With our Year 12 students facing the final weeks of classes before graduation and exams, we are all preparing to finish Term 3 with enthusiasm and determination to achieve before we head into the holiday break.

There has been much to keep us busy throughout the term and I am pleased to provide the following updates on recent events.

2025 College Production

The final curtain has fallen on our 2025 College Production of Guys & Dolls and what a show it was! There are so many people involved in putting together a production like this and we are truly grateful to all the staff who worked tirelessly to ensure our students had this amazing experience, all under the guidance of our Production Director, Kylie Donnelly. The talent of our students shone brightly on stage and behind the scenes, with their energy, creativity and commitment making each performance unforgettable. Their teamwork and passion brought the story to life in a way that filled us with pride and joy, creating memories that will last long after the lights dimmed.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the many parents, families, and volunteers who supported the production in countless ways — pick ups, from costume making, set design, hair and make-up, to late-night rehearsals and cheering from the audience. Your generosity of time, encouragement, and behind-the-scenes assisted in making this production possible. The wider College community’s enthusiasm and support remind us that a production such as Guys & Dolls is not just a show, but a celebration of the creativity, talent, and spirit that thrive within our College.

Progress Reporting Interviews

The second round of Progress Reporting Interviews for this Semester were held on Wednesday 20 August from 2:00pm–8:00pm and I thank staff, students and parents for their involvement in this important aspect of our reporting schedule.

Grade 6 Welcome Interviews

Following our Progress Reporting Interviews, on Thursday 21 August we were delighted to welcome our incoming Year 7 students, the Class of 2026, for their Grade 6 Welcome Interviews. It was a joy to see these students and their families on campus, engaging with staff, sharing their hopes, and discussing any questions as they prepare for the exciting transition to secondary school. These conversations mark an important step in building a strong partnership between families and the College, and we look forward to walking alongside our newest students as they begin their journey in Year 7 next year.

Vinnies Trivia Night

Last Friday night we held our annual Vinnies Trivia Night, raising much-needed funds for our local conferences of Vinnies. This year, members of the School Advisory Council Community Engagement Sub-Committee played a central role in organising the event, and I extend my sincere thanks to Matt Williams, Marg McInnes, Maree and Tom Leyden, Rebecca Zosel, Damian Coyne and Catherine Cluning. I also wish to acknowledge the wonderful contribution of our Mission Captains — Thomas McInnes and Charlee Dornom, along with fellow students assistants Rosie McInnes and Sophia Biasuzzo, whose energy and enthusiasm added so much to the success of the evening.

SIS Athletics

Earlier this week our Padua College Athletics Team had great success at the SIS Athletics Carnival at Casey Fields winning the Intermediate and Senior shields, as well as the Boys and Girls Aggregate trophies. Thanks to all staff involved in supporting the students: Mrs Nicole Love, Mr Luke Morgan, Ms Heidi Hutchinson, Miss Jen De Longville, Mr Callum Tranter, Miss Holly Debnam, and Mrs Tashara Bampton.

Father’s Day Breakfasts

This week we have celebrated Father’s Day with a special breakfast at each of the campuses. I thank those fathers, and father figures, who were able to join us for these celebrations, and I also thank Matt Williams, Emma Pangrazio, Heads of Campus and our Canteen staff for their organisation and efforts in putting these events together.

Other News

As part of our forward planning, I am pleased to keep our community informed of the following developments:

MACSSIS (MACS School Improvement Survey)

Families will have received an email with login details for the 2025 MACSSIS Survey. I encourage all parents and guardians to take the time to complete this survey. All results are anonymous, but they do provide us with important data that ensures we are able to continue to improve and provide the best for our students. The survey is brief and should only take around 20 minutes to complete.

School Review

As reported in the last edition of The Paduan, we are continuing our preparations for the whole-school review taking place later this year. This cyclical review is another way in which we work for continuous improvement in both learning outcomes and the overall student experience.

2026 School Captains

Recently we have invited our current Year 11 students to apply for the positions of 2026 College Captains and Vice Captains. Earlier this week the entire student body heard speeches from 13 shortlisted candidates and all students and staff have been invited to vote for their prefer candidates.

Next week 8 of these candidates will be interviewed for the two Captain and two Vice Captain roles and these successful candidates will be announced in the final week of Term 3. I thank Mr Sam Wright and Ms Suzi Hyland for their work with our potential student leaders through this process.

Year 12 Graduation Celebrations

Year 12 students and their families have been notified of changes we have made to the Year 12 Graduation Celebrations for 2025. In recent years the length of the duration of the Graduation Mass and Ceremony has extended considerably with the growing numbers in each cohort with the celebration extending over four hours in 2025. With the numbers of students only increasing in the coming years, much consideration has been given as to how we can make this a meaningful and important occasion for our graduating students and their families.

A number of options have been considered, and it has been determined that for 2025 our Graduation Mass and Certificate Ceremony will be conducted over two evenings, divided into House Communities. This ensures the occasion remains meaningful and allows every student the time and space to be individually recognised and celebrated. By holding two ceremonies, families will experience a more comfortable and welcoming environment, with improved access, reduced congestion, and a program of manageable length.

While we recognise that this is a significant change, we are confident this adjustment will enhance the overall experience for students, families, and staff, ensuring that the Graduation Mass and Ceremony continue to be a highlight of the College calendar and a fitting conclusion to each student’s journey at Padua College.

Our entire graduating Year 12 class and their families will have an opportunity to celebrate as one community at the Valedictory Dinner on Thursday 20 November and we look forward to sharing this special evening with all members of the graduating class.

Condolences

We also keep in our prayers at this time Aimee Vegar (M) on the passing of her father, Jamie and the family of Ella Lewis (Year 12 MacKillop House), on the recent passing of her father, Neil.

Gratitude

I am deeply grateful to all members of our College community for your support and encouragement throughout this Term as I have been entrusted with the role of Acting Principal. It has been a privilege to serve in this capacity, and I sincerely thank staff, students, and families for their ongoing commitment and partnership. We now look forward to welcoming Kelly McGurn back in Term 4 following her well-deserved break, and to continuing our shared work in nurturing the growth and flourishing of our students.