Principal
Refugee Week in Australia
A Time for Compassion and Connection 16–22 June 2025
Refugee Week in Australia is a powerful opportunity to celebrate the resilience and contributions of refugees while raising awareness about the global and local issues they face. Held annually in June, this week encourages all Australians to reflect on the courage, strength, and hope shown by people who have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety.
The theme for Refugee Week 2025, Finding Freedom, invites us to consider what it truly means to live in a place where freedom is possible — and to stand in solidarity with those still striving for it. Events across the country will include community meals, storytelling, art exhibitions, and school-based activities that foster empathy and understanding.
The Refugee Council of Australia’s response to the question – What does it mean to be free? – is:
To live without the fear of war, to have your basic human rights upheld, to live in equality, and without the fear of persecution are just some of the examples of what freedom can entail. Every day, millions of people across the world embark on dangerous journeys for the sole purpose of finding safety and freedom. From Australia to nations across the globe, settling into a new environment after experiencing the perils of a refugee’s journey can also provide the opportunity to live, to love, and to dream. To read more, click HERE
In Catholic schools and communities, Refugee Week resonates with the Gospel call to "welcome the stranger" and aligns with the 2025 Church Jubilee theme of "Pilgrims of Hope." Just as pilgrims journey in search of meaning and home, refugees journey seeking peace, safety, and dignity.
This Refugee Week, let us open our hearts, amplify refugee voices, and commit to building a more just and inclusive society — one where all people, regardless of origin, can find freedom, belonging, and hope.
Thank you to Hannah Collocott, who has organised prayers for our Homerooms this week, focusing on the theme of Freedom.
Year 9 Camp
Thank you to Ben Stein for his leadership of this camp and to all the staff who participated during the week – Bekk Anthony, Dareen Besanko, Scott Blencowe, Jessica Cox, Hamish Duckmanton, Kellie Gwin, Jo Knox, Anna Patterson, Stephen Ross-Bryant, Robyn Scouller, Chris Spencer, and Melinda Stephan.
Year 10 Work Experience
Thank you to Kate Dwyer, Melissa Preston, and Cassie Raschle for their efforts in ensuring that students could engage in a week of Work Experience.
SSV Gippsland Region Cross Country
Well done to all the students who recently competed in the SSV Gippsland Regional Finals of the Cross Country.
Congratulations to both our Under 13 and 17- 20 Girls’ teams, who won their section. An outstanding effort!
Next commitment is the State Cross Country: Thursday 24th July @ Yarra Valley Racing Club.
Thanks to Tavis Newton, Aliesha Wriggley, and Alisha Hemming for their work.
GAT and Internal Exams
Thank you to Di Malloy for the arrangements and management of the GAT and her ongoing work with our internal exams. Additionally, thanks to Rachel Collins and Bekk Anthony for their organisation as well as all others who are supporting these crucial assessments – Cade Maskell, Kate Dwyer, Melinda Stephan, Michelle Krohn, Adrienne Layton, Laura Higgins, and our Maintenance Team.
Year 7 2026 Enrolments
Year 7 Enrolments for 2026 were expected to be submitted by 31 May 2025.
There are places available, so we will continue to review applications. However, as a matter of fairness, priority will be given to completed applications submitted on or before May 31, and those received after that date will be processed in the order of receipt, according to our policy.
Staff News
This week, we welcome Jessica Retallick as our new College Receptionist. Please make her feel welcome.
Sharnee Allen and Clare Williams will commence from 23 June as new School Health Officers. They will job-share the role, and both will be on site each Monday. Both are highly skilled and experienced health professionals. Sharnee is a registered nurse, and Clare is a paramedic. Please make them feel welcome when they commence next week.
Sapientia Domini Docet Nos
John M Freeman