We continue to hold in our thoughts and prayers Cody Judkins, his parents Courtney and Adam and siblings Beau and Jemma (Year 10) on the tragic passing of Cody at the beginning of the term.
Cody’s warmth and good-natured spirit made him someone people naturally gravitated toward. Whether on the basketball court or in the classroom, he approached everything with enthusiasm and humility. His achievements in VET Electrotechnology and his pre-apprenticeship program, where he received several awards, reflected both his ability and his drive to do things well.
Cody Judkins
Welcome
We are delighted to welcome Ms Christine Ward to the position of Director of the Tyabb Campus from the commencement of this term. Christine has recently held the position of Head of Middle School – Wellbeing at John Paul College, having been appointed to this role in 2019. She has held a number of leadership positions over her career, both in Victoria and in the UK and is looking forward to joining the Padua College community to work with staff, students, and families to continue to develop the inclusive and thriving community at Tyabb and across the College.
Christine is dedicated to student achievement and wellbeing with a strong focus on leading and supporting holistic student development and education. She is passionate and driven in her pursuit of academic and pastoral support for students and in building community connections.
Christine is very much looking forward to getting to know the staff, students, and families at Padua College, particularly the Tyabb Campus.
Year 12 Graduation
Over recent weeks we have celebrated our graduating class of 2025, this year moving to splitting the Graduation Mass and Ceremonies to be celebrated over two evenings based on student House community. This move has become unavoidable given the size of the cohort and the time the celebration has taken in recent years. We will review this new format however, early feedback from parents has been positive. I thank our College Chaplain, Fr Tony Doran for celebrating both these Masses as well as Fr Brian Muling for concelebrating the Graduation Mass on Thursday 16 October.
Also during this time the whole College community gathered on Monday 20 October for our College Assembly. At the assembly and Graduation Ceremonies we congratulated Our Year 12 Award winners and enjoyed a number of musical acts and the recitation of the Year 12 pledge. The morning following the College Assembly our graduating Year 12 students enjoyed their Celebration Day.
The nominees of the Principal’s General Excellence Award were presented at the Graduation Ceremonies and during the College Assembly, with the winner to be announced at our Valedictory Dinner on Thursday 20 November.
Each year the Frankston Mornington Peninsula Local Learning and Employment Network (FMPLLEN) hosts the Applied Learning Awards to celebrate the achievements of students, schools and industry partners and recognise the work in the Applied Learning field of education.
This year an Excellence Award was presented to Amy Bennett of Merton House/Cardijn House.
The Achievement Award was presented to Travis Wilkinson of Djeembana House/McCormack House.
And the Industry Award was presented to Isabella Saporito of Bernard House/Frayne House.
This award honours the leadership, faith, and service of Sinead
Ryan — a proud Padua College graduate, teacher, College Vice Captain and Kolbe
House Coordinator. Guided by faith, compassion and a commitment to truth,
Sinead created spaces where others felt encouraged to grow, lead and act for
justice in the spirit of our Catholic values. This award is presented to a
senior student who reflects her spirit — one who leads with integrity, faith,
and a deep commitment to learning, justice and the flourishing of
others.
The worthy recipient of the Sinead Ryan Memorial Award is Emma
Welsh of Merton House/Kolbe House.
North Star Points is a commendations system started, which recognises the participation and encouragement of students in all areas of college life throughout the school year in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Student involvement in more activities while at the College will build better relationships, develop greater confidence, gain valuable skills and generally have a greater chance of success once they leave school. The winners of the North Star Awards have received the total amount of North Star Points over their time at the College and since the inception of the Program. They have been involved in Sport and Academic pursuits, Christian Leadership and Community building and basically tried their hand at everything, and if there has been an opportunity to build character, connection of engagement, they have been involved.
We congratulate the following winners:
Charlotte Crawford of John XXIII House/Kolbe House Thomas McInnes of Francis House/Anthony House Jake Symes of Bernard House/Doyle HouseEmma Welsh of Merton House/Kolbe House
This year Padua College is awarding two students The Global Citizenship Award for their commitment and performance in the United Nations Youth Evatt competition where they represented Padua in the State semi-finals in September; and for their outstanding performance in the Rotary Model United Nations Assembly for winning the Perpetual Trophy - the Peace Prize. Congratulations to the following winners:
Ella Lewis of MacKillop House Fin Fowler of Bernard/Sebastian House
The Helen Broad History Prize, presented by the Mornington and District Historical Society, recognises local students who demonstrate both academic excellence and a strong passion for history. This award aims to inspire and encourage the ongoing study of history among young scholars in our community.
The winner for this year was Madison Hole of Bernard House/Frayne House
The Sports Achievers of Padua College and Sportspersons of the Year Awards are given to students who exemplify the values of our College community, consistently demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship, a proactive attitude, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to Padua's sporting teams throughout their time at the College. Their dedication and involvement have set a standard of excellence for others to follow.
Mizuki Brothwell Imanueli Drodrolagi
The Sports Achievers of the Year are Mizuki Brothwell of Elizabeth House/Geoghegan House and Imanueli Drodrolagi of Djeembana House/Goold House.
Lily SnowCharlie Caldecott
The 2025 Sportspersons of the Year are Lily Snow of Merton House/Romero House and Charlie Caldecott of Bernard House/Frayne House.
The 2025 Performing Arts Award recognises a student who has wholeheartedly embraced all areas of the Performing Arts over six years at Padua. A dedicated singer, musician, actor, dancer, and ensemble member, they have shone from The Wizard of Oz to standout roles in Mamma Mia and Guys and Dolls. Through VCE VET Music, Theatre Studies, and Drama, they have shown exceptional creativity, versatility, and commitment.
The
Performing Arts Department have selected the 2025 Performing Arts Award to go
to Liam McAloon of Elizabeth House/Anthony House.
The 2025 Senior Musician of the Year is awarded to a student who has demonstrated outstanding dedication, growth, and passion for music throughout their six years at Padua College. An active contributor to the College’s musical life, from rock bands and stage bands, to major productions like Mamma Mia and The Wizard of Oz, they are a talented and collaborative performer, known for supporting others on and off the stage.
This student’s achievements include being a 2025 Take The Mic finalist and earning a perfect study score of 50 in VCE VET Music. Now completing VCE Music Contemporary Performance and Music in the Spirit, they continue to inspire with their skill, humility, and love for live performance.
The 2025 Senior Musician Award is proudly presented to Sam Boyden of Elizabeth House/Assist House.
The Melanie Holden Surfing and Academic Award is presented by the
Holden family in memory of Melanie Holden, a past student of Padua College who
completed Year 12 in 1989. The recipient of this award is recommended by the
Physical Education Department, together with the coach of the Mornington Campus
Surfing Team. The Melanie Holden Surfing Award is awarded to a young woman from
Year 12 who combines an avid interest in surfing with diligence in her studies.
The winner is Tilly Smart of MacKillop House/Goold House.
This award is in recognition of Sue Lash, a staff member of Padua College for 22 years who was actively involved in both Careers and VET at both the Mornington and Rosebud Campuses. The Sue Lash Award recognises a student who reflects the perseverance and positive use of VET as part of their career journey.
The winner is Annabelle Mulvogue of Mercy House/McAuley.
The Mick McLoughlin Principal’s Choice is an acknowledgement award in memory of Mr Michael McLoughlin (1943 – 2012) who was Deputy Principal and inaugural Head of Rosebud Campus during his 27 years at Padua College.
This acknowledgment is given annually to a Year 11 or 12 student who has produced an outstanding piece of work in the Arts Learning Area and to a Year 11 or 12 student who has produced an outstanding piece of work in the Technology Learning Area as part of their portfolio work for the VCE or VET course.
Milla BieberChristian Ferlin
The winners are Milla Bieber of MacKillop House/Mannix House for Art and Christian Ferlin of Merton House/Romero House for Technology.
The Australian Defence Force is acknowledging and encouraging the next generation of innovators, critical thinkers and problem solvers. The ADF Future Innovators Award is for a Year 12 student who demonstrates innovation in the learning area of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). The recipient also demonstrates a level of high motivation in the learning area of STEM.
The winner of the ADF Young Innovator Award for 2025 is David Warmbrunn of Mercy House/Mannix House.
This Award recognises students who demonstrate leadership and teamwork within both the school and the broader community and who display strong values, such as doing one’s best, exemplary leadership, respect for others and “mateship”, that are integral to Australian society.
The winner of the ADF Youth Leadership & Teamwork Award for 2025 is Thomas McInnes of Francis House/Anthony House.
The Tyler Shaw Memorial Award is presented in memory and honour of Tyler Shaw who was a past VCAL student of Padua College. Tyler had a zest for life and lived her short life to the fullest. Tyler’s story is shared with many students on the Mornington Peninsula through the DRIVE 4 LIFE program, TRAG. This award is given to a VCE VM student who shows determination, strength and an ability to live their life to the fullest.
The winner of the Tyler Shaw Memorial Award for 2024 is Michael Gibilsco of Francis House/Geoghegan House.
The short-listed nominees for the 2025 Principal’s General Excellence Award are Charlotte Crawford, Fin Fowler, Thomas McInnes, Zoe Smith, Jake Symes and Emma Welsh.
The winner of the Principal’s General Excellence Award will be announced at the Valedictory Dinner on Thursday 20 November.
VCE Exams
We keep our Year 12 students who have commenced the written VCE Exams in our prayers as they undertake these examinations in your prayers. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to all our teachers at Padua College who have worked with our Year 12 students over their educational journey to prepare them for their exams.
Loving God,
We bring before you our students as they undertake their exams. Fill them with your peace and help them remain calm and focused during these important days.
Grant them clarity of mind and strength of heart, that they may recall with confidence the knowledge and skills they have gained. May they trust in their own abilities, knowing that they are capable and prepared.
We pray that they approach each paper with a clear mind and an open heart, embracing this opportunity to shine and be the best they can be. Surround them with your love and support, and may they feel the encouragement of their families, friends, and teachers.
As they give their best, help them remember that their worth lies not just in results but in the wonderful people they are becoming. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
2026 College Captains
When the last edition of The Paduan was published we had commenced the process for appointing our 2026 College Captains.
I am delighted to announce that our 2026 College Captains are Charlee Dornom
and Will Davies and College Vice Captains are Chloe Sayers and Leonardo Luppino.
Aspire9 Focus Week
This week Year 9 students participated in the Aspire9 Focus Week with students participating in Outdoor Education camps, a city experience or day camps. The Focus Week program is an important part of the Aspire9 year and I thank Acting Director of Aspire9, Emma O’Dowd, along with the Aspire9 Team: Lauren Ori, Jayden Tomkins, Janine Cox and Rebecca Seal for their work in organising these experiences, along with all staff who attended and staff who remained on Campus to support classes continuing onsite.
Melbourne Cup Weekend
Families will be aware that next Tuesday 4 November is a public holiday. For students and most staff, Monday 3 November will also be a day of no scheduled classes. There will be VCE exams running on that day so a number of staff will be onsite at the Mornington Campus to support those students undertaking these exams and participate in course reviews.
Year 10 & Year 11 Exams
The Year 10 & Year 11 Exam period will commence on Wednesday 5 November and will conclude on Tuesday 18 November. These exams are important assessments as well as great preparation for our senior students as they start to prepare for Year 12 and I wish all our Year 10 & 11 students well.
Headstart
We will commence our 2026 Headstart program on Wednesday 19 November and this will continue through to Tuesday 2 December, during this time we will have a day of no scheduled classes for Report Writing on Friday 21 November.
The final day for students will be Wednesday 3 December with 2025 Year 9 students from Rosebud and Tyabb Campuses returning to their home campus for end of year celebrations.
School Review
Last week we had our initial meeting with our School Reviewers. The Reviewers will be back in the coming weeks to meet with a number of stakeholders as they prepare our Review Report. This Report will be presented to members of the College Leadership Team at the end of the year and from this, we will devise our new four-year School Improvement Plan.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Luke Morgan (M) and wife, Belinda, on the arrival of baby Sophie Isabel.
Congratulations to Lauren Rothschild and her husband Dan on the arrival of baby Liana. Congratulations also to Anita Carter on becoming a grandmother for the first time.
Congratulations to Nicole Lim (M) on the safe arrival of a baby girl.
Condolences
We keep in our thoughts and prayers Emma Cheers (M) and family in our prayers on the recent passing of Emma’s husband, Kris.
We also keep in our prayers Mel Pratt (M) on the passing of her sister, Jess, recently.
And we keep in our prayers at this time Deb Hill (M) on the passing of her father, Ken.
