The Blessing of Caroline Chisholm Catholic College: Its Wonderful Community

As we reach the end of Term One, it is important to reflect on the incredible achievements and progress our school community has made in what has been an eventful school term. Underpinned by the many opportunities for learning, growth, and collaboration, our students and staff have made the term a successful experience for all members of the community. Behind the scenes, our staff have undertaken detailed learning programs which aim to improve their teaching expertise, and the outcomes have been the engagement and progress that our students have demonstrated in their subject areas, their socialisation and their holistic development as young learners. I thank all the staff members, students and families who have continually supported the vision of the College in giving everyone the opportunity to excel.

Easter Break
Easter holds special significance for our school community, as it offers a time for reflection, renewal and rest. It provides our students, teachers, and staff with a well-deserved break from the demands of school life. For Christians, Easter is a time of celebration, symbolising hope, new beginnings, and togetherness. It serves as an opportunity for families to connect, for students to reflect on their growth, and for our college to reinforce our values of kindness, gratitude, and spirit. As we embrace the Easter break, I encourage you and your child to enjoy quality time, engaging in meaningful activities, and reflections, so that they return refreshed and motivated for term two. May God’s blessings offer you a restful, enriching and reflective time.

Excellence and Student Growth
Most of our students have demonstrated enthusiasm for learning, actively engaging in lessons and showing perseverance in their studies. Teachers have been instrumental in creating dynamic and supportive learning environments, and their commitment has had a positive impact on student outcomes. Parent Teacher conferences were well attended, progress reports demonstrate student growth, and the Learning Mentor Personal Development Program aims to enhance students’ sense of self, future, control and personal growth. If unsure of how your child is progressing, please contact the respective Learning Mentor. To discuss concerns and support, please see your child’s Year Level Coordinator. Understanding and supporting the progress of your child is the most useful way that you will impact their holistic growth.

Extracurricular Engagement and Success
Beyond the classroom, our students have excelled in sports, the arts, and leadership opportunities. From successful sports competitions such as the SACCSS Swimming Carnival, in which we achieved great success, the joy of competition shared in the Athletics Carnival, to the Year 10 Netball Team which won the SACCSS finals, to outstanding practicing and performing in drama and music in the lead up to the musical, it has been inspiring to witness the diverse talents within our school. The Athletics Carnival was a great illustration of how community events can be positive to all. While some of the students committed to their sporting endeavours competed well, some other students embraced the opportunity to share their enthusiasm for their House Spirit and connections within the community. Congratulations to all the staff organising this event behind the scenes.
I was fortunate to walk into a VET Music class to witness a great performance by the VET Music Year 11 students who performed “Weather With You” by Crowded House. It was an amazing display of talent, passion and enjoyment. Our student leaders have also taken on new initiatives, fostering a sense of responsibility and teamwork among their peers. Our leaders have led events such as assemblies, public information evenings and have put forward many proposals. Their vision and energy are amazing.

Community Engagement
One of the highlights of this term has been the strong sense of community within our school. Events such as parent-teacher conferences, Open Day, Information Evening for Prospective Families, the Parent Survey, and our Family Partnership Initiatives have strengthened our connections. We deeply appreciate the support of our parents and guardians, who play a crucial role in their children's education and in building a positive school culture.

Looking Ahead
As we look forward to Term Two, we are excited about the opportunities and challenges that await us. We will continue to focus on academic achievement, student wellbeing, and community involvement. I encourage students to take a well-earned break and return refreshed, ready to embrace the next term with enthusiasm.

Thank you once again for your welcome, the unwavering support for the College and the faith you have for the school. I wish you all a safe and restful break, and a reflective time during Easter as we celebrate the most important time in our Catholic Calendar. May Christ’s Death and Resurrection bring you joy, peace and happiness.

Dr Napoleon Rodezno
College Principal

Welcoming Lauren Markovic as Acting Deputy Principal of Learning and Teaching

As we enter Term 2, we are pleased to announce that Lauren Markovic will be stepping into the role of Acting Deputy Principal of Learning and Teaching for Terms 2 and 3, whilst I am on secondment to the position of Senior Manager School Leadership (Secondary) with the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS). Lauren is no stranger to this role, having successfully led in this capacity for 12 months last year. She is well supported by the College Leadership Team and our dedicated Learning and Teaching team, ensuring continuity in our strategic focus on academic excellence.

Vision for Instruction and Professional Learning

At the heart of our teaching and learning approach is a commitment to high-impact instructional strategies that support student success. Our Vision for Instruction continues to drive professional growth, with a particular focus on the Science of Learning and explicit instruction. Under the leadership of our Pedagogy Coaches, Maxine Duffield and Lisa Dillon, staff have engaged in targeted professional learning designed to refine teaching practices and enhance student outcomes. This professional development equips our teachers with evidence-based strategies that ensure clarity, engagement, and deep learning for every student.

MACS School Improvement Network

Our College remains committed to continuous improvement through our ongoing collaboration with the MACS School Improvement Network. This partnership focuses on refining teaching practices and strengthening academic outcomes across all subject areas. By leveraging data-informed strategies and shared expertise, we are enhancing student learning experiences and achievement across the College.

Enhancing Student Pathways and Career Education

In addition to our instructional focus, we are excited to introduce a newly structured Pathways team, led by Tristan O’Brien. This team will play a crucial role in supporting students as they navigate their future pathways, whether in higher education, vocational training, or the workforce. We are also pleased to welcome two new Careers Advisors who will work closely with students to explore future career options and ensure informed decision-making. They will also oversee the ongoing review and development of our Careers Curriculum, which is embedded within the Learner Mentor Program from Years 7 to 12. This initiative ensures that students receive tailored career education at every stage of their schooling.

As we move forward into Terms 2 and 3, we are excited about the continued growth and learning opportunities for both our students and staff. We extend our best wishes to Lauren Markovic in her role and look forward to the impactful work ahead.

As the term comes to an end, we take some time to stop and reflect on all the wonderful opportunities that our students, and community have been fortunate to engage in.

Recently, we celebrated Cultural Diversity Week & Harmony Day. This year’s theme for Harmony Day “Everyone Belongs” very much reflects the diversity of our community. We celebrated this diversity through a range of activities including lunch time performances, a video made by College leaders reflecting on what Harmony means to them, cultural foods featured in the canteen, an art project and concluding with staff and students proudly wearing their cultural dress.

Christ the King Campus Captains had the honour tof representing our College at the Western Bulldogs’ International Women’s Day at the Whitten Oval. Staff and students wore purple ribbons for International Women’s Day held on the 7^th of March, to honour and to celebrate the contributions women leaders make to our communities, locally and globally.

On Monday the 24^th March, the Western Bulldogs Community Social & Study Club commenced at the Christ the King Campus. This program is an African homework club that offers the space for our students to interact positively with peers and community mentors while enhancing meaningful social connections, increased wellbeing support and resilience.

Over the upcoming School Holidays, we have The Melbourne Victory Football Club and the Huddle Easter School Holiday Programs running. These programs offer the opportunity for students to connect with peers from local schools, as well as organisations and community mentors.

We start Term 2 by celebrating Mother’s Day with our annual Mass and breakfast. Please look out on compass for the invite and how to sign up to attend.

Wellness over the Holidays

While for many, Easter is a time of celebration, reconnection with family, and rest. Unfortunately, holiday cheer is not everyone’s experience. The Easter season is an important time to consider those who are less fortunate, or who may be finding this time of year difficult. Family separation and conflict, grief or loss of a loved one, isolation and financial pressures, are just a few factors that leave some families and individuals dreading this time of year.

You and your family may consider seeking opportunities to reach out to others, who may otherwise be alone this holiday. As a community, it is important to keep an eye out for those who are vulnerable, and to teach our children to share this same care for others. Should you find that you or someone you know requires support for mental health related concerns over the break, consider any of the resources below. Recommending a visit to a General Practitioner, is also an option all year round. There are also many free and affordable activities, events and excursions, offered by your local council youth services, that your kids can access too. Maintaining social connectedness is a useful ingredient for supporting our overall health.

Support Services for Adults:

• MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
• Women’s Health West: 9689 9588
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277
• Parentline: 132289
• www.beyondblue.org.au
• www.mindspot.org.au

Support Services for Young People:

• Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800
• www.kidshelp.com.au
• Youth Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• www.youthbeyondblue.com
• Headspace Sunshine 9927 6222
• www.headspace.org.au
• Reachout.com

Wishing you a blessed Easter, quality time with loved ones, and a safe break.

God Bless

Stephanie Banks
Deputy Principal, Student Wellbeing

The Faith and Mission team has been involved in many events for Term 1. The Social Justice group focused on supporting Caritas through the Project Compassion program, Retreats and Reflections have conducted the Year 7 students’ first Reflection Day, where they visited places of worship as part of their day, and the Year 10 Reflection Day was run by YMT Australia at the College. The Sustainability & Ecological Justice group conducted a biodiversity audit at both campuses, to assist them in their planning of future projects. Student leaders have also organised prayer reflection sessions in our Chapel as well as posting ‘Bible quotes of the week’ for staff and students at all campuses to contemplate, as well as be inspired and motivated by.

As part of Catholic Education Week, our Faith & Mission student leaders represented the College in attending the St Patrick’s Mass for schools at the Cathedral where the new icon of St Patrick was unveiled, ‘written’ by Australian iconographer Sue Orchison. This was followed by the Young Speakers Colloquium held in the Catholic Leadership Centre listening to other students who have recently been on study tour of Rome, sharing their messages and stories in connecting with their faith development.

The Year 10 Religious Education Youth Ministry students have this term been working deeply in putting together a reflective display of the Lord’s Passion, focusing on the Last Supper, which in the Gospels accounts the final meal that Jesus shared with his apostles in Jerusalem before his crucifixion. Their presentation also links with the theme of “what we bring to the table” and will form part of the End of Term/Lenten liturgy assembly.

Here are some student reflections from the Social Justice team.

Social Justice student reflections

Matilda Russell, Year 10 – Pancake Sales and Project Compassion Launch

This term, the Vinnies Social Justice Team has been focusing on Caritas’ Project Compassion. The main goal of Project Compassion is to raise funds and awareness for the improvement of the lives and areas of those around us locally and globally. This project was especially important during this term, as it linked to the season of Lent and the practice of almsgiving.

Earlier this term, the College’s Vinnies Team got the opportunity to attend the Project Compassion Launch, located at Emmaus College. It provided insight about the injustice and poverty that is unfortunately found amongst others. The team came back with a much greater understanding about how and what we can do to help those who are struggling at this time.

The Social Justice Team collaborated to help Caritas by organising fundraising events, such as the pancake sale, which took place a day before Shrove Tuesday, and many more food sales including BBQ's.

Athena Pandong, Year 10 – Open Day and Athletics Day BBQ

A BBQ stall was run on Sunday, 23 March by the Vinnies Social Justice Team, welcoming future Year 7’s on Open Day. The team cooked up and served sausages and drinks to families, staff and fellow peers.

It was also run on Athletics day with staff and students helping throughout the day, where sausages, chips and drinks were served.

With the efforts of everyone involved, including customers and salespeople, over $1500 was raised for Project Compassion! Thank you for your contribution.

Michael Chesser
Director of Faith and Mission

Upcoming Important Dates

Friday 04 April - Final Day of Term 2. Students dismissed after Assembly at 1pm.

Wednesday 23 April - All students commence Term 2

Friday 25 April - ANZAC Day Public Holiday

Friday 09 May - Mothers Day Mass and Breakfast

School Holiday Programs

Each year, a number of organisations run school holiday programs. We have included a few local ones below and hope stuents will consider joining in. 

The Brook Fish & Chips

Many of you will know our local Fish and Chip shop, The Brook. 

They're currently looking for a part-time food assistant, on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 4pm to 7pm. They require no experience, only enthusiasm!
If you're interested, please pop in and ask for Alex, or email your resume or interest to afr_85853@bigpond.com

They're currently also offering an after school special from 2pm-5pm, 5 fish bites & chips for $10!

CTK Online Safety Session

Students from Year 8 at our Christ the King campus attended a session in their LM on the 20th of March, which covered the importance of safety online for both themselves and others. 

It was an important session presented by Victoria Police, which will help keep our students safe. 

Sports Academy

Our Sports Academy students have nearly wrapped up their first full term, demonstrating outstanding dedication and energy throughout the program. This term, students have participated in a balance of theory and practical sessions. On the theory side, they’ve taken time to reflect on their goals, future aspirations and what they hope to achieve from their time in the program. Practically, students have undertaken time trials to establish performance benchmarks to help track their development over the course of the program. They have also been working through their conditioning programs as well as trying new sports and learning new skills which they can take into back into their nominated sports.

Here’s what some of our students had to say about their experience so far:

Its hard work, but it is worth it! We have learnt to work as a team and to push ourselves so we can achieve our goals. – Lenai & Baydah

We love this program, it takes a lot of hard work and persistence. We are also loving the opportunity to learn other sports other than what we signed up for. – Harriet & Samuela

I have developed a lot, particularly with my conditioning. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to do this! – Eric

The atmosphere of the program is so positive and encouraging. It makes it easy to try new things and push myself. - Sierra

Elevate Education Incursion

On the 13^th of March, our Year 12 students participated in an inspiring incursion led by Elevate Education, focusing on the power of a growth mindset and the importance of goal setting. This engaging session provided students with practical strategies to help them stay motivated, overcome challenges, and achieve their best in their final year of school.

Through interactive discussions and real-life examples, students left the session feeling motivated and equipped with new tools to approach their studies with a positive and proactive attitude.

A huge thank you to Elevate Education for delivering such a valuable and empowering workshop!

Karla Rangi
Year 12 Coordinator

Student Response

On Thursday 13^th March Harry from Elevate Education came out to the college to host a session on goal setting, motivation and growth mindset for our year 12 cohort. Elevate education is a world class education organisation that focuses on improving the study skills of students through the efficient allocation of time, energy and resources. He spoke about effectively setting realistic goals, explaining how to break down a goal into smaller objectives that are less intimidating and how this motivates us to have a goal because our goal appears easier when broken down. During the seminar we also covered a growth mindset and how we can use it to achieve the ATAR we need. This session was extremely valuable to our year 12’s in their pursuit of academic excellence and success in their final year of secondary school.

Noah Andreula

Year 12SHB

Athletics Day

Friday the 28th was our annual Athletics Day! Melbourne gave us a beautiful day of sunshine, and our students and staff did an incredible job running, jumping and relaying throughout our time at Moonee Valley Athletics Centre.

Year 10 Netball Grand Final Win

Congratulations to our Year 10 Netball team, who won their grand final last week! It's 4Cs first ever netball team win across any year level, so a huge achievement!

Western Bulldogs Social & Study Club

We're excited to be partnering with the Western Bulldogs Foundation again this year across a variety of events and activities. This term we've worked with them to launch the Social & Study club at CTK. We have had a large uptake in this group, with 17 students from SJ and CTK attending the first session. Futher sessions have involved having special guests such as Tom Liberatore attendingm exciting games and activities, and more!
We look forward to continuing to work with the Western Bulldogs Foundation throughout the year. 

As we come to the close of Term 1 and the sacred season of Lent, let us pause and reflect with gratitude for the opportunities, challenges, and growth we've experienced so far.

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the gift of learning, the joy of friendship, and the strength to overcome obstacles throughout this term.
As we rest and recharge for the next chapter, may we also find moments to deepen our faith during these final weeks of the holy season of Lent.

Guide us in our journey of self-reflection and renewal, helping us to grow closer to You and to one another.
May we be inspired to act with kindness, patience, and love, as we prepare our hearts for the blessings of Easter.

Bless our teachers, staff, and students.
Grant them rest and peace in the weeks ahead, and may they return with renewed energy and commitment to continue walking in Your light.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.