Inspiring Minds, Hearts and Spirits
MR STEPHEN DWYER | Term 2, Week 3
Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of our College community,
Term 2 has commenced positively, with students actively engaged in a rich variety of learning experiences. These have included faith-based activities, sporting events, co-curricular opportunities and creative arts pursuits, all contributing to a vibrant and well-rounded education.
As part of our whole-school improvement priority for 2025, the Teaching and Diverse Learning staff at Red Bend recently engaged in a dedicated day of Professional Learning focused on enhancing writing outcomes for students. This aligns with our Annual Improvement Plan commitment to implementing a whole-school approach to the explicit teaching of writing.
Throughout the day, staff explored research based strategies that support students in becoming more confident, capable, and purposeful writers across all subject areas. Drawing on evidence-based approaches and high-impact strategies, staff collaboratively workshopped techniques that build sentence fluency, strengthen paragraph structure, and develop critical thinking through writing.
The Professional Learning day provided time for deep reflection, dialogue, and planning, ensuring that writing instruction is consistently embedded into teaching practice across the College. This shared focus across our Teaching and Diverse Learning teams reinforces our belief that every student can achieve success in their learning when equipped with the right tools and support.
As we continue our journey of improvement, our staff remain committed to building student capacity in writing as an essential skill that unlocks learning and empowers voice in all areas of the curriculum.
Mother's Day
On Monday, 12 May a large gathering of Mothers, Grandmothers and Motherly figures joined us for our Mother’s Day Celebration. It was an opportunity to pause, in the midst of our busy lives, and simply say thank you to our Mothers, thanking them for the love they give so freely, for the sacrifices they make so quietly, and for the unwavering presence they offer so faithfully. The role of a mother is one of extraordinary influence. They are nurturers, encouragers, protectors, and guides. In ways often unseen, they build the foundations from which our young people grow into compassionate, capable, and courageous individuals.
In our Catholic and Marist tradition, we look to Mary, the mother of Jesus, as a model of strength, hope and grace. Mary walked with quiet faith, deep trust, and profound love, even in uncertainty. She was present, not only in the joyful moments of Jesus’ life, but also at the foot of the cross, showing us what it means to remain steadfast in love. She reminds us that true greatness is found not in status, but in self-giving.
Pope Francis once said: “Mothers are witnesses to the beauty of life... they keep the world together with their love.” And we see that truth echoed in each of our mothers.
At Red Bend, we are blessed by the partnership we share with our Mothers. Their example shapes not just their own children, but our whole community. They show us what faith in action looks like in their compassion, resilience, and hope.
On behalf of our staff and students, thank you and may Mary, our Good Mother, continue to walk with each of you, guiding, strengthening, and surrounding you with her peace.
National Boarding Week
This week we celebrate National Boarding Week, a time to recognise, celebrate and appreciate the important place that boarding holds in our College community.
At Red Bend there is a long and proud tradition of boarding since 1926, and we are also proud to be a coeducational day and boarding school, a place where students come from towns, farms and stations throughout central and western NSW, together to live, learn, and grow side by side.
Our boarders bring so much richness to our community, diversity of background, strength of character, strong resilience, a practical and down-to-earth approach, a passion for people and a deep sense of connection.
The theme for this year’s National Boarding Week is “Threads of Connection.” It’s a powerful reminder that our community is like a tapestry, made stronger and more beautiful by each individual thread.
Every student, whether boarding or day, contributes their own uniqueness to the life of our College. The friendships formed in classrooms, on the sporting fields, in the boarding residences, and around dinner tables are what hold our community together.
Boarding is more than just a place to live, it is a second home. It’s where students learn independence, share stories, lean on each other, and build memories that last a lifetime. It’s where staff and students walk alongside one another in moments of joy, challenge, success and growth, living out the Marist characteristic of family spirit each and every day.
We thank our boarding students for the strength, warmth, and spirit they bring to Red Bend, in making Red Bend more than a school, they help make it a home for everyone.
Let’s take time this week to celebrate our boarding community, and to reflect on how each of us plays a role in strengthening the threads that connect us all. And, to our boarding community - Happy National Boarding Week.
May St Marcellin Champagnat and Mary our Good Mother continue to watch over our community.
Stephen Dwyer, Principal
THE RED BEND WAY
Being Active and Empowered Learners
This term I have been speaking with students about the importance of being responsible for their own learning. Many of our students often express how grateful they are to be part of our Marist community and I have been encouraging them to show this gratitude by Being Ready to Learn, Being Active and Empowered Learners and Being Marist, in other words, living our Red Bend Way.
As we continue to promote the Red Bend Way, we have placed a particular focus on Being Active and Empowered Learners. These expectations displayed in every classroom, serve as daily reminders of how students can take ownership of their learning.
We believe that learning is most effective when it is in partnership between families and home. That is why I’d like to invite you as parents and caregivers to support this message at home. Here are a few simple ways you can help reinforce this mindset of Being Active and Empowered Learners at home:
Ask about what your child is learning
Celebrate their effort and improvement
Encourage students to study not just complete assigned tasks
Share your own learning experiences, whether it is reading a book, learning a skill or reflecting on some of the challenges of learning.
Together our partnership can help to Inspire Minds, Hearts and Spirits of our students who take pride in their education and their future.
Students Arriving at the College
Parents are reminded that day students are not to arrive at the College prior to 8.30am. Teacher supervision of students commences at 8.30am. Red Bend has partnered with our local bus services to support students arriving at school by bus. If you are unsure how to arrange for bus transport please contact Forbes Bus Line or the College. Thank you for your support.
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.
The NSW Education Act (1990) requires Parents/Carers to ensure that children of compulsory age attend school on each day that the school is open for instruction. If children are absent from school, Parents/Carers are required to provide the school with an acceptable explanation, in writing, within seven days of the absence.
Medical certificates are also required to explain periods of illness
The law requires us to inform parents of concerns around attendance and keep records of discussions regarding attendance. This may come in the form of an email or a phone call from House Coordinators or a letter from the Director of Students/myself or the Principal. If attendance is particularly poor, we may require a meeting to discuss the attendance situation and plan improvement.
All New South Wales students must complete Year 10. After Year 10 and until they turn 17 years of age students must be in a school or registered for home schooling, or full-time in
further education and training (e.g. TAFE, traineeship, apprenticeship);
full-time, paid employment of an average 25 hours per week; or
a combination of both of the above.
Attendance concern means the following:
Less than 90% attendance; or
3 consecutive days of unapproved leave; or
Any 5 days of unapproved leave; or
any other pattern observed (such as regular Mondays and Fridays away or habitual partial non-attendance).
As a College we are taking a proactive approach to keep all parents notified of their child/rens attendance percentage to support transparency and a consistent message. If your child/ren are at risk of being unable to represent the College due to their attendance, this will be appropriately communicated to families and students. I appreciate the increased communication from our families as this has assisted the College on better tracking student attendance data and meeting our requirements.
A reminder that if your 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
Being An Active and Empowered Learner – Encourages students to be motivated,
resilient and to set goals as they strive for excellence.
Half Yearly Exams
Half Yearly exams for students in Years 7 - 10 will be held in Week 5 this term. Students are reminded to bring all their equipment e.g. black pens, pencils, eraser, calculator, etc in a plastic sleeve for each exam. There are to be no mobile phones or smart watches bought into the exams and if they want to bring some water, it must be in a clear, plastic water bottle. No metal water bottles are to be brought to the exam.
All students have received their exam timetables. These timetables can be found on the links below as well as on the Shared Google Drive for each year group. Students have been asked to write each exam and the location in their handbook.
All students are expected to attend every exam. If students are away, they must have a justified reason, otherwise they will receive zero for that exam. If they are unwell on the day of an exam, then a medical certificate will be required. Parents/guardians should make contact with the SSO on the day of the exam to explain the absence. There will be no catch-up exams. Students who are representing the school on identified calendar school events will complete their exams in Week 6.
Students have started to receive their exam notifications for each subject. These provide valuable resources and ideas to help each student study. Remember it is never too late to start studying.
Some study tips include:
Be prepared and start early
Make sure you read the notification
Use the syllabus
Memorise the key ideas and then explain them to a friend/parent without using your notes
Complete practice questions
Know your glossary terms
Use colour
Use mind maps, tables, study cards
Ask as many questions as possible
Use the study centre
After homework is completed, students should be trying to spend some time on studying for the subjects they have exams in. Some students find this easier to do than others. Parents, siblings or friends are also a great source of motivation and can help students with their study. This could include writing out key vocabulary and their definitions, summarising class notes, reading over class notes, having someone ask questions on classwork. Remember to encourage your child/ren to use the notifications and the syllabus to help structure what they have to know and remember. It is important to realise that there is no right way to study as different ways work for different people. The aim for everyone is to work out what works best for them. Remember that every little bit counts.
All students have study ideas and tips from the study skills sessions that occurred this term. This includes mind mapping, creating dot point summaries and creating flashcards to learn subject specific terminology.
The Study Centre is up and running this term. This is a great way to make sure you spend some time completing homework and studying with the help of the teachers. Please remember that transport is available back to Forbes and Parkes each day, leaving RBCC at 4.30pm.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the teachers or myself if you have any questions.
Marist Solidarity Australia
A fundraising BBQ will be held in the coming week (and again in Week 6) to support Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS.) Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) is the international agency for the aid and development work of the Marist family in Australia throughout Asia and the Pacific Islands.
AMS works with the people in this region on a combination of long-term and short-term development projects. These projects aim to develop or support locally sustained education opportunities for the young people in these regions. As well as bringing education and hope to young people living in Asia and the Pacific so that they can build a brighter future.
The focus of MSA school campaigns in 2025 is St Joseph’s College in Tenaru, Solomon Islands. Opened in 1946, St Joseph’s is a proudly Marist institution. Currently serving over 700 students, it is a vibrant Catholic secondary school regarded as one of the top schools in Solomon Islands. As the focus of our 2025 Schools Campaign, St Joseph’s is asking for the help of our Marist school communities across Australia. The modest school infrastructure is nearly 80 years old and struggling with a large student population and overcrowding, the facilities at St Joseph’s are in need of renovations and refurbishments.
All families are invited to contribute to this worthy cause by purchasing a breakfast roll, making a donation at the BBQ fundraiser - or on the link: https://www.australianmaristsolidarity.org/donate
Pilgrimage to the Australian Catholic Youth Festival
ACYF (Australian Catholic Youth Festival) is a three-day festival bringing together thousands of young people from all across Australia. The Festival will include opportunities for engagement with other young people, school and youth groups, Bishops, musicians and speakers. Each day will include the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities including prayer, Mass, workshops, talks, live concerts, games, justice issues and an interactive expo.
Red Bend Catholic College students from Year 9-12 are invited to submit an Expression of Interest in ACYF. If there is sufficient interest, we would take an RBCC Bus to Melbourne leaving early Sunday 30th November. We would depart Melbourne early on Wednesday 3rd December.
Bishop Columba is very supportive of this experience - and may be able to join our group as a fellow pilgrim.
We will endeavour to keep costs as low as possible, but we anticipate a cost per student in excess of $500.
Students in Year 12 are welcome to submit an Expression of Interest in ACYF form. Parents and Year 12s should be mindful that this event occurs after the conclusion of the HSC Exams. These participants would not be school students but rather young adults representing the diocese.
Parents and students can learn more about the ACYF from the videos linked below:
This week in boarding we have been celebrating National Boarding Week. We had a special dinner with all the students together with staff. In addition the senior students have cooked a BBQ Breakfast to spend time with teaching staff on Tuesday morning.
The speeches below were a highlight at the college assembly, where boarding was recognised and day students were given an insight to the dorms.
LAURA HAND
My time in boarding began in Year 7 as a full time boarder from Bourke. As I now prepare to go forward with my future, I feel as though I am saying goodbye to a second home.
From being homesick every night, to being excited to see my friends that will last a lifetime. As I look back over my time, I am reminded of the connections that I've built over the years. I truly believe that Red Bend provided me with opportunities that I would not have been given if I didn't attend here. Through the support of my parents, I would not have been given this unique opportunity.
MYKEL COE
The boarding houses are commonly referred to as a home away from home, which is true. We have our own rooms, we sometimes fight like siblings, and we even have to do chores. We get help from teachers during study, we get driven to sport or work, and there are TV pits in the dorm where boarders argue over what to watch or who is playing first on the games.
One aspect we can sometimes take for granted is the food. We're lucky to have warm recesses, lunches and dinners every day and even have dessert every day.
The staff are great at truly making a home away from home; they look after us like a parent would (or a big brother or sister.) They really grow on you. It's hard to imagine boarding without them and the way they make boarding their own. I couldn’t imagine boarding without Waynos ‘phones up’, Ruddy’s footy talks after a game, Big Macs maccas jokes, Tristin’s cooking, Tiff's cookies, Greirsos ‘right boys to your rooms now’, Christian's kickback methods of supervising, and most important - Barry’s morning tunes.
All the staff really impact boarding for us. The ref staff always joke with us, they slip more food if it's our favourite and make our lunches for us when we’re not going to be at school. Miss Neilsen and Mr Grierson help to make sure our afternoon is sorted with travel into town for the gym or shopping. Miss Nielsen also does a fabulous job with exeat, and end of term travel, making sure that we go home or to the right town.
Ms Walker makes sure that we get the most out of study, ensuring we have suitable studying environments and staff to help us with our work. Last, but not least, Mr Douglass. Mr Douglass does all the work behind boarding that we don’t always see. From organising an out-of-town trips, to fun weekend activities. Mr Douglass helps us with our problems to make boarding a happy environment for everyone.
When I started boarding I was a little kid from Condo, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t know anyone around my age and, truthfully, I was lost. But it all turned out fine. I met a couple of boys and made friends. Got driven to rugby union training during the week, and eventually boarding became my home away from home. Instead of boarding being considered living at school it turned into a term long sleepover with my friends.
Now that I’m preparing to finish school after 6 years here I reminisce on my time of boarding. All the shenanigans with some of the boarders. All of trips to footy, Orange, or the Bathurst waterpark. All the jokes in the ref and that feeling of family that’s created between us. Even though there have been challenges, I would never trade this unique opportunity with another high school experience.
Year 6 Visits
We had over 170 Year 6 students from many different primary schools attended the ‘Year 6 visits’ at Red Bend Catholic College on the 7 and 14 May. These visits are designed to allow prospective students to experience a selection of the many opportunities and facilities that Red Bend has to offer.
On arrival at the school, our excited visitors were greeted by senior students who played icebreaker games and encouraged everyone to make a new friend. Then our visitors were warmly welcomed by Mr Dwyer, and our College Captains.
The students were placed in small groups to move between activities that included: Science, Food Technology, PDHPE and Art. A delicious morning tea was provided. The visit finished with a group reflection of the day and a fun slideshow of the morning’s events.
Danielle Scott | Year 7 Advisor
ANZAC Assembly
We were grateful to be joined by Mr Bryan Jones, President of the Forbes RSL Sub Branch, who spoke of the sacrifice and service of the ANZAC men and women at our ANZAC assembly.
Principal Mr Dwyer reminded us the ANZAC story calls us to remember that we are stronger when we walk together; when we care for one another; and when we serve something greater than ourselves.
As a Marist community, we are called to live these values in our daily lives:
to act with courage when it would be easier to step back,
to stand beside one another in times of challenge,
and to hold hope in our hearts, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.
Pictured: Deputy Principal Mr Martino, School Captains Lachlan Kupkee and Ruby Arnott, President of the Forbes RSL Sub Branch Mr Jones, and Principal Mr Dwyer.
Chess
Our chess team went down to a very good Parkes side on May 14, 3 to 1.
Aidan McTiernan Our 2025 Red Bend Chess champion put up a very hard match, but was defeated
Joshua Morrison played very strongly and was just tipped at the post
James Kelly was in front in his match, but made one bad move that cost him the game
Levi Carver won a very tight match
Interschools Cup | RBCC v St Johns
May 2 was an excellent day of skill and sportsmanship, with both RBCC and @stjohnscollegedubbo enjoying a day of friendly rivalry. Congratulations to all involved.
RESULTS
Chess - draw
Debating - St Johns win
Engineering - St Johns win
Theatre sports - (33 - 37) St Johns win
Boys volleyball - (1 - 2) St Johns win
Girls netball - (13 - 17) St Johns win
Girls basketball - (9 - 65) St Johns win
Boys basketball - (34 - 78) St Johns win
Girls touch football - (2 - 6) St Johns win
Boys touch football - (4 - 4) draw
Boys soccer - (1 - 4) St Johns win
Girls soccer - (1 - 1) draw
Boys rugby league - (20 - 0) RBCC win
Girls league tag - (18 - 4) RBCC win
Mixed frisbee - (2 - 1) RBCC win
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐁𝐂𝐂 𝟐𝟒 𝐯 𝐒𝐭 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬 𝟑𝟔
Upcoming - Year 12 HSC Exams
NESA has published the 2025 HSC exam timetable.
Please see link - HSC written exam timetable | NSW Government
The exams begin on 16/10/25 with English. The exam period is four weeks and our final exam at Red Bend is Food Technology on 7/11/25. Over the four weeks there will be approximately 37 HSC exams held at Red Bend.
Parents/ Carers may wish to print the exam timetable and place it in a central location for future reference.
Upcoming - Year 12 Half Yearly Reports
The Year 12 Half Yearly Reports will be emailed to parents/carers and students in the very near future.
If you have any questions about the HSC exam dates or your child’s report please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs Trish Martin Director of Curriculum
Upcoming - Town Visits
We are gearing up to head north in the next few weeks, and are looking forward to chatting with current, past and interested families about the opportunities and achievements of RBCC.
WARREN | Tuesday, May 27 - 6pm at the Warren RSL
LIGHTNING RIDGE | Wednesday, May 28 - 6pm at the Bowling Club
BOURKE | Thursday, May 29 - 6pm at the Back 'o' Bourke Hotel
We'd love to see you there!
Agriculture | Cattle Team at Sydney Royal Easter Show
Our Cattle Team had another exceptional year at Sydney Royal Easter Show, with 12 steers and 11 students representing the College.
While we came away with ribbons in the hoof (live) section, it was in the hook (carcase) section where our cattle really shone.
𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
First in class and Overall Champion Trade Carcase
𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐏𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 (School Section)
1st in Heavyweight class and Overall Champion School Carcase
𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
1st in class and a Silver Medal
Winner - Virtual Taste Test in class
In addition, we were awarded 3rd place in the group of 3 best carcases based on points
Congratulations to the entire team on such a successful event, and special thanks to Mrs Susan Earl who, after 24 years taking the Cattle Team to the Sydney Royal Easter show, will be hanging up her hat. "Ribbons are always nice, but it's seeing the dedication and personal growth of the students that I love," she says.
HSIE | Year 10 History Performance
On May 13, Brett Hunt visited Red Bend Catholic College to perform his one man play about the Vietnam War for our Year 10 History students - titled “Vietnam Dusted Off”.
Brett is a singer, songwriter, playwright and historian who has researched the Vietnam War extensively. The entirety of his performance is based on primary sources and real events. Brett has spent many years refining his monologue which has resulted in a serious yet humorous performance that included songs, monologues and various dramatic techniques. His performance both captivated and educated our Year 10 History students who are currently studying Australia in the Vietnam War
Brett held the student’s attention with a very personal performance of the Vietnam War that told the story of Brett’s father, Frankie. Frankie is the subject of the song ‘I was only 19’ by the band, Redgum. The most memorable line of the song, ‘Frankie kicked a mine the day that mankind kicked the moon’ refers to Brett’s father. In the performance, Brett retold Frankie’s story from the time he signed up in 1969 to the day of the ‘Welcome Home’ parade in 1987. Brett’s dramatic performance held the students spellbound as he described how Frankie stepped on the mine and then was winched into the helicopter. Frankie’s friends came alive with Brett’s characterisation, sound effects and songs. The students were still talking about the performance and Vietnam veterans throughout the week, many relating stories of their own in their History classes.
Overall, the day was highly entertaining and educational, and Brett said he could not have asked for a better audience. He commended our students on their emotional intelligence and empathy. Brett was very impressed with the quality of questions that students asked him. Congratulations to Year 10 History students on their manners and participation in this melodrama.
HSIE | History Futures Forum
On May 1, Year 11 and 12 Modern and Ancient History students attended the Orange Regional Museum’s first ever History Futures Forum. The day began in Orange Civic Theatre where students engaged in a Guest Speaker session with Dr Stephen Gapps, Stephanie Gardiner and Matt Poll. Each of these guests spoke about their career paths and journeys ranging from being a public historian, news journalist and a museum curator. It was a great opportunity for the students because it showcased pathways for history students, from professions in the GLAM (galleries, libraries and museums) sector to journalism and law.
The students also engaged in source analysis activities in the Orange City Library with members of the Orange City Council, going through old newspaper articles as part of a scavenger hunt. As well as attempting to figure out the career pathways of some of the members of the Council and realising how broad and diverse opportunities can be when studying a degree in History and Arts, with jobs ranging from archaeology to photography.
They then had the opportunity to do a Behind the Scenes Tour in the Orange Regional Museum where the students visited staff-only areas to discover how they collect and care for objects, and the unexpected variety of jobs in museums. It was particularly interesting to note that every object and artefact had to have some connection to the Orange local history to be displayed in the museum, and how a lot of the time they receive objects as donations that they are unfamiliar with and have experts get them operating for investigation.
Students were then given a Mariw Minaral tour of the Orange Regional Museum with Matt Poll, who is an exhibition curator from the Australian National Maritime Museum, he provided a tour with a lens on what a curator does and how an exhibition is put together.
The final session students experienced was a fun hands-on session with Museum educator Sally MacLennan, where students considered an assemblage of recycling and drew conclusions about a household, prompting students to consider how objects can be used as sources.
Overall, the day was a huge success, as it really showcased different pathways and careers for students interested in history, humanities and the art. As well as clarifying for students that while some careers have clearly defined pathways, many don’t, what careers exist for history students, and how do they get there.
HSIE | Year 12 Geography
Year 12 Geography students are studying Global winemaking and its sustainability in their Global Sustainability topic. They visited Philip Shaw vineyard at Borenore and the cellar door in Orange on May 1 to gain an understanding of factors influencing winemaking, current trends and sustainability in winemaking. It was a very beneficial excursion that enabled students to gain hands-on understanding of the global winemaking industry.
Marist Netball
The Open Girls Netball Team have been training hard in preparation for the upcoming carnival in Adelaide during Week 5. The team is very excited to compete against other Marist schools from across Australia. We can't wait to tell you all about it when we get back.
U16’s NSWCCC girls rugby 7’s team selection
Congratulations to Ruby Coote, who has been selected in the U16’s NSWCCC girls rugby 7’s team 🤩
Western Rugby League Trials
Several students travelled to Wagga yesterday for the Western Rugby League trials. In the under 16s girls we had Sarah Price, Ruby Coote, Malia Morrison and Katie Galvin make it through to the NSW CCC Rugby League Southern Country team.
And in the boys we had Jaggar King and Sam Nicholson make it through to the 15s Southern Country team, and Max Hartwig and Brandon DoSantos Hall make it through to the Opens team. Congratulations to all involved.
DIO Cross Country
We had 35 students representing the College at the DIO Cross Country competition today. Of these runners, 17 have been selected to represent the Diocese at the NSWCCC carnival in Sydney.
House Athletics Carnival