‘Mamma Mia!’

Following the mid-year term break students and staff were excited to return to school for the two-week performance season of our College production, ‘Mamma Mia! The very first College production performed in our own St Clare Performing Arts Centre, the show was outstanding and I congratulate all involved, from those performing onstage, the members of the band, backstage crew, front of house crew, costume and set designers and creators sound and stage crew, hair and makeup and everyone else who contribute to the great success of our 2023 Production, all so skilfully led by our Director, Kylie Donnelly.

The joy this production has brought to students, whether by participating in some way or as an audience member, reflects all the efforts and many hours required to create a show of this standard. Congratulations to all involved!

World Youth Day

Six Padua College students are incredibly fortunate to currently be in Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day. Reuben Guest, Olivia Jolly, Lorelai Kiernan, Yamsin McCoy, Bella Walsh and Hollie Whitty were all selected by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools to attend this event where young Catholics from around the world gather together to deepen their faith. Ms Jessica Connors, along with Fr Jude Johnson and Fr John-Paul Mount are also attending World Youth Day and we keep them all in our prayers during this special time for them all. We look forward to them sharing their experiences on their return.

125 Anniversary Celebrations

We are currently preparing for our next 125^th Anniversary celebration event, the 125 Celebration Dinner on Saturday 26 August. This promises to be a wonderful evening with members of the College community gathering together at the Mornington Racecourse for an evening that will include presentations from past students Damien Mander (Founder & CEO of International Anti-Poaching Foundation, Class of 1997) and Kate Save (Winner of Telstra Vic Business Awards 2022 and Dietician and Co-Founder of Be Fit Foods, Class of 2000). There are still tickets available so please consider attending this event.125-year Celebration Dinner

ECAT

Last week students and parents joined staff at the Mornington Campus to participate in our annual College ECAT (Education Careers & Training) afternoon/evening. ECAT provides a wonderful opportunity for students preparing to undertake subject selection to explore the many different options on offer at Padua College and talk to staff about the potential pathways that subjects can offer.

ECAT was very well attended last week with many parents and their children taking the time to explore options prior to 2024 subject selections being due this week. My thanks to Mrs Shannon Maher, Ms Claire Stipic, Ms Tara Delgrosso and the Careers Team; Mrs Helen Sugameli, Mr Travis Pearce, Mr Curtis Stone, Ms Julie Young and the Learning & Pedagogy Leaders; Mr Luke Low, Mr Shaun Price, Mrs Linda Lillis, Mrs Deb Clarke, Ms Emma Pangrazio, the Maintenance Team and Learning Area Leaders.

Inter House Athletics

Earlier this week Year 7 – 9 students travelled to Casey Fields and Mornington Athletics Clubs to participate in the Interhouse Athletics Carnivals. The carnivals were held on Monday for Rosebud and Tyabb Campuses and on Tuesday for the Mornington Campus were well attended with fantastic student participation. My thanks to Mr Emilio Di Paolo, Ms Anna Whittaker, Mrs Nicole Lowe, Miss Jen De Longville and all staff who organised and attended these events.

Progress Reporting

Progress Reporting occurs at the College this week commencing on Thursday afternoon and going through until evening and then continuing throughout the day on Friday. These interviews will be held remotely based on overwhelming feedback from parents and staff on this being the preferred platform for these interviews.

School Advisory Council – Parent Representative

Parents will have received an email earlier this week seeking expressions of interest from current Padua College parents who may be interested in filling the vacated role of Parent Representative on the School Advisory Council.

The Padua College School Advisory Council acts as an advisory body to the principal, supporting the principal in the directions/policies of the school and assisting with planning for the future operation of the school.

If you like to see a copy of the Working Together in Mission: Charter for Parishes and Schools in the Archdiocese or Melbourne or the Padua College School Advisory Council Terms of Reference; or you are interested in seeking a position on the Council then please forward your Expression of Interest, including any appropriate skills and experience, to: Mrs Kelly McGurn, principal@padua.vic.du.au by Wednesday 9 August 2023.

Congratulations

We extend our congratulations to the following staff members:

Mrs Leah Hirt and her husband Webley on the recent arrival of baby Sebastian.

Mr Ryan Gingell and wife Belinda of the recent arrival of baby Alexander.

Staff News

Congratulations to Mrs Sarah Hansen on her appointment to the position of Human Resources Manager at the College.

Recently we farewelled Mr Paul Jenkins and I extend my best wishes to him for the future. This week we welcomed Mrs Kim Thomsen in the role of Music Teacher and Director of Music. We look forward to welcoming Kim to Padua College.

Peace and blessings.