From the Principal Leader

Dear students, staff, parents, carers and friends of Chisholm,

The term is certainly moving along at a fast pace for both students and staff. As we progress, we have been focused on our community events such as the Swimming Carnival which is a whole school event that provides an opportunity for everyone to build our Chisholm spirit by joining competitive races, team games or novelty events. There is something for everyone at our carnival, as well as fun relays for our Year 12 students who all enjoyed their last carnival with a 100% attendance rate!! Very impressive Year 12 2026! Congratulations to all students on a fabulous CCC Swimming Carnival 2026 with sensational college spirit !!

Student Learning and Achievement 

Our students have continued to engage strongly in their learning, with teachers reporting high levels of participation and steady progress across all year groups. Assessment preparation is well underway, and I remind families that consistent study habits and good routines at home make a significant difference. It has been particularly pleasing to see students using feedback effectively to improve their work. Our HSC Peer Tutors come back to resume their study skills program with our Year 12 students next week. These ex-students share their knowledge and skills and help build the confidence of our senior students. We are very fortunate to have their supoort in 2026.

Year 7 2026 

Our Year 7 students have now settled confidently into college life. Over the past fortnight, they have been participating in sessions focusing on settling into Year 7 life through the ‘Big Fish Little Fish’ program, settling into new classes and building friendships and learning about the skills in high school organisation. Their enthusiasm and willingness to try new things have set a wonderful tone for the year ahead. Year 7 is stepping up and meeting our college expectations in learning, attendance, behaviour and wellbeing. We are very proud of their progress and commitment to joining our learning and faith community.

Faith and Community: Lent begins with Ash Wednesday

As a Catholic community, we continue to place emphasis on compassion, service and reflection. Our recent liturgical celebration brought the college together in a meaningful way, with students leading prayers, readings and music. I would like to acknowledge the outstanding engagement of our Chisholm community in the Ash Wednesday liturgy held in our Chapel. During this time, we focus on the meaning of Lent and how we can be generous of heart and spirit in our relationships at school and at home especially modelling Christ in all we say and do. On Ash Wednesday, our students and staff gathered in prayer and received ashes on their foreheads, a powerful symbol reminding us of our human frailty and our need for God’s mercy and love. The words spoken, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel,” invite us to turn our hearts toward what truly matters - faith, compassion, humility, and service. Thank you to all students who did readings and participated in distributing the ashes, as well as the Year leaders and staff who coordinated this with Ms Morley. 

Additionally, as we begin the sacred season of Lent, marked by Ash Wednesday, we are invited into a time of reflection, renewal and spiritual growth. Lent is a significant period in the life of our Catholic community, calling each of us to pause, reflect on our lives, and deepen our relationship with God and one another.

Lent is traditionally a time focused on three key pillars: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Through prayer, we strengthen our connection with God and seek guidance in our daily lives. Through fasting, we learn self-discipline and develop a deeper appreciation for the many blessings we often take for granted. Through almsgiving, we are reminded of our responsibility to care for others, especially those most in need.

Within our College, Lent provides an important opportunity for our students to reflect on their values and actions. It encourages them to consider how they can be people of kindness, integrity and generosity. Whether it is through supporting Caritas initiatives, participating in College liturgies, or simply showing compassion and respect to others in their daily interactions, our students are called to live out the Gospel message.

As a community, we are also reminded that Lent is a journey. It is not about perfection, but about growth. It is about taking small, meaningful steps toward becoming the people God calls us to be. It is about forgiveness, hope and renewal. This journey culminates in the joy of Easter, where we celebrate the promise of new life and resurrection.

I encourage all families to take time during this Lenten season to reflect together. Simple acts such as prayer at home, supporting those in need, or having conversations about gratitude and kindness can help strengthen both faith and family bonds.

I am proud of the reverence and respect shown by our students as we marked the beginning of Lent. Their thoughtful participation reflects the strong faith foundation of our College and the shared values that unite us.

May this Lenten season be a time of peace, reflection and renewal for each member of our community.

Community and Family Engagement (CAFE Club)

The CAFE Club in Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese refers to a parent and family engagement initiative designed to strengthen the partnership between families, schools and faith communities.

What is the CAFE Club?

CAFE stands for: 

Come 

And 

Find 

Everyone

It is a welcoming program that brings parents and carers together in a relaxed, faith-based environment—often over coffee—to build community, share ideas and support family life. 

Purpose of the CAFE Club

The CAFE Club aims to:

• Strengthen the partnership between families and schools
• Provide opportunities for parents and carers to connect with one another
• Support families in their role as the first educators of their children
• Promote faith formation and Catholic identity in family life
• Create a welcoming and inclusive school community

This reflects the broader diocesan commitment to strong family–school partnerships, recognising parents as essential partners in their child’s education and wellbeing.

What happens at CAFE Club meetings?

Activities vary by school, but often include:

• Informal gatherings with tea and coffee
• Faith reflection and prayer
• Guest speakers on parenting, wellbeing or faith
• Opportunities to discuss school initiatives
• Social connection and community building
• Information sharing about diocesan and school programs

Benefits for families

CAFE Club provides families with opportunities to:

• Feel welcomed and connected to the school
• Meet other parents and carers
• Deepen their understanding of Catholic faith
• Support their child’s learning and wellbeing
• Build a stronger sense of belonging

I would like to invite all parents and carers to complete the short survey about joining the CAFE Club @ Chisholm starting on Term 2 2026!

A link to complete the survey will be sent out via COMPASS next week. I hope that everyone completes the survey to help us know what day and time suits you best.

We will launch CAFE Club @ Chisholm in Term 2

Wellbeing Focus 

Our wellbeing team has been working closely with students to promote balance, resilience and respectful relationships. Workshops delivered this fortnight have focused on positive online behaviour and strategies for managing stress. Thank you to families for partnering with us to support these messages at home with the use of SchoolTV on our COMPASS page (Suitcase tab). 

Thank You

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. It is a privilege to work with our students each day, and I am proud of the way our college community continues to demonstrate respect, generosity and commitment to learning, faith and wellbeing with care, love, inclusivity and respect.

May God continue to keep you safe in the palm of his hand.

Mrs Tania Cairns

Principal Leader