Wellbeing 

The last term three of their lives. Our Year 12’s have just experienced another milestone that probably hasn’t hit home yet. The end is now rushing toward them and we as a school community are both excited for them as well as a little sad that we have only two weeks left to share in their school journey. We hope the next two months go well for all involved with the culmination being our Valedictory celebration on the 20th of November. Before then of course, for many, are the all-important VCE exams. For those on this pathway it is imperative that we don’t look too far ahead and focus on the last few weeks of school and the study period preceding the English exam on the 27th of October.

As mentioned in our last newsletter this time for our senior students can be an emotional time. The stresses of finding employment, further study, completing exams and ATAR scores are well documented. Change brings uncertainty, and uncertainty for humans is challenging. Friendship groups change with future plans connecting with others, while at the same time these plans can see these groups moving in different directions. Students are encouraged to talk about their feelings with their parents, each other, our Wellbeing Support Officers, a trusted adult.

The final two weeks of school for our senior students will see them take part in their final whole school mass, to which our Year 12 parents have been invited. They will also take part in the now traditional rites of passage, such as the Balloon Ceremony and Gratitude Day.  We look forward to these celebrations.

We wish our Year 12’s all the best as they conclude their time at the College and hope they will leave with gratitude in their hearts, knowledge in their heads and the wisdom to make a difference in their worlds. 

Over the past fortnight, our College community has celebrated several important events that highlighted the values of connection, service and leadership. 

Founders Day: Honouring Our Heritage and Celebrating Community

Our Founders Day celebration, centred around a meaningful liturgy, provided an opportunity to honour the rich heritage of our College and reflect on the vision, courage, and dedication of those who established our community. Students were encouraged to consider the enduring significance of Marist values, including Family Spirit, simplicity, and a love of work, alongside the charism of the Sion Sisters, which calls us to openness, compassion, courage, and a commitment to justice and understanding.

Through the day’s celebrations, we hope our students gained a deeper appreciation of the extraordinary sacrifices made by the pioneering Marist Brothers and Sion Sisters who travelled across the world to educate young people in Gippsland. Their legacy continues to inspire and guide us, and we remain deeply grateful for the foundations they laid.

Founders Day, together with the House Performing Arts Competition, is one of the highlights of the College calendar. It was heartening to hear many students and staff describe it as their favourite day of the year. The enthusiasm, energy, and House spirit on display were complemented by the many smiling faces and the strong sense of belonging evident throughout the day.

Events such as these play a vital role in strengthening connections, fostering collaboration, and building a vibrant and supportive school community. Participation in school activities enriches the student experience and contributes significantly to personal growth, confidence, and wellbeing. Encouraging students to become involved helps create the strong relationships and shared experiences that unite us as a community.

We were delighted by the outstanding level of participation and thank families for their ongoing support of College events and activities. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child, and the partnership between home and school is essential in helping our young people thrive. Together, we continue to nurture not only successful learners but also connected, engaged, and compassionate members of our community.

National Child Protection Week and RUOK day. 

This week, our College community joined schools and organisations across Australia in recognising National Child Protection Week and R U OK? Day, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring all young people feel safe, supported and connected.

The 2026 National Child Protection Week theme, "Every Conversation Matters, Shifting Conversation to Action," encouraged us to think about how everyday conversations can lead to positive outcomes for children and young people. The theme highlighted the importance of listening, speaking up when support is needed, and taking meaningful action to help create environments where every child can thrive. 

Throughout the week, students explored the role that respectful relationships, trusted adults and strong support networks play in promoting wellbeing and safety. Discussions in SEED lessons focused on recognising when someone may need support, the importance of seeking help, and how small actions can make a significant difference in the lives of others.

We also marked R U, OK? Day on Thursday, 10 September. This year's message, "Ask R U, OK? Any Day," reminds us that meaningful conversations should not be confined to a single day on the calendar. By regularly checking in with friends, family members and classmates, we can help build a community where everyone feels valued, heard and supported. 

Students and staff came together to start conversations and reflect on the simple but powerful question, "Are you OK?" Students also enjoyed a special lunchtime treat, with 1,000 cookies generously prepared by Nathan Smith and the Hospitality Team. The cookies were distributed through House Groups and were enthusiastically received by students. We sincerely thank Nathan and the Hospitality Team for their generosity and support in helping us mark this important occasion.

Yellow reminders displayed throughout the College served as a prompt to continue these conversations beyond the day itself and to look out for one another throughout the year.

As a College community, we recognise that creating a safe and supportive environment is a shared responsibility. National Child Protection Week and R U, OK? Day provided valuable opportunities to strengthen connections, encourage help-seeking behaviours and remind us that every conversation has the potential to make a positive impact. By ensuring every conversation matters and taking action when support is needed, we can help every young person thrive.

Student Leadership Applications for 2027

We recently concluded the 2027 Student Leadership Selection Process, with a large number of students putting themselves forward to serve the College community.

Students applying for leadership positions submitted a written application and participated in interviews with members of the College Leadership Team. Applicants for College Captain and House Captain roles also delivered speeches to either the College or their House community. Student voice formed an important part of the process, with students voting for candidates whose values, leadership qualities and vision most closely aligned with their own and reflected the spirit of Catholic College Sale.

The quality of applications, speeches and interviews was exceptionally high. Students demonstrated confidence, authenticity and a genuine commitment to the values of our College. Most importantly, they showed a strong desire to serve others, led by example and make a positive contribution to our community.

We congratulate all students who participated in the process. Regardless of the outcome, each applicant should be proud of the courage, preparation and maturity they demonstrated throughout the selection process.

We are pleased to announce the 2027 Student Leadership Team and congratulate these students on their appointment. We look forward to seeing them embrace the opportunities and responsibilities of leadership as they continue to strengthen our College community through service, faith and the Marist spirit.

The 2027 Student Leaders are:

• Allman: Meika Bravington & Cael Kiely
• Champagnat: Ashly Reid & Oliver Dyer
• Daly: Stefani Worcester & Patrick Horan
• Paulinus: Grace Rowell & Phoenix Cox
• Raphaela: Mandy Purdon & Macauley Pendergast
• Theodore: Mikayla Pendrick & Sam Nowak
• Social Justice\Liturgy: Ashlyn Harrington
• Environmental: Thomas Johns
• Mental Health: Ava de Boer 

Passing of the Light Ceremony

On Tuesday 15 September, we gathered as a College community for our annual Passing of the Light Ceremony.

This ceremony symbolises the transition of leadership from our current student leaders to those who will take up leadership responsibilities in the year ahead. The light represents the values, traditions and spirit of Catholic College Sale, and its passing acknowledges that leadership is a responsibility entrusted from one generation of students to the next.

During the ceremony, our current School Captains reflected on what leadership has meant to them and the impact of serving others within our Marist community. The ceremony also provided an opportunity to recognise the commitment and contribution of our outgoing leaders and to encourage future leaders as they prepare to continue building a community centred on faith, service, presence and hope.

The Passing of the Light remains a significant tradition at Catholic College Sale, reminding us that leadership is not about status or recognition, but about serving others and contributing positively to the life of our College.

Uniform Term 4

Term 4 sees a change in uniform. Students will be required to wear their full summer uniform to school. Please see below for clarification:

Summer Uniform Policy

Finally, as the term comes to a close, I would like to wish everyone a safe holiday period and look forward to welcoming everyone back to the College for Term 4.