Embedded Files
Inspiring Minds, Hearts and Spirits
Principal's Report
Principal's Report
MR STEPHEN DWYER | Term 1, Week 3
Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of our College community,
Welcome to the 2026 school year. It has been a wonderful start to the year, with students returning from the holidays with energy and positivity. From the very first day, it has been pleasing to see students reconnecting with one another and engaging so well in their learning. Our Year 7 students and those new to the College have embraced the opportunities before them with enthusiasm and confidence. As we begin this new year together, we look forward to building on this strong and promising start in the weeks ahead.
Ash Wednesday and Lent
On Wednesday of this past week, we celebrated as a whole school community Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a time of renewal, reflection, and recommitment to our faith. The ashes we receive on our foreheads are a powerful symbol of humility and transformation, reminding us of our call to turn our hearts toward God, to seek reconciliation, and to live with greater compassion.
Lent challenges us to embrace prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, not as mere rituals, but as pathways to renewal. Prayer deepens our relationship with God and one another. Fasting helps us refocus on what truly matters, stripping away distractions so we can be more present to our students and colleagues. Almsgiving calls us to extend our care beyond ourselves, to be a light for those who may be experiencing hardship.
May this season of Lent be a time of grace for each of us; a time to grow in faith, to lead with love, and to strengthen the bonds of our Marist community. Let us walk this journey together, trusting in God’s presence among us.
100 Years of Marist Education in Forbes
This year, 2026, we pause with deep gratitude and great joy to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 100 years of Marist Education in Forbes.
On 5 July 1926, classes commenced for the very first time in Johnston street opposite St Laurence’s Catholic Church. What began as a small community of Marist Brothers, responding generously to a need for education in this region, has grown into the vibrant learning community we know today.
We honour the founding Marist Brothers and all Brothers who faithfully served at our College. The centenary also celebrates the lay women and men who, across the decades, have carried forward the Marist charism with professionalism, generosity and heart. Together, they laid the foundations of a community that has educated generations of young people in the Marist way.
Importantly, a centenary is not only about remembering the past; it is about renewing our commitment to the future. The story of Marist education in Forbes continues to be written every day through our work with the students in our care.
As we begin this year together, we do so with gratitude for the shoulders on which we stand, pride in what has been built, and hope for what lies ahead. One hundred years on, the call remains the same: to educate young people in the way of Mary, forming good Christians and good citizens for the world.
My hope is that this centenary year renews our sense of purpose, deepens our sense of belonging, and strengthens our resolve to ensure that Marist education in Forbes continues to flourish for generations to come.
2025 HSC High Achievers Assembly
Our recent High Achievers Assembly was a proud and inspiring occasion for our College community as we formally acknowledged the distinguished achievements of the HSC Class of 2025. It was a celebration not only of outstanding academic success, but of dedication, perseverance and commitment over many years of learning.
We recognised those students who achieved a band 6 result (mark of 90 or above), honouring the discipline and focus that led to such excellent outcomes. A special highlight of the assembly was the presentation of the Dux Award to Blake Reeves, who achieved an exceptional ATAR of 96.15.
Blake’s achievement reflects both intellectual ability and sustained effort, and we commend him wholeheartedly. In his address to students, Blake delivered an inspiring and authentic message about the importance of discovering your passion and allowing it to drive your motivation. He reminded us that success is not simply about marks, but about purpose, resilience and commitment to something that matters deeply. Please click here to read Blake’s speech.
Parent Information Evening
We sincerely thank all parents and carers who were able to attend our revised Parent Information Evening on Wednesday, 11 February. The new format, which included separate sessions for Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8), Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) and Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12) families.
These presentations provided a valuable opportunity to share important operational information that underpins both student learning and wellbeing at the College and how you can support your child’s learning. The structure of the evening allowed for more targeted communication relevant to each stage of schooling and created space for meaningful engagement and questions.
We are deeply grateful for your presence and ongoing support, as our partnership with you in the education of your child is vital to their success. In the Deputy Principal section of this newsletter, a link is provided to presentations from the evening, to ensure that all parents and carers have access to the information shared.
If at any time you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s learning, progress or wellbeing, we warmly encourage you to make contact with us. Open and timely communication is essential in ensuring that every student feels supported and is able to flourish. Your first point of contact is usually your child’s classroom teacher or Pastoral Care teacher, who can then liaise with relevant Coordinators or members of the Leadership Team as needed. We value our partnership with families and are always willing to work together to support the growth, learning and wellbeing of every student in our care.
College Executive Team
I would like to inform you of the members of the College Executive Team. These are the key staff with delegated authority in all aspects of life at the College. They provide strategic leadership by setting direction, ensuring high-quality teaching, learning and wellbeing, and overseeing the effective operation of the day and boarding school. They support staff while fostering a positive culture that promotes student wellbeing, growth and achievement.
I wish you all well for 2026.
May Mary our Good Mother and St Marcellin Champagnat continue to watch over our community.
Deputy Principal | Mr Simon Martino
Deputy Principal | Mr Simon Martino
Welcome to 2026!
It has been a busy start to the year with many different activities and learning opportunities to prepare our students for the academic year ahead. The message to students at the beginning of the year has been focused around "The 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 Inspiring Minds, Hearts and Spirits in 2026.
In my section below you will find information about supervision at the College, SEQTA Engage, Attendance, Year 12 Retreat, Parent Information Evening, Immunisation and changes to the College calendar due to the Anzac Day public holiday.
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. There are buses available for all students and we encourage our families to take advantage of this option.
SEQTA Engage
In Week 2, the College launched SEQTA Engage for parents and carers, providing access to their child/ren’s current learning at the College. This platform will improve parent access to assessment results and course information, it will also make it easier for families to communicate absences to the College.
If you have any questions regarding SEQTA Engage or require support accessing the portal, please contact the College.
Attendance
Thank you to all families for the improved attendance. It was wonderful to see so many students at the Commencement Mass and House Swimming Carnival last week.
Our focus continues to be on supporting strong attendance. We have set a target of 90% attendance for all students. The research is clear that regular attendance at school is essential for positive learning and wellbeing outcomes.
We understand that there are many reasons why a student may be absent from school, including personal, medical, family, educational, or communal factors. Our goal is to promote consistent school attendance and reinforce the importance of attending every day.
We are committed to working in partnership with families when low attendance occurs. Our priority is preventing educational risk caused by reduced attendance, and we ask all parents and carers to help maintain the message that every day of attendance matters.
How Families Can Support Strong Attendance
Plan holidays and family events for non-school days.
Whenever possible, schedule appointments for the end of the school day or on non-school days.
Ensure your child attends school every day unless they are unwell.
Support a positive morning routine at home, including healthy sleep habits, so your child is ready for the school day.
How Can We Help?
Teachers show a genuine interest in your child’s wellbeing and future success by building positive, supportive relationships.
House Coordinators monitor and support students with their academic progress and wellbeing needs.
College Counsellors are available to assist students with any mental health concerns they may be experiencing.
If you child/ren are absent or you have questions regarding absences please contact the Student Services Office (SSO) on 02 6852 1558 or absent@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au
Extended Leave Applications
A reminder to families wishing to apply for Extended Leave Travel: if Extended Leave for Travel is approved, you will not be eligible to have another period of Extended Leave for Travel approved within a two-year timeframe.
Application for Extended Leave application - Application for Extended Leave
Families may also apply for Extended Leave using the same form for other reasons where they require their child to miss 3 or more days.
Please ensure that you select “Other” on the form and include all relevant information regarding the reason for the leave request.
Families may also apply for Exemption from Leave using the Exemption for School form for the following categories: Employment in the Entertainment Industry, Elite Sport or Arts, or Exceptional Circumstances. This form must be requested from Student Service Office.
Families will be notified of the outcome of their extended leave or exemption application by the Principal.
Immunisation Reminder – Year 7 & Year 10
Parents and carers are reminded that immunisations for Year 7 and Year 10 students will take place in Week 4.
Year 10 Immunisations: Tuesday, 24 February
Year 7 Immunisations: Thursday, 26 February
Consent is required for students to be immunised. Information and instructions were sent to families on Wednesday, 18 February. If you have not yet provided consent, please follow the below instructions.
Online Consent Process
Parents/carers can provide consent online via the School Vaccination Program online consent portal
How to Provide Consent Providing consent for your child to receive a vaccination at school
To complete online consent, parents/carers will need:
ServiceNSW login details (or to create an account)
Medicare details for themselves and their child.
If your child is absent on their scheduled immunisation day, a catch-up session will be held in Week 5 on Tuesday, 3 March.
Thank you for your support in ensuring our students stay up to date with their immunisations.
Year 12 Retreat
Our Year 12 students will begin their Retreat program from Monday. The retreat is an important part of our Red Bend journey; it aims to build a sense of Family Spirit and provide a space for personal reflection on your relationship with self, God and others. Details have been shared through the Consent2Go App.
Group 1 will attend Retreat from Monday to Wednesday, Chisholm, Denis, MacKillop and McAuley.
Group 2 will attend Retreat from Wednesday to Friday, Basil, Loyola, O'Connor and Xavier.
Students who are not attending Retreat on a given day are expected to be at school as normal. During this time, Year 12 teachers have prepared appropriate learning activities for students to complete. All on-site Year 12 students will be supervised by Year 12 teachers to further support their learning.
Public Holiday 27 April
As you would be aware the NSW State Government has brought in an additional public holiday for ANZAC Day. This has impacted our College calendar and the follow changes have been made:
School Photos Day 1 scheduled for Monday 27 April has been rescheduled for Thursday 23 April.
ANZAC Assembly scheduled for Monday 27 April has been rescheduled for Tuesday 28 April.
Boarding students will have alternate activities organised for them on the public holiday.
Parent as Partners: 2026 Parent Information Evening
Thank you to our parents who were able to attend the Parents as Partners Information evening. This event was an opportunity to bring our families together and share important information regarding curriculum, pastoral care and school operations. This was the first time we have organised our information evening in this way, with the purpose to support families in attending the College for one evening to hear about their students learning across all year groups. To support our boarding families and those who were unable to attend, we have provided a recording of each session broken into stages of learning.
To support the improvement of this event and to provide feedback for future Parents as Partners events, you are invited to complete a feedback form. Click here to access the form.
House and Faculty Coordinators
All staff play an important role in supporting the wellbeing and learning needs of our students. Below is a list of staff members who hold positions of responsibility as House Coordinators and Faculty Coordinators.
If you have questions related to wellbeing or pastoral care, please contact your child/ren’s House Coordinator.
If you have questions regarding your child/ren’s learning in a particular subject, please reach out to the relevant Faculty Coordinator.
Director of Students | Mr Adam Currey
Director of Students | Mr Adam Currey
Year 7 Peer Support Program Begins in Week 4
In Week 4, our Year 7 students will begin their Peer Support Program alongside their Year 10 Peer Support Leaders. The program will run one day per week over the next five weeks, with students participating in their house groups.
This valuable initiative provides structured activities designed to strengthen resilience, interpersonal communication, and social skills. It also helps students better understand themselves and others while receiving guidance during this important stage of transition into the College.
We look forward to seeing our Year 7 students engage, connect, and grow throughout the program.
House Swimming Carnival
Our House Swimming Carnival was held on Friday of Week 2, and it was a fantastic day for our College community. Students embraced the spirit of the event with enthusiasm, dressed proudly in their house colours and participated in all activities throughout the day.
The high level of engagement, teamwork, and encouragement on display made the carnival a wonderful celebration of house pride and College spirit. Well done to all students for their outstanding participation!
Uniform Expectations and Presentation Standards
Uniform requirements are outlined on page 22 of the Student Handbook, as well as in the Uniform Policy that was sent to all families at the beginning of the year and is available on the College Website. We encourage all students and parents to ensure they are familiar with these expectations.
House Coordinators will contact parents if any concerns regarding uniform arise.
These standards help our students present themselves with pride, consistency, and respect for the College community. We sincerely appreciate the support of families in helping students maintain these expectations.
The Red Bend Way - Ready to Learn
As we continue to uphold high expectations across our College, our current focus is on ensuring all students are Ready to Learn. By this stage of the term, students should be equipped with all required learning materials, including:
Subject-specific exercise books
Essential stationery such as pens, pencils, a ruler, glue, scissors and calculator
All necessary textbooks for their classes
A fully functioning laptop
If you have any concerns or require support in helping your child meet these expectations, please contact your child’s House Coordinator. We are here to help ensure every student is prepared and able to engage fully in their learning.
Student Drivers
Page 27 of the Student Handbook outlines the expectations and procedures for students who have permission to drive to the College. Please ensure your child is familiar with these requirements:
Students must arrive before 8.45am and hand their car keys directly to the SSO upon arrival.
Keys may be collected from 3.40pm from the SSO at the end of the College day.
Passengers require written permission from both their own parents and the driver’s parents. Permission forms are available from the SSO and College website (Driver Permission Form, Passenger Permission Form).
Students who do not meet these expectations may have their permission to drive to the College revoked. We appreciate everyone’s support in ensuring these procedures are followed to maintain safety and accountability.
Director of Mission | Mr David Eyles
Director of Mission | Mr David Eyles
Would you like your child/ren to be baptised, or to complete their Sacraments of Initiation?
In earlier generations, students coming to Catholic high schools would typically have been baptised as infants, and then journeyed through other sacraments of initiation while in primary school.
The reality of our secondary College, and most secondary schools in Australia now, is that a growing number of students arrive at a Catholic secondary school never having the opportunity to complete (or begin) their sacramental journey.
In consultation with Bishop Columba, and the parish priest of Forbes parish, Fr Arthur Givney, we would like to invite parents to consider enrolling your students in a sacramental program that can be undertaken here at Red Bend under the guidance of our chaplain Fr arry Phillips and Director of Mission Mr David Eyles.
We anticipate interested families may come from a variety of backgrounds and a diversity of past experiences with parish life (or none.)
We hope to begin a program during this Lent, with an aim to Baptise, or confirm, or receive first Eucharist etc in the Easter season next term.
When considering if you would like your child to participate in this sacramental program, parents should note that the Sacraments of Initiation are a pathway into the faith and into the life of a parish.
Please submit this Expression of Interest to enrol your child in the program this Lent. Please feel free to contact Mr Eyles for more details.
Game Changers
Game Changers is a Youth Ministry program that operates in Marist schools across Australia. Red Bend Catholic College currently has Game Changers groups for students in Years 7-11. Highlighted by a strong sense of community, regular meetings, creative faith formation, and service opportunities, this dynamic program forms your students to become faith-filled leaders and agents of change in their school community.
In addition to school meetings and activities, our Game Changers lead our College Outreach program, take an active roll in COllege Liturgical celebrations and participate in regional, state and national gatherings with peers from Marist schools acoss Australia.
This week at Red Bend, our Game Changers were able to welcome a facilitator from Marist Youth Ministries, Joey Khalil. Joey helped launch each of our streams for the 2026 year.
If your child is eager to participate in Game Changers in 2026, they should see the staff mentor for their Year level:
Mr Tiago Carmo: Years 7 and 8
Mrs Alison Nunn: Year 9
Mrs Sarah Nowlan: Year 10
Mrs Danielle Cowling: Year 11
Thursday Fundraising BBQs
Our weekly Thursday morning sales of Bacon and Egg burgers for good causes starts up again in Week 4 (Thursday 26th February.)
Bacon and egg burgers will be on sale for $5. All funds raised go to a variety of causes such as Project Compassion (see below) Australian Marist Solidarity, Vinnies and occasionally a Red Bend Sporting trip.
Project Compassion
This Lent, our school community is invited to be a part of something incredible. Once again, we are called to stand hand in hand with thousands of others across the country and Unite Against Poverty by supporting Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion.
Last year, Red Bend Catholic College was a part of a nationwide movement that raised over $10 million to bring opportunity and change to vulnerable communities across the world. This year, with your support, we hope to have an even greater impact.
By taking home a Project Compassion donation box this year, or by donating via the QR code below, you’ll be answering the Gospels’ call to care for our global family and walk alongside the most vulnerable. Your generosity will enable Caritas Australia to provide life-changing support to communities facing poverty, food insecurity, lack of education and water shortages, while building resilience against future challenges.
Together, through faith and action, we can bring hope and opportunity to those most in need.
You can also donate: Online at: projectcompassion.org.au or by phone at: 1800 024 413
Director of Curriculum | Mrs Trish Martin
Director of Curriculum | Mrs Trish Martin
Frequently Asked Questions about assessments for Year 7 to 9 students
When will my son or daughter be advised that they have an assessment?
Students are initially advised when they receive their assessment calendar. This information is also accessible to students in SEQTA Learn and for parents in SEQTA Engage. This is followed up with the specific date and details of the task at least 10 school days prior to the set date. This advice comes in the form of written notification as well as support on how to prepare and may include a past exam paper, helpful scaffold and or modelled responses.What if my son or daughter is absent for an in class assessment?
Normal procedure is to be followed if your son or daughter is absent. That is, you are to contact the Student Service Office (SS0), advising them of why your son or daughter is unable to attend school.
Will my son or daughter be penalised for being absent for the in class assessment?
No your child will not be penalised if they have a legitimate reason for being absent. A genuine reason could be illness, attending a family function or representing the college at a sporting or other extra-curricular event.
If your child does not have a genuine reason for being absent, they will receive zero for the assessment. On their return to school they will still be expected to complete the task.
How will my son or daughter catch up on an in the class assessment?
The Faculty Coordinator will organise an alternative date for the in class assessment. However, this does not apply to semester one and two exams. If your child is absent for the exam period, and a genuine reason is provided an estimate will be provided.
How will my son or daughter find out about the time to complete the in class assessment?
Your child will be advised by the Faculty Coordinator.
If I know in advance that my son or daughter is going to be absent for an in class assessment, what should I do?
Advise your child to collect and complete an extension form from the SSO, and return to the Faculty Coordinator. Your child will be advised of the date for their catch up assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions about assessments for Year 7 to 9 students
What if I am away when an assessment is handed out?
If a student is absent when assessment information is distributed, it is the student’s responsibility to follow up their teacher and or to access a copy of the assessment in SEQTA or Google Classroom.What do I do if I am ill or have experienced a misadventure on the due date?
If a student experiences illness or misadventure on the due date of an assessment or exam, the parent/carer is to contact Mrs Martin dc@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au. If the student’s absence is due to illness a medical certificate will be requested.Can I claim misadventure or illness after the due date?
Retrospective misadventure and illness claims, in most cases, will not be accepted.What happens if I do not have a satisfactory reason for not submitting a task?
If a satisfactory reason for absence is not provided, a zero mark will be given for the task.I am going to be absent for an assessment/exam, due to a school commitment (sport etc) or Principal approved leave, what should I do?
If students know in advance that they will be absent for an exam/s or an in-class assessment item they are expected to see Mrs Martin and request an extension. A decision will be made on whether the absence has been approved. Exemptions will be made for any unforeseeable circumstances.
Students’ whose leave is not accepted, will be expected to be at school to complete the assessment item on the due date. If a student knows in advance that they will be absent on a due date e.g. Work Placement, Excursion, Sports event, they are to hand in the item on or before the due date.What if I am unable to sit for an assessment item?
In exceptional circumstances, an estimate based on other tasks completed by students will be used if there is a valid reason for not completing a specific task.
If parents/carers have any questions about any of the above, don’t hesitate to contact Mrs Trish Martin dc@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au
Director of Learning & Teaching | Mrs Deborah Wheeldon
Director of Learning & Teaching | Mrs Deborah Wheeldon
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 on Tuesday and Thursday and 5pm on Monday and 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 myself at dlt@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au if they will not be attending on a specific day or week so transport/supervision can be organised.
Study Skills
Study skills sessions for all students (Years 7 - 12) have commenced this term. Over the next couple of weeks 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. Parents will be able to see the goals their children have set on the SEQTA Engage portal.
On Wednesday 18 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 - Student Elevation
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.
Years 7, 8 and 9 will have an opportunity at the beginning of Term 2 to hear a presentation from Elevate to support their preparation for the Semester 1 exams.
Director of Boarding | Mr Chris Douglass
Director of Boarding | Mr Chris Douglass
It has been a great start to the term in Boarding, with students settling in extremely well. The beginning of the year can often be a time of mixed emotions as students adjust to new routines, new friendships, and life away from home. We are very pleased with the maturity and positivity our Boarders have shown as they embrace this new chapter.
To further support students during this transition, we have implemented a structured program developed by our very own school counsellors. This initiative focuses on key aspects of boarding life, including making new friends, learning to live respectfully with others, building resilience, managing homesickness, and coping with the many changes that come with attending a new school as a Boarder. Through guided sessions and group discussions, students are developing practical strategies and forming meaningful connections.
Our first Boarders Assembly was also a great success. We appreciated the support of Mr Dwyer and Mr Martino. Thank you to the Boarding Captains for confidently leading the assembly, and a special mention to Bridgett Dodd for stepping in when Lucy was unable to attend.
Last Sunday, students enjoyed a fantastic day trip to Orange. The outing included a packed picnic in the park, an energetic session of ten-pin bowling, and time to explore the local shops.
Finally, our new nightly routine is working very well, with students now studying after dinner. This allows time for activities or additional support earlier in the evening while maintaining strong academic focus. In addition, Sunday study hours have been working well. Good to see smoke of the senior students utilising the library on a Sunday morning.
The new routine is as follows:
15:30 - Dorm Meeting / Afternoon Tea / changed from uniform
15:40 - Study Centre in library (optional), Sports training, Afternoon activities, Town, gym
17:45 - Chapel
18:00 - Dinner in the Refectory
18:45 - Evening study
19:45 - Junior study concludes
20:30 - Senior study concludes
21:00 - Junior bed preparation
21:15 - Junior lights out
21:45 - Senior bed preparation
22:00 - Senior Lights out
Upcoming Events
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
EXEAT Weekend
Our first EXEAT weekend for the year is Friday, March 6 to Monday, March 9. We look forward to welcoming back students on Tuesday, March 10.
Study
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 on Tuesday and Thursday and 5pm on Monday and 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 myself at dlt@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au if they will not be attending on a specific day or week so transport/supervision can be organised.
House Report
House Report
Chisholm House
Joan Carolan
What does being a Chisholm House Leader mean to you?
Being a positive role model that younger students can look up to. It means being approachable, supportive, and willing to listen, while always taking others into consideration, even when it may personally affect you. Being a leader also means representing Chisholm House with pride, encouraging house spirit, and helping create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and confident to be themselves.
What advice would you give to younger students in Chisholm House?
Get involved and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Make the most of opportunities, whether it’s house events, leadership roles, or school activities, you're only in high school once so make the most of it. Remember to support one another, everyone is experiencing high school for the first time and it's so important to be kind and inclusive. When it comes to school work, just make sure you manage your time well and find balance, get homework and assessments all done on time but find time to do activities you enjoy. Be confident in who you are and don’t feel pressured to compare yourself to others. Everyone’s journey through school is different, and that’s okay. Stay organised, ask for help when you need it but most importantly enjoy your time at school, it goes faster than you expect.
What are you most looking forward to after finishing Year 12?
I’m looking forward to starting a new chapter with new opportunities and experiences. I plan to take a gap year so I can explore different pathways and take time to figure out what I want to do in the future. I’m really excited to work, travel, and spend time with my friends without the worry and pressure of schoolwork. This will give me the chance to gain more independence, grow in confidence, and experience life outside of school. I’m also looking forward to meeting new people and creating memories while enjoying the freedom that comes with this next stage of life.
Bree Charlton
What does being a Chisholm House Leader mean to you?
Being a Chisholm leader, to me, is an opportunity I am honoured to take on. It means taking on responsibility even while juggling school work and socialising, it means setting a positive example for the younger students and supporting my peers through difficulties and greatness. Being a leader to me is all about making thoughtful decisions, uplifting and encouraging others and creating an environment that everyone feels welcome in. As a Chisholm leader I strive to represent my house with pride as well as influence others to grow.
What advice would you give to younger students in Chisholm House?
Embrace and enjoy every moment and opportunity that is thrown your way. It’s a privilege to be offered so many amazing opportunities, you need to take them while you can. Always stay curious, ask lots of questions and don’t be afraid to make mistakes (everyone does!). A big piece of advice I wish I got as a younger student is to choose friends that uplift you, not ones that bring you down. If this means only having one good friend instead of 20 then so be it. Most importantly, be kind to yourself and enjoy school, because it’ll be over before you know it.
Who is someone who has inspired you during your time at the College?
My parents are my biggest supporters and I’m so grateful to have people in life that push me to be my best. They support me in every aspect of school whether it’s homework, assessments, sporting teams and, of course, supporting me in running for house captain. They show up even living 5 hours away and if not they’re always supporting me via online. Honestly, without their consistent support and encouragement I wouldn’t be the person I am today and the person I continually strive to be.
Halle Brown
What does being a Chisholm House Leader mean to you?
Committing myself to growth while uplifting the people around me. To me, leadership isn’t about a title — it’s about showing responsibility through my actions, being someone others can trust, and stepping up even when it’s challenging. It also means serving my house community with humility and enthusiasm: listening to others, supporting younger students, and helping create an environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged. As a leader, I want to lead by example for the younger students, but to also show them that school doesn’t always have to be studying 24/7 and that it is important to enjoy their time at RBCC.
What advice would you give to younger students in Chisholm House?
Get involved, be kind, and back yourself. Try new things even if they feel a bit scary, that’s how you grow. Look out for one another and help build a positive, welcoming house community. Try to embrace every opportunity given to them and try out as many new things as they can because in reality we only get 6 years in high school so we might as well cherish them. And don’t be afraid to ask for support; there are so many people here who want to see you succeed
What are you most looking forward to after finishing Year 12?
I’m most looking forward to the sense of freedom that comes with closing such a big chapter. I’m excited to travel and experience new places, meet different people, and gain a bit of independence before settling into the next stage of my life. I’m also really looking forward to starting university and studying something I’m genuinely passionate about. It feels like the beginning of a fresh chapter where I can explore new opportunities, challenge myself, and grow into the person I want to become.
Academics
Academics
Year 7
A huge congratulations is extended to our Year Seven cohort for their fantastic start to life at Red Bend Catholic College. Transitioning to high school is a significant milestone, and our newest students have handled the change with impressive maturity and enthusiasm.
To ensure every student feels at home, the College has implemented several key strategies to assist with the move to RBCC:
Community Building: The term kicked off with two dedicated days of community-building activities, allowing students to forge new friendships and find their feet in a relaxed environment.
Personalised Introductions: Teachers met their classes personally to escort them to their rooms, ensuring no one felt lost in the first few days.
Early Dismissal: To ease the afternoon rush, Year Seven students were dismissed five minutes early from their final period. This gave them extra time to organise their belongings and navigate the bus lines confidently.
Staff Support: Our entire staff remains committed to being approachable and helpful, answering the many questions that naturally come with starting at a new school.
Upcoming events:
EXEAT weekend, 6-9 March
Grandparents’ Morning Tea, 30 March
We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful group of young people joining us this year. It has been a pleasure getting to know them, and I am genuinely looking forward to working with them throughout 2026 as they continue to grow within our community.
If you have any queries or concerns regarding your child’s transition, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Danielle Scott: daniellescott@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au
HSIE Year 8
As part of our Year 8 Geography course, students develop their geographical skills. Some of these skills include reading and interpreting maps, collecting data and graphing.
This week students have been working on interpreting climate data and creating climate graphs. A climate graph records the annual average precipitation and temperature levels for a specific location.
Students were able to successfully interpret data and structure graphs.
Creative and Performing Arts
It has been a busy start to the year for our Creative and Performing Arts students, with a variety of music and visual arts events taking place.
On Wednesday February 11th, our Mass Band and Choir students provided the music for the College Commencement Mass. Our students performed exceptionally and brought a wonderful energy to the event. Also in Week 2, our College Drum Corp attended an excursion to St John’s College Dubbo. On the day, students combined forces with the Drum Corps from St John’s College, and St Stanislaus’ College, Bathurst. Abely led by music teachers and specialist instructors, the students learnt some impressive new skills, made new friends, and performed successfully as a massed ensemble.
In Week 3, our Visual Arts students shone at the Ash Wednesday Liturgy. During the distribution of the ashes, our skilled elective students painted live in front of the school symbols of Jesus, allowing students and staff a time of reflection and thought.
One final congratulations must go to Year 10 students Keira Flynn and Ella Donnelly, who late last year won prizes at the Cowra upstART exhibition. Keira won a highly commended award for her photography, and Ella won the People’s Choice award for her drawing of a Lion’s Eye.
Science Year 9
Our Year 9 iSTEM students recently took on an exciting engineering challenge inspired by real-world water tower truss structures. Tasked with building the strongest possible tower using the fewest materials, they designed and constructed models capable of holding a set object at a minimum height above the ground. The activity pushed students to think creatively, apply structural engineering principles, and refine their designs through testing and teamwork, resulting in some impressively efficient and resilient towers.
Biology Year 11
Year 11 Biology students have been diving deep into the microscopic world of cells! From building creative cell models to investigating the roles of different organelles, students have been getting hands-on with the tiny structures that keep life running.
They have also been designing and constructing detailed models of the cell membrane, exploring the fluid mosaic model and gaining a deeper understanding of how substances move in and out of cells. By modelling phospholipids, proteins and cholesterol, students have been able to visualise how membrane structure supports processes such as diffusion, osmosis and active transport — bringing textbook diagrams to life in a practical and engaging way.
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