End of the 2022 School Year

Last week we celebrated masses and assemblies at each of our Year 7 – 9 Campuses, with parents able to join either remotely or in person. It was truly wonderful to acknowledge student achievements this semester, including academic, sporting, and in the arts, reflecting on how each of our students has worked to reach their own North Star throughout 2022.

On Wednesday 31 November, all Year 9 students enjoyed a day at Gumbuya World as they marked the end of their Aspire9 Program, and on Friday 2 December all Year 7 – 9 students shared in various end-of-year celebrations. These events took an enormous amount of organisation and preparation and I wish to thank Heads of Campus, Assistant Heads of Campus, House Co-ordinators, Homeroom Teachers, members of the Aspire9 Team, and all staff who were involved in these events.

End of Year Exams and Head Start

VCE exams, along with Year 10 and Year 11 exams all concluded well and were followed by our Head Start Program. This year, being the first year Head Start has been undertaken College-wide, our 2023 Year 11 and Year 12 students completed two weeks of Head Start, 2023 Year 8 – 10 students completed one week. This final week of Head Start had the whole College move to our new five-period timetable. This was a big undertaking and we have learned a lot that will assist us with a smooth commencement to the 2023 school year. I would particularly like to acknowledge the work of new Director of College Logistics and Operations, Ms Cathy Moloney and Vice Principal – Staff, Ms Marjorie Canal, for their work in ensuring the smooth running of our Head Start Program.

Head Start was followed by two days of Summer School. This is the second year we have offered these classes to our incoming Year 11 and Year 12 students, and they were once again well subscribed. My thanks to those staff involved in assisting these students to be fully prepared for the holiday break before they commence VCE studies in 2023.

Grade 6 2022 Orientation Day for Year 7 2023

This week we welcomed our incoming Year 7 2023 students for the Orientation Day at each of the campuses. I thank our Deputy Principals - Heads of Campus Mr Stephen Veneris, Ms Tina Lunny, Ms Lisa Modd, and Rosebud Head of Campus and Transition Co-ordinator, Mr Phil Helisma and Student Wellbeing and Growth Leader (M) Mr Pat Janes, along with House Co-ordinators and Homeroom Teachers who worked to ensure a successful program was in place for the Grade 6 students.

2022 Yearbook

Last week students received a copy of the 2022 edition of the College yearbook to take home. It is delightful that it is once again full of pictures of students involved in school activities from throughout the year. I extend my thanks and congratulations on another wonderful College yearbook to Ms Kathleen Williams. There are many hours of work that go into this each year and it has certainly resulted in an outstanding production once again.

Uniform

I ask all parents to ensure that their student's uniforms are checked so they are in great condition and fit appropriately for their return in 2023. Students are to return in full Summer uniform and are reminded to ensure their hairstyle meets the College requirements and that personal grooming issues are attended to, including being clean-shaven and wearing appropriate jewellery according to College policy. All students must bring their hats, as it is possible that there will be assemblies held outdoors. Students who do not meet the College policies on grooming and uniform will be removed from classes and parents asked to collect them. All students will be required to follow the Dress Regulations which include blazers being worn to and from school commencing in term one.

In particular, students are reminded that:

• Summer dresses must be at least knee-length;
• Mid-back band on their summer dress should be buttoned up and not tied in a knot to bring the dress in; and
• T-bar sandals must be buckled up at all times.

The only bag permitted at school is the College bag and non-uniform items will not be permitted.

Student Departures

To all students who are leaving Padua College at the end of this year, I extend my best wishes and good luck for the future. I trust you have fond memories of your friends and times here at Padua and wish you God’s blessings for the future.

Congratulations & Condolences

I extend my condolences to Mrs Peta Daher (M) on the passing of her father, Brian Phillips, over the weekend.

I extend my congratulations to Mr Patrick Beli (M) on his marriage to Caitlin den-Bakker recently.

I also extend my congratulations to Mrs Anita Carter who was honoured by the Reach Foundation recently for her work in student counselling.

Staffing Changes for 2023

Before departing for a period of Long Service Leave earlier this term, Jim Baird (Co-Director at the Rosebud Campus), announced his resignation to take up the position of Deputy Principal at Catherine McAuley College in Bendigo commencing in 2023. Jim will be much missed at Padua College and we extend our best wishes to him for the future.

I would like to acknowledge those members of the College community who are leaving Padua College and wish them all the very best for 2023 and beyond:

Staff finishing at the end of 2022

Katie Baird: End of Contract
Jim Baird (R): Catherine MacAuley College, Bendigo
Sarah Bath (T): St Francis Xavier Officer
Amelia Brooks (M): Kilbreda College
Monica Brown (M): Retirement
Chloe Brownscombe (M): End of Contract
Alfred Calleja (R): Haileybury College
Damien Cardona (M): St Peter's College
Lucy Clapham (M):
Michelle Dillon: Balcombe Grammar
Michael Eason (M): Retirement
Brendan Fordham (M): Toorak College
Kaiden Forsyth (M): End of Contract
Matthew Foy (M): End of Contract
Jessica Gauci (M): Mentone Grammar
Beth Glasby (R): End of Contract
Nick Gleeson (T): St Bedes
Valerie Hardie (M): Retirement
Anne Johnson (M): Retirement
Matthew Laird (R): End of Contract
Lewis Lynch (M): End of Contract
Kumari Macdougall (M): Sri Lanka Amanda McDonald
Loretta McKail (MO: Killester College
Peter McKenzie (M): Mentone Grammar
Mark Mannock (M): Retirement
Hayley McMillan (M): Nazareth College
Chris Menage (M): End of Contract
Rachel Meyer (M): Killester College
Lucy Millar (M): Loreto Mandeville Hall
Tess Neal (M): Retirement
Donna Nettlefold:
Daniela Novotny (M): End of Contract
Cheryl Owens (M): Somerville Secondary College
Clare Parks (T): John Paul College
Ginnie Roberts-Burgess (M): QLD
Jackie Roser (M): Balcombe Grammar
Christine Smith (M): End of Contract
David Tainsh (M):
Barry Tickner (R): End of Contract
Sue Van Heerwaarden (M): Retirement
Cathy Wallace (R): Retirement
Grace Waters (M): End of Contract
Jacinta Watson (M):
Liam Whitbourn (R): End of Contract

Campus Transfers for 2023

From Rosebud to Mornington:
Brian Filgate
Cassie Collier

From Tyabb to Mornington:
Andrew Ferguson
Cathy Moloney

From Mornington to Tyabb:
Mel Kenyon

From Tyabb to Rosebud:
Lisa Modd (from term 2)
Sonny Voss

Staff Taking Leave at the Commencement of 2023

Scarlett Christopherson (M)
Rita Clough (M) (until retirement)
Katrina Greenwood (M)
Val Hardie (M) (until retirement)
Fia Hobson (M)
Tina Lunny (T)
Mark Mannock (M) (until retirement)
Suzanne Martin (M)
Jenny McCulloch (T)
Stacey Romeril (M)

Currently on leave and continuing leave in 2023

Georga Bryant (M)
Brittany Graham (R)
Tahlia Little (T)
Victoria Shanahan (M)
Cathy Wallace (R) (until retirement)

Staff new to the College for 2023

Wayne Agg (T), Science, Mt Erin College
Anne Marie Allen (M), Science, St John's Regional College
Laura Allen (M), English, Melbourne Girls College
Tashara Bampton (R), LSO, St Mary's Hasting
Sarah Barrett (M), Library, St Francis Xavier College
Nicola Brown (T), English, Mornington Secondary College
Stacey Brown (M), PAC Manager, Monash University
Mathew Chacko (M), Maths, St Columba's College
Alan Clarke (M) English, Kilvington Grammar
Samantha Clough (R) Music, Rosebud Secondary College
Jessica Congiusta (T) Mornington Secondary College
Jason Crabtree (M) Maths, Alkira Secondary College
Peta Denehey (M) VCAL, Holmesglen Institute
Katherine Fitzgerald (M) Maths, Mary Mackillop Leongatha
Callum Fitzpatrick (R) LSO, Peninsula Grammar
Melissa Gilchrist (M) Head of ALP, Marist College Bendigo
Deborah Kent (M) English
Charlotte Kidd, ANZUK, Science
Su Kim (M) Maths, Mercy College, Mackay, QLD
Lillian Morgan (M) Geography, Albert Park College
Ben Murphy (M) Legal Studies, St Francis Xavier College
Daniel Nisbet (T) Co Director / HPE, St Francis Xavier College
Dannielle Palatinus (M) Food Technology, Rosebud Secondary College
Chiara Pardini (M) Italian, Mt Lilydale Mercy College
Kirsten Robinson (M) Textiles, Kilvington Grammar (currently at Padua)
Kelly Scheen (T) Maths, St Thomas More
Catherine Scott (M) LSO, Kibreda College
Darren Smith (M) VET Building & Construction, Chisholm TAFE
Jade Smith (M) LSO, St Joseph's Crib Point
Janice Townsend (M) Food Technology, Mt Erin College
Nirmal Vijay (M) Faith Assistant, studying
Jason Wang (M) Maths, St Thomas of Canterbury College, NZ

Staff Returning from Leave at the Commencement of 2023

Kellie Benedict (T)
Andrea Cummins (R)
Karen Doyle (T)
Nicola Gee (T)
Eve Macleod (M)
Sharon Marshall (M)
Angela Phillips (M)
Kirstin Trewin (R)
Belinda Taylor (M)

Thank You

I wish to take this opportunity to thank our priests of the region for their time and their support of our students and College community. In particular, I thank Fr Geoff McIlroy for his role as President of the Association of Canonical Administrators, and all the members of the School Advisory Council for their contributions to College throughout the year.

I would also like to thank all Padua College families for their ongoing support throughout 2023.

2023 School Commencement

Below is a summary of the dates for the commencement of the 2023 Academic Year, to allow families to begin planning.

More detailed information regarding return to school in 2023 will be forwarded to families early in the new year from Heads and Directors of Campus.

Christmas Blessings

I am looking forward to assuming the role of Acting Principal at the commencement of 2023 as the process for seeking an ongoing appointment commences. I take this opportunity to sincerely thank Mr Anthony Banks for all he has given to the Padua College community. He will be long remembered for his innovation, enthusiasm, genuine care, and concern for all he encountered.

I wish all members of the Padua College community a happy and Holy Christmas and a peaceful and restful school holiday break.

Prayer

Lord Jesus

Master of both the light and the darkness,

Send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say “Come Lord Jesus!”

Herri J.M Nouwen