麻豆视频最新最全

Advent - not just waiting: acting

The Advent season is a time of hope and wonder as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus. His words and deeds have inspired humanity for two millenia, urging each new generation to action in improving our world to bring forth the Kingdom here on Earth. In an address on education at the Vatican in November, , 'There is no need for educational models that are mere "achievement factories" without a cultural plan that enables the formation of people capable of helping the world turn over a new leaf by eradicating inequality, endemic poverty and exclusion'.

The Spirit of 麻豆视频最新最全 value of Stewardship was through the work of our Year 10 Environmental Science educating younger students about wildlife conservation. Students from the class were invited to present their work at Zoos Victoria鈥檚 Fighting Extinction Schools Showcase at Melbourne Zoo, where they received positive feedback from zoo staff and visitors. Like so much of our sustainability and intercultural learning in the curriculum as well as social justice, Global Green and Catholic Life initiatives, these students reflect Pope Francis鈥檚 call that schools must teach people 鈥渢o desire, to stay thirsty, to have dreams鈥� rather than to 鈥減assively accept鈥� the current state of the world. 鈥淭he world does not need sleepwalking repeaters of the status quo,鈥� he said, 鈥渂ut new choreographers, interpreters of the potential within humans, new social poets鈥�.

Community

On the evening of Wednesday 27 November we had a quintet of college events that both book-ended our year and prepared for next year. Celebrated by Fr Dispin, our final Family Mass was well-attended, with many staying on for the Family BBQ afterwards. We then had our newest and oldest 2025 families stay for the Year 7 Talking Transition and Year 12 Information evenings. It was a pleasure to be able to pop into each event to chat with families and also listen to our talented students at the concurrent Voice and Piano soiree evening, finishing the year with a tuneful bang!

Christmas & holiday blessings

On behalf of the College, I thank all students, staff and families for the ways you have enriched our 麻豆视频最新最全 community across 2024 and wish all members of our community a happy and holy Christmas, and a safe and refreshing holiday break.

David Broadbent

Principal

A time to remember: reflections on my 麻豆视频最新最全 journey

As we close the chapter on this school year, I am also closing the chapter of my time at the College, serving as a Deputy Principal for the last 5 years. Unfortunately, it is time to say farewell and reminisce on the moments that made my time here unforgettable. From seeing the students achieve great academic milestones each year at the Awards Assemblies, witnessing them navigate through the challenges that COVID-19 presented, to the laughter and enjoyment witnessed during play in the yard, learning in the classroom, and when gathering as a community, the time has been a tapestry of growth, where students have met challenges, achieved from their hard work, and connected as members of the this wonderful community.

In the year 2020, I arrived at the College having served for 10 years as an Assistant Principal and Deputy Principal at two other Catholic Colleges. I quickly learnt that 麻豆视频最新最全 was a very special place, founded on a strong sense of community and hard working staff. Life at the College was not just about textbooks and assessments, but authenticity and high expectations; I observed that students, particularly in their later years, spoke about discovering passions, solving problems, and learning about themselves. It was that sense of connection and self-discovery that led to the blessings and challenges we all faced, especially as the pandemic settled and Melbourne went into long lockdowns.

Connectedness was crucial and through online learning, our students remained connected to their teachers and each other, yet this process also alienated many and challenged the staff to reconsider pedagogical practice because teaching was firmly impacted by the absence of face to face social interactions. Online learning did not provide the much needed connections that our students embrace at 麻豆视频最新最全.

One of the greatest strengths of our school is its sense of community. From the camaraderie of students as they participate in sports carnivals to the collaboration in music or drama rehearsals for the many productions that the College has had, the connections made through the different clubs, and the support that students give one another in tough and happy times, has led me to appreciate the importance of community and shared purpose by the members of the community. The support of our teachers, staff, and peers highlight that once a student commits to 麻豆视频最新最全 College, they are never alone in their journey.

I will never forget the Harmony Days, social justice initiatives, Masses, liturgies, formals, valedictory dinners, camps, the Gala Ball, the long walk and Activities Week. What a great time that was for everyone. The most memorable experience was seeing the students sing the College song. That is one of the most amazing moments I shared with the community, each time it happened. As I now turn the page to a new chapter, I feel confident that 麻豆视频最新最全 will continue to achieve great success and that each student will find opportunities to find their passions and lead by example.

From the staff at 麻豆视频最新最全, who guide the students with patience, faith and commitment; to our parents and guardians, who have supported me as I have tried to assist your children, to the student body, who welcomed me from the very start of the journey, I say thank you for the last 5 years. As a faith community committed to the embracing of the College Values, its Mission and the attributes of the 麻豆视频最新最全 student, 麻豆视频最新最全 College is a special place and will continue to provide belonging, stewardship, perseverance, justice, compassion and spirituality as the key focus areas to assist each person to be unique.

Thank you 麻豆视频最新最全 College, the last 5 years have been a great experience. Please be Safe, Fair and Kind.

Good bye friends, you will all be missed!

Nap Rodezno

Deputy Principal

It is hard to believe that we have reached our final edition of Lighthouse for the year and we have already entered the season of Advent. Last Sunday was our first week of advent as we begin preparations for the coming of Jesus. Mary and Joseph faced many challenges throughout the pregnancy and had to work together and support each other throughout the journey.

Whenever there is a new addition to the family - it always involves some form of preparation. Whether it is the birth of a child, an adoption, the introduction of a new partner, or even the discovery of a long lost relative - the time before the meeting involves anticipation, worry, and hope.

Anticipation - for the day where you finally meet and that excitement and joy that comes with it. Worry - about whether you are ready, will you be accepted, will the new person be nice?

And

Hope - a hope that the new person will bring great joy in addition to the love by the rest of the family.

As we prepare for Christmas, through advent, we go through the same feelings both spiritually and physically:

Have I prepared myself for the coming of the Lord?

                     Hope for the joy it will bring.

                                        Is there enough food organised?

                                                          Will everyone get along? 

                                                                             Is my faith strong enough?

                                                                                                          Have I ordered the ham?

STOP.

Take a breath.

Remember the hope, the faith and the love. Through these we can share the joy and love that God wishes on us not just at Christmas but through every day of our lives.

My hope for you all is a summer full of laughter and relaxation, a time of loved ones and community, the perseverance in faith and the blessings of the wonder of Christ.

Tania Grace

Assistant Principal Mission

Staff @ 麻豆视频最新最全
As we come to the end of the year, I would like to thank, on your behalf, our wonderful staff (teaching and non- teaching) that make 麻豆视频最新最全 the great place that it is. Our students have so much to be grateful for, and I know that there have been many 鈥渢hankyous鈥� to our staff via cards and conversations over the last few weeks.

We have been busy recruiting staff for 2025, and will be welcoming some staff next week in their Orientation session. I will introduce all new staff to you next year.

We also say farewell to some of our staff next week. I thank them for their wonderful contributions to the 麻豆视频最新最全 Community and wish them well for the future.

I am looking forward to the upcoming Advent season and some time away camping with family and friends.

I wish all of our staff, students and families a blessed Christmas and a relaxing holiday break, and see you in 2025.

Gina Goss
Assistant Principal - Staff

Senior Years Report

As the school year draws to a close, we celebrate the achievements, milestones, and growth of our students and community. Since the last edition of The Lighthouse we have honoured our 2024 Valedictorians, commenced Year 12 for the class of 2025, celebrated with the Year 11鈥檚, introduced Year 11 2025 and initiated Year 10, 2025 into into the exciting planning stages of their Career Experience.

At our College, we hold high expectations for our students鈥攚hether in uniform, attendance, or effort towards learning. These standards, while demanding, foster excellence and resilience. Taking the time to pause, reflect and celebrate the year is crucial. Attending the Valedictory Ceremony and the Year 11 Formal was a privilege, offering these moments to reflect, express gratitude, and celebrate achievements with the students and in the case of the Valedictory Evening, with families. Thank you to Liz Grierson and the Year Level Leaders, Scott Buchanan, Natasha Vasiliou, Jacqui Street and Andy Harrison for their arrangements of these nights and to all staff who attended the evenings.

Considering the busy time of year with Christmas preparations, work commitments, and family holidays, the college has shared various communications to help wrap up the year and prepare for the next. To ensure you don鈥檛 miss anything important, this article highlights key dates and provides reminders and directions for accessing any necessary information.

With the year-end festivities behind us, next week marks a significant milestone for our Year 12 students, who will receive their VCE and VCE VM certificates from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). Students and families have been provided with key dates for the release of ATAR results, VTAC preferences, and the process for making changes to those preferences. If needed, please refer to the email sent on Friday, November 22, for further information.

2025 book lists have been sent home. Students in Year 11 and 12 next year must ensure Edrolo accounts are activated and payments are completed by December 12 (for applicable subjects refer to the booklist for details). Instructions can be found in the email sent on Friday, November 15. Edrolo is an essential resource designed to support students through their VCE journey.

Finally, I hope our Year 10 2025 students are enthusiastically dreaming up potential employers for Career Experience. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore their interests and begin connecting with potential businesses. Further details have been shared on Monday 2nd December and November 29 from the Registrar email.

Please enjoy the photos shared from the Valedictory Evening and Year 11 Formal in the pages to come. Next week, we welcome back our adventurers from France and Borneo and we look forward to hearing their stories in future editions.

As we wrap up another fruitful year, we thank our students, families, and staff for their hard work and dedication. May you all enjoy a restful break (dispersed with transition homework for our new Unit 3 students), and we look forward to seeing everyone in the new year, ready to embark on another year together!

Rachel Crawley

Head Senior Years

Middle Years Report

鈥淲e used to think my Mum should be on the show 鈥榃orld鈥檚 Strictest Parents!鈥欌�� This was a quote from an ex-student of 麻豆视频最新最全 that I was waxing lyrical with about a month ago about the continuing challenges of phones and the traps that go with them. She was telling me how when she was in Year 8, her Mum finally said enough was enough and took her phone off her for the Summer! The year 8 student at the time said that the world inside that phone had got a grip on her, consumed her and had way too much of her focus and attention. So Mum stood in and took drastic measures to lure her away from the negative trappings associated with it. Mum said, 鈥淚t takes 6 weeks to break a habit,鈥� and was then true to her word. She said 鈥淲e went away on holiday and spent time at the caravan park hanging out with other families and keeping busy.鈥� (I think that鈥檚 an important aspect of the challenge I am setting for you. I forgot to mention that earlier, I am setting you a challenge! But it is important and helpful that you assist in filling the void of a 鈥榩hone break鈥� by providing or giving your teen access to activities that occupy their time and mind.)

One of the most encouraging parts of the story that she recounted was when her time was up after 6 weeks and she got the phone back. Eagerly going back onto social media at her first opportunity she realised very quickly that鈥︹��..鈥滻 missed nothing.鈥� Lives hadn鈥檛 changed, people weren鈥檛 doing anything amazing without her and actually, she had experienced a great Summer without the pressures and the vices. An equally encouraging realisation still resonates with her today when she gets caught getting consumed by her phone. A realisation that she learnt many Summers ago. 鈥淚鈥檓 not missing out when I鈥檓 not engaged in that world.鈥� This may not apply to your teen and hopefully they have a really healthy existence with their phone or gaming. But if not, perhaps this could be a challenge for you to help you with your audition for 鈥榃orld鈥檚 Strictest Parent.鈥� You might even get some gratitude from your teen afterwards (in about ten years time :)

Next year I am stepping down from my role as Head of Middle Years and will be replaced by Mr. Sam Storey. I do so knowing that I am leaving the role in exceptionally capable hands.

At Christmas time this year, no matter what joys, challenges, excitements or sadnesses you may face, may your family and friends find comfort, love, and strength together, knowing you're surrounded by the warmth and support of loved ones and an amazing story of hope that is at the core of the festive season.

Phil Box
Head Middle Years

Thank You for Supporting the 2024 Wishing Tree Appeal!

I would like to thank everyone who supported this year鈥檚 Christmas Wishing Tree Appeal. Your generous donations of gifts will bring joy and hope to those in need within our community this festive season. Whether it was toys, books, clothing, or gift cards, your willingness to give truly reflects the spirit of the holidays: love, hope, and togetherness.

In addition to the gifts, over $2000 was raised through our car washes, bake sales, and raffle hampers. These funds will be used to purchase even more presents and items for hampers, ensuring more families can experience the joy of Christmas.

A special thank you goes to everyone who participated in and supported the fundraisers that made this incredible outcome possible. Your enthusiasm and dedication鈥攚hether by baking, washing cars, donating prizes, or buying tickets鈥攑layed a vital role in the success of this appeal.

All contributions, both gifts and funds, will be delivered to St. Vincent De Paul, where they will directly benefit those who need them most. Each donation represents not just a tangible gift but also a meaningful gesture of care and connection during this special time of year. I am incredibly proud to belong to a school community that values compassion and creates such a positive impact.

Thank you once again for helping to make this year鈥檚 Christmas appeal such a success. I wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday season.

Martha Mugamu
Social Justice & Outreach Coordinator

As we move into the festive season it is an excellent time to consider our sustainable approach to
food choices. Sustainable produce has been produced and grown with careful thought of its health,
environmental and social impact. This includes where it was made, materials it was made from,
packaging and food miles. According to the EPA Victoria, 鈥�, the food we eat makes a bigger
contribution to our ecological footprint than our home energy used and transport combined鈥�.

It can be difficult to consider the environmental and sustainable impacts of every item of food
that you consume but here are some questions to help get you started.

1. Do you need to purchase? Avoid, reduce, recycle. Grow some of your own food.

2. Is the produce in season? This will ensure local produces are supported and food miles are reduced.

3. Is the product free range, organic, marine stewardship council certified? Choosing products that are free-range, organic or Marine Stewardship Council certified supports food production that cares for the environment.   

•  Free-range poultry accreditors include(Free Range Egg & Poultry Association), . There is even a free-range egg app you can use to confirm whether your eggs are truly free-range.
•   is a whole farm accreditation
  system for Australian and New Zealand true free range, pasture raised pork, beef, lamb, chicken and egg producers.
• Sustainable seafood guide;

The chooks would also like to wish the 麻豆视频最新最全 Community a Merry Christmas and safe and happy New Year. They will be well cared for over the holidays with many staff generously looking after them onsite during the holiday period. Enjoy a restful, relaxing and restoring summer break.

Karyn Myers

Sustainability Coordinator

A Journey to Inspire: Discover the Magic of France Through The Unforgettable Moments

鈥淭he Arc de Triomphe stands as an iconic gateway to Paris, its intricate carvings narrating tales of heroism and grandeur鈥�

鈥淐hantonnay鈥檚 enchanting blend of historic architecture and the timeless charm of its 15th-century church is a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Life in Chantonnay flows at its own charming pace, with tranquil mornings, lively late-night dinners, and an irresistible sense of community鈥�

鈥淣o French journey is complete without savoring the crisp perfection of a freshly baked baguette, a true symbol of French culture鈥�

鈥淪tep into the magical Passage Pommeraye, a dazzling winter wonderland adorned with festive lights and bustling with holiday cheer鈥�

鈥淓xperience the freedom of French schools, where individuality shines without the constraints of uniforms鈥�

鈥淒are to indulge in escargot, a uniquely French delicacy bursting with garlic and parsley flavors鈥攁 true adventure for the palate鈥�

鈥淎 trip to France is more than travel鈥攊t鈥檚 stepping into a vibrant lifestyle where tradition dances beautifully with modernity鈥�

The Study group made the local Newspaper!

So far Borneo has been the most incredible experience in our lives. We have been extremely lucky seeing animals that often haven鈥檛 been seen by the locals in months whether that鈥檚 Pygmy Elephants or Orang-utans. The foundation RESPECT were astonished by the amount of elephant grass we planted. Those elephant grass in eight months will have grown enough to feed a herd of Pygmy Elephants, of which there are only 1500 left in the wild!! We also planted 80 fig trees (4 per person) for orangutans, sun bears (although rare) and civets so they have shelter and food. However, Out with the old and in with in with the new this week as now we start the challenging part of 鈥榃orld Challenge鈥� with having to do 14km over 3 days in the rainy and hot weather with each day being 30 degrees or higher. But with our amount of teamwork and resilience that we build up during the first few days, 麻豆视频最新最全 College is unstoppable. Bring it on Mount Kinabalu.

-Sophie Naismith, 2025 Drama Leader and Milo Mccurdy, 2025 Sustainability Leader

The three 麻豆视频最新最全 Robotics  teams were bright, bushy tailed and ready to battle in Day One of the Vex National Robotics competition at Rosehill Racecourse in Sydney on Wednesday! 

The junior team are at their first National competition and were well organised and eager to compete. Unfortunately they didn't make it to the finals on Friday but it was an incredible achievement for them to make it to the National Championships in only their third ever competition!

On day two of the competition the conversation in the group this morning went like this: 鈥渂eing competitive in this competition is about being a good team and making connections. 70% of the win is the alliances you make.鈥� Living 麻豆视频最新最全鈥� values.

麻豆视频最新最全 A - The Pink team, today attracting all the media attention!  They were selected for the finals and will play for the national championships!

We are so proud and wish them luck! 

For all the action follow #vexrobotics and our FB and Instagram for the results!

The Year 12 Valedictory Dinner was held on Friday 22, November.

 The event was overseen by Scott Buchanan, Natasha Vasiliou and Liz Grierson.

Managing the organisation of the programming and logistics for an evening that has a guest list of over 700 people is a demanding task. Congratulations to the team in making the night such a memorable final event for the families. 

A big thank you also goes out to the Executive, Year 12 Mentors, and teaching staff for attending and being part of this final farewell to the students and their families. Your support and presence on the night made it all the more special.

A final thank you and good luck to the Students and families of the class of 2024.

  We wish to congratulate the following outstanding students who were recipients of the Spirit of 麻豆视频最新最全 Awards. 

Belonging

Sophie Lorusso

Georgia Kavanagh


Stewardship

Isobel Mugamu

Nicola Aloi


Perseverance

Harrisen Etchells

Breeana Ennor

Hayden Farmer


Justice

Olivia Westaway


Compassion

Alice Edwards

Beth Sambrooks

Ollie Brown


Spirituality

Georgia Scheer

Joshua Tolcher


ADF - Teamwork and Leadership Award
Connor Haughie


ADF STEM
Sophie Fegan
  

The Spirit of 麻豆视频最新最全 section will focus on one core value from our mission statement and ways this value has been demonstrated at school.

鈥淏elonging: We are mindful of our diverse local and global community; we are culturally inclusive and respect the dignity of each individual.鈥�

To belong is something everyone strives for, intentionally or unintentionally. The year 7s at 麻豆视频最新最全 know this value all too well, not only because it is their year level focus, but because they all joined a new school this year, hoping to belong. Over the past couple of weeks, they have been on the lookout for occasions where they saw belonging, now that the year is coming to an end. After a full year of making friends, the students repeatedly focused on how the kindness, respect and mutual trust that forms between them brings the biggest feelings of belonging. One student stating that knowing she has, and belongs with her friends is what encourages her to want to go to school and learn. Friendships that open their arms to other students who feel left out, or just to bring in even more friends. Friendships that check up on each other when they are sick or upset. This is where our students feel they belong the most. Additionally, the clubs and classroom activities provided by 麻豆视频最新最全 and its teachers create their own little communities, where students can make/grow in friendships, work together and help each other when they are struggling. This sense of belonging and community will stay with them throughout their time at 麻豆视频最新最全, and no doubt they will take it with them, to create a sense of belonging to their peers outside of school, any new students that join their cohort, and the year 7s commencing in 2025.

Thank you to the Ms. Emily Mok鈥檚 7 White RE class for telling me your stories and helping me to write this week's addition. 

Last week the Year 8 Boys Volleyball team competed in the Victorian Schools Junior Open Championships. The team had been training for many weeks in preparation for the tournament before and after school and were very keen to do well.

The tournament was held at MSAC at Albert Park on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

On the first 2 days in the round robin section of their division the team played 4 games and won them all. They defeated Northcote High 4-0. Mazenod College 4-0, Upwey Secondary 3-0 and Tintern 2-1.

On Saturday in the first of the finals they played incredibly well against Northcote defeating them in 2 sets (25-4 & 25-17). In the Grand Final against Upwey who they were very worried about, the team played impressive volleyball winning the Grand Final in 2 sets again (25-15 & 25-8)

To go through the tournament and drop 1 set only was an incredible effort.

Congratulations to all the players on their commitment to the team across this year -

Jarvis Gavin, Toby Sanga, Jasper Featherston, Tae Massarotti, James Gagnon, Jude Porter, Geoff Cayme, Patrick McCrohan, Lenny Clarke.

A huge thank you to Mr Dennis Sartory who was the coach of the team for all the work he did with the team, with many hours of before and after school training, He has developed the team into a really strong outfit. Thank you to also Ms Sophie Faulwetter, Mr Sam Box, Ms Em Box and Mr Phil Box who went along across the 3 days to help with the team.

Bernie Brummell

Sports Coordinator

On the first weekend of December, Abigail and Amelia Watson entered the Victorian Slalom age Championships which was held at Eildon. Both Abigail and Amelia achieved outstanding results. 

Abigail Watson
U16 female -K1 1st
U16 female - C1 1st

Amelia Watson
U14 female - K1 1st

Both girls will now move up an age group in preparing for the Nationals in January on the Fourth River in Tasmania

Congratulations to you both on your success. 

Congratulations to 2 of our students who have been selected in the Victorian Netball Talent Academy for 2025

GABBY HOOPER ( YR 11)

ISABEL ESLICK ( YR 9)