From Rach Chapman

Deputy Principal - Catholic Identity and Community

Bishop Joe Grech Scholarship 2025!

It is with great excitement and pride that we announce that we have three students who are the recipients of the Bishop Joe Grech Scholarship for 2025!

The Bishop Joseph Grech Scholarship for Youth was established in 2011 to honour former Bishop of Sandhurst, Bishop Joe Grech. The scholarship enables senior students in Sandhurst Secondary Colleges to participate in spirituality or leadership programs beyond their schools, promoting young people as significant members of the Church.

The Bishop Joseph Grech Scholarship recognises exceptional young people who model exemplary behaviour and contribute to the life of their Colleges, through their commitment to their faith and to social justice.

The Bishop Joe Scholarship enables Catholic Education Sandhurst to continue his legacy to the young people of the Sandhurst Diocese and gives recipients the opportunity to flourish as leaders within their schools and in the wider community.

There will be a presentation for recipients of the Bishop Joe Grech Scholarship, and their guests, in Shepparton on 29th July.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Charlie I, Lily-May S and Neve P for being awarded the Bishop Joe Grech Scholarships. Their leadership and drive to affect change in our school community is exceptional and we look forward to seeing their proposals come to fruition!

Community Masses

Next week our Years 11 and 12 students will be having a presentation from Simone Nolan, who is the founder and Principal Consultant and Social Worker from EmpowerX in Shepparton, as part of Charli Miller’s Bishop Joe Grech Scholarship award from 2024. This is a wonderful opportunity for our senior students that has been facilitated by Charli, who is a passionate advocate for fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity, focusing on the Catholic Social Teaching Principles of human dignity and equality.

Simone has extensive experience in working with young people in schools and in respectful relationships education and has specialist knowledge in domestic, family and sexual violence, gender equity and prevention of violence against women.

This links beautifully with our Years 9-12 Community Mass (Liturgy) on Thursday 26th June, where our theme is ‘Valuing Inclusivity and Individuality’. Our students have been wonderful in driving and leading these events and we look forward to continuing to promote student voice and our Catholic Social Teaching principles that value each and every person.

F - 4 Community Mass

On Thursday 12th June, our F - 4 Community had their Mass, based on the theme of ‘The International Day of Play - Valuing Our Friends’. Our students and staff were wonderful in creating and participating in this celebration, reflecting on play being a gift from God, bringing laughter, creativity and connection. Play helps us grow in confidence, share with others and learn how to work together.

Students also reflected on what it means to be a good friend, someone who is kind, fair, forgiving and loyal. In all that we do, whether we are playing, learning or growing, God calls us to treat others with respect and love.

F - 8 Community Mass

On Thursday 19th June, our 5-8 Community had their Mass (Liturgy), based on the theme of ‘World Refugee Day’. During the liturgy, students and staff contributed to creating a symbolic 'Welcome Blanket' made of messages, drawings and prayers of welcome, hope and solidarity with refugees. This visible act of compassion becomes both a liturgical ritual and a call to live the Gospel by “welcoming the stranger” (Matthew 25:35).

In acknowledging World Refugee Day, we came together to remember and pray for the millions of people around the world who have had to leave their homes behind because of war, violence, poverty or fear. Refugees are people just like us, families, children, students and workers - seeking safety, peace and hope.

Students reflected on the importance of compassion, welcome and dignity for all people. We always aim to unite, inspire, lead and excel, with strength and kindliness, in all of our interactions.

Bishop Shane Mackinlay Visit

We are excited to welcome Bishop Shane Mackinlay to our Parish and School Community in a couple of weeks!

Bishop Shane will be meeting with parishioners, staff, students and members of the community, which will be wonderful. There will be a Parish Dinner at the Bocce Club on Saturday 28th June, please see further details in this newsletter. On July 2nd, Bishop Shane Mackinlay will be visiting St Augustine’s College and St Patrick’s Primary School Tongala. We look forward to this incredible opportunity and occasion.

Family Community Partnerships Meeting

This week we had our Family Community Partnerships meeting, which is an opportunity for families and and staff to collaborate; focusing on:

Connecting learning at home and school
Building a strong community and identity
Acknowledging the role of the family in student learning
Contributing to the Vision and Mission of the College
Participating in and leading College events

It was wonderful to reflect on and discuss Magnify and review Semester 1 and the amazing learning and work being achieved in our school community.

If you have any questions about Family Community Partnerships or would like to be involved, please contact Rach Chapman at the College.

Sacramental Program

Congratulations to our students who participated in their Sacrament of Reconciliation on Thursday 19th June.

Students, families and the Parish have been working wonderfully toward this and it was wonderful to celebrate this with our students.

Ministry Showcase

We were delighted to be a part of the Ministries Showcase held at St Augustine’s Church following Mass on Sunday 15th June.

It was a fantastic opportunity for us, alongside St Patrick’s Primary Tongala, to share the amazing learning and experiences in our school communities.

Thank you to the families and parishioners who came to speak with us and visit at the Expo and thank you to St Augustine’s for hosting us!

Australian Catholic Youth Festival

Calling all Years 10 and 11 students!

We have an amazing opportunity to attend the Australian Catholic Youth Festival 2025 in Melbourne from 29 November - 3 December. Transport, accommodation and most meals are included and we are able to support students who would like to attend. Please check out the link and fill in the form to express your interest.