The notion of mission is core to the Catholic charism and forms a pillar of the Religious Education curriculum. Over their time at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College, students explore the key ideas of mission. They examine how the faith grew as a religion, how it developed in early Australia, and how it has responded to the multiculturalism of our shared country. 

In Year 7, students have explored the birth of Christianity. In Year 8, they have learnt about the foundations of Christ’s teachings and how these spread through the early Christian world. In Year 9, they examined the arrival of Christianity in Australia and its early develop as it navigated its often-fraught interactions with the indigenous First Peoples of the country. The VCE Unit 1 Religion and Society course that runs in Year 11 gives deeper insight into the development of religion and Catholicism in particular. The “Religion in Australia” Outcome, which we are just coming to, offers the chance to appreciate the place of Catholicism in the world we inhabit.

Mission also embodies the teaching of how a faith expresses its core values. The fundamental belief in the dignity of the human being is central to the Year 8 course, where the students have been exploring issues such as homelessness and child slavery. The classroom learning is brought to life though participation in charity events such as the Vinnie’s appeal and the Winter Sleepout, which directly impact on poverty and homelessness. The key ethical values of Christ, who emphasised the love of our neighbour, have been examined in detail in Year 10 Religious Education. Also at Year 10, our Youth Ministry curriculum has afforded students the opportunity to serve the broader school community. These students have led the various liturgies of the school. Their Easter Passion play was a highlight. These students also practice service through leading the Year 8 Reflection Day. 

The notion of service is central to the idea of mission. This is evident in Catholic Social Teaching, which form a pillar of the curriculum. Year 7 students examine the question of how we can care for our environment. Year 8 students consider service through love of our neighbour. The Year 9 Catholic Education and Personal Development course presents opportunity for service to self, through the development of self-respect and personal identity. The role of students in the liturgical and spiritual life of the Church is not restricted to the Youth Ministry team. Our Year 12 Religion and Art students practice service through the production of magnificent pieces of art that adorn the school. The Year 12 Religion and Music students have given great joy through numerous performances. 

To talk of mission is to talk of the growth of the Church, the lived understanding of the Catholic faith, and the loving practice of service for the world and for others. Through our Religious Education curriculum, its interaction with liturgies, reflection days, the experience of our natural world on Camp, and the practice of prayer, art, music and charity, we live a life of mission in our community.

Timothy Scott
Head of Learning - Religious Education

Summer-Angel Simpao, College Faith Captain

As Fr mentioned during our recent Feast of the Assumption College Mass, having faith is essential, but how we live it out in our daily actions is what truly counts. For me, faith is the personal anchor that shapes how I show up every day reminding me to lead with empathy, act with integrity, and approach every person with genuine respect. In my role supporting leadership, programs, and our broader community, this means putting faith into practice through service rather than authority. It is about walking alongside students, listening to their experiences, and helping foster an environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered. By living out these values together across the College, we show that faith isn't something imposed, but a shared commitment to supporting one another and living meaningful, value-driven lives.

Eliza Morris, Sacred Heart Faith and Mission Captain

My role as 2026 Sacred Heart Faith and Mission Captain has mainly revolved around upholding and maintaining the College's mission and Catholic ethos. I have organised and engaged in faith-based activities and events, as well as social justice initiatives across the College. I contribute and help deliver major faith events in conjunction with the Deputy Principal for Faith, Mr O'Brien, and the rest of the Faith and Mission leadership team. My highlight as Faith and Mission Captain has been helping to plan and organise the Sacred Safe Spaces every Thursday and seeing people connect to their faith, contrasting from the often-hectic nature of College life. My hope for future captains in this role is the maintenance of the values deeply connected to both this role and the college; faith, excellence, compassion and acceptance. I also hope they understand that student leadership is not just tokenistic and involves active advocacy, participation, and initiative. Most of all, I hope they enjoy this incredible role and the beautiful gift that is leadership.

Lete Wood-Burgess, Sacred Heart Faith and Mission Captain
Being a Faith Captain has taught me that leadership doesn’t have to be done alone. I have appreciated being part of a community of leaders where there was always support and encouragement when needed. Although I wasn’t as involved as I had hoped, I valued the opportunities I had to help plan Sacred Safe Space activities, attend excursions and participate in leadership workshops. My highlight was being able to contribute to these opportunities and learn more about leadership and faith. For future Faith Captains, I hope they embrace every opportunity, get involved wherever they can and remember that leadership is about serving others with faith, humility and kindness.

Important dates for the remainder of Term 3

Monday 17 August: Social Justice Week
Monday 24 August: Sustainability Week & Book Week
Monday 31 August: Languages Week
Friday 04 September: Father's Day Mass and Breakfast
Thursday 10 September: R U OK? Day
Friday 18 September: College Assembly and end of Term 3

VCE China Conference

Over the holidays, staff from the College attended the 2026 Transnational VCE Conference in Guiyang, China.

They came together with more than 240 educators to exchange ideas and strengthen the delivery of the VCE program on an international scale.

The conference was held over three days, exploring the conference theme, "Education in the Age of AI". Particular thanks to our Director of International Programs, Paul Piperno, who co-hosted the conference.

Oedipus the King Performance

Our Year 12 English students were lucky enough to see a live performance of the text they're studying, Oedipus the King. The show was incredible, and brought the classic Greek tragedy to life for students. 

Student Leadership Forum

Our Student Leadership gathered for their Term 3 Leadership Forum earlier in the Term, discussing previous proposals and presenting new ones. As always, the College's student leadership program is an incredible example of the students commitment to making the College better, and we look forward to seeing the results of this most recent forum.

Visit from the Maribyrnong Mayor

The College was excited to welcome  Cr Mohamed Semra, Mayor of Maribyrnong, to speak to some of our members of student leadership. They presented a report to the Mayor, discussing public safety for students around the College. We look forward to continuing to work with Cr Semra in the future!

Congratulations to Elessar C

A big congratulations to Elessar C from Year 10, who recently returned from Queensland with a silver medal after representing School Sport Australia at the National Championships!
Elessar was co-captain of the Victorian Under 15 Boys' Volleyball Team, and the team fought incredibly hard for their medals. Well done, Elessar!

Youth Parliament

Three Year 11 students, Leah Nguyen, Eliza Morris, and Monica Mayen, recently had the privilege of participating in the 2026 YMCA Youth Parliament Program, an annual leadership and civic engagement initiative delivered in partnership with local government and parliamentary mentors.

The program brought together 120 young people aged 16 to 25 from across Victoria. Participants attended a three-day residential training camp at Lake Dewar Discovery Camp, where they took part in team-building activities while learning about the Victorian parliamentary system, advocacy, and community leadership.

Leah, Eliza, and Monica were proudly sponsored and mentored by the Maribyrnong Youth Council, which supported them in developing their debating, policy-writing, and parliamentary skills. This year’s Youth Parliament focused on problem gambling and its impact on society, culminating in participants presenting and debating their proposed Bill at Parliament House before parliamentarians and policymakers.

The program provided a valuable opportunity for students to build confidence, strengthen their public speaking and collaboration skills, and deepen their understanding of civic leadership. We are grateful for the ongoing support of Maribyrnong Youth Services and are extremely proud of Leah, Eliza, and Monica for representing our College community with distinction. Through this experience, they have developed meaningful connections, leadership skills, and personal growth.

Student Testimonials:
Youth Parliament is a place that fosters leadership, advocacy and networking for young people in a space where every idea and voice is supported and encouraged. This program was not only a place of learning, but a place where friendships and connections I never thought could happen came to life. It was a privilege to have been a part of the 2026 Victorian Youth Parliament and an honor to represent the Maribyrnong Youth Advisory Committee. The friends which I have made on this program truly feel like a once in a lifetime connection and I would recommend this program to anyone passionate in advocating for a change. 
- Leah Nguyen, 11, Sacred Heart

I was able to speak my mind and not be afraid of things, because if I'm thinking of it likely others are.
- Monica Mayen, Year 11, Sacred Heart

Youth Parliament helped me to find my voice and use it to advocate for those who do not have one
- Eliza Morris, Year 11, Sacred Heart

This weekend, August 15th, we honour Mary our Mother in Faith on the Solemnity of her Assumption. We ask for her intercession and prayers to God as we ourselves pray:

O Mary,
We fly to your protection, most holy Mother of God; please listen to our petitions and needs, and deliver us from all dangers, ever glorious and blessed Virgin Mary.
Mary, our model and mother, by your example and patience you have taught us how to be true children of God. Please help us by your assistance to endure our challenges, overcome our weaknesses, and to fulfill our tasks in life.
By your compassionate assistance may we ever stand in spirit with you beneath the cross of Christ so that we may also rejoice with you in your divine Son's triumphant victory over sin and death.
In your maternal kindness help us to be faithful to prayers in the company of God's Church as you were one with the Apostles in the upper room as you waited for the promised Spirit of Pentecost.
With your gracious assistance may we be near you in the glory of Christ's kingdom, and come to sing with you and all the faithful the eternal praise of God.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.