Learning and Teaching 

Create Belonging

World Teachers’ Day

Our school community celebrated World Teachers’ Day on Friday, 31 October. This is a day when we formally acknowledge the remarkable work of teachers at Catholic College Sale and the profound impact they have on our students' lives. Our teachers not only teach their subjects but also work daily to inspire students to find their passion and be the best person they can be. Teachers at Catholic College Sale build community, and their influence reaches beyond the classroom. I am very proud of the teachers at our school, and we are grateful for their dedication to creating a sense of belonging, challenging our students to strive for excellence, and celebrating every success.

Strive for Excellence

Exams

Over the past two weeks, our VCE Unit 3–4 students have begun their external written examinations. Recent weeks have seen the Ratisbonne Centre buzzing with students and teachers working together. There has been a strong sense of achievement and relief as students progress through their exams. They should be commended for the way in which they have prepared and conducted themselves during this time.

On Friday, the exam period for Years 9, 10, and 11 will begin. These exams are a time for students to demonstrate their learning from the semester. We wish all students the very best as they approach these important assessments.

Headstart

Headstart will begin on Monday, 24 November, with all students commencing their 2026 classes with their new teachers. This time is an opportunity for students to familiarise themselves with their new timetable, teachers, and subjects so they begin the next year with a strong foundation. It allows them to establish important routines and expectations, and for senior students to understand the holiday homework and study required in preparation for the upcoming school year. Families are asked to ensure students have a new workbook ready to support a positive and organised start to their studies. I encourage all students to maintain their focus and effort as we conclude the year. Continuing to demonstrate strong study habits and a positive work ethic will ensure they are striving for excellence in all areas of their schooling.

Celebrate Success

Exit Here Art Exhibition

Last week, we celebrated the Art Department at our school. The quality of student work exhibited was exceptional, showcasing just how creative, skilled, and hardworking our students are. The diversity of pieces across visual arts, visual communication and design, and product design was a treat for all who attended. Thanks to our Arts Staff Team for their support of the evening and the wonderful work they have done with students throughout the year.

We are so proud of Year 11 student Ethan Monck, whose determination and positive spirit shine through in everything he does. Ethan is not only achieving wonderful things at school but is also making a real difference in our local community!

Rachael Bown 

Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching 

Alumni Profile 

Prue Nowak Class of 2020

Where has life taken you since graduating from CCS?

After finishing Year 12, I went straight to Deakin University where I completed a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Financial Planning. I’m now studying for my Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting through Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, working towards becoming a Chartered Accountant.I’m currently an accountant at DMG Partners. I started there in a graduate role straight out of uni and have since been promoted. I’ve been with DMG for about a year and a half.I haven't taken any long-term travel breaks, but I’ve been lucky enough to fit in a few trips to Europe and Asia whenever my work and study schedule allows.

What are your favourite memories from Catholic College Sale, or your favourite school tradition or event?

My standout memory is our Geography trip to Vietnam (photos below) . Most of my friends came along, and experiencing the culture together made it unforgettable. I also loved the everyday moments—spending time with friends who have now become lifelong connections that I still catch up with regularly.

What do you enjoy most about your current career?

I really enjoy working with my colleagues and clients at DMG. The work is rewarding, and I’m grateful for the opportunities the firm gives me to grow professionally. I also love the flexibility—whether it’s travelling for work or working from home. I’ve always wanted to be an accountant, so getting to work with numbers every day is exactly where I hoped to be.

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

Take every opportunity offered at school. I wish I’d travelled more and thrown myself into more school events while I could.

What message would you like to share with today’s students and teachers?

Stress less. Year 12 isn’t everything. You’ll end up where you’re meant to be, and your future isn’t defined by one score. Enjoy your time at school, appreciate your friends, and make the most of each day—you don’t realise how special it is until it’s gone.

We are proud to celebrate the success of the alumni of Catholic College Sale.

Lachlan Jones Class of 2016 

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

After finishing school at Catholic College Sale, I spent two years living in Melbourne and studying. I initially started a Bachelor of Property Valuation at RMIT straight after Year 12, but after a year I quickly realised it wasn’t my passion, even after spending my final school year thinking it would be my career. I then pursued Secondary Teaching and Arts at ACU, majoring in Business and minoring in Psychology, following in the footsteps of my mum, who is a primary school principal here in Sale.

During breaks from my studies, I worked at Wellington Shire in the Leisure Services team as a lifeguard and in various operational and managerial roles, eventually becoming operations coordinator. During this time, I also achieved a personal goal of buying my first house in 2021.

I returned to Catholic College Sale in 2022 for a placement, taking on an English tutoring role and eventually becoming a fully qualified teacher. Since then, I’ve mainly taught in the VM and Humanities domains, including Personal Development and VCE Business Management. In 2025, I was promoted to Director of College Operations.

What are your favourite memories from Catholic College Sale, or your favourite school tradition or event?

Some of my favourite memories from school are simple but meaningful—time spent with friends in class and in the yard, playing 4-square at lunch, grabbing Milo cup ice creams from the canteen, or playing Yahtzee in Year 12 maths. Camps were also highlights, whether it was getting seasick on the Spirit of Tasmania during Year 10 Tassie camp, or hanging out in the pool and shooting hoops on Year 12 retreat, those times were hard to beat.

What do you enjoy most about your current career?

What I love most about my current career is seeing students grow. It’s incredible to watch them develop from kids into young adults, and as a younger teacher I feel I can relate to them and be someone they trust. I particularly enjoy helping students reach their academic potential, whether that’s achieving top marks or simply what they are capable of.

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

If I could give my younger self some advice, it would be to take every opportunity you’re given. Whether it’s joining a sports team, going on an immersion, or taking a leadership role, don’t play it too safe. This also goes for spending time with friends. Walking through the halls of CCS now, memories of my mates are everywhere.

What message would you like to share with today’s students and teachers?

To current students, I’d say: enjoy your time at school. Don’t just wait for it to be over—the years go by faster than you think, and looking back, it was some of the most enjoyable years of my life. To the staff, I want to say thank you for welcoming me back so warmly. Shifting from student to colleague has been seamless, and I feel supported just as I did as a student.

Being back at CCS has been an incredible journey, and I’m proud to continue being part of this amazing community.