Our inaugural International Women’s Day Breakfast last Friday was a wonderful opportunity to welcome past and present students, parents, carers, staff and special guests in our sesquicentenary year.

As we continue to celebrate 150 years since the Sisters of Mercy arrived in Bendigo, it was fitting to highlight the amazing achievements of many of our past students by bringing together a panel of successful and remarkable women.

Thank you to MC Grace Aicken, Cr Andrea Metcalf, Justine Sharkey Minne, Leila Gurruwiwi, and Abbey Milligan for sharing your unique perspectives on how your school experiences have influenced your careers.

Throughout the event, there was a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere in the St Mary’s Hall, which was beautifully set up for the occasion, evoking memories of days past when the Hall was a focal point of the school.
(Read more about the International Women’s Day Breakfast)

Vale Dr Berenice Kerr rsm

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the death of Dr Berenice Kerr rsm. Berenice was a great friend of Mercy Education Limited and our College, particularly supporting us during our transition to becoming Catherine McAuley College Bendigo and imbuing our campus with Mercy iconography. She was also integral to the establishment of the iGEN program, which goes from strength to strength in partnership with Mercy Health and La Trobe University. We extend our prayers to Berenice’s family and the Sisters of Mercy.
(Read tribute to Dr Berenice Kerr)

Years 8 and 9 Camps

We wish our Years 8 and 9 students and staff well as they embark on camp next week - Year 8s in Anglesea for a beach and coastal experience, and Year 9s for their hiking camp across three locations - Falls Creek, Grampians, or Apollo Bay. This time away with their peers and the fun and challenges they experience together will no doubt strengthen friendships across their cohorts.

Swimming Success

A special mention to our Loddon Mallee Region Swimming Team, who achieved many impressive individual and team results and records this week, with the team placing third overall on the day. (Read LMR Swimming Report)

With Deep Sadness CMCB acknowledges the Death of Dr Berenice Kerr RSM

The College was saddened to hear of the death of Dr Berenice Kerr RSM, who died peacefully on 4 March 2026, following a short illness, in the 60th year of her Religious Profession.

Sr Berenice was a great friend to our College and took an interest in our major events, including the transition from Catholic College Bendigo to Catherine McAuley College Bendigo in 2017 and the celebration of our 140th Jubilee in 2016. She recently provided editorial support towards our Sesquicentenary publication and had intended to attend Mass in the Boarders Chapel on 2 May as part of our ‘Back To’ celebration. She will be greatly missed.

Sr Berenice was also a true supporter of Mercy Education Limited as well as our iGEN program. Principal Brian Turner shared the news with a heavy heart, saying "prayers are extended to Berenice’s family and to the Sisters'

Requiem Mass to celebrate Berenice's life was celebrated at St Alipius Church in Ballarat East on 10 March 2026. 

This statement was released by Catholic Education Ballarat:

Sister Berenice was a Sister of Mercy in the true spirit of Catherine McAuley – a woman of deep faith, intelligence, courage and compassion, grounded in a profound love of Christ. She was widely known as a passionate supporter of Catholic education, a gifted scholar, and a woman who brought warmth, insight and genuine humanity to all she encountered.

An accomplished academic, she held a Doctor of Philosophy in Church History from Oxford, along with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours and a Diploma of Education. In recognition of her significant contribution to Catholic education, she was named an Honorary Fellow of Australian Catholic University.

An educator by calling and profession, Berenice devoted her life to learning, teaching and leadership. She taught in secondary schools from 1969 and went on to make an extensive and deeply influential contribution to Catholic education through senior governance and leadership roles across New South Wales. Her service included work as Consultant in Secondary Education with the Catholic Education Office in the Diocese of Lismore; Commissioner of the Catholic Education Commission NSW; Chair of the Commission’s Standing Committee on Educational Policy; Director and later Chair of Trinity Catholic College, Lismore; and member of the Education Committee of the Council of Leaders of Religious Institutes NSW. She also served as a Director of St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Lismore.

Within the Ballarat Diocese, Berenice’s contribution was both foundational and enduring. Berenice came to Ballarat as leader of the Mercy community of South B following the national amalgamation of the congregations of the Sisters of Mercy. She was a former Company Member of St Francis Xavier Primary School and Damascus College, and a regular visitor to diocesan schools across the region. Through her presence in schools and her participation in Diocesan Leadership Gatherings, she offered thoughtful guidance, intellectual challenge and deep encouragement to leaders and educators, bringing her scholarship, experience and strong commitment to Catholic identity directly into the life of school communities.

Berenice was a foundational member of the DOBCEL Board, serving with distinction as Deputy Chair and as a member of the Learning and Teaching Committee and the Catholic Identity and Mission Committee until her retirement in December 2025. Her wisdom, clarity of thought and deep commitment to Catholic identity shaped our Board and our system in profound and lasting ways.

Those of us who knew Berenice will remember her intellectual rigour, her love of language and her affection for perfect grammar, but also her quick wit, sharp humour and generosity of spirit. She delighted in good conversation, shared laughter readily, and was always appreciative of a good pinot noir enjoyed in the company of others.

I give thanks for Berenice’s faithful service, her leadership, and her unwavering commitment to Catholic education. I ask you to join me in holding her family, friends and the Sisters of Mercy in your prayers. We commend her to God using the adapted words of Catherine McAuley’s Suscipe, which so beautifully expresses the trust in God’s providence that shaped Berenice’s life and faith.

My God,
I am yours for time and eternity,
Lord, I am yours forever.
It is you who must teach me to trust in your Providence, Loving Lord.

You are a God of love and tenderness.
I place my trust in you,
And I ask that you grant me acceptance of your will,

Loving Lord.
Take from my heart all painful anxiety.
Let nothing sadden me but sin.
And then let my delight be hoping to see your face,
God, my all.

Rest in peace, Berenice.

Tina Munro
Executive Assistant to the Executive Director
Catholic Education Ballarat

Now that our Sesquicentenary Year is well and truly underway, it was wonderful to welcome past, present and future students, special guests, as well as past and present staff and parents to our inaugural International Women’s Day Breakfast on Friday 6 March.

As we continue to celebrate 150 years since the Sisters of Mercy arrived in Bendigo, it was fitting to highlight the amazing achievements of many of our past students by bringing together an eclectic panel of successful and remarkable women. It was also significant to remember the leadership of generations of women who have passed through the College and gone on to contribute to many areas of community and professional life.

The panel discussion, moderated by Grace Aicken (Class of 2015), highlighted different pathways in leadership and service. With her background in journalism and media, Grace perfectly led an entertaining and engaging insight into the varied ways women continue to influence local communities, workplaces and broader society. The sincere, relatable stories of the panel made us laugh and cry, and filled us with inspiration.

Cr Andrea Metcalf (Class of 1977), Justine Sharkey Minne (1993), Leila Gurruwiwi (2005), and Abbey Milligan (2018) each shared unique perspectives on how their school experiences have influenced their careers. Despite their different lives, common themes emerged: overcoming self-doubt, finding the courage to navigate male-dominated environments, and staying true to their core values.

The panellists also highlighted certain teachers who had played a significant role in their personal and professional journeys: promoting confidence, igniting a spark of interest in a subject or being a positive female role model.

Throughout the event, there was a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere in the St Mary’s Hall, which was beautifully set up for the occasion, evoking memories of days past when the Hall was a focal point of the school.

Thank you to all who played a part in making this event so successful, including the wonderful audience and especially our amazing panellists who gave their time and their hearts so generously.

The next major event on the Sesquicentenary Calendar will be the ‘Back To’ on 2 May. Meanwhile, expressions of interest are still open for the Jubilee Community Art Show and the Performance Gala.

CLICK HERE for more information.

International Women's Day Sesquicentenary Breakfast

We want to ensure our communication with families is clear, timely, and convenient. Your feedback helps us understand how you prefer to receive information from the College and how we can continue improving our communication practices. The survey takes about 5 minutes.

We hope that you are enjoying this new‑look fortnightly College newsletter and the updated College website. The home page includes a quick link to the Parent Access Module (PAM), the College’s administrative portal for sharing information about your child’s attendance, activities, learning and achievements. You will also find links to current and past newsletters

Our other communication platforms are linked below.

Please note that the College App has been retired. Families who prefer quick access on mobile devices can pin PAM to their phone’s home screen for easy access.

Thank you for taking a moment to share your preferences.

Pastoral Care at CMCB

We nurture our students in a safe environment to become confident and independent young adults. We acknowledge that all students grow and develop differently, therefore our structures and programs support students’ academic as well as social and emotional learning.

Mercy Homegroup connects 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.

All students’ classroom teachers actively monitor and support their learning and wellbeing. Classroom teachers work in collaboration with students and families to develop an understanding of their learning.

Individual support for students is also provided by Year Level Coordinators, Year Level Learning Leaders and the Learning Diversity leader to ensure that appropriate resources and specialised expertise are available to students who need additional support.

Introducing our Year Level Staff Leadership Teams

Year 7

Meet the team who are guiding and supporting our Year 7 cohort as they begin their secondary journey at CMCB.

• Mr Sebastian Greene – Year Level Coordinator
• Mrs Kim Greenwell – Year Level Coordinator
• Mrs Sarah Cody – Year Level Learning Leader
• Ms Alyssa Lemon – Learning Diversity Leader

Year 8

This dedicated group of leaders plays a vital role in shaping an inclusive, supportive, and connected community for our students. Guided by our Mercy Values, they lead with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to helping every learner feel a sense of belonging.

• Mrs Hayley Lethlean – Year Level Coordinator
• Mrs Marine Snyman – Year Level Learning Leader
• Mrs Jenni McGrath – Learning Diversity Leader
• Mr Josh Hann – Year Level Coordinator

Year 9

Our Year 9 leaders are committed to fostering a supportive, connected, and inclusive environment where students feel encouraged to grow with confidence and compassion.

Grounded in our Mercy Values, they bring wisdom, care, and a strong sense of community to every interaction -guiding students through a year filled with growth, challenge, and new opportunities.

• Mrs Jo Tobin – Year Level Coordinator
• Mr Dean Carmody – Year Level Learning Leader
• Mrs Jenni McGrath – Learning Diversity Leader
• Mr Stephen Evans – Year Level Coordinator

Year 10

Our Year 10 leaders are dedicated to guiding students through this pivotal stage of their schooling with maturity, purpose, and direction.

With a clear focus on developing lifelong learning skills and supporting each student’s unique pathway to success, they foster an environment where young people are encouraged to take responsibility, build resilience, and strive toward their goals.

• Mr Shane McConvill – Year Level Coordinator
• Mrs Lisa Darlow – Year Level Coordinator
• Mrs Amy Dickins – Learning Diversity Leader
• Mrs Hannah Johnston – Year Level Learning Leader

Year 11

Our Year 11 leaders are dedicated to guiding students as they enter the crucial senior phase of their secondary schooling. With a focus on wellbeing, academic growth, and future pathways, they work to ensure every student feels supported, empowered, and ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Grounded in our Mercy Values, they bring experience, empathy, and a powerful sense of community to their work -helping students build confidence, resilience, and purpose as they prepare for their final year of schooling and life beyond the classroom.

• Mr Kieren Prowse – Pathways Learning Director
• Ms Ashlee Burke – Year Level Coordinator
• Mrs Karen Lichnovsky – Year Level Coordinator
• Mrs Amy Dickins – Learning Diversity Leader

Year 12

Our Year 12 leaders are dedicated to supporting students through the most significant year of their secondary education -a year marked by achievement, reflection, and preparation for life beyond CMCB. They work closely with students to nurture wellbeing, encourage academic excellence, and provide guidance as they navigate their final responsibilities, milestones, and celebrations.

Grounded in our Mercy Values, they bring compassion, steadiness, and deep pastoral care to every interaction. Their focus is on empowering students to finish their CMCB journey with confidence, resilience, and a keen sense of purpose as they step into the world as young adults ready to make their mark.

• Mr Kieren Prowse – Pathways Learning Director
• Mrs Jo MacDonald – Year Level Coordinator
• Ms Kate Watts – Year Level Coordinator
• Mrs Amy Dickins – Learning Diversity Leader

As a school community, we join the Church in its Lenten mission of fundraising and solidarity through our support of Project Compassion. The season of Lent invites us into a time of prayer, reflection, fasting, and almsgiving, encouraging us to grow in compassion and awareness of the needs of others. Together, we commit to walking this journey with all those supported by Caritas Australia, putting our faith into action in meaningful and hope‑filled ways.

Pope Leo’s Lenten message ‘Lent as a time of Conversion’ focuses on listening and fasting. He writes:

If Lent is a time for listening, fasting is a concrete way to prepare ourselves to receive the word of God… I would like to invite you to refrain from words that offend and hurt our neighbour. Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement… instead, let us strive to measure our worlds and cultivate kindness and respect.

Caritas Ks Day – Coolock

SOLIDARITY WALK | TUESDAY 31 MARCH

On the last day of term, Coolock students and staff will take part in a Solidarity Walk to raise funds and awareness for Project Compassion. This walk invites our community to stand with those around the world who face the daily challenge of travelling long distances just to access clean and safe water. By walking together, we hope to deepen our understanding of the global realities many families experience and to make a meaningful contribution toward supporting Caritas Australia’s vital programs. This will be the College’s eleventh Caritas Ks walk.

FIRE Carriers (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education)

The first FIRE Carrier gathering for the year at Coolock was held on Thursday 5 March during Mercy Homegroup time.

FIRE Carriers are students and teachers who share a passion for learning about Aboriginal culture and history, and who are committed to sharing this knowledge and promoting reconciliation within our school and beyond.

There are opportunities for students who value reconciliation, want to grow in cultural understanding, or hope to contribute to a more just and connected community to come along to these meetings and share their ideas.

Let’s walk the path of reconciliation together!

Mrs Sarah Cody

Around the Classrooms: Visiting Year 9 Electives

Over the past few weeks, we have had the pleasure of witnessing our Year 9 students hard at work in two of their elective subjects. 

 In Food Technology, students have worked in teams, creating some yummy meals with their partners, including:

• Chicken and salad wraps
• Monte Carlo biscuits

It was great to see the students creating a variety of sweet and savoury meals using different cooking methods, in this case frying and baking.

Delicious Food Tech Creations

In the Product Design and Resistant Materials classroom, the students had clearly “measured twice and cut once” in creating their serving boards. In this task, students were required to design their serving board, measure and cut the timber pieces, before glueing them together and ensuring that their finished products were of the optimal quality, all while displaying safe work practices and behaviours.

Serving Boards in Product Design

Lastly, Year 9 Camp is next week! We hope our students’ final preparations are going smoothly and we look forward to sharing some camp photos and highlights with you all in our upcoming newsletter reports.

Mr Stephen Evans, Mrs Jo Tobin and Mr Dean Carmody, Year 9 Leadership Team

Year 8s are well into the busy end of Term 1 and working on assessment tasks as well as getting ready for camp. Please keep regularly checking PAM for updates.

CAMP UPDATE

Students had a camp meeting on Tuesday in preparation for a fun-filled time of activities, connecting with new friends and old.

Please note that when students are not on camp, they are at school. The exception is on Wednesday 18 March when the transition from Camp 1 to Camp 2 occurs. See the table below for clarification.

Camp/School Week 8: Departure and collection times

• Camp 1: 8G, 8H, 8I, 8J, 8K, 8L, 8M
• Camp 2: 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F

Note: Those who are not on camp are expected to attend school either Monday, Tuesday (CAMP 2) or Thursday and Friday (CAMP 1). You do not have to attend Wednesday.

INTERIM REPORTS

Teachers are completing interim reports which will be available at the end of term. These are a valuable insight into how your child is progressing in terms of behaviour and attitude. Please read these and discuss them with your child.

STUDENT LEADERS

Our amazing student leaders are taking the initiative of creating most of the content for our weekly assemblies, running activities and keeping everyone up to date on upcoming events. See a bit of their fantastic work below including information on Caritas Ks, which is on Tuesday 31 March, Student Shout Outs and a Teacher Who Am I? Isaac and Preston have also started a Year 8 Mercy Homegroup Footy Tipping Competition. Well done!

LIBRARY NEWS

Coolock Library is excited to announce the launch of our 2026 Millionaire Club!

Students may now begin taking Renaissance quizzes to evaluate their comprehension of the books they have read. The program tracks each participant’s total word count, and once a student has read over one million words, they will be inducted into our Millionaire Club.

Members of the Millionaire Club receive a commendation, a certificate, and recognition during year-level assemblies. We look forward to celebrating students’ reading achievements in 2026.

Out and About

Student Acknowledgement

Sullivan Koglin volunteered to pick up rubbish, collecting eleven buckets of rubbish overall. Well done, Sullivan. You have earned yourself a commendation for community service.

Well done, Year 8s, on all your achievements.

Mrs Lethlean, Mr Hann and Mrs Snyman

We cannot believe that it is already Week 7! How this term is flying!

Well done to all in our Year 7 cohort - it has been a busy, overwhelming, exciting, thrilling, and enjoyable start. We know that all the teachers are so proud of you all and, as your Year Level Leadership Team, we have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know so many of you already!

During Week 7 we have NAPLAN. We want to remind you that whatever happens in NAPLAN, this doesn’t determine who you are or your future. We only ask that you take a breath. Families - please take the time to unpack the pressure that this week can present. We encourage favourite home-cooked meals, downtime activities (like puzzles, reading or a family game of Mario Kart if you’re like Mrs Greenwell!), and ice cream at the end of the week.

In Week 8 we have Year 8 and 9 students heading off for their camp program. The school may feel a little quiet without all our students. Some regular teachers may be absent during this time. Please take the opportunity to check PAM and SIMON dashboards in the morning to help prepare your child for any changes throughout the day. Please reach out to your child’s Mercy Homegroup Leader or classroom teachers if you have any questions during this week.

A couple of friendly reminders about issues that are popping up:

• Please remind your child of the uniform policy, particularly shoes, jewellery and hair needing to be tied back.
• Log any absences via PAM to notify your child’s Mercy Homegroup Leader, so we can follow up with any support.

LEARNING IN FOCUS

International Women’s Day and Year 7 English

The Year 7 unit of study for Term 1 Speak Up! Stand Strong! fits beautifully with International Women’s Day (8 March). The students have already learnt about Pearl Gibbs, Catherine McAuley, Mary MacKillop, Queen Elizabeth I, Sojourner Truth, and Mary Lee (an Irish/Australian suffragette, who fought for the right of Australian women to be able to vote and be elected to parliament). The students are very engaged and are busily analysing the literary features of their key speeches, alongside learning about their impact on local, national, and global communities after “speaking up” at key points in history. They are also learning how they can agitate for change, building a strong connection to Project Compassion and how they can make a difference by contributing to Caritas this Lent.

STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics)

“Currently, the Year 7s are learning basic science skills and today we focused on their ability to independently read and follow instructions, along with learning how to measure accurately.” (Ms Brittany Taylor)

The Reading Room

Step inside our Reading Room! All Coolock students visit the library’s Reading Room each fortnight, to learn more from our teacher-librarians about how to best make use of the library as a resource, and to return, borrow and read books! Our Year 7s are embracing this routine enthusiastically.

Music

Students who are studying Music this semester have had an exciting time receiving their instruments! The small-group tuition they receive at school as they learn to play provides a brilliant opportunity for students to refine their skills in a supportive environment. Enjoy the practice at home!

Punch

Punch the baby snow monkey has captivated the world (and our hearts), and there are so many things we can reflect on and learn from this cultural phenomenon.

“... we are all Punch. Even the person that you think has a ton of friends all the time is Punch. Everyone faces that rejection and that loneliness, at least once, but more often multiple times throughout the year. But luckily for Punch and us, the story doesn’t end there.

With time, Punch made a friend. The friend didn’t change who Punch is but adapted to Punch and his Ikea monkey mother; a recent video shows Punch and his friend cleaning bugs off the stuffed monkey together. When we find our people, the ones we clean bugs with, suddenly the world feels a lot less isolated.

…But for now, I can always remember that even that little monkey persevered and made friends. He was knocked down and thrown around, but he didn’t give up, so why should I? Why should any of us?”

What a lovely message for our Year 7s as they courageously transition into our College. It can be hard at times, but with support, they are persisting and achieving success.

Mrs Greenwell, Mr Greene, Mrs Cody and Ms Lemon, Year 7 Leadership Team

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.

Exploring Audiology

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!

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 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 pelicans’ 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 heading back 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 seats 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 popped into the gift shop to grab a souvenir before returning to the caravan park.

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 study. During our tour, we learned about the various stages the wastewater goes through before it can be used, and how this plant operates sustainably. 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 departing 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 possible 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

Phillip Island

Sunday rehearsals for the College Production of ‘Rock of Ages’ began on March 1. 

The session focused on two scenes involving over three quarters of our cast. Students worked on blocking the scenes, experimenting with character choices, and fine-tuning harmonies. This year’s production is gearing up to be loud, fun, and bursting with the iconic songs that make ‘Rock of Ages’ such a crowd favourite.

We also welcome back CMCB’s 2025 Arts Captain, Tarah Frawley, who is returning to choreograph ‘Rock of Ages’. Students are thrilled to be working alongside her again. Tarah will be joining the cast at their afterschool rehearsals to teach and refine choreography and support the ensembles as the show takes shape.

Production Sunday Rehearsal

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!

The Physics of Luna Park

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.

Exploring Surf Coast and Bellarine

As part of the Year 10 Art, Painting Unit, students had the opportunity to work with guest artist Grace Murphy. 

Grace is a young Victorian artist working between rural Victoria and Melbourne. After studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Victorian College of the Arts, Grace now paints in her studio with oil paints on wood panels. By 23, she had held multiple solo and group exhibitions across the state. Her work is held in private collections, and one of her portraits hangs in an academic dining hall.

Determined, inspiring, talented and ambitious, Grace is building a very impressive artistic career. 

This term Elevate Education has delivered 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.

Final Term 1 Webinar

25 March, 6:30pm (AEDT): How You Can Help Improve Your Child’s Memory

Register for Elevate Education Term 1 Webinars

Register for the final Elevate Education Term 1 Webinar 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.

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.

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA - LODDON MALLEE REGION

Swimming

On Tuesday 10 March, eighteen CMCB students travelled to Swan Hill to compete at the Loddon Mallee Regional Swimming Championships. All students performed extremely well, with every competitor taking home at least one medal across the day. As a team, CMCB finished 3rd in the overall school division.

A special mention goes to Zarah Reynolds, who was crowned Swimmer of the Meet, receiving the prestigious Arthur Swan Memorial Award for the second year in a row. Zarah won all five of her individual events and set new division records in three of them. She was also part of the winning Medley and Freestyle relay teams.

Mila Abley also had an impressive day and was in strong contention for the award, winning all five of her individual events alongside her Medley and Freestyle relay teams. Mila also broke the record in the 15 Year Female 50m Breaststroke.

Miller Nihill finished the event with four individual wins and helped lead the Open Boys relay team to victory. He also broke the record in the 50m Butterfly.

These are incredible results that the whole school community can be extremely proud of. Congratulations to all students who represented the College. Fourteen students will now represent the College at the State Final in Melbourne on Thursday 23 April.

RESULTS

1st Placings

• Mila Abley 15Yr Female 50m Backstroke, 15Yr Female 50m Breaststroke (New Record), 12-15Yr Female 100m Freestyle, 12-15Yr Female 200m Individual Medley, Open 100m Breaststroke
• Ella Tyrrell 15Yr Female 50m Freestyle
• Audrey Hogan 16Yr Female 50m Breaststroke
• Hollie Watson 16Yr Female 50m Freestyle
• 16Yr Female 50m Backstroke
• Zarah Reynolds 16-20Yr Female 100m Freestyle, 17Yr Female 50m Backstroke (New Record), 17Yr Female 50m Freestyle (New Record), Open Female 100m Backstroke, 17Yr Female 50m Butterfly (New Record)
• Miller Nihill 20Yr Male 50m Freestyle, 20Yr Male 50m Backstroke, 20Yr Male 50m Breaststroke, 20Yr Male 50m Butterfly (New Record)
• 15Yr Female 4x50m Freestyle Relay (Ella Tyrrell, Mila Abley, Morgan Westbrook, Zaydah Mackenzie
• 17Yr Female 4x50m Freestyle Relay (Zarah Reynolds, Holly Hembrow, Hollie Watson, Audrey Hogan)
• 20 Yr Male 4x50m Freestyle Relay (Miller Nihill, Charlie Harrop, Luca Evans, Benny Spicer)
• 15-16Yr Female Medley Relay (Hollie Watson, Audrey Hogan, Morgan Westbrook, Milanke Haasbroek
• 17-20Yr Female Medley Relay (Zarah Reynolds, Mila Abley, Holly Hembrow, Ella Tyrrell)

2nd Placings

• Lyra Haythorpe 13Yr Female 50m Freestyle
• Holly Hembrow 16-20Yr Female 200m Freestyle
• Ella Tyrrell 15Yr Female 50m Butterfly
• Hollie Watson 16Yr Female 50m Butterfly

3rd Placings

• Darcy Rodda 13Yr Female 50m Breaststroke
• Lyra Haythorpe 13Yr Female 50m Backstroke
• Hollie Watson 16-20Yr Female 200m Individual Medley
• 15Yr Male 4x50m Freestyle Relay (Tom Hembrow, Alex Dobie, Fletcher Stevenson, Lyra Haythorpe)

4th Placings

• Tom Hembrow
• 15Yr Male 50m Butterfly

5th Placings

• Tom Hembrow 15Yr Male 50m Freestyle
• Alex Dobie 15Yr Male 50m Breaststroke

LMR TEAM: Benjamin Spicer, Fletcher Stevenson, Charlie Harrop, Luca Evans, Miller Nihill, Alexander Dobie, Holly Hembrow, Audrey Hogan, Thomas Hembrow, Lyra Haythorpe, Ella Tyrrell, Mila Abley, Morgan Westbrook, Hollie Watson, Zarah Reynolds, Darcy Rodda, Zaydah McKenzie, Milanke Haasbroek

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA - SANDHURST DIVISION

Swimming & Diving 2026

On Friday 27 February, the CMCB Swimming Team competed at the Sandhurst Division Swimming Championships at the Faith Leech Aquatic Centre. The conditions were ideal, and our students made the most of the opportunity to represent the College.

All team members showed excellent sportsmanship and represented the school with enthusiasm. The day finished with strong individual and team performances, resulting in an overall first place for CMCB in the 13–16yr Female and Male categories, as well as the 17–20yr age group. Five students were also named Individual Age Group Champions, highlighting the team’s depth and commitment.

Nineteen students have now qualified for the Loddon Mallee Regional Final, which will be held in Swan Hill on Tuesday, March 10. We congratulate all competitors and wish them well as they move on to the next stage of competition.

RESULTS

Age Champions

• 15 Year Females – Mila Abley
• 15 Year Males – Thomas Hembrow
• 16 Year Females – Hollie Watson
• 17 Year Females – Zarah Reynolds
• 20 Year Males – Miller Nihill

CMCB Team Results

• 13-16 Year Males A Division– 1st
• 13-16 Year Females A Division – 1st
• 13 -14 Years Overall – 4th
• 13-16 Years Overall – 2nd
• 17-20 Year Overall – 1st

New Records

• Mila Abley 15Yr Female 50m Breaststroke 37.06 (Old Record 2017, 37.72)
• Zarah Reynolds 17Yr Female 50m Butterfly 31.06 (Old Record 2022, 31.30)
• 4x50m Medley Relay 17-20 Yr Female 2:17.99 (Old Record 2020, 2:27.25)
• 4x50m Freestyle Relay 17Yr Female 2:08.66 (Old Record 2020, 2:09.70)
• Students and relay teams who placed in the top three of their events:

1st Placings

• Darcy Rodda 13Yr Females 50m Breaststroke
• Mila Abley 15Yr Females 50m Backstroke, 15Yr Females 50m Breaststroke, 12-15Yr Females 200m Individual Medley, Open 100m Breaststroke
• Ella Tyrrell 15Yr Females 50m Freestyle, 15Yr Females 50m Butterfly
• Audrey Hogan 16Yr Females 50m Breaststroke
• Hollie Watson 16Yr Females 50m Freestyle, 16Yr Females 50m Backstroke, 16Yr Females 50m Butterfly, 16-20Yr Females 200m Individual Medley
• Holly Hembrow 16-20Yr Females 200m Freestyle
• Zarah Reynolds 16-20Yr Females 100m Freestyle, 17Yr Females 50m Backstroke, 17Yr Females 50m Freestyle, Open 100m Backstroke, 17Yr Females 50m Butterfly
• Alexander Dobie 15Yr Males 50m Breaststroke
• Thomas Hembrow 15Yr Males 50m Freestyle, 15Yr Males 50m Butterfly
• Miller Nihill 20Yr Males 50m Freestyle, 20Yr Males 50m Backstroke, 20Yr Males 50m Breaststroke, 20Yr Males 50m Butterfly
• 4x50m Medley Relay 16Yr Females
• 4x50m Medley Relay 20Yr Females
• 4x50m Freestyle Relay 15Yr Females
• 4x50m Freestyle Relay 15Yr Males
• 4x50m Freestyle Relay 20Yr Males

2nd Placings

• Darcy Rodda 13Yr Females 50m Butterfly
• Lyra Haythorpe 13Yr Females 50m Freestyle, 13Yr Females 50m Backstroke
• Milanke Haasbroek 12-15Yr Females 200m Freestyle
• Mila Abley 12-15Yr Females 100m Freestyle
• Holly Hembrow Open 100m Butterfly, Open 400m Freestyle, 17Yr Females 50m Butterfly
• Edward Turner 13Yr Males 50m Butterfly
• Thomas Hembrow 15Yr Males 50m Backstroke
• Miller Nihill 16-20Yr Males 100m Freestyle
• 4x50m Freestyle Relay 13Yr Females

3rd Placings

• Zaydah McKenzie 14Yr Females 50m Butterfly
• Charlie Harrop 17Yr Males 50m Breaststroke
• 4x50m Freestyle Relay 14Yr Males
• 4x50m Freestyle Relay 17Yr Females

Congratulations to all swimmers for their dedication and achievements. We look forward to seeing their continued success at the Loddon Mallee Regional Final!

TEAM: Holly Hembrow, Charlie Harrop, Alexander Dobie, Luca Evans, Miller Nihill, Fletcher Stevenson, Zander Walker, Zarah Reynolds, Emily Harris, Finn Westbrook, Benjamin Spicer, Harrison Allen, Edward Turner, Audrey Hogan, Hollie Watson, Morgan Westbrook, Ella Tyrrell, Darcy Rodda, Gus Robertson, Thomas Hembrow, Reid Abley, Mila Abley, Lyra Haythorpe, Daphne Bradley, Zaydah McKenzie, Milanke Haasbroek

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA - SANDHURST DIVISION

Senior Boys Tennis

On Friday 6 March, our Senior Boys Tennis team competed in the Sandhurst competition, taking on Bendigo Senior Secondary College and Castlemaine Secondary College in what turned out to be two competitive and spirited matches. Each round consisted of two doubles elimination rounds followed by four singles matches, with all players representing the school with determination and great sportsmanship.

Round 1 vs Bendigo Senior Secondary College (BSSC)

The boys opened their day against a strong BSSC side, starting with the doubles matches. Both pairs showed excellent teamwork and court awareness, pushing their opponents in long, competitive rallies. Despite their efforts, the boys went down in both doubles rounds.

Heading into the singles, the team continued to fight hard. While BSSC proved to be a formidable opponent, our boys refused to be overwhelmed. Their persistence and positive mindset were rewarded when Sam O’Bree secured a well-earned singles victory. Although the remaining singles went Senior’s way, the boys showed great improvement throughout the round.

Round 2 vs Castlemaine Secondary College

In their second matchup of the day, the boys regrouped and came out firing against Castlemaine. Their renewed confidence paid off early, as the doubles pairing of Griffin O’Shea and Sam O’Bree secured a strong win. This victory lifted the energy of the entire team heading into the singles.

The singles elimination matches were tightly contested, with the boys displaying terrific tennis across all courts. Although Castlemaine claimed three of the four matches, our players produced some exceptional rallies, clever placement, and impressive athleticism. Their effort, teamwork, and enthusiasm were clear highlights of the round.

The boys should be proud of their performance across both matches. They represented the school with skill, resilience, and a fantastic attitude. Well done to all players involved!

TEAM: James Rykers, Griffin O’Shea, Henry Hetherington, Sam O’Bree

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:

• the General Office is notified in advance by email, phone call or PAM notification (this will be entered as a Leave Pass)
• students are collected in the appropriate break time prior to the appointment.

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:

• St Mary’s: 10.44–11.09am OR 1.15–1.55pm (5445 9100 | absencesstmarys@cmc.vic.edu.au)
• Coolock: 11.26–11.51am OR 1.15–1.55pm (5445 9100 | absencescoolock@cmc.vic.edu.au)

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.

• 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

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:

• Acknowledge their experiences and recognise they are ‘not the only one’
• Understand that their feelings and other behavioural reactions are normal
• Develop skills for coping, positive choices, goal setting and decision making
• Build a peer support network and a felt sense of belonging and connection
• Help restore self-confidence, self-esteem and self-respect

If you would like further information, please contact Ms Jo Porter in Wellbeing at the Coolock Campus.

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.

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.

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

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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.