Inspiring Minds, Hearts and Spirits

RED BEND CATHOLIC COLLEGE

Principal's Report

Deputy Principal | Mr Simon Martino

Director of Students | Mr Adam Currey

Director of Mission | Mr David Eyles

Director of Curriculum | Mrs Trish Martin

Director of Learning & Teaching | Mrs Deborah Wheeldon

Director of Boarding | Mr Chris Douglass

Principal's Report

MR STEPHEN DWYER | Term 2, Week 3

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of our College community,

As we reach Week three of the term, it is very pleasing to see how well our students have settled back into college life. Classrooms are purposeful with students actively engaging in their learning and making the most of the opportunities before them. Just as importantly, there is a strong sense of wellbeing evident across the College, with students demonstrating positive relationships, a sense of belonging, and a readiness to contribute to our community. It has been a strong and encouraging start to the term, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the weeks ahead.

Safety and Wellbeing

At the beginning of this term, I spoke with our students at assembly about one of our most important shared priorities; their safety, wellbeing and sense of belonging. At Red Bend, we are proud of the strong culture of care that exists within our community, where positive relationships and mutual respect underpin the student experience. However, ensuring that every young person feels safe is not the responsibility of the school alone. It is a shared responsibility between staff, students and parents, working together to create the right environment for each child to flourish.

As a community, we are guided by the Child and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act, which places the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people at the centre of all we do. Our policies and procedures are designed to support this, ensuring that students are cared for in an environment grounded in respect, cooperation and the values of our Marist way. We continue to encourage all students to speak up if they ever feel unsafe, whether at school, at home or in the community, and to seek support from a trusted adult. Equally, we remind students of their responsibility to care for one another and to act in ways that contribute to a safe and respectful community.

In today’s world, this responsibility also extends to the online environment. We ask our families to partner with us to guide young people in the safe and responsible use of technology and social media, encouraging critical thinking, respectful communication, and an awareness of privacy and potential risks. When students, families and staff work together with a shared commitment to safety and wellbeing, we create a community where every young person is known, supported and able to thrive.

Mothers Day

As we approach Mother’s Day this Sunday, we take a moment to acknowledge and give thanks for the remarkable women who nurture, guide and support our young people each day. Mothers, grandmothers and motherly figures play a profound role in shaping the lives of our students, offering love, wisdom, strength and encouragement in countless ways, often quietly and without recognition. In our Marist tradition, we are inspired by Mary, the mother of Jesus, whose example of faith, humility and unwavering care continues to guide us in how we relate to one another as a family.

We warmly invite all mothers and caregivers to join us for our Mother’s Day Morning Tea and Liturgy at 9.00am on Monday 11 May. This gathering provides a wonderful opportunity for us, as a community, to come together in gratitude and celebration.

On this special occasion, we offer our sincere thanks for all that our mothers and caregivers do, and we keep in our thoughts and prayers those mothers who have passed. May Mother's Day be a time of appreciation, reflection and connection for all members of our community.

ANZAC Day

As we commemorated ANZAC Day, we were proud to see a large number of our students represent the College with respect and dignity by participating in marches and ceremonies across our regional communities. Their presence at these important occasions reflects a deep appreciation for the service and sacrifice of those who have served our nation, and a willingness to carry forward this legacy of remembrance.

On Tuesday 27 April, we gathered as a College community for our ANZAC Assembly, where this year we focused our reflection on the significant contributions of Australian women in times of war. Historically, women who wished to serve were largely restricted to nursing roles, making an extraordinary impact from the Boer War through to the Second World War. In the years since, their service has continued and expanded, with women taking on an increasing range of responsibilities. While World War II marked the beginning of broader roles beyond nursing, it was not until 2016 that women were permitted to serve in all frontline combat positions within the Australian Defence Force. Today, women comprise approximately 21 per cent of serving ADF members, reflecting both progress and the ongoing importance of their contribution.

Through our assembly, we honoured the courage, resilience and dedication of these women, and shared stories of individuals whose service has helped shape the ANZAC legacy. As a Marist community, we are called not only to remember, but to deepen our understanding of service in all its forms. May the example of those who have served inspire our students to be people of courage, compassion and commitment, both now and into the future.

WATCH VIDEO BELOW ⬇️

100 Years of Marist Education in Forbes

As we continue to celebrate the centenary of Marist education in Forbes, we look forward to two significant occasions that will bring our community together in gratitude and celebration. On 5 July, we will mark this milestone with a formal Mass and luncheon, welcoming special guests to honour 100 years of Marist presence and contribution. Later in the year, on 15 August 2026, a Gala Evening will be held at the Forbes Town Hall, providing an opportunity for all members of our wider College community to celebrate this remarkable journey. Both events are ticketed, and further information regarding ticket sales will be shared with families in the coming days. We warmly encourage you to be part of these memorable celebrations.

May Mary our Good Mother and St Marcellin Champagnat continue to watch over our community.

Deputy Principal | Mr Simon Martino

The Red Bend Way

It was wonderful to start Term 2 with our Parent/Teacher interviews. I am grateful to our staff and parents who attended the evening and took the time to discuss their child's progress with their teachers. We deliberately allocated time at the start of term to also allow for our boarding families to meet our teachers. Students have been reminded to rise to the challenge of our Red Bend way in Term 2 with a focus on Being Active and Empowered Learners. As Year 7-10 approach exams, it is most important that they are accountable for their learning, allocating time for study and seeking support from their teachers.

We believe learning is most effective when it is a strong partnership between school and home. For this reason, we invite parents and caregivers to support this message by reinforcing the importance of being organised, prepared, and ready to learn each day. Simple routines at home, such as checking school bags, reviewing timetables, and discussing the importance of preparation can make a significant difference.

I look forward to a positive Term 2 where our students thrive and take the next step towards success in their learning.

Attendance

Thank you to all families for your ongoing partnership and improved communication around student attendance. This shared commitment is already making a meaningful difference, with stronger engagement and improved learning evident across classrooms.

At our College, we know that regular attendance is one of the most significant factors in a student’s academic progress, sense of belonging, and overall wellbeing. Being present each day supports not only learning continuity but also the important relationships and routines that help students thrive.

Over the coming weeks, we will continue to strengthen our attendance practices. Students whose attendance falls below 90% will be respectfully followed up, so we can better understand any challenges and offer support. Where needed, parents and carers may also be contacted so that, together, we can develop strategies to support improved attendance.

Our goal remains for all students to maintain at least 90% attendance. We understand that there are times when absences are unavoidable, and we approach each situation with care and understanding. At the same time, we are committed to ensuring that attending school each day remains a clear priority for every student.

If you have any questions or would like support, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s House Coordinator or reach out to the College directly. We value working in partnership with you to support every student’s success.

Students arriving at the College

Parents are reminded that day students are not to arrive at the College prior to 8.30am. Teacher supervision of students commences at 8.30am. Red Bend has partnered with our local bus services to support students arriving at the College after this time. Thank you for your continued support.

CCSP Family Engagement - Free Guides for Parents

The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW has an excellent series of FREE guides for parents. These three great handbooks are easy-to-read guides designed to help parents engage effectively with their child’s school. You can find the downloadable PDFs on the CCSP website using the links below, or email CCSP on office@ccsp.catholic.edu.au and they will email you the file. With forewords by Bishop Danny Meagher, these guides will assist parents to understand how partnering effectively with their school will enhance their children’s learning and wellbeing. I encourage all parents to read the guides and to connect with the Council of Catholic School Parents who have fantastic resources to support parents in partnering with schools to support their child's education.

Families and Schools Together: How parents can work with schools to support children’s learning and wellbeing

Supports parents to build strong, respectful partnerships with Catholic schools
Explains what parent engagement is and what parents can do to help their child thrive
Provides advice on building positive relationships with other parents, staff and students
Includes great tips on helping children with learning at school and at home
Encourages parents to be involved in parent groups and school life
Invites parents to help create caring Catholic communities

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE: https://www.ccsp.catholic.edu.au/_file/media/4778/260115044014289/ccsp_families_and_schools_guide_lr.pdf

Supporting Diverse Learners with Disability in Catholic Schools: A guide by parents for parents

Designed to help parents confidently navigate the school journey
Guidance on working effectively with teachers and school staff
Practical, easy-to-use advice for both primary and secondary school
Helps you prepare your child with disability for school and each stage of learning
Tips to support positive learning and wellbeing outcomes

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE: https://www.ccsp.catholic.edu.au/_file/media/4797/260129074850742/01972_ccsp_diverse_learners_2026.pdf

Our Catholic Faith: A handbook for parents of students with children in NSW Catholic schools

An introduction to Catholicism and what makes a school Catholic
Explains Catholic beliefs and traditions in a simple way
Encourages ALL parents to attend liturgies they are invited to attend during the school year
Includes easy-to-understand information about Religious Education, liturgy and Mass, faith formation, the Catholic school calendar and prayers
A perfect beginners guide for families and staff who aren’t Catholic

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE: https://www.ccsp.catholic.edu.au/_file/media/4798/260129075055143/2026_ccsp_our_catholic_faith_lr.pdf

Director of Students | Mr Adam Currey

Social Emotional Wellbeing Tool (SEW)

This week students from years 7 - 12 took part in the SEW tool which has been developed by Australian Council for Educational Research, ACER. All Marist schools in Australia partake in this assessment as part of our Marist measures of excellence. The survey tool looks at the following areas;

Overall SEW

Feelings & Behaviours

Positive
Negative

Internal Strengths

Social Skills
Emotional Skills
Learning Skills
Values

External Strengths

Home
School
Community

The College uses this data to inform our practice to best support our students. Individual results are confidential and we see cohort data with comparison to their peers Australia wide. This provides significant insight into our students social and emotional wellbeing which informs our practice through our pastoral care and retreat programs.

Ready to Learn

Students have been reminded this week of the expectation to bring a fully charged device to school each day. We have noticed a significant increase in the number of loan devices being requested. Pastoral Care teachers and House Coordinators will be in contact with families to check in where ongoing borrowing is occurring.

The College has support options in place for students who are experiencing device-related challenges. As always, clear communication between home and the College best supports our students. Please contact your child’s House Coordinator if you have any concerns regarding devices.

With the seasonal change in uniform, we have also observed a change in students’ choice of pencil case. Students have been reminded that blazer pockets are not a suitable replacement for a pencil case. It is essential that students bring a pencil case to every lesson containing the necessary resources. The student resource list can be found here.

To support student success, we kindly ask parents and carers to check their child’s pencil case and replace any missing or damaged items.

Essential learning equipment can also be purchased from the SSO, with costs conveniently added directly to your child’s school account.

Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring students arrive at school ready to learn.

Mobile Phones

A reminder that students are to have their mobile phones in their lockers, or ideally not at school. Students found using their mobile phone will have the device confiscated for the day. Students are able to use their student card or eftpos cards at the canteen for purchases.

Spirit Cup

This year, we are excited to introduce termly winners of the Spirit Cup. The Spirit Cup is calculated using a range of data, including overall attendance percentages, merits, awards, and co-curricular involvement.

In what was a very close contest for Term 1, O’Connor emerged as the winner. To celebrate their achievement, students proudly wore their house colours for the day and were treated to a special lunch.

Reality Now

On Wednesday May 20 Reality Now - part of Life Education of Australia will attend the school to speak to students in years 7 - 10 on drug education with a focus on vaping. We delivered a similar program last year and our students participated in a survey then and will do the same again this year. This gives us an insight into our students' understanding and perceptions of vaping.

App Update

In what is always an ever evolving space regarding apps and targeting our young people. I have received an update in a new app challenging our students regarding their physical appearance called OMoggle, not Omeagle. If you have not heard of this please also make yourself aware as a parent. Please have a read of this article from Safe on Social by Kirra Pendergast. Safe on Social is worth subscribing to as they provide current issues affecting our children through social media and devices.

Uniform and Appearance Reminder

It has been wonderful to see our students wearing their winter uniforms and presenting themselves with pride as members of our College community.

We would like to kindly remind families of the College’s uniform and appearance expectations, which support a positive and focused learning environment. We ask parents and carers to please ensure their child/children are following these expectations, including:

Wearing the correct College uniform
No false nails or false eyelashes
Faces clean‑shaven
Jewellery worn in line with College guidelines
Hairstyles and makeup that meet College expectations

We appreciate your continued support in helping students uphold the standards of our College and represent our community positively. The College uniform guide can be found here

Director of Mission | Mr David Eyles

Game Changers

Game Changers is a program in Marist Youth Ministry that aims to form students to be faith-filled leaders and agents of change in their school community. Students participating in Game Changers meet regularly at school. They receive a badge in recognition of their participation in the program, and they are also invited to participate in the Outreach service program and annual retreat days with students from other Marist schools. Game Changers has three tracks, each related to the concept of following a journey. These tracks are grounded in the stories of Jesus, Mary, and Marcellin.

At Red Bend, students in Year 7 and 8 are on the Le Rosey track. Mr Tiago Carmo is the staff mentor working with these students. In October, students from this group will be invited to attend a regional retreat day in Canberra with Canberra Marist College.

Students in Year 9 and 10 are on the La Valla track. Mrs Alison Nunn is the staff mentor working with Year 9 and Mrs Sarah Nowlan is the staff member working with Year 10. In June, students from these Year groups will be invited to attend a regional retreat day here at Red Bend with Canberra Marist College.

In 2026, our current Year 11s are the first cohort to begin the Hermitage track for Senior Students. Mrs Danielle Cowling is the staff mentor working with these students. Students in this track are invited to consider a Solidarity Experience. A group of Year 11 students will travel to Sydney in Week 5 for one such event. During their time away, they will visit social justice Ministries run by Marist 180 and St Vincent de Paul, and they will participate in a Marist Youth Connect Night. In October, a different group of students will participate in another Solidarity experience, the Wilcannia Visitation.

If your child is interested in participating in the Game Changer program, they can contact the staff member responsible for their year level.

Sacramental Program

Fr Harry began some well-earned annual leave at the start of May. He will return at the beginning of June, and we will resume our formation program for students seeking to be baptised or complete other sacraments of initiation, such as First Communion or Confirmation.

If you would like your child to participate in our Sacramental program here at Red Bend, 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.)

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. It supports over 50 programs in up to 15 countries, including Bangladesh, Bougainville, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Kiribati, Myanmar, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Vanuatu and Vietnam. 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. AMS works to bring education and hope to young people living in Asia and the Pacific so that they can build a brighter future.

This term, we are having Thursday morning BBQs at Red Bend to raise funds for the important work of AMS in assisting members of our Marist family who are in genuine need. A bacon and Egg roll for $5 can transform lives in Timor-Leste and beyond. Families can also donate directly to AMS at https://www.australianmaristsolidarity.org/donate

Can you paint or draw? Enter the Mercy Youth Competition

The Mercy Youth Awards is an annual competition aimed at encouraging school students to deepen their understanding of social justice issues. High school students from across Australia are invited to explore and creatively respond to the social justice theme chosen each year. This year’s theme is Unity. Red Bend Catholic College was cofounded by the Sisters of Mercy. The entrants to this competition typically come from schools affiliated with the Mercy Charism.

How to enter:

Create an original artwork based on the social justice theme “Unity.”
Write 100 words on how your artwork illustrates the theme
Complete the Quiz in the online entry form
Read entry details for students
Complete entry form

The Mercy Youth Awards 2026 closing date is Monday 10 August.

Prizes

1st Prize: $1,000 to the winning entrant AND $1,000 to the winning school

2nd Prize: $500 to the winning entrant AND $500 to the winning school

3rd Prize: $250 to the winning entrant AND $250 to the winning school

AND $100 vouchers will be awarded to 10 highly commended entries

Information on how to enter can be found here.

Director of Curriculum | Mrs Trish Martin

Year 12 Trial Exams

The Year 12 2026 Trial exam timetable has been published. Please see the link attached.

Year 12 Trial Exam Timetable 2026.pdf

Year 12 HSC Exams

NESA has published the 2026 HSC exam timetable.

Please see link -HSC written exam timetable | NSW Government

The exams begin on Tuesday 13/10/26 with English and German Continuers. The exam period is four weeks and our final exam at Red Bend is Physics on Thursday 5/11/26. Over the four weeks there will be 35 HSC exams held at Red Bend.

Parents and Carers may wish to print the exam timetable and place it in a central location for future reference.

Year 12 Half Yearly Reports

The Year 12 Half Yearly Reports will be emailed to parents/carers and students this week.

If you have any questions about the Trials, HSC exam dates or your child’s report, please don’t hesitate to contact the relieving Director of Curriculum, Kate Hogan dc@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au

Director of Learning & Teaching | Mrs Deborah Wheeldon

Half Yearly Exams

Half Yearly exams for students in Years 7 - 10 will be held in Week 6 this term. Being organised and ready for the exams includes the following:

Students are reminded to bring all their equipment e.g. black pens, pencils, eraser, calculator, etc in a plastic sleeve for each exam.
There are to be no mobile phones or smart watches bought into the exams
No metal water bottles are allowed into the exam rooms, only clear, plastic water bottles.

All students have received their exam timetables. These timetables can be found on the links below as well as on the Shared Google Drive for each year group. Students have been asked to write each exam and the location in their handbook.

Year 7 Exam timetable - Semester 1, 2026

Year 8 Exam timetable - Semester 1, 2026

Year 9 Exam timetable - Semester 1, 2026

Year 10 Exam timetable - Semester 1, 2026

All students are expected to attend every exam. If students are away, they must have a justified reason, otherwise they will receive zero for that exam. If they are unwell on the day of an exam, then a medical certificate will be required. Parents/guardians should make contact with the SSO on the day of the exam to explain the absence. There will be no catch-up exams. Students who are representing the school on identified calendar school events will complete their exams in Week 6.

Students have started to receive their exam notifications for each subject. These provide valuable resources and ideas to help each student study. All students also undertook a study skills session on Wednesday 6 May where they learnt and practised some study skills, specifically using mindmaps, how to write dot point summaries and how to create flashcards. Students are also encouraged to go back and review their Elevate study skills notes.

Remember it is never too late to start studying.

Some additional study tips include:

1. Be prepared and start early.

2. Make sure you read the notification.

3. Use the syllabus.

4. Memorise the key ideas and then explain them to a friend/parent without using your notes.

5. Complete practice questions.

6. Know your glossary terms.

7. Use colour.

8. Use mind maps, tables, study cards.

9. Ask as many questions as possible.

10. Use the study centre.

After homework is completed, students should be trying to spend some time on studying for the subjects they have exams in. Some students find this easier to do than others. Parents, siblings or friends are also a great source of motivation and can help students with their study. This could include writing out key vocabulary and their definitions, summarising class notes, reading over class notes, having someone ask questions on classwork. Remember to encourage your child/ren to use the notifications and the syllabus to help structure what they have to know and remember. It is important to realise that there is no right way to study as different ways work for different people. The aim for everyone is to work out what works best for them. Remember that every little bit counts.

The Study Centre is up and running this term. This is a great way to make sure you spend some time completing homework and studying with the help of the teachers. Please remember that transport is available back to Forbes and Parkes on Tuesday and Thursday, leaving RBCC at 4.30pm and Monday and Wednesday, leaving at 5pm.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the teachers or myself if you have any questions.

ICAS

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Within our school community there are students who shine brightly, displaying exemplary dedication and academic talent. They deserve to be recognised and this year we are giving them the opportunity to showcase and celebrate their talents in the world-renowned ICAS competition.

What is ICAS? 

ICAS is an online academic competition that gives students the opportunity to challenge their higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing,  and Digital Technologies.

ICAS results are in-depth and meaningful, and ICAS evaluates student performance against other competition entrants across the state and nation. The data reveals student strengths and weaknesses and can help you recognise and support your child/ren;s academic journey.

Learn more about ICAS here: (icasassessments.com/products-icas/).

ICAS results and certificate

Every student who participates is celebrated and recognised with a printed certificate in each subject area, and an online results report to track development each year. Top performers are eligible for one of the highly coveted ICAS medals.

Your child’s ICAS certificates will show their results and the login details, “TAP ID and Pin”. - Use these to enter the Results Portal (https://orti.icasassessments.com/ortiStudent).

How to participate in ICAS

If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please go to the Parent Portal to register for your chosen subjects.

You can do this in one of two ways:

1. Direct login link – faster!

Use this link to log directly into the shop and start registering:

https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/parent-payment/

Code: LPF799

2. Log in using the PPS code

Visit our shop and use our PPS code to log in:

Shop link: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps

PPS code: LPF799

Registration for all subject areas closes on Monday 27 July at 11:59pm.

This year, our students can elect to sit the following assessments:

Please note, we cannot facilitate refunds or make alterations as all money is paid directly to ICAS Assessments.

Read the terms and conditions here: (https://www.icasassessments.com/icasa-terms-and-

conditions/#icas-parents).

Privacy collection statement

The following information is a privacy notification about how your child’s data is kept private and secure.

ICAS Assessment is owned by Janison Solutions Pty Ltd (We, Us, Our).

To deliver assessment products, Janison will require your child’s School to obtain your consent to provide Janison with certain personal information of students. Janison will collect, store, use, disclose and otherwise deal with such personal information in accordance with its privacy policy (below). We are aware of our responsibility to protect personal information related to children and students from

being disclosed when we deliver an ICAS Assessments product. Unless you, as the child’s legal guardian consents, we will not:

collect any personal information or data of children other than the information we need for the successful completion of an assessment, test, or exam.
transfer any personal information we obtain from a child in the delivery of assessments and tests to any jurisdiction outside of Australia.
share any personal information relating to children with any third parties (except for those third parties necessary for us to carry out our Services or provide our Products e.g., medal engraving).
use any personal information or data relating to children for marketing purposes.

You can view our full privacy policy at https://www.janison.com/privacy-policy/ .

We may retain personal information and data relevant to a child for their future purposes or for research purposes by Janison for the duration of the school life cycle of the child. However, if you or your child at any time wish to have their personal information or data removed from our systems, they or you may opt out by simply contacting our Privacy Officer at privacy@janison.com or by contacting

icasassessments@janison.com.

We are proud to be offering ICAS to our students this year and encourage you to consider entering your child. Please do not hesitate to contact the school office if you have any questions. 

Director of Boarding | Mr Chris Douglass

The Boarding House has welcomed students back for another busy and positive term. It has been wonderful to see our boarders settling back into routines so well and making great use of the Study Teachers available in the library each evening. The commitment shown by students towards their learning and study habits has been very encouraging.

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Marist Boarding Conference alongside fellow Heads of Boarding from across the country. It was a valuable experience with many ideas and discussions shared around supporting young people in boarding communities. I look forward to implementing a number of these ideas within our own Boarding House throughout the year.

I was also extremely proud of the way our boarders represented the College during the ANZAC Day march. Their respectful participation reflected great pride in both the College and the wider community.

During the recent long weekend, the boarders remaining in residence enjoyed a wonderful day with the boys from Stannies in Orange. We shared a picnic together in Cook Park before heading off for movies and shopping. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to relax, socialise and build friendships with fellow boarders from another school.

Winter sport training and games are now in full swing. In addition, many senior boarders are making use of the gym in town, golfing, basketball on our courts, tennis or walking the lake. Great to see many active in their spare time.

Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate National Boarding Week next week with a number of activities planned, including a special dinner in the dining room for all boarders and staff.

Finally, many thanks to our amazing Boarding staff who continue to support, encourage and care for our students each and every day. Their dedication to the Boarding community is greatly appreciated by all our families.

At the end of the week I will be attending the Boarding Schools Expo in Dubbo. I look forward to meeting new families as they do their research on a potential school for their son / daughter. As staff we get a lot out of these expo’s ourselves by chatting to peers from other schools.

We are looking forward to the rest of the term as we continue to grow together as a strong boarding community.

Upcoming Events

➡️ 11 May - Mother's Day Celebrations

➡️ 15 May - EXEAT

➡️ 18 May - EXEAT

➡️ 19 May - Year 9 Reflection Day

➡️ 23 May - Debutante Ball

➡️ 25-29 May - Year 7-10 Exams

➡️ 5 June - Champagnat Day Mass (important College event)

➡️ 8 June - Kings Birthday Public Holiday

➡️ 10 June - Year 8 & Year 10 Subject Selections

➡️ 27 June - Annie Jr - Creative Arts performance MPH

➡️ 3 July - Last Day of term 2 (important College event)

Study

Study Centre

With half yearly exams coming up, Study Centre 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

Loyola House

Loyola House has enjoyed a strong and positive start to the term, with students demonstrating pride in both participation and achievement across a wide range of opportunities. It has been particularly pleasing to see a number of students excel in their individual sporting pursuits, including representation at the Australian Athletics Junior Championships, reflecting not only talent but also the dedication and perseverance that sit at the heart of our Marist values.

Beyond individual success, Loyola students have embraced the spirit of community and service. Our representation at the 2026 ANZAC Day March was outstanding, with students conducting themselves with respect, humility and maturity as they honoured those who have served. A special mention must go to our House Captain, Grace, who delivered a wonderful speech at the Bogan Gate ANZAC Day ceremony. Grace represented Loyola House with confidence and dignity, embodying the Marist values of presence, courage and service.

There has also been excellent involvement in co-curricular activities this term, including the Bill Turner Soccer Gala Day, Year 12 Leaders Youth Summit, White Card Course, Southern Country Rugby League Trials, NSWCCC Hockey, Golf and Rugby Union trials, Country Cup Rugby League, Dio Cross Country in Orange, and the U16 NSW CCC Rugby League Trials. These opportunities highlight the willingness of Loyola students to challenge themselves, represent their House with pride and make the most of the experiences offered to them.

Today’s House Athletics Carnival has been another highlight, with great energy, encouragement and House spirit on display. It is always encouraging to see students supporting one another, celebrating effort, and contributing to the strong sense of family that defines Loyola House.

Loyola students continue to be absolute legends in the way they support one another, get involved and represent their House with pride and I encourage them to keep embracing opportunities, showing care for one another, and striving for excellence in all they do.

Academics

Agriculture

Exciting Times in the Agriculture Department!

The Agriculture students have been busy across all year levels, engaging in hands-on learning and demonstrating fantastic observational skills this term.

Green Thumbs in Year 7

Our Year 7 Agriculture classes have wasted no time getting their hands dirty! They have successfully planned, prepared, and planted their group vegetable gardens. This project teaches them the fundamentals of soil preparation, planting techniques, and the importance of consistent care. We look forward to seeing their gardens flourish as the season progresses.

Year 9 and 10 Master Vegetable Observers

Year 9 and 10 Agriculture students recently completed a comprehensive assessment task focused on vegetable production. This practical unit required them to maintain meticulous records of their assigned plants over a four-week period.

Their hard work culminated in a practical identification test where students had to accurately identify various common agricultural plants based on their physical characteristics, demonstrating a keen eye for detail honed through their weekly observations. The quality of the observation drawings submitted was truly impressive, showcasing their scientific and artistic efforts.

Welcome to the Dairy Unit!

The excitement is building in the Year 9 and 10 Agriculture classes as they launch into their Dairy Production unit! We are thrilled to welcome several gorgeous dairy calves to the Ag farm.

Students have begun learning the essentials of calf husbandry, which includes safe handling, nutrition, and daily care. The initial focus has been on the vital task of feeding the calves, which provides a fantastic hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of animal welfare and production cycles.

We encourage all students to continue their excellent work and commitment to the Agriculture program! Keep an eye on the Ag farm for more updates!

Careers

Our Careers Team is excited to be hosting an Unserious Careers presentation. Designed for regional schools, this presentation will provide guidance for parents and carers about how best to support their young people's career decisions. Alana will address the current challenges facing regional students as well as highlight opportunities for them to get ahead.

Date: 20 May 2026

Start time: 6pm

Duration: 45 minutes including a Q&A at the end

The presentation will be held on Zoom register here: https://www.trybooking.com/DJNEZ

Computer Technology

Year 9 Computer Technology – From Game Design to Real-World Engineering

Year 9 Computer Technology students have had an engaging and practical start to the year, building both their coding and design skills across a range of digital technologies.

Last term, students explored the world of game development, focusing on the importance of User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) in creating engaging and functional games. They investigated how games use inputs, processing and outputs, and applied this knowledge by coding their own games using Python in Microsoft MakeCode Arcade.

If you would like to play the games students designed and coded, please click the link below.

Obstacle Odyssey https://arcade.makecode.com/S65384-67456-53259-46936

Burger Munch - https://arcade.makecode.com/S12459-71521-13228-79857

Curse https://arcade.makecode.com/S79243-07900-18642-88156

Immigration https://arcade.makecode.com/S91673-66060-21980-39604

Pixel Panic https://arcade.makecode.com/16431-45157-49271-31925

This term, students have transitioned into the exciting field of mechatronic engineering, where they are learning how mechanical systems, electronics and coding combine to solve real-world problems. In the first two weeks, students have developed foundational skills in using sensors, actuators, servo motors and micro:bits.

A highlight so far has been the creation of an automatic plant watering system, where students programmed a moisture sensor to detect soil conditions and activate a servo motor to simulate watering. This hands-on project allowed students to see how coding can be applied to real-world situations and reinforced their understanding of input, processing and output systems.

Looking ahead, students will apply their knowledge to design and develop a robot that solves a real-world problem. They will code their solution using micro:bit technology and servo motors, and bring their ideas to life by creating a scaled 3D printed model of their design.

It has been fantastic to see students engaging with both the creative and technical aspects of Computer Technology, and we look forward to sharing their innovative solutions later in the term.

Geography

Year 12 Geography Excursion to Philip Shaw Winery

Year 12 Geography students are studying Global winemaking and its sustainability in their Global Sustainability topic. They visited Philip Shaw vineyard at Borenore and the cellar door in Orange on Tuesday 5th May to gain an understanding of factors influencing winemaking, current trends and sustainability in winemaking. It was a very beneficial excursion that enabled students to gain hands-on understanding of the global winemaking industry. Thank you to Daniel Shaw, the Cellar door team and the winemaker for their expertise and time on the day.

LitQuiz 2026

Recently, eight Year 7 students attended the Central West Heat of the Australian LitQuiz competition. Students worked in teams of four to answer 100 questions over 10 themed rounds of literature related questions. Our students were outstanding in their behaviour, enthusiasm and engagement. Whilst we didn't come away with an overall win, both teams won a round each (earning them a book prize) and both placed in the top 10 out of 29 participating teams from schools across the Central West region.

Final results have just come through with RBCC Team 1 placing 6th overall and RBCC Team 2 placing 10th overall. Kinross Wolaroi was the heat winner earning them progression to the Australian finals in Sydney.

Sport

DIO Cross Country

Despite the cold weather, the students ran extremely well and put in a fantastic effort throughout the day.

Congratulations to the following students who have now qualified for NSWCCC, to be held in Sydney in late June.

18 Years Boys: Archie

17 Years Boys: Oliver and Wil

16 Years Girls: Nevada

15 Years Boys: Mack, Charlie and Lenny

15 Years Girls: Macey

14 Years Boys: Hunter

14 Years Girls: Montana

13 Years Boys: Harry

13 Years Girls: Pearl

12 Years Boys: Saxon and Jeriah

12 Years Girls: Nellie, Bella and Ella Rose

RBCC also won the overall age division for 12 Years Boys and 15 Years Boys!

Hockey

NSW CCC Hockey trials were held in Taree recently.

All RBCC students who trialled should be commended for their outstanding sportsmanship and behaviour throughout the day. It was fantastic to see.

RBCC was very successful with Sam, Henry & Hayden all being selected in the NSWCCC Boys Opens Hockey Team to compete at the NSW Tri-series being held in Newcastle 28-29th May.

Jack and Daisy were selected in the NSW CCC U15’s Hockey Team to complete at the NSW All Schools selection camp to be held also in Newcastle on 28-29th May.

Soccer

We had a sunny day in Parkes for the Bill Turner cup, with both RBCC teams successful in winning the overall day and progressing through to the next round.

Boys

1st game won against Cowra High 5- nil

2nd game won against Parkes high 3-nil

Girls

1st game won against Cowra high 2-1

2nd game Won against Parkes high 11-0

All students played exceptionally well and had a great day overall.

Sporting Achievements

Congratulations to all our students for their outstanding efforts in recent sporting events. Your determination, teamwork, and commitment were on full display, and you represented yourselves and your school with pride. Whether you achieved a podium finish or simply gave your best effort, your resilience and sportsmanship are truly commendable. Keep striving for excellence, supporting one another, and embracing every opportunity to grow—both on and off the field. Well done!

Waterskiing

Jaggar competed in the u17's Australian Worlds Water Ski team who competed in Argentina. He finished 10th in jump and top 20 in trick. Australia came 3rd overall.

Jude skied in NSW state titles- 1st in slalom, 2nd trick and 1st jump and GOLD overall. Went on to Australian National Titles - 4th slalom, 5th in trick, 4th in jump and 4th overall.

Athletics

Toby received Gold in U15 Para Javelin and Bronze in U15 Para 1500m at the Australian Athletics Junior Championships

Soccer

Karma has been selected in the U18's Southern Country Soccer team

Boys Rugby League

Southern Country team

u16's - Jaggar

u18's - Jai and Jett

u16 Presidents team - Sam and Hudson

Girls Rugby League

Southern Country team

u16's - Sarah, Ruby, Isabelle and Katie