It has been encouraging to see our students settling well into the rhythm of the new year and engaging enthusiastically in their learning and school life. The past fortnight has been busy, particularly with the Year 10 Community Days, the Year 11 Camp, and the Year 12 Retreat last week. These were very successful, which is a testament to the high level of preparation and teamwork demonstrated by our staff and the willingness of our students to participate enthusiastically and be open to the experiences on offer. These opportunities were meaningful for our students and helped establish a strong, positive culture for the year ahead.

This week and next we have several significant community events that continue to shape and strengthen our community. Tuesday’s VCE Study Skills Evening saw students with their parents and carers developing a shared understanding of strategies which will assist students to do their best and create opportunities for their futures.

The College Opening Mass today brought us together in faith and reflection at Sacred Heart Cathedral as we formally begin the school year. It held extra significance this Sesquicentenary year as we celebrate the pioneering spirit of the foundation Sisters and the thousands of children and educators who have been part of the Mercy story ever since.

We were honoured to have Sisters of Mercy in attendance on this special day, with an address from Sr Annette Schneider rsm, Formation Coordinator of Mercy Ministry Companions. (Read More - Opening Mass)

Tomorrow afternoon, we look forward to hosting the Laureate Presentation Ceremony at St Mary’s, an important occasion where we recognise and celebrate the academic achievements of our senior students from 2025.

Next week will be an exciting one for Year 7; they will take part in the inaugural Connect Week, five days of activities which include the Year 7 Welcome Evening when we will be joined by parents and carers also. (Read More in Year 7 News)

Prayer from Opening Mass

We pray that the spirit of Catherine McAuley will continue to inspire us in faith. We thank her for her vision and work with people living on the margins of society. May our 150-year Mercy story continue to guide us and be a source of inspiration to us all as we strive to be living examples of the Gospel values.

On Thursday 12 February, the Catherine McAuley College Bendigo community gathered to celebrate our 2026 Opening Mass. This special occasion not only marked the beginning of a new school year but was also the first event to acknowledge 150 years since the Sisters of Mercy arrived in Bendigo and founded our College.

In recognition of this significant milestone, the Mass was held in the Sacred Heart Cathedral with the whole College, for the first time in several years. With the choir in the gallery, accompanied by the magnificent organ, the pews filled with students, staff, guests and community members, it was certainly a celebration worthy of the occasion.

A highlight was the traditional procession of the Year 12 students, bringing the Year 7s into the Cathedral behind their house banners to welcome them into the CMCB community.

We were fortunate to have Fr Brian Boyle as our celebrant, with concelebrants Fr Jackson Saunders and Fr Andrew Fewings, both past students of our College.

Principal Brian Turner welcomed the congregation to the Mass by reflecting on the legacy of the pioneering Sisters and the example they set for us by having faith in their mission. He highlighted the numerous schools that exist today, thanks to the efforts of those original Sisters and how they responded to the needs of their community.

Mercy Address was given by Sr Annette Schneider RSM, from the Mercy Ministry Companions. She saw mercy in Bendigo shaped by people and events over the past 150 years. She urged us to reflect on the bigger picture or vision to make the world a better place. She said that Living Mercy is how we notice and respond to people in need, and how we treat others with dignity.

Fr Jackson used his memories of his time at school and his experience as a sports commentator to call a fictional run of the Chariots of Junortoun during his Homily. He drew an analogy with the race and our task to make Jesus the goal. He emphasised that there were times when it was important to be silent and thankful, especially during Communion.

During the Mass, Year 12 leaders were commissioned as Eucharistic Ministers and later helped distribute communion to the large congregation. At that time, the students showed their respect for the occasion and for Fr Jackson’s words by remaining silent as the choir’s voices filled the Cathedral.

As we embark on the new school year for the 150^th time, we look forward in hope to our year of Living Mercy, while looking back in gratitude for the contributions of those who have gone before us.

Our Year 12 College Captains’ Christian Leadership class has already made a meaningful impact on the faith and mission life of our community. Last week, nine of our leaders completed their Eucharistic Minister training and served as Ministers of Communion at our College Mass. 

This week, they visited the Coolock Campus for a leadership workshop with the Years 8 and Year 9 SRC students. Our 2026 leaders are committed to strengthening connection, collaboration, and Mercy leadership across both campuses.

A joyful and thought-provoking Mass at St Kilian’s started our school year. Staff welcomed each other, looking forward to the year ahead. A highlight was the welcome and blessing of our new staff, who were each presented with a Mission Cross.

We thank Fr Junray and Fr Jackson for celebrating with us. In talking about the Parable of the Sower, Fr Junray had an interesting take; instead of focusing on the seed, he focused on the earth. We are the earth that supports the growth of our students.

Friday, 13 February is the final opportunity for students and staff to have their 2026 school photo taken.

• St Mary’s, 8am – 9.30am – Marian Foyer
• Coolock, Period 4 – Drama Room, SAMAC Building

Student Leadership Team photos for Years 8 to 12 will also be taken. Student leaders should bring their blazers on Friday. Group photo times below.

Presentation

• Full summer academic uniform is to be worn for photos (no jumpers). Blazers for student leaders.
• Students must meet dress code and uniform expectations.
• Haircuts: hair at shoulder length or longer needs to be tied up.
• Facial Hair: students should be clean shaven at all times
• Earrings: please refer to dress code and uniform guidelines for details.

ST MARY’S – MARIAN FOYER – Individual Photos

• Mercy Homegroup and Period 1 until 9.35: Students to come to Marian Foyer at the beginning of homegroup (or may attend before school)

Student Leadership Team Photos in the courtyard between Backhaus Building and Coolock House

• 9.40: Year 12 Leaders group photo
• 9.50: Year 11 Leaders group photo
• 10.00: Year 10 Leaders group photo

COOLOCK CAMPUS – Drama Space, SAMAC Building – Individual Photos

• Period 4 (11.51 – 12.33): Students to come to Drama space the SAMAC Building at the beginning of Period 4 for individual photos.

Group Photos: Student leaders to attend with Year Level Coordinator. Meet at the entry to the SAMAC Building (upper level) for outdoor photo. Bring blazers.

• Period 5 (12.35): Year 8 Leaders group photo
• Period 5 (12.45): Year 9 leaders group photo

How to Order Photos

Please refer to the two flyers below from MSP Photography to order your photos.

GROUP PHOTOS AND PERMISSION TO PHOTOGRAPH

Note that the Group Photograph (Class Group Photo) referred to is a Year Level Booklet for Catherine McAuley College Bendigo. It is a composite booklet of all students in your child's year level. Inclusion of each student in the booklet is guided by the Permission to Photograph Connect field in Parent Access Module (PAM) 2026. Please ensure you have done this no later Friday 13 February. You will have received a notification in PAM.

Friday 6 March 2026, 7.30 am – 9.00 am

St Mary’s Hall, Barkly Street, Bendigo

GUEST SPEAKERS

Enjoy a delicious breakfast while being inspired by the personal journeys of some of our remarkable alumnae, who will offer insightful reflections on gender and leadership.

• MC: Grace Aicken
• Panellists: Cr Andrea Metcalf, Justine Sharkey Minne, Leila Gurruwiwi and Abbey Milligan

Tickets: Bookings essential | $40 adults; $15 current CMCB students, includes breakfast

Enquiries 03 5445 9100; event@cmcb.vic.edu.au

Join us throughout the year as we celebrate and honour the pioneering spirit of the foundation Sisters and the thousands of children and educators who have been part of the Mercy story.

With something for everyone, we invite you to mark your calendar and start planning the many ways you will walk down memory lane, rekindle old friendships and give thanks for the past and future success of CMCB.

• International Women’s Day Breakfast | Friday 6 March
• Jubilee Community Art Show | Saturday 2 May
• Sesquicentennial ‘Back To’ Day | Saturday 2 May
• Performance Gala | Friday 22 May
• Sesquicentennial Gala Dinner | Saturday 5 September

What an amazing start we have had in Year 7!

As we move further into the 2026 school year, it has been an absolute joy to see our students settle in so beautifully. From the very first day, our students have embraced our Mercy values with genuine enthusiasm - showing compassion, respect, and a deep sense of community in the way they interact with one another. Their commitment to excellence has also shone brightly, with classrooms buzzing with curiosity, focus and a determination to do their best. Our teachers have been consistently blown away by the maturity, kindness and responsibility displayed across all year levels. Whether supporting a peer, taking initiative in their learning, or contributing positively to the school environment, our students have set a remarkable tone for the year ahead. We could not be prouder of the way they have begun.

Classroom Routines

The students look wonderful in their uniforms and have been punctual to class. They are learning the routines of the college quickly and are working on remembering to bring the correct materials to each class.

You can help us at home by building good habits with your child to ensure they are well set up for success. This can be through tasks such as:

• Checking the timetable for the next day and ensuring homework has been completed.
• Organising the correct uniform for the next day.
• Charging the laptop.
• Packing the school bag - Student Diary, any books taken home that are needed for the next day, snacks, lunch and water bottle.
• Ensuring adequate time for sleep, and a healthy breakfast in the morning.

Connect Week

We have some major events coming up in Year 7, starting with Connect Week from Monday 16 – Friday 20 February. Year 7 Connect Week is new in 2026 and has been designed to provide students with a structured series of activities that strengthen their sense of belonging within the school, wider community, faith, house identity, and the environment. Throughout the week, students will engage in experiences that foster positive relationships, encourage reflection, and build collective responsibility. Throughout the week, students will have opportunities to:

• Develop stronger connections with peers, teachers, and their house groups
• Engage meaningfully with their community through service and awareness
• Explore aspects of faith through guided reflection and discussion
• Strengthen pride in their school identity and culture
• Deepen their understanding of environmental stewardship

On the Monday evening, there is a Welcome Evening where Year 7 families are invited to learn more about the College, meet their child’s Mercy Homegroup Leader, and ask any questions that they may have. More information about the evening will be provided to families and in the newsletter.

Information about Connect Week for Year 7 students has been sent home and is linked below. Please read this information carefully and we know it will be a wonderful experience for all students and staff in building positive and lasting connections with each other throughout the year.

We look forward to seeing our students thrive throughout the week and meeting families at the Welcome Evening.

Learning Spotlight: Humanities and English

The textbooks, novels, workbooks and highlighters that you have purchased for your child have been put to very good use already in the Humanities and English classrooms.

Walking through Ms Lewis’ Humanities class this week, students were engaged in learning about the Water Cycle and referring to their Investigating Humanities textbook for support. They collaborated on the task at hand and problem-solved with each other when facing challenges.

In English, the first unit of work has begun - Speak Up, Stand Strong’. Students have been remembering to bring a book to read at the start of each class, and most have commenced their weekly homework schedule using the Year 7 English Homework textbook. The highlighters have started to come out as they learn, or re-visit note-taking techniques designed to help them identify key words and phrases in texts and better summarise and comprehend important information when they read. The students in Mrs Cody’s classes have been participating with great enthusiasm.

Learning Spotlight: Food Technology

Meanwhile in the Food Tech kitchens, Year 7s made (and ate!) delicious Banh Mi.

We look forward to a busy few weeks ahead. As always, if you have any questions, please contact your child’s friendly Mercy Homegroup Leader.

• Mrs Kim Greenwell and Mr Sebastian Greene, Year Level Coordinators – Year 7
• Mrs Sarah Cody, Year Level Learning Leader
• Miss Alyssa Lemon, Learning Diversity Leader

Well done on the completion of your first fortnight at Catherine McAuley College Bendigo. It has been a busy time settling into new classes, new teachers and new routines.

One of the most significant changes is to our class routines of entering and leaving classes, as well as beginning work. The Daily Class Routines poster below will be displayed in all classrooms. The benefits of routine and settling into work have been tangible even in our first week.

Camp News

Thank you to the parents who have completed PAM permissions, the Permission to Photograph and updated medicals. Please remember to keep abreast of any information regarding the camp, which will occur in Week 8 of this term.

Camp plays an especially important part in the educational journey of teenage development. It is also an opportunity to have new experiences and make new friends. Please note that we will be requesting pairings of friends in cabins for camp from our Mercy Homegroup Leaders. Feel free to chat with your child about who they would like to have in their cabin.

During the day, however, students will be allocated into groups for camp activities where participants can foster and build new friendships and develop resilience skills. We cannot wait to share these wonderful experiences with your child.

Out and About

It was an extremely hot day last Friday and while the idea was for all students at Coolock to receive a Zooper Dooper, the freezer had other ideas! Eventually, on Wednesday of this week, Year 8 and 9 students were able to enjoy a cool treat.

Circle Time has also been introduced and is an important part of setting up for the day. Students will be invited to participate in a variety of activities such as Positive Primers and WWW (What Went Well) activities to set them up for a successful day ahead.

• Mrs Hayley Lethlean and Mr Josh Hann, Year Level Coordinators - Year 8
• Mrs Marine Snyman – Year Level Learning Leader
• Mrs Jenni McGrath – Learning Diversity Leader
  

We congratulate Year 9 students on the way they have begun the 2026 school year. Despite the many challenges another school year can present, including new routines, different homegroup classes and electives, our students have taken this in their stride and have settled into their new surroundings, the West Building, in a very mature fashion. Our Year 9 staff have been very impressed with the effort and attitude shown in class and the friendly and polite nature of students in the yard and around the locker areas. Given such a strong start from our students, we look forward to seeing them progress further in their learning and cocurricular activities like camp, sport, and the performing arts.

Year 9 Camp Update

• Camp Groups will be sent to students and parents/carers in Week 4 of this term.
• Staff leading groups will be in contact with their students soon to discuss the camp in further detail and will meet on a regular basis.
• Camp Leaders will pass on more information to students in assemblies and via Mercy Homegroup Leaders.
• Students should start preparing for camp e.g. going for walks and collecting items on their equipment checklists.

Year 9 Team

• Mr Stephen Evans and Mrs Jo Tobin, Year Level Coordinators – Year 9
• Mr Dean Carmody, Year Level learning Leader
• Mrs Jenni McGrath, Learning Diversity - Coolock

It was great to see so many Year 10s getting involved and participating in the fun of two special-focus days with their peers last week. They explored the theme of Çonnection for their faith-based Encounter Day on Wednesday. In our beautiful chapel, students and staff shared a liturgy and learnt about its rich history.

For Community Day on Thursday, sessions focused on wellbeing. There were plenty of interactive and practical workshops, such as the 5 Ways of Wellbeing Minute to Win It challenges.

We look forward to sharing their reflections in future newsletters.

Mrs Lisa Darlow and Mr Shane McConvill, Year Level Coordinators, Year 10

Year 11 Camp took place in beautiful Alexandra and, whilst it was hot, the students (and staff) threw themselves into everything that was offered to them. They tested their problem-solving skills, teamwork, confidence and resilience. The experience also encouraged positive peer connections and gave students the chance to enjoy a range of activities, who said the highlights were the REACH Foundation, the giant swing and laser tag. Many students were able to conquer their fears, work on their leadership skills and enjoy time with their peers.

Ms Ashlee Burke and Mrs Karen Lichnovsky, Year Level Coordinators - Year 11

Student quotes:

"A very bonding and fun camp where we could learn more about each other and build more connections."

“It connected me with lots of different people I honestly thought I'd never talk to, and everyone was participating and having fun.”

“Reach really opened my eyes and I think made not just me but a lot of people aware of their own actions and the things they say. I think it was really good seeing people speak up and owning up to their own actions.”

“An incredible experience, full of fun, opportunities to step out of your comfort zone, and grow as a person.”

“I had heaps of fun”

“Camp was a great opportunity to make new connections, go out of your comfort zone and enjoy yourself with no stress of schoolwork or life outside of camp.”

“Year 11 Camp was filled with adventure, connection and fun.”

“The camp definitely inspired a change in social behaviour and a connectedness between peers.”

“I believe as a cohort we became closer and have come to an understanding of each other and each other's feelings, but not only that it was also just fun.”

“Camp was a great opportunity for us to become closer as a year level and learn things about each other.”

“Best camp ever!”

“Culture was incredible.”

“A camp worth the wait.”

“Alexandra Camp is better than you'd expect it to be! All the staff are nice and won’t force you to do anything you're uncomfortable with, so I’d honestly go again and encourage anyone else to go too, it's genuinely an amazing experience.”

“Wish we could have gone for longer.”

Alexandra Adventure Camp

Last week the Year 12 Class of 2026 immersed themselves in a 3-day Retreat at Federation University in Ballarat. The purpose of Retreat was to reflect on ‘self’ and how to positively impact our communities and the world.

Throughout the retreat students developed self-awareness through personal reflection, spent quality time with their peers and their Mercy Homegroup teachers and developed a greater understanding of those in need within our community.

Students participated in small group discussions, health and wellbeing activities, listened to guest speakers from various organisations, held a Mass, read and wrote personal letters, embraced gratitudes and learnt the importance of positive affirmations.

This time spent away from the College living together as a community of peers and teachers has really strengthened relationships and prepared this cohort for a positive year ahead.

Over the coming weeks we will hear some student reflections on these few days.

As Year Level Coordinators, we are really looking forward to working with this amazing group of students.

Mrs Jo MacDonald and Ms Kate Watts, Year Level Coordinators - Year 12

Year 12 Retreat at Fed Unit Ballarat

Instrumental Music Applications Open

Families are reminded that to undertake Instrumental lessons at CMCB you need to complete the application form (link below). We would like to commence lessons in Week 4, so please get your applications in as soon as possible. Any questions, please email: music_admin@cmcb.vic.edu.au

Lesson options at the Coolock Campus are for group lessons or individual lessons. Only individual lessons are available at the St Mary's Campus.

In response to demand from families in 2025, we have introduced a new option for tuition in 2026 regarding ensemble participation and school events. Details via link below.

Instrumental Music Lessons Expression of Interest 2026

Ensembles

Lunchtime ensembles will commence over the next two weeks. The before-school rehearsals will start in Week 5. Families will need to check their PAM dashboard for permissions for their child to take part in the before-school rehearsals.

Year 7 Music

We enjoyed a very busy Thursday and Friday in Week 2 when our new cohort of Year 7s had their Instrument Demonstration Days. Our fantastic external instrumental staff, Mr Hunt, Mrs Martin, Mr Pennings and Ms Parry joined Ms Ingwersen to demonstrate the choice of instruments available to students.

PLEASE NOTE: All families of students undertaking Year 7 classroom Music in 2026 will need to check on PAM in coming days for their consent form to use the school instruments. This will need to be completed before students are allowed to take any music equipment home.

Opening Mass

We have a large contingent of student musicians and vocalists who have been working hard behind the scenes to make sure that we are ready for a musically rich Opening Mass, made all the more special this year as we are back in Sacred Heart Cathedral to celebrate our 150^th year. The students will be performing from the grand gallery at the back of the Cathedral, with the backdrop of the beautiful stained-glass windows, assisted by Dr Paul Taylor, the Director of Music at the Cathedral. A much-anticipated inclusion in our Mass will be the Suscipe of Catherine McAuley sung by the choir.

Following Opening Mass, one of our VCE piano students, Jamie Dearricott, will be performing for our guests and school leadership at the reception in St Mary’s Courtyard.

Year 7 Welcome Liturgy

On Monday 16 February, selected Year 7 students and senior students will be providing music at our Welcome Liturgy for new Year 7 families. Liturgies and Masses offer our students the experience of providing music for reflection at College events and the Year 7 Welcome Evening is the first of many to come. We thank our senior students for their encouraging guidance, support and mentoring of our up-and-coming musicians.

Caritas – Project Compassion Launch

On Tuesday 17 February, Shrove Tuesday, the Year 10 Music class will join the Christian Leadership students in the Hargreaves Mall to support the diocesan launch of Project Compassion for Caritas Australia. Numerous Catholic schools in the wider Bendigo region will be performing, with the focus being on justice, peace and international issues. Mia James (Year 10) will be representing us for this performance while our other students will be fundraising in Hargreaves Mall. This is from 10.30am to 12.00 noon and free pancakes on offer to those in attendance. If you are available, come down to support our students and Project Compassion.

Ash Wednesday – the beginning of Lent

The last of our busy events in these beginning weeks of the year is providing music for the Ash Wednesday. Liturgies will be held on each campus, with our solo music students supporting this important service with thoughtful reflection pieces.

Music @ CMCB

On Monday 9 February, the VCE Unit 3 Geography students undertook a fieldwork excursion to the St Thomas Aquinas School development site in Huntly. Students are currently exploring the concept of land use change and the environmental, social, and economic impacts associated with changing land use.

Students met with the inaugural Principal of St Thomas Aquinas School, Mr Paul Wilkinson and Terraco town planner, Mr Alex Winfield, who provided their valuable insights into the development.

Students also surveyed local businesses and undertook a site analysis. Following this fieldwork, students will now have the opportunity to analyse the data gathered and complete a fieldwork report.

Thank you to those students and family members who ventured to St Mary’s on Tuesday 10 February for the VCE Study Skills Information evening. Presenters delivered information sessions on the following themes:

• Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) General advice
• How to calculate your ATAR
• Maths skills
• English skills
• Tertiary information and VTAC application process
• Study skills and positive mental health strategies
• Q&A student panel with former students

Attendees left the evening with many new ideas and strategies on how to navigate the challenges and complexities of studying the VCE. Thank you to all the presenters who made themselves available to support our students on the night. 

All VCE students and families will be able to access the resources from the evening through ‘Knowledge Banks’ in your PAM account by Friday13 February.

As parents and carers will know from your booklist purchases, this year each student has a hard copy College diary. 

In addition to the weekly spreads, there is plenty of useful information about learning and College life. These information pages can be viewed and downloaded below.

This term Elevate Education delivers high-impact workshops to our students that help to develop their study skills, motivation, and exam preparation. You're invited to join their parent webinar series, where you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills they're learning at school. Register via link below.

Term 1 Webinars

1. How to Get (And Keep!) Your Child Motivated – 11th February 6:30pm (AEDT)
2. How You Can Help Your Child Manage Their Time – 25th February 6:30pm (AEDT)
3. How You Can Make Technology an Ally (& Not the Enemy!) – 11th March 6:30pm (AEDT)
4. How You Can Help Improve Your Child’s Memory – 25th March 6:30pm (AEDT)

Register for Elevate Education Term 1 Webinars

Register for Elevate Education Term 1 Webinars and learn some great practical strategies to help support your child this year.

ABOUT Elevate Study Skills Program

Within the classroom, CMCB has implemented the Elevate Education study skills program, grounded in seventeen years of global research into student performance. Elevate has identified the habits that distinguish top-performing students, and its seminars and resources are designed to help students of all abilities adopt these habits. This leads to more effective learning outcomes and improves overall academic performance. Students sequence through all of the program across Years 11 and 12.

Please complete the Permission to Photograph Connect Field in Parent Access Module (PAM) if you have not already indicated your wishes for your child/children.

At certain times throughout the year, our students may have the opportunity to be photographed or filmed for our College publications, such as the newsletters, website and social media, or to promote the school in newspapers and other media.

Please read the Permission to Photograph and Film information in PAM, then select YES or NO to indicate your wishes for your child.

This information must be updated annually and if you wish to withdraw or change this authorisation and consent it is your responsibility to notify the school.

When you log in to Parent Access Module (PAM), a Notification Alert Request Reminder will pop up. Please complete any Incomplete Connect Fields. 

At the annual Suicide Awareness Walk, community walks together for healing and hope.

This year it will be held on Sunday 15 March, starting at 10.30am. Meet at Dai Gum San, Bridge Street, Bendigo

CMCB students regularly assist with the walk, in roles such as being marshals for the walk and serving the community barbecue.

The Family Relationship Centre and CatholicCare Victoria are running free workshops to support stepfamilies.

Bendigo: Tuesday 10 March – 5.30 – 8.30pm

Stepfamilies – through your children’s eyes is 3-hour workshop focusing on the experience of living in a stepfamily through the children’s eyes. It aims to assist parents in developing a greater understanding of what their children need and how they can best support them. It is designed for couples or individuals at any stage of their stepfamily journey. All genders, sexualities ages (18+) and cultural backgrounds are welcome.

This workshop covers:

• Stepfamily myths
• Stepfamilies through the eyes of children – the good and the tricky bits
• Supporting children with adjusting to new family relationships
• Transitioning between homes
• Ways to support and strengthen your relationship with your child/ren
• Parenting approach
• Common difficulties for couples

CatholicCare Website and Booking

Between 22 - 26 January, Tobias Sexton (Year 12) travelled to the Mann River near the NSW/ Queensland border to participate in the Australian Wildwater Kayak Championships.

Toby trains with the Bendigo Academy of Sport at Lake Weeroona and races on weekends with the Bendigo Canoe Club, so participating in these wildwater events is not something that is easy to train for. He was able to find the correct lines down the rapids and won Gold in both the Classic and Sprint races, earning him the two junior titles - Australian Junior Wildwater Kayak Sprint Champion and Australian Junior Wildwater Kayak Classic Champion.

These titles will contribute towards securing a position on the National Wildwater Kayak team which will compete in Europe in 2027. Well done, Tobias.

Class Times 2026

Key Dates for Term 1, 2026

Important dates for your calendar, including Pupil Free Days, camps and major College events. Click on the link below and download the poster for the current term.

Information is correct at the time of publication, but families are advised to log in to the Parent Access Module (PAM) for the latest College Calendar updates.

ALUMNI - ONLINE PLATFORM

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance and strengthen the CMCB Alumni community for the long term, all past students are invited to join our new Alumni network for improved engagement opportunities and a more enriching experience that is fun and private. The new platform provides endless opportunities to connect, engage, reminisce and stay informed. It will be the main way to promote upcoming events and reunions.

The canteen menus and instructions on how to order are available in PAM.

In addition to the CDFpay app, EFTPOS facilities are available ($5.00 minimum). The canteen also accepts cash.

Please note - mobile phones and other personal digital devices may not be used to make payments at the canteen.

CDFpay ONLINE ORDERING is available for the Coolock Canteen.

Catherine McAuley College Bendigo has expanded the use of the online payment system for canteen orders, uniform extras, events, Graduation tickets, fundraising and more, to make it even easier for families.

FAQs for CDFpay powered by Flexischools

If you have not already done so, please update your child's Medical Profile in the Parent Access Module (PAM). All necessary medical action plans are to be current for the 2026 school year before being uploaded. Students cannot commence the 2026 school year until their Medical Profile is updated.

1. Log in to PAM using the link below.
2. Click on the student icon beside your child’s name to update your child’s Medical Profile.

Complete Agreements and Permissions in PAM

When you log in to PAM, you will receive Notification Reminders for the items below. Click each item to view and complete the details.

1. ICT Acceptable Use Agreement (needs to be accepted prior to laptop collection)
2. Student Code of Conduct
3. Parent Code of Conduct
4. Permission to Photograph and Film

We ask all families to update this information each year and at any time your family or child’s circumstances change. Keeping records up to date enables efficient communication between school and home and allows the College to support your child’s full and safe participation in school learning activities.

Student Travel Assistance Program (STAP) – Term 1, 2026 Travel Update

We wish to inform families of the upcoming renewal process for the Student Travel Assistance Program (STAP) for Term 1, 2026. Please note the following key information:

Automatic Renewal: All active 2025 travel applications will be automatically renewed by STAP, with the exception of:

• Students who will be in Year 7, 2026
• Students who will be in Year 10, 2026
• Applications with a status of lapsed, cancelled, removed, or declined

No Action Required: Families do not need to log in or take any action to renew eligible applications.

New Applications: A new application must be submitted if:

• Students will be in Year 7, 2026
• Students will be in Year 10, 2026
• The family has changed address
• The 2025 application was lapsed, cancelled, removed, or declined

Updating Details: Families are asked to ensure that all personal and travel details in the STAP portal are current and accurate.

Travel Offers: Offers will be emailed to families by 17 November 2025. Please ensure that offers are accepted before the expiry date listed to secure your child’s place.

Bushfire Season Preparedness at CMCB

There are a variety of measures taken by Catherine McAuley College Bendigo (CMCB) to protect students, staff and our community during bushfire seasons. Your safety is our top priority.

Key Information

Emergency Management Plan (EMP)

CMCB has a comprehensive EMP tailored to manage bushfire risks. This includes preparedness, situational awareness, and clear response procedures during elevated fire danger.

Fire Danger Ratings (FDR) and School Closures

Catastrophic FDR Days: (Please note that as of 1 Sep 2022 the FDR ratings have changed and Extreme is now Catastrophic)

• If the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a Catastrophic FDR in our district, the school will close, and all school bus routes will be cancelled.

• Communication
  We will do our best to notify families the day before a forecast Catastrophic FDR via email, SMS, and our website.

• Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR)
  Our school is listed on the Bushfire At-Risk Register, as a Category 3. The College has pre-emptive actions to follow to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Student and Staff Safety

• On days of elevated fire risk, activities such as excursions or outdoor events may be rescheduled or cancelled.

Ongoing Preparedness

• Regular maintenance ensures our grounds are clear of fire hazards.

• Staff receive training on emergency bushfire response procedures.

How You Can Prepare

• Stay informed about daily Fire Danger Ratings via the CFA website or app.

• Ensure your contact details are up to date with the school office to receive timely notifications.

• Discuss your family’s bushfire survival plan and practice it regularly.

If you have any questions about CMCB’s bushfire preparedness, or require assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation in keeping our school community safe.

Below is information about the Camps, Retreats and Excursions co-curricular program for 2026. Also, in response to extensive consultation this year, we are introducing Mercy Homegroups as a key element of our Pastoral Care.

The 2026 Family Tuition Fees have now been set. Despite financial challenges, the College has managed to keep fee increases to a minimum whilst still maintaining a fee which incorporates tuition, ICT (laptop) levy, camps, excursions, Encounter days and retreats.

Throughout 2026, Catherine McAuley College Bendigo will celebrate 150 years since the arrival in 1876 of Sister Aloysius Martyn and the Sisters of Mercy to commence their ministry of Catholic education in Bendigo. We look forward to celebrating with our whole community during this sesquicentenary year.

Co-curricular Update

Pastoral Care - New in 2026

Family Fees 2026

2026 Dates For Your Diary

Please note that if you ordered a magazine, but your child did not receive it on the second last day of term, it can be collected from the General Office at either campus.

A reminder that all 2025 Year 12 students are entitled to collect a complimentary copy of the magazine.

There are a limited number of spare copies. To request one, fill in the Waiting List form below. 

Happy reading!

Waiting List for 2025 Magazine

Sandpiper E-News

Sandpiper e-News is the official communication platform for the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst. It features news from the Bishop, the Chancery, the Mission and Pastoral Life Team, parishes, schools and Catholic entities across the Diocese of Sandhurst.