thirty-day Mass tradition is an act of profound charity, with the living interceding for the dead through the most powerful prayer of the Church: the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Finally, it is with great sadness that we farewell our Youth Minister, Marc Salazar, as he departs the College. Since joining the College in late 2023, Marc has been an integral part of the faith formation of our students. He has led youth groups, Faith Corner sessions, Rosaries, and prayer groups, and has accompanied many young people as they explored questions about faith and spirituality. Marc will be greatly missed, and we wish him every blessing in his future endeavours.

As we enter the Term 2 holidays, the Faith and Mission Department wishes the entire College community a safe, restful, and blessed mid-year break.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us

St Joseph, pray for us

St Francis of Assisi, pray for us

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

Join us for our 2026 Junior College Production of Alice in Wonderland JR. and fall down the rabbit hole with Alice as she navigates the curious world of Wonderland on a journey of self-discovery.

When young Alice finds herself in a strange world where everything seems upside down, she must find her way home…and find herself along the way. As she travels through Wonderland, she encounters all of the iconic characters that audiences have come to love: the ever-tardy White Rabbit, the grinning Cheshire Cat, a cool Caterpillar, the wacky Mad Hatter, and the hot-tempered Queen of Hearts.

Alice in Wonderland JR. features Disney favourites such as 'The Golden Afternoon,' 'The Unbirthday Song,' and 'Painting the Roses Red' along with brand-new songs, including music from the 2010 live-action film. Whether this is your first experience with Alice or your hundredth, you’ll fall in love all over again with this timeless story of adventure, imagination, and pure fun!

Performances

• Thursday 13 August, 7.30pm
• Friday 14 August, 7.30pm
• Saturday 15 August, 2.30pm

Mary MacKillop Auditorium
Penola Catholic College, Senior Campus

Tickets
$22 each
On sale Monday 13 July at 10.00am, TryBooking link to come.

The Performing Arts Department is thrilled to announce our 2026 Battle of the Bands:

Battle Down Under: The Best of Aussie Music Through the Ages

Friday 28 August, 7.00pm – 10.00 pm

Performing Arts Centre, Senior Campus

This annual event brings together bands from secondary schools across Melbourne’s northern region for one epic night of live music, community, and friendly competition.

Join in the fun at this year’s Battle as we celebrate our country’s incredible musical history, shaped both by those born here and those from around the world who choose to call the land down under home.

Last year’s Battle sold out, so mark your calendars and secure your tickets on Tuesday 4 August!

Tickets
$20 each
On sale Tuesday 4 August at 10.00 am
Available exclusively on TryBooking

To mark World Environment Day, which is celebrated globally on June 5, students and staff across both campuses came together to participate in a range of environmentally focused activities aimed at promoting sustainability and caring for our local environment.

Highlights of the week included our planting days, where students and staff worked together to plant a variety of indigenous wildflowers and native grasses across both campuses. These plants were carefully selected to support local biodiversity, attract native wildlife, and enhance the natural beauty of our school grounds. The activity provided students with a hands-on opportunity to learn about the importance of indigenous species and the role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Students also took part in a waste recycling raffle, encouraging our school community to reduce landfill waste and support recycling initiatives. Students were invited to bring in eligible cans and bottles to be recycled through the Container Deposit Scheme. Each item returned earned an entry into a raffle draw, with exciting prizes up for grabs.

These activities demonstrated how small actions can make a positive impact on the environment and continues our goal of building a more sustainable future for Penola Catholic College and the wider community.

Do you have a child starting Year 7 in 2028 or know a family interested in joining Penola Catholic College? Now is the time to apply!

• Friday 14 August Applications close
• Friday 16 October Letters of Offer will be sent to families
• Friday 6 November Final date for families to accept offer from College.

We look forward to welcoming new students and families into our wonderful school community. If you have a younger sibling ready to start or know someone considering Penola, we encourage you to apply early to secure a place.

Visit our website to book a tour or to complete an online enrolment form. We can’t wait to welcome the next group of Penola students!

Book Week 2026, Junior Campus

Symphony of Stories, 24–28 August

Get ready to celebrate Book Week at the Junior Campus from 24–28 August as we embrace this year's inspiring theme, "Symphony of Stories."

Book Week is a special time for our school community to come together and celebrate the joy of reading, storytelling, and imagination. Throughout the week, students will participate in a range of exciting activities designed to inspire a love of literature and explore the many voices and stories that shape our world.

One of the highlights of the week will be our Annual Book Week Dress-Up Parade. Students are encouraged to start planning their costumes and bring their favourite book characters to life. Spread the news, get creative, and get your costumes ready, we can't wait to see the wonderful characters that march through our campus!

We are also delighted to welcome two talented Australian authors who will share their experiences as writers and inspire our young readers:

• Year 8 students will meet Morris Gleitzman on Wednesday 19 August.
• Year 7 students will enjoy a session with Fiona Harris on Friday 28 August.

These author visits provide a fantastic opportunity for students to gain insight into the creative process and deepen their appreciation of books and storytelling.

Book Week reminds us that every story contributes its own unique voice to a larger symphony of ideas, experiences, and imagination. We look forward to a week filled with reading, creativity, and celebration as we discover the power of stories together.

Stay tuned for more details and be sure to join in the festivities. Let the Symphony of Stories begin!

Hume Neighbourhood Policing Forum

Victoria Police Community Sentiment Survey

Karting Madness Braybrook

El Rahman Inc