We were blessed with warm Autumn weather for Tuesday’s Athletics Day; thankfully, the rain held off until later in the day!

Well done to all the students who participated and earned points for their house and demonstrated such enthusiastic team spirit. Thank you to all staff members and our senior VET Sport and Recreation students whose work ensured the day ran so smoothly.

Congratulations to McAuley House who claimed the Overall Championship Trophy for the second year in a row. (Read Athletics Carnival report)

Camp Week

Camps for our Year 8 and 9 students at Anglesea, Falls Creek, the Grampians, and Apollo Bay were an outstanding success, with positive feedback received from both students and staff.

The variety of venues provided rich and engaging experiences, enabling students to challenge themselves, strengthen friendships, and build resilience. Staff have commented on the high level of student conduct and cooperation, which made the camps an enjoyable experience for all involved. Thank you to everyone who supported, organised, and attended these camps. (Read more about the camps in Year 8 News and Year 9 News)

Year 7 2027

The Learning Walks this week have been at capacity and we have been delighted to welcome so many Year 6 families considering enrolment at CMCB for 2027. These took place during school hours at the Coolock Campus, to provide families with an authentic insight into learning and teaching at our College.

There are further walks tomorrow and Monday, then we will open our doors again in April and May for Discovery Days for Year 6 students, and additional Learning Walks. Enrolments are now open online for Year 7 2027. The closing date is Friday 8 May. (Book a visit and find out more about Year 7 Enrolment for 2027)

Harmony Week

We pray for the grace to tear down walls that divide us and build bridges of understanding.

We thank you for the gift of cultural diversity in our country and in our College.

Help us to listen more deeply and connect more closely with others who may have a different viewpoint or background.

May we work for unity amongst all your people.

We make this prayer in Jesus’ name

Amen.

Catherine McAuley  College Bendigo Athletics Carnival

The CMCB Annual Athletics Carnival was held at the Lar Birpa Athletics Track on Monday 24 March.

There was a great sense of anticipation as students and staff arrived at the track, with students keen to take part in events and contribute to their House Cup Points. With a point awarded each time a student competed, the encouragement to get involved and support one another was brilliant. This inspiration saw many students step outside their comfort zone as they tried new events and participated with enthusiasm all day long.

The St Mary’s students set the tone for the carnival, recording some strong performances on the track. They were also well represented in the field events, demonstrating skill and consistency across a range of disciplines. A real highlight of the day was watching several St Mary’s students run alongside Coolock students during the 1500m event, offering encouragement and support as they completed the race. This simple but powerful gesture reflected genuine leadership care and a strong sense of community between campuses and was a wonderful example of the values we aim to foster at CMCB.

Participation was however, the standout feature of the Carnival. The large number of competitors at each event was wonderful to see, with students giving their best and enjoying the opportunity to compete with the support and encouragement of staff. House spirit and College community were on show throughout the day, and the feedback received from venue staff was extremely positive and something we can all be very proud of.

Despite a brief shower of rain, the carnival ran to schedule with events completed on time, buses departing as planned, and results tallied and announced at the conclusion of a successful and enjoyable day.

RESULTS:

Individual Year Level Champions were also announced, with all recipients demonstrating strong sportsmanship and consistently high performances across multiple events throughout the day.

Age Champions

• Record Breakers
  Lyla Edwards – Yr 7 Girls 1500m – New Record 5.14.72 (old record 5.30.50 from 2007)

Year Level results:

Overall Results

1. McAuley
2. Djaara
3. MacKillop
4. Backhaus
5. Vincent
6. Champagnat

Congratulations to McAuley House who claimed the Overall Championship Trophy for the second year in a row.

Thank you to all staff members who contributed to the smooth running of the carnival by taking on key roles throughout the day. A special thank you also to our Senior VET Sport and Recreation students, who provided valuable support across each activity.

Well done to all students who participated. Your attendance, effort and enthusiasm contributed to a very successful House Athletics Carnival.

Last week, our College proudly celebrated Harmony Week, a national celebration that recognises Australia’s rich cultural diversity and promotes inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for all. 

Throughout the week, students and staff participated in a range of engaging activities, including chalking “hello” in different languages across the campus, enjoying cultural music during lunchtime, and taking part in traditional Indigenous games on the oval at Coolock. These activities provided a meaningful and engaging way to acknowledge and celebrate the many cultures that make up our community. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the rich diversity at Catherine McAuley College Bendigo

Last Day of Term

Next Tuesday, 31 March, our College community will pause to come together for our Easter Liturgy, a time of reflection, hope, and preparation for the Easter season, while also fundraising for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. At our Coolock Campus, students will take part in the Solidarity Walk along the O’Keefe Trail, and at St Mary’s Campus, students will enjoy a lunchtime carnival in support of this important cause. These activities provide meaningful ways for students to live out the Gospel call to compassion and justice. We sincerely thank our students and families who have generously supported this year’s Project Compassion fundraising campaign,

Sesquicentennial 'Back To' Day

Saturday 2 May | 11am – 3pm, St Mary’s Campus

All members of our College community, including past and present students, staff, parents and friends, are invited to attend our Sesquicentennial celebrations at St Mary's on Saturday 2 May.

Commencing with Mass in the beautiful historic Chapel, celebrated by Fr Jake Mudge with con-celebrant Fr Jackson Saunders, this will be followed by a full afternoon of traditional ‘Back To’ events, including refreshments in the St Mary’s Hall, music performed by current students, an exhibition of memorabilia, the opening of the Jubilee Art Show and student-led tours of the campus. 

A highlight of the afternoon will be the launch of the History Book.

This will be a perfect day to reconnect with old friends, celebrate the achievements of the College over the past 150 years, and enjoy the College's hospitality. Past students and former boarders will not want to miss this once-in-50-years event!

• Mass in the Chapel at 11.00am
• Tours and Book Launch from 12.00pm
• Refreshments
• Art Show
• Memorabilia

To assist with our planning, please RSVP using the link below.

College General Office Closures during the Easter break

Over the school holidays, the St Mary’s General Office will be closed. The Coolock General Office will be open from 9.00am to 3.00pm each day.

Please note, both General Offices will be closed on Monday 6 April for the Easter Monday public holiday.

Preparing for Term 2

We remind families that the blazer is a compulsory part of the Term 2 and Term 3 uniform. This is to be worn to and from school.

Uniform Supplier: Noone

Noone Bendigo is the proud uniform supplier for CMCB and is open six days per week for the convenience of families.

• 21 Queen Street, Bendigo 3550
• Phone: 03 7018 4199
• Email: bendigo@noone.com.au

TRADING HOURS

• Monday – Friday: 9am to 5pm
• Saturday: 9am to 12 noon
• Sunday and public holidays: closed

Congratulations on almost completing Term 1 2026. It is amazing to see the students grow into Year 8. Students and staff are back from camp and below are some galleries picturing camp experiences and the wonderful activities they enjoyed.

Uniform Reminder

Please note that Term 2 is just around the corner and wearing of the College blazer is compulsory throughout Term 2 and 3, including to and from school.

Reconciliation Week

Week 9 will be Reconciliation week with activities run by FIRE Carriers (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education).

Seeds of Justice will be coming soon after camp, chaired by Faith Captions Hannah Torney (Year 8) and Rose Merry Ku (Year 9) at Coolock.

Year 8 Footy Tipping

Students have started a footy tipping competition within classes run by Mercy Homegroup staff. This has been organised and coordinated by our College leaders Preston Anfuso and Isaac Manley. Please speak to your child to see how well their homegroup is going. Well done with this initiative!

Caritas Ks

• Tuesday 31 March 2026
• Last day of term
• Dress: College sports uniform & hat.
• Bring: Sunscreen, snacks, drink bottle. Gold coin donation for the BBQ lunch.
• Lunch: The canteen will be closed at lunchtime. The College will provide a BBQ lunch, and students are invited to bring their own lunch if they prefer.
• Cans of soft drink will also be sold for $2 each.

Year 8 Camp 1

Anglesea Camp 2026

Well done to all students who participated in the camp at Anglesea. The weather was kind to us while there.

Students participated in the following activities: Surfing, Radio Rogaine, Giant Swing, Mountain Biking, Initiatives and Crate Climb.

At camp, there was a whole year level liturgy on Wednesday morning conducted by Fr Junray, as well as surfing with Father Junray who is an avid surfer.

Here are some photos from camp, and there will be more to come in upcoming newsletters.

Year 8 Camp 2

Apollo Bay Camp

On Monday 16 March, forty-six Year 9 students eagerly stepped aboard the bus at 7.00am, bound for Apollo Bay. We arrived in damp conditions; however students were able to pack their backpacks for the 4-day hiking adventure along the Great Ocean Walk. Students visited Blanket Bay, Elliot Ridge, Shelly Beach and Parker Hill before returning to Bimbi Park to board the bus and return home on Thursday 19 March. Students were able to challenge themselves, hiking through the Great Otway National Park, navigating the way, carrying their own equipment, setting up camp and tents whilst cooking food for their group. There were many examples of resilience, with groups able to support each other and complete challenging walks. There were laughs, tears, blisters and new dining experiences. Well done, to all who took on the challenge of walking (some of) the Great Ocean Walk.

Apollo Bay Gallery

Grampians Camp

Our 4‑day hiking camp in the Grampians was both a physical challenge and a memorable opportunity to appreciate one of Victoria’s most striking natural landscapes.

Each day brought a new stretch of bush track, weaving through valleys, forest, and exposed ridgelines. Although the hiking was challenging, it was still a wonderful opportunity. We made new friends and were able to bond with each other in ways that a classroom cannot offer.

One of the highlights was the ascent to the Pinnacle. The steep, rocky sections tested our endurance, but reaching the lookout was well worth the effort. Standing above the sheer cliff edges, with panoramic views felt incredibly rewarding. We also visited MacKenzie Falls, but unfortunately there wasn't any water flowing. On the last day, some groups were able to cool themselves with water from one of the streams along the walk, which was very refreshing, especially after a long hike.

Camping each night allowed us to unwind and reflect. Cooking together, sharing stories, and watching the stars helped build a strong sense of teamwork. Although the hiking pushed us beyond our comfort zones at times, the experience strengthened our resilience and deepened our appreciation for the natural beauty of the Grampians.

Grampians Gallery

Falls Creek Camp

On Monday, over 120 students and eleven CMCB staff headed to our newest Year 9 camp venue with great energy and enthusiasm, however on arrival at our meeting point our groups’ mental toughness was immediately put to the test. As soon as students and staff exited their buses the heavens opened and we were confronted with constant rain, as we busily scrambled to put on our waterproof gear and pack our backpacks. Our first day and night were certainly the toughest challenges we would face on camp, however our students demonstrated excellent resilience and showed great support for their group and one another. Over the course of the four days, students hiked along their journey exploring the huts, grand vistas and unique landscapes of the Victorian Alps. Along the way students worked as a team, built strong connections, developed their navigation and problem-solving skills and had plenty of practice preparing meals, washing dishes and setting up and packing up tents. Night activities included taking in the full night sky without light pollution, games, funny stories and the occasional funny joke, but ultimately the best part was the time students and staff had to relax, unwind and enjoy each other’s company.

After completing twenty to thirty kilometres across the four days and with more rain on the way, it came time to do a final pack up, as we awaited the arrival of our buses. Our students had met every challenge thrown at them thus far, but as Murphy’s law would have it, we were subjected to one final downpour of rain before the buses arrived. Taking this final challenge in their stride, our students huddled together under tarps and found any other shelter they could, all with a smile on their faces.

Overall, we could not be prouder of the way our students and staff performed on our Year 9 Camp, and we would like to thank all our students for their wonderful participation. A big thank you also goes out to all staff who attended camp – the camp could not have gone ahead and been so successful without your hard work, encouragement and leadership.

Falls Creek Gallery

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

The 2026 College Home Handbook is now available. 

This comprehensive resource has been designed to support all our families by outlining the wide range of opportunities our College provides. Inside, you will find clear information about our academic and pastoral programs, as well as easy access to key policies, procedures, and helpful links.

The Handbook aims to assist families in understanding how we support students at every stage of their learning journey, from their first day through to their senior years. It brings together the essential details you may need across all year levels, ensuring you feel informed, supported, and connected with College life.

We warmly encourage you to take the time to read through this document and download a copy as a reference throughout the year.

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

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.

Our VCE Unit 1 Environmental Science students recently enjoyed a fieldtrip to Kyabram Fauna Park, where they explored biodiversity, with a special focus on the rich biodiversity of wetland ecosystems. 

Students loved getting up close with nature, interacting with and feeding the resident kangaroos, and observing animals in their enclosures. The cassowaries, koalas and dingoes were among the favourites - though it was hard to go past the very cute meerkats! A great day of hands-on learning and curiosity in action.

Kyabram Fauna Park

It was really great to hear from Noah Booth, Sammi Kelly, Elsie Bales and Asha Dodd about their experiences on exchange to France. They shared insightful stories of the ups and downs from their visits and gave advice to those of us thinking about doing an exchange.

Asha and Elsie both went in Year 10, Asha for six months and Elsie for three. While they both said they had difficulties caused by their limited French knowledge, they agreed that the cultural experience greatly improved their speaking and listening skills after a few weeks in the country.

Sammi and Noah are both in Year 12 this year, Noah after skipping the Australian school year in 2025 to go on exchange for seven months. Sammi visited France for one month, after having already been on exchange for three months after Year 10. She said she had learnt much more French in Year 11, and the opportunity to practise that in France again really improved her skills. (Maggie Lamb, Year 11)

It was interesting to hear about so many different experiences in the exchange programs in France, especially from multiple companies. It was also interesting to hear about their stories with their host families and how they had to speak with French people with poor French. They seemed to agree that by spending so much time around French people their French skills had improved heaps and they felt they had begun to think as well as speak in French. (Lacey Dunlop and Jolli Qadous, Year 10)

It was very informative to hear about Noah, Sammi, Elsie and Asha’s experiences on their exchange trip to France. Hearing about how it not only helped improve their speaking but was a lifechanging and exciting journey where they learned more about French culture, opened my eyes to the idea of going on exchange myself. (Audrey Hogan, Year 10)

Term 1 has been a very busy one for our Arts crew. We have had students participating in several events for the school calendar, across both the performing and visual arts.

In Music classrooms, our senior students have been busily preparing their recital programs for performance later in Term 2. Our Year 8s have been working on a large ensemble work with Mr Collard, and our Year 7s have now got their instruments home and should be working towards learning how to play the first five notes on their instruments. Our Year 7 students will be presenting a performance in their class bands in Week 6 of Term 2, as part of their instrumental assessments in Music.

Music students supported the Project Compassion Launch in the Hargreaves Mall for Caritas on Shrove Tuesday. At the Ash Wednesday liturgies, our singers helped to mark the beginning of Lent with some beautiful music.

A few student soloists also came in bright and early on 6 March to attend the International Women’s Day Sesquicentenary Breakfast. They delighted attendees before and after the panel discussion with a selection of songs celebrating inclusion and empowerment.

Next week we have the Easter Liturgy, our final liturgy for this term, highlighting the Stations of the Cross. Our choir and soloists will be singing to support the powerful visual journey of Jesus’ crucifixion, being portrayed by our Year 12 students (many of whom will be drawing on their Year 8 Drama experience) to bring this series of moments to life.

In the Visual Arts, our students in Mr Hughes’ Year 10 Textiles class were lucky enough to meet and speak with former student, television personality, advocate and artist, Leila Gurruwiwi. Leila enjoyed touring the classrooms and recalling her own studies at the school. The students in Textiles were discussing their Semester 1 projects with her and enjoyed showing their progress. As the term draws to a close, senior classes are busily preparing their portfolios on their individual themes and design briefs.

Busy Term 1 for Arts

This week, the production team finished Act 1 of ‘Rock of Ages'! 

Despite Camp Week for our Year 8s and 9s, the remaining cast worked incredibly hard to get our massive final number finished, with the help of our choreographer and 2025 Arts Captain Tarah Frawley.

On Wednesday, we began our costume fittings with Anita from SMACS Performing Arts Group. This will continue over the next week as we move on with Act 2 – learning harmonies, blocking and choreography before we head into Ulumbarra Theatre in June for our performances.

Production Rehearsal Sunday 22 March

As part of the Year 10 Media Film making Unit, Lillyanne and Addison worked collaboratively to create their own individual handmade puppets who also feature in their 3-minute silent film. Titled, ‘Puppets and Poison’, they had fun learning how to use the media production process to design, create, develop and construct a narrative.

Year 10 Media students learn production skills which include planning, scripting, storyboarding, filming and editing. Within the film making unit, students are taught digital technologies such as how to use cameras, audio equipment, and editing software such as Adobe Premier Pro.

Year 7 Art students created an artwork that represents themself in the form of a silhouette. Their silhouette was outlined before adding symbols that depict their interests and passions to the inner section. The use of layering acrylic paint for the background, giving consideration to the colour choice, was explored as well as the use of pencil and fine liners.

Our first‑year Sport and Recreation students recently visited Neangar Park Driving Range to identify real‑world risks and hazards as part of their Sports Safety cluster. The hands‑on experience helped them connect classroom learning with a practical sporting environment.

After completing their safety observations, students enjoyed some time on the range to show off their golf skills, complete with plenty of big hits and laughs.

A big thank you to Neangar Park for hosting us. The students had a great day and appreciated the opportunity to learn in such a supportive space.

VET Sport and Recreation Neanger Park Golf

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA - LODDON MALLEE REGION

Senior Boys Cricket

After a change of day and venue due to heavy rain, the Senior boys arrived at the Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct on Friday 6 March, with a chance to win through to the State Semi Finals, if they could notch up a couple of wins at the Regional Titles. The squad was in good spirits as they warmed up and went through their paces. Skipper Finn Millar unfortunately lost the toss against St Joseph’s College, Echuca, who chose to bat first on a great-looking wicket.

Max Thompson took the new ball and immediately felt the force of a strong batting line-up, going for 15 off the first over. St Joseph’s opening partnership continued to flourish, and it wasn’t until Tom Smith’s third and final over that the boys were able to break through their defences thanks to some devious bowling. Miller then turned to spin with Zane MacDonald with great effect, as he not only took wickets but also restricted St Joseph’s flow of runs as he finished with 3/13 off his 3 overs. With the game somewhat back on even terms, St Joseph finished on 4/110 from their 14 overs.

Bowling:

• Max Thompson 3 – 0 – 0 – 27
• Riley Travaglia 2 – 0 – 0 – 8
• Tom Smith 3 – 0 – 1 – 28
• Miller Armstrong 2 – 0 – 0 – 21
• Zane MacDonald 3 – 0 – 3 – 13
• Jakobi Kramer 1 – 0 – 0 – 9

The boys went in with the same batting plans that had worked in the previous couple of games, however some strong and disciplined bowling by St Joseph’s kept the boys to just 1/31 after the powerplay. Millar (6) and Armstrong (33) found the going tough early, while Jackson Harris thoroughly enjoyed his promotion to 3, hitting 24 from 19. Thompson then joined forces with Travaglia, with the need to put the foot down, but once again St Joseph’s tight line and length bowling saw the boys struggling to get runs away. In the end, CMCB finished at 4/104, falling just 6 runs short as the tense and epic final two overs played out. Despite the loss, the intent and effort were never questioned, as the boys gave it their all.

Batting:

• Finn Millar 6 (8)
• Miller Armstrong 33 (31)
• Jackson Harris 24 (19)
• Max Thompson 25 (18)
• Riley Travaglia 9 (6)
• Max Nicholas 3 (2)

Congratulations to all the boys who represented the school in senior cricket this year. A massive thank you to Mrs Pearce and Ms Speed for their support throughout the two days of competition, and to Mrs Julieanne Hewitt for her expert scoring.

TEAM: Mr Michael Van Dorsser (Coach), Miller Armstrong, Finn Millar, Samual Scott, James Balic, Riley Travaglia, Aydan Hand, Jacobi Kramer, Tom Smith, Jackson Harris, Max Thompson, Zane MacDonald, Maxwell Nicholas

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA - SANDHURST DIVISION

Senior Boys Volleyball

Our Senior Boys Volleyball team represented the school with pride at this week’s Sandhurst Competition, producing a day of impressive improvement, exciting rallies, as well as incorporating plenty of laughs and encouragement across their three matches.

Game 1: CMCB vs Castlemaine Secondary College

The boys opened the day with a tightly contested match against Castlemaine. Both sets were neck and neck from start to finish, with neither team able to break away. Despite the effort and some terrific defensive play, our boys fell just short, losing 21–19 and 20–18 in two incredibly close sets.

Game 2: CMCB vs Bendigo Senior Secondary College

In their second match, the boys faced the powerhouse Bendigo Senior team, who went on to win the entire tournament. Although the scoreboard read 20–6 and 20–8, the team showed tremendous growth throughout the match. Their communication, structure, and confidence all lifted as they adapted to the fast pace and strong opposition.

Game 3: CMCB vs SEDA

The final match of the day was a thrilling three-set battle. The boys burst out of the blocks, taking the first set 20–10 with dominant serving and controlled attacking play. The second set was much tighter, and despite having opportunities late in the set, the boys were edged out 22–20. Falling behind 13–7 in the deciding set, the team showed remarkable resilience and composure, winning the next eight points in a row to take the set 15-7 and secure the match 2-1.

Throughout the day, the boys were an absolute delight to coach. Their teamwork, spirit, and skill development improved with every point played, which was a credit to them and their positive attitude.

Congratulations to all on a fantastic day of volleyball!

TEAM: Elliot Ryan, Samuel Whitford, Duncan Strachan, Jack Dalton, Tee Kaw Plo Soe Mya, Owen Perry, Daniel Nger, Taw Klu Htoo

SCHOOL SPORTS VICTORIA - SANDHURST DIVISION

Junior Volleyball

On Tuesday 3 March, eight schools from the Greater Bendigo Region gathered at Red Energy Arena for the Sandhurst Junior Volleyball Tournament. The CMCB students gave it their all, showing great teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the day.

Junior Girls

The Junior Girls hit the courts full of enthusiasm, and despite their inexperience, they were determined to do well. This drive and excitement for the day saw them get off to a flying start in Game 1. Playing Weeroona College 2, the girls won a close contest, winning the first set and drawing the second set, to secure the points. In Game 2, despite some great teamwork and brilliant individual moments, the team went down in a close game against the eventual pool winners, Eaglehawk Secondary College. After losing the first set by just a few points and then leading 18-16 in the second set, time unfortunately ran out and the point differential saw the girls just miss out on the win. The final pool match against Crusoe College saw the team rebound and play some inspired volleyball to secure a comfortable win and finish second in their pool.

The girls’ hopes of advancing to the finals depended on all match results, and unfortunately, they just missed out. Despite this, there were some standout performances across the day - Captain Scarlette Templar led by example and inspired her teammates all day long. Emily Dullard and Macaila Bannan won numerous points by landing some impressive, spiked shots. Isabella McCarthy’s controlled digging and setting from the back court was outstanding. Eden Rogers’ serving was clinical, especially when the team won eight consecutive points to close out the match against Crusoe. Macey Nielsen showed massive improvement as a leader on the day. Colbie O’Bree and Perry Westley fought with determination on numerous occasions to keep the ball in play and the team in the contest. It was a fantastic day, and the improvement of all team members from the first training session to competition day was remarkable, congratulations girls.

Mr Craig Green (Coach)

TEAM: Mr Craig Green (Coach), Macey Nielsen, Macaila Bannan, Emily Dullard, Isabelle McCarthy, Scarlette Templar, Colbie O’Bree, Perry Westley, Eden Rogers

Junior Boys

The CMCB boys played six games throughout the day, with most matches being very close. Game 1 against East Loddon P-12 College was a tough start for the boys, as they went down by just two points despite a strong start early in the match. They then played Weeroona College who were a very strong team, and even though the effort was exceptional, the boys just couldn’t quite match their classy opposition. Gus Ritchie showed great leadership as he kept the talk up between the boys, lifting the engagement of the team. The boys found their rhythm against Crusoe College, playing two close sets to come away with the win.

The team then finished the day with a solid block of matches that proved to be memorable encounters. They lost to Victory Christina College in a close encounter where Jonah Say, Henry Kleinert and Eddie Mansfield held the lineup at the net, performing some excellent blocks and sending spikes down to win some great points. The team then went on a blitz against Bendigo South East College and Eaglehawk Secondary College, winning their final two matches of the day.

Say Ku Shwe served with pinpoint accuracy, which turned the tide in both games as the team racked up the points on the back of his precision. Other players, like Simeon Bu, Mar Dret Mary and Josh Prowse, stepped up with some impressive individual plays. It was a terrific way to finish the day, with the highlight being the impressive sportsmanship that was on display by all players throughout the tournament.

In the end, after point percentages were taken into consideration, CMCB finished 5th overall, with Weeroona College taking the championship.

Mr Shannan Merrett (Coach)

A big thank you to Year 9 students Arianna Gibson, Sophia Clare, Madeleine McCarthy, Leana Peace, Rose Merry Ku, Simon Bu and Seth Janxy Liceralde, who used their volleyball experience to umpire games and give both teams some great tips over the course of the day.

TEAM: Henry Kleinert, Jonah Say, Eddie Mansfield, Say Ku Shwe, Mr Shannan Merrett (Coach), Mar Dret Mary, Simeon Bu, Joshua Prowse, Gus Ritchie

The Peak Performance Program is running again for Term 2, 2026. 

This enhanced program is designed to help Years 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 & Where:

• Dates: Monday 27 April – Wednesday 24 June
• Location: Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct at CMCB
• Times: Monday and Wednesday mornings 7.30-8.30am

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.

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.

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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