Thank you to our students, staff and families for another successful and rewarding term at our College.

As we reach the end of Semester 1, I would like to acknowledge the many achievements, events and learning opportunities that have taken place across the College. It has been a busy and productive term, made possible by the commitment and enthusiasm of our students, the dedication of our staff and the ongoing support of our families.

A fitting conclusion to the term was our Sacred Heart Day celebrations today, which brought our College community together in a spirit of faith and joy. I thank our students for the respectful manner in which they participated and contributed to making the day such a positive celebration of our College community.

This term we also marked Refugee Week, an occasion that holds deep personal significance for me. Refugee Week provides an opportunity to reflect on the stories of courage and resilience that continue to shape our communities. I have shared a personal reflection below on what Refugee Week means to me, and I hope it offers an opportunity for reflection for our wider College community.

Please note that the College office will remain open during the first week of the school holidays (29 June – 3 July) and will be closed during the second week (6 July – 10 July).

I wish all members of our College community a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday break. I look forward to welcoming everyone back for Semester 2, refreshed and ready for another term of learning and opportunity.

A Journey of Hope: My Arrival in Australia remembered as a 15-Year-Old Refugee

I still remember the moment as if it were yesterday. I was sitting on a plane, somewhere above the Pacific Ocean, leaving everything I had ever known behind me. The journey felt endless. I didn’t know exactly what awaited me, only that life was about to change forever.

As the sun slowly rose outside my window, a thin line of light pushed through the darkness. I watched it carefully, unsure of what I felt. That light became something important to me; I recognised it as hope. But even as the light grew brighter and stronger, I was still afraid to be sitting in that plane heading to a place I did not know. I knew that when the plane landed, I would step into a completely different world. A world that was safe, but unfamiliar. A world where I would have to start again.

Back home in El Salvador, life had been shaped by fear, violence and poverty. I had seen things no child should have to see. I remember one day when the bus I was on with my father was attacked. There were gunshots, an explosion, and confusion all around us. Somehow, we survived. That was the moment my father knew we could not stay. He wanted something better for us, for all of us to live. It was our human right to seek to be more.

So we left.

On that plane, I sat with my thoughts, caught between fear and excitement. I was leaving behind a childhood filled with struggle, but I was also leaving behind my home. I didn’t know whether to feel relief or guilt. Part of me wondered if I was being brave, or if I was simply running away like a coward that refuses to face the challenges that life brings.

But my family was with me, and that gave me strength.

When we finally arrived in Australia, everything felt new. The buildings, the streets, the people; it was unlike anything I had ever seen. There was a sense of safety that I had never experienced before. For the first time in my life, I believed that no one was going to hurt my family.

And yet, starting again was not easy.

We moved into a migrant hostel in Melbourne. It was cold, unfamiliar, and often lonely. I couldn’t understand the language. I didn’t know how things worked. Everything that had once felt normal was gone. Essential things: food, clothing, daily routines, felt different.

There were moments when I felt lost.

But there were also moments of kindness. People welcomed us, helped us, and treated us with dignity. I began to see that Australia was more than just a safe place, it was a place where I could build something new.

Through it all, my family remained my foundation. My parents had made enormous sacrifices to bring us here. I could see both hope and fear in my father’s eyes, but I also saw determination. He wanted us to have opportunities he never had.

That stayed with me.

Slowly, I realised that this journey was not just about escaping hardship because it was about creating a future. Australia gave me that chance. It gave my family safety, but it also gave us responsibility. We had to work hard, learn, adapt, and make the most of the opportunity we had been given.

Looking back now, I understand that the struggles I faced shaped who I am today. The fear, the uncertainty, the sacrifices, they became part of my strength. I carry my past with me, not as a burden, but as a reminder of how fortunate I am.

I arrived in Australia as a frightened young person, unsure of my place in the world. But I also arrived with hope.

And that hope became the beginning of everything.

One of the moments I will never forget was walking into the dining hall at the Midway Migrant Hostel in Maribyrnong for the very first time. By that stage, I had started to feel safe. I thought maybe things were going to be okay. But stepping into that room showed me just how different my new life was going to be.
The hall was full of people, hundreds of us, lining up for food, sitting together, speaking languages I had never heard before. There were long tables, trays of rice, noodles, casseroles, and sometimes strange new foods like sausage rolls and meat pies. I remember trying my first meat pie that night. It was hot in the middle, too crusty on the outside, and completely unfamiliar, but somehow, I loved it.

What stayed with me most wasn’t the food, it was the people. We were all from different parts of the world, and we could barely understand each other. Yet we shared something important. We had all left something behind. We had all come here looking for safety.

As I looked around, I realised that everyone in that room had a story like mine, stories of fear, loss, and hope. Even though we couldn’t speak to each other, I could feel it. We were strangers, but in some strange way, we were also connected and familiar.

That dining hall was where I firstly understood what multicultural Australia really meant. It wasn’t perfect. There was confusion, fear, and even mistrust. People ate quickly, as if the food might disappear. It reminded me that hunger and uncertainty were still very real for all of us. But there was also gratitude. There was generosity. And there was hope.

At the same time, I began to notice something else, trust was not easy. Even among people from my own country, there was suspicion. The war we had escaped had not stayed behind; in some ways, it travelled with us. People feared each other. They questioned identities.

I experienced moments of confusion and sadness that I didn’t expect. I saw a boy I had once known back home, someone I had shared laughter with. But when we met again, it was different. We greeted each other, and then he walked away. It felt like we had both become strangers. I realised then that even when you escape, some things are lost forever.

There were other moments that helped me grow when I arrived in our nation. I remember travelling through the city for the first time, seeing both kindness and signs of rejection. I saw graffiti that stated that some people didn’t belong here. It was confusing and I felt unsure of my place.

Slowly, I started to understand that migration is complicated. Everyone carries different hopes, different fears, and different ways of coping, despite the common elements we shared back in March of 1987. Some people wanted to go back home. Others, like me, knew there was no going back.

And yet, despite everything, life slowly began to change.

I made friends. I started learning new words. I began to laugh again. I discovered new foods, new places, and new possibilities. I was still homesick, still confused, and still unsure, but for the first time, I could see a future forming.

Looking back now, I realise that the flight here and the hostel was more than just an exciting travel across the Pacific Ocean and place where we stayed when we firstly arrived. It was where I began to understand the world differently. It was where I learnt that diversity is not always easy, but it is powerful. It was where I began to see myself not just as someone who had escaped, but as someone who could belong.

That is where my new life truly began.

Napoleon Rodezno
Principal

At the beginning of this semester, students and parents/carers were asked to sign the College’s Student ICT Acceptable Use Agreement. This agreement outlines the expectations for safe, responsible and respectful use of technology and digital resources within our school community.

At the College, we are committed to fostering a learning environment where technology enhances student engagement, creativity and academic achievement. Our aim is to empower students to take ownership of their learning by providing access to the digital tools and resources they need to succeed, while also developing the skills required to be safe and responsible digital citizens.

We encourage families to continue conversations about online safety at home. A range of practical information, guides and resources for students and parents/carers can be found through the Australian Government’s eSafety Commissioner website, including advice on cyberbullying, social media, gaming and online wellbeing. These resources are available at eSafety Commissioner. Parents and carers can also access dedicated support and advice through the eSafety Parents Hub.

By working together, we can help ensure that all students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to engage safely, responsibly and positively in the digital world.

As we move through the colder months, we would also like to remind students and families of the College’s expectations regarding uniform. The College Uniform and Accessories Policies outline the standards for student presentation and help ensure a consistent and positive learning environment. These policies can be accessed via the College website under Student Life > College Uniform. We encourage all students and families to familiarise themselves with these requirements and ensure that uniform items and accessories comply with College expectations.

Thank you for your ongoing support in helping students represent the College with pride through their presentation, while also developing the skills to engage safely, responsibly and respectfully in the digital world.

If you have any questions or need assistance please contact your child’s Learner Mentor, the relevant Year Level Coordinator and/or the Director of Campus.

A complete list of our College policies for students and parents can be found here. We encourage all staff, students and families to keep up to date with relevant policies. 

Melissa D’Amico
Deputy Principal - Students

Year 8 Aspire Presentations

Our Year 8 Aspire students spent part of last term visiting social enterprises, learning about their purpose and how they operate in order to develop their own concepts. These ideas were presented to the Year 7 Aspire students, with students responding to questions about the feasibility of each proposal.

Well done to all students, who clearly thought carefully about their presentations and worked diligently throughout the term to develop them!

Maribyrnong Youth Sustainability Summit

Some of our Eco Committee members recently participated in the Maribyrnong Youth Sustainability Summit. Below is a reflection from our Year 9 CTK Sustainability Captain on how the day went:

“On Wednesday, 10 June, students from the Eco Committee attended the Maribyrnong Youth Sustainability Summit at Footscray Town Hall. Throughout the day, we participated in sustainability workshops facilitated by CERES and learned about important environmental issues in our community. We also heard about sustainability programs being run by other schools, including initiatives focused on recycling, waste reduction, and environmental awareness.

We enjoyed sharing ideas and exploring how we can further develop our own environmental leadership. The day left us feeling inspired, informed, and excited to apply what we learned in our own school community.”

- Sienna Lobo

Performing Arts Showcase

Our College’s Performing Arts Showcase for Semester 1 was held in Week 9, with students from Years 7, 9, 10, and 11 performing their Drama and Theatre Studies pieces for fellow students, family, and friends.

The performances were incredible, and guests reported being highly impressed by the calibre of acting on display.

Congratulations to all the students who participated!

100 Days of VCE and VCE VM

Our Year 11 students came together last week to celebrate 100 days of VCE and VCE VM with a shared breakfast and show. Students had a wonderful time, cheering on the magician, enjoying breakfast, and celebrating the milestone of reaching 100 days of their VCE and VCE VM journey!

VET Sport Coaching

Our Year 1 VET Sport, Aquatics and Recreation class recently visited St Lawrence Primary School in Derrimut, assisting with the running of their Athletics Day.

Our students described the experience as highly worthwhile, providing them with valuable real-world opportunities to demonstrate their competencies in organising and running a sporting event.

We were incredibly proud of how our students conducted themselves throughout the day - well done to everyone involved!

Un-limited Concert

Last Friday, our students from Years 7, 8, 9, and VET Music came together in the QA to enjoy an incredible performance by the musical group Un-Limited. It was a fantastic way for our students to spend the second-last Friday of term, and we were thrilled to see so many students actively involved and engaged throughout the concert - including an impromptu dance party at the end!

Vinnies Winter Sleepout

A highlight of our College's fundraising efforts, the Vinnies Winter Sleepout is a unique opportunity for students to learn about homelessness in Australia. 
Students heard directly from members of St Vincents, as well as completing a number of activities designed to help them understand the difficulties faced by those St Vinnies aims to help.

Activities included trying to design a menu for a fortnights worth of food, based on current catalogues and a budget of $150, a centrelink activity, and exploring truths vs myths about homelessness, as well as fun breaks for dodgeball and drawing activities.

Brennan Fun Run

Our 2026 Brennan Fun Run continued the tradition of coming together as a community honour our late Principal, Robert Brennan, and raising funds for the Smith Family. 

It was a wonderful afternoon that highlighted what makes our community so special, with a real feeling of warmth and togetherness. Thank you to all who contributed or participated - if you'd like to make a donation, you can do so here. 

SACCSS Results

This last week has been a big one for our SACCSS Teams!

Congratulations to:

Senior Boys AFL Division 2, who won the Grand Final 92-35

Senior Girls Volleyball Division 2, who won the Grand Final

Senior Boys Volleyball Division 1, who won the Grand Final 

Year 7 Boys AFL Division 2, who won the Grand Final

Year 7 Girls Volleyball Division 1, who won the Grand Final

Year 7 Boys Basketball Division 2, who competed in the Grand Final

Year 7 Girls Soccer Division 2, who competed in the Grand Final

A huge week, and an incredible effort from all involved!

Term 2 Assembly

On the last Thursday of the Term, the entire College came together to hear about what our Learning Areas and portfolios had been working on for the past 10 weeks. 

The students celebrated one anothers academic achievements and videos with wrap-ups from each campus, as well as hearing from some of our incredibly talented musical students.

Sacred Heart Day

Our annual Sacred Heart Day was held today, and as always, it was fantastic!

Staff and students came together in the morning, with a smoking ceremony and a mass, to prepare and center themselves. We also celebrated those who won gold Waa Awards and Spirit Awards.

Students then participated in the Sacred Heart Day Fair, dunking staff members in the dunk tank, purchasing snacks from a variety of stalls including KFC Go-Buckets, sushi, rice paper rolls and pizza. Also popular was the petting zoo, fresh roses and the photo booth.

After the Fair, sustained by the snacks, students came back into the BDH to cheer on their friends and classmates in the Talent Quest, where we saw everything from martial arts demonstrations to a sneak peak of our upcoming musical, Legally Blonde Jr.

We hope everyone enjoyed the day, and takes the joy and excitement into the school holidays, coming back rested and refreshed for Term 3!

Term 3 Important Dates

Tuesday 14 July - First day of Term 3 for students
Tuesday 4 August and Wednesday 5 August - LM/Subject Conferences
Thursday 13 August - Feast of the Assumption Mass
Friday 14 August and Saturday 15 August - Legally Blonde Jnr the Musical
Friday 04 September - Father's Day Mass and Breakfast
Friday 18 September - End of Term College Assembly

Maribyrnong Youth Program

Maribyrnong Amplify is stoked to present their second event for the year…

GREAZWAVE

Catch a stellar lineup including:

The Robbies

Fresh Air

The Pilgrims

Spider

Each registration also includes a food truck voucher!

Key Details:

Date: Saturday 11 July 2026

Time: 2-6pm

Location: Kindred Bandroom

Cost: Free!

This event is for 12-25 year olds and is drug, smoke, alcohol and vape free with no pass outs. Grab your free ticket

Supported by the Victorian Government Amplify Funding.

Loving God,

as we come to the end of Term 2,
we give thanks for all that we have shared, learned, and experienced together.

We thank You for the friendships that have supported us,
the teachers and staff who have guided us,
and the opportunities we have had to grow in knowledge, faith, and character.

As we celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
we remember His love:
a love that is generous, compassionate, forgiving, and faithful.

we also give thanks for the foundation of our school
and for the vision, courage, and faith of those who came before us.
We remember the Brothers of the Sacred Heart,
the Sisters of St Joseph,
and the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart,
whose commitment to Catholic education helped build a community
where young people could grow in wisdom, faith, and compassion.

May their example inspire us
to live with humility, courage, and generosity.
Help us to value learning, care for one another,
and stand alongside those who are vulnerable or in need.

Jesus, help us to carry Your love into our holidays.
Teach us to be patient with our families,
kind to those around us,
and ready to serve others with humility and compassion.

When we feel tired, worried, or uncertain,
remind us that Your Sacred Heart is always open to us.
May we rest in Your love and return next term
renewed in spirit and ready to be the salt of the earth.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.