As we reach the end of Term One, we take the opportunity to celebrate all that has been achieved across the Junior campus. Our students have engaged in a diverse range of learning experiences, giving them the chance to explore new interests and develop new skills. I encourage you to speak with your child about the many events and activities they have been part of this term. Please see the list below:

• Year 7 Reflection Days
• Year 8 Humanities Incursion Virtual Reality of the Viking World
• Year 8 Swimming Program
• Year 7 Science – Lab safety and gaining their Bunsen burner licence
• Harmony Day Celebrations
• Japanese Students Visit
• Year 7 Training for Premier League
• Opening College Mass
• Year 8 Science – The Biology of exercise and its impact on the heart.
• Year 8 CLIL Italian ‘La Scuola’
• Year 7 Humanities Exploring Ancient Egyptian and Roman Civilisations
• Year 7 English ‘Fractured Fairytales’.
• The Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge

The Year 7s completed NAPLAN this term. Even after some technical issues the students applied themselves diligently to complete all four assessments. They are to be commended on their participation and effort during the testing period.

We congratulate Raya N and Caroline G both from the junior campus, on their outstanding achievement for their artwork entered for Catholic Education Weeks Creative Arts Exhibition. Raya was awarded the ‘Saint Patrick and his Cathedral Award’ for Secondary Schools for her artwork titled ‘Saint Patrick and his Symbols’. Caroline was the winner for the “Executive’s Director’s Award for Excellence’ for her artwork titled ‘Dreaming the Nativity’.

Year 7 Welcome BBQ
It was a pleasure to spend time with our new families on Tuesday at our annual Welcome BBQ. We were able to celebrate the achievements of our year 7 students thus far this year. It was also a prime opportunity for our new and existing families to come together and continue to form connections as they guide and support their children in the second phase of their educational journey.

Reminders for Term two.
In Term two all students are asked to wear the Winter uniform as per the school’s uniform policy. This includes a long sleeve shirt and a tie. Blazers are compulsory for term two and are to be worn to and from school. We have supported students to ensure they understand the uniform requirements for term two by sharing this information with them at weekly year level assemblies and daily during homeroom.

Student photos will take place on Wednesday 6 May for our junior students. As per our uniform policy all students are to wear winter uniform in terms two and three and this includes photo day. Information regarding uniform requirements and photo ordering and payments will be communicated to families via compass lite.

Parent Seminar on growing adolescents.
The Black Dog Institute is offering a 60-minute online seminar where parents will learn about:

• Understanding mental health in adolescences
• What is mental health and when to be concerned
• Key strategies to support adolescents
• Having the conversation – what to say and how to create a supportive environment
• Getting help – health professionals, online and digital support for parents and adolescents
• Promoting healthy habits – including building connections, sleep, and screen use

These free sessions are available on the following dates

Tuesday 28th April @ 7PM (AEST) Register here
Tuesday 26th May @ 7PM (AEST) Register here
Thursday 25th June @ 7PM (AEST) Register here

Over the coming months, each newsletter will feature one of the 11 Child Safe Standards to help build understanding of what they involve. For further information, please visit: https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/

Child Safe Standard 2
‘Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture’.

What a busy Term it has been! Congratulations to all students for their participation in numerous events since the academic year commenced. From the launch of Mamma Mia to families hosting visitors from Japan and Italy, House Swimming to the College celebrating its Open Day and Parent Teacher Student Partnership Meetings to name a few, it has been a very busy and exciting time. Thank you to all students for participating in co-curricular activities and for their commitment and dedication to learning in and out of the classroom.

The excitement continues early in Term 2! Save the date – Thursday 7 May, commencing at 6:15, Sam Korsch from The Resilient Project will be facilitating a session for you and your child, free of charge to learn more about how you can support your child using the GEM principle, Gratitude, Empathy & Mindfulness. For more information, please see the accompanying flyer.

College Uniform
Sincere thanks to families for their support of the Term 1 uniform requirements and assisting to support students to wear their uniform correctly. If families have any questions about the uniform or are experiencing any difficulties accessing the College uniform, please do not hesitate to contact the Year Level Coordinators. Please see the accompanying details regarding winter uniform for Term 2. College blazer and tie is required.

I wish all families a safe and relaxing Easter break and I look forward to working with you in Term 2.

His state was divine,

yet Christ Jesus did not cling

to his equality with God

but emptied himself

to assume the condition of a slave,

and became as men are,

and being as all men are,

he was humbler yet,

even to accepting death,

death on a cross.

But God raised him high

and gave him the name

which is above all other names

so that all beings

in the heavens, on earth and in the underworld,

should bend the knee at the name of Jesus

and that every tongue should acclaim

Jesus Christ as Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

A Letter from St Paul to the Philippians 2:6-11

As I write this, we are at the beginning of Holy Week. Yesterday’s Second Reading speaks about the humility and meekness of Jesus Christ, who willingly died for our Salvation. Palm Sunday remembers the accolades that Christ received, riding into Jerusalem, on a donkey, a symbol of peace. Yet, little less than five days later, the same people that cried Hosanna, hosanna, turn their cries to jeers of, ‘crucify him, crucify him!. This is a reminder of the fickleness of human nature. Let us use this week to contemplate the enormity of the Passion of Christ, and His eventual triumph over death, thus opening the gates of Salvation to all.

Year 7 Reflection Days
March has been eventful to say the least within the Faith life of the College. Backing up from the Year 12 Reflection Day, the Faith and Mission Team barely had time to catch our breath when the Year 7 Reflection Days were upon us. The first week of March saw the Year 7 classes travel to the Hope Centre in Glenroy, where the Year 7’s learned about what it means to belong to the Josephite charism.

The College Opening Mass
This was scheduled a little bit differently to past years. The Mass was separate to Ash Wednesday and involved our College chaplain, Fr Sam Pearson and Fr Mahir Murad, from Our Lady, Guardian of the Plants in Campbellfield. The Mass was accompanied by the choir where they played our College song for the first time in a Mass. We were graced with Fr Mahir’s strong homily where he unpacked the Scripture, based on Matthew’s gospel,” Go first and be reconciled with your neighbour.” Fr Mahir’s words packed a punch and called us to reflect upon our own actions. It was at this Mass that we welcomed our Year 7 students to the College for the first time.

Catholic Education Week
Catholic Education week and the feast of St Patrick was celebrated during the week beginning 16th March. The College was heavily involved in the celebrations within the archdiocese. We attended the Mass for all Catholic schools, Frans Markce (Y12) formed part of a panel discussion along with other young speakers and spoke about his own faith journey and the impact of the ACU School Leaders program when he travelled to Italy and England.

Holy Hour at the Cathedral
A group of 21 students and 5 staff attended Holy Hour at the cathedral on Thursday 19 March. We started by sharing pizzas and soft drinks at Mannes House at school before departing for the cathedral. Holy Hour runs from 6.30pm – 7.30pm at St Patrick’s East Melbourne and involved the practice of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Many students used this opportunity to attend Confession too. Many thanks to you all and may you have a blessed 2026. I am grateful to all staff and students who attended.

Year 9 Reflection Days
These took place during the week of 23 March and were held at Westmeadows Indigenous Community Garden. Despite poor weather forecast on the final day, that was rescheduled, the Year 9 students had a wonderful opportunity to show off their gardening and cooking skills! The day involves ‘diving’ into First Nations People’s Culture. The students were led by Aunty Jo Russell, who taught traditional Indigenous cooking over a camp fire and were treated to Aboriginal art, music and boomerang throwing by Sean and Ronan from First Nations Incursions. Finally, it was with Eva’s watchful eyes that the students were able to get their hands dirty and mulched and weeded before learning somewhat about local and indigenous plants.

The Passion of Christ play was presented to both the Senior and Junior campuses on Tuesday 31 March by a dedicated group of senior students. Despite having limited rehearsal time, they delivered a moving and reverent portrayal that brought the story vividly to life for all in attendance. The College is deeply grateful to these young people for their commitment and the spirit in which they undertook this important performance.

Sincere thanks are also extended to Ms Lueke, whose tireless support and generosity of time ensured the success of the production. In addition, we were extremely fortunate to have the choir, led by Ms Pauline Hong, whose contributions enriched the performance and supported this meaningful expression of our shared faith.

Additionally, I acknowledge and recognise the continued support of our College maintenance crew, upon whom we rely so much on. Mr Dusty West and his team never flinched despite asking them to respond to different ideas that required different setups. Without their commitment to the Catholic Faith ethos of the College, I’m not sure where we would be.

Finally, to Melissa Fry, Ms Abboud, Miss Yako and Marc Salazar, our youth minister, Fr Sam and Fr Mahir, Christian services captains, Maria and Wirrhena, thank you for your support and efforts that really help drive the faith element of the College.

Have a blessed Easter!

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us

St Joseph, pray for us

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

A Strong Start to 2026 in Learning and Teaching

Term 1 has been full of energy, learning and many moments worth celebrating across the College.

We began the year by recognising the achievements of our 2025 students at the Academic Assembly. It was a wonderful way to start the term, celebrating the hard work and commitment of our students and setting a positive tone for the year ahead.

There have already been many exciting developments in Learning and Teaching. Our Languages Department has been busy arranging and supporting Italian and Japanese homestays, creating valuable opportunities for students to deepen their learning and cultural understanding. We are also very pleased to see the continued growth of our Advanced Learning stream, with the program now extending into the senior campus at Year 9 for the first time while continuing across Years 7 and 8.

Our Year 7 and Year 9 students are to be congratulated on the way they approached NAPLAN. They completed the program with maturity and focus, and we are very proud of the way they represented themselves throughout the process.

Open Day was another highlight of the term, with our Key Learning Areas proudly showcasing the rich learning taking place across the College. It was wonderful to see students and staff sharing their work with such enthusiasm.

This term has also seen the introduction of Maths Triads across Years 7 to 10, providing another layer of support for students in their learning. Alongside this, staff have continued to engage in professional learning focused on positive narration, probing questions and learning walks, all aimed at strengthening classroom practice and supporting student growth.

It has been a busy term, but also a very positive one. We thank our staff and students for the commitment, care and energy they have brought to the start of 2026, and we thank families for their ongoing support. We wish everyone a restful and well-earned break.

Tickets for our College production of Mamma Mia! are on sale!

Available exclusively via TryBooking: https://www.trybooking.com/DJPLF $25 each

DETAILS

Mary MacKillop Auditorium, Performing Arts Centre – Senior Campus

Each performance will run for approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, inclusive of a 20-minute interval.

SHOW DATES

Thursday 28 May, 7.30pm

Friday 29 May, 7.30pm

Saturday 30 May, 1.30pm & 7.30pm

Gather your dancing queens and kings, and join us for a night of love, laughs, and ABBA’s greatest hits!

National Schools Constitution Convention (NSCC)
By Apekshya S

Last week, I along with 120 other delegates from senior schools across Australia had the chance to participate in the National Schools Constitution Convention (NSCC) over three days. It was a truly life-changing experience, presenting me with countless opportunities and experiences.

On the first day of NSCC, we were able to meet and connect with our supervisors and fellow delegates, who were both extremely warm and welcoming, before heading to the airport to fly to Canberra. The day started off strong with all delegates visiting Parliament House. During this time, we were given a tour of the area, including the House of Representatives and the Senate. We were then given a small speech by Milton Dick, Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives. After this, we watched Question Time and observed how the politicians responded to each other and how the process of the lower house worked. Following this, we had the opportunity to meet representatives from our districts. I met Basem Abdo, a member of the Labor Party for the House of Representatives for the Calwell division, we were able to have a lovely conversation and take a few photos. After returning to the hotel, this wrapped up day one.

Day two started bright and early with a visit to Old Parliament House, where we were set up to discuss the topic of the convention: “Should Section 53 of the Constitution be amended to prevent the Senate from blocking supply (rejecting money bills)?” We were presented with different professors who explained the topic as well as Australia’s democratic history, including the 1975 dismissal of Whitlam. We also met Former Senator Nick Minchin AO, Former Minister for Finance and Administration & Former Director of the Liberal Party of Australia (SA), and Former Senator John Faulkner, Former Minister for Defence & Former President of the Australian Labor Party. Being from opposite parties, they shared their views on the amendment and how they felt during the dismissal of Whitlam in 1975, which helped us formulate our own opinions. We then split into groups by state, such as Western Australia, New South Wales, Adelaide, and the Northern Territory, to discuss our own views. Later, we visited the residence of Her Excellency Sam Mostyn, the Governor-General, where we were given a speech before being served refreshments and exploring the house. She was kind enough to also sign my copy of the Australian Constitution. After taking some pictures, we departed to The National Press Club for dinner. While enjoying our meals, we received speeches from Tom McIlroy, Political Editor at Guardian Australia, 2025 Young Australian of the Year (SA) Amber Brock Fabel, and the Honourable Treasurer, Jim Chalmers.

Day three began at Old Parliament House to continue our discussion on Section 53. The day started with a welcome back and recap from Emeritus Professor Clement

Macintyre, University of Adelaide, before hearing arguments for and against the amendment from Professor Alan Fenna, Curtin University, Western Australia. We then returned to our groups to discuss our views, building on the points Professor Fenna had addressed. A few delegates had the opportunity to stand on the podium and deliver a two-minute speech to share their opinions and try to convince others whether they should vote “yes” or “no” to the amendment. We then participated in a mock referendum run by Lisa Wyllie from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), where we were split up by state and voted as if it were a real referendum. The results revealed that the “no” vote won by a single vote. We then visited the Museum of Australian Democracy and were seated in the House of Representatives to hear a speech from the Representative of the President of the Senate, followed by a farewell speech from our facilitators.

This was truly an amazing program to be involved in, and I am beyond grateful to be one of the 25 Victorian delegates and I urge future legal students to apply for this program if the opportunity does arise again.

It has been a vibrant and enriching start to the term in our Languages Department, with several memorable events bringing our school community together.

From Tuesday 24 February to Sunday 1 March, we were delighted to host our Italian Homestay, providing students with a wonderful opportunity to immerse themselves in language and culture while forming lasting friendships. This was followed by our Open Day on Saturday 14 March, where we proudly showcased our programs and the enthusiasm of our students to prospective families.

More recently, from Monday 23 March to Sunday 29 March, we welcomed our Japanese Homestay students. Their visit was filled with engaging activities, cultural exchange, and meaningful connections across both campuses.

These experiences continue to highlight the value of language learning beyond the classroom, fostering global awareness, confidence, and intercultural understanding in our students.

Kitchen and Sustainability Garden
After a long period of planning and construction, our school’s kitchen and sustainability garden is now complete and already thriving. This project has transformed an unused patch of land into a vibrant, sustainable space for students to learn and grow.

The garden features over 40 raised vegetable garden beds, wicking beds, fruit trees, herb garden, bush food garden and pollinator habitat. The garden also includes sustainability initiatives including composting bays, a worm farm and tanks utilising recycled water.

The produce grown in the garden has already supported Food Technology classes, been shared within our community and donated to local food security charity, The Big Umbrella.

Beyond fresh ingredients, the kitchen garden offers a hands-on opportunity for students to learn about environmental responsibility, teamwork, and the joy of watching effort grow. It’s a space for learning, reflection, and creativity — and we’re only just getting started.

Harmony Day was celebrated on both Campus and was another wonderful opportunity for our Student Leadership Team to share activities with the community. On the Junior Campus, it was wonderful to see many students and staff wear cultural dress or splashes of Orange to represent the symbolism and notion of the day. The opportunity to be involved in the parade was certainly a highlight! On the Senior Campus, an opportunity for Cultural Dress or splashes of Orange, were paired with a Harmony Day BBQ, cultural music (and even a moment of spontaneous dancing) and a Harmony Day Basketball Match- Year 11 students V’s Year 12. On behalf of the Student Leadership Team, we thank all members of our community involved in the day.

On behalf of the Student Ambassadors, Michelle Q, Cecilia B, Rosa L and Liz P- we thank all the staff and students who donated ever so generously to the St. Vinnie’s Easter Egg Appeal. Your contributions will mean a great deal to the families who shall be blessed this Easter.

Please note, on both Campuses Anzac Day badges, wristbands and pens are available for purchase. Each year, we partner with the Glenroy RSL and the Student Leaders and Ambassadors thank you in advance for your support and contribution.

We thank you for your support of our College uniform requirements to date and would like to remind you that during terms 2 and 3, students are required to wear the full winter uniform only.

This uniform change was introduced in 2025 to promote a consistent high standard of presentation both at school and in the community and reflect the sense of pride we wish for our students to have for our College. The full College winter uniform requirements are available on the College website and in the student planner.

The uniform is non-negotiable and a condition of enrolment acceptance at the College.

College Tie
The College tie must be worn when wearing winter unform. The College tie can be purchased from Academy Uniforms or the online second-hand uniform shop. Failure to wear the College tie without an acceptable reason will incur a consequence.

College Blazer
During Terms 2 and 3 students are required to wear their College blazer to and from school and at designated times throughout the year i.e. Mass, Assembly. Consequences will apply for students who are not wearing the College blazer on arrival and/or departing the College. Students are not permitted to wear non authorised jackets, jumpers or “hoodies” and this includes Josephite Exchange hoodies from previous years. Non authorised jackets, jumpers or hoodies are not permitted to be worn under their school uniform.

PE uniform
The PE uniform is to be worn on PE practical days only or as directed by the student’s teacher for a special event/practical class.

School bag
All students must have the navy-blue Penola Catholic College backpack with the College emblem. The College bag may only be purchased from Academy Uniforms or through second-hand options.

School Shoes
Families and students are reminded that permitted school shoes to be worn with the summer or winter uniform are to be plain black leather uppers, flat soles with a distinct low heel, lace up style or T bar. Some examples are provided below for your reference.

Shoes not permitted include ballet flats, black canvas lace ups, black runners, skate or street shoes including Nike Air Force. Families are urged to be mindful that some shoes are marketed as “school shoes” however do not meet the footwear requirements above. Families are encouraged to check with the Year Level Coordinator if unsure before purchasing school shoes.

Personal Grooming
During the holidays we ask students to please be mindful of the following to ensure they are not in breach of College uniform standards upon their return to school:

Hair styles
Dreadlocks, clip-on hair extensions, “Bali-style” braiding, corn rows (unless culturally appropriate), extreme differences in lengths between sides top and back (including plaits/tails with short hair), and “patterns” or lines cut into the hair are examples of some prohibited hairstyles. Students are not permitted to shave their heads. A number 1 haircut is the shortest permitted. Un-natural hair colour is not permitted. E.g., Pink, purple, green or stark contrast in hair colour, The College reserves the right to determine what constitutes an unacceptable hairstyle or unnatural hair colouring.

Nails
Acrylic/false nails or tips are not permitted.

Piercings
One pair of small ear studs or sleepers – to be worn one per ear lobe is permitted. Any additional piercings (upper ear, nose) must be a clear, flat insert. Students with a “fresh” metal piercing that cannot be removed is not an acceptable reason for not meeting this requirement. Please note that non permitted jewelry items will be confiscated and stored in a secure location until the end of term.

Your support in ensuring all students meet the requirements of our college uniform is appreciated. If you have any questions about the uniform or are experiencing difficulties accessing uniform items, please do not hesitate to contact the Year Level Coordinators.

Penola Charter Bus – Term 2 Registration Now Open

Penola Catholic College is pleased to invite families to register their interest in the Penola charter bus service for Term 2.

The charter buses provide a convenient and reliable transport option for students travelling to and from school. Families who are considering using the service are encouraged to review the available routes before registering.

Bus routes and stops can be viewed here:

Term 2 Details

Term 2 will run for 10 weeks. Within this period, there will be:

• 1 public holiday
• 2 student-free days

This results in a total of 47 school days for the term.

Cost

The charter bus service is priced at $8 per day.
For Term 2, the total cost will be:

$376 per student

How to Register

To register your interest or to find out more information, please email:
grfy@penola.vic.edu.au

We encourage families to register as soon as possible to assist with planning and allocation of services.

Energy saving upgrades for your home

e-Scooter Facts

Youth Road Safety Fact Sheet

The Saints Football Club

All Girls Program Open Day

FREE Teen School Holiday Program

Learn-to-Swim School Holiday Program

HUME Project Broadmeadows