Principal's Report

From the Principal’s Desk

Celebrating Faith, Growth, and Community Spirit

Dear Parents, Families, and Friends,

As we move into this vibrant season of the school year, I am filled with pride reflecting on the diverse achievements of our students. From the spiritual depth of the Easter season to the energetic heights of our sporting events, our community continues to flourish in every arena.

A Distinguished Visit: Bishop Murphy and Ms Regina Menz

We were recently blessed by a formal visit from Bishop Peter Murphy and our Director of Schools, Ms Regina Menz. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the heart of our college.

The Bishop and Ms Menz spent time meeting with our dedicated staff and touring our newest facility, The Dominican Learning Centre. Bishop Murphy was particularly impressed by the modern learning environments and the sense of purpose within the building.

A true highlight of the visit occurred when the Bishop sat down with a Year 7 Religious Education class. He shared a profound explanation of the Chi Rho symbol found on our college crest. He explained that the XP (the first two letters of Christos in Greek) serves as a constant reminder that Christ is at the very center of everything we do here at the college.

1. The Grace of the Easter Season

As a Catholic learning community, Easter remains the cornerstone of our identity. It is a time of renewal and hope. As we reflect on the Resurrection, we are reminded of the promise of new beginnings - a message we strive to instill in our students every day. This season invites us all to lead with compassion and to see the potential for growth and light in everyone we meet.

2. NAPLAN: Academic Excellence in Years 7 and 9

I would like to extend a huge congratulations to our Year 7 and Year 9 students for their focused and diligent approach to the recent NAPLAN assessments. These tests are an important "snapshot" of our academic progress, and our students handled the challenge with maturity and poise.

3. Learning Beyond the Classroom

We believe that the most profound learning happens when students engage directly with the world around them:

Aboriginal Studies at Boundary Rock: Our Year 9 and 10 Aboriginal Studies classes had the privilege of visiting Boundary Rock for an in-depth case study. A sincere thank you to Mrs Guilbert and Mrs Jameson for organising this impactful experience.
Careers on Country: Our Indigenous students recently participated in the Careers on Country program, connecting with local industry leaders and exploring future pathways.
Geography Field Trip: Our Year 12 Geography cohort embarked on a hands-on field trip to the Warrumbungle National Park, investigating unique landscapes and ecological management.
Environmental Stewardship: Our dedicated Environmental students continue to ensure the sustainability of our resources. Their work in maintaining our recycling programs is a testament to our mission to care for our common home.

4. Sporting Highlights: Talent on Show

Our students have been incredibly busy on the sporting field over the past five weeks, representing the college with pride and skill:

Swimming: Congratulations to our swimmers who travelled to Sydney for the NSWCCC Swimming Carnival.
Touch Football: A number of students have gained selection in the Diocesan Touch Football squad. They will move on to compete at the NSWCCC trials in Term 2. A big thank you to Ms Halpin and Mr McCabe for coaching our teams at the Diocesan carnival.
Bill Turner Soccer: It was a week of mixed success. Our girls put up a valiant fight, narrowly going down 1–0, while the boys secured a dominant 4–0 victory! The boys now progress to the next stage. A big thank you to Mr Hobson and Miss Ratcliffe for their coaching and dedication.
Rugby League: Our teams showed great spirit at the Tamworth NRL 9s competition. Thank you to Mr McCabe and Ms Halpin for their coaching and support of our players.

5. Cross Country and Colour Run Success

Our annual Cross Country was a resounding success! We owe a massive debt of gratitude to Ms Gambrill for her exceptional leadership in ensuring the day ran smoothly.

We followed this with our Colour Run Activities Day, where students faced off in an obstacle course competition before finishing in a kaleidoscope of joy. It was a fantastic way to build house spirit and reward our students for their hard work.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our school. I wish all families a happy and holy Easter.

Please note: School resumes Tuesday, 21 April 2026.

Warm Regards,

Michael Whitton

College Principal