As we prepare to welcome the term one school holidays, I wish to acknowledge the way in which students have embraced the opportunities offered to them and really engaged in their learning and extra-curricular activities.

In what has been a very busy return to the school year, the first term has been full of activity, a snapshot of which has been outlined in my article in the first edition of The Paduan for the year and below.

Year 7 Camps

All Year 7 students across the campuses have been involved in a three-day camp during term one. This is a very important transition activity for our Year 7s as it provides an opportunity for them each to get to know their classmates, and their House Co-ordinator, whom they will share for their Year 7 – 9 years.

Year 12 Retreat

Recently, all Year 12 students attended a three-day Retreat which provided time to reflect on the themes of belonging and interconnectedness, recognition of their own unique gifts and God-given talents, as well as our College theme for the year, ‘Let the love you have in your hearts be shown outwardly in your deeds’.

These Retreats are always much valued and treasured times for our Year 12 students and the staff who attend, and I thank the members of the Mission Identity Team and House Co-ordinators who ensure the success of these Retreats.

Swimming Carnivals

Each campus has participated in a swimming carnival this term and following the intercampus time trials held this week, teams will begin preparing for the SIS Swimming Competition to be held in term two.

SIS Music Big Night

Last week many of our students performed in the SIS Music Big Night in Dandenong. This was a wonderful opportunity to perform alongside students from other schools and in front of a large audience. My thanks to Mrs Anne-Marie Wilkinson who stage manages this event for the Southern Independent Schools organisation, along with the Padua College Music Department which prepared the students and accompanied them on the night.

Top Class Music and Music on the Lawn

Last Thursday was a big day for the Mornington Music Department. Year 12 student Amelia Craigie performed at the Melbourne Recital Centre as part of Top Class Music 2024 accompanied by students Emily Forrest, Emily Galante, Lachie Polinelli, Ruby Proy, along with Music Staff Ms Jackie Sannia and Mr Dave Tohill. Congratulations also to Amelia’s VCE VET Music teacher, Mrs Jodie Williams.

This was followed by the inaugural Music on the Lawn event at the Mornington Campus on Thursday evening and I thank Director of Music, Mrs Kim Thomsen, and the Mornington Campus Music staff for their work in putting this event together.

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day was celebrated recently with a presentation streamed to all students focusing on women’s rights and bridging the gap between males and females. This presentation was prepared and led by students, and I thank Mr Sam Wright and Ms Suzi Hyland for their work with students Laura Kemp and Fyonn Munro on this presentation to the College community.

NAPLAN

Students in Years 7 and 9 have undertaken NAPLAN recently and I thank Ms Angelina Ranson, Vice Principal – Learning and Teaching, along with Learning & Pedagogy Leaders Mr Andrew Ferguson (M), Mr Chris Ryan (M), Mrs Melissa Kenyon (T) and Mr Sonny Voss (R), along with Mrs Linda Lillis for their work in organising and administering this testing.

Progress Reporting

Progress Report Interviews commenced this week (Wednesday afternoon and evening) and will continue next term on Tuesday 16 April. This is an important opportunity for parents and students to have a conversation with classroom teachers on the progress made so far this semester and any areas that might need some improvement.

Staffing

I thank Mr Jim Baird who will take on the role of Acting Assistant Head of Campus - Student Wellbeing and Growth, for term two. The appointment of this position from term three is currently being finalised and will be announced shortly.

Congratulations to Mr Sam Noonan who has been appointed to the position of Djeembana House Co-ordinator from the commencement of term two.

I extend my thanks to the following staff for supporting the College in acting positions of leadership during term one:
Ms Lisa Modd - Acting Deputy Principal, Head of Year 10-12 Campus
Mr Jim Baird - Acting Co-Director, Rosebud Campus
Mr Paul Ribet - Acting Assistant Head of Year 10-12 Campus
Mr Sam Noonan - Acting Elizabeth House Co-ordinator
Ms Mairead Johnson - Acting Djeembana House Co-ordinator
Kathleen Ronchi - Acting Catholic Identity Leader, Rosebud Campus

At the end of this term we farewell the following staff:
Ms Loretta Lloyd (M)
Mr Wayne Hardy (M)
Amanda Burchell (M)
Mrs Laura Allen (M)
Mrs Michele Fatchen (M)
Ms Martina Woolnough (R)
Suzanne Martin (M)

Recent appointments at the College include:
Ms Jaimie Smith to the role of Canteen Manager
Ms Nicolette Kyberd as Canteen Assistant
Ms Bree Lovell as Canteen Assistant
Mr Rick Palahinjak - Network and Systems Administrator
Mr Nathan Bentley – Music (M)
Miss Ellis Stanley – French Language Assistant (M)
Ms Anne Hunt French Language Assistant (M)
Mrs Kate Dwyer Enrolments Assistant
Miss Bria Daher LSO (M)
Mr Owen Crozier LSO (M)

At the commencement of term two we welcome the following new staff to the College:
Ms Caroline Jeremiah – Deputy Principal, Year 10-12 Campus (M)
Mr Patrick Lim - Maths (M)
Mrs Cassandra Darnett - Food Technology and Science (M)
Miss Kirsty Atkinson - Applied Learning Leader (M)

The following staff will be returning from leave at the beginning of term two:
Mrs Simone Wright (R)
Mrs Maria Rittman (T)
Mrs Kellie Jolley (T)

The following staff will be commencing a period of leave from the start of term two:
Mrs Leigh O’Neill (M)
Ms Bernadette Devlin (M)
Ms Olivia Seal (M)
Mr Bill Esman (M)
Mrs Sharon Ryan (R
Mairead Johnson (M)

Condolences

We keep in our prayers the Richards family following the passing of Jo Richards after a long illness recently. My condolences to Derek, Sam (Year 12 2021), Archie (Year 12 2023) and Clara (Year 10).

Enrolments

Year 7 2026 Enrolments

If you have a child in Grade 5 and would like them to attend Padua College in Year 7 2026, please ensure that they have been enrolled before Friday 10 May. Enrolments can be made online via the College website ENROL HERE

Mobile Phone Policy

I wish to thank parents for their continued support of our College Mobile Phone Policy. At the commencement of 2019, Padua College implemented this Policy which does not permit students to access their phones during the school day and it has been met with great success with our students being so much more engaged with each other during the day.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind both students and parents that if mobile phones are brought to school, they are to be placed in lockers prior to the first bell, and remain in lockers throughout the day where they can then be accessed again after the final bell. Any mobile phones being used throughout the school day will be confiscated.

If students need to contact home throughout the day, they should see their House Co-ordinator or go to College Reception.

Uniform

A reminder to all members of the Padua College community that Winter Uniform must be worn between 1 May and 31 August and College Uniform is expected at all times. The College Uniform policy can be found in the student diary (for Year 7 - 9 students) and on the College website: https://www.padua.vic.edu.au/p....
Wearing the College Uniform reflects our students’ pride in themselves and in the College and I ask all parents and guardians to make themselves familiar with these regulations and support us in ensuring that your child is wearing our College uniform correctly.

Easter Blessings

Easter Sunday is the most important day in the Christian calendar, celebrating the resurrection of Christ. But the week leading up to Easter is also important to many in the Christian Faith.

Holy Week holds immense significance in the Catholic Church as it commemorates the final week of Jesus Christ's life on Earth, leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection. It is considered the most sacred week in the liturgical calendar and is marked by special rituals and liturgies.

The week includes five days of special significance. The first is Palm Sunday (last Sunday). Holy Week is a time in which we gather to remember and participate in the Passion of Jesus Christ. The Passion was the final period of Christ’s life in Jerusalem, which spans from when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, to when He was crucified.

Four special ceremonies commemorate the events of Christ’s Passion, starting with his entrance into Jerusalem, when palm branches were placed in His path, through to His arrest on Holy Thursday and Crucifixion on Good Friday, to Holy Saturday, the day that Christ’s body lay in the tomb.

Easter is the greatest celebration in the Catholic Church because it completes Holy week that ends with the resurrection of Jesus.

The Easter story teaches us humility and love. The life and teaching, and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, together this is a reflection on the efficacy of humility, service, self-sacrifice, and true love.

As Catholics, we live in hope, not fear, and with God’s mercy and love, can face the challenges in life.

I wish all members of the Padua College community blessings for this Easter. I wish all students and staff a safe and restful school holiday break and I look forward to welcoming you back for the commencement of Term 2. Please note that Monday 15 April is a professional learning day for staff and Tuesday 16 April is the second of our Semester 1 Progress Reporting days. Term two will commence for students on Wednesday 17 April.

Peace and blessings,

Kelly McGurn
PRINCIPAL