Welcome to Edition 46 of the Churchill Avenue News.

This is a special Wellbeing Edition: Managing stress as the year comes to an end.

With exams coming up for our senior students, final testing for the year for our juniors, as well as end of year pressures for students, staff, and families,  we've created this edition to help and support our community during a time that can be stressful for many people.

We've included some resources that can be borrowed from the library, some tips and tricks for managing stress from our College Counsellors, as well as entries from our Directors of Campus about how wellbeing is managed and supported at each Campus. 

Our College Principal, Dr Napoleon Rodezno, has shared his speech from the Year 12 Graduation with us, and we close the newsletter with a prayer for calm and trusting in God during times of stress.

We hope you enjoy our special edition of the newsletter, and that it might provide you with some helpful resources as we journey towards final assessments, exams, and the conclusion of the school year.

Year 12 Farewell and Faith Reflections

As the academic year for our senior students draws to a close, Caroline Chisholm Catholic College has farewelled our Year 12 students with reverence, celebration, and gratitude. This season marks not only the culmination of their secondary education but also a deeply spiritual moment in the Catholic calendar.

A Liturgical Farewell

On Wednesday 22 October, the College community gathered for the Graduation Mass and Assembly, a sacred event held in Blessed Daswa Hall. The Mass, themed “Set Us Ablaze with the Love of Jesus” (Luke 3:16), was led by Fr. Silvio Bezzina MSSP and Fr. Andriy Mykytyuk, with communion ministers drawn from staff.

This liturgical celebration aligned with the 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year C), a period in the Catholic calendar that calls for reflection on humility, service, and spiritual maturity, values that resonate deeply with the journey of our graduating students.

Celebration Day and Community Spirit

The preceding Celebration Day on Tuesday 21 October was filled with joy and symbolic gestures. Students were honoured with a guard of welcome, and the College community came together to acknowledge their achievements and growth.

My message to the Class of 2025

A Call to Young Prophets of Peace and Justice

Good morning dear students, special guests, and staff,

Today marks a significant event for our community, the farewell assembly for our Year 12 Class of 2025, a group of students that has called our College their own during some of the most challenging periods of time that our community and extended society have endured.

From the constraints of COVID-19 lockdowns and setbacks, online learning, changes to the leadership of the College time and time again, and the many other inevitable events that have taken place in the last 6 years, this group of students have demonstrated resilience, vision and spirit, and rightly walk through our gates not just as the graduating class of this year but members of the Caroline Chisholm family forever.

But resilience will only take you so far. I want to also highlight to you, as the newest graduating class entering the adult world, the importance of courage. Not the kind that shouts the loudest or stands tallest, but the kind that kneels beside the broken, that listens to the unheard, and that dares to speak truth in the face of injustice.

This is the courage that defines the lives of those that promote Catholic values, those that embrace Faith, Acceptance, Compassion and Excellence, becoming a fearless voice for the voiceless, a champion of peace, and a devotion to justice.

Currently, in our society, in the world beyond our borders, and even in some of our own local communities, the poor are silenced, the powerful are unchecked, and the Church is caught in the middle.

From this moment, I encourage you to become a prophet of peace. To act with compassion and empathy, to denounce violence, and to call for justice.

Human suffering is not God’s will. I remind you that you are all loved, seen, and worthy of dignity, but so are our brothers and sisters across the world. Go and share this news with everyone you encounter as you transition into adulthood.

So, what does it mean to be a prophet of peace? Especially for you, as a young member of our society?

It means that you are not just the future of humanity. You are its present. You are the voice that must rise when others are silenced. You are the hands that must reach out when others are pushed aside. You are the heart that must beat with compassion when the world grows cold.

As a student of Caroline Chisholm, you are called to:

• Seek peace, not just by avoiding conflict, but by building bridges, healing wounds, and standing up for those who are hurting.
• Proclaim the Good News in action by living lives of integrity, kindness, and service. Let your faith be visible not just in your words, but in your choices.
• Stand with the poor, not out of pity, but out of solidarity. The Church must have a “preferential option for the poor,” because that is where Christ is found.

In a world that often values power over people, noise over truth, and comfort over courage, your witness matters. Your voice matters.

Remember that holiness is not about perfection; it is about presence. It is about showing up for others, even when it costs us. It is about loving so deeply that we cannot remain silent in the face of injustice.

And poverty is not just about material possession. It is about the exclusion of minorities and the suffering of those without access to education. Poverty is the systemic exclusion and discrimination of people based on difference. It is simply not acceptable.

I end with this question for you: will you be the voice of the Christ in bringing peace to abolish violence? Will you be the hands of Christ that lift the poor? Will you be the heart of the Gospel that beats with justice? Because you can, and you are called to do so.

You are Christ in our times; Christ lives in you and your face is the face of Christ. And God is calling you to be a changemaker. The Church provides the avenue, but your actions give the church meaning.

Congratulations and go get the world by making it better than how you found it. Study hard, achieve your dreams and have a wonderful time celebrating when the time comes.

If there is one thing that you must embrace as a graduate of a Catholic school, it is that you have a purpose that goes far beyond a Year 12 certificate. It makes you an instrument of peace.

Thank you.

Napoleon Rodezno
College Principal

From the Deputy Principal of Student Wellbeing

Wellbeing is more than a simple feeling of happiness. In Catholic education we speak of "flourishing", this idea that happiness is not enough, that all young people should feel a sense of accomplishment, enjoyment, self-worth and connection.

Our mission in this College is not merely to pursue happiness and avoid sadness, rather, our mission is to ensure every young person flourishes. We work for them to enjoy a safe and respectful learning environment where they may experience positive emotions. 

We offer a broad range of activities, clubs, teams and events so that they can engage with their peers and community. We nurture strong, professional relationships with our students, and likewise encourage them to forge many friendships. We strive to ensure your child has a sense of purpose and meaning in their learning and future pathways. And lastly, we celebrate achievements and rejoice in somebody accomplishing their best.

Jesus said, "I have come that they may life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). This encapsulates our vision for every young person, that they may flourish in our College community, becoming the best they are called to be. Happy, safe, respected and achieving their full potential.

Tristan O'Brien
Acting Deputy Principal, Student Wellbeing

From our CTK Campus Director

At Christ the King, student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We foster an environment where each student feels safe, valued, and empowered to flourish in all areas of their school life. Identifying and managing various stressors is essential to ensure students are confident and supported to participate fully in daily school life.

The wellbeing of our students has been supported all year through dedicated learner mentor programs, which are tailored for each cohort to address the themes that arise amongst students as the year progresses. Some of the themes addressed this year to support student wellbeing include personal resilience, emotional regulation, body image and online safety.

To continue with this work, throughout the next few weeks at Christ the King each cohort of students will be addressed by our counsellors and social workers with a specific presentation designed to focus on the current needs identified for each group. Whether it be how to manage evolving friendships, academic stressors ahead of examinations, or positive self-talk, learnings, strategies and advice will be provided to equip the students with the wellbeing tools they need to reach the end of the year whilst thriving.

As a school we ask for students to embrace all interactions with Respect, Engagement and in a Safe manner. We believe that through this simple request, and embedding this language into our everyday conversations, students are provided with the tools to self-reflect on areas of personal improvement and are provided opportunities to learn from current and past interactions.

By continuing to prioritise wellbeing in both structured programs and everyday interactions, we aim to cultivate a school culture where students feel empowered to grow, connect and succeed. This ongoing commitment ensures that every learner is equipped not just for academic achievement, but for lifelong personal and emotional resilience.

Bianca Markovic
Director of Campus, Christ the King

From our SH Campus Director

This term, our Year 12 students concluded their formal classes with a joyful and memorable Celebration Day on Monday 24th October. The day was full of colour, creativity and laughter. Students had inventive costumes and they participated enthusiastically in karaoke performances that showcased some hidden musical talents! It was wonderful to see our students come together one last time as a cohort, celebrating not only their achievements but also the friendships and community they’ve built over six years.

We understand that this time of year can be both exciting and stressful for our senior students as they prepare for exams and the next chapter in their lives. Our wellbeing focus during this period has been on support, balance and connection. Staff have provided additional study sessions, encouragement, and access to wellbeing resources to help students manage their time and emotions effectively. We continue to remind our students that taking care of their mental and emotional wellbeing is just as important as academic preparation.

For our Year 11 and 10 students, this term is also a time of transition and reflection. With SACs completed, they have begun revising for end of year exams. Staff have supported students in developing effective study habits, time management and self-care strategies to help students find a healthy balance between challenging themselves and taking care of themselves and each other.

As exams conclude, both year levels will participate in reflection and transition activities, both of which are opportunities to look back on what they have achieved, recognise areas for growth and prepare positively for 2026. Our wellbeing message is clear: transition can bring uncertainty, but it also brings growth. Staff will continue to encourage and support the students through each of these upcoming experiences.

As we approach the end of the year, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all families for their ongoing support and partnership in nurturing the wellbeing of our students. On behalf of the Sacred Heart Wellbeing Team, we wish everyone a joyful Christmas and a safe and restful holiday period.

Molly Coyne
Director of Campus, Sacred Heart

From our SJ Campus Director

Term 4 has started with great energy and enthusiasm across the St John’s Campus. The students have settled back into routines quickly and are already working hard to complete the final stage of the school year.

The last few weeks has seen the beginning of the Year 8 Learning Mentor Group Camps, an exciting opportunity for students to challenge themselves, strengthen friendships, and develop new skills outside the classroom. We wish all Year 8 students and staff a rewarding and memorable experience as they enjoy time away together.

Across all year levels, students are now preparing for end-of-semester exams and finalising their last few assessments. It’s been encouraging to see the focus, effort, and commitment shown by so many students as they work towards achieving their personal best. Teachers are continuing to support students with revision, feedback, and guidance to ensure they finish the year successfully.

Our SACCAS sport program is also in full swing, with a large number of boys proudly representing the College across a range of sports. Their dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship has been excellent, and we commend all who are taking part in training and competition.

Overall, there is a strong sense of purpose and positivity around the campus. Classrooms are filled with productive learning, and students are demonstrating great maturity as they look ahead to the final weeks of the year. We look forward to celebrating their achievements as the term continues.

Tony Muller
Director of Campus, St John's

Top Picks for Wellbeing: available in the library!

1. The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle 

2. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

3. The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté 

4. Feeling Good: The Mood Therapy by David D. Burns. 

5. Untamed by Glennon Doyle 

6. The Happiness Trap: Stop struggling, Start Living by Doctor Russ Harris

7. Live More Happy: Scientifically Proven Ways to lift Your Mood and Your Life by Darren Morton

8. The Teenage Guide to Digital Wellbeing: Find the Balance to Live Your Best Life by Tanya Goodin

9. Little Pieces of Hope : Happy-making Things in a Difficult World by Todd Doughty

10. We Can Do Hard Things: Answers to Life's 20 Questions by Glennon Doyle

Managing Exam Stress: Top Tips from our College Counsellors

Exam time can be a very stressful period for the whole family.

If you're a parent or carer, encouraging your student to engage with the following tips can be a great way to support them, and a a great reminder for us adults, too! If you're a student with exams or assesments coming up, we hope the below will be helpful in managing your stress levels.

1. Keep a regular bedtime routine to help with falling asleep quickly. 

2. Limit screen time before bed. Evidence suggests blue light can intefere with sleep, not to mention how easy it is to just keep scrolling!

3. Stay physically active. Regular movement will keep your mind and body healthy, as well as potentially acting as a stress reliever.
4. Spend time outdoors. Fresh air, some time away from the books or screens, can all help reset your mind. Go for a walk, have a picnic or catch up with a friend outside!

5. Consume nutritious food options. Ensuring your brain and body are supported while you study or support someone studying helps maintain positivity and concentration levels.

6. Limit caffeine and sugar. It can be tempting to keep yourself fueled with these, but in reality these can result in energy crashes or interrupt your sleep schedule. A coffee first thing in the morning or a treat in the afternoon is a great way to keep in routine. but don't rely on them for your energy!

7. Spend some time relaxing. It may seem counter-intuitive to stop studying if someone is aiming for a good performance in an exam, but taking a break and resting allows your brain to rest and relax, which will result in more effective studying later!

8. Check in with others. This isn't a suggestion to constantly message your friends, freaking out! But speaking to our friends, checking in with one another and ensuring we're looking after each other is an important part of looking after ourselves, as well. We can't get by without our communities and support networks!

9. Ask for support or let others know if you're struggling. There's nothing wrong with feeling anxious or stressed about assessments, but keeping it to yourself can lead to a never ending cycle of negative thinking. Let your family and friends know and let them offer to support you.

10. Use tools to help calm your stress levels. Although we should be checking in with one another and asking for help when we need it, having some tools ready to go can be crucial for managing during times of stress. 
Breathing exercises and meditation can both be helpful. Most music streaming services also offer breathwork and meditation programs, as well as meditive prayers. 

And remember that the internet has lots of great resources for any students and/or family members feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

Why not try out the exercises below? Follow the links for more information:
Breathing exercises – https://raisingchildren.net.au...
Muscle relaxation exercises – https://raisingchildren.net.au...
Grounding and calming exercises – https://raisingchildren.net.au...

DIY Sound Producing Workshop

Join The Push and Maribyrnong Youth Services for a beginner's workshop in producing music! This workshop is an introductory production session that focuses on how to begin the music making process at home.
Snacks also provided!

This workshop will cover:

• Understanding simple audio setups
• Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
• Basic mixing concepts.

Date: Thursday 4 December

Time: Please arrive by 4pm. The workshop will go from 4-6pm

Free!

Location: Phoenix Youth Hub (72 Buckley Street, Footscray)

Registrations essential. Spots are limited so book in quick! For more info and to register head to: https://maribyrnong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_822eab6fcd694fb6a621764b54dba320

Phoenix Drop In Program

Looking for a cool place to chill after school? We’ve got you covered!

Starting Thursday 23 October, the Maribyrnong City Council is opening the doors of Phoenix Youth Hub every second Thursday from 3:30pm to 5:30pm for an exciting new drop-in program for young people aged 12-17 years. Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first time, they'd love to have you join them.

What’s in store for you?

• Play on their Nintendo Switch or PS4
• Challenge your friends to a game of table tennis
• Take on a board game challenge
• Enjoy delicious snacks
• Hang out with your friends or make new ones!

The Phoenix Drop-In is all about having fun, making connections, and enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to check out the space, meet our friendly youth workers, and kick back after school.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and head down to Phoenix Youth Hub for an afternoon of fun and good vibes.

For more details and to register your spot click here Phoenix drop-in program - Maribyrnong City Council.

Podcasting Workshop

Learn what it takes to create a podcast episode at SYN! This workshop uncovers content development, script writing, and recording techniques. By the end of the 90-minute workshop, you will have recorded a 20-minute podcast demo episode to take home!

This workshop will cover:

• How to make a podcast episode.
• Podcast structure & script writing.
• Creating responsible content.

All materials will be provided along with snacks!

Registrations essential. Spots are limited so book in quick! For more info and to register head to: https://maribyrnong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_1bf5042096b7430ca3535f0663a681eb

This activity is for young people aged 12-25 who live, study, work or hang out in the City of Maribyrnong.

Year 12 Celebration Day

What a day!
Our Year 12 students came together for a final hurrah, singing Karaoke, dressing up, and participating in our annual honour guard.

Year 12 Graduation Assembly and Mass

Following Celebration Day, the College gathered for an Assembly celebrating our Year 12 students, announcing the winner of the House Cup and celebrating our incoming Student Leadership Team.

Later that day, our Year 12s and their families gathered to celebrate and bless our students, and present them with their Certificates of Graduation before the Valedictory Dinner later that evening.

Mental Health Week

Earlier in the term our College celebrated mental Health Week, recognising and raising awareness about the importance of looking after our mental health.

Students participated in a wide range of activities, from yoga to mindfulness colouring, and it was a wonderful example of just how many ways we can try to look after ourselves!

IMAGINE Exhibition

Our annual IMAGINE Exhibition was held the week of the 13th of October, and was a fantastic example of just how many of our students create some truly exceptional work!
Students from across Visual Arts, Design and Technologies all showed their incredible creations off in an annual Exhibition which was really well attended and recieved amazing reviews!

Year 12 Tree Planting

This year, we began a meaningful new tradition where our Year 12 Student Executive Leadership Team joined our Staff Leadership Team to plant a tree at the front of the College.

This tree serves as a living symbol of our graduating class. It is a reminder that every student who walks our halls not only grows at the College, but also leaves behind lasting roots. It’s a beautiful way to honour their journey and celebrate their contribution to our College community.

We look forward to seeing the tree grow as the years go by, and the space at the front of the College gradually filling with the trees planted by our graduating classes.

Lunch Order Updates

Please note that the cut off time for lunch orders is now 9.30am. If you're planning on putting a lunch order through Compass, it must be done previous to 9.30am or the order will not be accepted.

Host Families Needed for Japanese Students, 2026

We are looking for students and their families to help provide our visiting Japanese students from Okinawa Catholic College with a place to stay for 2 weeks, while these students are studying at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College. These students will be visiting us on Tuesday 3rd March until Tuesday 18th March 2026. Host students and their families should have a keen interest in cultural exchange and are willing to provide guidance and care to these students in a family environment.

Host families must provide:
1. a furnished bedroom with cooling, heating, and lighting.
2. internet access
3. three meals a day -breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
4. an English-speaking environment
5. access to the College, not more than 45 minutes away by transport
6. a Working with Children Check for anyone living at home over the age of 18. (Free application)
7. be willing to take the student on weekend day trips

Host families will be renumerated ($200 a week) to assist with the costs of hosting a Japanese student.
If you believe you would be the perfect host family, please register you interest by filling in your details below.

https://forms.office.com/r/RLQCKe4QdV

If you would like more information, please email Ms. Mayumi Honzu or Mr. Paul Piperno.

Loving God,
As we approach the busy season of exams,
we pause to rest in Your presence.
Grant us calm minds and peaceful hearts,
that we may face each challenge with confidence and hope.

Remind us that our worth is not measured by grades,
but by the love and integrity we show in all we do.
Help us to care for ourselves and for one another,
to take moments to breathe, to laugh, and to be grateful.

May Your Spirit guide our thoughts and strengthen our focus.
Set us ablaze with the love of Jesus,
that in our study, our work, and our rest,
we may always reflect Your light.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.