Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of our College community,

As we move through the crisp winter months, our students continue to actively engage in a wide variety of learning, co curricular, sporting and outreach activities with resilience and enthusiasm. It is inspiring to see our community engaged in such a variety of learning experiences. As we look to the warmth of spring and summer, we are excited for the opportunities that lie ahead. 

Feast of the Assumption Mass

On the 15 August we will celebrate the feast of the Assumption of Mary. This is a Holy Day in our faith and as a whole school community a special day for all Marists. We warmly welcome all parents, carers and friends of the College to celebrate with us on 15 August at 9.30am in the Multipurpose Hall.

For us as Marists, Mary is central to the understanding of our mission to bring the Good News of Jesus to the young women and men of our College. Mary provides us with a way of connecting with and relating to her son in real and tangible ways. The motto of the Marist Brothers ‘all to Jesus through Mary and all to Mary for Jesus’ speaks of the indispensable and critical place of Mary in our lives as Christians.

'In the way of Mary’, a defining characteristic of a Marist school, challenges us to live as people of faith who strive to exemplify the strength, courage and virtue that Mary demonstrated in her life. Saint Marcellin regularly prayed to God through Mary, placing his hopes, worries and challenges before her patronage. He did so because Saint Marcellin recognised Mary as Jesus’ first and perfect disciple, a person of faith who was strong enough to trust in God, face her challenges and bring Christ to birth in our world. May we all continue to ask Mary to pray for us and draw inspiration from her example.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - Additional Houses

Today, we announced to the students that we are adding two additional houses to our House System at the College from the commencement of 2025. This is due to the recent growth in student enrolments in our community. The decision has been made to ensure that the College has a House Structure that provides for students' well-being, care, and management for optimal learning outcomes. 

A Staff Working group is currently planning structures and developing implementation processes. This includes the new House names, colours, patron saints, etc. Students will be asked in the near future if they wish to join one of the two new Houses. The student leaders elected to the two new houses will be working with staff during term four, preparing for the official commencement in 2025.

Last Friday, our Year 11 students attended their Leadership Day. This day allowed the students to reflect on their roles as the new leaders of our College. The process for nomination of Student Leadership positions for 2025 was outlined on this day. Students will be sent a form on Monday 12 August to nominate for positions. Those wishing to nominate for House Captain and Liturgy Captain positions will be given the opportunity to seek leadership in one of the two new Houses for 2025.

It is an exciting time for our community as we expand the House structure within the College to meet the needs of our enrolments. The growth we have seen in recent years demonstrates the trust the wider community has in the outcomes that are achieved in faith, life and learning at Red Bend Catholic College. We are grateful for this trust and look forward to continuing to inspire hearts, minds and spirits of the young people in central and western NSW.

NAPLAN

The College has received the 2024 NAPLAN data. This data assists us in understanding where each student has performed well and also in reflecting on areas for improvement. It also helps us evaluate teaching and learning programs for literacy and numeracy goals. Our continued focus is on literacy and numeracy initiatives as part of our drive to enhance outcomes for all students as aligned to our Vision for Learning. 

At the start of term 3, parents of students in Years 7 and 9 received their Individual Reports for NAPLAN 2024. NAPLAN allows parents and carers to see how their child is progressing against national literacy and numeracy standards. Students can also get an insight into where they are placed on their own individual learning journey.

As parents and carers you play an essential role as partners in the education of your child. Research is very clear that active engagement and participation by parents and carers in the educational process and experience is essential for improved outcomes. Parents and Carers play a crucial role in supporting their child's learning at school. Here are several ways to help enhance their educational experience:

• Create a Positive Learning Environment: Set up a dedicated, quiet, and organised study area at home where your child can focus on their homework and projects.

• Stay Engaged: Regularly communicate with teachers to understand your child’s progress and areas where they might need additional support. Attend parent-teacher meetings and school events.

• Encourage Good Study Habits: Help your child establish a consistent routine for homework and studying. Encourage them to break tasks into manageable chunks and set achievable goals.

• Promote Reading: Foster a love for reading by providing a variety of books and discussing what they are reading. Make reading a regular part of your family’s routine.

• Support Extracurricular Activities: Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities that interest them, as these can enhance their skills and boost confidence.

• Be a Role Model: Show enthusiasm for learning and education in your own life. Share your experiences and the value you place on continuous learning.

• Offer Emotional Support: Provide encouragement and reassurance, especially during challenging times. Celebrate their successes and provide constructive feedback when needed.

• Limit Distractions: Ensure that technology and other distractions do not interfere with study time. Set clear boundaries and help your child balance leisure and study.

• Encourage Questions: Foster a curiosity-driven mindset by encouraging your child to ask questions and seek answers independently, supporting their critical thinking skills.

• Work on Organisation: Help your child develop organisational skills, such as using planners or digital tools to keep track of assignments and deadlines.

By actively participating in your child’s educational journey, you help them build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school and beyond.

STAFFING

Mrs Jo Donnelly has made the decision to retire from her teaching position at the College as of the end of Term 2 2024. Jo began teaching at the College in 1984. She has predominantly taught Textiles, Food Technology, TAS and  Life Management that became Community and Family Studies. Prior to teaching at the College, Jo taught at Barellan near Leeton for three years, then at Leeton High School for one year. Jo has had an extraordinary teaching career with 40 years teaching at the College alone. Jo has positively impacted so many students and she developed strong and lasting relationships with all her colleagues. We will farewell Jo at the end of the year with other staff leaving. We wish Mrs Donnelly all the very best for her retirement.  

Ms Bernadette Mewburn has resigned from her position as Director of Boarding as of the end of term 3 2024. Bernadette began in the role of Director of Boarding at the start of the 2022 year. Bernadette came to us with over 20 years of experience in Boarding.  Her leadership of the boarding community at the College has seen strong growth in enrolments, with enrolment numbers at capacity in both Girls' and Boys' boarding. We wish Bernadette all the very best for her retirement after a long and successful career in boarding schools. 

Mr Matthew Pearce has resigned from his position at the college as of the end of the 2024 school year. Matt has had a long association with the college since 2013. Over the years, Matt has held various positions of responsibility in the areas of curriculum, pastoral care, and faith formation. Mr Pearce is a passionate educator who brings out the best in students. In his role as Director of Faith Formation, he has been instrumental in engaging students and staff in Liturgical experiences, Mission and Outreach activities and retreats. We wish Matt and his family every blessing as they start a new chapter in their lives in 2025.  

Mr Mat Reid has resigned from his position as Boys Boarding Residence Supervisor as of Friday, 16 August 2024. I thank Mat for his valuable contribution to our college community, especially the boarding school, since his initial employment in March 2022. Mat's organisation, approach, and care for the students has provided very good mentorship, guidance, and support. I know that the students have appreciated how he engages with them and guides them in these formative years. We wish Mat well in his future endeavours.

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

Assumption Day Mass reminder

Thursday 15 August we will be celebrating the Assumption Day Mass as a College community. This is an important day in the calendar for the Church as it celebrates the day Mary was assumed into heaven body and soul. As a Catholic school with a Marist and Mercy Tradition, this day is also important to celebrate the College’s Mercy charism and pay tribute to the Sisters of Mercy who helped create our wonderful school.

As this is an important day in our College calendar, the sports program that usually occurs on Thursday during period 5 has been cancelled. All students are to arrive at school in the full College winter uniform. Students will attend Mass at 9.30am. Following Mass they will attend periods 1-4. 

Bullying No Way Week: 12-16 August

This week is Bullying no Way Week. This is an important week in any school Calendar. As a College community we will be recognising this week during week 8 of this Term when our Year 12 students return from their Trial exams. During this week there will be a variety of activities to educate students on how to stand up for others and help put an end to bullying in our community. 

All the best for the term ahead.