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Audiologists from Country Hearing Care visited the class, helping students build a solid foundation for understanding how hearing and balance systems function.
Students in the Year 2 Allied Health program recently took part in an engaging incursion linked to their Take Clinical Measurements unit, gaining firsthand insight into the world of audiology.
Audiologists Maddison Kennedy and Courtney DiBattista from Country Hearing Care visited the class to share their career journeys, study pathways, and the vital role audiologists play in healthcare.
The session began with an exploration of the anatomy of the ear, helping students build a solid foundation for understanding how hearing and balance systems function. Maddison and Courtney then demonstrated key clinical procedures, including the use of otoscopes to examine the eardrum, tympanometry to assess eardrum movement, and hearing tests commonly used in practice.
Students were able to step into the clinician’s role by performing these tests on each other. It was a highly valuable and memorable learning experience that brought classroom theory to life and deepened students’ understanding of clinical measurement in action.
Welcome back!
Our Lowline Cattle have officially returned to CMCB after their well‑earned holiday break at Whitby Farm! The students are thrilled to have them back on campus and are eager to dive into hands‑on learning.
With tails swishing and curiosity high, the cattle are helping our students become confident, active members of the Australian cattle industry. Here’s to another great season of learning, teamwork, and agricultural skills in action!
Firsthand insight into Phillip Island sustainable development and conservation efforts.
We started off the day bright and early with a 7.30am departure from the St Mary's Campus where we met our bus driver Tim. Our journey was long and at the ripe time of 8.00am we decided it was time to blast some music for all to enjoy. Our first stop was at the M1 Officer Outbound where we stopped for a quick brunch for twenty minutes before we hit the road again.
Our first REAL stop was at San Remo where when we stepped out of the bus and immediately got drenched by the rain. We walked down to the beach and watched a group of pelicans get fed by the fish and chip shop lady while she informed us about the pelican’s habits and nature. After the feeding show was over, we took the opportunity to grab some photos of (or in some people’s case with) the pelicans. We also used this break to eat a quick snack before we had to jump back onto the bus to finally cross the bridge to Phillip Island.
Once on the island we met up with ranger Graham, having had a slight change of plans due to the rain. We ventured into the new visitor centre, where Graham informed us that the shape of the centre is designed to resemble a penguin feather! Graham gave us plenty of useful information about the penguins, the management strategies employed by Phillip Island Nature Park and the history of the island. We recorded lots of useful information in our logbooks that can be applied to our upcoming School-Assessed Coursework (SAC).
After our session with Graham, we ventured up to the Nobbies, where we got to see the (now shut down) visitor centre; we walked along the boardwalk where we saw the most magnificent view! We snapped a quick group photo before venturing back along the board walk to the bus. On the way back we spotted several penguins in man-made box burrows and a baby echidna!
Our excellent bus driver Tim then dropped us off at the caravan park where we got our accommodation keys and dropped our bags before heading out to dinner.
For dinner we all split up, grabbing what we wanted in Cowes. A few of us headed for the good old fish and chip shop to grab a delicious feed. After sitting down and eating (and after feeding the seagulls our leftovers) we went back to the bus (again) for the thing we were all excited for… the Penguin Parade!
Once there we speedily walked into the building, along the bridge and took our seat on the sand eagerly awaiting sunset to see the little penguins. While waiting we got some interesting fun facts from the presenting ranger about the penguins’ habits and their day-to-day life.
During this time of the year the penguins go through a catastrophic moult where, during a period of eighteen days, they lose ALL their feathers and grow new ones. In other words, we were about to see some fat, scruffy penguins!
Once the sun set, we started to spot some, one…then two…then five! They took their time coming across as penguins are very timid, always coming across in a group of four or more as it helps protect them from their predators (big birds); they blend in as, from a bird’s-eye view, they look like seaweed. After we saw a few groups go across, we ventured from the viewing area back along the bridge/boardwalk where we could see even more penguins in their burrows - some fluffy ones and some really small, slick ones. I think we then all ventured into the gift shop to grab a souvenir before returning by bus to the caravan park.
Once back, we grabbed some supper where then some went back to their accommodation and some stuck around to play games before heading off to bed.
The next morning, we all went to breakfast, packed up our cabins, and got ready to head to the Cowes Wastewater Treatment Plant. Here we learnt how wastewater is recycled for all types of things, linking it to our current area of stud. During our tour we learnt the various stages the wastewater goes through before being able to be used and how this plant is sustainable in the way it operates. We learnt about what risk assessments they do and how they try to uphold sustainability and maintain a circular economy.
After we thoroughly sanitised our hands, we ventured over to the Koala Conservation Reserve where our tour guide, Jan, gave us some amazing fun facts about the koalas they keep at the reserve. Did you know that koalas are not native to Phillip Island? Approximately 800 were brought over to the island and now only three to four are left in the wild! This is due to human interaction with the island, destroying their habitat. The main goal of the conservation reserve isn't to breed the koalas, it is just to aid in maintaining their population. After our lovely tour with Jan, we parted ways to visit the Bushstone curlew before saying goodbye to the island and departed for Bendigo.
Thank you to our tour guides who gave us amazing information, thanks to our pro bus driver Tim, and finally a thank you to our amazing teachers Mrs Angela McIntosh and Mrs Karinda Hogan, this trip wouldn't have been able to happen without them!
It was a once in a lifetime experience and is definitely top of my Year 12 experiences so far!
Charlize Pinder, Year 12
A very engaging way for physics students to see theory put into action.
On Wednesday March 4, the CMCB students participated in the VCE Physics Experience days at Luna Park.
For the first week of March Luna Park is closed to the general public in order to allow budding physics students the opportunity to explore the physics concepts involved in circular motion, newtons laws, constant acceleration and many other areas of motion that they study in the VCE physics curriculum.
Students were able to experience first hand what "apparent weightlessness" feels like as they rocket to the top of a roller coaster.
The Luna Park experience was a great way for physics students to see the theory they learn about in class put into action.
Needless to say, a great day was had by all!
An awesome experience to begin exploring of outdoor environments throughout 2026.
VCE Outdoor Environmental Students Unit 3 students explored Victoria’s Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula to examine different ways the environment is valued by society for recreation, economic and conservation activities.
Students surfed at Ocean Grove beach, played beach cricket, snorkelled in Port Phillip Bay with an eco-tourism company, stand up paddle boarded at Anglesea River, toured the Queenscliff Fort and conducted a litter clean up along the Barwon River to improve the health of the environment they were experiencing.
Camping at the Barwon Heads Caravan Park ensured that our camping fees went to Barwon Coast, the land managers who preserve the coastal environment for future generations to enjoy. Land management strategies implemented by Barwon Coast to help sustain the area were identified throughout the camp to make students aware of the importance of caring for places that are so heavily used for recreation and tourism.
The work of the Wudduwurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation was also evident throughout the environment (Indigenous place names on signage and revegetation of sand dunes), showing their ongoing custodianship of their country.
This was an awesome experience to begin our exploration of outdoor environments throughout 2026.
Wondering what Catherine McAuley College Bendigo has to offer your child? Come and see for yourself! Book to attend one of our Learning Walks (23-30 March and 21-24 April 2026) and Discovery Days (30 April-6 May 2026).
These Learning Walks and Discovery Days replace our Annual Open Day for 2026, so that families can see our classrooms in action and prospective students can have an immersive taste of what student life at our college is like.
To reduce the impact of class disruptions, please note preferred collection times.
The College is aware that families may need to collect their child from school during the day due to appointments or family reasons. We ask that parents and carers please ensure that:
Please note that without prior notice, General Office staff may not be able to ensure your child can exit in time, as staff are not always immediately available to leave the space to collect students.
To reduce the impact of class disruptions, preferred collection times are:
The CMCB Year 11 and 12 High Achiever Program is off to a flyer! Renowned Sport Scientist, Deakin University lecturer, Corporate Leadership Coach and CMCB Alumnus Kris Hinck (CCB 1990-95) is leading the groups in discussions about Vitality, Self-mastery and Systems Awareness.
Students have been given the opportunity to learn about themselves - where sources of energy are generated from and how choices lead to actions and successful outcomes. The students are very much looking forward to continuing the journey this year, aspiring for great academic results, inspiring the other students in their Year 11 and 12 cohorts and setting themselves up for successful post-schooling study and careers.
Year 11 and 12 students have started the year very positively with a specialist ‘Student Elevation’ session from Elevate Education. Students were introduced to specialist research information about how students can maximise their chances of success in 2026. The session was reflective of the needs of both Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) students.
Topics introduced covered goal setting, positive growth mindset and action items that lead to statements beginning with ‘I can…”. The students were very positive and took many ideas that will support ongoing success in the senior years.
Within the classroom, Catherine McAuley College Bendigo 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.
Elevate Education were pleased to see many parents from Catherine McAuley College Bendigo attending their recent webinar on time management – along with 4100 others across the country!
The next webinar coming up is one of the most popular sessions that Elevate run. Covering technology and focus, this session covers how parents and carers can help their child break their addiction to social media and use productivity-boosting apps.
Live Parent Webinar: How You Can Make Technology An Ally (and Not the Enemy!)
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.
SESQUICENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
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.
A small-group program for young people aged 6 to 18 years who have experienced change and loss.
Seasons for Growth supports children and young people who have experienced change and loss, including, although not limited to friendship changes; family separation; loss or death of someone they care about; loss of a pet; relocation and forced migration; living away in out of home care; physical or mental illness; or impacts of war, terrorism or pandemics.
Trained facilitators known as ‘Companions’ deliver the program for small groups of six to ten children and young people aged six to eighteen years.
The program provides a safe learning environment for children and young people to:
If you would like further information, please contact Ms Jo Porter in Wellbeing at the Coolock Campus.
Sunday 15 March, starting at 10.30am
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.
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.
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.
Please log in to PAM and respond to any Incomplete Connect Field notifications if you have not recently done so.
Due to a recent system error, the Connect Fields section in PAM has been incorrectly updating for some families. To resolve this issue, we have reset all Connect Fields for all students.
To ensure we have accurate information for the 2026 school year, we kindly ask families to log in to PAM and complete the Connect Fields again at their earliest convenience.
We apologise if this has resulted in multiple alerts being sent to parents and carers.
Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to correct this issue. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
| READY TO LEARN |
Please complete before Friday 30 January 2026.
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.
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.
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.
[BUS NOTICES]
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:
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:
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.
CMCB has a comprehensive EMP tailored to manage bushfire risks.
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.
Diary information for parents and carers.
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.
| CMCB 2026 |
(REPEAT) Read about the exciting opportunities, changes, and key information for the 2026 school year.
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.
For many students, these are the highlights of their year. It is an opportunity for them to engage in learning activities beyond the classroom and experience the many positive benefits of spending time away with their peers.
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.
Whilst the cost of fees includes camps, excursions, reflection days and retreats, refunds do not apply for non-attendance at any of these activities.
Please note that subject-specific fees, as noted on the booklist, are additional.
Download the flyer below for 2026 Fee Amounts, Payment Schedules and further information.
KEY DATES
TERM DATES
PUPIL-FREE DAYS
CLASS TIMES
With the introduction of Mercy Homegroups, there are slight adjustments to the Class Times at each campus in 2026. Download the flyer below for full details.
| SANDHURST DIOCESE |
Sandpiper e-News is the official communication platform for the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst.
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.
