From Rach Chapman

Bishop Joe Grech Scholarships 

Bishop Joe was born in Malta on 10 December 1948. After completing the first four years of studies for the priesthood in Malta, he arrived in Australia in 1971. He completed his last four years of studies at Corpus Christi College in Melbourne and was ordained a priest in 1974.  

In 1999 Bishop Joseph was appointed as Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne prior to his appointment as the sixth Bishop of the Sandhurst Diocese on 27 April 2001 where he served until his untimely death on 28 December 2010. Bishop Joe was tireless in bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to all. His episcopal motto – Come Lord Jesus! - inspired his every action! 

He was a much-loved champion of young people and was enthusiastic in his commitment and leadership of many World Youth Day celebrations across the world. He was always available to young people in particular. He always had such faith in young people across the world.  

Bishop Joe was very committed to Catholic schools – he loved the students, knew so many by name and was always interested in the staff and their families – he had an enormous capacity for love and was always available for school community celebrations. Bishop Joe was very committed to providing young people with access to quality catechesis and believed strongly that our senior students did not want their religious education to be anything but rigorous. He was very optimistic about the Church and the important contribution of young people in its growth and development. Bishop Joe was respected by all with whom he came into contact. 

Bishop Joe was proud of his Maltese heritage and equally proud to be an Australian, the wonderful blend of these cultures manifested in the character of this truly great man. 

We encourage students in Years 10 and 11 to apply for the Bishop Joe Grech scholarships for 2026! 

To be eligible, potential awardees need to: 

• be enrolled in a Catholic Secondary College in Sandhurst in Years 10 or 11 and plan to continue to the end of Year 12 

• have contributed to leadership initiatives in their school/s and/or the diocese (innovation/implementation/evaluation) 

• present a detailed proposal for participation in a planned or self-designed Spirituality or Faith Leadership program 

• make a commitment to provide a one page report of the Renewal Program to the Principal of their school 

Some examples of programs and opportunities that may be considered are: 

• Australian Catholic Youth Festival (when offered) 

• Indigenous Immersion Programs 

• Self-devised and approved programs 

Please contact Mrs Chapman for further information or to discuss your application.   

Sandhurst Formation Institute – Youth Stream 

Interested Years 10-12 students are invited to the Sandhurst Youth Ministry Partnership Youth Stream of the SFI on Friday 21st August at Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton. 

Through inspiring presentations from Gen Bryant and the Wavemakers, interactive seminars, prayer, music, and opportunities to connect with peers from across the Diocese, students will deepen their faith, encounter Jesus, and discover what it means to live as confident missionary disciples within the life and mission of the Church. 

Students are also welcome to participate in the Saturday Youth Stream program independently of the school. 

This is a Sandhurst Diocesan public event.  There is no cost to attend and the event will be catered. 

There is a choice of seminars available on each day.  The flyer attached below outlines the seminar choices and the presenters. 

Please contact Mrs Chapman at school for further information.

Sandhurst Pilgrimage to World Youth Day Seoul 2027, Expression of Interest Now Open 

Led by Bishop Rene Ramirez RCJ, the Diocese of Sandhurst pilgrimage to World Youth Day Seoul 2027 offers participants the chance to deepen their faith, encounter the universal Church, and grow as intentional and missionary disciples alongside millions of young Catholics from around the world. The estimated cost is $6,000–$7,000 with CESL subsidies available. 

Expressions of interest are now open.  The Expression of interest is not a commitment to the Pilgrimage nor does it guarantee a place but it will assist with SYM and CESL planning and ensure all interested parties receive communication. 

Please contact Mrs Chapman at school for further information.

Sock it to the Can 

During Term 2, there have been a number of activities focusing on supporting people in our community who may be vulnerable or less fortunate than us. As the weather cools, we recognise that many in our community at times go without food, warmth and other necessities.  

Over the next few weeks we are asking our students and families, if they are able, to please donate a can of food, or a new pair of socks, for our ‘Sock It To The Can’ campaign. We look forward to supporting our local St Vinnie’s in continuing to provide items and support for our families and people in need in our community.  

We will be collecting items until the end of the first week of Term 3.  Items can be left at the front office or brought to TA spaces. 

Thank you for your support with this! 

Campaspe Youth Awards 2026 

Campaspe Youth Awards 2026 close Sunday 21st June. The Campaspe Youth Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements, leadership and contributions of young people aged 12–25 who live, work, study, or volunteer in the Campaspe Shire. 

We know there are many incredible young people within our school communities who are making a positive difference every day. Whether they are leading initiatives, supporting others, protecting the environment, excelling in the arts or creating positive change, we encourage you to take a few minutes to nominate them for recognition. 

Award categories include: 

• Excellence in Leadership 

• Excellence in Community Impact 

• Excellence in Environmental Sustainability 

• Excellence in Innovation & Enterprise 

• Excellence in Arts & Culture 

• Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion 

All nominees will also automatically be considered for the Youth Recognition Award, which will be selected by the Campaspe Youth Action Group (YAG). 

Winners in each category will receive: 

• $500 prize 

• Trophy 

• Certificate 

• Recognition at the official awards ceremony in August 

Nominations can be submitted online at: http://www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/youthawards 

We would greatly appreciate your support in helping us identify and celebrate the outstanding young people within our school community. 

Prayer for our school community 

Loving God, As we journey through this season of growth and learning, 

we thank You for the gift of our school community. 

In this month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, help us to grow in love, kindness and compassion. 

May our words be gentle, our actions generous, and our hearts open to one another. 

Bless our students, that they may be curious and courageous learners. 

Bless our staff, that they may guide and inspire with patience and wisdom. 

Bless our families, that they may be strengthened by Your peace and love. 

May we see Christ in one another each day, 

and may all we do reflect Your light in the world. 

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Rach Chapman

Deputy Principal

Catholic Identity and Community