Principal's Update 

Dear College Community,

As we move through Term 3, I am continually reminded of the strength, unity, and compassion that define our Catholic College Sale community. The past few weeks have been filled with moments of celebration, reflection, and deep gratitude.

Pathways Expo Evening – A Resounding Success

A heartfelt thank you to all members of our College community who attended our Pathways Expo Evening. We were thrilled to welcome over 800 attendees to the Expo, an incredible turnout that genuinely reflects the strong partnership between our College, families, and the wider community.

This event provided a fantastic opportunity for students and their families to receive exceptional guidance on careers and pathways. We extend our sincere appreciation to the many providers and industry representatives who generously gave their time to share valuable insights into future job opportunities and the evolving employment landscape in our region.

Your support plays a vital role in helping our students make informed and confident decisions about their future. Students have completed their 2026 subject selections, and we are in the process of collating these and developing our 2026 timetable.  Thank you for being part of this important journey.

2025 Wellington Shire Peace Mass – Pilgrims of Hope

Catholic College Sale proudly hosted the Annual Wellington Shire Peace Mass for 2025, welcoming nearly 2,000 students, teachers, and staff from across the region. First established in 2003 during the Gulf War, this cherished tradition continues to provide a powerful platform for reflecting on and promoting peace, unity, and hope.

Held in the Bishop Phelan Stadium, which was transformed into a sacred space, the Mass began with a vibrant procession of school banners and a visual display of national flags, highlighting the global importance of peace. Each school contributed artwork inspired by this year’s Jubilee Year theme: Pilgrims of Hope, with students decorating outlines of pilgrim feet to mark their footsteps on the stadium walls, a beautiful symbol of our collective journey toward peace.

A highlight of the celebration was the Offertory Procession, led by our tallest Year 12 student alongside one of our youngest prep students, illustrating the intergenerational responsibility of building a peaceful world.

Bishop Greg Bennet celebrated the Mass, inspiring us with his message:

“Peace must begin in our own hearts before we can create peace in the world. You cannot walk in another’s footsteps, you can only walk in your own shoes and footsteps. But we can all walk together as pilgrims of hope.”

We were blessed to be joined by members of the College Board, local dignitaries, DOSCEL representatives, and the Sisters of Sion from Melbourne. The combined choirs of Catholic College Sale and St Mary’s Sale created a beautiful atmosphere of celebration and peace.

Thank you to all who contributed to the success of this year’s Mass. We look forward to continuing this meaningful tradition in 2026.

Farewell to Marian Lappin – A Life of Service and Love

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved friend, colleague, and teacher, Marian Lappin, who served Catholic College Sale for over 38 years. Marian’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of our College, a legacy of kindness, compassion, and unwavering service to others.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the beautiful and dignified farewell held at the College in her honour, attended by over 1,100 people. 

To all current and past staff who assisted in the preparation and delivery of Marian’s funeral, your contributions, whether seen or unseen, were deeply appreciated.

Thank you to our entire staff for supporting one another and ensuring the smooth running of the College during this difficult time. Your professionalism and solidarity are a testament to the strength of our community.

Marian helped shape a culture of kindness and service at Catholic College Sale. Our challenge, and our commitment to her legacy, is to continue that work each day. She would want nothing less.

Marian’s funeral was held on the Feast of the Assumption, the day Mary ascended into heaven, and we commend Marian to God’s infinite mercy:

May Marian be welcomed into your heavenly kingdom, where there is no more pain or sorrow, but only everlasting joy and peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

With gratitude and hope,

Brett Van Berkel

Principal