Embedded Files
Inspiring Minds, Hearts and Spirits
Acting Principal's Report
Acting Principal's Report
MR SIMON MARTINO | Term 4, Week 3
Family Spirit and the Red Bend Way
As Term 4 continues, I have been struck by how often our College life reflects the Marist characteristics of Family Spirit. Marcellin Champagnat wanted his schools to feel like a family, where each person is known, welcomed and valued. The last few weeks have shown that spirit at work, through celebrations, farewells, new beginnings and quiet acts of service.
Our Year 12 students are now in the final stretch of their HSC examinations. They have shown resilience, commitment and good humour along the way, and they have also been leaders and role models for younger students. We keep them in our prayers as they finish their exams, and we thank the families and staff who have supported them. Whatever comes next for each of them, they will always belong to the Red Bend family.
As one group prepares to leave, another prepares to join us. On Monday 16 November, we will welcome our Year 7 students for 2027 to Orientation Day. It is an important first step in helping each young person feel at home. Students will meet their new peers, teachers and Peer Support leaders, explore the College and get a first taste of life at Red Bend. We look forward to welcoming these students and their families into our community.
Last term we announced our student leaders for 2027, a significant next step is the commissioning of these students. The commissioning is more than handing out badges. It asks these students to lead in the way of Mary, with humility, presence, care for others and with a spirit of service. We congratulate them and thank their families for supporting them as they accept this responsibility. We are confident they will lead with the heart that marks a true Marist community.
Some examples of service are simply remarkable. Lenny Iyer recently finished 10 triathlons in 10 consecutive days, an extraordinary test of physical and mental endurance. Lenny’s effort shows what it means to put your gifts at the service of others. His determination and generosity are an inspiration to our students and a living example of the Marist value of love of work. Congratulations, Lenny.
Whether we are farewelling, welcoming, commissioning or celebrating, the common thread is belonging. At Red Bend, nobody walks alone. We hope every student, family and staff member feels part of this family, and that together we keep making Jesus Christ known and loved in the way of Mary.
I wish you all the best for the term ahead.
Simon Martino
Acting Principal
Acting Deputy Principal | Mrs Trish Martin
Acting Deputy Principal | Mrs Trish Martin
Hope all is well and your child/ren have settled into the rhythm of term four. Our Year 11 students have started their HSC year and our Year 12 students are in their final weeks of HSC exams.
Traffic Procedures- Drop off and Pick up.
Earlier in the term I shared communication with families about drop off and pick up procedures.
The communication included the below map outlining:
The designated traffic flow for vehicles
The times when parking is not permitted in the angled parking spaces at the front of the College
The correct queuing procedures while waiting to collect students
If you have any questions please contact me at the College.
"The Red Bend Way" - Ready to learn
At our first assembly for term four, on Wednesday, 14 October, we reminded students of the importance of the Red Bend Way and doing the little things well. Students were encouraged to focus on their learning, be fully present in their lessons, and make the most of every opportunity in the classroom. Students can do this by being prepared for each lesson with their equipment, fully stocked pencil case, charged laptop and being in the correct uniform.
Parents and carers are also reminded to review and sign their child’s Student Handbook at the end of each week. This provides an opportunity to stay informed about your child’s progress, achievements, and any important communication from the College.
College Summer Uniform
It is wonderful to see students wearing their College Summer Uniform with pride. Thank you to families for your ongoing support in ensuring students present themselves neatly and uphold the high standards of our College community.
In case you missed the earlier correspondence a summary of the College’s Summer uniform requirements are provided below.
We appreciate the support of parents and carers in ensuring students attend school each day in the correct uniform, with all items clean, neat, and worn appropriately. If families have any questions regarding uniform requirements, please contact the College Office.
Uniforms can be purchased from Gunn's Menswear in Forbes and Worklocker in Parkes. The College also has a small number of uniform items available through our Clothing Pool. Families requiring assistance with uniforms are encouraged to contact the College for further information about accessing the Clothing Pool.
Attendance
Below are the upcoming Term 4 events including the highlighted compulsory College events. Students who do not attend these events may be excluded from representing the College in co-curricular activities.
Please ensure that appointments and family holidays are scheduled on non school days. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child/ren attendance please contact your child’s House Coordinator.
Upcoming Term 4 Events
6-9 November - Full Time Boarders EXEAT
10 November - Commissioning Ceremony
13 November - New Leaders Day
16 November - 2027 Year 7 Orientation Day & Parent Information Evening
23-27 November - Year 7 - 10 Exams
4 December - Junior Dinner Dance (Years 9-10)
9 December - House Carnival
11 December - Thanksgiving Mass
11 December - Prize Giving Assembly
11 December - Last Day of Classes Term 4
Thank you for your ongoing support of your child’s learning and of the College community. Your support in reinforcing the College expectations of Being Ready to Learn, Being an Empowered and Active Learner, and Being Marist is greatly valued. By working together, we can continue to foster a positive, respectful, and safe learning environment for all students.
Director of Students | Mr Adam Currey
Director of Students | Mr Adam Currey
I hope everyone enjoyed the mid-semester break. It has been wonderful to see our students return ready to learn. As Week 3 comes to an end, we have a further six weeks of school to finish the term.
With exams approaching, it is as important now as it was at the start of the year that students bring all the equipment they need to learn. Some students have been attending class without a pencil case and are missing basic equipment such as pens, pencils, glue, scissors and a ruler. We appreciate parents’ support in checking in with your child about this. You may have already received an email or phone call from your child’s teacher.
All students are now in their summer uniform, and clear guidelines are outlined on page 22 of the Student Handbook. For our female students, the summer dress is to be knee length. As most students have grown since last summer, we ask parents to please check their child’s summer dress and, where possible, adjust it so it reaches the knee.
We would like to welcome Madi Everson to our College community. Madi joins our Health Centre team as School Counsellor and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. She will be working alongside Heidi Ruhman, our other magnificent counsellor. If at any time you feel your child would benefit from further support, please reach out to their House Coordinator to discuss accessing additional help.
If you have any questions about your child’s wellbeing at the College, please contact your child’s House Coordinator. Working together is the most effective way to resolve issues for our young people. If you are thinking you might need to ring, please do. We are always more than happy to help.
Congratulations to O’Connor on taking out the Spirit Cup as overall Champion House for 2026, and to Basil on winning the House Cup as champions of swimming, athletics and cross country.
Director of Teaching and Learning | Mrs Deb Wheeldon
Director of Teaching and Learning | Mrs Deb Wheeldon
Semester 2 Exam Preparation
For all students in Years 7 - 10, Semester 2 exams will be run in Week 7.
All students will receive their exam timetables via email. These timetables are also on the Shared Drive for each year group and will be emailed to parents in the coming days. Students are asked to write each exam in their handbook to support their organisation and preparation. Please also find the links below;
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
All students are expected to attend every exam. There are no catch-up exams. If students are away, they must have a justified reason, otherwise they will receive zero for that exam. If students are away due to illness, we ask that parents make contact with the school through the SSO that morning and provide a medical certificate.
Hopefully, students will start preparing for these exams sooner rather than later.
Students will be undertaking a study skills session in Week 5 to support their preparation. Students should try a variety of different strategies to help identify what works best for them.
All students at Red Bend are capable of success. It is important to remember that success comes from effort. And that effort starts now (if not already).
AERO’s (Australian Education Research organisation) has developed a list below of their top tips for study success:
Set-up for study — Students learn best in a safe, learning-focused environment. At home, this means setting up a calm, uncluttered study space, free from distractions. That includes putting your mobile phone away! You could also try your local library if you don’t have a quiet space at home.
Map it out — Having a clear plan helps you keep track of your learning and reduces the cognitive load. Set goals for what you need to learn, write out the steps to get there, and track your progress throughout the year. Your teachers can help with this; they do it too!
Space it out —Space studying topics out over multiple study sessions, rather than cramming them all into one. This again helps manage the cognitive load and helps connect new information to what you already know, embedding it in your long-term memory.
Test yourself — Before you start a new topic in a subject area, test yourself by trying to recall information from a previous topic, without looking at your notes. Even if you don’t get it all right, the act of trying will help solidify the information in your long-term memory. Repeating this regularly will improve your recall over time.
Switch it up — It’s natural for students to think spending two hours studying one topic, for example, trigonometry is the best way to sharpen that skill, but research shows variety is the spice of learning. Try four shorter sessions covering trig, algebra, calculus, and statistical analysis, for example. It will force your brain to actively recall a variety of information, making future recall easier. It will also fend off boredom!
Over the next couple of weeks, after homework is completed, students should be trying to spend some time on studying for the subjects they have exams in. Some students find this easier to do than others. Parents, siblings or friends are also a great source of motivation and can help students with their study.
Some specific strategies could include writing out key vocabulary and their definitions, summarising class notes, reading over class notes, having someone ask questions on classwork or completing past papers. Remember to use the notifications as they become available and the syllabus to help structure the study notes. It is important to realise that there is no right way to study, as different ways work for different people. The aim is to work out what works best for each individual. Remember that every little bit counts.
Students should come prepared for each exam with a couple of black pens, a pencil, rubber, ruler and calculator. These should all be in a clear plastic sleeve.
PAT Testing
During Week 8, students in Years 7 - 10 will again sit the PAT tests in both reading and numeracy. This will provide vital information on the growth of students over this year and provide clear data for when starting 2027. Again, attendance is important at these tests.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Deborah Wheeldon on 6852 2000 or by email at dlt@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au.
Acting Director of Curriculum | Mrs Kate Hogan
Acting Director of Curriculum | Mrs Kate Hogan
HSC Exams Underway
Our Year 12 students have made a strong start to their HSC examinations. They have walked into each exam calm, focused and well prepared, a reflection of the hard work they have put in over the past two years. Thank you to our teachers for their dedication and to our families for their support at home through this busy time. We are proud of how our students are carrying themselves and we wish them every success in their remaining exams.
Years 7–10 Exams: Important Information for Families
Students in Years 7 to 10 will soon sit their exams, scheduled for Week 7. Exam timetables have been shared with students and parents via SEQTA and School Stream and are also available in the year level Google Drives, and we encourage families to look over them together at home.
Our Assessment Policy and Exams
We’d like to remind families of how the College’s Assessment Policy applies to examinations:
No catch-up exams. Because of the exam timetable and the end-of-year reporting schedule, exams can’t be rescheduled.
Approved leave or illness. If your child is absent because of approved leave or illness, they will receive an estimated mark, as long as appropriate documentation is provided. For illness, this means a medical certificate.
Absence without a valid reason. Students who miss an exam without a valid, documented reason will receive a mark of zero for that exam.
If your child is unwell on an exam day, please contact the College via phone or email or reply to the absentee text. Then provide a medical certificate on their return to school or via email.
We understand that exam periods can be stressful for some students. If you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing or preparation, please contact their Pastoral Care teacher or House Coordinator.
We wish all our students the very best as they prepare for their Yearly Exams.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Director of Curriculum at dc@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au
Year 11 Parent Teacher Conferences
Year 11 Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday 11 November in the Multi-Purpose Hall from 4.00 - 6.00pm. Each interview will be limited to 7 minutes. Light refreshments will be available.
To make an appointment, please access the Parent Portal via the college website www.redbendcc.nsw.edu.au then under the Academic tab select Parent Teacher Interviews. The Parent Teacher bookings will be available from today until Tuesday 10 November.
If you are unable to access the internet to make bookings, please contact the ICT department at the College on 68522000 or email helpdesk@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au who will facilitate the procedure for you.
Where possible, it is recommended that your child accompanies you to the conferences. We look forward to meeting with you and value your support of Red Bend Catholic College.
Director of Mission | Mr David Eyles
Director of Mission | Mr David Eyles
The 2026 Wilcannia Visitation
Eight Year 11 students and two staff members recently journeyed to Wilcannia for our annual Wilcannia Visitation experience. The name "Visitation" was deliberately chosen to reflect our Marist heritage and to communicate that this experience is distinct from a traditional school “immersion.”
As former Red Bend chaplain and current Wilcannia Parish Life Coordinator, Sr Elizabeth Young RSM, explained during our first-night reflection: “The Red Bend Visitation is a two-way exchange of friendship. In Luke’s Gospel, Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth in an encounter that was a blessing for both parties. Both carried something sacred within them. Both recognised the sacred in each other.”
During our time away, the Red Bend students worked closely with K-6 students from St Therese’s Community School. Culture classes, lunchtime games and the morning and afternoon bus runs were particular highlights. They also spent time listening to deeply personal reflections from local elders and community leaders:
Uncle Eddie Harris, an acclaimed artist, generously welcomed us into his workspace and explained some of his current commissions in progress.
Bishop Columba explained the strong historical connections between the Church, the Sisters of Mercy, and the school, which originally began on the Mission across the river from the Wilcannia township.
Uncle Stevie met us at the Wilcannia cemetery and spoke passionately about his dedicated work to preserve the memory of his people.
Uncle David hosted us at the mini-golf course he constructed on a clay pan, sharing his vision for a stronger community, the virtue of discipline, and the need for everyone to contribute.
Our students provided much-needed manual labour for various projects across the parish and the school. We helped out at the local op shop and ran sports games alongside a PCYC program for local children. We celebrated Sunday Mass in the local parish, assisting with ministries and sharing a meal with parishioners afterward.
We enjoyed some brief moments of recreation, fishing and swimming in the Darling River. We explored Australia’s oldest opal diggings at White Cliffs, and were awestruck by the sunset at the Warrawong billabong. We also spent afternoons at the Gloria King Memorial After-School Drop-In Centre, and enjoyed many casual, warm encounters with friendly locals throughout our stay.
The Red Bend students were exemplary ambassadors for our college. Equally, the local community made a lasting impression on our visiting group. As Sr Liz remarked, “This is a wonderful opportunity for both communities to be mutually blessed, to experience new things, and to grow in faith, hope, and love.”
Confirmation at St Laurence’s Church, Forbes
Bishop Columba has been travelling across the diocese in recent weeks conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation. On Sunday, 25th October, he presided over the Confirmation Mass in Forbes, where members of our Red Bend community were sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a joyful celebration.
Our warmest congratulations go to staff member Mr Barry Merritt, along with Year 8 students Brodie and Lucy, who were confirmed last weekend. We also extend our sincere thanks to college chaplain Fr Harry Phillips for his kind involvement in preparing these candidates.
If your child would like to begin their sacramental journey with Baptism, or would like to complete their Sacraments of Initiation, please submit this form
Director of Boarding | Mr Chris Douglass
Director of Boarding | Mr Chris Douglass
It has been a busy term in the Boarding houses, with plenty of weekend activities for our boarders.
We have held several combined dorm dinners, giving boarders from across the houses a chance to come together and share a meal. These have been a good way to build connections across the boarding community.
Boarders have also been getting out into the region. A group attended the North Parkes Mine Open Day and had a look at the mine’s operations. Others visited the National BBQ Championships in Forbes. This Saturday, boarders will take part in NAIDOC Day in Parkes.
At the college, many boarders have been using the pool as the weather warms up. Sport has also been a regular part of boarding life, with cricket, rugby 10s, league tag, and touch football on Monday nights.
Well done to our “iceberg” boarders who are part of the Forbes Finns Swimming Club. This small but dedicated group of swimmers has been training early in the morning at the Forbes town pool. Thank you to the Forbes Finns coaching staff for their support.
Hannah has been running baking challenges in the dorms, and these have been well attended by the boarders. Thank you, Hannah, for organising them.
Reminder: Term 4 Full Time Boarders Exeat
This term’s Exeat applies to Full Time Boarders only. The dorms will close on Friday afternoon and re-open on Monday after school. Weekly Boarders will attend school as normal.
Thank you to all boarders and staff for a good term so far. A reminder that we are fast approaching the exam period for 7-10. I note that exam timetables were sent out this week and we will be busy preparing during Boarders Study in the coming weeks.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
TERM 4
➡️ 6 November- Fulltime Boarder Exeat
➡️ 10 November- Student Leader Commissioning Ceremony
➡️ 23 November- Yr 7-10 Exams begin
➡️ 4 December- Junior Dinner Dance
➡️ 9 December - House Carnival
➡️ 11 December - Thanksgiving Mass and Prize Giving Assembly
➡️ 11 December - Last day of classes
100 Years Special Reflection by a past College Captain
100 Years Special Reflection by a past College Captain
We posed a series of questions to former College Captains in honour of our 100 year of Marist Education in Forbes, these are the memories of Leisel Huckel (Nee Cunningham) Class of 1990
1. Favourite stand-out memory
The Class of 1990 was at that time the largest in the history of the College, and I mention this because I feel size can sometimes dilute cohesion and camaraderie. This was not the case for us. 1990 was a year of devastating floods in Forbes, and the school was cut off from town on three occasions. One of those occasions was in the lead up to the Trial HSC exams. An image that endures is of Kate and David Cripps riding a tractor through the floodwaters to get to school. It is one of many images that capture the essence of the Class of 1990, as did our Year 12 Graduation Mass theme, “Today is Ours”. It was a fitting reflection of a class that, time and again, claimed every challenge and opportunity as its own, bound not by circumstance but by a shared resolve to show up, stand together, and make the most of each moment.
2. Advice to my high-school self
I would tell her not to be afraid of the challenges coming her way, because she is going to come through every one of them, and she will be steadier on the other side than she could possibly believe at eighteen. I would tell her to lean on her family and her friends while she does. She will not have to carry any of it alone - share the load and try not to overthink it.
3. Biggest trend or most popular thing to do
Ours was a coeducational high school, so you would find boys and girls learning to ski together (badly!), running cross-country races along the levee banks often having to move the cows (well some of us meandered) and heading off on retreats where faith felt alive and genuinely enjoyable rather than a chore. Boarder life was rich and busy and they were often warmly welcomed into the homes of day students. Then if you caught the bus to school, you would have enjoyed the “Bus Boys” in full voice, taking the long route each morning and turning it into a rolling singalong, belting out the songs of the day like “Perfect.” It was loud, it was joyful, and it was inclusive. That was the real trend of our day, being together, in person, making our own noise. After all, “That’s What Friends Are For”!
4. How leading the school shaped me
I took the captaincy as both a privilege and a responsibility, and I threw myself into it with gusto and joy, especially in Debating and Mock Trial. So many of the teachers were wonderfully supportive and never short of good advice when I sought it, and it was in those years we formed lasting bonds and still keep in touch with many of them. Shout out to Br. Paul, Sr. Marie, Sr. Pat, Meg Treloar (deceased), Michael Mitchell , Ward Kane (deceased), Paul Hobbs, Matthew Passmore, Peter Murphy, Ange Smith, June Spencer, Tess Herbert (nee Flynn) and Alison Baker (to name just a few) whose compassion, understanding and wisdom meant a great deal to me. It was also the year my father was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Our school motto, Per Angusta Ad Augusta, "by overcoming difficulties we rise to great heights," shaped how I have faced personal and professional challenges ever since. I learned resilience is not the absence of fear, it is turning up. The more practical lessons have stayed with me just as long: hard work, resourcefulness, tenacity, and quiet determination, along with a strong set of values that have proven their worth in my career and personal relationships.
I would also like to acknowledge my wonderful co-captain, Pete Dawson, whose reliability, calm judgement, and insight made him a natural leader, a true gentleman, and an all-round great bloke.
The friendships from those days remain among the great supports of my life. More than thirty years on, our cohort still gathers every few years, and when Covid took our thirtieth reunion, we held a "thirty plus one" reunion rather than let the tradition lapse. We always honour and remember the friends we’ve lost over the years and I look forward to many more catch-ups full of laughter and reminiscing. The RBCC community holds a special place in my heart and always will.
Leisel Cunningham
Leisel Cunningham
Members of Class of 1990 at the Senior Dinner Dance
Important Updates & Recent Activities
Important Updates & Recent Activities
2026 NAIDOC Celebrations
Red Bend Catholic College would like to sincerely thank Yoorana Gunya for inviting us to be part of the 2026 NAIDOC celebrations.
It was an incredible day, with Red Bend students proudly conducting interviews with community members and capturing their stories and experiences.
It was a wonderful opportunity for our students and staff to come together, celebrate Aboriginal culture, strengthen community connections and show our support for NAIDOC.
We are proud to stand together as one community, celebrating culture, connection and belonging.
Thank you, Yoorana Gunya, for including Red Bend Catholic College in such a special day!
School Student Transport Scheme - 2027 Applications
Transport for NSW - School student travel information for parents and students
Applications are now open for 2027 SSTS travel
Applications for 2027 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel are now open.
Students must re-apply or update their details as soon as possible if they:
are changing schools or campus location
are changing home address
are repeating a year
have received an expiry notification for their school travel entitlement.
Students who meet the distance eligibility requirements will have their entitlement updated automatically. Students who no longer meet the distance requirements will receive an expiry notification. Please note that minimum distance requirements vary depending on the year/grade the student is enrolling in.
School travel passes
Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home.
Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.
Terms of use
Students must show their school travel pass when travelling within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Cards are personal and cannot be shared.
All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel
Year 9 iSTEM Excursion to Parkes Observatory
During Week 3, Year 9 iSTEM students had the exciting opportunity to visit Parkes Observatory, connecting their classroom learning to real-world applications of space technology and engineering.
As part of their studies in Design for Space and their CubeSat satellite projects, students explored the technology and engineering behind one of Australia's most iconic scientific facilities. A highlight of the excursion was going inside the telescope control room to see where observations are monitored and managed. Students also had the opportunity to walk around the telescope at the outside viewing level, gaining a closer appreciation of the impressive scale and design of the structure.
The visit provided valuable insight into how satellites, telescopes and other space technologies contribute to scientific research and our understanding of the universe. It also allowed students to make connections between their own CubeSat designs and the real-world engineering challenges involved in space exploration.
It was a fantastic learning experience that brought their iSTEM studies to life and encouraged students to think more deeply about the possibilities of science, technology and engineering beyond the classroom.
Miss Reeve | 9 iSTEM Teacher
Year 10 & 11 Geography Excursions - Lake Cowal & Lake Forbes
Lake Cowal Conservation Centre:
Year 11 Geography students and Mrs McMillan were fortunate to be able to spend a night glamping at the Lake Cowal Conservation Centre on Wednesday, 23rd September, 2026.
Lake Cowal forms part of the Wilbertroy Wetland System in the Lachlan Catchment. The Wilbertroy Wetland System is recognised as a nationally significant ephemeral ecosystem that covers approximately 29,000 ha. Lake Cowal is located approximately 43 km north of West Wyalong and 90km south-west of Forbes.
Over the two days students participated in many hands-on fieldwork activities including:
Comparing topographic maps to satellite images
Drawing sketch maps
Using instruments to collect data on climatic conditions such as air temperature, humidity and cloud cover
Testing the pH, temperature, colour, slaking and texture of soil
Water testing for salinity, pH, turbidity
Identifying water bugs under microscopes
Using transects and quadrats to identify plant species and frequency
Identifying human impacts on this environment and discussing management strategies
Students participated enthusiastically on the two days and represented the College in a positive and engaged way. A huge thank you to Sally Russell and Mal Carnegie from LCCC for their amazing expertise, accommodation and hospitality.
Lake Forbes:
On Wednesday 28th October Year 10 Geography students participated in fieldwork activities at Lake Forbes with Lake Cowal Conservation Centre (LCCC) educators Sally Russell and Mal Carnegie.
Activities included:
Using GPS for location- using latitude and longitude
Comparing topographic maps to satellite images
Using instruments to collect data on climatic conditions such as air temperature, humidity and cloud cover
Soil testing- pH, temperature, colour, slaking, texture
Water testing- salinity, pH, turbidity
Identifying water bugs under microscopes
Using transects and quadrats to identify plant species and frequency
Identifying human impacts on this environment and discussing management strategies
Students also participated in cultural activities at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre with Barry Merritt and Skye Harris. Students were highly engaged with the Dreaming stories that Barry shared and Barry showed students edible and medicinal plants that are growing at the Dreaming Centre.
Students participated enthusiastically on the day and were appreciative of the fieldwork activities organised by Sally and Mal and the personal insight into culture that Barry and Skye provided.
Mrs McMillan
HSIE Coordinator
Wilcannia Visit - Photos
A wonderful collection of moments from our Year 11 students' recent Wilcannia Visitation. From connecting with students at St Therese’s Community School to lending a hand in the local community, sharing stories and exploring the region, the experience was filled with friendship, learning and meaningful connections. These photos capture just some of the special memories made along the way.
Sport
Sport
Diocesan Rugby 10's - Mudgee
Diocesan Rugby 10’s in Mudgee (23.10.26)
6 teams beat the birds up and travelled to Mudgee last Friday to do battle for the Rugby 10’s Diocesan Shield. They Included;
1 x Junior Girls team (combined yr 7 and 8)
2 x Junior Boys Teams (yrs 7 and 8)
1 x Intermediate Girls team (combined yrs 9 and 10)
2 x Intermediate Boys teams (combined yrs 9 and 10)
Intermediate Girls
Despite only limited Rugby Union experience these girls were a force to be reckoned with from the opening whistle tackling and running the ball strongly. The opposition was St Johns College, Dubbo who had been able to sleep in bit longer being only 40 mins down the road compared to our 3 hr trek.
St Johns scored first as we still were working out some technicalities in the ruck situations. Quick learners would be a good way to describe these players as Stella B and Isabelle N scored the next 2 tries to win 10-5.
The day would consist of 2 more games against a strong St Johns outfit as these were the only 2 teams that made the trip from the Diocese. In game 2 things started to click and despite determined defence from St Johns the Red Bend team won this 37 - 0 with Stella Bull scoring 4 tries and Isabelle N, Ruby H and Grace Fcross the line as well. All players were now mastering the “clean out” with Miley N, Emily W and Bridie T consistently winning back the ball from the opposition through nice low body height and leg drive. Great service from the scrum and ruck was given by Rosie H and Nevada K with Sophie P at no 10 setting up Corby F and her outside backs to utilise the space they had created.
In Game 3 there was a challenge to “keep the foot on the throat” which they did with great determination and skill. St Johns did not go away and managed to score 2 tries, but we scored 6 through a hat-trick to Rosie H a brace to Isabelle N and one to Stella B, keeping her record consistent by crossing in every game.
All girls played with enormous pride in their school and hopefully came away with a new appreciation and love for the code. They were crowned Diocesan Champions for 2026 and scored 77 points for the day, conceding only 15.
Well done to all.
Junior Girls Team
The girls were nervous for their first game with only 2 girls having played rugby union before. It didn’t take long for the girls to settle in and remember their training. Winning their first game against St Mathew’s Mudgee by one try.
The second game was against a tough St John’s the played a hard fought match and were on top until the final minutes where St John’s came back and won by a try.
All three teams were tied for the finals so the result went on for and against. This meant we were to play Mudgee in the grand final.
Unfortunately Mudgee came away with the win late in the game.
The girls had a great day and learned a new sport which I think they all loved. Players player for the day was Sariah Folau.
Intermediate Boys Teams
9-10’s teams
Rid’s players player - 3) George M 2) Ari A 1) Mack D
Jarrod D’s Team Players Player - 3) Hudson G 2) Thomas J 1) Hugh H-H
Coaches and Managers for the day: Mrs Hannah DeMamiel, Mr Jared De MaMiel, Mr Chris Douglass,
Mr Andrew Grierson, Mr David Riddington and Mr Tony O’Connell
Lenny Iyer - Nedd's Uncomfortable Challenge
What an extraordinary effort from Red Bend Catholic College student Lenny Iyer, who has officially completed 10 Olympic distance triathlons in 10 days as part of Nedd's Uncomfortable Challenge, raising funds and awareness for Australians experiencing homelessness.
After 10 days of determination and resilience, Lenny crossed the finish line in Forbes on Wednesday evening (28/10) surrounded by an amazing show of support from the RBCC and wider Forbes communities.
Students, staff, families and community members came together to run alongside Lenny or cheer him on for the final stretch. It was an emotional and inspiring moment, with plenty of proud tears shed as everyone celebrated his achievement.
And the fundraising result is just as impressive!
As at today 30/10), Lenny has raised an incredible $14,007, surpassing his $12,500 goal by $1,507!
Lenny's commitment to challenging himself for such an important cause is truly inspiring. His determination and willingness to make a difference are qualities we are proud to celebrate as a College.
Congratulations, Lenny! We couldn't be prouder.
For anyone still wishing to support Lenny's fundraising efforts, donations can still be made via the below link
https://www.neddsuncomfortablechallenge.com/fundraisers/LennyIyer
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