Churchill Avenue News

Ending a chapter to start a new one in a journey of learning

As we approach the midpoint of the year, it’s a good time to stop and reflect on our learning journey so far; to celebrate what has been a terrific school year to date, and to think about the steps we can each take to keep moving forward.

At Caroline Chisholm Catholic College, we believe that learning is not just about achieving end goals and high grades, but about growing as thinkers, problem-solvers, and resilient learners along the way. Every student is capable of improvement, and even small, consistent efforts can lead to powerful results, making the ordinary extremely extraordinary.

Whether your child is feeling confident or facing challenges, it is important to encourage them to ask in reflection, how can I take responsibility for my learning this week? Teachers often ask students to improve learning by asking more questions in class, setting goals for an upcoming assessment, creating a better homework routine, seeking feedback and using it to improve, and supporting a classmate or forming a study group, since collaboration leads to in-depth learning.

Our collective encouragement of students makes a big difference. Showing interest in what your child is learning, helping them manage their time, and celebrating their efforts, and not just results, can have a lasting impact in their learning journey as they transition from Semester One to Semester Two.

Over the last few weeks, we have experienced many examples of great success by our students and their teachers. The Winter Music Concert was a great display of skill and commitment by the students, and the support of their teachers was also evident. We have held subject information evenings, subject conferences and our Year 12 students celebrated their formal. Each event was a great celebration and demonstrated to our students that they matter and that their education is not just about books and classroom routines but also belonging, celebrating success and holistic learning.

I take this moment to pause and reflect on two deeply significant aspirations: our journey of Reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, which we acknowledge during reconciliation week, and our shared hope for an end to war and conflict in our world.

Reconciliation calls us to acknowledge the truth of our nation's history, to honour the enduring culture and contributions of First Nations peoples, and as Christians, to be committed to building a future grounded in justice, healing, love, compassion, empathy and mutual respect. At our school, we walk alongside the Traditional Custodians of the land, listening deeply, learning together, and fostering a spirit of truth-telling and unity. We recognise that reconciliation is not a destination, but an ongoing commitment, one woven into our relationships, our curriculum, and the way in which we embrace community life.

In recent days, we have been alerted to further unrest in the world. I pray that for the deep longing for peace across the globe, so that an end to the suffering caused by war, displacement, and division can be reached. As children of God, we believe that education is a powerful force for peace. By encouraging empathy, critical thinking, and global citizenship, we hope to prepare our students not only to succeed, but to stand for compassion, equity, and dignity in the world. I encourage you to have discussions with your child about the power they hold to make a difference to our world.

In 2 Corinthians 5:18, St Paul reminds us that “God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation.”
This call to reconciliation is not only spiritual but deeply relational and communal. It challenges us to listen deeply, speak truthfully, and walk humbly with our First Nations brothers and sisters, honouring their stories, cultures, and ongoing contributions to our nation and Church.

Similarly, Jesus teaches in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
In a world marked by division and conflict, we are called to be instruments of peace—within our homes, our school, and the global community. We pray for an end to war and suffering, and we commit ourselves to building a culture of compassion, understanding, and justice.

May the Spirit of God guide us to be healers and bridge builders; faithful in the work of reconciliation, and courageous in the pursuit of peace.

Napoleon Rodezno
College Principal