Supporting Learning Through Respect and Responsibility

At this week's assembly, I spoke to students about behaviour, respect and the expectations we have for every member of our College community.

The discussion centred on The Red Bend Way, which continues to guide our expectations for student conduct and learning. As students know, The Red Bend Way is more than a poster on a classroom wall or a section in the student handbook. It reflects the way we strive to learn, grow and interact with one another every day.

Our Red Bend Way is built around three expectations:

• Ready to Learn - being prepared, organised and equipped for learning.

• Active and Empowered Learners - demonstrating effort, focus and commitment in all learning activities.

• Being Marist - showing respect, inclusion and care for others while making a positive contribution to the College community.

These expectations align closely with the rights and responsibilities outlined in the Student Handbook. Students have the right to learn in a safe and supportive environment, and equally, they have a responsibility to ensure their actions support the learning and wellbeing of others.

I also reminded students that teachers have the right to teach without unnecessary disruption and to provide a learning environment that enables every student to reach their full potential.

A particular focus of the assembly was student movement during lessons. Staff have observed an increase in students requesting to leave class for reasons that could often be managed during break times, including visits to the bathroom and filling water bottles. Students were reminded that bathrooms, water bottles and other personal needs should generally be attended to before school, during recess, at lunch, or after school, with classroom leave during lessons reserved for genuine emergencies.

We also discussed the importance of minimising disruptions within the classroom. Simple actions, such as moving around the room unnecessarily, can interrupt teaching and distract other students from their learning. Students were encouraged to consider the impact of their choices on the rights of others, particularly the right of their peers to learn and the right of teachers to teach.

The key message to students was simple, before leaving the classroom or getting out of their seat, they should consider whether their actions are necessary and whether they may interrupt the learning of others.

By working together and remaining committed to The Red Bend Way, we can continue to create classrooms where learning is prioritised, teachers can teach effectively and every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Thank you to our families for your ongoing support in reinforcing these expectations and helping us foster a respectful and positive learning culture at Red Bend Catholic College.

Y12 Graduations

Reminder to Parents/Carers/Students that Year 12 Graduation tickets were required to be purchased by Friday 28 August. If you have not yet purchased your tickets, please click here to make your booking.

If you have any questions regarding the upcoming Y12 graduation please contact the College.

Upcoming Important College Events Term 3

25 September - Last Day Term 3

Upcoming Important College Events Term 4

13 October - First Day of Term 4

9 December - House Carnival

11 December - Thanks Giving Mass

11 December - Prize Giving Assembly

St Carlo Acutis

St Carlo Acutis is the first saint of the millennial age.  He died at the age of 15 in 2006, but in his short lifetime he inspired others with his deep faith and devotion to the Eucharist.  St Carlo's remains are interred in Assisi, Italy, but his heart and other relics have been on a Worldwide tour since his canonisation by Pope Leo last year.

St Carlo Acutis relic was on display at the College last week for a few hpurs. Students were invited to write their intentions to St Carlos Acutis

Year 11 

Our Year 11 students will be sitting for their Yearly exams in week 9 and 10. Their exams begin on Monday 14th September and conclude Tuesday 22nd September.  YEAR 11 PRELIMINARY EXAMS 2026.pdf

During a recent Year 11 meeting the students were advised that their HSC year begins term 4, 2026.  

For the HSC, students are required to study a minimum of 10 units. The majority of our student’s study 11 units. To facilitate transitioning to the HSC, students have been asked to nominate their course intentions in English, Mathematics and Religious Education. In addition, over term 4, students will attend a meeting to review their Year 11 academic results, as well as their HSC pattern of study and any post school options. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Year 11 exams. 

(This information was shared with the Year 11 students during a year level meeting) 

What time do I have to be at school before exams?

• At least 10 mins before each exam

• Line up outside the MPH, in alphabetical order in courses on the artificial turf

• Listen carefully to instructions

• Normal school rules apply; students are to be in full Winter uniform

What equipment do I need to bring?

• You will need at least 2 black pens

• Remember your calculator for Maths, Science and TAS-based courses

• All equipment to be in a plastic sleeve

• No mobile phones or smart watches

What do I do once I am in the exam room?

• Listen carefully to the instructions

• Make note of the time and the location of the clocks

• When directed, check that you have all of the necessary exam papers

• Write your Student Number on the exam papers (students to have their Red Bend Student ID card)
  
  

What do I do if I am unwell?

• Contact Mrs Hogan and obtain a Medical Certificate

What if I miss an exam, what will happen?

• If you do not have a reasonable reason (eg medical), you will receive a mark of zero
  
  

Your missed exam will be at a later date. Or, alternatively if you continue to be unwell and or there are exceptional circumstances You will receive an estimate based on your current rank order

Can I leave the exam room?

• You can leave the exam room once you are directed by the supervisor.  A toilet break can be taken after the first half hour and not in the last half hour.

Where do I go to study

• Study is located in rooms 5 and 6. Study intentions have been emailed to the students and are to be completed by the start of next term. 

• Year 11 exams take priority over Work Studies placement. 

What about cars and keys?

• During the  Exam period students are still required to hand in their keys to the SSO.

• Please arrive with plenty of time to park, drop keys off and be ready for your exam

• If you are at the College to complete study, you are still required to hand your keys in and let the SSO know you are present. This is for safety reasons in case of a fire or an  emergency.

What are the expectations around study?

• Silent, individual supervised study

• Optional. You are able to leave after your exam to study at home. As long as you have advised the school via your study intentions

If Year 11 students fall ill or experience a misadventure during the  exam period, it is important that parents or carers contact Mrs Hogan. Students who are ill will be required to obtain a medical certificate. 

Support for Year 11 students during their exams is most important. At Red Bend teachers provide regular feedback to students on their study notes and comments on any practice exams that are completed. 

At home support from parents is all important. Provide encouragement and remind your child to stay calm and to do their best. Encourage your child to eat well, to exercise and talk to them about the importance of a good sleep. Take an interest in their exam timetable and ask them how they did after each exam. If for some reason, an exam does not go as planned, encourage your child to put it behind them and to focus on what is coming up.

If you have any questions about the Year 11 exams, please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs Hogan.  dc@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au

We wish all Year 11 students the best for their yearly exams.