Welcome to 2026 at CMCB

It is my pleasure to warmly welcome all new and returning students, staff and families to our community for 2026. On behalf of Mercy Ministry Companions, Mercy Education Limited and Catherine McAuley College Bendigo, I wish everyone a very successful and productive year.

A special acknowledgement and welcome to all the new students commencing, especially the Year 7s who start the next stage of their learning experience at Coolock Campus. We look forward to the contributions and influence they will bring to our College throughout their time here.

We return with optimism and enthusiasm for the new year, building on the successes and achievements of 2025. We are confident that this year will continue to see positive growth as we help our students develop into independent, critical, and creative thinkers.

We hold in our thoughts all those within our community affected by the recent fires and continue to offer support to CMCB families who may need assistance as they return to school. We are monitoring the upcoming extreme weather as we finalise our commencement planning.

In 2026, we are celebrating our sesquicentennial, marking 150 years since the arrival of Mother M. Aloysius Martyn in Bendigo. This milestone is a testament to the enduring legacy of our Foundress, the Venerable Catherine McAuley, and the Religious Sisters of Mercy.

On 23 January 1876, the Sisters of Mercy were warmly welcomed to Bendigo by the community, with great pomp and ceremony at a crowded High Mass at St Kilian's Church. Dr Henry Backhaus was celebrant, and the clergy included the Bishops of Sandhurst and Ballarat. The Sisters quickly settled into their new life, taking on the running of St Kilian's School and preparing to open their own school at Barkly Place in April.

We invite our community to join us in celebrating the sesquicentenary of Catherine McAuley College Bendigo throughout 2026.

CMCB Sesquicentenary Events and Activities

This year, as part of our commitment to strengthening pastoral care and community connection, the College has introduced a Mercy Homegroup structure for students in Years 7–12. 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.

At the end of last year, our senior students achieved some outstanding results. The Laureate Presentation on Friday 13 February will celebrate these significant academic achievements of Year 12 graduates from the Class of 2025, including the VCE and VM Subject Dux and College Dux Awards.

On Thursday 12 February, we will all come together to celebrate the commencement of a new school year with the Sesquicentenary Opening Mass. This milestone moment on the College calendar is the perfect way to begin, and we give thanks that the entire community can gather in the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

We are very fortunate and blessed to commence the year fully staffed. Staffing and timetabling are major challenges for all schools, and we are very grateful to be in such a positive position. Thank you and welcome to the new staff who have accepted positions.

We look forward to welcoming all students back to school on Friday 30 January, and wish them every success in the year ahead.

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.

Due to forecast heat on Friday 30 January, we strongly recommend that each student brings a drink bottle to school. Students are reminded that hats are required in Terms 1 and 4. The College will ensure that airconditioned spaces are available for students during recess and lunch breaks this Friday, and on other days of extreme heat.

Mrs Suzie Kemp and Mr Len Watson, Assistant Principal Campus Leaders

Friday 30 January 2026

Official individual school photos for all students will be taken for Years 7 - 12 students and staff on Friday 30 January 2026. 

Group Student Leadership Team photos for Years 8 to 12 will also be taken on this day.

On Friday, the first day of school, please note:

• Full summer academic uniform is to be worn for photos (no jumpers).
• 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.

Check the CMCB Dress Code and Uniform Expectations

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.

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.

Welcome to Year 7 2026! We hope you have been staying cool just like Clover!

As the Year 7 Leadership Team, we are very privileged to be working with every Year 7 student and their family as they begin their journey with Catherine McAuley College Bendigo.

On arrival at school on Friday 30 January, students can relax in McAuley Square, where they will be welcomed and supported by staff. When the first bell goes, all Year 7 students will meet in the Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct (MJSP) at the start of the day and will need to bring their bags as they won’t yet know their locker allocation.

From there, they will move with their 2026 class and Mercy Homegroup Leaders to an allocated classroom for the day, where they will work through a program that includes:

• Timetables
• Lockers and Padlocks
• Student Diaries
• School Tour
• Wellbeing and Help-seeking Information
• School Photos
• Laptop Collection and Set Up

Bus travellers will be carefully assisted at the end of the day, and all students will have plenty of time to pack up without the need to rush.

The students will commence their normal learning program from Monday 2 February, so please work with your child to ensure they are organised for their classes.

We really encourage all students to come prepared and well rested for Friday; with snacks, lunch and a water bottle; full summer academic uniform, including hat; and a positive attitude!

Please keep informed and updated throughout the year via your child’s Mercy Homegroup Leader, the Parent Access Module (PAM), email and the College Newsletter. We will bring you an update in this newsletter each fortnight on all the things that are happening in Year 7.

All the best for the commencement of Year 7, 2026.

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

Year 8 Welcome - 2026

Welcome to 2026, Year 8 parents, carers, students and staff. You will a few changes for 2026, and we want to put you on the right track from Day 1.

Introducing the Year 8 Team

Mr Josh Hann and Mrs Hayley Lethlean are the Year Level Coordinators.

Mrs Marinè Snyman is your Year Level Learning Leader.

Mercy Homegroup Leaders

You will now have a check-in session with your Mercy Homegroup Leader. This will be a separate, standalone class for 15 minutes at the start of each day and will appear on your timetable.

During this time, you will have a check-in, look at your timetable and ensure that you are prepared for the day. There will also be a range of activities throughout the year that align with our Mercy values and school-wide positive behaviours.

The bell times are also slightly changed to allow for the daily check-in.

Weekly Assemblies

Every Tuesday, you will have a 15-minute assembly instead of a homegroup session. This will take place in Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct. Mr Hann and Mrs Lethlean will lead these assemblies.

Day 1 - Friday 30 January

You will be involved in an extended Mercy Homegroup session on Day 1. Please ensure that you arrive on time with your bag full of your belongings. Students should have purchased a 2026 school diary from the booklist, and you will need to bring it on the first day so you can write your timetable in it. Please also write your name in your diary. You will be expected to take it to every class so that you can write in any due dates.

As the year progresses, we will update you regularly through the College Newsletter.

Looking forward to a great 2026.

Mrs Lethlean, Mr Hann and Mrs Snyman

Students, families and staff gathered at the Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct on Thursday 11 December to celebrate and acknowledge the 2025 academic achievements of students in Years 7 to 11 at our annual Presentation Evening.

Subject Dux Awards, as well as scholarships and special awards, were announced for students who had achieved academic excellence in their subjects and whose dedication and hard work were to be commended.

The evening commenced with the Acknowledgement and Prayer, read by 2026 College Captains, Issy Byrne and Sam Gibson.

Some of the awards are bestowed in recognition of former teachers or students, forming part of our history, and were presented by special guests. The Val Pinder Memorial Award, presented by Val’s sister, Pat, is given in memory of a former French teacher and encourages students in the study of language. In 2025, Oisín Dunne was the recipient of the Val Pinder Memorial Award.

The Past Students Association of St Vincent’s College awards support and encourage students in the areas of agriculture and technology as they move from Year 9 into Year 10. This year’s recipients were Rylee Marsh (Technology) and Grace Lamb (Agriculture). The awards were presented by St Vincent’s College past student, Mr Kevin McGrath, who took a moment to acknowledge the recent passing of Mr Frank Harrop and the role he had played in promoting these awards at the College.

Dedication and talent in the fine arts were also recognised through the Friends of the Bendigo Art Gallery Award (awarded to Nicole Lethlean) and the Atelier Art Award (awarded to Mia Geary).

The Rotary Club of Bendigo South Scholarship was awarded to Macey Rye.

Universities play a significant role in encouraging the academic achievement of our students and present a series of awards: the Australian Defence Force grants the Long Tan Youth Leadership Award to a student in Year 10, this year to Maggie Lamb, while the Future Innovators award was presented to William Brew.

La Trobe University Excellence Awards were awarded to Jackson Harris (Accounting), Elliot Ryan (Business Management) and Owen Perry (Legal Studies). The La Trobe University Infinity Awards went to Jack Oldham, Tobias Sexton and Chloe Vincent.

The Rotary Club of Bendigo South Scholarship was awarded to Macey Rye.

The Melbourne University Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program award was presented to Grace Mulqueen.

The Seeds of Justice Award, which is given in memory of Sarah Slattery to a student who has shown the greatest commitment to social justice, was awarded to Diana Napoleon.

Our most esteemed College community award is the Bishop Noel Daly Award, awarded to a graduate who has been an exemplary role model throughout their six years at Catherine McAuley College Bendigo. The 2025 recipient was Jay Thakar.

A musical interlude was provided by 2025 Arts Captain, Tarah Frawley, who performed an original composition.

At the conclusion of proceedings, Principal Mr Brian Turner congratulated the students on their application to their studies, which led to the acknowledgement of their academic achievements. He also congratulated teachers and families for their support of the students and for their help in developing a culture of achievement and success. He was proud of the students’ accomplishments and thanked those in attendance for helping to celebrate them.

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.

The Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct (MJSP) played host to the Bendigo Basketball Junior Classic over the Australia Day Long Weekend.

With 5,000 people coming through the doors to spectate and 1,600 players, the community took full advantage of the air-conditioned sporting precinct throughout the 3-day event.

The teams participating, from Under 12s to Under 18s, came from far and wide across the state.

Earlier in January we hosted the Northern Rivers Juniors Cricket Country Week and, throughout the school holidays, we hosted the Kelly Sports School Holiday Program.

This enhanced program is designed to help Year 7, 8, and 9 students build strength, improve fitness, and develop healthy training habits in a safe and supportive environment. Our qualified therapists will guide students through proper techniques, ensuring they gain confidence and maximise their results.

Benefits of the Program: ✔ Increase strength and endurance ✔ Boost self-esteem and confidence ✔ Learn lifelong fitness skills ✔ Increases resilience to injures to stay injury free

Whether your child is an aspiring athlete or simply looking to improve their fitness, this program is the perfect opportunity to get started on their health journey.

When and Where:

• Dates: Monday 9 February – Wednesday 1 April
• Location: CMCB Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct
• Times: Monday and Wednesday Morning 7.30-8.30am

Please use the following link to get more information and sign up

Find out more about the Peak Performance Program (PPP)

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

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.

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

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.

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.