RED BEND CATHOLIC COLLEGE

FacebookInstagram

Principal's Report

MR STEPHEN DWYER | Term 1, Week 3

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of our College community,


I warmly welcome all families and a special welcome to all new families to our community. It has been an excellent start to the 2025 school year, with the students engaging in a broad range of learning experiences. We have welcomed 184 new year 7 students into our Red Bend Catholic College community, and we look forward to the contribution they will bring.


Marist theme for 2025 - Pilgrims of Hope

Pilgrims of Hope is a theme about a journey with and toward a God of love. A God whose love we know and experience through the flesh and bone of human kindness, generosity and compassion. This encounter of love is the source and reason for our hope. When we experience love, something happens within us, we feel it, it marks a beginning, and our instinctive response is to return the love that has been given to us. Our closeness to Christ impels us to go out and live a life bursting to the full with a desire to restore and transform the world. Hope frees us to love, even if giving ourselves for others may involve some sacrifice. 


Hope is not the absence of challenges, but the courage to face them with faith, strength, and love. It’s a call to look beyond the present, beyond ourselves, and into a future we have the power to shape together. At Red Bend, hope is not a lofty ideal. It is what we live every day. It’s the foundation of every lesson, every conversation, everything we do. Together, we can build a future where every person feels empowered to journey together, knowing they are supported by a community that cares deeply for them.

New staff at the College

It is with gratitude that I warmly welcome all new staff to our community.  Our new staff were officially welcomed into our College community at our Commissioning Mass.  I warmly welcome the following new staff: 

I also want to inform you of staff who joined our College community after the commissioning mass of 2024.

Commencement Mass

In week 2, we gathered as a whole school community to celebrate and pray together at our Commencement mass. The mass gave us all the opportunity to seek God’s blessings for the year ahead and to be grateful for the many blessings we have. My sincere thanks to Bishop Columba Macbeth Green, the Bishop of our Wilannia Forbes Diocese for leading our mass and for his leadership and support of our community.


In addition to welcoming our new students and staff to the college, an important ritual occurs during this mass. Saint Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers had a practice of placing the names of Marist Brothers in a brass heart when they left for their ministry as teachers. This practice was a great faith statement of St Marcellin, and was in the loving spirit of Jesus and Mary, who radiate care and protection. With that same spirit, we place the names of all students and staff of the Red Bend Catholic College community into our Brass Heart. The practice of placing the names of special people in a heart and dedicating them to Jesus and Mary has been fondly adopted by Marist Schools and Communities all over the world.  The names will remain in the heart for the year ahead, and the heart is located in the front office foyer below Marcellin’s image. Each week at our College assemblies, the Brass Heart forms parts of the entrance procession, reminding us that our community is held in the sacred hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Year 7 Parent Information Evening

It was pleasing to see such a large gathering of Year 7 parents and carers with their children at the Year 7 Parent Information Evening in week 2. The partnership that we share with you in educating your children is vital. I urge you to be active in the life of our community by attending functions, celebrations, parent-teacher-student interviews, and important meetings as we work together to achieve the best outcomes for your child. 

2024 HSC High Achievers Assembly 

At our week 2 assembly, we acknowledged and celebrated the students from the HSC class of 2024 who attained band 6 results. A band 6 result is a mark of 90 or above in a given HSC course. Our congratulations to the following students who attained band 6 results; Isabelle Browne, Katie Crouch, Grace Dwyer Mulligan, Vienna Farrell, Nicholas Gascoigne, Ashton Gates, Ellie Glasson, Samuel Gould, Lachlan Haynes, Lauren House Freya Hooper, Griffin Jones, Amelie Kerr, Elizabeth MacGregor, Sadie McCahon, Caitlyn McGinnes, Jessica McKenzie,  Penelope O’Connell, Brodie Page, Georgette Pereira, Abby Smith, Steven Su, Harry Whitty and Clayton Wing Yip, 

Congratulations to Sam Gould, who attained the College Dux Award for 2024. Sam’s achievement is a testament to dedication, resilience, and the power of consistent effort. A special mention also to Freya Hooper, who attained First Place in the State in Primary Industries. A wonderful achievement that is an example to us all. Congratulations to the students who attained band 6 results and also to the HSC Class of 2024 on their remarkable achievements. Their dedication, perseverance, and hard work are a reflection of their commitment to learning, and I am deeply proud of all they have accomplished. Special thanks also to Grace Dwyer Mulligan who gave an insightful speech reflecting on her HSC year at the presentation assembly.

I wish all families and students well for the year ahead.


May St Marcellin Champagnat and Mary our Good Mother continue to watch over our community.

Stephen Dwyer, Principal

Deputy Principal | Mr Simon Martino

Welcome to 2025!

It has been a busy start to the year with many different activities and learning opportunities to prepare our students for the academic year. The message to students has been focused on our Red Bend Way. The Red Bend Way invites students to have an attitude that is Ready to Learn, invites them to be Active and Empowered Learners and inspires them to be Marist. I am very grateful for the way students have returned and look forward to continuing to Inspire Minds, Hearts and Spirits in 2025. 


Students Arriving at the College

Parents are reminded that day students are not to arrive at the College prior to 8.30am. Supervision of students commences at 8.30am.


Attendance

Thank you to all families for the improved communication and commitment to attendance at school. This has led to already significant improvement in students in class learning. We are committed to continuing to improve our attendance practice and procedures to support student outcomes in learning and wellbeing. 


We know there are many reasons for non-attendance at school ranging from personal, medical, family, education, relationship and community factors. 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. 


How can you help?


How can we help?


If you child/ren are absent or you have questions regarding absences please contact the Student Services Office (SSO) on 02 681558 or absent@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au


Extended Leave Applications

If families are applying for extended leave, there are new practices we are implementing. 

Families can apply for a Certificate of Exemption from Attendance at School, under the Education Act 1990 for the following reasons:

This leave means that students' absence from school is recorded as an exemption and the attendance percentage remains unaffected. 

Families can apply for a Certificate of Extended Leave - Travel

This is either approved or unapproved. This impacts students' attendance percentage. 

Families will be notified of the outcome by the Principal. 


Further details outlining this process will be communicated due course. The new forms are accessible on the College website under Forms.

Director of Students | Mr Adam Currey

Peer Support

Week 4 will see our Year 7 students start their peer support program with their Year 10 leaders. Peer Support will take place for one period per week over the coming 5 weeks (see schedule below). Students will complete peer support in their house groups. This is a great opportunity for our Year 7 students to engage in structured activities to develop their resilience, interpersonal and social skills to gain a better understanding of themselves and others and provide support during a significant point of transition for them.

Tuesday, February 25 - period 2

Tuesday, March 4 - period 2

Monday, March 10 - period 4

Friday, March 21 - period 5

Friday, March 28 - period 3


House Swimming Carnival

The House Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday, February 28. Students are reminded to wear their school uniform to school and can get changed into their house colours once at school. Like all school days, attendance is expected at events like these. We are looking forward to a fantastic day.


Uniform

Uniform requirements are outlined on page 17 of the Student Handbook; students and parents are encouraged to be familiar with these requirements. House Coordinators will touch base with parents if concerns arise. If I can draw your attention to the specific requirements of haircuts and general appearance on page 17, we appreciate all parental support of our students in maintaining these standards.


Student Drivers

Student Handbook page 23 outlines the requirements for student drivers to have permission to drive to school. 

Students not meeting these expectations will have their permission to drive to school revoked. We appreciate everyone’s support in meeting these expectations.


The Red Bend Way 

As we continue with our high expectations, our focus currently is on Ready to Learn. By now all students should have the relevant equipment required to learn including subject specific books, stationery (pens, pencils, ruler, glue and scissors), along with all necessary textbooks for their classes and laptop. If there are any concerns or support needed regarding this please touch base with your child's House Coordinator.

Director of Mission | Mr David Eyles

Western Sydney Immersion


During the term holiday break we hope to send another group of Year 11 students to Western Sydney for our annual Marist Awareness program - also known as the Western Sydney Immersion. 


The dates for this year’s Marist Awareness Program are Mon 14th April - Wednesday 16th April.  Students selected to participate will travel to Sydney in a College minibus.  They will be hosted at St Gregory’s Campbelltown and visit Marist Ministries such as Daramu Mt Druitt. Daramu is a social service run by Marist 180  that offers crisis support and for youths aged 12-18.) and the Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation. 


Year 11 students can express their interest in the Marist Awareness Program /Western Sydney Immersion on the following link: Western Sydney Immersion EOI


Outreach

The departure of some key personnel has delayed the start of Outreach activities this year - but we expect to be underway very soon.

Students interested in assisting with Thursday morning BBQ fundraising, The Return and Earn program, and Friday afternoon community service should look out for announcements in the daily notices.

Director of Boarding | Mr Chris Douglass

A busy start to 2025 in the boarding school. Boarders have settled in well, particularly the new students. We have been running plenty of activities to keep everyone busy as new routines are adapted to, and our boarders settle into College life. 


Year 7 have completed a ABSA (Australian Boarding School Association) “Boarder Induction” course that will help them set themselves up for life away from home. 


As always the swimming pool is very popular, as well as the excursions and town outings. In the coming weeks winter sports will start their training as the summer sports come to an end. “Friday Fitness” has been well attended by the Junior Boys Dorm and its great to see students out getting some exercise. 


I would like to remind parents to contact us in the Boarding Office if they have any questions around sporting registrations for the up and coming season: boarding@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au


Study has also started well, with boarders completing their homework and getting used to the daily program so that they can work towards their goals in each subject. I would like to thank the teachers and Learning Support Officers that make the time to help our boarders to do their best in study periods.

Upcoming Events

Years 7 and 10 Immunisations

In partnership with NSW Health we will be holding vaccinations for students in Years 7 and 10.

➡️ Year 10 - Monday, February 24

➡️ Year 7 - Wednesday, February 26

➡️ Students are to wear sports uniform on the day

➡️ Vaccinations will only be provided if consent has been received

➡️ You can consent online: https://engage.health.nsw.gov.au/engage

For more information on these routine vaccinations, please go to www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisations

House Swimming Carnival

We are looking forward to our House Swimming Carnival next Friday!

Please remember that students need to arrive at the College in the morning in their school uniform, and get changed into house colours when they are at school.

Parents As Partners

We appreciate the importance of building partnerships between home and school to enhance student learning, and would like to invite you to an evening to chat about:

 

➡ Building resilience in your teenager

➡ Literacy strategies at RBCC

➡ Numeracy – How to use the calculators, study in Maths

➡ How to read and understand assessments

 

Wednesday, March 5 from 6.30 – 8.00pm at the RBCC library.

 

A light supper will be provided, please RSVP to deborahwheeldon@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au

Year 7 Peer Support

Peer Support Australia offer a program that provides students with a supportive, fun and engaging environment, where young people develop understanding, skills, attitudes and strategies to improve their mental, social and emotional wellbeing.

To find out more, you can download information.

House Report

Basil House

First of all, a huge welcome to all new families who have proudly joined the Bullfrog family and a warm welcome back to those families who continue to entrust your child in this house. 2025 has begun fast with lots of activities occurring for our students to be involved in and only more to come throughout the term. 

Basil is excited to announce two new Pastoral Care teachers for 2025 in Ms Jessica Harrison and Mr Navneet Chand - both will be a valuable asset to our House. A reminder to all parents, please communicate any issues through to myself so that we can address these and provide the best learning environment for your child in 2025. 


House Swimming Carnival

The House Swimming Carnival is fast approaching in Week 4 on the 28/02/24. Whether you're diving in to compete or cheering from the side lines, your participation makes the day unforgettable! So make sure you come along. Wear your house colours with pride, bring your swimmers, towel, sunscreen, water bottle, and plenty of energy! Get ready for some thrilling races, relays, and nonstop fun, let’s make a splash and bring home the win for BASIL!

Pictured above: Basil House current Year 12 students at the 2024 House Swimming Carnival.


Getting to know the Basil House Captains

Summer Hurford: House Captain


Mitchell Arndell: House Captain


Clare Gorton: Liturgy Captain


Basil House Coordinator

Getting to know your House Coordinator: Caleb Hanrahan
(PDHPE Teacher & Basil Coordinator)

                                                           

Have a great rest of the term and take some time to set some goals for the year ahead!

Study

Study Centre

Study Centre has started again for the year. This is a great way to get homework and assessments completed, ask for help from staff and also a quiet place to get some study done. Please see below the times available as well as the subjects that students may get specific help on.

Transport is provided to Forbes and Parkes each afternoon at 4.30pm (Mon, Tues and Thurs) and 5pm on Wednesday.

Study Centre takes place in the Marcellin Library and Resource Centre. Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are encouraged to come along to the extended study (8pm) on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Dinner is provided to those that stay late.

Forms can be completed on the School Stream App.


If your child/ren have indicated that they are coming for the whole term, could you please call the College or email dlt@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au if they will not be attending on a specific day or week so transport/supervision can be organised. 

Thank you for your help.

Study Skills

Study skills sessions for all students (7 - 12) have commenced again this term. Our focus is on helping students set SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-framed) goals that they can work on over the next 2 terms. Year 7 will spend some time on learning how to decode and understand assessment notifications as well.


On Wednesday 19 February, all students in Years 10 - 12 participated in a study skills session run by the Elevate group. Each year level spent approximately one hour learning about different aspects of how to study and how to plan for effective study that built on previous years. Each year group focused on different aspects that were age specific. This included time management, how to make study notes, how to use the syllabus, tricks to remembering information, etc. It was emphasised that students who succeed are the ones that apply themselves and work hard, not just the ones who find school and learning easy.

The programs were as follows:


Year 10 - Time Management

Year 11 - Study Sensei

Year 12 - Memory and Mnemonics


Feedback on the day from the students indicated that they found these presentations interesting and worthwhile. All students have access through the website (and were given the password) to additional resources and activities to build their study skills.


Here are the log in details:

austudent.elevateeducation.com

Password = rondo


Teachers have also been given follow up material for use in the classrooms to help all students succeed. I encourage parents to talk to their student/s about these presentations and look at the resources the students were given and encourage/help them to implement the strategies at home.

Academics

Agriculture

The term has started strong and busy with Year 7 Ag looking at the amazing vegetables that have grown in the veggie gardens over the summer holidays. 


Year 9 and 10 have been on their Town tour - enjoying looking at a wide range of enterprises around Forbes, including the Central West Livestock Exchange, local businesses related to agriculture (pictured below).


Year 11 have started the Preliminary course with gusto learning all about the changing role of family farms within Australian agriculture.


Year 12 are working on calculating gross margins and return to capital for farming enterprises.


Some fabulous productivity going on in the Agriculture department in the first 3 weeks of term!

Creative & Performing Arts

It has been a great start to the year here in the Creative and Performing Arts Faculty! Our students are already up and running with their art and music making, with Year 7 making a particularly great start. On Wednesday of Week 2, our band and choir did an excellent job of providing the music for our Commencement Mass. 


There are a few more creative activities on offer at Red Bend this year: 


Please email Miss Cairney at creativearts@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au if you are interested in joining drumline, hiring an instrument, or enrolling in private music lessons. 

Careers & VET

VET and Work Studies
Our Year 11 Vocational Education and Training and Work Studies students began their enrolment into their training on Friday 7th February. We were impressed by the organisation of the students in completing this process, as it demonstrates their willingness to start their course and take on the opportunity for workplace learning, particularly for our Work Studies students.


If your child was absent on Friday 7th February, please encourage them to access the registration and enrolment processes via their Google Classroom for their VET subject.


A couple of reminders for those looking forward to commencing work placements in our community:


White Card Course

The White Card (or general construction induction card) is required for any student who wishes to undertake work or work experience in the construction industry.

Our next White Card course will be held here at the College on Thursday, March 13th. The Students must be 14 years or older to enrol and the cost of the course is $130. If you would like your child to complete the White Card course, please email Mrs. Kate Hogan at careers@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au to register. There is a limit of 20 students. 

Learning Support

Please download this PDF if you would like more information on the NCCD.

Science

Hello from the Science and iStem staff for what should be a fantastic 2025. We have some exciting learning that is going to be going on this term.


Year 7 are starting with their first introduction to working in the Science labs followed by our Observing the Universe topic which will be taking a look at astronomy with an Indigenous perspective.


Year 8 are doing their Living World unit, looking at plant growth with their IRP.


Year 9 are working on Energy, looking in particular at electricity with a focus on renewable resources and energy management.


Year 10 are engaging with chemistry, in particular looking at rates of chemical reactions.


The year 9 iStem will be starting with their introduction to design processes and year 10 looking at Aeronautics. Look out for some field work opportunities coming up too.


We are also running year 11 and 12 Biology, Chemistry and Physics this year.


If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or the faculty co-ordinator Mr Stephen McKellar.

Year 7

Year 7 is to be congratulated on their great start at Red Bend Catholic College.  

We have a number of strategies to assist Year 7 in their transition to RBCC  : 

We are very fortunate to have a wonderful group of young people starting Year 7 and I am looking forward to working with them throughout 2025.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me, daniellescott@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au if you have any queries or concerns.

Mrs Danielle Scott

Sport

Nominations open for NSWCCC individual pathways

Athletics Champion 2024

A huge congratulations to Lachie Rice, crowned the Boys 16 Years Age Champion at the NSWCCC Athletics Championships 2024! 


Lachie’s hard work and determination has made him a stand OUT athlete for 2024. 

Twilight Swimming Carnival