From the Principal Leader
Dear Parents, Careers, Staff, Students and friends of Chisholm,
THE SEASON OF LENT
As a Catholic community at Caroline Chisholm College, we have entered the sacred season of Lent – a time that invites each of us to pause, reflect, and renew our relationship with God and with one another.
Lent is a forty–day journey that mirrors the time Jesus spent in the desert. It is a season that calls us to prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These three simple practices invite us to look beyond ourselves: to deepen our relationship with God through prayer, to practise self-discipline and gratitude through fasting, and to reach out to others through generosity and service.
For us as a college community, Lent is not simply a religious observance; it is an opportunity to live out the values that define who we are. Inspired by the life of Caroline Chisholm, we are reminded that faith must be lived through action—through compassion, courage and a commitment to justice for others. It was wonderful to see our students bringing in items for the ‘Care Packages’ we prepared for ‘The Haven’ a women's domestic violence centre based in Penrith to support women and their families. Yesterday Trish from ‘The Haven’ came and picked up items and she was so grateful for the generosity of our community as part of our response during International Women's Day celebrations. Thank you to all students and staff for supporting this wonderful initiative, along with Ms Devlin and our Student Leaders who led this beautifully.
During this season, I encourage each member of our community - students and staff - to consider how we might grow. Perhaps it is taking time each day for quiet reflection or prayer. Perhaps it is showing greater patience and kindness to those around us. Perhaps it is choosing to support those in need through our Lenten fundraising and acts of service.
Lent ultimately leads us to Easter, the most important celebration in the Christian calendar. Easter is a story of hope. It reminds us that even in moments of struggle or darkness, new life is always possible. The Resurrection of Jesus is a powerful message that love is stronger than fear, and hope is stronger than despair.
As we journey through Lent together, may we take the opportunity to renew our hearts, strengthen our faith, and support one another as a community. And when we reach Easter, may we celebrate with a deep sense of joy and gratitude for the gift of new life and hope that Christ brings to the world.
Thank you, and may this Lenten season be a time of reflection, renewal and grace for us all.
NAPLAN 2026
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our Year 7 and Year 9 students for the positive way they approached their NAPLAN assessments this week despite the challenges that presented beyond our control. I am pleased to report to you all that everything has gone seamlessly with the changes that we introduced to ensure a greater connectivity and successful completion of literacy and numeracy testing. Our students stepped up to the challenge in a calm and confident manner and I am very proud of their agility to respond to life’s challenges when they arise.
NAPLAN provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate the literacy and numeracy skills they have been developing in their learning. I was particularly impressed by the focus, maturity and determination shown by our students throughout the testing sessions. Your efforts, preparation and willingness to do your best reflect the strong learning culture we value here at Caroline Chisholm College.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank our dedicated staff who supported the smooth running of the assessments. From the careful preparation and organisation to the calm supervision and encouragement provided to students, your professionalism ensured that the week ran seamlessly.
NAPLAN is just one snapshot of learning, but the attitude our students showed—commitment, resilience and respect for the process—is something we are very proud of.
Thank you to everyone involved for contributing to ultimately a very successful week. Huge appreciation and thanks to you as parents and carers for ensuring your daughter attended school and was well prepared to give her best effort.
God bless and stay safe
Mrs Tania Cairns
Principal Leader