Embedded Files
Inspiring Minds, Hearts and Spirits
Principal's Report
Principal's Report
MR STEPHEN DWYER | Term 1, Week 10
Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of our College community.
Term 1 has been a very busy and fulfilling term, filled with rich learning activities, meaningful faith experiences, diverse co-curricular and sporting activities and positive interactions.
Throughout this term, we have seen great growth in our 2025 targeted areas of improvement. The students have been actively engaging in meaningful prayer experiences, which continue to deepen the faith life of our College and help our students engage more fully in their spiritual journey. Our staff have been deeply committed to implementing a whole-school approach to the explicit teaching of writing. This is already bearing fruit, as students are developing greater confidence and skill in expressing their thoughts with clarity and purpose. Additionally, the staff have been working to shape our Wellbeing Framework as a strong foundation for supporting students and ensuring that our community continues to be one where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Lent and Easter
As we journey through Lent towards the joy of Easter, we are reminded that this season is one of reflection, renewal, and transformation. Lent invites us to pause, to examine our hearts, and to embrace the call to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—not as burdens, but as opportunities for growth.
In our everyday lives, we often find ourselves giving endlessly to others. This Lenten season encourages us to refocus, to be present in the stillness, and to remember why we do what we do. Easter, then, is our reminder that darkness does not have the final word. The Resurrection brings hope, renewal, and new life. Just as Christ overcame the tomb, we too are called to rise—to embrace each day with renewed hope, purpose, faith, and love.
Let us all take a moment to reflect on how we can embody the message of Easter in our own lives through kindness, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to our call to love others.
Gratitude
In our week 8 assembly, I spoke about something that has the power to transform the way we see the world, and that is gratitude.
In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong, or what we don’t have, or the challenges we face. But what if we shifted our focus to what we do have? What if, instead of dwelling on our struggles, we made a conscious effort to appreciate the blessings in our lives?
Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you.” It’s about recognising and appreciating the good in our lives—our families, friends, opportunities, and even the simple things we often take for granted, like a beautiful sunny day, a kind word from someone, or the laughter shared with friends.
Research has shown that practising gratitude makes us happier, reduces stress, and strengthens our relationships. When we focus on what we are grateful for, we train our minds to see the positives rather than just the negatives. It doesn’t mean ignoring our problems, it means not allowing them to overshadow the blessings we already have.
So how can we practice gratitude? Here are four simple ways.
So how can we practice gratitude? Here are four simple ways.
Start each day with thankfulness, being grateful for the simple things in life.
Express your gratitude by thanking others.
Keep a gratitude journal to help make gratitude a daily habit.
Shift our perspective to; what can I learn from the challenges that come my way?
If we all make gratitude a daily habit, imagine the positive energy we can create in our own lives and to those around us. Because when we focus on our blessings, on what we are grateful for, we realise just how much we truly have.
If we all make gratitude a daily habit, imagine the positive energy we can create in our own lives and to those around us. Because when we focus on our blessings, on what we are grateful for, we realise just how much we truly have.
As we head into the holidays, I wish you all a restful break and hope that you have the opportunity to spend time with loved ones this Easter. We look forward to the return of the students at the beginning of term 2 on Tuesday, 29 April.
Wishing you all a blessed and hope-filled Easter season.
May St Marcellin Champagnat and Mary our Good Mother continue to watch over our community.
Stephen Dwyer, Principal
Deputy Principal | Mr Simon Martino
Deputy Principal | Mr Simon Martino
As we enter the Easter holiday period, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our students, parents, and staff for a successful Term 1. Our Marist community has been filled with outstanding achievements, growth, and resilience, inspired by our Vision for Learning to Inspire Minds, Hearts, and Spirits. Together, we have navigated challenges and celebrated successes, laying a strong foundation for the rest of the year. I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to ensure our students thrive in a nurturing and inspiring environment, embodying the Red Bend Way. I wish all families and staff a happy and holy Easter and we will see you all in Term 2.
College Winter Uniform Expectations
At Red Bend Catholic College we are committed to high expectations for student learning, uniform and personal appearance.
As we commence Term 2, I ask parents/carers refamiliarize themselves with our college uniform policy to ensure your child/ren return to Term 2 according to the College expectation. I would ask families to particularly support the College in students returning with appropriate haircuts and the correct application of makeup and nail polish.
College Uniforms can be purchased at:
Forbes - Gunns Menswear, 83 Rankin St, Forbes NSW 2871
Parkes - Worklocker, 229 Clarinda St, Parkes NSW 2870
Below is the policy for college uniform/appearance for your information. Formal niform
Attendance Information
We know there are many reasons for non-attendance at school ranging from personal, medical, family, education, relationship and community factors. This makes school attendance and ongoing attendance rates a complex task in some households. Our goal is to promote strong school attendance and the importance of attending daily. We will work in partnership with families when low attendance occurs. Our focus foremost is on prevention of educational risk due to low attendance, and we ask all parents to maintain the message with students that every day of attendance matters.
The College monitors attendance on a variety of levels with the understanding that attendance below 90% places a student at educational risk and we are obligated to act. We work in partnership with families to ensure appropriate attendance.
This week to all students that have fallen under 90% a letter will be sent home outlining the current % and next steps. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child/ren attendance please reach out to the College, we are here to support our students to be at school every day.
Director of Students | Mr Adam Currey
Director of Students | Mr Adam Currey
Whole School Wellbeing
This year the College has partnered with The Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AIS) on a whole school wellbeing initiative. The initiative aims to work collaboratively with schools through professional learning and consultancy support to select evidence-based strategies and implement a whole-school vision and approach to wellbeing. Whole school staff have already been involved in professional learning along with a dedicated team leading this initiative in the College through its implementation over the next 12 months. We will continue provide updates and seek input from our wider school community as we continue on this journey.
Haircut Expectations
College photos will be taking place during Week 2 of Term 2. We appreciate your ongoing support in helping students make appropriate decisions regarding suitable hairstyles in line with the College's uniform requirements.
To assist with this, we have provided reference images below that illustrate examples of acceptable and unacceptable haircuts. These examples are intended to help students present themselves in a respectful and College-appropriate manner.
For further details, please refer to the Student Handbook, located on page 17, which outlines the College's expectations regarding uniform.
We thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that all students are well-prepared for their return to the College in Term 2.
Cross Country and Colour Run
The champion House of this year's Cross Country is Basil. Congratulations to all involved in organising and running in the event.
The colour run took place on the last day of this term. All students involved had a colourful afternoon. Thank you to Forbes Shire Council for their ongoing commitment and support of our College.
Director of Mission | Mr David Eyles
Director of Mission | Mr David Eyles
Holy Week
Our Marist theme for 2025 Pilgrims of Hope emphasises the importance of journeys in our understanding of the Christian faith. Our community has been journeying through Lent since our Ash Wednesday liturgy in early March. Lent is a period of prayer, fasting and alms giving (giving to charity.)
Next week is Holy Week, which is itself a profound journey that invites the faithful to walk with Jesus through His passion, death, and resurrection. The days of Holy week from Passion Sunday to Easter Sunday are filled with profound symbolism, deep reflection, and joyful celebration: ultimately, celebration of the victory of love and life over death.
Students and families are warmly encouraged to connect with their local parishes during this sacred time. Times of services in all areas are readily available via the internet.
Year 9 Reflection Day
All students at Red Bend Catholic College attend an annual Retreat or Reflection Day as part of the Religious Education program. The Year 9 Reflection Day was held on Monday of Week 10 and was facilitated by a special guest presenter, Mr Michael Fitzpatrick. Mr Fitzpatrick has been working with students at Red Bend and other Catholic secondary schools for many years.
Through engaging and thought-provoking workshops, Michael challenged our students to consider ways they could work better as a Year level and challenged each student to be the best version of themselves. Michael has a deep understanding of our Marist charism, and he was able to link these discussions on being our best selves to our core school values and traditions.
Project Compassion
As Lent reaches its conclusion there is still time to make a contribution to Project Compassion. Caritas Australia's Project Compassion invites you to Unite Against Poverty and take action to make a lasting difference. Students at Reb Bend have used our Thursday morning BBQ sales in recent weeks to support this worthy cause and students and families can continue to donate online.
Senior Student Mission Forum
The SENIOR STUDENT MARIST MISSION FORUM is a gathering of Year 11 & 12 students from Marist schools across NSW-ACT. The weekend is coordinated by the Marist Youth Ministry team and designed to provide students with a deeper sense of our Marist spirituality and mission. The Senior Student Forum gives students a chance to stop, reflect, and listen to the call of the Spirit in their own hearts. It is hoped the Forum will give students a renewed consciousness of our need for each other, of our responsibility for creation, and of our commitment to human dignity.
RBCC Students will leave RBCC at recess on Friday 16 May (Day 5)
They would get back Sunday afternoon 18 May
Students attending this event would miss the RBCC Debutante Ball
The College may meet most of the costs for successful applicants to attend this event - there would, however, be some out of pocket expenses (eg meals on the way to and from Mittagong.
Students in Year 11 and 12 are encouraged to submit an expression of interest via the link below.
Marist Senior Student Mission Forum EOI
Outreach
A generous team of Red Bend Catholic College students were on hand to begin Outreach activities last Friday. We took the term’s collection of cans and bottles to the Return and Earn depot in Forbes. The team efficiently sorted through nearly 2000 items - as well as various detritus, small slimy creatures and litres of bin juice! At the end of an hour's work our environment is better for our efforts and we raised funds we can direct towards people in need.
More Outreach activities are planned for the Friday’s of Term 2. Students can contact Mrs Nunn or Mr Eyles for more details.
Acting Director of Boarding | Miss Jessica Walker
Acting Director of Boarding | Miss Jessica Walker
As Term 1 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a truly positive and engaging start to the year in our boarding community.
This term, we’ve placed a strong emphasis on creating a welcoming and connected environment for all our boarders. One of the great successes has been the weekly weekend program, which has included a variety of social activities—everything from movie nights to outdoor games and shared meals and off site activities. We’ve also committed to sending out weekly weekend program to families, helping to keep you connected with what’s happening here on campus. We now have charging stations in all dorms for all students, this will help ensure that all our boarders have charged devices each day helping them to be prepared for their school day ahead.
In the final week of term, we wrapped things up on a high. The boarders enjoyed a shopping trip to Orange, a chance to socialise, grab a few essentials, before heading home.
On Wednesday, the students took part in a fun and competitive Easter egg hunt, and on Thursday, participated in the whole-school Colour Run, with boarders cheering one another on from the sidelines and along the track. Looking ahead to Term 2, here are a few reminders for families:
Leave Requests: If you're putting in leave via Reach, please ensure you also complete the Extended Leave Form required by the day school. This helps us coordinate care and ensure all procedures are followed smoothly.
Driver and Passenger permission: If you need to add approved drivers/ passengers for you student please use the Permission to Drive Form and scroll down to the driver permission/ passenger permission form and return these to the SSO
Uniform Reminder: We begin Term 2 in winter uniform. Now is a great time to look over your child’s summer uniforms before packing them away for the season. Please take a moment to check for any repairs, missing buttons, or hems that need adjusting.
We are proud of how our boarding students have settled into routine, connected with one another, and contributed positively to life on campus this term. Thank you for your continued support and trust. We look forward to seeing everyone back refreshed and ready for another busy and rewarding term.
I would like to also take this time to acknowledge the efforts from staff, including boarding, administration, IT, Laundry, kitchen, cleaning and maintenance you all contribute so much to our boarding community and I thank you for your sustained efforts this term.
Director of Curriculum | Mrs Trish Martin
Director of Curriculum | Mrs Trish Martin
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences - will be held on Wednesday 7 May in the Multi-Purpose Hall from 3.00 - 7.00pm. Each interview will be limited to 5 minutes.
To make an appointment, please access the parent portal via the college website https://redbend.cc/PTI or via the School Stream app. The Parent/Teacher link will be available from Wednesday 9 April until Tuesday 6 May.
If you are unable to access the internet to make bookings, please contact the ICT department at the College on 6852 2000 or email it-support@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au who will facilitate the procedure for you.
It is advised that you prioritise the teachers that you would like to speak with. This is especially recommended to parents whose availability is limited and or they have more than one child enrolled. If you are unable to book an interview in the timeframe you require, please use the option at the bottom of the booking site to ‘Request another time’.
Where possible, it is recommended that your child accompanies you to the conferences.
We look forward to meeting with you on the night and value your support of Red Bend Catholic College.
Year 7 to 10 Term One Reports
Parents and Carers of Year 7 to 10 students will receive via email and/or the School Stream App, their child/ren term one report. This report provides an overview of a student’s progress with their application (including homework) and conduct in class. If you have any questions about your child’s report please do not hesitate to email reports@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au.
Director of Teaching and Learning | Mrs Deborah Wheeldon
Director of Teaching and Learning | Mrs Deborah Wheeldon
The end of a very busy, productive and very enjoyable term is here. Students have been busy in their lessons, completing a variety of activities that build their knowledge, understanding and skills. The focus this term has been on cementing our high expectations into every lesson - “The Red Bend Way”. This is to help all students realise that they are capable and can be successful in everything they do. Students have set goals for their learning that will hopefully motivate and extend them above what they ‘think’ they can do in all their subjects. This goal setting can be found in the student handbooks. The holidays are a great time to reflect on what has been working and what could be further improved on, to enable success.
It is important for all students to have a break and spend time with family and friends, however, there are things that everyone could do to make things a little easier next term. Going over class notes, creating some summaries, etc will help prepare for Yr 7 - 10 exams in Week 5. Year 11 and 12 students are encouraged to keep focussing on their school work by getting study notes up to date, going over any topics that need more work and working on any assessments that are due early next term. Even small tasks add up to make a difference.
Next term, Years 7, 8 and 9 will participate in a study skills session on Wednesday of Week 1. This session is facilitated by Elevate, a company that specialises in study skills with the aim of giving the students some skills to enable them to start preparing for the half yearly exams that are in Week 5. The following are the topics for each year group:
Yr 7 - Study skills kick start
Yr 8 - Junior Time Management
Yr 9 - Memory Mnemonics
Students will come home with a handout of different strategies that they are encouraged to try over the coming weeks and are also given a link to more resources and techniques to support their study habits. Parents are encouraged to look out for these.
Study Centre starts again on Tuesday 29 April (first day back). Please complete the form sent out on SchoolStream.
I wish everyone a Happy Easter.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Youth Week
Youth Week is taking place 9 to 17 April.
This year's them is We are the future, and the future is now!
Get involved in Youth Week Activities in your local area in these school holidays.
ANZAC Day
We invite students, staff and families to attend ANZAC Day ceremonies in your local communities on Thursday, 25 April. Students are to wear full winter uniform including the College blazer and tie.
The Forbes march forms up at 10.15am and commences at 10.30am. If you are marching in Forbes, please gather by 10.00am. The march commences in Cross Street and travels to the cenotaph in Victoria Park.
The Parkes march forms up at 8.20am and the march commences at 8.30am. If you are marching in Parkes, please gather by 8.00am. The march commences at Cooke Park opposite the Services Club.
The Cowra march forms up at 10:00am and the march commences at 10:15am, if you are marching in Cowra please gather by 9:45am. The march departs from the cenotaph in Brisbane Street and finishes at River Park.
We encourage you to get involved in your local area, attend dawn services and marches and please send any photos to tiffanynicholls@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au
House Report
House Report
Denis House
A huge welcome to the new families that have joined the Denis Dragons, and welcome back to everyone who is already a Denis member. We hope the first 7 weeks back treated you all well. 2025 will be a super fun year!
The swimming carnival was held on the Friday the 28th of February. It was an amazing day filled with so much fun and laughter, along with sore muscles! Denis house came third overall which is such a great achievement! Don’t worry we’ll win the athletics carnival but the Denis students who came and swam should feel very proud of themselves for representing our house.
Pictured above: Denis House Year 12 students at the 2025 House Swimming Carnival.
Getting to know the Basil House Captains
Bronnie Searl: House Captain
PC Class: Denis 4
Favourite Sporting Team: Dragons
What do you do in your free time? I enjoy hanging out with my friends. I also play hockey and touch football.
What do you love about Denis? I love that we all have good sportsmanship and all give everything a go even though we may not win we still give it a crack. Denis is filled with encouragement and good vibes.
Lachie Rice: House Captain
PC Class: Denis 2
Favourite Sporting Team: Canterbury Bulldogs, Lebron James
What do you do in your free time? During my free time I do a lot of sports like footy, athletics, basketball and a little bit of swimming and tennis as well as training in the gym and running. I also like to hang out with the boys.
What do you love about Denis? I love Denis because of how encouraging and supportive our house is. Denis is like a small, welcoming family within the College, where everyone is accepted and has a place and role within it. Everyone contributes whole heartily towards all different aspects of school life with an exceptional attitude. Since year 7, Denis welcomed me with open arms and it definitely made school easier knowing I had Denis as a support network. I couldn't ask for a better house.
Immy Ousby: Liturgy Captain
PC Class: Denis 3
Favourite Sporting Team: ACT Brumbies
What do you do in your free time? During my free time I’m either studying, wandering around home with my animals, or at a show somewhere.
What do you love about Denis? I love that we have such great house spirit and a willingness to give anything a go. Denis is filled with support and encouragement and truly has made me feel at home at my time at Red Bend.
Denis House Coordinator
Getting to know your House Coordinator: David Riddington
(PDHPE Teacher & Denis Coordinator)
Favourite Sporting Team: Australian Cricket Team, Manly Marlins (Rugby Union), Manly Sea Eagles (Rugby League)
When did you start at Red Bend? I moved here from Sydney in 2020 - this is my 6th year at RBCC
Your goals for Denis House in 2025: Personally my aim is to get to know as many Denis students as possible and provide help and support in any way I can. The plan is to have each PC class raise a considerable amount of money for a collective Denis charity throughout the year.
What do you enjoy most about being Denis house coordinator? Working closely with the students and their families to ensure their experience here at Red Bend is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Academics
Academics
Agriculture
This Term has been a busy term for the Ag Department - from Year 11 growing their lettuce plants for their Plant Density Trial, to Year 9 and 10 making informational videos on their Yabbies, and Year 7 growing their amazing vegetables in their gardens and caring for their day old chickens and cooking in the Food Tech rooms.
Sheep Team have started feeding their Wethers for the Dubbo Merino Wether Challenge in August - we are looking forward to seeing how they all go!
The Cattle Team are at the Sydney Royal this week, and we wish Mrs Earl and the team all the best with their immaculately presented steers.
We wish everyone a fantastic Easter break and look forward to seeing you all after the holidays!
Agriculture | Cattle Team
At the beginning of this week, a team of 12 students and 11 steers travelled to Sydney to compete in the Steer Hoof and Hook competition at the Sydney Royal. Throughout the week at the showground, the animals will be fed, exercised, and prepared for their big judging days. Nine purebred Limousins will be judged on Friday, 11 April, followed by two crossbred trade steers on Saturday,12 April. On Sunday, the steers will be sent to processing plants, with carcass results announced a few days later.
This year, our naming theme is "Superheroes," and we hope that some—if not all—of our animals live up to their names and bring home a ribbon or two.
Our students have dedicated months of hard work in preparation for this event, and while we hope for success in the ring, the experience itself is truly invaluable.
Creative and Performing Arts
Week 9 was Creative Arts week at RBCC, which saw our students sharing and developing their music and art skills across the week.
Monday started with a bang with an Art Mindfulness colouring-in session, as well as Music workshops for students in Years 9-10. Tuesday saw our Music workshops continue, as well as two impressive performances at assembly. On Wednesday we were treated to an acoustic-style concert in the library, and on Friday there were concerts at both recess and lunch!
Amazing art displays were up in the library all week long. A huge thank you to our hardworking Creative Arts staff Tracie Axton, Emily Allegri, Simone Bailey-Hough, Esmarie Boshoff and Bonny Wythes for their hard work, and to our wonderful students.
Creative and Performing Arts | Year 8 Sculptures
A selection of sculpture artworks from Year 8.
Diverse Learning
Jock enjoyed spending time with the Cattle Show Team, helping to wash 'Thor'.
Modern History
Last week our Year 11 Modern History and Year 9 students had the pleasure of participating in the WWI Living History incursion run by Shane Blackman. Shane is an expert in First World War history and presented an interactive display on the average Australian soldier's experience of the trenches of France and Belgium in 1916-1918.
The students had the chance to select historical artefacts from the extensive display and Shane would reveal the stories attached to each object and answer any student questions of which there were many. After each explanation students had the opportunity to hold and examine many of the items themselves. Many of our students were enraptured by the chance to touch the physical historical objects, and they very much appreciated the student-led nature of the presentations.
Afterwards many students commented on how Shane was an interesting and knowledgeable presenter who helped to bring this important time in history to life. This was the perfect way for our Year 11 Students to gain background information before their study of the First World War. It was also a fantastic experience for Year 9 History students who are currently studying WW1.
The students are to be commended for their enthusiastic participation in the incursion.
Public Speaking
We had so many students sign up this year that we had to have a mini competition before the CWA Competition, to choose who would compete as we can only send four representatives from each Stage.
We had 17 students participate, with speeches on topics such as leadership, the voice of reason and greatest influences. All the students wrote insightful and well-structured speeches and their deliveries were engaging. Having only a select few places, we had to choose students based on their overall content and delivery.
Congratulations to the students who will be representing the college at CWA:
Years 7 and 8: Peter Elias, Olive Hinks, Lucy Allen and Sophia Byrne.
Years 9 and 10: Catalina Elias, Georgia Baird, Coco Byrnes and Katie Corke.
Science | Science & Engineering Challenge
Keen STEM students embarked on a journey to Orange for the UoN Science and Engineering Challenge. The students had a fantastic day in and although they did not secure the win, they demonstrated outstanding team spirit. Their enthusiasm and excellent behaviour were a credit to Red Bend.
A standout of the day was one group in our team placing 2nd in the Eco-Habitech competition. This group designed an innovative eco-home that successfully withstood a wind, water, and weight test, showcasing the students creativity and engineering skills. The bridge building team also perfected their skills from last year to construct a bridge that weighed 86 grams, taking on 7kg of weight from a moving trolley- an amazing effort!
Science | Year 10 iSTEM
Last week our Year 10 iSTEM students visited the Parkes Aviation Museum as part of their Aeronautical Engineering topic. During the excursion, students explored a variety of aircraft and got hands-on experience with some incredible machines.
Highlights included sitting inside a Westland Wessex helicopter, once used by the Navy for rescue missions, and climbing into the cockpit of a Boeing 747, one of the most iconic passenger jets ever built.
The students learnt how different engines work, including jet and propeller types, and discovered that some engines can produce over 4,000 kilograms of thrust, enough power to lift massive aircraft into the sky. The visit brought classroom learning to life and gave students a deeper understanding of real-world aeronautical engineering.
TAS | Hospitality
Hospitality Students Shine at Open Day and Serve NSW Governor
Our Year 11 and 12 Hospitality students have showcased their impressive skills through two recent high-profile events. In the lead-up to our school’s Open Day, students dedicated two weeks to preparing a delicious variety of sweet and savoury foods. On the day itself, they volunteered their time on a Sunday to prepare fresh savoury food and gave live cooking demonstrations in the commercial kitchen. Wearing their Hospitality uniforms with pride, they engaged the public, answered questions, and displayed the professionalism and confidence of future industry leaders.
In another exciting opportunity, four senior Hospitality students worked as front-of-house staff for Eat Your Greens Catering at a special event in Eugowra on Friday, 21 March. The event was held in honour of local heroes who helped save their town during the 2022 floods and was attended by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales. The students rose to the occasion, meeting and serving the Governor and other distinguished guests with grace and enthusiasm—an experience they will surely never forget.
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