Inspiring Minds, Hearts and Spirits
MR STEPHEN DWYER | Term 4, Week 10
Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of our College community,
As we arrive at the end of another rich and rewarding year at Red Bend Catholic College, we take this moment to reflect with gratitude on all that has been achieved across our community. As we share this final newsletter for the year, we do so with deep appreciation for the commitment, partnership, and generosity that make Red Bend such a vibrant and faith-filled place
Advent waiting leading to Joyous Christmas
As we continue our journey through the season of Advent, our hearts are drawn once again to the promise and hope that lie at the heart of Christmas. Advent invites us to slow down, to watch and to wait, and to make room in our lives for the coming of Christ who enters our world with gentleness, humility, and love.
In the midst of the busyness that comes with the end of a school year, Christmas calls us back to what truly matters; the gift of Emmanuel, God-with-us. The birth of Jesus reminds us that God chooses to walk with us, to dwell among us, and to touch our lives in the ordinary moments of each day. This is the heart of our Marist story as well, God present in simplicity, family spirit, and care for one another.
As we look forward to the joyous celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas, may this season renew in us a sense of wonder and gratitude. May it deepen our compassion, strengthen our hope, and inspire us to share the light of Christ with all whom we encounter.
Wishing you a grace-filled Advent and a joyful, peaceful Christmas.
To access Bishop Columba MacBeth Green’s Christmas message, please click here
Pilgrims of Hope
This year, our community has embraced the Marist theme Pilgrims of Hope. To be a pilgrim is to keep moving forward with trust, especially when the road is uncertain. And to be a person of hope is to look for the light sometimes small, sometimes faint, but always present. Throughout the year, we have tried to live this theme in the way we learn, the way we serve, the way we support one another, and the way we face challenges with courage. In so many ordinary moments, I have seen extraordinary hope; a student encouraging a peer, a teacher helping someone who is struggling, a class celebrating a small success, a team giving their best even when the odds were against them. These are the moments that form the heart of a Marist school.
HSC and Pathways Outcomes 2025
I am so pleased to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of the HSC Class of 2025.Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance have been rewarded with outstanding results, reflecting their commitment to excellence in learning. We are incredibly proud of each student’s accomplishments.
I am delighted to announce that the Dux of the College for 2025 is Blake Reeves, achieving an ATAR of 96.15. Blake’s consistent effort and dedication to his studies have set a wonderful example for his peers. We are very proud of his success.
The 2025 HSC results highlight the amazing achievements of our cohort:
21 Band 6 results (marks of 90 or above)
118 Band 5 results (marks between 80 and 90)
These accomplishments showcase the academic strength and consistent effort across the year group.
The Class of 2025 has demonstrated ambition and success across both academic and vocational pathways. In terms of university progression, a significant portion of the cohort has been active in securing their futures early. At least 66 students have received offers via direct entry or UAC’s Schools Recommendation Scheme. Applications have been lodged for a diverse range of fields, including Physiotherapy, Engineering, Law, Business, and Marine Science, with students targeting institutions such as the University of Newcastle, University of Wollongong, and Charles Sturt University.
Student engagement with Work Placement and VET courses has been outstanding. Participation in the Construction course has seen a 100% increase compared to last year, with 20 students enrolled and achieving a 100% completion rate. Similarly, the Primary Industries course saw a 56% increase in participation, with 28 students enrolled and all achieving full certification. The Hospitality course also remained strong with 10 students. In total, over 60 students undertook work placements, gaining vital industry experience.
This strong engagement with industry is translating directly into employment outcomes. Several students have already transitioned into apprenticeships or full-time roles in areas such as plumbing, engineering, and agriculture, directly resulting from their successful work placements. Whether pursuing tertiary study or skilled trades, the data paints a highly positive picture of a group that is career-ready, skilled, and eager to contribute to the local community and beyond.
These experiences help our students develop real-world skills, confidence, and direction as they step into life beyond school.
Prizegiving Day
Our final day of the school year was a fitting and meaningful celebration of all we have shared in 2025. We began with our Thanksgiving Mass, a special moment for our whole community to pause, give thanks, and acknowledge the many blessings of the year. This was followed by our Prize Giving Ceremony, where we recognised and celebrated the outstanding achievements of our students across academic, spiritual, cultural, sporting and co-curricular domains. It was a joyful and uplifting conclusion to the year, honouring both individual excellence and the collective spirit that makes Red Bend such a vibrant and hope-filled community.
To our families; thank you. Your trust, encouragement, and partnership allow us to do this sacred work of educating and forming young people. You support the rhythms of school life; early mornings, homework, conversations at the dinner table, cheering from the sidelines, and navigating the inevitable ups and downs of adolescence. We are grateful for the role you play in shaping the character, faith, and aspirations of your children.
To our teachers and all staff of the College; I thank them for all they have given this year. Their commitment is seen in the early mornings, the late afternoons, the preparation, the pastoral care, the thoughtful planning, and the countless unseen acts of service that keep this College strong. They live our Marist values of presence and family spirit, with compassion and care every day. Their work changes lives, and I am deeply grateful for all they do.
To the staff who are concluding their time at Red Bend, I thank them for the energy, commitment they have given to this community. They leave with our gratitude and our prayers.
Mrs Susan Earl
Ms Jessica Harrison
Mrs Nelly Chepchirchir
Mr Kim Clayton
Ms Felicity Otrupcek
Mr Matt Preeo
Mr Vaibhav Sharma
Mr Anthony Boshoff
Mrs Esmarie Boshoff
Ms Jessica Walker
Mr Titus Kaptingei
I would like to acknowledge the Executive Team at the College. I am most grateful to each of them for the extraordinary work they do in their area of responsibility. Thank you to Mrs Martin our Director of Curriculum, Mrs Wheeldon our Director of Learning and Teaching, Mr Douglass our Director of Boarding, Mr Currey our Director of Students, Mr Eyles our Director of Mission. And a special thanks to Mr Martino our Deputy Principal for his leadership and the support he provides me as Principal. It is greatly appreciated.
And to our students, may they always remember that they do not walk alone. They are surrounded by people who believe in them; families, teachers, staff, peers and by a College community that wants to see you flourish. As they reflect on 2025, may they carry with them the lessons of this year; to be hopeful, to be compassionate, to be faith filled, to be courageous, and to be grateful.
I wish you all a grace-filled Advent and a joyful, peaceful Christmas.
May St Marcellin Champagnat and Mary our Good Mother guide our community.
God bless and I wish you all a safe holiday period.
Our final newsletter for 2025 and I would like to thank all families, students and staff for their outstanding commitment to the College in 2025.
Continuing Our Focus on The Red Bend Way in 2026
As we look ahead to 2026, the College will continue to focus on The Red Bend Way, guided by our Vision for Learning: Being an Active and Empowered Learner, Ready to Learn, and Being Marist. These expectations remain at the heart of everything we do, shaping the learning environment and the character of our students.
I would like to take this opportunity to commend our students for their commitment to these values throughout 2025. As the year comes to a close, it was wonderful to see so many students embracing and living out The Red Bend Way in their daily actions. Your efforts have contributed to a positive and respectful College culture, and we are proud of the example you set.
Together, let’s continue to uphold these values in 2026 and beyond.
Updates for 2026
Uniform
Earlier this year we called for volunteers across the community to be part of our uniform committee. This led to the proposal of an inclusive uniform. We are excited to announce that in 2026 there will be an inclusive option for our female students. This update reflects our commitment to providing choices that support comfort, inclusivity, and pride in our College community. The Uniform Guide will be available on our website early in 2026.
Bell times, Pastoral Care & Sport
As a Catholic School in the Marist Tradition, we are committed to maximising our learning time and creating a consistent environment for our staff and students. To support this, we have made a change to our bell times.
This also means we have changed the way we facilitate sport in 2026. In 2026 sport will occur on Friday from period 2 - 5. Students will participate in year groups and this time will be facilitated by our PDHPE staff and overseen by our Sports Coordinator. This is an important change that will ensure our sports program can be structured with experts leading the designated activities.
Another change for 2026 is our Pastoral Care time. This is an important aspect of the teaching and learning at Red Bend. The Pastoral care time has been extended each morning to 15 minutes. This is to provide the pastoral care teacher an opportunity to set every student up for success each day. The College has added a pastoral care lesson every fortnight led by House Coordinators and supported by the Pastoral Care teacher. This important additional will support our Vision for Learning: Inspiring Minds, Hearts and Spirits and aligns to our Strategic Improvement Plan to create a Flourishing Marist Community. We look forward to working with the community to continue to improve our wellbeing outcomes.
2026 Attendance expectation
Attendance will continue to be a focus for the College in 2026. There will continue to be clear communication about expectations and the impact of non-attendance. Research informs us that attending school each day supports students in their learning and wellbeing. Important dates that our students are expected to attend in 2026 are:
Commencement Mass - 11 February
House Swimming Carnival - 13 February
Year 7 Retreat - 19 February
Year 12 Retreat - 23-27 February
Cross Country Carnival - 1 April
House Athletics Carnival - 8 May
Year 9 Reflection Day - 19 May
Champagnat Day Mass - 5 June
Year 10 Retreat - 30-31 July
Assumption Day Mass - 19 August
Year 8 Retreat - 27-28 August
House Carnival - 10 December
Thanksgiving Mass - 11 December
Prize Giving Assembly - 11 December
We look forward to working with our families and hope to see student attendance improve across the College. Your continued partnership in ensuring students attend school every day is greatly appreciated.
Year 7-12 Parent Information Evening - Save the Date
Wednesday 11 February 2026 in the College MPH
Thank you for your support of our College and me in 2025. I wish all families a safe, happy and holy Christmas and look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year.
Stationery List 2026
Year 7-9 - Exercise books are to be covered and labelled prior to commencement of classes
8 x A4 128 page exercise books
1 x A4 128 page grid book (for Maths)
2 x blue pens, 2 x red pens and 2 x black pens
Highlighters pack of 4
1 set textas and 1 set coloured pencils
2 HB pencils
1 glue stick
1 pencil case
1 x 30cm ruler (not steel)
1 small pair of scissors
1 soft eraser
Pencil sharpener
Calculator: Casio scientific FX-8200AU - available to purchase from the Student Service Office at the College
BYOD: Chromebook (Must be signed into with the student’s RBCC account—See BYOD information page)
Year 10–12
2 x lever arch folders and loose-leaf paper and/or 1 exercise book per subject
2 x blue pens, 2 x red pens and 2 x black pens
Highlighters pack of 4
1 glue stick
Pencil sharpener
2 x HB pencils
Eraser
Hole punch (2 holes)
1 pencil case
1 small pair of scissors
1 x 30cm ruler (not steel)
1 soft eraser
Calculator: Casio scientific FX-8200AU - available to purchase from the Student Service Office at the College
BYOD: Laptop (Must be enrolled into the College’s management system—See BYOD information page)
As the academic year concludes, we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the collective effort required to maintain our Boarding residences.
We extend our thanks to the supervision staff for their consistent oversight and management of the houses throughout the year. Furthermore, the smooth operation of the department relies heavily on our support teams; we thank the cleaning, kitchen, administration and laundry staff for their essential work in maintaining the facilities and providing daily services to the students.
The final weeks of term were marked by several successful boarding events. The annual Christmas dinner provided a formal conclusion to the year, complemented by various group activities including swimming and a traditional game of pass the parcel.
We wish all boarding families a safe and restful Christmas and New Year break. We look forward to welcoming students back for the start of the 2026 school year.
Thank you to all of our students, families and staff for a fantastic 2025. I trust that you all have merry christmas and a happy new year.
The end of the term has seen a lot take place. Our year 9 students were involved in our peer support training over two days in week 9. These students have been asked to apply for a peer support leader role for 2026 to support our transition program with year 7.
Friday of week 9 we held our House Carnival. We were blessed with the weather as our students competed across houses over 5 different activities. The day culminated in the MPH where our music students and staff provided a memorable set of performances. Basil were the eventual winners on the day taking home the trophy.
Merry Christmas, Mr Currey
Australian Catholic Youth Festival
A little over 6000 young pilgrims gathered in Melbourne last week with all of Australia's Bishops. Among this enthusiastic and jubilant crowd was our own Bishop Columba, seventeen Red Bend students from years 10 and 11 (and one recent Year 12 Graduate), as well as College Chaplain Fr Harry Phillips, Director of Mission David Eyles, and teachers Tracie Axton and Alison Nunn. This was the first ACYF since 2019. Our students were simply exemplary in their behaviour and participation. They confidently struck up conversations with students from across Australia from very diverse backgrounds as well as with religious sisters, Bishops and a cardinal. They sang (and danced) with great gusto and truly entered into the spirit of the event. The Marist brothers at the Church Expo were especially pleased to catch up with the Red Bend delegates.
For a glimpse into the very diverse and vibrant nature of the Australian Catholic Youth Festival, parents are invited to view our Assembly Video Report and our RBCC ACYF Compilation video
Year 7 Award Recipients
Academic Awards
Elena Bet
Thomas Brown
Willow Culhane - DUX
Sophie Francis
Ivy Jones
Isla McLeod
Lexi Millerd
Indrie O’Connell
Mary Quade
Emily Riches
Evie Smith
Jessica Townsend
Aidan van der Merwe
LEARNING GAIN AWARD: Rose Mayall
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AWARD: Ethan Brown
CULTURAL AWARD: Olive Hinks
CITIZENSHIP AWARD: Elena Bet
ROTARY CLUB LITERACY ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD: Rose Mayall
Photography by Cliff Dykes Photography
Year 8 Award Recipients
Academic Awards
Alice Currey
Emmanuel Degeling
Anya Garton
Aaryab Gautam
Oscar Hendry
Maddison Hornery
Seamus O’Malley
Claire Pengilly
Abby Rout
Harrison Rowbotham
Carisa Siju - DUX
LEARNING GAIN AWARD: Angus Morrison
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AWARD: Reece Newham
CULTURAL AWARD: Sophia Byrne
CITIZENSHIP AWARD: Kadence Cain
TARA GILBERT MEMORIAL AWARD: Reece Newham
Photography by Cliff Dykes Photography
Year 9 Award Recipients
Academic Awards
Georgia Baird - DUX
Mia Bermingham
Georgia Campbell
MacKenzie Dalziell
Keira Flynn
Rosie Hurford
Vivienne McGinty
Andrew Press
Emily Ryan
Lacey Ticehurst
Ruth Whitty
LEARNING GAIN AWARD: Lenny Iyer
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AWARD: Keira Flynn
CULTURAL AWARD: Georgia Baird
CITIZENSHIP AWARD: Georgia Campbell
AA BLATCH NUMERACY ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD: Lenny Duggan
CHRIS ANDERSON AWARD: Ruby Coote
Photography by Cliff Dykes Photography
Year 10 Award Recipients
Academic Awards
Lily Brien
Beth Cannon
Katie Corke - DUX
Abbey Fuge
Tara Higgins
Madeline Morrison
Archie Quirk
Meghyn Ruhmann
Christa Siju
Eva Smith
Ruby Spry
LEARNING GAIN AWARD: Eilish Neville
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AWARD: Christa Siju
CULTURAL AWARD: Katie Corke
CITIZENSHIP AWARD: Marshall Munn
CLASS OF 1987 AWARD: Kourosh Bavafa
BISHOP WARREN TROPHY: Archie Quirk
GREG SANDERSON MEMORIAL AWARD: Meghyn Ruhmann
ADF LONG TAN AWARD: Marshall Munn
ADF FUTURE INNOVATORS AWARD: Archie Quirk
Photography by Cliff Dykes Photography
Year 11 Award Recipients
Academic Awards
Charlotte Baird - DUX
Joan Carolan
Bridget Dodd
Lilly Finn
Joselynne Folau
Ruby Jones
Gabriella Pereira
Chloe Pryor
Ebony Sullivan
Matilda Stitt
Connie Witherow
CLASS OF 2019 ACADEMIC CONSISTENT EFFORT: Bridie O’Malley
LEARNING GAIN AWARD: Callum Rowbotham
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AWARD: Chloe Pryor
CULTURAL AWARD: Gabriella Pereira
CITIZENSHIP AWARD: Grace Dunford
CLASS OF 2004 AWARD: Charlotte Baird
JAYE DAVIE MEMORIAL HERDSMANSHIP AWARD: Alana Haynes
Photography by Cliff Dykes Photography
Year 12 Award Recipients
Academic Awards
Sienna Alexander
Elizabeth Brindle
Rini Emseis
Ru Little
Kade Mikita
Phoebe Morrison
Imogen Ousby
Alice Paul
Blake Reeves
THE BISHOP FOX TROPHY FOR EXCELLENCE IN CONDUCT, STUDY AND SPORT: Ruby Arnott
BR PAUL GILCHRIST AWARD FOR A STUDENT WHO RELATES WELL WITH EVERYONE: Archie Daley
THE CATHERINE MCAULEY AWARD FOR WHOLEHEARTEDLY SUPPORTING THE CHRISTIAN IDEALS OF THE COLLEGE: Ellie Parker
THE MARCELLIN CHAMPAGNAT AWARD FOR WHOLEHEARTEDLY SUPPORTING THE CHRISTIAN IDEALS OF THE COLLEGE: Cooper Holloway
FR PAUL DALWOOD AWARD FOR A STUDENT WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE LIFE OF THEIR LOCAL PARISH: Kade Mikita
BR BRIAN MCGRATH MEMORIAL AWARD FOR A STUDENT WHO “DOES GOOD QUIETLY” IN THE COLLEGE COMMUNITY: Holly Purcival
THE JASON DAVEY MEMORIAL AWARD FOR INVOLVEMENT IN COLLEGE ACTIVITIES: Lachlan Kupkee
THE REUBEN F SCARF AWARD FOR COMMITMENT AND A DESIRE TO IMPROVE: Elizabeth Brindle
THE MEG TRELOAR AWARD FOR COMMITMENT TO LITERARY STUDIES: Lara Smith
CLASS OF 87 AWARD FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN OUTSTANDING FOR AN ACHIEVEMENT OTHER THAN ACADEMIC AND SPORT): Charlie Spry
DR KELLEHER AWARD FOR AN OUTSTANDING CITIZEN: Mykel Coe
SISTER ODELIA AWARD FOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE PASTORAL CARE OF STUDENTS AT THE COLLEGE: Ru Little
AMPOL ALLROUNDER AWARD FOR A CONSISTENT EFFORT IN ALL AREAS OF COLLEGE LIFE: Summer Hurford
ADF LONG TAN LEADERSHIP AND TEAMWORK AWARD: Cooper Toohey
ADF LONG TAN FUTURE INNOVATORS AWARD: Leah van der Merwe
DR JOSEPH SLY AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE: Blake Reeves
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN A VET SUBJECT: Charlie Spry
Merit Award Recipients
Basil House: Danielle Barnett
Chisholm House: Jaspa Buckmaster
Denis House: Archie Hogben
Loyola House: Hamish Newham
MacKillop House: Jackson Payne
McAuley House: Rose Mayall
O’Connor House: Ivy Stibbard
Xavier House: Maya Roffe
Photography by Cliff Dykes Photography
Faculty Excellence Recipients
AGRICULTURE Holly Leighton
CREATIVE ARTS Sienna Blacker
ENGLISH Matilda Stitt
LANGUAGES Yenuli Epitawatta
HSIE Chloe Pryor
MATHEMATICS Bobbi Curtale
PDHPE Joan Carolan
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Ned Brown
SCIENCE Gabriella Pereira
TECHNOLOGICAL & APPLIED STUDIES (TAS) Beau McMahon
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING (VET) Sam Westcott
Junior Sports Awards
Stella Bull Hayden Arndell
Montana Davey Manny Little
Zoe Field Toby Morgan
Heidi Jones Jace Rudd
Sarah Price Charlie Smith
Daisy Rice
Junior Sportswoman Ruby Coote
Junior Sportsmen Thompson Hurford and Lenny Iyer
Photography by Cliff Dykes Photography
Senior Sports Awards
Tia Dunn Mitchell Arndell
Delilah Karaitiana Archie Daley
Lola Morrison Oak Fliedner
Max Reid
Jett Rudd
Sam Westcott
Senior Sportswoman Ruby Jones
Senior Sportsman Lachlan Rice
We also presented Blues Awards to students who have represented in sport at a state level. These certificates are awarded to:
Ruby Coote - NSWCCC Team Rugby League & NSWCCC Team Rugby
Grace MacGregor - NSWCCC Team Rugby League
Ryker Moore - NSWCCC Merit Team Athletics
Malia Morrison - NSWCCC Team Rugby League
Sam Westcott - NSWCCC Team - Open Boys Hockey
and to these students from the class of 2025:
Archie Daley - NSWCCC Team - Open Boys Hockey
Jagger Gillingham - NSWCCC Team - Open Boys Hockey
Lachlan Reynolds - Touch Football Referee - NSW All Schools Student Official
Lachlan Rice - NSWCCC Merit Team Athletics
From this group, the Chris Anderson Memorial award is presented for outstanding sporting achievement at a state representative level. This year the award is presented to: Ruby Coote for NSWCCC Representation in Rugby Union and Rugby League
Photography by Cliff Dykes Photography
Jaye Davie Memorial Award for Herdsmanship
This trophy is in memory of Jaye, who was a member of the cattle team from 2008 to 2011; it is presented to the person whom we believe has focused on the cattle and had an empathy with the animals. They have displayed teamwork and shown pride in their exhibits. The winner of the 2025 Jaye Davie Herdsmanship Trophy: Alana Haynes
Photography by Cliff Dykes Photography
The Rotary Club Literacy Encouragement Award
The Forbes Rotary Club have kindly supported an award to promote Literacy growth at the College. The recipient of this award also receives a $100 Book voucher: Rose Mayall
Photography by Cliff Dykes Photography
Outstanding Commitment to Reading Award
The Outstanding Commitment to Reading at Red Bend award is awarded to a Year 7 student. The Reading at Red Bend program or RARB program is conducted in Year 7 to encourage literacy engagement and reading. Students who have actively engaged in this program have been acknowledged with Achievement certificates at House meetings. The Outstanding Commitment to the RARB program is awarded to: Maya Roffe
Photography by Cliff Dykes Photography
Achievement in Numeracy Award
The next award is for Achievement in Numeracy and is donated by AA Blatch of Parkes. The winner of this award also receives a $50 book voucher. The Achievement in Numeracy is awarded to: Lenny Duggan
Photography by Cliff Dykes Photography
The Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Award
The Australian Defence Force Future Innovators award is for a student in Year 10, encouraging the next generation of innovators, critical thinkers and problem solvers who are succeeding in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). The Year 10 Future Innovators Award along with a $250 prize is presented to: Archie Quirk
Photography by Cliff Dykes Photography
The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Award
The Australian Defence Forces Long Tan award is for a student in Year 10, who has exhibited leadership and teamwork. The Year 10 Long Tan Award along with a $250 prize is presented to: Marshall Munn
Photography by Cliff Dykes Photography
The Tara Gilbert Memorial Award
The Tara Gilbert memorial Award is presented to a student who shows a positive attitude. The recipient is awarded with a voucher generously donated by the Christian Bookshop. The 2025 Award is presented to: Reece Newham
Photography by Cliff Dykes Photography
Years 10 and 11 Awards
The Class of 1987 Trophy is presented to a Year 10 student for excellence in an area other than academic and sport: presented to Kourosh Bavafa
The Greg Sanderson Memorial award is presented to a Year 10 student who participates in school life, receives pleasing results in study and sport, but is not always recognised for their efforts: presented to Meghyn Ruhmann
The Class of 2004 Award is presented to a Year 11 student for wholehearted involvement in college activities. The winner of the class of 2004 award is presented to Charlotte Baird
The Class of 2019 award is presented to a Year 11 student who has achieved the most Consistent Academic Improvement from Year 10 to Year 11. The winner of the Class of 2019 Award is Bridie O’Malley
The Bishop Warren Trophy is presented to a year 10 student for excellence in Conduct, study and Sport. The winner of the 2025 Bishop Warren Trophy is Archie Quirk