Pride, Progress and Possibilities
As Term 3 draws to a close, the Senior School has been alive with energy, effort and extraordinary achievements. From acts of generosity to standout performances in sport, leadership and the arts, our students have continued to show what it means to be part of the Padua community and to follow their North Star.
Here's a senior school snapshot of just some of the moments that have made us proud:
Giving with Heart
This term, our students demonstrated compassion and community spirit by donating generously to the St Vincent de Paul Winter Food Appeal. Their kindness has helped support families doing it tough this winter. Thank you to all who contributed — your generosity has made a real difference.
Senior Boys Kick Goals
A big congratulations to our SIS Senior Boys’ Football Team, who battled their way to the semi-final of the Herald Sun Shield. Their determination, teamwork and sportsmanship were outstanding, and we commend them on such a strong season.
The Stage Lights Up
This year’s School Production was yet another shining moment on our calendar. From centre stage to behind the scenes, our students brought talent, creativity and incredible dedication to this major event. Balancing schoolwork with rehearsals is no small feat, and we thank all students and staff involved for creating something truly special.
Padua at the UN Youth Evatt Competition State Semi Finals
We are proud to announce that six of our senior students have progressed to the Victorian semi finals of the prestigious UN Youth EVATT Competition: Finn Fowler, Ella Lewis, Josh Howard, Thomas McInnes, Angelique Brun, and Oliver Helliwell.
This achievement places them among the top 60 teams selected from over 200–250 teams across the state. The semi finals will be held on Saturday, 6 September at St Hilda’s College, University of Melbourne, where students will compete against peers from schools across Victoria.
Each team of two will represent a country on the UN Security Council in a Model UN simulation. They will prepare and deliver speeches on two pre-released resolutions and debate one unseen resolution. Judging criteria include negotiation strategy, speech delivery, proposed amendments, understanding of their assigned country’s foreign policy, global awareness, and teamwork.
This competition provides a valuable opportunity for students to demonstrate key skills in diplomacy and negotiation, reflecting the principles of the United Nations Charter. We wish our teams the very best as they take on this exciting challenge.
Courageous Leaders Step Forward
This past week, our College Captain candidates delivered heartfelt and inspiring speeches. With voting now completed, the next stage involves interviews with a panel. We acknowledge the courage it takes to step up and offer to represent your peers—well done to all who put themselves forward.
Looking Ahead: Careers & VTAC
Our Careers Conversations are currently underway, with every Year 12 student having a one-on-one appointment to discuss life after Padua. Parents, we encourage you to ask your child about their conversation. Students should contact the Careers Office if the appointment was missed.
A reminder that VTAC applications are now open for students aiming for university in 2026. Be aware: application fees double after the due date, so please don’t delay.
Exam Prep: Start Now, Not Later
With trial exams just around the corner, students should already be working through practice exams—not waiting for the holidays to begin.
The Library is open after school and during the holidays, offering support and access to past exam papers. Students can place their printing order with the Library and it will be printed for them at no cost.
Please refer to the letter recently sent home for all key dates and important deadlines for Year 12 students.
We are proud of every student who is giving their best, whether in quiet preparation or bold public moments. Let’s finish Term 3 strong and carry that momentum into the final part of the year!
Frayne Speech Festival
On the final weekend of August, seven students travelled to Sacred Heart College in Kyneton to take part in the annual Frayne Speech Festival. This event brings together Mercy schools from across Victoria to celebrate excellence in speaking through debating, public speaking and voice choir.
Padua College proudly participated in both the debating and public speaking categories. Our debating team competed in two rounds, tackling topics such as ‘Water restrictions should be reintroduced permanently in Metropolitan Melbourne to address long-term drought risks’ and ‘VCE should be replaced with a more flexible and skills-based assessment system’.
In the public speaking category, students delivered prepared speeches on issues that reflect topics relevant to the modern world. One speech explored how history is received and the impact of silence in shaping societal actions, while another focused on the ethical and social implications of technological advancement.
The Frayne Speech Festival was a valuable opportunity to connect with other Mercy schools, share ideas and grow as speakers while representing Padua College with courage.
Established in 1996, the festival is named in honour of Mother Ursula Frayne, leader of the first group of Sisters of Mercy to arrive in Australia from Ireland in 1846. She opened the first Mercy school in Australia on 2 February 1846, now known as Mercedes College in Perth, which continues the Mercy tradition on the very same site. Mother Ursula Frayne also founded the first religious house in Victoria in 1857 and, in the same year, established the Academy of Mary Immaculate in Fitzroy, the first Catholic secondary school for girls in Victoria.
The legacy of Mother Ursula Frayne lives on through events like this, where students from Mercy schools come together to celebrate our voices.
Congratulations to all participants: Millie Smith, Logan Shelley, Cooper Hall, Max Nielsen, Abby Richards, Sophie Kavanagh and Angelique Brun
Lastly, a very special thank you to Mr Perry and Ms Connors for their guidance and support of the debaters and public speakers, and for taking us up to Kyneton. The trip was incredible.
Abby Richards
Year 11 Mercy
