A Term to Celebrate

As Term 3 concludes, I wish to thank each member of the community for making Caroline Chisholm Catholic College a place that welcomes, embraces the individual, and dares for excellence. Term 3 has been one of progress and celebration, and our students have made us all proud. From charity and spiritual connections, reflections and explicit learning of the relevance of faith in our lives, to the engagement and completion of courses, with explicit teaching focused on understanding to enable learning skills, experiences at the College have encouraged each person to achieve to their best. I wish to thank each member of the school community for their efforts, particularly the staff, who have implemented key strategies to achieve progress in the students and their learning.

The College will commence building the Technology Centre soon, and has already begun building updates in current buildings, from the installation of a lift in the St John’s Campus, renovations to toilets and amenities, and the restoration of the roof of the QA Auditorium. Although the costs are quite high for all three projects, they will provide the College with improved facilities to enable learning.

I wish to welcome Mrs Melissa D’Amico to our community, as the newly appointed Deputy Principal of Students. Melissa is an experienced educator, having worked across the state, independent and Catholic systems in a career that extends over 25 years. She is currently working as the Assistant Principal of Learning and Innovation at Aitken College, Greenvale. We also welcome Mr Paul Toney to the role of Deputy Principal of Staff. He is an experienced educator, having worked in Australia and England, with his most recent post as the Deputy Principal of Staff and Compliance at Loyola College, Watsonia. They bring new energy to the college, and we look forward to their start in 2026.

In recent months, we have also appointed Mrs Kat Nguyen as Deputy Principal of Operations and Mr Tristan O’Brien as Deputy Principal of Mission. Both staff members were appointed following a very rigorous selection process, which included interviews and writing of applications that identified the best candidates for each role. Tristan is an experienced Deputy Principal, having held the role previously at the College. Kat has served as the Director of Operations and has progressed to the role of Deputy Principal as I extended the leadership team to enable growth and operations of the College.

I share with you the speech which I presented in my address to the students on Friday. Apologies for the assembly going over time, I hope that this did not cause too many issues for parents waiting for their children.

My address focused on the violence and atrocities existing in the world. I pray that our children can be the solution in making the world safer, fairer and an example of God’s gift to us all. Please read the presentation below.

Best wishes for the holidays. The College will be closed to the public in the second week. Best of luck to Year 12 students who will begin their practice exams.

Napoleon Rodezno
College Principal

Principals Address - Friday 19 September 

Good morning everyone,

Thank you to all the presenters, organisers and performers. This has been an amazing assembly. Thanks to every one of you for your individual and collective efforts throughout this semester. Your presence and contributions make the College a special place. You may not realise this now, or perhaps you do, but let me assure you that Caroline Chisholm Catholic College is an amazing place. You, me, and our peers, we are all lucky to be here. Congratulations on your progress and your positive energy. If your term was not great, well, time to reflect on what could be done better. Enjoy the break and rest up.

Year 12s, and those others preparing for Unit 4 Exams, it is now time to start the final stretch of the journey. Congratulations on being here, but don’t forget that the journey has not ended yet.

My address today will focus on one very important message for you as young people in our society,and as the students of the College because you represent our hope, future and the seeking of peace. I invite you to pause and reflect deeply on the reality of war and violence in our world, and more importantly, on our responsibility as a Catholic community to stand against it.

In this recent month, Melbourne has experienced a troubling surge in violent incidents. On 1 September, violent clashes erupted during an anti-immigration rally under the banner of “March for Australia,” where far-right groups, including neo-Nazi figures, confronted counter-protesters. Police deployed its riot squads, used pepper spray, physical force and batons to separate the groups, resulting in multiple injuries and arrests.

A fatal shooting in Melbourne’s CBD on 7 September led to the death of a 26-year-old man and the arrest of four suspects. Police believe the incident was targeted and part of a broader pattern of public violence affecting community safety across our state.

Not far from here, two young boys, connected to our community in so many ways, were killed. The greater community has been left devastated, with parents publicly mourning and calling for answers, noting that four children have been buried in the area within two weeks due to similar violent incidents.

In the last week, the global landscape has been marred by devastating acts of war and violence. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 53 Palestinians, flattened 16 buildings including residential towers, and intensified famine conditions that have claimed over 420 lives due to starvation.

Meanwhile, in South Sudan, a UN Fact-Finding Mission reported systematic atrocities committed against innocent people. Civilians were deliberately targeted, with some detention centres described as “slaughterhouses,” and over 12 million people have been displaced. Some of these people live amongst us, and like many others, including me, we have faced displacement for reasons beyond our control.

In Ukraine, Russian drone strikes have escalated, killing over 100 civilians in recent months, with documented attacks on hospitals, schools, and residential areas.

Why am I telling you this? After all, these are the news stories that we don’t have to hear, but we can’t afford to ignore. This is because you must act against it, and it starts now, with how you treat each other.

What we continue to see on television, hear in the news, read in the newspapers and come across in our social media is a reality for those oppressed. This is the reality of human tragedy.

War and conflict are not just geopolitical or disputable events; they are a human tragedy. It tears apart families, destroys communities, and leaves scars that last generations. Violence, whether in distant lands or in our own streets, contradicts the very essence of the Gospel that we are all called to live. Yet equally, the way that a person is bullied, ridiculed or shown hate has substantial impact that is life changing.

In 2014, Pope Francis stated in his address at the Redipuglia War Memorial, that “War is madness. That it is the suicide of humanity.” The Redipuglia War Memorial is the largest war memorial in Italy and one of the largest in the world, housing the remains of 100,187 Italian soldiers killed between 1915 and 1917 in the twelve battles fought on the Karst and Isonzo front. Imagine that for a second, 100,187 people were killed in twelve battles. That is 56 times the number of people who attend and work in this College. How can this have happened? The Bible calls us to be peacemakers, not passive observers, so we have a responsibility to act against war. If war is the suicide of humanity, why do we accept it?

The Gospel according to Matthew tells us that “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9

And the Book of Romans tells us that we must “not repay anyone evil with evil… If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:17–18

For us all, as faith leaders living under the love of God, these are not suggestions, they are commands. As followers of Jesus, we are called to reject violence and build peace. This is because war, although widely used, is abnormal. It is a sign of immaturity, of the inability to reach intelligent outcomes, to apply justice and compassion due to ignorance and hate.

The Church teaches that peace is built on justice, dialogue, and solidarity. As good people, we must:

· Advocate for the vulnerable

· Reject hatred and division

· Promote reconciliation and forgiveness

Again, Pope Francis challenged us to think about our roles as humans. He said, “We must not remain indifferent to the suffering of others… Peace is not just the absence of war, but the tireless commitment to recognise, protect and promote the dignity of all people.”

So, what can you do?

1. Speak up and challenge bullying, racism, and injustice wherever you see it. Do not stand by it. Do not accept it and seek the help of your teachers if you are a victim of it.

2. Pray for peace by making peace a daily intention in your prayers, in your thoughts and actions. Think about the impact that we will all have to change the world if we choose to be peaceful in our interactions with others?

3. Serve others by volunteering, support charities, and be present to those in need. It is not in what you give but how you give it, that we find your true impact.

4. Educate yourself to learn about global conflicts and the Church’s response. You can be a part of the solution.

Because you are mandated to love and spread the good news. We are told in the Book of Timothy to “Let no one despise your youth, but set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.” Timothy 4:12

You are not too young to make a difference. You are not too small to be a voice for peace. The beauty of God is found in each person at this College, and you hold the key in making the world better. The safety, respect and dignity of each person here are the most important priorities for each one of us. Wars overseas and the unrest that we see in our communities is the result of the choices we all make, the decision to not be mindful, respectful, embracing and celebrating of difference.

Let your actions speak for themselves. Open the doors to those who you do not know in your classes. Say hello to the teachers that welcome you when you arrive at school each day. Be respectful to your parents and aspire to be more. Aim to be better than before so that you can give and help others along. The impact of wars and crime can lead to death and permanent loss for many people overseas. We are lucky to be in this country and we have a responsibility to keep it safe. It all starts with the way that you conduct yourself and what you expect from yourself and others around you.

I challenge you to do more than you currently do. In many war-torn countries, through the eyes of good people, war is not strategy or politics. It is fear, confusion, and unbearable loss. For children there, it tends to be the sound of sirens replacing lullabies, the sight of shattered homes where laughter once lived, and the ache of missing parents, siblings, and friends. A child sees war in the empty classroom, the broken swing, and the silence where stories used to be told. Their innocence is pierced by images they cannot understand and grief they cannot name. In their world, war steals birthdays, bedtime hugs, and the promise of tomorrow. And yet, even in the rubble, a child may still draw a sun, because hope, though fragile, is their resistance.

Let us be like children and make the world better through hope, through determination and the thirst for happiness, fairness and peace. We must be a community that chooses peace over violence, compassion over indifference, and action over silence. Let us be the hands and feet of Christ in a world that desperately needs healing. May we always remember to “overcome evil with goodness.” I wish you a pleasant break and I acknowledge your contributions to the College community. You are all superstars.

Congratulations to our athletics team for winning their SACCSS meet and their promotion to Division One. Congratulations to all other achievers in what was an amazing term. A special thanks to all our staff. Our teachers, helpers and admin. You make this place a safe and inviting place. Teachers work very hard for you, and you should be very happy about this.
I wish to say goodbye and acknowledge Ms Brooke Evans-Brookes, College Psychologist, Ms Sangeetha Thanapal and Ms Kelly Harrison, English teachers, for their contributions at the College. They will be leaving us today. Mrs Ruddick, our former College Principal has also left the College. She will be farewelled at the conclusion of the year, so that we can thank her for the wonderful contributions she made to our community.

Again, well done on the term and for making our school a wonderful place. Thank you for making me the luckiest principal in the world and I am sorry for not being out in the yard as much as I wish I could be. I truly hope that this will change in the next term and beyond.

Many Minds, One Heart.

Enjoy the break.

As Term 3 draws to a close, we reflect on the busy 9 weeks past with all the successes we’ve been able to celebrate.

Year 7, 8 and 9 cohorts have all engaged in some meaningful Learner Mentor sessions this Term aimed at responding to student feedback, tailored to meet the specific needs of each group. Year Level Coordinators and Learner Mentors have put in tremendous amounts of effort to ensure each session has been valuable and engaging to support student growth and active participation.

This term, our campus welcomed a range of guest speakers, giving students fresh perspectives and access to relevant content presented in new ways. Calm Youth, Blackdog Institute and Arrive & Thrive visited us, sparking meaningful conversations around mental health, teens & screens and in preparation for senior school education.

R U OK? Day took place on 11^th September, where the College engaged in a range of activities. Christ the King students created a Connection Chain at lunch to action unity, led by campus captains, and demonstrated their creativity with mindful colouring and outdoor chalk drawings. Highlights of this day have been promoted on the College’s Instagram page; a great way for the wider community to stay connected with campus life.

Christ the King has witnessed remarkable growth in our students this year. As the months have passed, they've shown increasing maturity and strengthened their interpersonal skills through meaningful interactions and shared experiences.
This progress reflects their resilience, adaptability, and commitment to becoming confident, respectful members of our college.

As Term 3 concludes, I hope your break is both restful and refreshing so that you return energised and ready for an event-filled Term 4.

Bianca Markovic
Director of Campus, Christ the King

As we reach the end of Term 3, it is a wonderful time to reflect on the many achievements and positive developments across the St John’s Campus.

This term, our community came together to recognise R U OK? Day, a timely reminder of the importance of looking out for one another and checking in with our peers. The day encouraged honest conversations and reinforced the message that a simple question can make a big difference.

We also celebrated Languages Week, where students engaged in activities that highlighted the richness of different cultures and the importance of language in connecting us with the wider world. It was inspiring to see so many boys embrace the chance to broaden their understanding and appreciation of diversity.

On the sporting front, our Year 9 boys shone at the SACCAS competitions, taking home victories in both AFL and Volleyball. Their teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship were excellent examples of the values we aim to uphold at St John’s.

In the classroom, staff have been impressed with how students are continuing to work diligently towards their academic and personal goals. Many boys are becoming more organised and prepared for classes, showing maturity and responsibility as they progress through their studies. These habits will serve them well not only in school, but also in life beyond the college.

As we celebrate these successes, we also encourage all students to remember the small but important habits that build respect and kindness in our community. Using words such as “please” and “thank you” more often makes a real difference in creating a positive and supportive atmosphere across our campus.

We wish all families a safe and restful break and look forward to another successful term ahead.

Tony Muller
Director of Campus, St John's

There has been a lot going on at Sacred Heart Campus this term.

In week three we had Course Counselling, which began back in Term 2 with our subject Expo’s and information evenings. This is one of the most important dates on our calendar for our Year 10 and 11 students and families. It sets up our Year 10s as they begin their two years of VCE or VCE VM and our Year 11s as they get closer to their final year of secondary education.

The Year 12’s have been participating in the Exam Ready Program during their LM sessions which is a key focus to their preparation for end pf year exams. There have been both internal and external presenters supporting our students as they prepare for their final exams. They've had a busy end of term with SAC-only days and trial exams which lead into the September holidays. We are getting ready for Graduation and end of year exams in Term 4 – so a busy and important time for our Year 12s.

There has been SACCSS sports happening and House activities for all students to participate in. These days are a wonderful celebration of the community spirit we have at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College.

The Year 10’s had an off-site reflection day which was very successful with excellent attendance and Year 10 and 11’s have had various presenters during the LM program.

Last week we celebrated R U OK Day with a special LM session, Gratitude walls, chill out spaces, a photo booth and yellow R U OK cupcakes to remind everyone to check in on our family and friends and that they are OK.

With holidays just started, the Sacred Heart Team would like to wish everyone a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday.

Molly Coyne
Director of Campus, Sacred Heart

Community Programs

We're extremely lucky to have a number of programs being offered by local groups and partner organisations. 
We hope you'll consider attending some over the coming weeks!
 

Maribyrnong Spring Holidays Programs

Looking for some activities for over the school holidays? The Phoenix Youth Centre, run by the Maribyrnong City Council, has a number of programs available, from cupcake decorating to excursions into the city!

Cupcake Decorating: https://www.maribyrnong.vic.go...

Matcha Painting: https://www.maribyrnong.vic.go...

ACMI Games World: https://www.maribyrnong.vic.go...

Indoor Trampoline Centre: https://www.maribyrnong.vic.go...

Plus, if you're looking to make a difference and get involved with your local community, during Term 4 students can sign up for the Youth By Nature program here: https://www.maribyrnong.vic.go...

R U OK? Day

On Thursday the College joined together in celebrating R U OK? Day, a nationwide initiative that encourages us to all check in with one another and start meaningful conservations about mental health.

We celebrated with cupcakes, stickers, a photobooth, staff morning tea, chalk messages and more. 

Sports Achievements

It has been a big term for sports at CCCC. Our College did an amazing job across the board, and a big congrtulations to everyone who was a part of our success.

Our Premier League season saw 5 of our 8 teams making it to finals, and our Senior boys basketball making it to the final in their first year competing in Division 1.

Our Year 9 Boys AFL team had an undefeated season, winning their final against Kolbe up by 30 points.

Our Year 9 Boys Volleyball team also went through undefeated, winning in straight sets in the final.

Our Athletics team earned a promotion to Division 1, which is incredible and the first time we'll have the chance to test ourselves against the best of the competitions will come next year. We also collected pennants for the Junior Girls, Junior Aggregate, Senior Boys, Senior Girls, and Senior Aggregate. 

Leanne Ellis broke two records, and Leanne and Samuel Dunnin were Age Group Champions on the day.

 Further to the SACCSS Sports achievements, we also did an incredible job in the Volleyball Victoria Schools Cup, one day tournament. We finished the day with: 

Year 9 boys, Division 1, 1st place gold in straight sets

Year 8 girls, Division 2, 5th overall

Year 7 boys, played in Year 8 Division 1, 3rd overall

Truly a remarkable performance from all our students, well done for finishing the Term strong!

Languages Week

Last week was Languages Week and we celebrated the diversity in our community across the week with a daily prayer in a language other than english, with a paper crane competition, and of course a cultural dress day!

Battle of the Bands

Our annual Battle of the Bands competition was held in the Madeleine Centre this year, with incredible performances from student bands who played pieces both contemporary and from the 90's and 2000's. 

Congratulations to everyone who got up and performed!

End of Term Assembly

We wrapped up Term 3 with an Assembly that celebrated the achievements and efforts of staff and students.

We awarded Spirit awards, recognised the efforts of our various sporting teams, congratulated competition winners and heard about highlights from each department. 

STEM Results

Term 3 saw 4Cs achieve some incredible results in the STEM department. 

Stile, which is a learning tool used in our Science classrooms, hosted a colouring competition which Anna Tran from 8G did an amazing job at winning.

Our College also saw outstanding results in the 2025 Education Perfect Science and Math's competition, with 4Cs placing an incredible 4th out of 1413 schools that competed in Science!

We so excited to see 6 of our students who recieved an elite badge, which means they placed in the Top 1% of competitors in the entire world!

Doan Quynh Huong Loc participated in both the maths and science competition, answering 8481 questions for maths and 
12,592 questions for science! What an amazing effort and result.

We also congratulate the following students who participated in the Science Competition:
Kassandra Sarmiento, who answered 12,829 questions
Kimberly Luu who answered 9017 questions
Lucas Xiao who answered 23,058 questions
And Christie Chen who answered a truly astounding 42,699 questions, earning 23,337 points and placing her second in the entire world!

VET Music Showcase

Our VET music showcase is an important event for our VET Music students, who complete an assessment that's meant to simulate a real-world music performance. Students must create a background story and perform based on this story, in a half hour set that explores what they offer audiences. The calibre of performance this year was incredible, and we offer our congratulations to all the students who showed so much skill!

Prayer for the End of Term 3

Loving God,
As we come to the close of Term 3, we pause to give You thanks.
For the learning shared, the friendships nurtured,
and the challenges that helped us grow,
we are grateful.

Jesus, You set our hearts ablaze with Your love.
Guide us to carry that love into our families,
our friendships, and our community,
so that others may feel Your presence through our words and actions.

Holy Spirit, rekindle in us the fire of Your joy and peace.
As we rest and renew ourselves in the holidays,
may we return refreshed and ready to continue our journey,
walking always in the light of Christ.

We make this prayer through the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
our teacher and our friend.

Amen.