College Bereavements

As Term 2 begins, our community finds itself holding space for grief and remembrance. In recent weeks, we have experienced the loss of several members of our College community - each one deeply loved and dearly missed. In the midst of our shared sorrow, we draw strength from one another and from the faith and compassion that bind us together.

Zeke Parks (Class of 2024) passed away suddenly and tragically during the school holidays and we pray for Zeke, his parents Clare and Daniel and his sisters, Imogen, Liby and Lois and they mourn his loss.

We also remember and pray for much-respected former member of our College staff, Mrs Rachael Tharle, who passed away recently following a period of illness. We especially extend our deepest sympathy to Rachael’s husband, Chris and children, Catherine, Mitchell and James.

And we pray for the Steenholdt family on the passing of Brett Steenholdt recently following a period of illness and we pray for Brett’s wife, Belinda and children, Billy (Year 12), Lucy (Class of 2020) and Oliver (Class of 2021).

Padua College School Advisory Council

I welcome new members to the Padua College School Advisory Council (SAC): Fr Patrick Bradford in the role of President of the Canonical Administrators, along with new Parent Representatives Damian Coyne and Rebecca Zosel. They join fellow SAC members:

Chair: Penny Farmer

Deputy Chair: Steve Peart (Parent Representative)

Parent Representatives: Michael Storr & Craig Turner

Parish Representatives: Margaret McInnes (Mornington), Maree Leyden (Westernport), Catherine Cluning (Sorrento)

Mt Eliza and Rosebud/Dromana Parish Representative positions are currently vacant.

Principal: Kelly McGurn

Director of Business: David Lawn

Director of Finance: Michael Hoye

SAC Secretary: Carolyn Cockerham

I am truly appreciative to the members of the Padua College SAC as we work together to support the directions and policies of the College and plan our future operations.

Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV

While the passing of Pope Francis was a moment of sadness for many, it has also offered the world an opportunity to honour the life and legacy of a Pontiff who inspired millions. As a Catholic community—and indeed as a global family—we paused to remember a leader who championed the poor, walked with the suffering, and called us all to live with courage and hope.

He was a shepherd of great compassion, humility, and courage. Pope Francis served the Church and the world with a heart open to the margins, a voice for peace, and a deep love for creation and humanity.

Throughout his papacy, he reminded us of the power of mercy, the call to justice, and the importance of walking together in faith. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come — calling us to live the Gospel with simplicity, tenderness, and bold hope.

We give thanks for his life and leadership, and we pray for the Church and all those who mourn his loss.

Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.

On Friday morning, we woke to the news that the Catholic Church has a new leader - Pope Leo XIV. As Catholics around the world witnessed the white smoke rise from the Sistine Chapel, we were reminded once again of the Holy Spirit’s guiding presence in the life of the Church.

We offer our prayers for Pope Leo XIV as he begins his papacy - may he be strengthened by grace, guided by wisdom, and filled with compassion as he leads the Church through this new chapter. May his leadership continue to bring light, justice, and peace to our world.

In this time of renewal, we are filled with hope for what lies ahead, trusting in God's enduring love and the ever-present call to unity, mercy, and faith.

Mother’s Day

This year we celebrated Mother’s Day with a special breakfast held at each of the Campuses (Wednesday - Rosebud, Thursday - Tyabb, Friday - Mornington). We thank the mother’s and significant mother figures who attended these special days with their children to celebrate the special place they hold in our hearts.

Padua Day

There is much excitement across the three campuses of the College as we prepare for Padua Day on Tuesday 3 June. This day of celebration will see students from across the three campuses come together at the Mornington Campus to celebrate our Padua Day Mass and join in a number of activities throughout the afternoon. These activities are being developed and led by the student leaders of the College and they are putting much work and effort into developing activities that will engage and entertain the students.

Each student will be provided with a $5.00 Food Voucher on the day which they will be able to redeem a lunch item at a number of food outlet venues at the Campus with a variety of different options available for students to choose from. In addition to this, the Lolly Shop, which was established last year with great success and all profits going to Vinnies, will again be running this year and students will also have the opportunity to purchase additional food vouchers if they wish to purchase additional items.

This day is an important opportunity to celebrate our wonderful and vibrant College community and I thank parents for your support in ensuring that our students come together to celebrate this day.

Padua Branding Strategy

You will begin to notice the introduction of our new College Branding in communications from the College. To ensure Padua College remains strong and secure for future generations to come, and following extensive market research, we have developed a new brand identity and positioning for the College. This does not mean we are changing our name, our logo, or the Catholic heart of who we are. These elements — our name, our logo, our College Motto and our deep Catholic identity — remain central to the story of the College: past, present, and future. Rather, this refreshed brand is about more clearly articulating who we are, what we stand for, and what sets us apart in a changing world.

As a Catholic College, we believe purpose resides in every student. It’s the seed of their potential, found in the promise of infinite possibilities and unwritten chapters. It’s their impetus to grow in the quest to discover oneself, uncover true talents, and embrace true callings. It’s developed when they strive: learning, persisting, dreaming, and achieving in the classroom and beyond. It’s shared in the community – loving and accepting others with empathy, grace, and compassion. And it comes to life through service – in the care for others, leadership with humility, and contributing to the common good. Every student searches for their purpose. And whatever it looks like, we help every student find it. Recognise it. Awaken it. Value it. Guide it. Believe in it. Fulfil it. Motivate it. Padua College: Motivating Every Purpose.

I wish to thank our College Director of Business, Mr David Lawn, our Head of Marketing and Enrolments, Mrs Emily McDougall, along with the members of our Marketing Team, for the 18 months of work that has gone into developing this new strategy.

Staff News

We welcome the following new staff to the College:

Caroline Heazlewood – M English Mornington

Valerie Kariman – M Arts

Paul Tunne – M VET Building Assistant

Sarah Hille – M LSO

Michelle Moore – R

Craig Ross – T Visual Arts and Technology

Christie Savio – M English

I extend my best wishes to Mr James Graham who resigned from the College at the end of last term.

Congratulations

I extend my best wishes to Mr Jayden Tomkins (T) and his partner, Jamie, on their recent wedding.

Congratulations to Ms Mahima Stephen (R) on her engagement over the holidays to Josen Joseph.

Congratulations to Mr Pat Nichol (M) and his wife Amber Knight on the birth of their baby daughter, Tarni Flett, recently.

Enrolments for Year 7, 2027

Enrolments for Year 7, 2027 will be closing on Friday 30 May, 2025. For those who have a child in Grade 5 and would like them to attend Padua College in Year 7 enrolments are to be received by this closing date.

Families who already have a child at Padua College are also required to apply online for their Grade 5 student to start high school in Year 7.

Enrol online at https://www.padua.vic.edu.au/pages/enrolment-journey-starting-point