NEWS & EVENTS

Churchill Avenue News

51
06 March 2026

Introduction

Edition 51 of the Churchill Avenue News

Welcome to the 51st edition of the Churchill Avenue News. This term the newsletter is exploring the Learning portfolio, and some of the ways our College works to ensure our students get the best learning experience possible.

In this edition, we explore the methods and science behind how our teachers engage students with learning, as well as some of the learning pathways that are available for our students in their senior years.

As always, we also have a round up of student events and activities, notices and announcements from around the College, and a prayer.

Pedagogy: How Our Teachers Teach

Pedagogy: How Our Teachers Teach

Visible learning goals, modelling of new concepts, demonstration using worked examples, teachers actively roaming around the classroom, responses being held up on mini-whiteboards, questions being asked, and immediate feedback being exchanged from teacher to student; this is what you would see and hear when stepping into a Caroline Chisholm Catholic College classroom today. Much like the progression and growth of our students, the teaching practices and instruction in our classrooms continue to evolve over time. As we learn we evolve, and in doing so we create a classroom designed to maximise student learning.

One of the key influences behind our evolving teaching practices is a growing understanding of cognitive science; the science of how students learn. Evidence explains that there are two types of memory that process information; working memory and long-term memory. Working memory has a limited capacity and acts as the ‘mental workspace’ involved in thinking. It is where students actively engage with new pieces of information, concepts and procedures. (Australian Education Research Organisation, 2023). Long term memory is virtually limitless and is where knowledge and information are stored. For learning to occur, new information must first be processed in working memory before ultimately being transferred to long-term memory.

Previous teaching practice focussed towards a model of inquiry, where students engage with a problem or question and use investigation to explore and construct their understanding of a concept. Whilst these strategies remain present in our teaching, the fundamental understanding of how students learn, alongside the guidance from MACS 2030 Vision for Instruction, has seen the emphasis shift towards an explicit instruction teaching model.

So, what is explicit teaching?

It is a method of instruction that focusses on much more than simply delivering and presenting information, instead it is a highly interactive process that is responsive to the individual needs of students. Lesson delivery involves a step by step approach where new information is first introduced and demonstrated by the teacher, with clear links being made to prior learning across the curriculum. Opportunity is then provided for students to practice applying the new skills and knowledge alongside their teacher. During this guided practice, questions are frequently posed to check for student understanding before moving on to a new concept or idea. Once mastered, students engage in independent practice where they receive regular support and feedback on their progress. Learning is made visible through setting clear learning intentions and students are provided with criteria on what success looks like in each lesson.

At our College, our pedagogical evolution is a commitment to ensuring our students experience the best possible instruction. By aligning our teaching with the way the brain actually learns, we are removing the barriers to achievement. Together, as we embrace these evidence-based practices, we ensure that every student—regardless of their starting point—has a clear, visible pathway to mastery and the confidence to succeed.

Maxine Duffield
Pedagogical Coach

References:

VCE, VCE CM and VCE VET: What it means for students

Understanding VCE, VCE VM and VCE VET at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College

Caroline Chisholm Catholic College offers a senior secondary program that enables students to select a pathway aligned with their strengths, interests, and future aspirations. Each pathway supports students to develop confidence, capability, and clarity as they prepare for life beyond school. 

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
The VCE is an academic pathway designed for students aiming to pursue university, while also keeping options open for TAFE, apprenticeships, traineeships, and employment. Students complete 16 units over two years, including English and a minimum number of Unit 3–4 sequences, leading to an ATAR for tertiary entry. The VCE fosters discipline, critical thinking, independence, and high‑level academic skills that prepare students for further study and future professional pathways.

VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM)
The VCE VM is an applied learning program suited to students who thrive through practical, hands‑on learning. It prepares students for TAFE, apprenticeships, traineeships, and direct entry to the workforce. The program includes Literacy, Numeracy, Work‑Related Skills, Personal Development Skills, 180 hours of VET, and structured workplace learning. It supports diverse learners and values real‑world application, enabling students to build confidence and workplace-ready skills. 

VCE VET (Vocational Education and Training)
Both VCE and VCE VM students may undertake VCE VET studies to gain nationally recognised vocational qualifications. VET programs develop industry‑specific skills and may be delivered onsite or through external providers. Some VET programs contribute a study score towards the ATAR, while others provide a 10% increment.
This pathway strengthens students’ employability, supports exploration of vocational interests, and offers practical preparation for further training or work.


When selecting between VCE, VCE VM and VCE VET, students are encouraged to consider:

  1. Learning strengths and preferred learning style – academic, practical, hands‑on or a combination.
  2. Career goals – university, TAFE, trades, employment, or specific industry interests.
  3. Skills they wish to develop – critical thinking, technical skills, independence, or workplace readiness.
  4. Alignment with personal values and long‑term aspirations.

Students are encouraged to seek guidance from the College Careers Counsellors, teachers, mentors, and families to make informed and confident decisions about their senior secondary program.

Rowena Bautista
Director of Learning - Programs

Student Events and Activities

College Musical - Cinderella

An enormous congratulations to every person involved in our College production of Cinderella. With all the uncertainty around venue and the resulting need for flexibility, each and every person involved did a truly exceptional job. 
There have been many comments from audience members about how incredible the whole production was, including the costumes, vocals, dance numbers, and set design.

Thank you to all the staff and students who worked so hard to the musical such an undeniable success!

Commissioning Mass and Top 20

Our College Commissioning Mass, where we welcome our Year 7 students and new staff as a whole College community, was held in the morning of Thursday the 26th. 

That afternoon, we recongised the incredible academic achievements of last years class in our Top 20, where we award those who had the top 20 results for the Class of 2026, as well as those who achieved the highest result in each VCE or VCE VM subject, along with scholarship recepients. 


It's always amazing to see and hear from those who are worked hard to see truly outstanding results, and inspiring to know what is possible. Congratulations to all who were recognised on the day. 

International Women's Day

Our College was excited to celebrate International Women's Day across the week with a whole range of activities. 

This morning, we were honoured to host an International Women's Day event on behalf of Sarah Connely, State Member for Laverton. The event celebrated women's achievements, amplified women's voices and created a safe and empowering space for discussion around women's experiences and leadership. We were thrilled to welcome so many of our community partners to our campus, including some of our own student leaders and female Year 11 students. 

On the 3rd, students and staff attended the Western Bulldogs' International Women's Day event at the Whitten Oval, and heard from mentors and influential role models. 

Then on the 5th, our CTK students heard from three inspiring women in double Learner Mentor in the morning. 

Emma Williams is a provisional psychologist, Maori woman and mum of 5 girls, who spoke about growing into our best selves, and that who we are now is very different to who we'll be in five years.
Our next speaker on the panel was Bianca Mickovski, who is one of our 4Cs Alumni! She's been building an online coaching and nutrition program, and spoke about mindset and the importance of backing yourself.
Finally, Ashleigh Lacorcia, founder of Melbourne lashes, built a lash training studio from the ground up, and has more than 20,000 students across the world. She spoke about having confidence and backing yourself, that if you believe you can, you can!

That afternoon, our Sacred Heart students celebrated with trivia, a photobooth, and an encouragement to make a pledge for the sake of women across the globe.

Finally, this morning we welcomed a number of Local, State, and Federal members to our College to celebrate with a breakfast. Students who attended had the opportunity to ask some really meaningful questions during the Q and A session, as well as spending time celebrating one another.

We hope that everyone has a chance to celebrate on International Women's Day on the 8th of March, and finds a way to make it sepcial for all the incredible women in our community who do so much to make it a vibrant and inclusive place!


Project Compassion Launch

Each year our College raises funds for Project Compassion, coordinated by Caritas, in the lead up to Easter. Project Compassion fights back against poverty and injustices across the world, and at our College funds are raised through sausage sizzles, Shrove Tuesday pancake sales, donation boxes, Walkathons and more. 

Late last month, Project Compassion was formally launched at MacKillop Secondary College, with our students in attendance. 

Keep an eye out on our social media to discover more about ways you can contribute.

Okinawa College Exchange Program

A warm welcome to all of our exchange students from Okinawa, Japan!
The College will host students from our sister school for two weeks, with a number of incredible excursions and Australian experiences. Students have already tried vegemite, lamingtons, and vanilla slices, and we're so excited to see everything else they'll be doing while here at our College. 

Year 12 Tree Planting

Last year the College was excited to introduce a new tradition, where our Year 12 leadership plant a tree on behalf of their entire Class. 
This year the process was live streamed to the year 12 students in Learner Mentor classes, with prayers for the future andc a recognition that throughout their final year they'll see this tree grow and evolve just as they do.

Ash Wednesday and Shrove Tuesday

The entire College community recognised both Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, with pancakes on Tuesday raising money for Project Compassion, and Ash Wednesday with a sprinkling of ashes and a liturgy in LM classes. 

Year 7 Camps

A big congratulations to our Year 7s, who earlier in the Term attended their first College camp!
It's always exciting to wave off our youngest students as they depart on the buses for three days of learning, adventure, and fun.
Well done on a wonderful first camp!

Makerspace in the Library

Our library has recently aqcuired a number of Makerspace robots, which allow students to create, edit, and program their own mini robots!

The project launched last week, and proved to be incredibly popular at both campuses!

Notices and Announcements

Parents and Friends Association

The first Parents & Friends Association meeting for the year was held on Tuesday 24 February, with great attendance from families in our College community. We are pleased to announce the following three positions for 2026:

  • President – Kristie Delmo
  • Vice President – Mailia Solo
  • Administrator – Natasha Pasquier

We look forward to a productive year ahead for the P&F, led by Kristie, Malia and Natasha. They each bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to their roles.

P&F meetings are held at least once a term with the purpose to:

  • Foster community partnership
  • Support Catholic mission and values
  • Promote parent engagement
  • Organise events and fundraising
  • Provide feedback and consultation

Families are encouraged to support the association at upcoming meetings that are advertised via compass. If you would like to be involved, please email j.mcleod@cccc.vic.edu.au the next meeting will be on April 28 from 5.30 to 7pm.

MACS Survey

Families are invited to participate in a survey focused on school choice and their experience as a MACS family. It explores what influences families’ decisions, what you value most, and what supports satisfaction, belonging and confidence at different stages of schooling.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MACSFAMILY

Families who complete the survey will have the option to enter a prize draw to win one of five $100 eGift Cards, redeemable across more than 100 in-store and online brands. Entry to the prize draw is optional and managed separately from survey responses. Full prize draw terms and conditions are available here: https://www.edified.com.au/post/macs-parent-survey-prize-draw

The survey is anonymous (unless you choose to enter the optional prize draw after completing the survey). All responses are confidential and will be used only for the purposes of this research.

Sunshine Heights Junior Soccer Club

Dear SJ & SH Year 8,9&10 Students

Are you in Year 8, Year 9 or Year 10 and interested in joining a friendly, supportive sporting team this season? Sunshine Heights Junior Soccer Club is looking to grow their Under 16s Boys team, and we’d love to welcome new players—whether you’ve played before or are completely new to the sport.

Ready to hit the field? Come and give it a go — no experience needed, just bring your energy and enthusiasm!

Check out the attached flyer for training times, contact details, and all the details on how to join.

If you’ve been thinking about signing up, now’s the time! Meet new mates, build your skills, represent your local community, and most importantly — have a blast on the pitch. We can’t wait to see you there! 💪🔥

Get in contact with our club

today, or reach out to Nick on 0416 284 894 to find out more. We can’t wait to see you there!

Prayer

Psalm 25:4-5
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me.

Loving God,

As a school community journeying through the season of Lent, we pause to reflect on our learning, our choices, and the paths that lie before us.

You are the source of wisdom and hope.
Bless our students as they grow in knowledge, confidence, and courage.
Guide them as they explore their gifts and talents, and help them to discover the pathways that will lead them to lives of purpose and service.

During this Lenten season, inspire us to follow the example of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Teach us to walk with humility, to listen with open hearts, and to support one another in learning and growth.

May our classrooms be places of curiosity and discovery.
May our decisions be guided by compassion and integrity.
And may every student be encouraged to use their gifts for the good of others.

We ask that you strengthen our community as we journey toward Easter, renewed in faith, hope, and love.

We make this prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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