As we approach the conclusion of Term 1, and planning for Term 2 well underway, I am pleased to showcase some of the notable events from this term in this edition of The Paduan.

Camps and Retreats

Throughout the term, Year 7 students from each of our campuses have engaged in Year 7 Camps. These camps offer our incoming Year 7 students a valuable opportunity to connect with their peers within their House, as well as with their House Coordinator and some of their new teachers. The Year 7 Camp experiences were positively received by the students, and I would like to extend my gratitude to the House Coordinators, staff and Year 9 Student Leaders who attended these camps and contributed to these enriching experiences for our students.

Recently, our Year 12 students participated in a three-day offsite retreat. This event offered an excellent opportunity for students to connect with their peers within their House and engage with their House Coordinator exploring House Charism. Additionally, the retreat facilitated opportunity for self-reflection and a focus on our Catholic identity. I would like to express my gratitude to the Mission Identity Team, House Coordinators, and attending teachers for their efforts in making this a meaningful experience for our Year 12 students.

Lent

We celebrated the commencement of the Season of Lent with Ash Wednesday liturgies on 5 March. This was proceeded by Shrove Tuesday where students spent their eXcel lesson learning about the meaning of this tradition where, historically families would make pancakes as a way to use up rich ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter before the start of Lent. Students where then given the opportunity to purchase pancakes from the school canteens with all money going to Caritas. Lent is the season in the Church where we spend time in prayer, fasting and alms giving (donating to those in need) in preparation for Easter when we celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Catholic Education Week

Catholic Education Week was celebrated recently in the week commencing Monday 17 March. There were a number of celebrations within the Melbourne Archdiocese, including Friday where a number of students attending Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Thomas McInnes (Year 12) represented the College at the Young Speakers Colloquium and Mr Paul Jenkins, along with a combination of students from the Mornington Campus Stage, Yeehaw and Latin Bands who performed at the Concert in the Park following Mass. The week concluded with the Creative Arts Exhibition Awards Presentation, where several students were recognised for their achievements including: Ruby Proy (Year 12 2024), Mikayla Morabita (Year 11), Sarah Norris (Year 11) and Emily Geddes (Year 10).

Year 7 2027 Enrolments

Online Enrolments for Year 7 2027 at Padua College (children in Grade 5 2025) opened on Tuesday 28 January 2025.

Prospective families are invited to visit their nearest Junior Campus on a school tour to get a sense of the culture, community, environment, and opportunities that an education at Padua College offers, bookings can be made via the following link: https://www.padua.vic.edu.au/enrolment-tours/school-tours-3.

Details regarding Year 7 2027 enrolment are now available on the College website https://www.padua.vic.edu.au/enrolment-tours/information-applications.

Enrolment applications for Year 7, 2026 close Friday 30 May 2025.

Term Dates

I remind families that of the following dates as we conclude Term 1:

Peace and blessings,

Kelly McGurn

PRINCIPAL