Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been a joy to welcome our community for the 2026 school year. The energy across the College these past 4 weeks has been a reminder of the love, care and spirit that defines our school. The opening weeks of a new year always bring a renewed sense of purpose, and it has been heartening to see our students and staff quickly settle into the rhythm of learning, community, and shared expectations. To those who are joining our community for the first time, whether as new families or new staff, I offer a very warm welcome.

One of the great highlights of the early weeks of the year was our High Achievers Assembly. It was a privilege to recognise the outstanding efforts of our Year 12 Class of 2025, our DUX, Campbell Glazebrook, students who received a study score of 40+ in their subjects, as well as Hayley Jellie, who was selected for Top Designs as part of the VCE Season of Excellence. Hayley was one of 81 students selected from 1000 applicants.

Our College theme, ‘Lead with Love’, was introduced by our student leaders. It reminds all of us to interact with each other with care and compassion. Our student leaders will actively model this theme through their leadership and service, encouraging all members of our community to contribute generously and authentically.

I extend my sincere thanks to students, staff, and families for the strong spirit with which our community has approached key early experiences, including Year 7 Camp, Ash Wednesday, and inter-house and GD swimming. These moments are far more than calendar events; they are formative experiences that strengthen relationships, foster belonging, and help young people begin the year with a sense of confidence and connection. I also wish to acknowledge the important role that parents and carers play in this work. Your encouragement, involvement, and steady support make an enormous difference to your child’s growth, learning, and wellbeing.

It is also fitting to share with families that we will soon be welcoming a new Bishop to the Diocese of Ballarat. This is an important moment in the life of our local Church, and I encourage families to read the attached letter, which provides further information about this appointment. We also take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to Bishop Paul Bird, who has been a valued steward of our Diocese for the past twelve years. We thank him for his faithful leadership, pastoral care, and service to Catholic communities across our region, and we extend to him our warmest best wishes as he prepares for this transition.

This term, Catholic schools within the Diocese of Ballarat will be asked to complete a survey on Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI). This survey, conducted every 5 years, provides us with an understanding of how students, teachers and the community perceive the Catholic Identity of our school. Students will complete the survey next week, and a link for parents and carers will be sent shortly. The survey takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. As with all surveys, the larger the sample size, the better the data.

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent in the Catholic Calendar. Lent is the season of prayer, fasting and charitable giving. Lent represents a period (40 days) of spiritual renewal. It prepares Christians for Jesus crucifixion and resurrection at Easter.

Prayer for Lent

"God of endless kindness and mercy, open our hearts in this time of Lent. Give us courage to look at our lives with honesty; give us strength to deal with what we find; help us to forgive ourselves and each other, so that we may return to you with all our hearts. We make this prayer through Christ Jesus.

Amen."

Kind regards

Mr Jonathan Rowe

NCCD