Learning and Teaching 

Create Belonging

Semester One has been both an exciting and busy period, giving students the opportunity to consolidate new learning and demonstrate their developing skills. It has been positive to see students experiencing the rewards that come from sustained effort, active engagement in class, and regular reinforcement of new concepts.

This term, we have also challenged students to demonstrate aspiration by working hard, setting meaningful goals, and showing that they are engaged learners. If your child has received feedback suggesting they may benefit from greater focus or commitment, encourage them to reflect on how they participate in class, how much time they dedicate to regular study, and the strategies they use to prepare.

Year 12 Study in the Ratisbonne Centre

Our VCE students are encouraged to take the opportunity to come together as a community of learners and use the Ratisbonne study space from Monday to Thursday, 3:15–6:00 pm. Past data shows that students who study frequently in this space after school have achieved greater success in their final results. The centre is supervised each afternoon, and students have access to fresh fruit, hot drinks, and snacks for afternoon tea.

Attendance

There is a significant amount of evidence to support the fact that regular school attendance is vital for students to maximise learning, develop crucial social skills, and build long-term success. Attending school every day is crucial for academic achievement (literacy and numeracy) and wellbeing. Poor attendance leads to learning gaps, disengagement, and limited future employment opportunities.

Have Your Say on VCE Studies

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) is inviting students, parents and carers, teachers, and members of the wider community to provide feedback on VCE study designs as part of its 2026 Have Your Say on VCE Studies consultation.

The survey takes just 5–10 minutes to complete, and your feedback will help inform future reviews and improvements to VCE studies across Victoria.

The survey is anonymous and closes on Monday, 10 August 2026.

If you would like to share your feedback, you can complete the survey via the VCAA's 2026 Have Your Say on VCE Studies consultation page.

Strive for Excellence

Semester 2 has begun

The last two weeks of the semester have seen students transition into their Semester 2 subjects. This includes Year 7 changing their elective subjects, the commencement of Units 2 and 4 in the VCE stream, and Years 9 and 10 moving to their new elective streams. Students have had the last two weeks to make any changes to their elective stream in Years 9–11, and at the commencement of Term 3, there will not be any more changes to timetabled classes.

Over the holidays, all students are strongly encouraged to take the time to check their resources and restock any items in preparation for the second half of the year to ensure they are ready for successful learning.

Pathways Evening – Thursday 23 July

Planning for the 2027 school year is well underway, and a review of our elective subject offerings has taken place. Learning Area Leaders have proposed updates and new additions to the curriculum, guided by student interests and a commitment to providing a broad and engaging range of subjects.

The updated Curriculum Handbook will be available during the week of our Pathways Evening, taking place on Thursday 23 July. We strongly encourage all families to review this important document, which will be accessible via the College website and through a link on SIMON. We look forward to welcoming all families of students entering Years 9 to 12 in 2027 to our Pathways Evening. It’s a valuable opportunity to explore subject choices and gain insights into the next stage of your child's learning journey.

Our Pathways Evening is a very important date in our school calendar. Families of students in Years 8–11 are strongly encouraged to attend one of the advertised information sessions and then move to the stadium, where industry and tertiary educators will be on hand to share information and answer any of your questions. In addition to this, our subject areas will have displays promoting their courses, and teachers will be on hand to share information about their subject areas and answer any questions. We look forward to seeing all our families there on the night.

Share Success

Exam Period

I would like to take this opportunity to thank students in Years 9–12 for their effort and commitment to study during the exam period. I am sure the experience of exams has been a reflection of their efforts throughout the semester and reflects the hard work that has been undertaken throughout Semester 1. Our community is proud of the way our students approach their learning, whether it be academic studies, learning a musical instrument, mastering a drama performance, or representing our College in one of our many sporting events. Our students and teachers approach all activities with great enthusiasm, matching this with hard work and knowing they will achieve success by giving their best.

End-of-semester reports

Parents and carers will receive their child's end-of-semester report on the final day of Term 2. These reports provide a meaningful overview of each student's academic progress, learning behaviours, and areas of growth across the first half of the year. They are designed to celebrate achievements while also highlighting the next steps in learning that will support continued development as students move into Semester 2.

We encourage families to take time to read the report together and engage in an open conversation about learning—what has gone well, what challenges have emerged, and what goals can be set for the months ahead. This shared reflection helps students build ownership of their learning and strengthens the partnership between home and school. Families who would like to discuss their child's progress further are warmly invited to reach out to the relevant teachers for feedback or guidance.

Alumni Profile 

From the classrooms of Catholic College Sale to the AFL stage, Charlie Comben's journey is one of resilience, determination and making the most of every opportunity. Since being drafted by North Melbourne in the 2019 AFL Draft, Charlie has overcome significant injury setbacks while building a career that extends beyond football through university study, media, travel and music. Now an established AFL player and member of the club's leadership group, Charlie's story is a reminder that success is rarely a straight path. 

Where has life taken you since graduating from Catholic College Sale (e.g. university, work, travel)?

After completing my studies in Year 12, I nervously awaited the 2019 AFL Draft. I had spent most of my final year of school finely balancing the commitments of both representative football and collecting as many decent marks as possible in my VCE units. Upon reflection, I think more time may have been dedicated to football, which ultimately paid off. I was drafted to the North Melbourne Football Club at Pick 31 in the 2019 AFL Draft. 

Filled with nervousness and excitement, I set off to Melbourne thinking my first few years of a professional sporting career would be filled with hard work, fun and a lot of winning. It wasn’t to be, but I did get one thing right, hard work. My first year was derailed before the season started with a broken back and personal loss, which sidelined me for the entirety of my debut season. Season 2 saw a stress fracture in my leg, which put me out of action until my debut in the second-to-last game of the season. While ultimately my first four years of football were filled with doubt, a bit of pain and next to nothing to celebrate, I can reflect now on this time fondly. 

At this time, I picked up some study at ACU. I’m now 3 units away from completing a Bachelor of Commerce at the same university I started at. I was presented with an opportunity in media and began to hone my craft on the 200 Plus Podcast. I’ve travelled the world in my off-season, taking me to countries I adored like Iceland and the Faroe Islands. And more recently decided to act on a long-standing passion for music, which has culminated in the formation of my band ‘non playable character’. And to top all this off, my football career finally seems to have taken shape. I’ve now played 60 AFL games and was voted into the club's leadership group for the 2026 season. 

What are some of your favourite memories from your time at Catholic College Sale?

Was there a particular school tradition or event that you especially enjoyed?

Hindsight is a great thing. I loved my time at CCS for two reasons. The relationships I formed during my time there have been super important in allowing me to hold balance between career and living life. The day-to-day of seeing friends, catching up and hanging out at lunchtime are perhaps the fondest memories I have. And how good were the event days? Athletics carnivals, school sports days and Performing Arts all stick out as great days on the CCS calendar. 

What do you enjoy most about your current career?

I love the challenges every new day presents. Playing for a struggling club has also built a lot of resilience and problem-solving on the fly. And after a period of lows for North Melbourne across the last 7 years, it seems we have taken a huge step in the right direction and are challenging to break into the right end of the ladder this year. 

Football aside, this career has provided me with a ton of opportunities. We get time to travel and gain new experiences. The networks and people I have met along the journey have shaped me as a person. And I’m extremely grateful that I get to work towards a common goal with a close-knit team every day (and call it a job). 

What advice would you give to your younger self back in school?

Put time into the things you enjoy most, but always find time to challenge yourself in things you don’t, but are necessary to further yourself. Seek advice from your peers, teachers and family about how you can improve in whatever you’re doing. Spend time building relationships with people you normally wouldn’t. Oh, and have fun! You’ll look back at this time fondly. 

What is one message you would like to share with today's students and teachers at Catholic College Sale?

When I look back at my schooling, I think of lessons I learnt at the time, which may not of taken shape until later in life. To the teachers who taught and interacted with me in my time, thank you. The lessons you instilled in me may have fallen on deaf ears at the time, but know that they have significantly shaped who I am today for the better. To the students of today, heed the above advice and maybe act upon it quicker than I did. 

Final Message 

Resilience is the decision you make to quietly try just one more time. You never know where it can take you. From my experience, no matter the result, you’ll be left feeling content with your efforts. And that’s what’s important. And finally, enjoy even the most mundane moments of your life, it’s time you’ll never get back.