Looking Ahead with Confidence: Our Commitment to Excellence

Our commitment to our students at our College continues to be focused on providing a high-quality education founded upon our Catholic ethos, strong moral values, student and staff wellbeing, and learning experiences that inspire aspiration, achievement, and hope for the future.

In recent weeks, there has been considerable discussion in various media outlets regarding Catholic schools, particularly in relation to cost-reduction measures, workforce planning, and classroom conditions. While such discussions often focus on challenges facing the broader education sector, it is important for our families to know that our College continues to prioritise the needs of our students and community in every decision we make.

Like all successful organisations, we continually review and reflect on how we can improve what we do. This often requires us to reimagine practices that may have become the norm and to embrace new ways of teaching, learning, and supporting young people. Our goal is not simply to maintain standards, but to continually raise them. We remain committed to ensuring that every student has access to the opportunities, support, and experiences they need to flourish spiritually, academically, physically, socially, and emotionally.

As we continue planning for 2027 and beyond, our focus remains firmly on investing in the future of our students. This includes strengthening learning pathways, enhancing student wellbeing initiatives, supporting our staff to grow professionally, and ensuring that our facilities continue to meet the needs of a modern and evolving educational landscape.

A significant example of this commitment is the continued development of our new VET & STEM Centre. This transformative project, representing an investment of more than $27 million, is progressing as planned and remains one of the most significant developments in the College's history.

When completed, the facility will provide state-of-the-art learning environments dedicated to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). In addition, it will feature specialised practical learning spaces designed to support the delivery of tertiary-recognised and nationally accredited certificate programs across a range of para-professional and industry-related fields. These facilities will enable students to engage in authentic, future-focused learning experiences while developing the knowledge, skills, and qualifications that will support their transition to further education, training, and employment.

We are enormously grateful for the trust and partnership of our families as we continue this exciting journey. Together, we continue to contribute to a College that honours its Catholic foundations while preparing young people to thrive in an increasingly complex and changing world.

We encourage families to read the information that follows, which provides further insight into our progress, planning, and priorities as we continue the transition towards 2027 and shape the future of Caroline Chisholm Catholic College.

Currently, all Catholic schools are working through planning and budgeting activities for 2027 to ensure we are well placed to support our staff, students and school communities in the coming year. This includes looking at how we can accommodate the changes likely to flow from a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) with school staff.

We recognise the significant financial pressures many households are facing, and we are making a conscious effort to ensure these costs are not passed on through significant fee increases.

We will continue to keep our parent community informed throughout this process. As always, our focus remains on maintaining strong school communities and continuing to deliver a high-quality Catholic education for every student

Thank you very much, and we look forward to continuing to work with our community to ensure our students receive the best education possible.

Dr Napoleon Rodezno
College Principal

Community Services

This year marked an exciting milestone for the College with the introduction of the Director of Community Services role. Established to provide leadership across Family Partnerships, Counselling Services, College Nurses and the Youth Wellbeing Centre, the role reflects our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of every student and family.

Guided by our mission, "To educate and prepare our students to be the best they are called to be in a faith-filled and inclusive community," our Community Services teams work collaboratively to ensure students feel supported, connected and valued.

Throughout 2026, the Youth Wellbeing Centre has continued to provide opportunities for students to build resilience, wellbeing and a sense of belonging through partnerships with organisations including the Western Bulldogs and Victoria Police.

Our Family Partnerships Team remains a vital link between home and school, supporting families, assisting with College events and helping strengthen community connections. A particular highlight has been the continued growth of the Parents & Friends Association, whose initiatives have brought families together and enriched College life.

Our Counselling Team and Social Workers continue to provide early intervention and support, helping students navigate challenges and thrive in a safe and caring environment.

We thank all members of the Community Services team for their dedication throughout 2026 and look forward to continuing to create opportunities for students and families to connect, participate and flourish in 2027.

Xavier Hayes
Director of Community Services

Family Partnerships

The Family Partnership Team continues to support families in working in partnership with the College. This term we have worked with our Lead Social Worker to provide a parent session on understanding the wellbeing needs of young people while supporting academic outcomes. We’ve also had the pleasure of conducting a 6-week Tuning into Teens parenting program, providing parenting support and emotion coaching education for families. Our weekly homework sessions each Wednesday provide a space for students to come together and work, connect with other students and receive support for staff. It’s wonderful to see this group of students grow through the term.

It was lovely to see many families at the recent conferences. The conferences provide a great opportunity for families to receive language/cultural support if required from our Multi Cultural Education Aides, clarify information and connect with members of staff. It’s always a pleasure to meet the families of our students. We look forward to seeing many families at the upcoming Father’s Day mass and breakfast, as we come together to celebrate the fathers and male role models.

Each day it is a pleasure to speak with and meet families as we work together to assist with communication between the college and home, support college events and connect with students and families.

Jodie McLeod
Family Partnership Team Leader

Student Support

At Caroline Chisholm Catholic College, it is a privilege for the Student Engagement Team to support students in accessing opportunities that extend their learning beyond the classroom. Whether through leadership programs, civic engagement initiatives or community partnerships, these experiences empower students to develop their confidence, discover their passions and make meaningful contributions to the world around them. 

As we move closer to the end of the year, it is important to celebrate the achievements of students who have embraced opportunities to engage with their community, amplify student voice, and lead by example. 

Alice Xerri was selected to participate in Maribyrnong City Council's Mayor for a Day program, an experience that provided her with an invaluable insight into community leadership and decision-making. With a passion for design and aspirations of becoming an architect, Alice had the opportunity to meet with the lead architects behind the 702-apartment build-to-rent project and engage with CEOs, council leaders and key stakeholders. 

Similarly, Year 11 students Leah Nguyen, Eliza Morris and Monica Mayen proudly represented the College in the Victorian Youth Parliament program. Throughout the year-long initiative, the students worked collaboratively with young people from across Victoria to research issues, develop policy ideas and participate in parliamentary debates. 

These opportunities highlight the importance of student engagement beyond the classroom, empowering young people to actively participate in their communities and contribute to conversations that shape the future. This is something the Student Engagement Team are incredibly proud to play a part in. 

Robert Aduer
Student Support Program Coordinator

College Musical - Legally Blonde JR

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the College production of Legally Blonde JR. Whether you were backstage, singing on stage or helping with hair and makeup, the contributions you made created an incredible musical that showcased the amazing talents of our students.

Congratulations also to the staff who put so much of themselves into the musical, ensuring that the staging, lighting, set, music, dancing and show was finished to an impressive standard!

Feast of the Assumption Mass

As a Catholic College, recognising and celebrating feast days is an important part of our Faith expression. Earlier in the term we held our Feast of the Assumption Mass, which celebrates the Assumption of Mary to heaven.

The entire College came together to mark the occasion with a mass and liturgy and to share in celebration of the sacred event.

Sacramental Program

Recently, some of our students completed their sacramental preparation, an important part in their faith journey in the Catholic tradition. Students received either the Sacrament of Baptism or of Reconciliation, which offer an opportunity for prayer, reflection and spiritual growth.

During the celebration, students were invited to reflect on their actions, seek God's forgiveness through the ministry of a priest, and strengthen their relationship with God and the wider Church community. 

We thank Fr Silvio, our College Chaplain, Fr Joseph of St Peter Chanel Parish, and staff for supporting our students as they took part in this important step in their faith journey.

Bullying No Way Week

Bullying No Way Week was held 17-21 August, highlighting the importance of small acts we can make everyday in order to make a positive difference. Students were asked to participate in an activity where they wrote some of these actions down in order to make a positive difference in the community. 

Book Week

Book Week was held last week at the College, featuring some incredible costumes, author talks and activities.

On Monday, students enjoyed a book doof, focused on improving reading rates at break times. On Tuesday, the English Faculty and Sustainability Team joined together to run a flash fictions competition, and on Friday the library ran a trivia event. 

As always, a real highlight of the week was the costume dress up day, where students dressed as their favourite characters from a range of literary sources. 

We were also thrilled to welcome Dean Rankine for a comic workshop, and Mike Rolls for an author talk. It was a wonderful week, and our students really enjoyed hearing from and participating in a week filled with excitement and activities!

Congratulations to Mia Nguyen from CTK who won the Bookmark Making Competition, creating a beautifully illustrated My Hero Academia inspired bookmark. 

Sustainability Week

Last week, along with Book Week, the College celebrated Sustainability Week. Students participated in recycling activities, brought plastic free lunches for Waa points, enjoyed a movie night and a book swap.

It was a wonderful week with a lot of learning and fun!

SACCSS Athletics 

On Tuesday, our students represented the College at SACCSS Athletics, competing in Division 1 and achieving an outstanding 5th place finish, securing our place in Division 1 for next year.Congratulations to all students who participated and represented the College with pride and determination.A special congratulations to Leanne Ellis, who broke the records for the 17-20 Years Girls 1500m and 800m, and Eva Mehmet, who broke the record for the 15 Years Girls 200m and was named Age Group Champion for 15 Years Girls.What an incredible achievement by all involved. Well done!

Myanmar Chin Community Dialogue

Supporting young people in our community is a joint effort and earlier in the week we were reminded of the collective strength of working together. Our College Leadership and Family Partnership teams hosted a community dialogue with church leaders from the Myanmar Chin community. Together we discussed the challenges faced by families and young people. We explored ways to deepen our understanding of issues faced by families and young people and how to best provide support, education, and a collaborative approach. This was the first of many conversations as we nurture a stronger partnership to support young people in the Myanmar Chin community.

Year 7 Humanities First Nations Incursion

Our Year 7 CTK students were excited to welcome First Nations educators during Learning Mentor on Thursday.

Students explored Indigenous understandings of the local seasons and learnt how Aboriginal peoples have traditionally lived with the land, using observations of the natural environment to guide daily life, movement, and food gathering. Through storytelling and interactive activities, students gained a deeper appreciation for the strong connection between people, Country, and culture. 

The session provided a valuable opportunity for students to engage with Aboriginal perspectives and learn from the world's oldest continuing culture. We thank First Nations Incursions for sharing their knowledge and experiences with our students.

Year 11 Rainbow's End Workshop

Students attended a performance of Rainbow’s End by Jane Harrison, which brought the contemporary Indigenous play to life and deepened their understanding of its characters, themes, and context. Following the performance, students participated in an interactive workshop exploring character motivations, key symbols, and important themes including kinship, racism and discrimination, leadership, and moral responsibility.

The experience strengthened students’ understanding of contemporary Indigenous theatre and supported their preparation for analytical writing by developing their confidence in discussing authorial intent, structure, and thematic development.

Languages Week

This week was Languages Week at the College!
Students heard prayers across the week in different languages, participated in and watched Taiko Drumming, played Cultural Bingo, sang Karaoke and more!
It was a wonderful week, culminating in a Cultural Dress Day where students were encouraged to wear their traditional cultural dress. 

Father's Day Mass and Breakfast

This morning, students and staff gathered in the Blessed Benedict Daswa Hall to celebrate the important father figures in their lives at our Father's Day Mass and Breakfast.

It was a beautiful event, filled with appreciation for the many things the important men in our lives do each day. The service concluded with a special blessing for our dads and father figures. Breakfast followed immediately afterwards, providing an opportunity for fellowship, conversation and laughter. We were grateful for the chance to connect with our community and continue building strong relationships with the families who make our College such a special place.

"For now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come." Solomon 2:11-12

O God,
A sleeping world emerges to new possibilities,

Weakening winter's icy grip,
And birdsong and bleating lamb
Announce to all the promise
That in due season
Creation bursts into life.

And whilst leaves that fell in winter
Lie upon the ground,
Soon to feed the earth,
In nature's wondrous cycle
Of death and rebirth,
Within the tree is a stirring of new growth.

May we who walk gently on this earth
Give praise to its maker,
And rejoice in its beauty.
For we are but travellers here,
Caring for the earth and its creatures,
To pass onto our youth a brighter world.

Amen.