Principal's Update

Welcome to 2026 

I warmly welcome all families to the 2026 school year at Catholic College Sale. I am excited to start my second year as Principal and build upon the many successes of 2025. This year, we remain clearly focused on continuing to grow Catholic College Sale as a school of choice, one where every student is named and known, and where each young person is supported and challenged through an individual pathway that honours their gifts, aspirations and potential. 

Lent: Disarming Our Language, Renewing Our Hearts 

As we enter the season of Lent, we are again invited into a time of reflection, renewal, and conversion. Lent is not just about what we give up but about who we are becoming. It is a season that calls us to slow down, listen more deeply, and examine how our daily choices influence our relationships with God and with others. 

In this spirit, I am particularly drawn to the words of Pope Leo, who reminds us that one of the most challenging, and often overlooked, forms of Lenten discipline is the way we use our words: 

“I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbour. Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgment, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities. In this way, words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace.” 

These words resonate strongly. At Catholic College Sale, our words hold significance. They influence culture, foster trust, and either reinforce or diminish our sense of community. As we journey through Lent together, I invite our students, staff, and families to accept this challenge: to speak with purpose, to pause before passing judgment, and to select words that promote dignity, hope, and peace. 

Year 7 Camp: Foundations of Belonging and Friendship 

This week, our Year 7 students participated in their camp experience, a significant milestone as they begin their journey with us at Catholic College Sale. Camps play a vital role in helping students build connections, improve confidence, and foster a sense of belonging within our community. 

It is often during these early shared experiences that new friendships are formed, some of which will last a lifetime. The camp offered our Year 7 students valuable opportunities to connect with one another, step outside their comfort zones, and begin shaping the relationships and identities that will support them throughout their secondary education years. It was a joy to see students grow in confidence, resilience, and camaraderie as they took these first steps together. 

Year 12 Retreat: Deepening Relationships and Looking Ahead 

For our Year 12 students, the recent retreat was a significant and meaningful experience. After six years together, the retreat offered a valuable opportunity to deepen relationships already formed, to reflect on their shared journey, and to set goals for the year ahead and the pathways beyond school. 

The retreat space allowed students to pause amid a busy final year, reconnect with one another, and reflect on who they are becoming. I challenged the Year 12 cohort to bring the care, respect and support shown to one another on retreat into their everyday interactions at school, to make 2026 a year defined by connection, compassion and shared responsibility. 

As our Marist theme reminds us, this is a year Full of Grace. My hope is that our Year 12 students continue to live this call, supporting one another, leading with integrity, and modelling the values of our College community. 

Master Plan Update: Learning Spaces Taking Shape 

Our Master Plan continues to progress, and it has been exciting to see new spaces coming to life across the College. 

• The new Administration and Reception area will be open from late next week, providing a welcoming and contemporary front entrance for our community and visitors. 
• The new teaching kitchens are already in use, with students enjoying the bright, modern facilities that support hands-on learning and contemporary pedagogy. 
• We are hopeful that the new training restaurant will be open by mid-March, offering further opportunities for student learning and community engagement. 

In addition, tenders have now been sent out for the St Patrick’s Stage 2 refurbishment, with the intention to commence works in late Term 2 and a projected completion date of the end of Term 1, 2027. These developments reflect our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality learning environments that support student wellbeing, innovation and future pathways. 

2027 Enrolment Evening 

Looking ahead, we will be holding our 2027 Enrolment Evening next Thursday, 26 February. I warmly welcome any new or current parents and carers who have a child considering Year 7 in 2027 to attend. This evening is an important opportunity to learn more about Catholic College Sale, our vision, and the experiences we offer our students as they begin their secondary education journey. 

Gratitude and Looking Forward 

The past few weeks have been rich with learning, faith and connection across our College. I thank our staff for their care, professionalism, and dedication. Our students for the energy and generosity they bring each day, and our families for your continued partnership and support. 

As we continue through Lent and the term ahead, may we remain grounded in kindness, guided by faith, and united as a community, striving to ensure that Catholic College Sale is a place where all can feel a sense of belonging, share success, and strive for excellence. 

Yours sincerely 

Brett Van Berkel 

Principal