Penola Catholic College is a co-educational secondary school with a mission to cater for the spiritual, educational and formative needs of young men and women who seek the Catholic values of the College.

The College's traditions, values and educational philosophy are inspired by the example of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, who inspired by her readings of Jesus of the Gospels, ministered through education and social services to those in need.

College Banner 2024
This year, our College theme is “Do your best and God will bless your efforts” (Mary MacKillop 1899). It was penned by Mary MacKillop in Sydney at the end of 1899 when writing to the Sisters, encouraging those who had not been contributing to the community as well as Mary had expected during that year, to make more effort. The “eye” in the peacock feather on the College Theme Banner symbolises the “all seeing eye of God”. The ‘eye’ of God sees not only all that we do but knows how generous and honest we are in what we do and what is costs us in proportion to how much we have.

In short, God sees when we do our best. In the parable of the widows’ offering (Mark 12:41-44) Jesus emphasised that the poor widow who donated two small copper coins gave more than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything— all she had to live on. Historically in Christianity the peacock symbolises protection, immortality, resurrection, and eternal life, which in the Catholic Faith Tradition is the eternal reward and blessing we receive from God our Father for ‘doing our best’. In 2024 and always, “Do your best and God will bless your efforts”.