Embedded Files
Inspiring Minds, Hearts and Spirits
Principal's Report
Principal's Report
MR STEPHEN DWYER | Term 1, Week 9
Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of our College community,
As we reach the end of what has been a full and engaging term, it is a privilege to share in the life of our Catholic Marist community, where faith, relationships and learning continue to shape all that we do. The term has been rich in opportunity, with a busy calendar of excursions, boarding activities and co-curricular experiences that have extended our students well beyond the classroom. Through these rewarding experiences, the students have grown in confidence, strengthened friendships, and discovered new capacities within themselves.
Lent and Easter
We have journeyed through Lent, Holy Week and celebrated the joyous occasion of Easter. Throughout this time, we have been invited to pause and reflect on the profound message at the heart of our faith, one of love, sacrifice, hope and renewal. In the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, we are reminded that love has the power to transform, even in the face of great challenge and suffering. Easter is not only a time of great joy, but also a call to live with purpose, to be people of hope, and to bring light into the lives of others.
This message speaks deeply to our Marist theme for 2026, Full of Grace, Transform the world with God’s love. Grace is a gift freely given, and when we open ourselves to it, we are called to share it with others through our actions, words and relationships. In our daily lives at the College, this means showing kindness, offering support, and striving to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us. As we celebrate Easter, may we be renewed in spirit and inspired to live out this call in small and meaningful ways, to help transform the world with God’s love.
Grandparents Day
Our College community was blessed to host a truly special Grandparents Day, as we welcomed more than 200 grandparents and carers to share in the life of our school. The occasion was a heartwarming celebration of the vital role that grandparents and carers play in the lives of our young people, offering wisdom, unconditional love, guidance, and a deep sense of connection across generations.
The day began with a welcome gathering where some of our year 12 music students performed, followed by a special morning tea, providing a relaxed opportunity for conversation, connection, and community. The warmth and spirit of the gathering truly embodied our Marist family spirit. The students then proudly guided their grandparents on tours of the College. It was wonderful to witness the sense of pride our students took in sharing their learning spaces and daily experiences, and equally heartwarming to see the genuine interest and delight of our visitors.
A highlight of the morning was our beautiful liturgy, where we gathered in prayer and gratitude for the presence of grandparents and carers in our lives. It was a time to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the quiet yet profound influence they have in nurturing faith, values, and resilience in our young people.
I extend my sincere thanks to Helen Westwood, grandmother of one of our Year 7 students, who shared a deeply meaningful reflection on what it means to be a grandparent. Her words resonated with all present and beautifully captured the love, joy, and responsibility that come with this special role. I am pleased to share Helen’s speech below:
I’ve had a long and very special association with Red Bend, first as a parent, when my 2 girls Nicole and Michelle attended school here. During those years, I came to know the community, the teachers, and the spirit that makes this place so unique. Later, I was fortunate enough to work at Red Bend for nine years. And NOW, the story has come full circle. I’m a very proud Grandmother to three beautiful grandsons.
Being a Grandparent is such a Gift. It truly is one of Life’s greatest joys; it feels like a second chance to love, but with more time and less worry about getting everything right. It's love without the rush, love that simply is.
It’s watching my girls bloom all over again, but this time with more patience, more tenderness and more gratitude. There’s nothing quite like the cuddles from little arms, the warmth of small hands reaching for mine, or those smiles that can light up an entire room. The sound of their laughter, pure unfiltered joy, it’s something that stays with me long after the moment has passed.
Grandparenting is all about showing up, being present, open-hearted and ready to share simple joys. It’s cooking their favourite treats, telling the same stories, or reading that one book again and again, because it makes them happy. And in those quiet moments, sitting side by side, no need for words, there’s a contentment that fills my heart completely.
These moments may seem small, but they are truly precious. They remind me how fleeting time is, and how important it is to hold on to these memories and to treasure them.
Above all, being a grandparent is about Love, the kind of Love that is unconditional, unwavering and always there, no matter what...
I feel so incredibly blessed because I don’t just have one or two, but three of the best.
My grandchildren fill my life with Laughter, Love and endless joy and for that I am truly grateful.
I am deeply grateful to all grandparents and carers who joined us for this memorable day. Their presence enriched our community, and your ongoing support and love make a lasting difference in our students' lives.
As we head into the holidays, I wish you all a restful break and hope that you had the opportunity to spend time with loved ones this Easter. We look forward to the return of the students at the beginning of term 2 on Wednesday, 22 April.
Wishing you all a blessed and hope-filled Easter season.
May St Marcellin Champagnat and Mary our Good Mother continue to watch over our community.
Acting Deputy Principal | Mrs Trish Martin
Acting Deputy Principal | Mrs Trish Martin
Term 2 Parent Teacher Interviews
A reminder that Year 7 to 12, Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Tuesday 21 April, from 2:00- 7:00pm, in the MPH.
Information regarding to bookings can be found in the Director of Curriculum section of this Newsletter.
Attendance
Highlighted below in the upcoming Term 2 events are the important College events that students are required to attend if they wish to participate in co curricular activities.
A reminder that students who do not attend important college events may be excluded from representing the College in co curricular activities.
Please ensure that you schedule appointments and family holidays on non school days. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child/ren attendance please contact your child’s House Coordinator.
Winter Uniform
As we head into Term 2, we ask parents and carers to please read through the College Uniform Guide, which outlines both the current and alternative uniform options. This year, an alternate uniform option has been introduced for our female students. All other uniform requirements remain unchanged, with the exception of white crew socks for girls in the summer uniform and grey crew socks for boys in both summer and winter uniforms.
The Uniform Guide also outlines expectations regarding haircuts, makeup, and jewellery. We ask families to support the College by ensuring students return to school with appropriate haircuts, the correct application of makeup and nail polish and following the guide for jewellery requirements.
To ensure a positive start to the term, please check that your child/ren meet all uniform requirements.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact your House Coordinator.
Click here to access the College Uniform Guide.
Uniforms can be purchased at:
Forbes - Gunns Menswear, 83 Rankin St, Forbes
Parkes - Worklocker, 229 Clarinda St, Parkes
Upcoming Events Term 2
21 April - Boarders return to the College and Parent Teacher Interviews
22 April - First Day of term 2 Students Return - (important College event)
27-28 April - School Photos
5 May - School Photo Catch Up
11 May - Mothers Day Celebrations
15 May - EXEAT
18 May - EXEAT
23 May - Debutante Ball
5 June - Champagant Day Mass - (important College event)
3 July - Last Day of term 2 - (important College event)
Director of Mission | Mr David Eyles
Director of Mission | Mr David Eyles
Holy Week at Red Bend
For the first time in many years, Holy Week began with a Palm Sunday Mass in the College chapel. College chaplain, Fr Harry Phillips, presided over the traditional blessing of the palms before a procession along the circular drive to the Chapel for Mass.
Pictured below: Students at the blessing of the Palms; Charlotte and Fr Harry proclaiming the Passion according to Matthew at Palm Sunday Mass.
On Wednesday, a team of students from Years 7-12 led the College through the Holy Week devotion of Stations of the Cross. Actors on the MPH stage created a tableaux of scenes as College leaders read the Passion in parts and students from all years responded in prayers.
Outreach
Our Gamechangers have continued their quiet service work on Friday afternoons this term, cashing in cans and bottles to raise money for Project Compassion and assisting frail members of the community with household chores such as gardening. Many thanks go to Mrs Alison Nunn for her tireless enthusiasm in coordinating our Outreach projects.
If you know of members of the community that may benefit from assistance from our Outreach tea, please contact Mr Eyles or Mrs Nunn.
Sacramental Program
In recent weeks, a handful of students have begun preparations for Sacraments with our College chaplain,Fr Harry. These students will be baptised or receive their first Holy Communion early next term.
We would be pleased to welcome more students into our Sacramental program. Please submit this Expression of Interest or feel free to contact Mr Eyles for more details.
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. We anticipate interested families may come from a variety of backgrounds and a diversity of past experiences with parish life (or none.)
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
Acting Director of Curriculum | Mrs Kate Hogan
Acting Director of Curriculum | Mrs Kate Hogan
As we come to the end of term one, many of the students have completed their first assessments for the year. Please read below the answers to some FAQ’s regarding the assessment policy.
Assessment Policy: Frequently Asked Questions
Assessment Policy: Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice will my child receive before an assessment task?
Students must be notified of an approaching assessment task at least two weeks before the due date.
The notification will include the type of task (e.g., test, assignment, presentation), the content covered, and advice on the best way to prepare.
What happens if my child submits an assessment task late?
Years 7- 9: Students lose 10% of their marks for each day a task is late. Items more than three days late may receive a mark of zero. Parents or guardians will be notified if a student fails to hand in an assessment.
Years 10 - 12: Students who submit a task after the due date without a valid reason will receive a mark of zero.
Can my child apply for an extension?
Yes, if there is a valid reason such as illness, misadventure, or school-approved sporting commitments.
Students should apply for an extension well in advance of the due date.
In Years 7 - 9, extension request forms are available from the Student Services Office or the year-level Google Share Drive and must be returned to the Faculty Coordinator.
In Years 10 - 12, extensions are managed through the Director of Curriculum, Mrs Martin.
What should we do if my child is sick on the day of an in-class assessment or exam?
If an absence is explained, the student may be asked to complete the task upon their return to school.
In some exceptional cases, a standardised or estimated mark may be issued.
Deliberately missing an in-class task may result in a mark of zero.
For exceptional medical or misadventure circumstances, parents/carers should contact the Director of Curriculum at dc@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au.
What are the rules for formal examinations?
Students must wear the correct school uniform.
Equipment (pens, pencils, etc.) must be in a clear plastic sleeve; traditional pencil cases are not permitted.
Mobile phones and smart watches are strictly prohibited. Bringing a phone or smart watch into an exam room may result in a mark of zero.
How can I access my child's assessment schedule?
Assessment calendars are available on the specific year-level Assessment Drives and via the SEQTA Learn and SEQTA Engage portal which can be accessed at any time.
Parent - Teacher - Student Conferences
The Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences will be held on Tuesday 21st April, in the Multi-Purpose Hall from 2.00 - 7.00pm. Each interview will be limited to 5 minutes. We encourage the students to join the conferences.
To make an appointment, please access the parent portal via the college website https://redbend.cc/PTI or via the School Stream app. The Parent/Teacher link will be available from Tuesday 17th March until Monday 20th April.
If you are unable to access the internet to make bookings, please contact the ICT department at the College on 68522000 or email it-support@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au who will facilitate the procedure for you.
SEQTA
Thank you for your continued patience as we navigate the implementation of the SEQTA Engage portal. Through the portal, you are able to access upcoming assessment tasks for your child/ren and see their results when released by their teacher. If you have any questions regarding how to access components of SEQTA Engage, please contact dc@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au
Director of Boarding | Mr Chris Douglass
Director of Boarding | Mr Chris Douglass
It has been another positive and productive period in our boarding houses, with many of our students demonstrating the values that make our community such a supportive and welcoming place to live.
A big congratulations to our recent Boarding Award winners. These awards recognise the everyday actions that often go unnoticed—kindness, responsibility, initiative, and a willingness to support others. Each recipient receives a voucher to the school canteen as a small token of appreciation for their efforts. Well done to Kahliyah, Thomas, Bridgette, Lee, Zahara, Heath, Nishtha, Nate, Claire, Wes, Ebony, and Joel. Every one of these students has made a meaningful contribution to the residence, and we are proud of the example they set for others.
For families who are new to boarding, we encourage you to take a few minutes to watch a helpful video produced by the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association (ICPA). It provides valuable insights into boarding life and answers many common questions families may have:
https://vimeo.com/1174581262?&signup=true
Looking ahead to Term 2, we are excited to introduce additional academic support during evening study time. Teaching staff will be available to assist boarders with their learning, particularly in numeracy and literacy.
This will be an opt-in program, running from 6:45pm to 8:15pm, most likely on Monday and Wednesday evenings. We hope this initiative will further support our students in building confidence and achieving their academic goals.
The NRL game between the Panthers and Sharks was enjoyed by many of the Boarders recently in Bathurst. A late night back game, but all enjoyed the trip and a great opportunity to connect with friends from other towns and schools at the game.
Parent teacher interviews are organised conveniently on Tuesday 23rd April to coincide with the dropping back of boarding students. Parents are encouraged to book appointments to chat with the teachers about your son / daughter's progress. If you have any questions around booking please contact the College.
Thank you for your continued support of our boarding community. We look forward to a positive start to Term 2. On the final weekend of term we are celebrating Mass as a boarding community in the college chapel before departing on Thursday (some earlier after school Wednesday).
Recently we celebrated Psalm Sunday Mass in the College Chapel. Thankyou to Mr Eyles and Father Harry for organising. The boarders really appreciate having Mass on College grounds.
The term will be wrapped up with the always popular colour run / cross country in the day school. In addition the BRC have hosted an Easter Egg Bingo night in the ref following dinner. Wishing all families a lovely break and a happy Easter.
Director of Students | Mr Adam Currey
Director of Students | Mr Adam Currey
As the holidays are upon I wish you all a happy and safe Easter break. As has been mentioned throughout the newsletter and communicated previously with our families our expectations regarding the personal appearance of our students. Students not meeting these requirements on return to school in Term 2 will be supported to meet these expectations. If there are any concerns, please reach out to your child's House Coordinator.
Whole School Wellbeing
During term 1 the College has strengthened its focus on student wellbeing through a partnership with The Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AIS) as part of a whole-school wellbeing initiative. Through this work, we have enhanced our approach to wellbeing by implementing evidence-based strategies that support students across all areas of school life.
Staff across the College have already participated in targeted professional learning, and a dedicated wellbeing team is leading the ongoing implementation of a whole-school vision for wellbeing. These measures are designed to ensure a consistent, supportive, and proactive approach that promotes positive mental health, resilience, and student engagement.
In Term 2, we will be implementing a more student-focused approach to wellbeing across the College. This will further embed our wellbeing practices and continue to support the growth and wellbeing of every student.
Cross Country and Colour Run
Congratulations to Basil on being this year’s Cross Country Champions.
Following the Cross Country, we held our Colour Run. As always, this was an amazing event where all students participated enthusiastically and enjoyed a very colourful experience.
Thank you to everyone involved in making both the Cross Country and Colour Run such successful and memorable events.
Peer Support
We have recently concluded another successful Peer Support Program involving our Year 7 and Year 10 students.
Peer Support is an important part of College life, playing a key role in welcoming our new Year 7 students as they transition into secondary school, while also providing our Year 10 students with valuable opportunities to develop their leadership, responsibility, and mentoring skills.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Each interview will be limited to 5 minutes. To make an appointment, please access the parent portal via the college website https://redbend.cc/PTI or via the School Stream app. The Parent/Teacher link will be available from Tuesday 17th March until Monday 20th April.
If you are unable to access the internet to make bookings, please contact the ICT department at the College on 68522000 or email it-support@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au who will facilitate the procedure for you.
Recent Activities
Recent Activities
House Report: Denis
The first term has been jam packed with plenty of activities for the Denis house to sink their teeth into. The House Swimming Carnival was another fantastic day, with three Denis students being crowned champions for their respective age groups: N. Collits (13 Girls), Z. Field (14 Girls) and O. Keane (14 Boys)
Year 7’s experienced their first retreat at the College, helping build an appreciation for the ‘Marist’ story also forming new and lifelong relationships among their peers. Year 12 headed to their retreat at the Australian Marist spiritual home in Mittagong. Students enjoyed the experience in their final retreat with their teachers and graduating cohort.
Naplan, PAT testing and study skills sessions have kept our students busy and RBCC came perilously close to beating James Sheahan Catholic High School in the Interschools Catholic Cup last Friday in trying conditions. I thank the students and Pastoral Care teachers of the Denis house for another successful term together.
A few other notable mentions within the Denis House throughout Term One:
Students who have unbroken attendance for Term One: S. Drooger, A. Ousby, R. Gunn, N. Garth, A. Currey, A. Garton, H. McLellan, J. Ousby and C. Haggarty
D. Rice- represented (captained) the NSW blues under 14’s indoor hockey team and also the NSW blues under 16’s field hockey team. She also broke the RBCC U/15’s Girls Cross Country record on the final day of the term
H. Rice represented Parkes hockey in the boys under 18’s NSW state squad
The following students assisted running the morning BBQ raising money for The John Berne School, Sydney: M. Mahon, C. Rowbothom, C. Magill, M. Morrison, B. Godden, J. Downes, K. Coe and Henry Rice
J. Tyack was recently awarded "Athlete of the year for the far west academy of sport"
S. Gosper broke the RBCC U/12’s Cross Country record
Great effort everyone!
Celebrating Our Grandparents: A Special Year 7 Morning Tea
On Monday, 30 March, Red Bend Catholic College was filled with warmth and smiles as we welcomed the grandparents of our Year 7 students. We were blessed with glorious weather and an incredible turnout, with many guests traveling long distances to join us for this milestone event.
In the true spirit of our community, any student without a visiting guest was warmly welcomed into another family circle for the morning, ensuring everyone felt the joy of the occasion.
The morning was packed with meaningful moments designed to celebrate the bridge between generations. Our Principal, Mr. Dwyer, spoke beautifully on the vital importance of family. We also heard a moving reflection from one of our visiting grandparents. Guests were treated to a fantastic musical performance by three of our talented Senior students.
Everyone enjoyed a sumptuous morning tea prepared by our dedicated catering staff and a tour of the school grounds. The program included a beautiful Liturgy presented by current Year 7 students. The morning concluded with a group photo to remember this special day with.
A sincere thank you to all the family members who participated and made the day so memorable. Your presence means the world to our students and our College.
Living History WW1 presentation
On Tuesday 24th March Year 9 History students had the pleasure of participating in the WWI Living History incursion run by Shane Blackman. Shane is an expert in First World War history and presented an interactive display on the average Australian soldier's experience of the trenches of France and Belgium in 1916-1918.
The students had the chance to select historical artefacts from the extensive display and Shane would reveal the stories attached to each object and answer any student questions of which there were many. After each explanation students had the opportunity to hold and examine many of the items themselves. Many of our students were enraptured by the chance to touch the physical historical objects, and they very much appreciated the student-led nature of the presentations.
Afterwards many students commented on how Shane was an interesting and knowledgeable presenter who helped to bring this important time in history to life. This was the perfect way for our Year 11 Students to gain background information before their study of the First World War. It was also a fantastic experience for Year 9 History students who are currently studying WW1.
The students are to be commended for their enthusiastic participation in the incursion. Thank you to Shane for coming out to Red Bend Catholic College and being such an engaging presenter.
Coming up... 2026 MUSICAL!
We are excited to announce that Red Bend is aiming to put on a production of Matilda in Term 2! There will be two evening performances of the musical:
Friday 26th June
Saturday 27th June
Audition information
Due to a large number of students wanting to audition for the production, auditions will take place at the following times:
Wednesday 22nd April - during recess
Wednesday 22nd April after school from 3:30pm - We ask all students from Forbes and Parkes to attend this timeslot, as the study bus will be available for transport home.
Thursday 23rd April - during recess
Thursday 23rd April - during lunch
Colour Run
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