Learning and Teaching 

At Catholic College Sale we are committed to building and strengthening our partnerships with families and ensuring that all students are fully supported as they make their way through their secondary school years. We are very fortunate and blessed to commence the year fully staffed. Staffing and timetabling are major challenges for all schools, and we are very grateful to be in such a positive position. Thank you and welcome to the new staff who have accepted positions. We are confident that all our new staff members will bring great positivity, enthusiasm and commitment to their roles. Most certainly, they have been provided with fantastic support by the Leadership Team and their learning area colleagues in the early days of their work here, and they have all expressed a sincere appreciation of the privilege of being selected to work in such a marvellous school community.

New Teachers Joining Us in 2026 

• Christina Stephenson – Humanities & English 
• Cieran Doherty – Mathematics 
• Gerard Bennett – PTT – Mathematics 
• Kristen Robbins – VM Coordinator 
• Leanne Kirkland – Science Teacher 
• Mark Dolbel – Humanities 
• Nicholas Hall – Religious Education & English; Faith and Mission – Staff Formation 
• Prue McNaughton – Mathematics & Physical Education 

Admin & Support Staff Updates 

• Leah Carubia – PA Human Resources & Board Secretary  
• Bridget Forster – Laboratory Technician 
• Bess Ong – School Nurse 
• Patricia Murrary-Walton – Student Support Officer 
• Helen Watts – Student Support Officer 
• Lillian Stokes – Apprentice Chef 
• Alyshia Huffer – AFL Trainee 
• Chloe Felsbourg – AFL Trainee 
• Ashley Westwood – AFL Trainee 

Catholic College Launches Vision for Learning

We are excited to officially launch our Vision for Learning, developed over the past two years with input from students, parents, staff, and in partnership with the University of Queensland. This collaborative process ensures our vision reflects the aspirations of the whole school community.

Our Vision for Learning: Create Belonging, Share Success, Strive for Excellence will guide all teaching and learning initiatives. It focuses on fostering a strong sense of belonging, empowering students to engage fully in their learning, and cultivating inclusive learners who value diversity.

Guided by three pillars: Engaged Learning, Empowered Learning, and Inclusive Learning,  we aim to provide a supportive, dynamic, and student-centred environment where every student can thrive spiritually, academically, and personally.

As part of celebrating our Vision for Learning, Junior Pastoral students have received badges to wear on their blazers. I encourage each student to proudly wear their badge. Senior students will receive theirs in the coming weeks.

Celebrating the Success of the Class of 2025

At our first assembly of the year, we welcomed back our high-achieving VCE students from the Class of 2025 to celebrate their exceptional academic success. During this ceremony, we proudly recognised their dedication and outstanding results.

Our Class of 2025 Dux, Madison Jones, graciously shared a video message of her Year 12 journey, offering valuable insights and inspiration to our Catholic College community.

We are incredibly proud of all that the Class of 2025 has achieved throughout their time at Catholic College. Their hard work, perseverance, and commitment have set a remarkable standard for future students. We wish them every success as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

NAPLAN

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) for Years 7 and 9 students is held each year. NAPLAN tests assess students' knowledge and skills in Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language (spelling, grammar, and punctuation), and Numeracy. The results of the tests provide information for students, parents/carers, teachers and principals and can be used to improve student achievement. All students are expected to participate in the NAPLAN Online tests. 

NAPLAN will take place from Wednesday 11 March to Friday 20 March. Further information will be shared closer to the testing period, and students will be provided with the guidance and support they need to approach NAPLAN with confidence.

 Unit 3/4 Trial Exams - Save the Date 

Year 12 and Year 11s completing a Unit 3/4 Subject – Trial Exams will be held on the September school Holidays', commencing Monday 28th September until Thursday 1st October (inclusive).

Alumni Profile 

For our first alumni profile of the year, we have Steph Dyer from the Class of 2017. Steph currently works across marketing and brand strategy for fashion brands, while also building her own fashion and lifestyle business on the side.

Where’s life taken you since graduating from Catholic College Sale (e.g., university, work, travel)?

Since graduating from CCS, I went straight to university to study Business. After my first year, I realised I was far more drawn to the creative side, so I took a leap and switched into a Graphic Design and Marketing degree. In making this change, I realised how much I love thoughtful, clever marketing, especially within the fashion and lifestyle space, and now I work across marketing and brand strategy for fashion brands while also building my own fashion/lifestyle business on the side.

It hasn’t been a straight path, and I’m still learning and refining what I really enjoy and what matters most to me, but the ongoing evolution is what keeps it exciting. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to travel and collaborate with some incredibly inspiring people.

What are some of your favourite memories from your time at Catholic College Sale?

Some of my favourite memories are actually just the simple ones – laughing with the mates you get to see every day, playing downball at lunchtime, and the occasional prank, leaving the toilet block with toilet paper stuck to your pants and pretending you had no idea it was there.

Now that I’m living in Melbourne, I can see how special it was to grow up in a small regional school and community where everyone knew each other. There’s such a strong sense of familiarity and belonging that you don’t fully appreciate until you move away. I still remember doing “warm fuzzies” at school camp, everyone sharing kind words and getting a little emotional – it was such a sweet moment, and it made me realise just how lucky we all were.

What do you enjoy about your current career?

I really love the creativity and autonomy. I mostly work remotely (from my laptop), so I often spend my days bouncing around between cafes with friends who work the same way. I love the flexibility that comes with that, so I can fill up my cup and shape my own routine before pouring myself into my workday.

I also just love helping build brand worlds because it allows me to blend my love for brand identity with storytelling, and I get to create things that people connect with! No two days are ever the same, and there’s constant opportunity to evolve and learn.

What advice would you give to your younger self back in school?

Just trust your instincts and don’t rush the timeline of your life (it’s cliché, but you really don’t need to have everything figured out at 17). Back yourself a little more and pay attention to what feels natural and what genuinely brings you joy – those things are usually pointing you in the right direction.

What is one message you would like to share with today’s students and teachers at Catholic College Sale?

Stay curious and kind. The world is changing quickly, and there are so many career paths now that didn’t even exist when we were at school. Be open to new possibilities and willing to work hard, and it’ll probably lead you exactly where you want to be. Also, your character matters just as much as your resume – how you treat people and the energy you bring into a room will take you further than you think!

Rachael Bown 

Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching