Welcome back to all our students and families as we begin another school term.

Term three brings with it a number of new staff to the junior campus. We welcome the following new staff:

• Ms Kahlia Norwood – Head of Learning Science and Year 7 and 8 Science Teacher
• Ms Esther Pang – Year 7 & 8 Maths and Year 7 EAL Teacher
• Ms Annette Lee – Year 7 & 8 English Teacher
• Ms Rose Yako – Year 7 & 8 Humanities and RE Teacher
• Ms Jenelle Thornton – Year 7 & 8 Visual Arts Teacher
• Ms Anika Qian – Year 7 and 8 Visual Communications Design Teacher

In the first two weeks of term we have had year level assemblies and a campus assembly outlining our college expectations. Our ‘Are you Ready to Learn’ program has been reiterated to the students reminding them of what they need to do to be successful learners along with a uniform blitz to ensure our students are looking the best they possibly could and wearing our uniform correctly and with pride.

Student Voice
Our Junior students continue to have voice and presence in a number of school events and activities. Our School Tours at Glenroy are run entirely by our junior students in year 7 and 8.

Furthermore, students have also been involved in assisting in our college production for the dress rehearsal performance presented to a number of primary schools in our area. On Thursday the students listed below will greet the students and their teachers and assist in making sure they are seated in our Mary Mackillop Auditorium for the first public performance of ‘The Addams Family’.

Kai H, 7H Finn H, 7H Oliver G, 8C Dianthi P, 8D Kit A, 8E Glen D, 8E

Luca D, 8I Angelina E, 8I Talia K, 8I Mia L, 8I Matthew M, 8I Mya P, 8I

The primary school performances will take place on Thursday 25^th of July.

Our student leaders have also been leading fundraising events for our upcoming Mary Mackillop Feast Day.

Year 7s are putting together a cookbook. Families have been invited to share their family recipes to craft a culinary treasure, which will not only celebrate our cultural diversity but also support a noble cause. The Year 7 Penola Family Cookbook will be sold to raise funds for the ‘MacKillop Today’ foundation which is the Year 7 Fundraising Foundation for JJAAMM Week.

The year 8 leaders have decided to organise a ‘Cake Stall’ and ‘Guess the number of lollies in a jar competition’ to raise funds for their year level charity ‘KADASIG Aid’ caring for children in the Philippines.

A group of our Year 7 and 8 students represented the college in the SACCSS Chess Tournament on Monday 22 July. The following students participated in a day competition accompanied by Mr Sivi Katsahambas.

David H, 8H Rushil R, 8F Luke R, 7E Hugo D, 8E

Peter Lontos 7G Glen D, 8E Cagan C, 8E Maxwell C, 7E

Mikayla H, 7E Madhav R, 8D

We congratulate all students for their participation and in representing the college with pride and diligence while being a part of a co-curricular activity that they thoroughly enjoy. A special mention goes to Glen D of 8E who won six out of seven games achieving second place, a Silver Medal in the junior section of the tournament.

Public Transport Victoria Presentation
On Friday 26 July during our campus assembly students will be involved in a presentation by Public Transport Victoria. We have had some reports from the PTV of students not engaging in safe and lawful behaviour while around Glenroy Station. The presenters will speak to the students about rail safety and awareness. This includes topics such as using railways crossings safely and the laws that enforce ticketing and fare compliance while using public transport. Hopefully this will enable students to better understand their rights and responsibilities when using public transport.

We ask all parents if your child uses the public system for transport to speak to your child about being safe and lawful when travelling to and from school.

On a final note, I would like to extend a special thanks to Mrs Rebecca Seel our coordinator of students who has acted as a Head of Campus in the first two weeks of term due to me being absent. Rebecca has been assisted by our Year 7 and 8 level leaders and Mrs Sandra Warren the Head of Teaching and Learning to ensure that the campus has been able to run flawlessly in my absence. I would also like to thank Mr Vince Ianuzzi our Deputy Principal of Faith and Mission who has also come to Glenroy over the two weeks to assist with leadership of the campus in my absence. I am very grateful for the support and professionalism of my colleagues as it has allowed my to take the time I needed away from work. I am looking forward to being at school from week three.

Welcome back to all students and families to Term 3. I hope you had a restful break as we prepare for many exciting learning and personal development opportunities. A warm welcome to the new students and families along with staff members who have joined the senior campus this term, it is terrific to have you part of the Penola community!

All the very best to the students performing in the College production this week!

Canteen phone zone
We have introduced at the Broadmeadows campus a clearly marked area where it is acceptable for students to have their phones in sight as they prepare to pay for their canteen food items using their mobile phone for payment. As per the College digital device rules, outside of this area phones are not permitted and if seen will be confiscated by staff and taken to the campus office.

School attendance and compulsory school events
If students miss school regularly, they miss out on learning the fundamental skills that will set them up for success in the later years of school. There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind, and can affect their educational outcomes. Each missed day is associated with progressively lower achievement in numeracy, writing and reading. In the winter months there can be increased illness and students are not advised to come to school when unwell. However all other times attendance is of paramount importance including arriving to school on time. Students are urged to arrive at school by 8:30am to allow themselves time to unpack their school bag and prepare for the day ahead.

A reminder to students and families that we have several compulsory school days throughout the year including our upcoming Mary Mackillop Feast Day, Thursday 8 August. Absence from this day or arriving significantly late requires a medical certificate. If there is other special circumstances families are to please contact the Year Level Coordinator. Not providing a medical certificate or other accepted reason will result in a after school consequence. If your child is experiencing any attendance difficulties please do not hesitate to contact their year level coordinator.

The Resilience Project
Our students and staff will continue to engage with The Resilience Project particularly during pastoral lessons. The Resilience Project is committed to teaching positive mental health strategies to prevent mental ill-health and build young people’s capacity to deal with adversity.

Lessons and activities around the key principles of Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness (GEM), and Emotional Literacy to build resilience are the key focus of program delivery.

You can visit The Resilience Projec.website for more information:
And check out TRP@HOME a place filled with inspiration and activities for the whole family, to help improve family wellbeing and build resilience.

Term three has started and we are thrilled to announce that the Christian Services program has re-commenced for the first time since pre-Covid. We are grateful to the numerous agencies in the northern suburbs who have agreed to take on our Year 11 students in a voluntary capacity. Following the Year 11 Reflection Day last term, each student elected to volunteer at a community agency based on their needs and interests. Following these selections, this term, every Year 11 student will spend a day at their chosen agency where they will provide assistance and support as needed. Students will receive a form to complete should reflect upon their volunteer experiences after their placement. These reflections will be used in the RE and Society Ethics Unit 2 subject.

Many thanks to Melissa Fry and Gerard Knobel who completed a mountain of work to ensure that the Christian services program was re-established within the community. We trust that all Penola students will use the time volunteering as an opportunity for personal growth and formation. We are grateful to them for their support in assisting the different organisations and thus growing the relationship between Penola Catholic College and the various agencies in need.

From the Youth Minister
We are now in the second half of the year, where we are catching up on things we want to finish and starting new projects we want to undertake. It can be overwhelming at this time, but with faith, we can overcome it. Working at Penola, the one thing I’ve been very grateful for and now hold in high value is the experience of reflection and faith here. The students are yearning for more and have the fire to know more. It is inspiring, and I’m very grateful to be a part of the Faith and Mission team that is doing their best to make this happen. As St. Mary MacKillop said, “Do your best and God will bless your efforts.”

Staff Spirituality Day
On Wednesday 17 July all Penola staff gathered to listen to 2 key-note topics by renowned theologian, O Ernesto Valiente. Dr Valiente spoke about Jesus’ identity and mission and Oscar Romero: a Revolutionary saint for today’s suffering world. We were also fortunate to have a Mass celebrated for all present by Fr Sam Pearson, a former Penola Catholic College student and assistant priest at the parish of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Gladstone Park.

Feast Day and JJAMM Week
As we move towards the end of July and head towards August, much planning is being done in celebrating our Australian saint, Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Each Year level will run a fund raiser for their charity agency in the days leading up to Feast Day. Feast Day lands on Thursday 8 August and will commence with a Mass in the ASH before the College celebrates through a range of different activities and rides. We look forward to reporting on the outcome of the day.

The Sydney Art Tour in the last week of Term 3 was a great success. Our selected Year 11 and 12 students from Art, Media and Visual Communication and Design engaged in many experiences. Visiting art galleries such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales to view the Archibald Prize and the Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha solo exhibition. In addition, they visited the Museum of Contemporary Art to view the Julie Rrap photography exhibition and other contemporary artworks and the Australian Design Centre to view textiles and mixed media designs responding to topics of urbanism, the environment and sustainability. Media students toured the Australian Film and Television Radio School, and the entire group attended a live taping of the Guy Mont ‘Spelling Bee’ show at ABC and watched the Mad Max ‘Furiosa’ movie through a cinematic experience. They were also involved in a firsthand drawing workshop with the award-winning director and animator of the short film ‘Birthday Boy’ Sejong Park. The students were also taken on adventures via the Manly Ferry, a Harbour Night Walk to view Sydney’s landmarks and the Taronga Zoo experience.

This year's Sydney Art Tour was a packed experience filled with excitement, learnings, fun memories, and lots of insights into cross-curricular discussions that our students can bring back to the classroom and to their visual works. I thank the staff Mr. Neale Irwin and Ms. Francesca Pascalis for their tireless energy and commitment to assisting me with this year’s success of the tour. Our Penola students were a wonderful representation of the best of our school community.

Margaret Borg
Head of Learning-Visual Arts

Term 2 culminated with a celebration of all things French, Japanese and Italian.

The Broadmeadows Campus hosted the Year 9 Languages Banquet. Students worked hard to get ready for this event and participated in quizzes and tongue twisters while enjoying a feast.

Meanwhile, at the Glenroy Campus, Languages Week was also a huge success, with many linguistic and cultural activities, including food tasting.

During languages week in Italian, we were lucky enough to be able to eat gelato (ice-cream), listen to Italian music and colour in Italian pictures! The gelato was amazing and the lesson was really chill. We now have the pictures that the class coloured on our wall. It looks great!
Eva D, Year 7

Senior AFL Football Boys Season Review,
written by Mr Arnel Davis

2024 In a Gum nutshell
Penola Catholic College rose from no finals in 2023 to first, winning a premiership just 12 months after struggling to field a full side. The remarkable turnaround saw us reach a Grand Final and break the Senior premiership drought. 

Pre-season:  
The playing group comprised of the incumbent Year 10,11 and 12 students met in the performing arts centre in October to establish a basic plan for the upcoming year. The Year9 group had just come off a premiership and already Jack D was keen to make a big impact at Senior level.

What worked: 
A bigger list with all 3-year levels targeted gave us the depth and numbers we required. The engine room that came about by accident, but became the team's driver, Aydin Y, Jack Dand Reilly H provided the grunt needed. Remy F and Luke C played marking targets and were surrounded by small forwards who forced turnovers inside 50 with their relentless chasing and tackling. The structure relied on Aydin Y carrying a massive load in the ruck and being backed.    

What failed:
Injuries and unavailability prevented us from fielding our strongest side week in and week out, and a major injury to stand in skipper Josh S in Round 1, Kieren G unavailability. Against Emmanuel in round one, we leaked 10 goals in the second half.

Overall rating: A+
We found a magic formula on-field and off, regularly meeting, celebrating each other’s achievements, organising small events. However, playing our best football in June and on Grand Final day. The whole squad were well deserved premiers, and our squad of 42 players are to be commended. Captains Paul H and Reilly H were great leaders.

Mr Luke Vraca and I, thank all involved.

Penola Catholic College DEFEATED Emmanuel College, Point Cook
Best : Dodorico, Inserra, Gallo, Henselis, Ceddia, Yilmaz
Peer Voted: Jack D

Senior Girls Footy Report
Coaches Kathryn Ennor & Bianca T
With the growth of Women’s footy in the Northwest, we entered the SACCSS Senior Girls AFL Footy season full of optimism and excitement. A squad of over 30 was assembled, predominately Year10 and 11 students, and we were keen from the beginning to take out the Division 2 prize.

The season started in front of our home crowd, with a tight loss against Marymede, going down by a single point in a low scoring affair. However, we rebounded quickly, comprehensively defeating Antonine and St Francis before concluding the season with a two-point win against Thomas Carr. With only percentage separating the top three teams, we went into the Grand Final against Thomas Carr knowing we had a challenge on our hands.

We travelled to Highgate Recreation Reserve in Craigieburn on Tuesday 25 June for the much-anticipated Grand Final. Playing prior to our Boys’ Grand Final, it was important to get a good start. Lead by Jayda in the ruck and midfield consisting of the likes Jessie, Sienna, Isabella, Coleen and Leah we were able to get ahead on the scoreboard early and the momentum swung our way.

With only a few points separating the teams at the final change, the game was going to the wire. However, with determination and skill, we dominated the last quarter kicking multiple goals and keeping TC goalless.

Kicking 3 goals, and playing an important role in the midfield, Leah was named best on ground, while Jessie was named as the best player voted by the opposition for her dominating game across half back.

Final score: PCC 5.7.37 def TC 3.3.21

Finally, congratulations to all the girls who were involved in the squad this year, not only the team the played in the Premiership, but also to the entire squad who contributed both on and off the field. Thanks also to all the teachers that helped throughout the season.

It’s been a privilege to be part of a quality team that proudly represented the college throughout the season.

We look forward the challenge of playing Division 1 in 2025!

Go PCC!

On Monday, 22 July, Year 10 Pre-Vocational students at Penola Catholic College participated in a 'Resume Builder' workshop hosted by A Grade Resumes. The session, led by Ms. Belinda Giardino and held in our Annie Brice Building, focused on interview preparation and personal branding. Students enjoyed collaborating to determine the best structure for their resumes and cover letters. They received invaluable tips and tricks, ensuring they are well-prepared for future careers. This hands-on workshop provided a fantastic opportunity for students to enhance their job readiness skills and understand the importance of effective personal branding.

Health Department Alert – Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

The Victorian Health Department recently issued a public notice in relation to an increasing number of cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in Victoria, particularly among children aged 10-12.

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness known for causing a cough, and can lead to life threatening infections in babies. Many babies who get pertussis catch it from older children and adults who might not even know they are infected.

Pertussis usually begins with cold-like symptoms, such as a dry cough (occurring in bouts), characteristic 'whooping' sound when breathing in, tiredness, runny nose, and low-grade fever.

Please speak to your doctor (GP) and seek a diagnosis if your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms. Early identification and separation are crucial in preventing the spread to other children.

Pertussis is mostly spread to other people by droplets from coughing or sneezing, so good hygiene practices and immunisations help prevent the spread. Immunisations are particularly important for infants and pregnant women.

If pertussis is diagnosed, your GP will advise on appropriate treatments. Please also advise the College if your child is diagnosed with whooping cough.

If you have any questions, please speak to your GP.

Read the full alert here.

Ace Fun Tennis School

Hani Pito Soccer Academy