Welcome to 2026 at CMCB

It is my pleasure to warmly welcome all new and returning students, staff and families to our community for 2026. On behalf of Mercy Ministry Companions, Mercy Education Limited and Catherine McAuley College Bendigo, I wish everyone a very successful and productive year.

A special acknowledgement and welcome to all the new students commencing, especially the Year 7s who start the next stage of their learning experience at Coolock Campus. We look forward to the contributions and influence they will bring to our College throughout their time here.

We return with optimism and enthusiasm for the new year, building on the successes and achievements of 2025. We are confident that this year will continue to see positive growth as we help our students develop into independent, critical, and creative thinkers.

We hold in our thoughts all those within our community affected by the recent fires and continue to offer support to CMCB families who may need assistance as they return to school. We are monitoring the upcoming extreme weather as we finalise our commencement planning.

In 2026, we are celebrating our sesquicentennial, marking 150 years since the arrival of Mother M. Aloysius Martyn in Bendigo. This milestone is a testament to the enduring legacy of our Foundress, the Venerable Catherine McAuley, and the Religious Sisters of Mercy.

On 23 January 1876, the Sisters of Mercy were warmly welcomed to Bendigo by the community, with great pomp and ceremony at a crowded High Mass at St Kilian's Church. Dr Henry Backhaus was celebrant, and the clergy included the Bishops of Sandhurst and Ballarat. The Sisters quickly settled into their new life, taking on the running of St Kilian's School and preparing to open their own school at Barkly Place in April.

We invite our community to join us in celebrating the sesquicentenary of Catherine McAuley College Bendigo throughout 2026.

CMCB Sesquicentenary Events and Activities

This year, as part of our commitment to strengthening pastoral care and community connection, the College has introduced a Mercy Homegroup structure for students in Years 7–12. Mercy Homegroup is designed to connect every student and their family with a specific teacher, providing a consistent point of contact and daily support. By fostering strong relationships and clear communication, we aim to create a connected and caring environment that promotes wellbeing and engagement for all.

At the end of last year, our senior students achieved some outstanding results. The Laureate Presentation on Friday 13 February will celebrate these significant academic achievements of Year 12 graduates from the Class of 2025, including the VCE and VM Subject Dux and College Dux Awards.

On Thursday 12 February, we will all come together to celebrate the commencement of a new school year with the Sesquicentenary Opening Mass. This milestone moment on the College calendar is the perfect way to begin, and we give thanks that the entire community can gather in the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

We are very fortunate and blessed to commence the year fully staffed. Staffing and timetabling are major challenges for all schools, and we are very grateful to be in such a positive position. Thank you and welcome to the new staff who have accepted positions.

We look forward to welcoming all students back to school on Friday 30 January, and wish them every success in the year ahead.