The Faggetter-Hanafi Family
Our Padua journey began in 2021 after moving our family to the Mornington Peninsula. When we asked our real estate agent which school his daughters attended, he immediately recommended Padua College. Our son, Harley commenced in Year 7 at Padua’s Rosebud Junior Campus.
Harley found his passion for acting, singing and drama through Bass lessons and Drama with an incredible teacher, whose belief and ongoing support have guided him through to Year 12. During his time at Padua College, Harley became Teresa House Captain and graduated Year 9 with both the North Star Award and House Spirit Award. He also performed lead roles in the Year 9 and Year 11 school productions, inspiring him to continue pursuing theatre, film and acting.
Padua College has provided exceptional care, encouragement, and support from day one. The transition from the Rosebud Junior Campus to the Mornington Senior School Campus was a big step, but students are guided and supported every step of the way. I cannot recommend Padua College enough. It is a magnificent school, and we are so grateful for the wonderful environment, dedicated teachers, and supportive student community.
We look forward to beginning the next chapter at Padua College with our youngest child in 2028.
Alexandra Faggetter
Mother of Harley Hanafi, 2021 - 2026
The Faggetter-Hanafi Family
Our Padua journey began in 2021 after moving our family to the Mornington Peninsula. When we asked our real estate agent which school his daughters attended, he immediately recommended Padua College. Our son, Harley commenced in Year 7 at Padua’s Rosebud Junior Campus.
Harley found his passion for acting, singing and drama through Bass lessons and Drama with an incredible teacher, whose belief and ongoing support have guided him through to Year 12. During his time at Padua College, Harley became Teresa House Captain and graduated Year 9 with both the North Star Award and House Spirit Award. He also performed lead roles in the Year 9 and Year 11 school productions, inspiring him to continue pursuing theatre, film and acting.
Padua College has provided exceptional care, encouragement, and support from day one. The transition from the Rosebud Junior Campus to the Mornington Senior School Campus was a big step, but students are guided and supported every step of the way. I cannot recommend Padua College enough. It is a magnificent school, and we are so grateful for the wonderful environment, dedicated teachers, and supportive student community.
We look forward to beginning the next chapter at Padua College with our youngest child in 2028.
Alexandra Faggetter
Mother of Harley Hanafi, 2021 - 2026
The Cade Family
The year our eldest child, Olivia was due to start secondary school, our family moved from Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula. We had already made what we thought were firm decisions and had enrolled our child in a Melbourne school, only to find ourselves needing to reconsider our options and make some very different choices.
As we explored schools on the Peninsula, Padua College quickly rose to the top of our list. With four children to send through secondary school, we were looking for a co-educational Catholic school that offered a truly holistic education — one that balanced strong academic outcomes with opportunities in sport, personal development, and faith formation, while helping each child grow in confidence and discover their individual strengths.
One aspect that initially seemed daunting was Padua's unique journey from the Rosebud Campus in Years 7–9 to the Mornington Campus for Years 10–12. Naturally, our children were concerned about maintaining friendships, meeting new teachers, and adjusting to a different environment. However, the College managed this transition with exceptional care, grace, and diligence. The support provided to students and families throughout the process eased anxieties and ensured our children felt connected, supported, and excited for the next stage of their education.
What has impressed us most is Padua's commitment to developing the whole person. Each of our children have pursued different career paths with Olivia in allied health, Sophie in Primary Education, Thomas in Landscaping and Millie looking at Occupational Therapy, we know first hand that Padua has encouraged their strengths and encouraged them to follow their passions. Academic achievement is valued, but so too are wellbeing, leadership, service, faith, and participation in the broader life of the school. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves, embrace new opportunities, and become the best version of themselves.
The strong sense of community, underpinned by Catholic values, is evident in every aspect of the school. There is a genuine partnership between families, staff, and students, creating a welcoming and supportive environment where young people are nurtured in character, faith, and confidence.
Looking back, what initially felt like a challenging change for our family became one of the best decisions we could have made. For families seeking a Catholic school that combines academic excellence, strong pastoral care, diverse opportunities, and a faith-centred community, Padua College offers an outstanding educational experience.
Our journey is nearing a close with our youngest, Millie completing Year 11 at the College, we reflect on the rich journey we have experienced and the life long friendships, memories and experiences our children will carry with them through life. We have Padua to thank for this.
Belinda Cade
Mother of Olivia, Sophie, Thomas & Millie, 2017-2026
