On Tuesday we observed Remembrance Day across the College by gathering for student-led class liturgies and observing a minute’s silence at 11am.

Some of our 2026 Year 12 captains, Sam Gibson, Rose McSweeney and Diana Napoleon, together with Mrs Suzie Kemp, represented the College at the 11am service at the Bendigo Soldiers’ Memorial Institute.

Following the Second World War, the Australian Government agreed to rename Armistice Day to Remembrance Day, in honour of those who lost their lives in both World Wars. Remembrance Day now serves as a solemn occasion to commemorate the sacrifices of Australian service members in all wars and conflicts.

PRAYER

God of peace,

Today we remember those who gave their lives in war and conflict,

and those who continue to serve for the good of others.

Thank you for their courage, sacrifice, and hope.

Help us to be people who choose peace,

who speak with kindness and live with compassion.

May we honour their memory by building a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Amen.

2026 News Update

While students are busy with their final units, studies and exams for 2025, we want to make sure families are aware of the key information they need in preparation for the 2026 school year. Please read the 2026 News Update 1 below which covers camps, pastoral care, family fees and key dates for your diary.

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

Access to the Parent Access Module (PAM) has been reinstated and is now available online via your web browser.

Full details are in the letter below, together with documents to guide you with signing into PAM and changing your PAM password.

The following Parent/Carer Updates about end-of-year arrangements provide all the information you need to know as we finish the 2025 school year.

The St Mary's End-of-Year Arrangements flyer below outlines all the details for upcoming Exams and the Headstart program.

• Friday 14 November - Friday 21 November: 2025 Year 10 and Year 11 Semester 2 exams
• Friday 28 November: Pupil Free Day - Whole College
• Monday 24 November - Friday 5 December: 2026 Year 11 and Year 12 Headstart classes
• Friday 5 December: Final Day of School - 2025 Year 10 and Year 11

2025 College Magazine Order Form

ORDERS EXTENDED TO MONDAY 17 NOVEMBER

2025 College Magazine ‘Living Mercy’

• All Year 12 students automatically receive a complimentary copy – no need to order.
• For Years 7 - 11 students, parents/carers may order a printed copy as a keepsake for their child/children, at no cost. Deadline extended to 17 November 2025.
• Limit of one copy per student - complete a separate order form for each child.
• Please consider the environment when deciding whether to order a magazine. (Copies will also be available to read in the campus libraries.)
• Order via this form by Monday 17 November 2025. We cannot guarantee a copy after this date.

Welcome to the middle of Term 4. Students are fast completing tasks and getting ready for life in Year 8.

A few timely uniform reminders:

• Students are to be in full academic uniform on non-PE days. Please also note that College socks are required for both PE and academic uniform as well as the College bucket hat for Term 4. If your child has lost theirs, please contact the General Office to purchase a new one.
• Students are also required to have their shoulder length hair tied back. This is a safety requirement as much as it is part of the uniform.

Coming Up - Mercy In Action

On Wednesday 3 December, all Year 7 students will participate in ‘giving back’ to the community. They will be undertaking a variety of service activities on the day, which benefit both the community and individual students’ faith journey. Students will shortly select from a range of options. Activities include, but are not limited to:

• Working on arts and crafts with residents at Mercy Health Bethlehem Home for the Aged
• Bendigo Foodshare garden planting and maintenance
• Cooking and packing hampers for Bendigo Foodshare
• Sewing laundry bags
• Landcare mulching and weeding
• BARC dog and cat feeding and care
• Local primary schools - conducting sports clinics
• Making picture story books for Preps
• Completing Prayer Tables in Woodwork (TBC)

Out and about

Awards and Achievements

Recognition of Achievement Awards and Mathematical Olympiads Certificate of Achievement - it was so pleasing to see many students receive recognition for their academic achievements in our Year 7 assembly last week. How amazing to see so many fine young people achieving success!

Yr 7 Swimming Program

It was terrific to visit the Year 7s at the Bendigo East Swimming Pool and see how positively they embraced the Health and PE swimming program in Term 4, focused on safety and survival.

Mr Coghlan and Mr Nally, as well as the external swimming instructors, were so encouraging of the students, and the enthusiastic participation of all reinforced how essential this program is for all students in Years 7 to 9 (as well as being a lot of fun)!

Cricket Blast!

Congratulations to the many Year 7 helpers at the Cricket Blast! cricket carnival on Friday 7 November at Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct. These students were carefully chosen to represent the College in the spirit of service, and all were observed to be excellent leaders.

Mrs Hayley Lethlean, Mr Steve Evans – Year Level Coordinators
Mrs Sarah Cody - Year Level Learning Leader

Term 4, can you believe that we are already 6 weeks in!!

The Year 8 students have continued their visits to the Bendigo Tech School, where they created videos using a green screen. This has all been a part of their study of A Hero’s Journey or the persuasive writing units in their English classes. This experience has been exciting for all involved and a taste of what La Trobe University has to offer. The videos that have been created have been entertaining, informative and highlighted the creativity of our cohort.

Several students recently represented the school at the Bendigo Show through our Agriculture program. They engaged with the community and breeders professionally and positively. Well done to those who have contributed and volunteered their time – the hospitality and passion within the Agriculture Program demonstrate the various individual strengths.

The swimming program has been in full swing, with students demonstrating their ability to be safe around water and execute life-saving skills. This is such an important lifelong skill, and the program has been tackled with positivity and enthusiasm by all. It has been a massive program with lots of tired students returning from the pool. A special thanks to the HPE staff who have led these excursions and activities.

As assessment time gains momentum over the next two weeks, students are encouraged to keep their work habits up. It is a busy time for students and teachers, and we wish students all the very best in striving to reach their potential.

Mr Josh Hann, Mrs Kim Greenwell - Year Level Coordinators
Mrs Marine Snyman - Year Level Learning Leader

Year 11 Personal Development Skills

Year 11 Personal Development Skills students organised to donate much-needed blankets, towels and other items to the team at Bendigo Animal Rescue Centre (BARC). 

"A heartfelt thank you goes out to the wonderful staff and students of Catherine McAuley College Bendigo for their incredibly generous donations to the BARC! Your collective effort and kindness will make a real difference in the lives of the animals in our care, helping us provide food, medical attention, and safe shelter for those waiting for their forever homes. We are so grateful for your compassion and support of our mission."

Monday 24 November 2025

The CMCB community is invited to join us in celebrating the sporting achievements of our student athletes from Year 7 to Year 12 in 2025.

Featuring the annual Tim Ledwidge Memorial Medal Vote Count for our Senior Football and Netball teams.

Awards presented on the night:

• Year Level Sports Stars of the Year
• Outstanding Achievement Awards
• Tim Ledwidge Memorial Medals

Where: Marian Theatre, St Mary’s Campus

When: Monday 24 November at 6.15pm for 6.30pm start

Dress: Smart Casual

Light refreshments at conclusion of presentations.

Please RSVP if you wish to attend by Monday 17 November 2025

E: mpearce@cmcb.vic.edu.au or P: 03 5445 9100

Over the past two weeks, all Year 10 Religion and Society classes have celebrated their class Masses in the beautiful St Mary’s Chapel. These Masses provide a special opportunity for students to pause, reflect, and encounter God in a meaningful way.

We are deeply grateful to Fr Junray, Fr Jackson, and Fr Brian Boyle for generously celebrating these Masses with our Year 10 cohort. A warm welcome was also extended to residents from Bethlehem and Golden Rise, who joined the iGEN class for their Mass, enriching the experience with community connection.

These celebrations remind us of the importance of faith in action and the joy of gathering together in prayer.

On Thursday 30 October, a group of our Year 7 and Year 8 students attended the Junior Seeds of Justice Conference at the Academy of Mary Immaculate in Fitzroy. The day provided an opportunity for students to explore what social justice means and to focus on the issue of homelessness in Victoria.

Throughout the day, students engaged in practical activities, including creating hampers for a local organisation supporting people in need. It was a fantastic experience that allowed our students to connect with peers from other Mercy Education schools, share ideas, and deepen their understanding of how they can make a difference in their communities.

In Term 4, the College focuses on supporting our local Bendigo community. In recognising that many do it tough during the Christmas and New Year period, we will be supporting our local community by partnering with Bendigo Foodshare. 

We are asking our community to donate pantry items to support Bendigo Foodshare, who help those in need.

Different items are allocated to families at each year level - see poster for details.

Coolock Campus celebrated Mental Health Week from 13 – 17 October with a vibrant program inspired by the Five Ways to Wellbeing. The week began on Monday with a visit from headspace, offering students valuable insights into mental health and wellbeing. A barbecue lunch brought everyone together, creating a relaxed and social atmosphere to foster connection.

On Tuesday, students were encouraged to take notice of the world around them. A screening of Inside Out 2 in the library provided a thoughtful look at emotions and mental health, while a lunchtime yoga and mindfulness session in the Drama Space offered a peaceful moment to pause and reflect.

Wednesday focused on being active. Staff enjoyed a chocolate morning tea, and students participated in energetic lunchtime activities including Shoot the Hoops at MJSP and a Hole-in-One Golf challenge on the oval. The day was filled with movement, laughter, and friendly competition.

Thursday highlighted the importance of giving to others. A spirited Staff vs Students Netball Match invited participants to sign up in the staffroom, promoting teamwork, skill-building, and community spirit.

The week concluded on Friday with a celebration of lifelong learning. Music in the Square created a joyful and uplifting atmosphere, as students shared their talents and brought smiles to those around them.

Mental Health Week was a wonderful opportunity for the Coolock community to come together, support one another, and explore practical ways to enhance wellbeing.

On Wednesday 15 October, a group of fifteen enthusiastic Years 10 and 11 Biotechnology and Biology students visited the Biomedical Sciences Precinct in Parkville, Melbourne. The program, hosted by the Gene Technology Access Centre at University High School, aimed to introduce students to the courses, scholarships and opportunities available within the School of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne.

Students heard presentations from current Biomedicine students about their experiences as students and participated in a series of hands-on activities based on current research projects within the school of Biomedical Science. These included embryology, 3D mapping of proteins and understanding the neural pathways associated with obesity.

After lunch, students enjoyed a visit to the Harry Brookes Allen Museum of Anatomy and Pathology. This contained a fascinating collection of human specimens for students to observe. They also experienced a tour through the human heart wearing virtual reality goggles.

The VCAA exam period has started well, and we are now into the closing stages with a number of the smaller class group exams continuing into the last week. The last exam will be held on Wednesday 19 November. 

It has been a great delight to see the relief on students' faces once they leave the exam room, following their exam attempt. Many students have worked very hard to prepare as best as they can for these exams. 

We congratulate all students who have challenged themselves and worked hard to achieve their best possible exam scores. We hope there will be many academic learning experiences through these exams, but also many life skill learning experiences that they take away with them after the exams. 

Skills and personal attributes like organisation, preparation, analysis, determination and courage are all being developed when students push themselves through the VCAA exams. 

We are proud of you all!

This hands-on experience gave our student a real taste of the wool industry - from fleece to technique - and built confidence in working with livestock. It’s moments like these that make agricultural education so powerful and memorable.

The Renaissance Reading program calibrates how many words each student reads. The library team is delighted to announce our new inductees to the Millionaire Club. Congratulations to these students who have read over a million words: 

• Lucy Patching (2,766,183)
• Philipa Sibly (1,273,820)
• Luelle Green (1,155,672)
• Ava Giblin, (1,155,035)
• Isla McAuliffe (1,136,306)
• Ellie-Rose Reidy (1,063,465)
• Edward Lunney (1,028,249)
• Darcy Rodda (1,010,970)

They join Ella Brown, Madeline Gibbons, Mabel Hogan, Grace Kentish, Ebony Muston, William Smith, Sebastian Spinelli, Aleira Vanis and Bailey Younger, who were announced in the last newsletter.

Students were sent an email from ‘CMCB Timetable’ with individual subject timetables for 2026 (excluding Year 7 2026 students) during the week of 13 – 17 October. Please see further information below relevant to your child’s year level.

YEARS 10 – 12, 2026 HEADSTART REQUIREMENTS (for current Years 9 – 11 students)

• To guarantee students are provided with their learning resources prior to Headstart and the summer holiday period, all orders for Years 10 – 12, 2026, will need to be placed by Monday 3 November 2025.
• Orders for Years 10 – 12, 2026 received by this above cutoff date will be delivered in the week ending Friday 21 November 2025.
• There is an expectation that students in senior year levels will have access to their English texts over the summer break in preparation for their 2026 English classes.

BOOKLIST ORDERING

Order from Campion Education (access code B46T)

Campion Education

• Booklist items are available to be purchased from Campion Education (access code B46T).
• Online ordering and home delivery only.
• Orders placed by Friday 19 December 2025 with Campion will be posted to your nominated address, free of charge.
• Every effort will be made to deliver to your nominated address by 23 January 2026.
• Orders can still be placed after the due date by visiting the Campion website or Retail Service Centre. Full stock availability cannot always be guaranteed for orders placed after the due date.
• Due to supply chain challenges, your delivery may arrive outside of the original estimated delivery timeframe.
• For further support with ordering, please refer to Campion Support & FAQs page.

PLEASE NOTE: the Campion platform may suggest additional resources that are related to studies. If they are not on the booklist, then these are not texts that the College has recommended and families should not feel obliged to purchase them.

Other Suppliers

• Year 10 – 12, 2026 students may be required to purchase additional items from other suppliers. Refer to the 2026 Booklist Flyer below for full information.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the College by phoning 5445 9100.

Booklist Links

Victorian All Schools Athletics Championships

Celebrating Our Track & Field Stars!

Over two exciting weekends, a small group of our talented students competed in the Victorian Schools Track & Field Championships in Melbourne, showcasing incredible determination and athleticism against high-calibre competition.

Congratulations to Mila Childs, who took out 1st place in the 15-Year Female Long Jump, earning her a spot at the All Schools National Titles in Melbourne this December — an outstanding achievement. Mila also placed 3rd in the Triple Jump and 7th in the 400m to cap off a fantastic two days of competition!

We also congratulate our other top performers:

• Asher Miller – 2nd place in the P20 Male 800m
• Eliza Evans – 3rd place in the 17-Year Female Discus
• Emma Colt – 3rd place in the 15-Year Female Pole Vault

Well done to all who competed: your effort, dedication, and success make us proud.

ALL RESULTS:

Mila Childs:

• 15-Year Female Long Jump 1st
• 15-Year Female Triple Jump 3rd
• 15-Year Female 400m 7th

Asher Miller: P20-Year Male 800m 2nd

Eliza Evans:  17-Year Female Discus 3rd

Emma Colt:  15-Year Female Pole Vault 3rd

Grace Mulqueen: 

• 17-Year Female 1500m 13th
• 17-Year Female 3000m 13th

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA - STATE QUARTER FINALS

Intermediate Boys Cricket

CMCB played Hume Central Secondary College in the State Quarter-Final at the MJSP at Coolock on Wednesday 5 November. Hume won the toss and elected to bowl.

Charlie Macumber got the team off to the perfect start, knocking the top off the stump on the first ball of the innings, dismissing the highly rated opening batsman. This set the tone for the remainder of the innings. Charlie and Aydan Hand delivered a superb opening spell, only conceding 38 runs off the first 6 overs. Riley Travaglia and Chad Mannes backed up the excellent opening spell with their own relentless line and length.

The boys made it difficult for Hume to score, and after 10 overs, the score was 4/49. Griffin O’Shea came into the attack and provided some spark with his off-spinners, picking up two crucial wickets in the middle overs. Callan Orr also bowled a tight line and length off his two overs. Charlie Macumber and Chad Mannes were the pick of the bowlers, both picking up 3 wickets. Hume finished their innings with 9/124 after an excellent bowling display by CMCB.

Jaxon Kelly and Griffin O’Shea opened the batting for CMCB. The boys got off to a strong start, running well between the wickets and placing the ball between the fielders. Griffin’s running between the wickets was a highlight, putting Hume’s fielders under pressure and making them frustrated. Unfortunately, Griffin was the first wicket to fall after making 8. Jaxon, on 17 runs, was the next wicket to fall after being stumped by a leg-spinner, which was a quality delivery. 

The next partnership between Tyce Griffin and Aydan Hand was crucial in setting up the win. Tyce contributed 20 to the score, displaying some excellent hitting and producing some big sixes. Aydan Hand steadied the ship as wickets fell around him, hitting the ball to all parts of the ground, running well between the wickets and remaining patient. Aydan made 58 runs in what was a fantastic innings for the team. The boys finally ticked off the runs required with 1 over left in the innings.

The team have now qualified for the State Finals day to be played at Elgar Park in Melbourne on Friday 14 November.

TEAM: Mr Xavier Walsh (Coach), Elliot Ryan, Callan Orr, Charlie Macumber, Aydan Hand, Henry O’Callaghan, Griffin O’Shea, Mannix Grieve (Scorer), Chad Mannes, Riley Travaglia, Zavier Ralphs, Jacobi Kramer, Jaxon Kelly, Quinlan Cody, Tyce Griffin

Lilly Rule – State Champion!

We’re so proud to celebrate Lilly Rule’s amazing achievement as the Calisthenics Victoria, 2025 Under 18s Solo State Champion for the Northwestern Region, Victoria.

Lilly’s hard work, determination, and love for her sport have paid off, earning her first place in this year’s State Championship. This is an incredible accomplishment and a true reflection of her dedication and team spirit.

Congratulations, Lilly, what an inspiring example for all our students!

Recently, eSafety launched new pages on the social media age restrictions hub, designed to support parents and carers, educators and young people, as we prepare for the restrictions to come into effect.

Find information in this hub to help you understand and prepare for the change.

Information for young people: Explore advice for under-16s, including what to do with existing accounts.

Information for families: Find resources and conversation starters for your family.

BOOK NOW for Mobile Dental Health Van Visit

We are pleased to inform you that Victoria Mobile Dental Health will be visiting Catherine McAuley College Bendigo on Tuesday 25 November to provide free dental services for eligible students.

Have you completed the consent form yet?

Please consent via the QR Code on the flyer before Monday 17 November. Hard-copy consent forms can be collected from the General Office if you prefer.

This initiative aims to promote good oral health and provide essential dental care to our students. More information about the Victoria Mobile Dental Health services is available on their website.

For any questions, please contact Mrs Monica Westbury, Healthcare & First Aid Coordinator, by phoning the College on 5445 9100 or emailing mwestbury@cmcb.vic.edu.au

As your child prepares to move into Year 10 and commence the Headstart Program at the St Mary’s Campus, please refer to the bus travel options below. Each option outlines the process for Headstart and for ongoing travel in 2026. This covers:

1. Students currently travelling on the Urban Bus Network
2. Students currently travelling on the CMCB Charter Bus
3. Students currently travelling on a Country Bus
4. Students currently travelling on the Castlemaine Bus

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.

Join us 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

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.

CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL DISCOUNT

A Catholic Primary Discount of $150.00 applies to families that have two or more children at Catherine McAuley College Bendigo (CMCB) and are paying Catholic primary school fees. This will be applied to fee accounts in Term 3.

Please complete the form linked below and have the Principal of the primary school your child/children attend authorise this application.

Term Dates 2025

• Term 1 begins: Thursday 30 January 2025 | Term 1 ends: Friday 4 April 2025
• Term 2 begins: Tuesday 22 April 2025 | Term 2 ends: Friday 4 July 2025
• Term 3 begins: Tuesday 22 July 2025 | Term 3 ends: Friday 19 September 2025
• Term 4 begins: Monday 6 October 2025 |
  • Term 4 ends for Year 12: Wednesday 22 October 2025
  • Term 4 ends for Years 9, 10 & 11: Friday 5 December
  • Term 4 ends for Years 7 & 8: Wednesday 10 December 2025

Class Times 2025

Key Dates for Term 4, 2025

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.

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.