Welcoming Our 2026 Year 7 Students – Transition Day, November 17

On Monday, 17 November, the College will proudly welcome the incoming Year 7 cohort for 2026 as part of their transition from primary school to high school. This special day provides our future students with the opportunity to experience life at Red Bend Catholic College, meet staff and peers, and begin building confidence in their new learning environment.

All students, including our current Year 7 students, will also attend school and participate in their regular classes on the day. Their presence helps showcase our strong College community and offers the new students a glimpse into the exciting year ahead.

We look forward to welcoming our newest members of the College community and sharing in this important step of their educational journey.

Parent as Partners – Year 7 2025 Information Evening

On the evening of Monday, 17 November, the College will host our Parent as Partners event for the families of our incoming Year 7 students. This evening provides an opportunity for parents, carers and students to hear about College life, meet key staff, and learn what to expect during your time at Red Bend.

We look forward to welcoming our new families and working together in partnership to support a smooth and positive transition into the Red Bend community.

Upcoming Social Media Age Changes – What Families Should Know

We want to make you aware of important changes to social media regulations that may affect many of our students and families. From 10 December 2025, new laws require that certain social media platforms must take reasonable steps to ensure that young people under the age of 16 cannot create or maintain accounts. 

What this means for students

• If your child is under 16, they may need to close existing accounts or refrain from creating new ones on platforms covered by the law. 

• The intention is to support student wellbeing by helping reduce risks associated with social media use, such as excessive screen time, peer pressure and exposure to harmful content. 

• Although the regulation comes from outside the school, our College will also review our policies to ensure consistency and support for students during this change.

While this does not have an immediate impact on school, we are aware of the role social media plays in the life of our students. We intend to work with families and students to help educate them on the social media ban. I also invite families to attend this online webinar on the Social Media Ban by Jocelyn Brewer. More information about her webinar below.

The social media age restrictions are an opportunity to rethink everyone's technology use, not just under 16's on social media. Join me for this conversation on how to use 10 December as an opportunity to apply #DigitalNutrition principles and prepare for a summer sans socials.

WHAT WE WILL COVER:

• Talking about the 'ban' without fear or secrecy

• Managing strong emotions and social disconnection

• Spotting circumvention and guiding values-based choices

• Backing up digital memories and supporting identity shifts

• Building a healthy online–offline balance this summer

WHAT YOU GET:

• A 60 min webinar on key skills and issues around the 'delay'

• PLUS time for Q&A (we'll run until all questions are answered)

• A bonus PDF playbook of extra resources and activities

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

I'm a psychologist with 15 year's experience working with teens and families

I hold degrees in Arts, Education & Psych, plus a Masters Cyberpsychology

Founded #DigitalNutrition in 2013 as a positive tech-use philosophy.

Parent of an 8 year old who loves TV and YouTube!

Click on the link to register >> https://lnkd.in/gkkQZaTx 

We appreciate your cooperation and support as we work together to ensure our students are safe, connected and well-prepared for the online landscape ahead. If you have any questions or would like to discuss how this affects your child, please reach out to your child’s House Coordinator.

Additional Links to Support Families on the Social Media Ban.

E-Safety Commissioner - Hub

E-Safety Commission Webinar 

Australian Government Fact Sheet

The Forbes Phone Free Alliance 

The Forbes Phone Free Alliance invites you to their next in-person catch up - tomorrow Sat 1st Nov.

This is a casual get-together for parents who are choosing- or thinking about choosing- to delay smartphones and social media for their kids. It’s a great chance to share ideas, swap tips, ask questions, and support each other as we navigate a world of tech.

Come if you’ve decided your child won’t have a smartphone. Come if you’ve already introduced one and want to talk about how it’s going. Come if you’re still figuring it all out - everyone is welcome!

Where: Apex Park (Plane Park), Forbes

When: Saturday 1st November, from 2pm

Semester 2 Exam Preparation

For all students in Years 7 - 10, Semester 2 exams will be run in Week 7.

All students should have received their exam timetables via email. These timetables are also on the Shared Drive for each year group. Students have been asked to write each exam in their handbook. Please also find the links below;

Year 7 Exams

Year 8 Exams

Year 9 Exams

Year 10 Exams

All students are expected to attend every exam. There are no catch-up exams. If students are away, they must have a justified reason, otherwise they will receive zero for that exam. If students are away due to illness, we ask that parents make contact with the school through the SSO that morning and provide a medical certificate.

Hopefully, students will start preparing for these exams sooner rather than later. 

At assembly this week, students have been given some top study tips that may be helpful. Students should try a variety of different strategies to help identify what works best for them. Possible strategies include:

1. Being prepared and starting early.

2. Reading the notification and using the support information.

3. Using the syllabus.

4. Memorising the key ideas and then explaining them to a friend/parent without using the notes.

5. Completing practice questions.

6. Knowing your glossary terms (refer to the handbook).

7. Using colour.

8. Using mind maps, tables or study cards.

9. Asking as many questions as possible.

10. Using the study centre and the support available.

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. 

Some specific strategies could include writing out key vocabulary and their definitions, summarising class notes, reading over class notes, having someone ask questions on classwork or completing past papers. Remember to use the notifications and the syllabus to help structure the study notes. It is important to realise that there is no right way to study, as different ways work for different people. The aim is to work out what works best for each individual. Remember that every little bit counts.

Students should come prepared for each exam with a couple of black pens, a pencil, rubber, ruler and calculator. These should all be in a clear plastic sleeve.

PAT Testing

During Week 8, students in Years 7 - 10 will again sit the PAT tests in both reading and numeracy. This will provide vital information on the growth of students over this year and provide clear data for when starting 2026. Again, attendance is important at these tests.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Deborah Wheeldon on 6852 2000 or by email at dlt@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au

As we move through Term 4, there’s a real buzz around the College. It’s been great to see students throwing themselves into all aspects of school life, learning, leading with enthusiasm, and getting involved in every opportunity that comes their way. This time of year always brings a mix of excitement and focus as assessments wrap up and big events fill the calendar. A huge thank you to our students, staff, and families for the energy and support you continue to bring, it’s what keeps our community strong, positive, and connected.

Uniform

I would like to thank all families for their ongoing support in ensuring students are wearing the correct College uniform.

It has been pleasing to see the majority of students upholding high standards in wearing the College uniform correctly and with pride. The uniform is a visible expression of our shared identity and the respect we hold for our College community.

Students are reminded that those not in the correct uniform will be required to participate in a Friday Reflection, even if a note has been provided. These expectations promote fairness, consistency, and pride in presentation.

Please continue to support this by ensuring your child/ren wear the correct uniform, have appropriate hairstyles, make-up and jewellery, are clean-shaven, and have their shoes polished.

I ask parents/carers to refamiliarise themselves with our college uniform policy to ensure your child/ren are following the College expectation.

 Summer Girls Uniform

• College Summer Dress (at least knee length)

• White knee-high calf length socks

• Blue College embroidered V-neck jumper

• Black lace-up, polishable leather shoes with a heel. The shoe must cover the entire foot (College approved—not boots, slides, suede-type or slipper-type shoes/ballet flats)

• College approved sun protective hat for outdoor activities
  
  

 Summer Boys Uniform

• Grey College approved shorts

• Grey College knee high socks

• Black lace-up, polishable leather shoes with a heel. The shoe must cover the entire foot

• College crested blue shirt

• College embroidered V-neck navy jumper

• College approved sun protective hat for outdoor activities

• Only white t-shirts may be worn under shirts

 Girls/Boys Appearance/Jewellery

• No visible make-up or nail polish is to be worn (including noticeable fake nails, fake eyelashes or eyelash extensions)

• Hair styles and colours are to be appropriate to a professional work environment (for example, no ‘tracks’, undercuts, mullets, rat’s tails or extreme styles no shorter than a number 2

• Hair neat and tidy, if below the collar needs to be tied up

• Hair should be a neutral tone that is acceptable

• Hair accessories should be navy or white only, no patterned scarves, headbands or bandanas

• Clean shaven

• No visible tattoos

• No facial piercings

• Students may wear a single, simple neck chain, wrist watch, simple ring and one pair of sleepers or studs worn in the ear lobes only 

• Students will be asked to remove excess jewellery.

Girls/Boys Sports Uniform

• College approved tracksuit pants

• College hoodie 

• College approved navy-blue shorts

• College approved blue polo shirt with the College crest

• College approved white socks

• Lace-up joggers (no canvas/skate shoes)

• College approved sun protective hat for outdoor activities

• College approved all-weather sports jacket

Pastoral Care and Student Wellbeing

At this stage of the term, assessments and examinations can understandably create additional stress for students. I encourage anyone feeling anxious or overwhelmed to reach out for support. Whether that be through their classroom teachers, Pastoral Care teachers, Boarding staff supervisors or House Coordinators.

Year 11 Leadership

I would like to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our Year 11 House and Liturgy Captains, who have demonstrated initiative and maturity in leading recent College events. Their organisation and commitment have been exemplary as they begin planning for upcoming College events, including the House Carnival. It is pleasing to see our new senior leaders embracing their roles and modelling the Marist values of service, respect, and community.

HSC – One Week to Go

With just one week until the HSC begins, we want to wish our Year 12 students every success as they enter this final stage of their school journey. 

This milestone represents the culmination of many years of hard work and perseverance. I commend our Year 12 cohort for their determination and resilience throughout this demanding period, and I encourage them to maintain their focus and finish strongly. We look forward to celebrating their achievements as they prepare to take their next steps beyond the College.

Know that your teachers, House Coordinators, and the entire College community are behind you every step of the way. Believe in yourself, trust your efforts, and give it your best.

Upcoming College Event

The weeks ahead promise to be both busy and rewarding, with several significant activities on our calendar:

• World Teachers’ Day – An opportunity to recognise and thank our dedicated staff for their ongoing care, guidance, and commitment to our students’ growth and wellbeing.

• Peer Support Training – Preparing our Year 9 students to mentor and guide the incoming Year 7 cohort. This will occur in week 9 this term 4. 

• House Carnival – A celebration of school spirit, teamwork, and participation, which will occur on Friday, 12th December (Week 9). Students should start getting prepared with their house colours that they will be able to wear on the day.

Australian Marist Solidarity

In the past few weeks, some of our Marist Solidarity Ambassadors and SRC members have undertaken some fundraising initiatives for AMS. The students ran a canteen for the recent Diocesan Touch Football and Girls League Tag gala days.  All the students involved are to be commended for their generosity of spirit and the professionalism they displayed on these days.

The students from Year 11, giving up their recess breaks and study periods, were Lucy Maslin, Milli Robson, Chloe Pryor, Elly Smith, Bronte Hampton, Gabriella Pereira, Esme Nicholls, Amber Griffith, Zali Johnson,  Ruby Hodges and Tarlie Glastonbury.

SRC members and AMS volunteers from Years 9 and 10 included Quinella Toomey, Josh Morrison. Marshall Munn. Zara Payne, Brock Crowe, Ethan Ray, Malia Morrison and 

Shelbea Kennaugh.

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.

Families can support the valuable work of AMS by donating at australianmaristsolidarity.org/donate

Gamechangers

Game Changers meetings have continued recently for students in Years 7- 10. In 2026 Our Game Changers program will expand to include Year 11 students.

Gamechangers from Years 7 and 8 travelled to Canberra on Friday 31st October for our regional gathering with Canberra Marist College.  The day was facilitated by a team from Marist Youth Ministries, and our students were accompanied by Mrs Alison Nunn and Mr David Eyles.

Game Changers is a comprehensive Catholic youth ministry program for students of Marist Schools in Years 7-12. It aims to form Christian leaders of students by making Jesus Christ known and loved among them.

Through a Youth Group dedicated to forming a strong sense of family spirit and community, in conjunction with regular meetings, faith formation experiences and service opportunities, students are invited to become game changers.

Sunday Mass at Red Bend

In Term 3, the parish began a trial of 5.00 pm Sunday Masses here at Red Bend.  In addition to our boarders, these masses have been attended by day students, staff and families.  A particular feature has been the leadership shown in ministries by our students - with particular commendation going to some talented Red Bend musicians who have been leading the hymns, psalms and acclamations.

Our next Sunday Eucharist in our Red Bend chapel will be on Sunday 23rd November.  We will also have Mass at Red Bend on Sunday 7th December and Sunday 14th December.  Mass starts at 5.00pm. All are welcome!