Despite what can sometimes feel like a world of gloom and despair, the past fortnight at Catherine McAuley College Bendigo has given us plenty of reasons to celebrate and feel optimistic.

On individual levels, students have been quietly achieving personal milestones, developing and strengthening their skills, building their resources and learning how to thrive in the world. Students have been receiving commendations and drawing the right sort of attention for their behaviour.

Last week’s Installation of Bishop René Ramirez RCJ at the Sacred Heart Cathedral was an historic moment for the Diocese of Sandhurst, and one that we were proud, as a College, to have an active role in. Our students did an exceptional job, welcoming guests and serving as ushers, while our music students rose to the occasion to join the choir.

The Bishop’s Homily echoed some of the themes we have contemplated this year, as we reflect on the legacy the Sisters of Mercy created in Bendigo while celebrating our sesquicentenary:

“I enter a story that has been unfolding for more than 150 years, written through the faith of generations, the ministry of the clergy and religious, the witnesses of families, and the quiet service of many whose names may be known only to God.

During my previous time in this Diocese, I saw the faith, generosity and resilience of its people. Much has been done and much continues to be done. I come with gratitude for what I have inherited and with respect for those who have carried the Church’s mission through changing and sometimes difficult circumstances.”

We warmly welcome Bishop René to our community.

Last week, our Year 10 students took part in the Year 10 Camp which focuses on ‘Culture, Compassion and Careers’. Unlike other camps, this one takes place in the urban environment where students navigate public transport, manage directions and timekeeping themselves, in a further step towards independence and adulthood. The Melbourne visit is an opportunity to further explore areas and possible careers that align with their interests. Once again, the students, when given the opportunity, made us proud and brought credit to the College.

In a similar way, many sporting teams have been competing across the Loddon Mallee Region in the past fortnight, and taking the competition to the next level. A large number of teams have now progressed through to the State level of competition. We congratulate them and wish them well for the next rounds.

Students across the College are now finalising their subject selections for 2027, and we urge them to discuss their options and aspirations with their families and teachers to ensure they choose subjects that will inspire and motivate them in their studies. Friday is a pupil-free day for Year 9 students who will be undertaking Pathway Counselling meetings at St Mary’s. If you haven’t booked your meeting, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible via PAM.

Victorian Catholic Education Authority Negotiations
The Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) has been negotiating for a new cooperative agreement on behalf of 34 Catholic education employers, including our school, since early 2025. While the negotiations are ongoing, Catholic schools have committed to matching the total percentage wage increases to be provided by the state government in government schools.

Based on the State Government’s July offer, this will be at least 28.3 per cent over 4 years. While the new enterprise agreement will be fully funded in government schools, in the Catholic sector it needs to be supported through our usual budget and planning processes. 

This is a significant change for school budgets that will take some time to work through.

We are currently undertaking planning and budgeting activities for 2027 to ensure we are well placed to support our staff, students and the school community into the future. As we work through our planning processes, we remain focused on delivering a high-quality Catholic education for every student.

We are fortunate to have a team of outstanding teachers and staff at our school. We value their contribution, and recognise the expertise, hard work and care they bring to our school community every day. We will provide an update when the new agreement is finalised. In the meantime, information on the negotiations is available on the VCEA website.