Over the past fortnight, our students have had the opportunity to take part in a wide range of engaging and enjoyable activities. Studying preserved human anatomy, creating stop-motion animation, experiencing live theatre, winning high-level sports events, performing for an audience or deepening their understanding of faith and community through a Youth Formation Day are just some of the many undertakings that have occurred recently.

Despite the pressures of curriculum deadlines, theory, pending exams and other commitments, it is essential that our students can take the time to put classroom theory into real-world situations, work towards growing as young adults and enjoy the challenges and opportunities offered during their time at Catherine McAuley College Bendigo.

We are proud of how they conduct themselves when taking part in excursions, listening to guest speakers or extending themselves in new and challenging ways. Our annual Musician of the Year event, held late last week, was a great example of students putting themselves out of their comfort zone to perform for family and their peers, and to be independently adjudicated by industry experts. The calibre of performance reflects well on our Music Department and the value the College places on the Arts.

Congratulations to our Intermediate Girls Netball Team on an outstanding performance at the National Schools In Action Netball Challenge on the Gold Coast, finishing as Runners-Up in the Intermediate High Performance Division.

After progressing through the tournament with seven wins from eight matches, the girls earned a place in the Grand Final against St James College (QLD). They only lost twice in the tournament, both times to St James: once in the preliminary rounds and again in the Grand Final, where they finished as National Runners-Up with a score of 33-18.

The team represented Catherine McAuley College Bendigo with pride, demonstrating excellent teamwork, sportsmanship and composure throughout the week against schools from around Australia.

Team

• Alexis Arundell (Year 10)
• Imogen Brown (Year 10)
• Elle Gilchrist (Year 9)
• Poppy Gladstone (Year 10)
• Eva Grant (Year 10)
• Evie Gretgrix (Year 9)
• Ava Hope (Year 9)
• Ellie Macumber (Year 9)
• Sophie McDermott (Year 10)
• Macey Pinner (Year 10)
• Sienna Raco (Year 9)
• Lilly Teuma (Year 10)
• Macey White (Year 9)
• Julie Fennell (Coach)
• Jess Baird (Assistant Coach)

Last Sunday was Social Justice Sunday. Across Australia, many people struggle with the rising cost of life’s necessities. For some, this means skipping meals, delaying medical care, or living without secure housing. The Gospel calls us to see Christ in those who suffer and to walk alongside them with compassion.

This weekend Catholics around Australia will mark ‘Safeguarding Sunday’ with the theme ‘Love Protects’. The day calls for each of us to be attentive, accountable and committed to ensuring that every person can participate in the life of the Church safely and with confidence. It is also an acknowledgement of the work of clergy, staff, volunteers and safeguarding leaders to foster cultures of safety and trust throughout church communities.

With the wattle widespread across Bendigo, blossoms appearing on trees, and tulips starting to open, we are reminded that the end of Term 3 is not far away. With it comes the beginning of end-of-schooling arrangements and obligations for our Year 12 students who are very aware that they are about to commence preparing for their exams. Across the College, students and staff are preparing their costumes for Mercy Day on Friday 18 September and everyone is reminded that funds raised at the Mercy Day Carnival go directly to Mercy Works to support their great work.