Learning and Teaching 

Create belonging

Creating a sense of belonging continues to be a strong focus within our school. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every student feels valued, supported, and connected to their learning and to one another.

Our library has been a vibrant space during lunchtime, with a range of activities that encourage students to connect, create, and enjoy shared experiences. Alongside this, our tech-free days have provided valuable opportunities for students to step away from screens, engage in conversations, and strengthen their social connections.

This term has also included many excursions that have enriched student learning beyond the classroom. We sincerely thank our dedicated teachers for their time, effort, and thoughtful planning in providing these opportunities for our young people to make meaningful connections to their learning.

Last week, our teachers participated in a professional development day, continuing their work to strengthen teaching and learning. The focus was on establishing high-impact, evidence-based teaching routines to support improved outcomes for all students.

Strive for Excellence

As we approach the school holidays, this is a great opportunity for students to check their stationery supplies and refresh in preparation for the beginning of Term 2.

We would like to congratulate all students on their efforts throughout the term, including their commitment to NAPLAN, SACs, and other assessment tasks. The students' commitment to their learning throughout the term has been positive to see. 

Our school continues to offer a range of extracurricular activities and opportunities, including debating, Game Changers, and maths tutoring. We encourage all students to get involved and make the most of these enriching experiences.

Throughout this term, our Year 12 students have been meeting with Ms Laura Considine, our Pathways Coordinator, to discuss their goals beyond school. If you have any questions or would like advice in this area, please feel free to contact Laura via email at lconsidine@ccsale.catholic.edu.au.

Students in Years 7–9 are expected to engage in regular homework each week. When there is no formalised homework set for subject areas, students are encouraged to undertake independent study. This may include reviewing key vocabulary, completing practice questions, and rereading texts covered in the previous week.

Share Success

Reports will be available via PAM on Friday. You will notice a new reporting format that aligns with our school-wide pedagogical framework and Vision for Learning. The report provides valuable insights into your child’s learning behaviours in the classroom. Rather than focusing solely on academic achievement, it highlights the habits and attitudes that contribute to successful learning. Students are assessed against our Learning Pillars of Engaged Learning, Empowered Learning, and Inclusive Learning. Please take the time to read and discuss the report with your child.

Thank you to all families who attended the Parent Student Teacher (PST) conferences. These meetings provided a valuable opportunity to discuss student progress and transitions throughout Term 1. Your involvement demonstrates the important role families play in education and reinforces our shared commitment to achieving positive outcomes for every student.

NAPLAN testing concluded last week, and we congratulate all students and teachers on their efforts during this time. NAPLAN results will be made available to families later in the year.

An Easter Blessing 

May the joy and hope of Christ's Resurrection fill your heart and home this Easter season. May His light guide your path, His love bring you peace, and His grace strengthen you each day. May the promise of new life in Christ renew your spirit and inspire hope in all you do. Amen.

Wishing you a truly hopeful and blessed Easter and a wonderful break!

Best regards,

Rachael Bown 

Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching 

Alumni Profile - Ashleigh Whitehill

For our final alumni profiles this term, we’re excited to share two inspiring stories!

First, meet Ashleigh Whitehill, our 2012 College Dux. Ash is currently working as a copywriter and content creator,  where she’s been able to take her career on the road—embracing the freedom of remote work! 

Where has life taken you since graduating (e.g., university, work, travel)?

All of the above! I took a gap year after high school, then moved to Melbourne in 2014 to study journalism at Monash University. After graduating, I worked at a publishing company and later marketing agencies and travel companies. I’ve also travelled lots over the last decade – I studied Japanese in Tokyo, spent a summer working for Topdeck in Italy, and worked as a waitress in a castle in Scotland. 

Since 2022 I’ve been travelling full time with my partner through Asia, Europe, north Africa, Central America and now South America. Working as a copywriter/content creator means I can work on the road and I’m super lucky to be able to travel full time and work remotely to support myself.

What are your favourite memories from Catholic College Sale, or your favourite school tradition or event?

I would say my trip to Vietnam as part of our geography class. It was such a great deep dive into Vietnamese culture, history and food, and was great for getting me out of my comfort zone. I never really knew what I wanted to do as a career (I still don't lol), but after that trip I realised I wanted a life built around travel, so it was quite formative for me.  

What do you enjoy most about your current career?

The flexibility and the content. I’m currently working remotely for an adventure travel company, so I love that what I’m writing about is relevant to what I’m doing day to day. I also LOVE the flexibility of my job – the fact that I can work anywhere, anytime means I might be writing in a cafe, a library, at home, on a bus etc. Lifestyle is so important for me and having a career that I can tweak to fit my life feels like a dream.

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

Learn a language! We’re lucky that English is so widely spoken around the world, but having a second language is such a useful tool – and learning as an adult is 1000x harder.  

What message would you like to share with today’s students and teachers?

You don't need to have it all figured out. Trying to decide what to study or what to do with your life is overwhelming, but it really doesn’t have to be. Just focus on the next step and the rest will follow. 

When I was at CCS, I had no idea I'd end up where I am now and honestly, that’s part of what makes it so exciting.

For our second profile, we have Elliot Durrant from the class of 2026. He is currently a Health and Physical Education Teacher and Primary School Head of Sport at St Kevin's College. 

Alumni Profile - Elliot Durrant 

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

Since graduating, my path has been a rewarding mix of education, work and travel. After a GAP year with Gippsland Grammar, I moved to Melbourne to study a four year Bachelor of Health and Physical Education degree at Deakin University. The move to the city was a significant change, but I’ve really embraced the lifestyle and have loved living here ever since.

After graduating, I was lucky enough to spend six months living and playing cricket in England, an experience that provided incredible personal growth, including amazing travel opportunities. 

Professionally, I have built my career at St Kevin’s College, starting as a Year 6 Homeroom teacher, and have since moved into my current role as a Health and Physical Education Teacher and Primary School Head of Sport. 

What are some of your favourite memories from your time at Catholic College Sale, or what was your favourite school tradition or event?

I look back very fondly on my early years at the Sion Campus in Years 7 and 8. There was a unique vibe there that really set the tone for the rest of my high school years, and it was where I made many life-long friends. 

I was also fortunate to attend two Marist Cricket Carnivals during my time at the school, travelling to Lismore and Sydney. These experiences were fantastic, the camaraderie and fun we had while competing and representing the College were true highlights of my time at CCS.

What do you enjoy about your current career?

I find it incredibly rewarding to see the satisfaction students get when they learn something new. There is a genuine sense of pride that comes across when young boys realise their effort has translated into learning. Seeing those moments firsthand is what motivates me to be a great teacher and to keep providing those opportunities for my students.

Working at an all-boys school also gives me the chance to impact the character of each student. I value the opportunity to be a role model and mentor as the boys navigate their formative years. It is particularly rewarding to help them build traits like resilience and integrity through sport, knowing they will take those lessons with them for the rest of their lives.

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

I would tell myself not to be afraid to actually talk to your teachers and build a rapport with them. I’m finding in my career now that being able to work well with students is what leads to the best education, including more learning and more enjoyable lessons. If you show your teachers respect and a bit of initiative, you'll find they become your biggest advocates. Teachers will go above and beyond for any student who shows they’re willing to learn and have a go.

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

Make your interactions and connections meaningful. Whether it’s with your teachers, friends, or strangers, the relationships you build are so important. The people you're surrounded by today may become the ones who open doors for you years down the line. I’m finding in my profession, and in others, that those who are good humans are provided with opportunities and find success.