From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

As Term 3 draws to a close, I want to thank you for the support and partnership you show our College community each day.

Final Day of Term

The last day for staff and students will be Friday, 19 September, with a 2:20 pm finish following a shortened six-period timetable. Buses will depart in their usual order from 2:30 pm.

A Busy Final Week

Our final week has been as vibrant as the rest of Term 3:

• Parent–Student–Teacher Interviews – Thank you to all who joined us last week to discuss learning progress.

• Years 9 & 10 Vaping Seminars – Held Tuesday morning, providing timely health education.

• Sporting Highlights – Year 7 and 8 teams competed in both the GISSA Basketball Championship and the Junior Gaelic Football Championship on Wednesday.

• Student TEDx Event – On Tuesday evening, former student and Channel 9 presenter Nathan Currie hosted a TEDx evening featuring engaging talks from Years 7–10 students. Nathan also shared insights into his media career with our public speaking group.

• Championing Young People in a Digital World – On Wednesday, youth advocate Daniel Principe spoke with our Year 8 and 9 students and later with parents about navigating social media, stereotypes, and respectful relationships. We are grateful to the College Parents and Friends Association for supporting this valuable event.

• College Vocal Concert – Thursday evening’s concert in the MacKillop Theatre showcased outstanding solo and ensemble performances from students in Years 7–12. Congratulations to all performers and staff.

Immersions

This Friday, we farewell students and staff travelling to Timor-Leste and Cape York. We wish them safe travels and a time of discovery and friendship. We look forward to hearing their stories on their return.

Staffing Updates

We thank the following staff for their dedication this term:

• Ms Vanessa Rees, who has been covering for Ms Isje Turang-Timmins.

• Mr Jaymen Barker, who has been covering for Ms Michaela Hamence.

• Ms Michaeli Kovacic, who has been covering for Mr Joe Panuzzo.

We welcome Mr Connor Butler, who will return from leave to take over Mr Panuzzo’s teaching load from the beginning of next term, along with two new Learning Support Officers, Mr Ellery Bakker and Mr Bill Kerr.

Community Feedback

Thank you to all parents who completed the MACSSIS School Improvement Surveys. Feedback from parents, students, and staff helps us celebrate strengths and plan for continued growth.

Looking Ahead

Some important dates on the College Calendar

• Staff Professional Learning Day, Friday 24th October. No classes will be conducted at school on this day.

• Melbourne Cup Public Holiday Tuesday 4th November, and no classes are to be conducted on Monday 3rd November.

• Mosaic Awards Ceremony, Costa Hall, Geelong, Thursday 20th November

• The final day for classes for Yr. 7-11 is on December 4th.

• Year 12 Celebrations:

• Thursday 16th October - Final day of scheduled classes

• Thursday 16th October – Farewell Assembly, periods 5 & 6

• Thursday 16th October – Valete Mass & Graduation Ceremony at the College (5 pm to 7:30 pm)

• Friday 17th October – Year 12 Celebration Day

• Tuesday 28th October – Unit 4 Exams begin

• Wednesday 19th November – Unit 4 Exams finish

• Friday 28th November – Valedictory Dinner at GMHBA Stadium (6 pm)

This is our final newsletter for the term. The next edition will be published Thursday, 9 October 2025.
I hope every student enjoys a refreshing break and includes some quiet time for study and preparation for Term 4.

To our committed staff—thank you for your tireless efforts to enrich our students’ learning.

I wish everyone a safe, restful holiday and look forward to welcoming you back next term.

Best wishes,
Michael Exton
Principal