快播

Catholic Education Week, Lent, Compassion & Global Citizenship

Today marks the conclusion of Catholic Education Week. I was blessed to attend the Catholic Education Week mass at St Patrick鈥檚 Cathedral this morning, doubly significant for the beautiful voices of the 快播 College Choir leading the liturgical singing.

We continue to pray for the recovery of Pope Francis, whose health struggles have not prevented him from providing reflections for us during our Lenten season. In an address titled 鈥淟et us journey together in hope鈥�, Pope Francis called for Christians to walk "side by side, without shoving or stepping on others, without envy or hypocrisy, without letting anyone be left behind or excluded". Referencing both the exodus of the Israelite slaves from Ancient Egypt and refugees from current conflicts, he calls us to be solidarity with "our brothers and sisters who in our own day are fleeing situations of misery and violence in search of a better life for themselves and their loved ones". More personally, Pope Francis challenges us to examine "am I really on a journey, or am I standing still, not moving, either immobilized by fear and hopelessness or reluctant to move out of my comfort zone?鈥�.

Vertical Pastoral System 2026:

Staff consultation for the 2026 vertical pastoral system occurred across 2023-2024, with some key structures decided earlier this year and others to undergo further staff and community consultation. Each homeroom in the new system will have 4-5 students from each level across Years 7 - 12, with siblings (and cousins, where requested) to be in the same House. Homeroom time will occur each morning in 2026. This will provide each student - and family - with the same Homeroom teacher and House Leaders as consistent points of care and contact across their 6-year journey at 快播, enabling your child and family to be even better known and connected to our community. Classroom learning will remain year-level based, so students will still spend over 90% of their time with their year-level peers.

Another key decision is that our current houses - Dominic, Rice & MacKillop - will be expanded to include three new houses in 2026. Having 6 houses will replicate the current pastoral leadership ratios, with up to 300 students per house (currently around 300 students per year level). Key parameters for the new House patrons will be: the patrons will be significant Catholic figures; a preference for including Australian patrons; a gender balance of two female and one male (so that we will have an even balance across the six patrons).

to provide your input on the aspects of the 2026 House system.

Belonging - Whole-school Athletics Carnival

House spirit was on full (and very colourful!) display for the first Whole-school Athletics Carnival on Thursday 13 March. It was truly heart warming to witness the camaraderie of students across the year levels supporting their Dominic, Rice and MacKillop House teammates, particularly our Year 12 students with their creative house colour-themed costumes. We are blessed with perfect weather, and doubly blessed by having a wonderful contributions of so many of their music students to keep us entertained across the day. Congratulations to all students and staff who planned and participated in the day, with particular congratulations to carnival champions MacKillop House. Please see the Sports section below for more details, including outstanding individual student results.

USA Music Trip

I will have the privilege of joining the 40 students and four music staff for our USA Music Tour that departs next Sunday 30 March. The itinerary includes 8 days in New York City including rekindling our partnership with Cardinal Spellman High School through joint rehearsals and performances. Bands and choirs will perform at a variety of NYC sites, including the USS Intrepid, the Empire State Building, and the Cathedral of St John the Divine, as well as experiencing key cultural and performing arts events and venues. This will be followed by two days in Los Angeles, including a visit to the Grammy Museum.

During my absence, Deputy Principals Michael Box and Jessica Alger will be Acting Co-Principals to 11 April.

David Broadbent 

Principal

Creating a Calm and Focused Learning Environment

At 快播 College, we believe that a structured and respectful learning environment is essential for student success. One of the ways we are fostering this is through consistent classroom entrance routines and high expectations of student behaviour.

When students enter the classroom, they are welcomed with clear routines that set the tone for focused learning. For example, teachers greet students at the door, ensuring a smooth and orderly transition into the lesson. This small but significant practice helps build positive relationships, reinforces respect, and minimises disruptions. We also use seating plans and other classroom structures to ensure calm and effective learning.

High expectations for behaviour are a cornerstone of our approach. By maintaining consistent standards, we create a calm and predictable environment where students feel secure and ready to learn. Our teachers set clear guidelines for engagement, encourage active participation, and support students in taking responsibility for their learning. We ask all students to behave in ways that are Safe, Fair and Kind.

These practices are making a noticeable impact. Students are settling into lessons more quickly, demonstrating greater respect for their learning environment, and taking pride in their work. By upholding these expectations, we are nurturing a school culture where every student can thrive academically and personally.

Thank you for your continued support in reinforcing these values at home. Together, we are shaping a positive and focused learning experience for all students at 快播 College.

Jess Alger

Deputy Principal

Term 1 has been full of exciting activities and events for our school community.
We welcome these new staff who have joined us throughout the term:

Tim Malloch - Property Services Manager
Emily Bower - Accountant
Blanca Capraro - Food Technology Assistant
Camilla Camperos-Galdino - Instrumental: Strings

A reminder that the Parent, Teacher and Student Interviews take place on Thursday 3rd April 2.00pm - 8.00pm onsite and Friday 4th April 9.00am - 3.20pm online. This is an excellent opportunity to meet and reflect on the term and look forward to setting some goals to work towards in Term 2 and beyond.. Teachers are working with students and parents to achieve their best. If a teacher is unavailable / booked on a day you require, please contact College Reception or email the teacher to discuss your child鈥檚 progress at an alternate time.

I thank all of our Staff for their hard work and dedication throughout this term, allowing our students to be the best that they can be.
 
Gina Goss
Assistant Principal - Staff

Senior Years Report

When we view Harmony Day through the lens of Global Citizenship, Harmony Day becomes more than just a celebration of cultural diversity - it is a commitment to fostering inclusivity, understanding and shared responsibility. Just as Global Citizenship encourages individuals to embrace different perspectives, challenge discrimination, and promote social cohesion, Harmony Day serves as a reminder that our local actions contribute to a more harmonious school environment and ideally a harmoniously connected world. Today we celebrate Harmony Day.

In the lead up to the day, Thursday THRIVE lessons focussed on global citizenship and inclusivity, encouraging students to reflect on their roles in creating a more inclusive society.

Year 10: Putting Global Citizenship into Action

During THRIVE, Year 10 students were challenged to consider how they can develop and demonstrate global citizenship attributes. As part of this, they were invited to volunteer in the weekly Homework Support Program (HSP) run out of Great Ryrie Primary School.

Run by the Migrant Information Centre, the HSP provides academic and social support for culturally and linguistically diverse people and their families. By assisting children to develop study skills and routines, our Year 10 volunteers play an active role in fostering an inclusive learning environment focus on social skills and friendships and enhancing numeracy, reading and comprehension skills.

Throughout Terms 2 & 3, Year 10 Mentor groups will have an opportunity to volunteer on a designated week, from 3.30pm-4.30pm. 快播 College is proud of its ongoing partnership with Great Ryrie Primary School and the Migrant Information Centre, and past student volunteers often describe the experience as incredibly rewarding.

Year 11: Exploring the Rights of the Child

Year 11 students explored the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, a treaty outlining the civil, political, economic, social, health, and cultural rights of all individuals under 18. Through discussions and activities, students examined how these rights apply in different contexts and considered their own responsibilities in upholding them.

Year 12: Examining Fairness in Australia

Year 12 students considered the question 鈥淗ow fair is our Nation鈥�. Reviewing data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, eSafety, Diversity Council of Australia and Youth Survey Reports, students identified patterns of discrimination and critically engaged with concepts of respect, recognition and inclusion in relation to diversity in school and their workplaces.

Through discussion and debate, students examined the presence of discrimination in Australian Society, particularly its impact on marginalised groups. They also explored the laws designed to protect people鈥檚 rights to freedom from discrimination in schools, workplaces and community organisations.

The message of Harmony day is 鈥榚veryone belongs鈥� - a call to engage people to participate in their community, respect cultural and religious diversity and foster a sense of belonging for everyone. At 快播 College, we continue to educate and encourage students to contribute to an environment where ideas and perspectives can be shared openly.

By embracing different experiences and backgrounds, we create a community where every individual鈥檚 contributions are valued. Thank you to all the staff and students who helped bring this important day to life.

Rachel Crawley

Head Senior Years

Middle Years Report

NAPLAN Testing Success: A Smooth and Efficient Process

The recent NAPLAN testing at our school has been a tremendous success thanks to the preparation and hard work of both our students and staff. The smooth running of the tests was made possible by the organisation of our administration team and Educational Support Services department.

Overall, the successful completion of NAPLAN testing highlights not only the preparedness of our students but also the effectiveness of our families in supporting them. Working in collaboration is an important part of creating a supportive environment for our students.

Harmony Day Lead-Up Activities

In the lead-up to Harmony Day, our homerooms have been engaging in activities that celebrate the diverse cultures within our college. Students have identified and explored the various cultural backgrounds present at 快播, comparing these with Australian culture. These discussions have fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity. This year鈥檚 Harmony Day theme, 鈥淓veryone Belongs,鈥� aligns perfectly with our school鈥檚 commitment to developing a strong sense of belonging for all. We continue to embrace inclusivity, ensuring every member of the 快播 community feels valued and supported.

Sam Storey
Head Middle Years

As part of our school鈥檚 ongoing commitment to making a positive impact, we鈥檙e proud to share the efforts of our students and staff in supporting meaningful causes.

Project Compassion Update:

One of the key initiatives we鈥檙e currently focused on is Caritas鈥� Project Compassion. We are now in the third week of this fundraising campaign, and thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of our school community, over $1,500 has already been raised! This is a fantastic achievement.

A special thanks goes out to the efforts of our Social Justice Club and our VM students, who have played a key role in organising and driving our fundraising activities.

The campaign will continue until Easter, so there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved, contribute, and make a difference. For those who would like to donate in cash, Caritas money boxes are located in homerooms and mentor classrooms, or you can drop off your donation at the Catholic Life Office. You can also donate online by clicking on or using the QR Code provided. The online donations will appear on our school鈥檚 fundraising page and add to the overall tally of what we鈥檝e raised both online and offline.

Every contribution, big or small, goes a long way in supporting Project Compassion鈥檚 important work.

Heartwarming Community Efforts:

Now, something a little closer to home. Recently, Nine News aired a segment featuring our Year Nine students and their remarkable contribution to the community. The story highlighted how our students worked together to prepare "handover bags" for Eastern Health palliative care. These special bags, filled with a patient鈥檚 belongings, are given to their families following their loved one鈥檚 passing.

We are incredibly proud of the care, compassion, and dedication our students have shown in this important program. The thoughtful work they鈥檝e done highlights not only their generosity but also the powerful impact they are having on their community. It鈥檚 wonderful to see our young people leading the way in making a real difference.

If you haven鈥檛 had a chance to , be sure to check it out鈥攊t鈥檚 a true reflection of the values we hold dear as a school.

Martha Mugamu
Social Justice & Outreach Coordinator

In the last fortnight, our Music students have continued to enhance school events with live music.

For the Whole School House Athletics a music marquee was set up, and students played all day in groups, small bands or solo. It was a great performance opportunity for the students, and the music added even more fun to the already excellent vibe of the athletics carnival.

Then for Open Day on Sunday, we again had a roster of students ready to perform in the Forum to entertain our visiting families. Unfortunately the rain halted any of the larger groups playing by lunchtime, but the karaoke continued into the afternoon and helped welcome our visitors.

We thank all the students who enthusiastically performed at both events. Their willingness to perform when asked is really remarkable, and a testament to how generous and positive the music students are.

At Open Day the USA Music Tour ensembles also rehearsed. This group flies out at the end of next week, so we鈥檙e down to the fine tuning of performances and final details of travelling. It鈥檚 going to be an amazing trip and we look forward to hearing about it as they go along!

On Friday 21 March, a group of musicians and singers from 快播 will provide the music for the Mass of St Patrick for Schools for Catholic Education Week. This event is one of the largest in the MACS calendar, and being asked to perform at such a major event is a great honour. Our students have worked very hard in the last two weeks to prepare the works to an extremely high standard, and we are sure that they will represent our school community with pride.

Alison Bellew and Emily McKenzie
Music Program Coordinators

Happy birthday to the 快播

Chooks 鈥� Janet, Cluck Norris, Popcorn (Poppers) and Nugget! Since arriving in March 2021, they鈥檝e truly made 快播 their home. Students love watching them roam freely around the gardens, lawns, and veggie patch. They've grown, dug mulch holes, dust bathed, produced delicious eggs, and provided wonderful learning experiences. Their playful antics have brought smiles to both staff and students alike.

The school chooks are our own little bio-recycling factory. They eat our food waste and do a great job of pest control in the veggie gardens. Their waste is used for composting. Chickens can contribute to a school鈥檚 sustainability efforts by providing a source of fresh eggs. Students can learn about food production, nutrition, and the importance of sustainable practices.

Our chooks have provide hands-on learning opportunities for students. They can learn about the life cycle of chickens, observe and study their behaviour and understand concepts related to biology, and animal care. Keeping chickens requires responsibility and care, which can teach students important life skills such as empathy, teamwork and commitment. Students take turns feeding, watering and cleaning the chicken coop, creating a sense of stewardship and care. Having chickens in schools allows students to connect with nature and experience first-hand the care and nurturing of living creatures.

Finally, the chooks contribute to student emotional well-being. Interacting with animals, such as chickens, has been shown to have a positive impact on emotional well-being. Chickens can provide a calming and therapeutic effect, and they can serve as companions for students who may benefit from animal-assisted therapy. Nugget is particular is a regular to 8 Gold Maths class this year and examined students calculations this week in our Big Ideas lesson on Percentage. Nugget was very impressed.

Karyn Myers
Sustainability Coordinator

The recent 快播 School Open Day was a tremendous success, we had a massive turnout of students volunteering to help out. From Year 7s to Year 12s, offering students, parents and visitors a glimpse and taste into our 快播 community and learning environment. Visitors were warmly greeted by teachers and students, who played a crucial role in ensuring the day ran smoothly.

Both students and teachers guided tours throughout the day, providing insightful answers to questions from visitors and sharing their personal experiences, giving visitors an authentic perspective on the 快播 community.

The success of the open day was evident in the positive feedback received from visitors, many of whom praised the enthusiasm of our many student volunteers. Their dedication and commitment to offer up time away from their weekend to help support the 快播 community demonstrates the values of leadership, teamwork, and enthusiasm of 快播鈥� students, teachers and environment.

Overall, it is evident that the success of the Open Day was driven by our massive turnout of student helpers and teachers, so an enormous THANK YOU to all students and teachers who helped make the 2025 Open Days a success!

Orlando Tsui and Emmy Landsberg

快播 College Student Ambassadors

The new Year 10 elective 鈥� Health in Focus 鈥� is designed for students eager to dive deeper into the complex world of health and wellbeing. The subject offers an engaging mix of theory and experiences, encouraging students to explore health from multiple perspectives and develop the skills to become informed advocates for positive change in their community.

Throughout the semester, students will examine the key factors influencing individual and community health. They鈥檒l measure, create, and debate their way through topics that build critical health literacy, setting them up for further studies in VCE Health and Human Development.

A Closer Look at the Course

Health in Focus is structured around five key topics, each designed to build knowledge and practical skills:

1. Measuring Health and Identifying Health Issues Students will learn how health is measured and examine the health challenges facing specific population groups, such as Children, Older Australians, and their peers at 快播 College.
2. Risk and Protective Factors for a Healthy Lifestyle With a spotlight on sleep, eating habits, movement, and mindfulness, students will explore the risk and protective behaviours and influences that impact our health and wellbeing.
3. Health Promotion 鈥� What Is It? Students will investigate health promotion, analysing current campaigns to understand what makes them effective and how they aim to improve health outcomes.
4. Health Promotion Design Building on their knowledge, students will design their own health campaigns targeted at a specific population group, applying creativity and critical thinking to advocate for positive change.

Beyond the Classroom 鈥� Learning in Action

Health in Focus offers students a variety of enriching activities that complement classroom learning. These experiences connect theory to real-world applications. Possibilities include:

• Participating in a healthy treats cooking class
• Engaging in a mindfulness and yoga class
• Touring local facilities like Aquanation and engaging with their memberships and marketing team to explore health programs designed for different community groups
• Taking part in group fitness classes, such as Cycle and Pilates
• Exploring local parks and community to examine how our environment supports healthy living
• Enjoying the company of Winnie the therapy dog at 快播, while learning about the role of animal-assisted therapy supporting mental health and social-emotional wellbeing.
• Working with a local community group of older Australians supporting them with digital literacy and social media confidence and competence.
• Exploring the importance of First aid and DRSABCD with the school nurses
• Running education sessions for younger students at 快播

A Pathway for Future Health Studies

Whether students are passionate about health promotion, curious about ethical debates in medicine, or interested in the science of wellbeing, Health in Focus provides a solid foundation for further studies in VCE Health and Human Development.

This subject invites students to view health through a broader lens, empowering them to be thoughtful contributors to their own wellbeing and that of their community.

Winnie the Therapy Dog

Yoga and Pilates

Exploring the local community

快播 Career News Edition #7 can be found . Topics this week include:

• Dates to Diarise in Term 1
• University of Melbourne

                  - Focus on Melbourne Information Sessions

                  - Hands on Engineering and IT - Holiday Tech Programs for Year 10

                  - sheCommerce for Year 9

• Federation Uni - Walk & Talk Tours in April Holidays
• A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student April Holidays
• RMIT April Campus Tours
• Professional Practice in Engineering at Monash Uni
• Department of Treasury and Finance - Mentoring Women Program
• William Angliss Experience Days in April Holidays
• ACU Guided Campus Tours in April Holidays
• Collarts Mid-Year Course Expo
• Biomedicine/Biomedical Science Degrees in Victoria in 2025
• Snapshot of Box Hill Institute (BHI) in 2025

Vanessa Ramsay

Careers Counsellor

On Tuesday 18th March Year 12 VET Sport Aquatics and Recreation students experienced an amazing day at the Melbourne Cable Park.

Our first activity was the Cable Park. This is a man made lake which has a cable pulley system above it designed to allow participants to kneeboard and wakeboard.
We had the opportunity to show off their pre-existing skills at knee boarding initially or some learnt how to do it and experienced it for the first time. Soon students were keen to match the expertise of Mr Harrington, Ms Campiciano and Ella White (PE GAP Year) on a wakeboard. After a few initial failed attempts some were able to successfully hold on long enough to enjoy a few hundred metres of it.

We have been learning about Coaching communication and skill acquisition for players during class and it was great to see these concepts in action during this activity. Depending on who you ask, the highlight was either Dylan's 4 laps on the Kneeboard, Sage pulling off a successful jump on a ramp or Mr Harrington failing spectacularly attempting a jump on the ramp.

Our second activity was on the High Ropes Course. This is a multiple level structure with a range of challenges with varying difficulty for the students to explore and attempt. We had a safety briefing prior to the course which focused on the equipment, technology and control measures implemented by the Park.

We had a great time attempting to ride a bike some 50 feet in the air, walking a tightrope and testing out our strength on some of the ropes (just to name a few).

To conclude the day students completed a range of Workplace Health and Safety activities which will be explored in greater detail in future classes. The students are to be commended on their perseverance and encouragement of each other throughout the day.

We look forward to applying our knowledge further in our upcoming Coaching Sessions with Great Ryrie Primary School next week.

Jeff Harrington

Teacher

Over the past two weeks Great Ryrie Primary School has played host to a Round Robin Tournament between local Primary Schools in their district across two days (Tuesday the 4th and 11th of March)

Year 10 & 11 VET Sport, Aquatics & Recreation students had the opportunity to officiate numerous games of Sofcrosse and Volley Bounce during these days.

Class time during the initial weeks of Term was used to prepare students with knowledge of the rules, an opportunity to play and a chance to practice umpiring each sport.

Across the two days it was fantastic to see 快播 students apply their knowledge and understanding while representing the College so well in the Community.

After the initial first half of their first match, students had a smile on their face and became more comfortable in the role. Students gained skills and experience which will either hopefully enhance their appreciation for their umpires in weekend sport or motivate them to potentially explore the role further in the form of part time work.

It was great to see students step outside their comfort zone and successfully handle challenging situations on most occasions (such as player disagreements and maintaining safety of their players).
Teachers of the local Primary Schools expressed their gratitude for our assistance as it gave them a chance to focus on Coaching their individual teams.

8 lucky students have another exciting opportunity to look forward to this weekend during the St Kilda VS Geelong Match at Marvel Stadium where they will get to umpire an Auskick game at half time.

快播 College has now provided VET Sport, Aquatics & Recreation Students as umpires on these Gala Days for the past 4 years and we look forward to assisting Great Ryrie Primary School again in Term 2 and hopefully for many years to come.

Jeff Harrington & Emily Campiciano  

Teachers

The year 11 VCE VM students attended the Belgrave Treetop Adventure Park. The students engaged in a comprehensive safety briefing considering the OH&S and risks associated with the activity, reflecting the learning that has been undertaken in Work Related Skills. They were then able to choose their own adventure amongst the treetops by completing a number of the treetop cable courses which target different skills and abilities. Students have been learning about mindset in Unit 1 PDS. The students embraced the opportunity to challenge themselves, many taking the challenge of a 6 story leap of faith. Later reflecting on how mindset plays a role in our ability to undertake challenges and sit within discomfort and how that might relate to other areas of their lives.

Jacqui Street

VCE VM Co-ordinator

This term, students in years 8-12 have attended two plays at the Melbourne Theatre Company, 37 and Robot Dog. Students travel with their teachers into the city on the train and walk through to the Arts Precinct. After the show they enjoy lunch in the city before their return to Ringwood.

37, written by Nathan Myanard, explores racism and identity through the lens of a small-town Australian Rules football club, focusing on two Indigenous players and the legacy of Adam Goodes's experience with racism. The production had an ensemble cast and evocative movement sequences.

Student comments:

It was great going to see the play 37 at the MTC. It was executed so well and entertained us by being funny but had a really good underlying message. How they demonstrated racism made me think a lot about how hurtful it really is. Something I found entertaining in the performance was the lifts that were done, and also the slow-motion scenes. Thanks for taking us! - year 8 students

Robot Dog had a cast of three performers. Written by Rochell Yee Pui Fong and Matthew Ngamurarri Heffernan, it follows a young couple in the year 2042 as they attempt to navigate their work, relationship and job seeking requirements. They 铿乶d themselves assisted by the quirky AI controlling their home and a robotic therapy dog.

Student Comments:

Overall I had an amazing experience going to see the play Robot Dog. The play itself was fascinating, mixing ethical problems about race, culture, heritage and AI with light-hearted jokes and a good storyline. Afterwards we had lunch on Swanston St and ended up having a great time wandering the city as a cohort. I loved mixing with different year levels and making friends throughout the school, I would definitely recommend joining the fun on the next excursion. - Ryan  

The play Robot Dog was intriguing and interesting. The variety of light usage, smoke and the robot dog itself made the performance fun to watch, and see how they decided to work the stage. The theatre was amazing, and it was good to picture what it would be like if someone was to follow that pathway. I enjoyed talking to, and making conversation with other students and year levels. I got to speak to people I wouldn't see otherwise, or wouldn't see very often. I also enjoyed just getting to sit, chat, and walk around the city with the spare time we had, in addition to watching the play. It was a great experience, and opportunity, to which I am very grateful for, and would highly recommend. I would definitely attend again! - Ruby  

Paola Unger

Teacher

What does it mean to host?

Without doubt creating lifelong friendships goes without saying, as the reflections below show.

In listening to students over the last few weeks, it鈥檚 evident that there were so many other benefits in welcoming someone from France. As soon as our French visitors arrived, our 快播 students were able to show off their beautiful school with all its greenery and native flora. Our students were not only proud of their surroundings, which are quite unlike a typical French high school, but were prompted into finding alternate ways of expressing themselves verbally in English and with gestures so as to not overwhelm the French students. Families went out of their way to proudly show off Melbourne whilst also broadening their views with what their host was able to express to them. For some 快播 students, it was the opportunity to further their rapport with the person they stayed with last December, whilst for other students, it was the chance to connect as well as be exposed to a little French culture within the security of their own home.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone for hosting, both in homes and within the school environment, as the memories for all involved will last a long time.

Merci.

Nathalie Walshe

Languages Learning area leader 

Australian perspectives

The bond I made with Wendy was a bond that will last forever and I am so grateful for that. And the experience I had with her in France, I would never change for the world.

During her time here, I had the incredible opportunity to take Wendy to some of my favourite places in Melbourne. We explored Sovereign Hill, where she got to experience the gold rush history. We wandered through the streets of Melbourne city, we saw my favourite hidden gems, vibrant street art, and delicious food that showcased the diversity of our Australian culture. Sharing these experiences with Wendy allowed our relationship to grow and deepen our bond as we learned from each other. She has become my best friend, who I also think of as my younger sister.

One of the highlights of our time together was introducing Wendy to Australian sports. I showed her footy and netball which she loved. My family and I cried a lot when she left. My family had become her family, and her family had become mine. We celebrated our differences, embraced our similarities, and created memories that will last a lifetime. We already have plans to see each other again. This experience was truly special and a once in a lifetime thing.

Alovi - Year 12 student

Hosting Ad猫le and being hosted by her family in France has been one of the best experiences of my life from when I saw her for the first time in France to when I said goodbye to her on the bus.

In Australia, after having met my family she connected with everyone so well it felt like she was part of it. I was able to take her to some of my favourite places and show her places she had dreamed of seeing, particularly the Melbourne CBD, where she was excited to go to the aquarium and she loved going to the beach and seeing some wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas. She also loved discovering the Australian school system in person.

Hosting has been such a great experience, it has helped both of us immerse ourselves into the different cultures and develop our language skills. Saying goodbye to her was so hard but we have plans to meet up again in the future. Even after she has left we still speak daily and I have formed a special friendship with Ad猫le that I think will last me a lifetime.

Emma - Year 12 student 

On Thursday 13th March, 快播 held the first-ever Year 7 to 12 whole school Athletics Carnival, bringing together students, staff, and school spirit like never before. This exciting event saw great participation, fantastic team spirit, and a day full of memorable moments.

The atmosphere was electric and the ovals transformed into a vibrant sea of red, yellow, and green, as students proudly wore a touch of their house colour. The event was made even more special by the Year 12s, who were given the opportunity to dress up in full costume for their house. Their creativity and enthusiasm shone through, and their outfits were put to the ultimate test in the highly anticipated Fashions of the Field competition, where style met sportsmanship.

The Athletics Carnival featured a diverse range of events that catered to every student鈥檚 interests and talents. The traditional track and field events gave students the chance to showcase their athleticism and determination, while novelty events like the biggest vortex throw, tug-of-war, and Finska added a fun and light-hearted element to the day. These events provided a great balance of competition and camaraderie, allowing everyone to participate, regardless of athletic ability.

One of the highlights of the carnival was the student-led house chanting competition, with Mackillop taking out first place. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by the students as they cheered on their teammates was infectious, contributing to the overall sense of unity and friendly rivalry that defined the day. The senior students did an outstanding job of rallying their houses to get involved and show their support.

At the end of the day, the results were in, and Mackillop emerged victorious with a stellar 2906 points. Dominic followed closely behind in second place with 2704 points, while Rice finished in third with 2363 points. The final scores reflected not only the competitive spirit of the day but also the sense of community and participation that made the carnival such a memorable experience.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our staff. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to planning and running the day. Their tireless efforts helped create an environment where students could compete and have fun in a safe and supportive setting.

Overall, the Year 7 to 12 whole school athletics carnival was a great success, filled with participation, passion, and school spirit. We can鈥檛 wait to see what next year鈥檚 carnival has in store! Well done to all the competitors, and a big congratulations to MACKILLOP!

Thank you to all staff and students who helped make our 2025 Open Day a success. 

 Last Sunday was the annual 快播 Open Day and despite the rain there was a great turn out from both visitors and our amazing 快播 Students from Year 7 to 12 who helped run and guide tours. As well as some of our music and dance students who showcased their talents on the day. It was great to see so many new faces enter our 快播 gates and for our student helpers and teachers to give them an insight into what life at 快播 is all about. A big thank you especially to our Year 7 and 8 students who volunteered and put themselves out there despite only being at the College for a short amount of time. It showed great courage and determination by all of our students who did something that might have been a little daunting and nerve racking but all of our students gave it their best and reports from a variety of parents and visitors was that they did an incredible job. Overall it was a great day that really encompassed the 快播 Spirit by all that attended and a day that is a highlight every year.

Lachie Buyck

Vice Captain

The Spirit of 快播 section will focus on one core value from our mission statement and ways this value has been demonstrated at school.

With the end of term quickly approaching, our students have been under the pump. With schoolwork beginning to pile up, and the whole school Athletics Day and Open Day our students have really been exemplifying perseverance and grit. As recounted by Year 9 Captain, Zia Smith, our students have been making extra efforts to set aside study time, seeking support in their study, and taking appropriate study breaks so they can persevere through these last two weeks of term.

On Thursday, during the first Whole School Athletics Carnival the amount of perseverance shown was astounding! Middle Years Rice Captains Amelia and Charlie both recounted how students in the face of adversity and fatigue carried on. Like with a student who signed up for the triple jump, despite not really wanting to, and ended up doing amazingly well and placing fourth! During the 鈥楥hanting Competition鈥� the entirety of Rice House displayed perseverance, despite being the farthest away from the judges, leaving them at a disadvantage. They still tried their hardest, persevering through, and not letting their spirits get low when they did not prevail.

During open day, we also saw our staff persevering, as told by Ruby, the Junior Music Captain, who didn鈥檛 give up on the performing students once the rain got the instruments and amps wet. The staff made sure to protect any other equipment, and made sure any performances that were safe to go on, did! Making it a great experience for all the guests, students and staff alike!

Perseverance: 鈥淲e are challenged to continually strive for excellence in all aspects of our learning.鈥�

The cast of 鈥楾he Wedding Singer鈥� have hit the ground running in Term 1 holding rehearsals on Monday and Thursday afternoons. With over 60 student performers involved each rehearsal brings together peers from Years 7 to 12 to share their passion of Performing Arts. We look forward to musicians and backstage crew
joining us in Term 2 and 3 which will complete our production community.

鈥楾he Wedding Singer鈥� launches audiences back to the 80鈥檚 and asks, 鈥淲hat鈥檚 love
got to do with it?鈥� Well, love is the central focus of the musical, as we follow the
charismatic Robbie Hart (Macsen Reynolds), a talented wedding singer in his quest
for love after being left at the alter by his fianc茅 Linda (Dulcie White). With the help
of his friends Sammy (Ewan Dawson), George (Sienna Stevenson) and Holly (Ella
Kennedy) and his bodacious Grandma (Ava Braeden) Robbie is able to overcome
obstacles like businessman Glen (Travis Pearson) and find his happily ever after in
Julia (Rose Ennis). The show will have you tapping your toes and dancing in your
seat with catchy music and references galore from the 80鈥檚 era such as Delorian
cars, brick sized mobile phones, Hammer pants and Flock of Seagulls hair!

You don鈥檛 want to miss this musical- So please save the date! 鈥楾he Wedding Singer鈥�
will be running in the Mahon Theatre over the course of two weeks from; 

31 July - 2 August 

and 

7 August -  9 August 

Gina Goss, Sarah Owen, Alysia Silvagni 

Musical Directors

On Monday we held the first of 4 drama workshops planned for 快播 this year. These sessions are designed to involve students;

• Who are keen about acting and performance and;
• Who may not currently have drama as a subject.
• Who want more opportunities to participate in drama games and build acting skills.
• Who are keen to meet like-minded people.

Led by our Drama Captain, Sophie Naismith and facilitated by Drama 12 students, sessions filled both recess and lunch on Monday, March 17. Students enjoyed participating in drama games at recess and reconvened at lunch to workshop short open scripts.

We look forward to hosting more workshops this year!

Paola Unger & Alysia Silvagni

Drama teachers

There was great excitement this week when the Year 12 bomber jackets arrived! A great tradition for our senior students to enjoy together in their final year of school.