The final stretch is underway for Year 12 students

There are many milestones fast approaching, such as the Year 12 final day, VCE written exams commencing 27 October, Bendigo and Melbourne Cup Days, as well as the day-to-day teaching and learning and a multitude of co-curricular activities.

Some VCE Units 3/4 students have already commenced exams, with Language orals and Drama performance exams taking place in the past two weeks. Following their recent recital, we wish our VCE Music students well for their performance exams this weekend and the following one. Written Examinations will commence on 28 October.

We look forward to gathering as a whole College next Wednesday 21 October, to farewell the Class of 2026 cohort with a whole College assembly.

We wish all students well throughout the exam period and look forward to the Graduation Mass and Celebration on 19 November.

During the recent school holidays, twenty-one Year 11 Mercy in Action students embarked on an unforgettable 11-day immersion experience in Cambodia. The journey provided students with the opportunity to put faith into action, deepen their understanding of social justice, and experience a vibrant culture rich in history, resilience and community.

A highlight of the trip was partnering with Volunteer Building Cambodia to help build a home for a local Cambodian family. Despite the challenging heat and humidity, students enthusiastically took on a range of tasks including constructing scaffolding, painting, sanding, varnishing, screwing, carrying materials and construction. As the house took shape, so too did students' understanding of the importance of compassion, dignity, and service. The experience was a powerful reminder that even small acts, when carried out together, can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and truly embody Mercy in Action.

Students also explored the bustling, tree-lined streets of Phnom Penh, gaining insight into Cambodia's history, culture and contemporary life. Through visits to significant landmarks and community organisations, they developed a greater appreciation for the strength and resilience of the Cambodian people. A unique service opportunity saw students participating in the Free the Bears "Keeper for a Day" conservation program, where they learned about wildlife protection and the important work being done to care for rescued bears.

The group travelled to Siem Reap, where they explored one of the world's most iconic sites, the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat. Discovering these ancient wonders by bicycle allowed students to connect with Cambodia's rich cultural heritage in a memorable and engaging way.

Students also enjoyed a hands-on cooking class and cultural immersion experience at Kompheim Village, where they learned traditional Cambodian cooking techniques and experienced the hospitality of the local community. Another special experience was receiving a private blessing from Buddhist monks through the Life and Hope Association, an organisation supporting disadvantaged women and children.

Throughout the immersion, students dined at several NGO-supported restaurants, learning how social enterprises can create opportunities and support vulnerable communities. They were inspired by the many ways individuals and organisations are working to bring about positive change. The journey concluded with a farewell dinner and a spectacular traditional Apsara dance performance, providing a fitting celebration of the friendships, experiences and memories made throughout the trip.

The success of this immersion experience would not have been possible without the incredible support of our school and wider community. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to our fundraising efforts throughout the year. Whether you purchased tickets in our Easter Raffle, supported the $1,000 Draw, bought Cadbury chocolates, attended our bake sales, or visited our Bunnings BBQ, your generosity helped make this life-changing opportunity possible. The funds raised contributed to the house-building project and supported local Cambodian communities. We are deeply grateful for the encouragement, kindness, and support shown by all who helped us on this journey.

This immersion was much more than a travel experience. It challenged students to step outside their comfort zones, develop a deeper understanding of global citizenship, and discover what it truly means to be Mercy in Action. As a Mercy community, we are proud of the compassion, resilience, and commitment demonstrated by our students throughout this experience. We return home with unforgettable memories, new perspectives, and a renewed appreciation for the values of service, justice, and human dignity. The lessons learned, the relationships formed, and the impact of this experience will remain with our students long after their return home. We thank our school and wider community for their generosity and support in making this remarkable and transformative journey possible.

Guest speaker Robyn Livingston recently visited our school on behalf of Zonta Bendigo. Over the course of three days, she visited different Year 11 and Year 12 Personal Development Skills and Religious Education classes and talked to students about the Zonta Birthing Kit Foundation.

Robyn explained how Zonta helps women and families around the world through community projects and by speaking up for people in need. She also explained how communities can work together to help others.

Students then helped put together birthing kits. These kits are sent to countries where many women do not have access to clean and safe places to give birth. The kits include gloves, gauze, cord ties and a plastic sheet. These items help prevent infections and make childbirth safer for mothers and babies.

Robyn also asked students about their future jobs and personal goals. She encouraged us to think about how our future careers could help other people and our communities.

By putting the birthing kits together, the Year 11 and 12 students practised the values they learned in Personal Development Skills and Religious Education. The experience was useful and rewarding. It showed us that even small acts of kindness can help people around the world.

Christal Bell David

Celebrating a Remarkable Creative Achievement

We are delighted to congratulate Year 9 student Indi Stringer on the exceptional honour of being commissioned by Mercy Ministry Companions to create the cover artwork for their core formation document, Journeying Together: Formation Pathways within Mercy Ministry Companions.

This significant resource is used across Mercy ministries throughout Australia, including education, health and community services, supporting the formation of staff and leaders who continue the mission and values of Mercy. To have her artwork selected for such an important publication is a remarkable achievement and recognition of her artistic talent.

Indi is a proud Aboriginal woman. Deeply connected to her culture, community and Country, she is passionate about exploring many forms of art, particularly performance, and the creation of Indigenous artworks. Drawing inspiration from the people and environment around her, Indi weaves stories, relationships and cultural knowledge into her creative practice.

Her artwork is guided by the values of kindness, compassion and community, reflecting her desire to create meaningful connections and make a positive difference in the lives of others. These values resonate strongly with the Mercy tradition and are beautifully expressed through her artistic work.

We are incredibly proud of Indi for this outstanding accomplishment. Through her creativity, she has made a lasting contribution to the wider Mercy community, with her artwork now helping to inspire staff and leaders across Mercy ministries throughout Australia.

Congratulations, Indi, on this well-deserved recognition. Your gifts, creativity and commitment to sharing culture and connection are a source of great pride for our school community.

Throughout the year, our Units 3 and 4 creative students have worked with dedication, creativity and innovation to produce an outstanding range of pieces; artworks, designs and projects across our Arts and Technologies subjects.

We are excited to showcase these works in the Marian Foyer from 15 to 22 October, providing our school community with an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, talents and growth of our students. We thank our dedicated teachers for their outstanding work and Mrs Nicole Villani (Arts and Technology Technician) for her support in presenting these works to the CMCB community.

As part of this exhibition program, we invite you to attend three special events:

Visual Arts Exhibition Launch

Thursday 15 October, 1.30pm in the Marian Foyer
Join us as we officially open the exhibition and celebrate the outstanding work created by our Visual Arts students.

Unit 4 Drama Performance Evening

Thursday 15 October, 6.00pm in the Marian Theatre
Experience a selection of original and engaging performances developed by our Unit 4 Drama students.

Media Showcase Reel Presentation

Tuesday 20 October, Lunchtime
Enjoy a presentation of outstanding media productions created by our senior Media students throughout the year.

We warmly encourage students, families, staff and community members to visit the exhibition and support our young artists, performers and creators as they share the results of their hard work and creative journeys.

Yours in the Arts,
CMCB Arts and Technologies Staff

Monday 23 November 2026

The CMCB community is invited to join us in celebrating the sporting achievements of our student athletes from Year 7 to Year 12 in 2026.

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

Awards presented on the night:

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

Where: Marian Theatre, St Mary’s Campus

When: Monday 23 November at 6.15pm for 6.30pm start

Dress: Smart Casual

Light refreshments at conclusion of presentations.

The Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP) Scholarship is now open for applications, offering an excellent opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to access additional support for their learning and future pathways. 

We encourage families to take a moment to explore this valuable program and discuss it with their child. 

This scholarship aims to recognise leadership, strengthen cultural identity, and support students to thrive in their education. Families interested in completing an application are to contact Mr Matt Smith at the College via email at msmith@cmc.vic.edu.au for further information.

As we approach the Christmas season, many young people may be adding the latest technology to their wish lists, including smart glasses and other wearable devices that incorporate cameras, microphones and internet connectivity.

Catherine McAuley College Bendigo wishes to advise parents and students that smart glasses and camera-enabled or recording-enabled wearable devices are not permitted to be worn by students at school or during College activities.

This includes any eyewear or wearable technology capable of recording video, taking photographs, recording audio, livestreaming, transmitting information, sending messages, or accessing online content.

The College has taken this position to safeguard the privacy, safety and wellbeing of all students, staff and visitors, and to maintain a learning environment free from unnecessary distractions and privacy concerns. While these devices may be marketed as innovative wearable technology, they also introduce significant challenges for schools, particularly where recording can occur without the knowledge or consent of others.

To ensure our policies remain responsive to rapidly evolving technology, the College has updated the definitions within its Student Use of Personal Digital Devices Policy and Procedures. Smart glasses and similar wearable technologies are now explicitly captured within the definition of a Personal Digital Device.

A Personal Digital Device (PDD) includes any privately owned electronic device capable of storing, accessing, creating, recording, transmitting or receiving information. This includes mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart watches, smart glasses, wearable recording devices, earbuds, headphones, gaming devices, and any other internet-enabled, communication-enabled or recording-enabled technology.

As Christmas approaches, many families may be considering wearable technology as a gift for their child. While these devices often appear similar to ordinary glasses, they can include sophisticated features such as cameras, microphones, internet connectivity and artificial intelligence functions. We appreciate that parents and carers may not always be aware of the full capabilities, benefits and risks associated with these emerging technologies. To help families make informed decisions, we have provided a selection of resources that explore the privacy, safety and wellbeing considerations linked to wearable recording devices.

Regardless of whether these devices are privately owned or received as gifts, smart glasses and other wearable recording devices are not permitted to be worn by students at Catherine McAuley College Bendigo.

Helpful Resources for Parents and Carers

Before purchasing wearable technology for your child, you may wish to review the following resources:

• eSafety Commissioner – Information about online safety, privacy, cyberbullying and emerging technologies.
• Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) – Privacy guidance and information about collecting and sharing images and personal information.
• Raising Children Network – Practical advice for parents on digital technologies and online safety.
• Common Sense Media – Reviews and information about technology, apps and devices used by young people.

As technology continues to evolve, the College remains committed to working in partnership with families to support safe, respectful and responsible use of technology both at school and in the broader community.

This year, one of CMCB’s Year 12 Personal Development Skills (PDS) classes had the privilege of partnering with SCOPE in facilitating the 2026 Bendigo Balloon Football League, creating meaningful connections and unforgettable memories along the way.

Each week, students stepped into a variety of roles including scoring games, central umpiring, goal umpiring, boundary umpiring, and assisting participants in wheelchairs to ensure everyone could fully enjoy the experience. Their enthusiasm, care, and positive attitude helped create a welcoming environment where fun, inclusion, and participation were at the heart of every game.

As the season progressed, students grew in confidence and developed valuable communication, leadership, and initiative skills. They formed genuine connections with participants, SCOPE staff, disability support workers, carers, and families, all of whom frequently commented on the kindness, respect, and maturity shown by our students.

The success of the season was measured not only in games played, but in the smiles, friendships, and sense of community that grew each week. It was a truly moving and empowering experience, and one that students and staff eagerly looked forward to. We are incredibly proud of the commitment, compassion, and personal growth demonstrated by our students throughout this wonderful partnership.

On the last Thursday of Term 3, our VCE Music students presented their recitals to an audience of family and friends in the Marian Theatre. 

Year 11 students were required to perform for 15 minutes, and the Year 12 students each performed for 20 minutes in a mix of solo and ensemble works.

The recital was very well attended, and the students performed brilliantly! The audience were entranced by genres from classical to hard rock, from Jazz to progressive math fusion.

It was fantastic to hear students performing so many works, and performing together in a range of ensembles, exploring music outside their comfort zones. A fantastic way to end the term!

• Tommy Wurf | Bass Guitar
• Tyler Martin | Drums
• River Farrow | Bass Guitar, Tenor Saxophone
• Will Kinnersley | Drums
• Henry Heatherington | Drums
• Rory Thompson | Voice
• Daniel Hockley | Voice
• Jamie Dearricott | Piano

Year 11 and 12 Vocational Major Students – Structured Workplace Learning August/September 2026

In Week 8 of Term 3, our VM students were on placement in various workplaces throughout Bendigo. The week proved to be very positive, with all Year 12 VM students completing successful placements and all students securing full-time, part-time, or casual work for 2027. Well done to all our Year 12 VM students! An outstanding week!

Our students completed placements in a variety of industries, including: building and construction, hospitality, education, health, plumbing, shearing and early childhood. CMCB staff made observational visits to the workplace. Our students were very engaged, listening intently, clearly learning new skills, and developing clarity around future career options.

“I did my work placement at the Bendigo club. While on work placement there, I was serving meals to customers, working in the bistro and behind the bar. I learnt a lot from working in the hospitality industry. It was a very good place to do work experience, and I had a great experience in working with customers, talking to many different people and understanding how a hospitality business works. I’ve now got some work at the Bendigo Club, I’ve been working there for two weeks, and I love it! I’m growing in confidence every session! There are many possibilities to move up into higher positions in the hospitality industry, and I can work anywhere in Australia or overseas.” Oskar Chilver – Year 12.

Three students - Grace, Alyssa and Bronte, recently attended Defying the Drift 2026 at Longerenong College, where they explored exciting career pathways, developed new skills, and connected with industry professionals who are passionate about the future of agriculture.

Throughout the event, students participated in hands-on activities, listened to inspiring guest speakers, and gained a deeper understanding of the diverse opportunities available within the agricultural sector. From livestock and agronomy to technology and agribusiness, students were encouraged to think about the many ways they can make a positive impact in regional communities and beyond.

We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, curiosity, and professionalism our students demonstrated throughout the event. Experiences like these help build confidence, broaden horizons, and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.

The Royal Melbourne Show Steer Carcass competition was held over the September holidays. VET Agriculture students have spent all year getting three steers ready, in partnership with Wattledene Murray Greys. Our results were very pleasing with our highest Murrey Grey in Heavy Domestic class placing eighteenth overall in a class of fifty.

At just seventeen months of age Charlie Weighed 558kg and produced a 299kg carcass with grand total of 88.93 considering eating quality, market specifications and lean meat yield.

Year 9 students have made ‘brain hats’ in class as part of their Nervous System unit in Science, covering the brain.

The idea was to show that, generally speaking, the cerebral cortex can be divided into two hemispheres and four lobes, each with specific roles. It also highlighted the location of each lobe as, when they wear the hats, they can see and point to each lobe’s location in the skull.

Welcome to Term 4!

We hope you all had a restful holiday break.

The Year 7s have officially entered the “last quarter” of their first year at Catherine McAuley College Bendigo, and we continue to be very proud of them.

We want our students to finish well, and we thank you for your role in creating a team-based approach to ensuring your child achieves their personal best.

An important part of that is our Year 7 teaching and support team. They are there day in and day out to support your child.

YEAR 7 ART

In Art, Year 7 students undertook a drawing and painting activity where students explored how to represent themselves and their interests within the silhouette outline of their head in profile. Materials used include graphite, wax crayon, water colour and acrylic paints.

Exciting things are coming…and we will inform you more about our Mercy in Action Day on Wednesday 2 December, where all Year 7 students participate in workshops designed to build community connections.

Let’s make this our best term yet.

Mrs Kim Greenwell, Mr Sebastian Greene, Mrs Sarah Cody and Ms Alyssa Lemon, Year 7 Leadership Team

Welcome back to Term 4 and some warmer weather. Thanks to all those students who arrived in correct summer uniform. Just a reminder that Term 4 brings both sunnier days and the expectation that all students will be wearing the College bucket hat.

RAW Arts Awards - participants

Congratulations to our two Year 8 students who participated in the recent Bendigo RAW Arts Awards. Rowan Egan and Mabel Hogan both received copies of the 2026 RAW Book to reflect participation.

Digital Thumbprint Presentation

In the final week of Term 3, all students participated in the Digital Thumbprint presentation, in which cyber safety issues and troubleshooting strategies were discussed. All participants were offered useful strategies for staying safe online.

Term 4 - Hats (for parents to know and students to follow)

The process for students regarding the wearing of hats at Coolock throughout Term 4 is a simple one.

All students must wear a hat during recess and lunch as well as any outdoor classes.

From Week 2 students will receive Out of Uniform Reflections if they do not have a valid reason for not wearing their hat.

If a student does not have a hat, they must be in the shade of McAuley Squire only. This is not negotiable.

Athletics

On Tuesday 8 September, the CMCB students from Catherine McAuley College Athletics Team competed at the Sandhurst Division Athletics Carnival at the La Birpa Athletics Track in Bendigo. The team consisted of 57 students with 29 students qualifying for the Loddon Mallee Regional Finals.

Then on Thursday 17 September, twenty-eight CMCB students proudly represented the school. Their efforts were reflected in the results, with the team bringing home twenty-six medals.

Netball

On Wednesday 2 September the Year 8 Girls Netball Team travelled to the State Sports Centre in Parkville for the Victorian School Netball Championships Finals Day.

Shrek - The Musical

We are pleased to announce that the 2027 Production is Shrek: The Musical!

Find out more or go to Simon for the audition link.

Coolock auditions will be held on Thursday 22 October and Friday 23 October (Week 3 in E12)

Auditions are split into three groupings:

• Before Break 1: Lead singing roles
• Between Break 1 and 2: Supporting singing roles
• After Break 2: Supporting acting roles and ensemble roles (Ensemble audition will include a small dance number, to see how well you can pick up and follow choreography)

For further questions please reach out to Ms Cilauro or Mrs Sexton.

Congratulations to 8E - Chocolate Weigh In

Finishing off on a high, students were encouraged to bring as many chocolate and lolly prizes to contribute to the fun that was had on Mercy Day. A weighing competition of who had the most was held. 8E comprehensively one, with an impressive 2.8 kilograms of chocolate. They will celebrate their win with a hot chip lunch, on Friday 16 October.

Well done to all on a smooth start to Term 4.

Mrs Hayley Lethlean, Mr Josh Hann and Mrs Marine Snyman

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA - SANDHURST DIVISION

Intermediate Girls Cricket

With dew on the grass and the promise of a fast outfield. Captain Sienna Barnett won the toss and elected to bat in our first game against Marist College, Bendigo.

Macey White and Evie Gretgrix opened the batting and settled in quickly, looking comfortable at the crease and ready for a long day with the bat. Both eventually retired to give our next batters the chance to experience that glorious feeling of middling one straight out of the screws. Vice-captain Macey White top-scored with an unbeaten 53*, while Sienna Barnett came in at first drop and compiled a tidy 48 runs. The team finished with an impressive 160 runs from their 15 overs.

It was too close to split bowlers Evie Gretgrix, Zare Mould and Macey White, who all finished with two wickets apiece. A special mention to Sienna Barnett, whose very first delivery of the innings drew a collective "woooahh" from the Marist dugout before backing it up by taking a wicket with her second ball.

The second game was against Crusoe College, a side the girls knew would require patience with the bat and a disciplined effort in the field. Once again, CMCB were sent in to bat first. Evie Gretgrix showed excellent composure against the new ball, while Macey White got off to another strong start before falling to a very close run-out decision. Mia Behrens contributed valuable runs through the middle order, helping the team post a total of 72 runs.

The girls were eager to get the ball in hand and challenge their strong top order. Sienna Barnett struck an important blow in the third over, and if we could show you the run worm graph, you'd see just how tight the contest was throughout. The scores remained neck-and-neck from over to over. Unfortunately, a couple of dropped chances and a standout innings from Crusoe's number two batter proved the difference. Crusoe eventually reached the target with 12 balls to spare, handing us a narrow defeat.

Despite the result, the girls showed fantastic determination and competitiveness throughout the day, with plenty of positives to take into the next round.

A big thank you to Mr Van Dorsser, James Lenaghan and Param Thakar for umpiring and scoring for the team on the day.

Mrs Nat West, Coach

TEAM: Etta Place, Paige Kristiansen, Indie Kramer, Zara Mould, Mia Behrens, Imogen Brown, Lilly Teuma, Mrs Nat Westm, Sienna Raco, Evie Gretgrix, Elle Gilchrist, Macey White, Sienna Barnett, Bella Cail

World Championships for Milanke Haasbroek

Modern Pentathlon Australia recently announced that CMCB Year 7 student Milanke Haasbroek will represent Australia at the 2026 UIPM (International Modern Pentathlon Union) Biathle & Triathle World Championships in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, from 26 October to 1 November.

In less than one year, the hardworking and talented student has already made her mark on the sporting scene at Catherine McAuley College Bendigo, representing the College in all swimming, cross-country, and athletics events. In July, Milanke qualified for the Australian Cross Country Championship.

At the recent Loddon Mallee Division Track and Field Regional Championships, Milanke produced a remarkable performance in the 12-13 Years Girls 1500m event. She not only claimed first place but also broke the long-standing Loddon Mallee Regional record, running an impressive time of 4:57.33. The previous record of 5:48.06 had stood since 2017, making this achievement even more significant.

Congratulations Milanke! We wish you every success in Portugal.

We are pleased to announce that the 2027 Production is Shrek The Musical!

"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek..." And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand... and his name is Shrek.

Auditions will be held at both Campuses in 15-minute group auditions with five students in each group for lead/supporting singing roles and ten students in each group for ensemble auditions. All students wanting to participate in the 2027 Production are required to audition.

Auditions will be held in Week 3:

• St Mary's Auditions: Tuesday 20 October – CHAPEL
• Coolock Auditions: Thursday 22 October and Friday 23 October – E12

Booking details and full character descriptions are available on SIMON.

Elevate Education - Free Parent Webinars Term 4, 2025

We’re excited to announce that Elevate Education will be hosting a free webinar for our parents and carers on time management on 29 October 2025.

Elevate works with our students, delivering high-impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series, you’ll learn how you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills they’re learning at school.

Sign up for the session below to learn how you can help your child to stay focused and prioritise revision when it matters most.

Live Parent Webinar: How You Can Help Your Child Manage Their Time

Wednesday 29 October 6.30-7.30pm

Click here to register for free

Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:

✅ Aligning expectations on homework with your child

✅ Helping your child balance their schoolwork and social life

✅ Setting up a weekly planner tool with your child

Elevate’s upcoming Term 4 Parent Webinars:

1. How You Can Help Your Child Manage Their Time - 29 October 6.30pm
2. How To Help Your Child Alleviate Stress - 12 November 6.30pm
3. How You Can Build Resilience in Your Child - 26 November 6.30pm
4. How You Can Set Your Child Up for Success - 10 December 6.30pm

Within the classroom, Catherine McAuley College Bendigo has implemented the Elevate Education study skills program, grounded in seventeen years of global research into student performance. Elevate Education delivers high-impact workshops to our students that help to develop their study skills, motivation, and exam preparation. This leads to more effective learning outcomes and improves overall academic performance. Students sequence through all of the program across Years 11 and 12.

Key Dates for 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.

Class Times 2026

Year 12 Graduation Photos

Ordering is still open for Year 12 Graduation Photos. Orders will remain open until Friday 16 October 2026.

The Year 12 Group photo was taken on Tuesday 15 September. 

Summer Uniform – Preparing for Term 4

We remind families that all students must wear the Summer Academic uniform during Term 4. Blazers are no longer required.

Hats are to be worn outdoors. If the hat is worn or lost, a replacement hat should be purchased. 

• Coolock: Purchased from the General Office with card payment only.
• St Mary’s: Purchased from the Finance Office with card or cash payment.
• Noone Uniform Shop: 21 Queen Street, Bendigo 3550 | 03 7018 4199

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

TRADING HOURS

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

Email: bendigo@noone.com.au

BOOK NOW for Mobile Dental Health Van Visit

Victorian Mobile Dental Health will be visiting Catherine McAuley College Bendigo on Monday 2 November 2026 to provide free dental services for eligible students.

Please consent via the QR Code on the flyer before Monday 17 November.  

If preferred, a hard copy consent form may be collected from the General Office and returned before Friday 23 October.

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

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

Tips for Managing Exam Stress

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.

Why are changes required?

The Parent Access Module (PAM) is a digital platform used by CMCB to enhance communication between parents/carers and the College. It provides real-time access to important information about your child’s education and wellbeing. including: attendance, reports, timetables, and school communications.

As part of the current security configuration for PAM, MFA is enforced for all parent accounts. MFA codes are sent via email to verify user identity during login. However, a significant number of parents have reported not receiving these verification emails, with BigPond email users being disproportionately affected.

Despite troubleshooting efforts, the issue appears to be related to email filtering, delays, or blocking outside of Catherine McAuley College Bendigo's direct control. As a result, parents and carers who need to access PAM for a range of everyday activities related to their child are being prevented and are increasingly requiring assistance from the College ICT Department.

What is MFA?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires two or more proofs of identity to grant you access to an online program. Once set up, it usually sends a code to either a nominated mobile phone number or email address. MFA offers significantly more security and protection against potential criminals.

What is the solution?

In order to ensure that all parents and carers are able to access PAM, the College will remove the mandatory MFA requirement to that it is no longer enforced on all parents' accounts.

Parents/carers may voluntarily enable MFA if they wish to keep an extra layer of security on their account. However, parents and carers who are experiencing issues, particularly those with BigPond accounts, can access the system using their standard username and password.

Alternatively, those with BigPond accounts who would like to have the extra layers of security provided through MFA will need to create and apply PAM to a new email address that is not through BigPond. If this path is taken, please ensure that the College is informed of the new email address.

Summary

• MFA remains available as an optional security feature and is recommended.
• Parents are encouraged to use strong passwords.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) can be enabled at any time through your account settings.

The Peak Performance Program is running again for Term 4, 2026, exclusively for CMCB students. 

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 ✔ Increase resilience to injuries 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 5 October – Wednesday 2 December
• Location: Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct at CMCB
• Times: Monday and Wednesday mornings 7.30-8.30am

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

School Travel Assistance Portal (STAP) Application processing - Term 4, 2026

The application processing for Term 4, 2026 will commence in the week of 31 August 2026. Once applications are processed, travel offers will be emailed to families by 07 September 2026, where seats are available.

Please note that the system will not be available for families, bus operators, and schools between 31 August and 7 September 2026.

• STAP will auto-renew all active ineligible traveller applications from Term 3 (except traveller applications that have a status of lapsed/cancelled/removed)
• to submit a new application only if there is a change (new school, new address, or new traveller)
• to check that their details in the portal are up to date before 31/08/2026.
• once the churn has been processed, and families have received a travel offer, families should accept their travel offer prior to its expiry date specified on their offer. If the offers lapse, STAP will allocate the seat to the next traveller on the waitlist.
• eligible travellers are approved for the whole year and only need to take action if there is a change of circumstance

Please contact the College Bus Coordinator if you have any queries - transport@cmcb.vic.edu.au

Administration information for schools and the School Bus Program is available:

CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL DISCOUNT

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

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

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.