Term four has been eventful so far for our junior staff and students.

The Junior Production performed ‘Seussical Junior’ was a huge success. Our junior students delivered an amazing performance showcasing the extraordinary talent of our junior students. Congratulations to the following students on their success:

Daisy B, Shimmer B, Emily D, Erin D, Sophia D, Asher F, Yumi G, Keely G, Jaydon G, Anokina H, Jayden H, Ricky L, Sarah P, Angela P, Rubie Y, Bethany Y, Kushum G, Sadhana B, Mikayla H, and Imogen C.

Tonight, we look forward to seeing our talents juniors once again as they perform in a Performing Arts showcase for our school community. Another entertaining evening ahead!

Our Junior Ambassadors have also been busy taking part in schools tours and being a positive representation during school events. Tomorrow they will be assisting in our ‘Discovery Day’ where we will have over 400 grade four students on campus participating in a variety of learning experiences. We have both students from Year 7 and 8 who have volunteered their time to be a part of forming positive relationships with our local community.

Premier League is well underway for our Year 8 students. We have students participating in cricket, volleyball, basketball, netball and soccer. Games are played on a Wednesday and students have also been involved in training sessions. We wish all the students and their coaches the best of luck as they play each round this term.

Our Year 7 and 8 English students have been busy completing a filming Unit for English. Year 7s have been inspired by the film ‘Edward Scissorhands’ whereas year 8s have been exploring film techniques and camera angles in ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’. It has motivated students to think about how they can bring a storyboard to life by adapting different types of sounds and using various editing styles. The teaching staff look forward to watching their final film projects.

Congratulations to Bianca B 7D on being elected as one of 12 youth counsellors to the Hume Youth Council in 2026. The Young Mayor Program run by the City of Hume has given Bianca this unique opportunity to be part of a council that will consider, discuss and advocate for the needs of young people living within the Hume area. We look forward to sharing Bianca’s experiences in 2026 with our school community.

Lastly tomorrow is a remote learning day for our junior students. Work will be posted on mypenola for students to complete by the time they return to school after the Melbourne Cup Weekend.

Last week we farewelled the class of 2025 and thanked them for their contributions to our College. Congratulations to all students for the excellent behaviour during Appreciation Week and contributing to a memorable send off to the Year 12 students.

Uniform
A reminder to families that students can wear summer or winter uniform in Term 4. Students are asked to please comply with the full uniform requirements of their choice:

• Long sleeved shirts tucked in and tie worn correctly
• Scarves to be worn with winter uniform only
• PE jackets to be worn with PE uniform only

Your ongoing support of the College uniform requirements is appreciated. If there are any questions or difficulties meeting the College uniform requirements, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Year Level Coordinators.

Supporting exams
As exams approach for many of our year 9 to 12 students I encourage students to strive for their personal best by adopting effective study habits. This may include:

• Reducing hours at casual jobs to allow time and energy for study
• Accessing revision resources shared by their subject teachers and completing revision each day to avoid “cramming”.
• Prioritise healthy habits: adequate sleep, nutritious food and physical activity breaks

If you have any questions about your child’s exam timetable or study habits please speak to your child’s Homeroom Teacher.

Student leadership
Congratulations to all students who have contributed to the College either through formal leadership roles or making the most of opportunities presented throughout the year.

• We extend our congratulations to two Penola students who have been elected to Hume City Council’s first Young Mayors Program, Rushil from the Senior Campus and Bianca from the Junior Campus.
• Our first student leadership tour to the UK took place over the school holidays with students attending the Global Girls Leading summit, meeting leaders and students from around the world.

Child safety
We strive to create an environment where students feel supported to speak up about any concerns they may have either at school or outside school. This includes speaking to a trusted adult if worried about a friend or school community member.

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 5 September
Our College community gathered to celebrate our Father’s Day Mass, celebrated by Fr Sam Pearson early on Friday 5 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.

New Zealand AJASS Josephite Pilgrimage 2 - 5 September
Earlier this term, Ms Abboud and Mr Iannuzzi accompanied four students, Millie, Summer, Sebastian, and Joshua on the 2025 AJASS Josephite Pilgrimage to New Zealand, walking in the footsteps of St Mary MacKillop and Fr Julian Tenison Woods.

The pilgrimage offered a profound opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Josephite charism and strengthen our connection to the wider Josephite community across Australia and New Zealand. Pilgrims from Penola Catholic College joined students and staff from schools across Tasmania and Victoria to explore the legacy of the Josephites abroad.

The journey began in Christchurch, where the group was warmly welcomed at Marian College with a mihi whakatau (traditional Māori welcome) and commissioning liturgy in the Mary MacKillop Chapel. From there, the pilgrimage travelled south through Temuka, Timaru, and Queenstown, visiting significant Josephite sites associated with St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and her missionary work in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Highlights included celebrating Mass at St Mary MacKillop Church in Temuka, visits to Roncalli College and the MacKillop Centre, and time spent at Mary MacKillop’s Cottage and St Patrick’s Church in historic Arrowtown. Along the way, pilgrims were warmly hosted by Josephite schools and communities, sharing prayer, reflection, and fellowship that brought Mary’s spirit of service to life.

It was a moving and memorable experience that strengthened bonds across our Josephite schools and reminded all involved of Mary’s enduring message:
“Never see a need without doing something about it.”

Year 12 Final Liturgy & Flag Signing Monday 8 September
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 2025 flag that is set up outside Mannes House during the Year 12 exam period.

Year 10 Reflection Days 9 - 10 September
Held at St George Chaldean Catholic Parish, Campbellfield, and facilitated by Chris Doyle, our Year 10 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.

Faith Life at Penola
Throughout Term 3, Fr Sam Pearson continued his regular Friday lunchtime visits to our Senior campus, spending time in prayer and conversation with students.
He also visited the Junior campus, where he and the Faith and Mission Team consolidated instruction on the Rosary.

Staff 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 continues to meet every Monday 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 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. They have received a certificate and gift from the following organisations:

• Riding for the Disabled: Frans M
• Jacana School of Autism: Lachlan H
• Jacana School of Autism: Kosta L
• St Vinnie’s, Campbellfield: Patrick M
• St Vinnie’s, Campbellfield: Aleks T
• Collingwood English Language School: Isabella M
• Broadmeadows Special Development School: Lyla M
• St Vinnie’s Broadmeadows: Michael S
• St Vinnie’s Broadmeadows: Jhayla D

Preparations are also well underway for our College pilgrimage to the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF), taking place in November and December. This event will bring together thousands of young people from across the nation to celebrate and deepen their faith.

Josephite Exchange Program: On 21 August Fr Aurelio Fragapane visited the Senior campus to celebrate Mass with students participating in the Josephite Exchange Program. It was a joyful reminder of the enduring spirit of St Mary MacKillop in our community life.

Our Graduation Mass was celebrated on Tuesday 21 October at Our Lady Guardian of the Plants Chaldean Catholic Parish. Fr Dishan Candappa was the main celebrant, joined by Fr Mahir Murad as concelebrant. The celebration was a beautiful farewell to our graduating students and their families.

In October, Fr Mahir Murad, Sub-deacon Dominic, and former student (2024) Julian Paul visited the College to lead our community in the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
Following prayer, they offered an inspiring talk on “Prayer and God in the Lives of Youth,” which resonated deeply with students and staff alike.

As we continue to journey through the Year of Jubilee, the Faith and Mission Team is preparing for our upcoming Jubilee Mercy Night on Wednesday 19 November, a sacred evening of prayer, reflection, and reconciliation.

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.

Our Penola student leaders have had an unforgettable experience on the UK Student Leadership Tour! From the moment they arrived, students dived into school visits with School 360, Surrey Square Primary and King Alfred School, guided by the wonderful Liz Robinson, CEO of Big Education. They joined lessons, collaborated with local students, and shared plenty of laughs along the way.

Of course, it wasn’t all classroom time — there was also plenty of sightseeing! From Buckingham Palace and Camden Markets to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and a Thames River cruise, students soaked up the culture and history at every turn.

The tour concluded with the Global Girl Leading Summit, hosted by the Mulberry Schools Trust, where Penola students joined peers from Mexico, Kenya and Italy for a celebration of leadership, empathy and sisterhood. They took part in inspiring discussions and workshops with global changemakers, including Tina Tchen from the Obama Foundation.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr Vanessa Ogden, Liz Robinson and the entire Mulberry Schools Trust team for their incredible hospitality and for creating such an empowering experience for our future leaders.

Here’s what some of our students had to say about the experience…

The 2025 Student Leadership tour was truly eye opening, I'm truly so grateful to go on such a trip. The trip taught me what real leadership was and why it is important to have a team. something I loved was getting closer with everyone on the trip, we all learned not just what leadership really was, but what friendship was. I will forever be grateful.
Erica R

The UK leadership trip was an amazing experience. I met so many new people from different countries and had so much fun making new friends and keeping in touch with them it was such a valuable and unforgettable experience to learn new things from other leaders around the world.
Daniella K

The trip meant a lot to me as I was able to bond with girls from around the globe and speak about our views about women equality. It was a privilege to be able to learn about all the other girls too. The best memory was making lots of friends and being able to do this with an amazing group of people.
Keira M

The Global Girl Leadership Trip was one of the most enlightening experiences I’ve ever had the privilege to be a part of. The girls I’ve made bonds with, both internationally and within our school, have been life changing. London was a beautiful place, I can't wait to return some time in the future. The teachers unwavering support and patience was essential to make the trip what it was. One of my favourite memories of the trip was going to the Lion King, and all of us walking back to the bus singing all the songs. I also loved our dinners together, laughing about the day that had been. Grateful for everything.
Isabelle C

Our Junior students took audiences on a whimsical journey through the world of Dr Seuss with this year’s Junior Musical, Seussical Jr! Bursting with colour, energy and heart, the production was a true showcase of creativity and talent.

From the very first note to the final bow, our young performers shone on stage with a level of professionalism well beyond their years. Their hard work, dedication and teamwork paid off, wowing audiences with powerful vocals, dynamic choreography and vibrant storytelling.

Seussical Jr was a shining example of how Penola is Excellence, in the arts, in commitment and in community spirit. We couldn’t be prouder of every student involved and can’t wait to see these talented performers light up the stage in future productions!

Stay Connected – Join the Penola Alumni Network

A reminder to all former students and staff to join the Penola Catholic College Alumni Network through Alumnly!

It’s the perfect way to keep in touch, reconnect with classmates and colleagues, and stay up to date with the latest College news, reunions, and events.

With the Class of 2025 soon to graduate, now’s a great time to be part of our growing alumni community.

Join today

October
Friday 31 - Remote learning day for Year 7 and 8 Students

November
Monday 3 - School Closure Day
Tuesday 4 - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Friday 21 - Student Free Day

December
Thursday 4 - Last day of Term 4

Ace Fun Tennis School

Pizza Party @ the Glenroy Hub

The Glenroy Hub Term 4 Programs

St Carlo's Art Show

Youth Markers' Market - Stall Holders Wanted

Social Media Forum

Hume Fix it Fair

Hume Lower Energy Bills FREE information session