The curtain came down on the Beauty & The Beast on Saturday evening - a collaboration between the students and staff at Santa Maria College and Parade College. It was a wonderful show, this year held at Santa Maria College, with students from both schools showcasing their amazing talents, both on stage and behind the scenes.
A sincere thank you to all the amazing students and staff who worked tirelessly to produce a very entertaining show. We certainly look forward to 2027.
Mother’s Day was celebrated on Sunday 10 May. In recognition of this special day, the College hosted our annual Mother’s Day breakfast on Tuesday 12 May in the Greening Auditorium. Three of our amazing students shared heartfelt reflections on the important role their mum’s play in their lives and this was acknowledged by the entire gathering. Our wonderful Parents of Parent (POP) committee members, along with some extra volunteers, with the support of our staff, ensured everything ran smoothly. We look forward to an even bigger event in 2027.
The College has added a new item of clothing to the sport uniform for students. Following consultation with our current Year 12 Prefect Team in late 2025, a Parade ‘Puffa Jacket’ is now available for purchase from Academy Uniforms for $98. This uniform item can be worn as the outer garment when wearing the sport uniform. It can be worn instead of the current PE sport jacket, or on top of this jacket as we head into the colder months. (A reminder that students are not permitted to wear hoodies under their College uniform)
The Term 2 College Assembly was held on Friday 15 May. We acknowledged and celebrated the wonderful achievements of many students across a range of academic and extra-curricular endeavours, and students across both campuses received ‘shout outs’ for displaying daily acts of kindness and respect that reflect aspects of our College Theme, ‘Walking Together: Relationships, Respect, Resilience.’
Our Lower House Captains and Vice Captains at Year 9, along with our year level student leaders in Years 7, 8, 10 and 11, were formally inducted into their roles for 2026. We congratulate these students on their wonderful efforts in setting an example for how we want to build our culture at Parade – a culture of respect. We look forward to their positive contributions to Parade in 2026.
With exams soon to commence for many of our students, it is important that we assist our children with keeping things in perspective. Feeling nervous ahead of assessments is completely normal, it shows that they care about what they are about to undertake. Our conversations with them should focus on encouraging our students to view this time as a valuable learning opportunity rather than simply trying to achieve a particular assessment grade. The real value lies in what each student discovers about their learning process, their strengths, and areas where they can continue to improve. Ask your child what they found interesting in their revision, what challenged them, or what they feel more confident about now than they did weeks ago. Encourage them to seek support from their teachers when they are uncertain or need clarification. For information on Year 8 -11 examinations, see the relevant year level sections in this newsletter.
We understand the value of family holidays and the opportunities they provide; however, we encourage families to plan holidays during term breaks. Absences during term time due to family holidays are considered unapproved absences. During periods of extended absence, students will continue to have access to lesson details via Lesson Plans on SIMON. These provide information for students to understand what is being covered, along with access to any resources that have been distributed. Please note that any assessments missed during and unapproved absence will be recorded as ‘NS - Not Submitted.’ For students undertaking VCE, VCE VM or VET studies, attendance expectations and extended absences may impact assessment completion, authentication, and satisfactory unit outcomes.
If your family is travelling overseas, please contact Digital Learning (DigitalLearning@parade.vic.edu.au) at the College prior to departure to request access for your child to SIMON and their College email.
We would like to remind families that Friday 19 June is a student free day (Report Finalisation).
Following the conclusion of the Year 8–11 examination period, Semester Two will commence on 22 June. Student timetables are carefully constructed to maximise access to elective subjects. As students transition into new electives, some may also experience a change in teacher for certain year-long subjects. As academic programs continue to expand and offer a broader range of elective opportunities, these timetable adjustments are sometimes necessary to accommodate student selections and to ensure balanced and effective class groupings.
Year 10 and 11 exams will be held from Monday 1 June to Friday 12 June. Students will have exams in all subjects. All students are required to wear their correct full school uniform in all exams. Sport uniforms may not be worn, except by those involved in ACC Sport on the day of the exam.
Note: Year 10 and 11 students are required to attend school for only the times of their exams plus 30 minutes prior. There will be no Tutor Group on these days for Year 10s and 11s.
Study halls will be available for any student remaining at school during normal school hours. If a student does not attend a Year 10 or 11 examination, if possible, it will be rescheduled only for approved school events (e.g. ACC Sport) or upon presentation of a medical certificate.
Year 10: 15 to 18 June
Year 11: 15, 17 to 18 June
Please contact Mr James Fogarty, Dean of Learning Years 10 to 12 if you have questions regarding Year 10 or 11 examinations.
The Nano Nagle Tutoring program, which sees high-achieving Old Paradian students from the Class of 2025 tutoring our current VCE students, continues in Term 2. The program is open to all Year 10 to 12 students and will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3.30pm to 4.25pm in the VCE Study Centre (MQ28). The only afternoon in Term 2 when the program will not run is Tuesday 17 June (the day of the GAT). Students who attend are welcome to receive help or simply study in the area. This is a great opportunity for VCE students to get extra assistance in meeting the demands of the final years of their schooling. This year’s tutors have excelled across English, Literature, all Mathematics subjects (General, Methods, and Specialist), all Science subjects (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Psychology), and a broad range of other VCE subjects.
The GAT is scheduled for Tuesday 16 June, and will be held in the Greening Auditorium. All Year 12 VCE and VCE VM students complete the GAT, as well as Year 11 students accelerating in a Unit 3-4 subject.
The GAT provides the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority with an independent measure of each student’s general knowledge, and literacy and numeracy skills. This information is used as a quality assurance check on school-based and external assessment results.
Importantly, the GAT also acts as a form of “insurance” for students. If a student is unable to complete an end-of-year exam due to illness, their GAT results can be used as part of the process to calculate a Derived Examination Score. This helps ensure that students are not unfairly disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control. Of course, students will not know in advance whether they will ever need this “safety net,” which is exactly why it is so important that they approach the GAT with focus and genuine effort.
Students can familiarise themselves with the types of questions included in the GAT via the VCAA website. We encourage all students to approach the GAT seriously, give their best effort, and ensure they are well-rested and prepared on the day. Further information regarding session times and requirements will be communicated to students closer to the date.
Many of our VCE subjects have access to Edrolo, across both Year 11 subjects (Units 1-2) and Year 12 subjects (Units 3-4). VCE subjects with content on Edrolo include:
Edrolo is an online learning platform that provides high-quality video lessons, revision materials, and practice questions. It is an important learning tool because it allows students to revisit key concepts at their own pace, pause and rewatch explanations, and strengthen their understanding outside of the classroom. This is particularly valuable in VCE, where consistent revision and consolidation of content is essential for success. Students can use Edrolo to prepare for upcoming topics before they are taught in class, to revise difficult concepts, or to support their study during assessment preparation. It also provides structured notes and quizzes that help students check their understanding and identify areas that need further work. When used regularly, Edrolo becomes a powerful supplement to classroom learning, helping students build confidence, improve retention, and develop stronger independent study habits.
Students who are absent for a SAC are reminded to obtain a medical certificate, to present to their teacher upon their return. Generally, missed SACs are rescheduled to Thursday afternoons and can go as late as 5.15pm, so students should avoid scheduling part-time work or other commitments on this day.
In Term 4 last year, we held the first session of the VCE Mastery Program. This program is designed to support senior students who want to achieve their best and further develop their skills and understanding.
One student who attended the first session shared the following feedback:
“These programs are something that I believe will be valuable towards future year levels. These sessions targeting specific topics about VCE is great. The length is also great – that it is not too long, and I felt was perfect to cover the great main points / key takeaways – and it kept everyone's attention. Thank you for setting this up. Something that I believe could help a lot of people.”
We will be holding further sessions this term, with the focus on revision techniques and managing exam anxiety.
Sessions are held in the evening and conducted via MS Teams. Students are encouraged to keep an eye on SIMON Daily Messages for further details this term.
Important information for Year 10 families interested in their child being enrolled in the VCE Vocational Major for 2027 based at the Preston Campus, including the Sport and Business Academy can be found in the VCE VM section of this newsletter.
Please refer to communication sent to all Year 10 families regarding the evening.
As we rapidly approach the conclusion of Term 2, Parade College Preston is humming with activity. This is a critical period for our senior students, a time for future planning, and an opportunity for all students to finish the term on a strong note. We would like to share several essential updates and reminders with our parent and student community regarding upcoming learning programs, senior pathway information evenings, and vital attendance guidelines.
First, an important reminder for our senior cohorts: the Work Learning Program is scheduled to begin on Monday 15 June and will run through to Friday 26 June. Alongside this program, our Year 12 VCE VM students—including those enrolled in the Sport and Business Academy—will be completing Section A of the General Achievement Test (GAT). Please note that students within the Business Academy are also required to complete Part B of the assessment. Sport Academy students only complete Work Learning in the final week of term (22 - 26 June).
SBAT students should note that during the WLP time, they will be working with their employer, and they should advise the employer of this. Students completing Carpentry or Plumbing as an SBAT student, should note that they have Block Week from 22-26 June.
Looking further ahead to the future, we are thrilled to invite families to our upcoming 2027 Information Evening. If your child is interested in applying for the VCE VM, ERPP, or the Sport and Business Academy at either our Bundoora or Preston campuses, please join us on Thursday 4 June at the Rivergum Theatre, Bundoora Campus. This evening is a fantastic opportunity to explore our specialised senior pathways and discover the incredible opportunities available to our students. Registration is essential for this event, and families are asked to secure their places online via the official Humanitix ticketing page.
https://events.humanitix.com/parade-college-2027-vce-vm-erpp-sport-academy-and-business-academy-information-sessions
Families are reminded of the importance of their child engaging with school each and every day. Students who have one day off per fortnight have an average attendance rate of 90%. Over the course of one term, this equates to nearly 30 hours of lost instruction time. Teachers carefully plan each lesson they teach, and the expectation is that students are in attendance to engage in the learning.
If a student is struggling to attend school due to wellbeing circumstances, we ask that parents connect with their child’s House Leader so that supports can be enacted to help their child reengage with the College.
We strongly encourage families to plan holidays during the term break. Absences during term time due to family holidays are considered unapproved absences. As a result, missed assessments or assignments during this time are graded with the NS – Not Submitted grade. It is the responsibility of students to catch up on missed work due to such absences by accessing the lesson plan on SIMON (PAM). The College does not require its teachers to prepare alternative work for students who are absent due to family holidays.
Students who are travelling overseas will require IT support to ensure they can access the SIMON and their College email abroad. Please contact Digital Learning DigitalLearning@parade.vic.edu.au with the relevant dates and information.
Families are asked to enter all absences on PAM and to advise their child’s House Leader of extended absences such as family holidays.
It is also important to note that there are important VET requirements that require students to attend a minimum of 80% and if they do not, they may be at risk of not receiving their full VET certificate.
Finally, as we wrap up Term 2, the College is placing a renewed focus on daily organisation. We want to remind all students of the importance of arriving at every single class fully prepared to learn. Bringing the simple essentials—such as pens, paper, textbooks, and a fully charged laptop—not only ensures a smooth and productive lesson, but also helps our young men and women build the vital, everyday organisational skills they will need for life beyond the College gates.
Thank you to all our parents, guardians, and students for your ongoing cooperation, support, and dedication to the Parade community as we finish this term strong.
We invite all interested Year 9 families and Bundoora Campus Year 10 families to attend our information evening at the Bundoora Campus on Thursday 4 June. This evening will provide valuable information about our 2027 program options.
Please refer to communication sent to all Year 9 and 10 families regarding the evening.
Please note that the Sport Academy information is specifically for current Year 10 students based at the Bundoora Campus.
For any questions regarding ERPP and VCE VM, please contact me or the College Career Advisors at https://www.paradecollegecareers.com.au
All Year 12 VCE VM including Sport Academy Students based at Bundoora will sit the General Achievement Test (GAT) on Tuesday 16 June at the Greening Auditorium, Bundoora Campus.
VCE VM students who are not enrolled in any VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequences will only complete Section A of the test. This section assesses literacy and numeracy through a two-part writing task. Whilst this is on at the same time as the Work Learning Program, the GAT takes precedence and should attend Bundoora Campus on this day.
The GAT plays a crucial role by enabling students to demonstrate that they meet the Victorian Literacy and Numeracy Standards required at the senior secondary level. No special study is needed, past learning in Literacy and Numeracy will support students in completing the test. Each student will receive a GAT Statement of Results, which will indicate whether they have met the literacy and numeracy standards.
For further details, please refer to official communication from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA).
Year 8 and 9s will commence examination preparation in their classes from Tuesday 9 June. Examinations will commence on 15 June. Students are encouraged to allocate time not only for homework, but to revise for the semester examinations as well. In a recent Friday Tutor Group period, students explored study strategies. A summary of this lesson can be found on Student Messages on SIMON / PAM.
The examination timetable can be found in SIMON / PAM under School Links -> Student Links.
The following Year 8 subjects will have an examination in both semesters this year.
The following Year 9 subjects will have an examination in both semesters this year.
Year 8: Monday 15 June to Wednesday 17 June
Year 9: Monday 15 June to Thursday 18 June
Note: There will be no ExCEL classes on Wednesday 17 June. All year 9 students will be based at the Bundoora campus for the day.
Regular timetabled classes run for Year 8 and 9 students when they are not in exams. We seek your support in ensuring your child is at school for the full day during examinations. All students are required to wear their correct full school uniform in all exams. Sport uniforms may only be worn on the designated ACC Sport days.
Due to the structure of the examination program, it is unlikely that a missed examination can be rescheduled. If a student misses an exam due to illness, then they will receive the grade ‘X-Special Circumstance’ for that task. Examinations missed due to family holidays are graded as an NS-Not submitted.
Please contact Ms Nadia Bonvicino, Dean of Learning Years 7 to 9 if you have questions regarding Year 8 or 9 examinations.
Families are reminded of the importance of their child engaging with school each day. Students who have one day off per fortnight have an average attendance rate of 90%. Over the course of one term, this equates to 30 hours of lost instruction time. Teachers carefully plan each lesson they teach, and the expectation is that students are in attendance to engage in the learning.
If a student is struggling to attend school due to wellbeing circumstances, we ask that parents connect with their child’s House Leader so that supports can be enacted to help their child reengage with the College.
We strongly encourage families to plan holidays during the term break. Absences during term time due to family holidays are considered unapproved absences. As a result, missed assessments or assignments during this time are graded with the NS – Not Submitted grade. It is the responsibility of students to catch up on missed work due to such absences by accessing the lesson plan on SIMON (PAM). The College does not require its teachers to prepare alternative work for students who are absent due to family holidays.
Students who are travelling overseas will require IT support to ensure they can access the SIMON and their College email abroad. Please contact Digital Learning DigitalLearning@parade.vic.edu.au with the relevant dates and information.
Families are asked to enter all absences on PAM and to advise their child’s House Leader of extended absences such as family holidays.
Please refer to communication sent to all Year 9 families regarding information for Year 9 families interested in their child being enrolled in the 2027 ERPP based at the Preston Campus in 2027.
As the second Extended Learning Project (ELP) continues, it has been great to see the students engaging in a variety of learning experiences both on and off campus. Each ELP aims to provide students with the chance to explore a specific area of interest in an in-depth way, while also developing personal skills, independence and building relationships with peers and teachers.
Please note that the final week for ELP 2 is Wednesday 10 June. On Wednesday 17 June, all students will attend Bundoora Campus for Year 9 Examinations. Room changes for Preston students will be reflected on SIMON. Students will be allocated to a study hall on this day when not sitting an examination.
Following examinations, students will begin their four Learning-4-Life blocks on Wednesday 24 June.
As part of our Year 9 ExCEL program, all students will participate in a series of personal development units. Each Learning-4-Life unit runs for two weeks and focus on life skills that are aimed to help prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Some units also involve students attending excursions, with details being communicated in the usual way via PAM. L4L units and room allocations will be emailed to students by Monday 15 June. Please note that your child may be based at Preston Campus for some units (denoted by room numbers that begin with R or K). It is important that your child checks their timetable to ensure they attend the correct campus on these dates.
Block |
Week 1 |
Week 2 |
L4L- 1 |
24 June |
15 July |
L4L- 2 |
22 July |
29 July |
L4L- 3 |
5 August |
12 August |
L4L- 4 |
19 August |
26 August |
Last Friday 22 May was a student free day which hopefully provided some valuable rest time for all our students. On this day, all staff engaged in Professional Learning regarding student wellbeing at Parade College. Our staff engaged in an energising and uplifting professional development session led by Martin Heppell, Partner and Lead Facilitator with The Resilience Project. Martin is known for his trademark energy, humour, and powerful storytelling and he delivered exactly that.
Martin’s session, 'Building Relationships, Respect & Resilience: Supporting Students to Thrive', focused on how embracing our imperfections and showing vulnerability can strengthen relationships across our school community. He reminded us that connection is at the heart of wellbeing, and that when we model authenticity, students feel safer, more supported, and more willing to take positive risks in their own learning. After the keynote, the College led various student wellbeing workshops which are illustrated below.
An increasing number of students are engaging with a new online platform called Omoggle, raising growing concerns within schools and wellbeing communities. Omoggle is a recently launched platform that hosts live, 1v1 video “face-off” battles, where users compare appearances and are ranked in real time by artificial intelligence. The system evaluates who has the “better” facial structure - a practice referred to online as “mogging.”
This platform sits within a broader online trend known as “looksmaxxing.” Originally a niche internet subculture, looksmaxxing focuses on maximising physical attractiveness through intense self-improvement. While it may appear harmless on the surface, it has increasingly moved into mainstream social media spaces, where it is gaining popularity - particularly among teenage boys.
Although some students may view Omoggle as entertainment, the platform and its associated culture present significant risks:
Awareness is key. Families are encouraged to maintain open conversations with their children about the online platforms they use and to promote a balanced understanding of self-worth that extends beyond appearance. Reinforcing positive identity, digital literacy, and safe online habits can help protect students from the pressures associated with trends like Omoggle.
Schools will continue to address these issues through wellbeing and digital citizenship programs, supporting students to navigate online environments safely and confidently.
For parents seeking further information, the following article may be helpful:
AI Face Rating Apps and “Mog Battles”: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know about Omoggle - Cyber Safety Project
A Message From the Catholic School Parents Victoria – Supporting Families in Catholic Education
Catholic School Parents Victoria (CSPV) has been re-established to strengthen the voice of parents and carers in Catholic education across Victoria, recognising parents as the first educators and key partners in their child’s learning, wellbeing and faith journey.
CSPV is guided by a Council of parent representatives from across the state, ensuring that the diverse perspectives of families in Catholic schools are reflected in its work and advocacy.
We invite you to explore the CSPV website at www.cspv.catholic.edu.au where you will find a wealth of information and resources to support your parenting journey within Catholic education, including guidance on wellbeing, faith, learning and key issues impacting families. You can also subscribe via the website to join the CSPV community, receive the quarterly newsletter and be invited to upcoming events.
You can also connect with CSPV on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook to access valuable insights, updates and practical resources.
Together, we can continue to strengthen the partnership between families, schools and the wider Catholic community.
Our recent College Solidarity Walk was a wonderful expression of community spirit, faith, and commitment to justice. Students from across all year levels and campuses participated with enthusiasm, walking together and putting into action the values that lie at the heart of the Edmund Rice tradition.
Throughout the day, students participated in a liturgy recognising the enduring legacy of Edmund Rice and his commitment to standing with those who are marginalised and in need. The liturgy encouraged students to consider how they can continue this mission through acts of service, inclusion, and advocacy within their own community.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all families and community members who generously supported our fundraising efforts, raising a total of $7,150. Your contributions will directly benefit the Olympic Village Exodus Community, helping to provide vital support and resources for those in need. Your generosity makes a tangible difference and embodies the spirit of compassion we strive to nurture in our students.
Year 12 Media students - Luke Gheno N05, Nicholas Carbone T01, Noah Jordan B05, and Joshua Roguska T01 - recently stepped into the role of storytellers, filmmakers, and advocates through their participation in the Edmund Rice Foundation Doco in a Day initiative. This engaging and thought-provoking challenge invites student to create a three-minute mini documentary exploring the powerful theme: “Education Equals Opportunity.”
The chosen theme encouraged students to think beyond their own experiences and consider the global reality of unequal access to education, showcasing how education can break cycles of poverty, empower individuals, and open doors to new futures.
As part of this awareness-raising initiative, students are also undertaking fundraising efforts to directly support the Edmund Rice Foundation - turning their advocacy into meaningful action and real-world impact. To support their efforts, you can donate via the QR code at the end of their video.
We congratulate all students involved for their creativity, insight, and commitment to making a difference. Their work stands as a powerful testament to the idea that when young people are given the opportunity to learn, they are also given the power to transform the world
“Taking part in Doco in a Day was a really rewarding experience. We worked together as a team, and this video documentary pushed us to think creatively under pressure and work together as a team. It was a challenge because we had only one day to plan and edit a documentary. One of the things I enjoyed most was being able to look at an important real-world issue and use raw unedited footage that was recorded for this purpose.
Our team chose to take our documentary in a direction that combined personal storytelling with information. We used a three-act structure to show the benefits of education and the busy lives that people overseas live. Throughout the process we learned a lot about collaboration, time management, and the importance of planning and having footage pre-downloaded. “
Year 12 Luke Gheno N05
A number of our student leaders represented the College at the Edmund Rice International Global Schools Zoom Meet on 13 May. The Theme of the Meet was ERI Youth Voices for Justice. The forum was led by Br. Tino, an Argentinian Brother who is part of ERI.
Being a part of the ERI Global East Youth Ambassadors Meeting was an eye opening experience. Seeing the change that fellow Edmund Rice schools around the world have achieved was truly inspiring. This should be a call to action for our Parade community. To get involved with our fundraisers, help out with Brekky Van and to create a lasting change for those who are underprivileged. We as a collective want to continue to advocate and create lasting change, but we need your help!
Year 11 Shevan Fernando T05
To be a part of the ERI Global East Youth Ambassadors Meeting was an amazing opportunity. The meeting, lead by Br Tino, was a great chance to meet with schools across the globe and share initiatives and ideas. It was uplifting to see the change other schools like us are making towards human rights and justice. We as a group want to continue advocating and make changes in our community.
Year 10 Tex Borg T08
At our recent College Assembly, we proudly inducted our student leaders from Years 7 to 11 for 2026. Surrounded by staff, students and families, our newly appointed leaders officially accepted their badges and the responsibility of representing our College community with pride, integrity and service.
As a College, we recognise the important role student leadership plays in fostering a positive and inclusive school culture. Throughout the year, these students will lead by example, support College initiatives and encourage others to become actively involved in school life.
We congratulate all our student leaders and look forward to seeing the positive contribution they will make to our community throughout the year.
Year 9 Billy Sapountzis L18
I applied for a student leadership role because I’ve loved this house since day one and wanted to make it special. I want to make sure everyone else has a great time here too. I am an open ear for your ideas, and I have the determination to get things done. My main goal is to get everyone involved so we have the best spirit in the school, no matter if we win or lose.
I applied for the role of Year 11 Student Leader to give back to the Parade community that has supported my growth since Year 7, and to ensure every student feels a true sense of belonging. As a hardworking student and active Community Action volunteer, I offer a leadership style rooted in empathy, organisation, and consistent service. This year, I hope to bridge the gap between year levels, advocate for student voices, and inspire my peers to bring the 'Parade Spirit' to life through active dedication to both our studies and our community.
Year 11 Raphael Glow B09
This term, five of the Year 11 Touchstones classes commenced their three week Community Action Volunteering Program, which saw them contribute to the community in a variety of meaningful ways through service, support and hands-on volunteering opportunities. Some students were active in community organisations and charities such as Big Group Hug and the Vinnies Op Shops, some spent some time in local Aged Care facilities, and others worked hard in the Waterford Garden. Some students completed recycling projects and campaign which you will see advertised over the next few weeks.
I have received such positive feedback about our students' engagement whilst volunteering and I congratulate these Year 11s on their willingness to make a positive impact to others and the environment.
l had the opportunity to volunteer with Big Group Hug in their Thomastown warehouse and give back to the community in a meaningful way. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the regular volunteers, who introduced themselves and showed us around the organisation’s different workspaces. We were taken through the various areas where care packages are prepared for individuals and families in need, and we were encouraged to get involved and assist wherever we could.
Throughout our time there, we not only helped assemble packages, but also got the chance to speak with a few volunteers and learn more about the organisation’s impact within the community. Although we did not directly witness the outcomes of our efforts, it was clear that every small contribution plays an important role in supporting those experiencing struggle. The experience highlighted how even simple acts of kindness can make a genuine difference.
We felt incredibly grateful for the opportunity and for the kindness and care shown to us by the volunteers. The experience gave us a greater appreciation of the importance of community support and reminded us of how much work is still needed to help those in need.
Year 11 Matthew Fittipaldi L06
Our first week at Vinnies has been amazing; the people were very friendly. We spent some time sorting out donations of books and pricing stock. It was an eye-opening experience as l never actually understood the commitment people have for the community until today, can't wait to go next week and do my part.
Year 11 Ashen Nawagamuwage N06
My Touchstones volunteering project is a sustainability collection.
I have researched the impact of the dental care waste on our environment.
Every day, lots of oral care products are thrown away around the world. Toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and electric toothbrush heads are often made from mixed plastics that can take hundreds of years to break down in landfill. By learning how to recycle these products properly, we can help reduce waste and protect the environment.
Many people are surprised to learn that oral care products can be recycled. I am encouraging all Parade families to bring in their dental waste; items such as manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrush heads, empty toothpaste tubes, floss picks, and mouthwash bottles.
These can be dropped off at Main Reception or to the Community Action Centre.
Year 11 Jye Chesser N05
As winter approaches, many rough sleepers in our community are struggling with no access warm clothing and safe shelter. To help those in need, we are once again running a winter coat/clothing/blankets/doona collection drive, in partnership with Vinnies.
We are putting the call out to all in our community to look through your wardrobes and see if there is any good condition winter clothing/blankets etc that are too small or not being used. Drop these off at either the Main Reception or the Community Action Centre.
Do your part to keep people warm this winter!
Year 11s Thisath Dissanyake L02 and Daniel Tan T08
Reducing Tech Waste: Small Actions, Big Impact
As technology continues to play an increasingly important role in education, it is easy for e-waste to build up in schools. Old chargers, unused devices, broken headphones, outdated batteries, and unnecessary printing all contribute to environmental waste and rising costs.
At Parade College, we have an opportunity to lead by example and demonstrate responsible stewardship of our resources. By making a few simple changes in our daily habits, staff can help reduce tech waste and create a more sustainable school environment.
Ways We Can Help- Recycle Responsibly
Batteries, cables, ink cartridges, and old electronics should never be placed in general waste bins. Bring your tech waste into Parade -we have designated e-waste recycling points. Drop off at Main Reception or the Community Action Centre.
Year 11 Zach Elia H08
It is compulsory for all students in Year 10 at Bundoora Campus to complete Work Experience on 16 to 19 November. We encourage students to search for a workplace in which they are interested. Students will have access to the Work Experience form on SIMON.
It is important for students to contact a workplace for Work Experience as soon as possible. Students can speak with their Careers teacher if they have any questions or make an appointment with Mrs Bult or Ms Barnes through the Online Booking system.
https://www.paradecollegecareers.com.au/
Below are some upcoming dates Year 12 students should be aware of:
We encourage all Year 12 students to review the Early Entry Programs available at the below universities:
If you have any questions or require assistance with your applications, please make an appointment with Mrs Bult or Ms Barnes using this link: https://www.paradecollegecareers.com.au/
Generations in Jazz, The College Musical, Semester 1 VCE Recital Evening – the events keep rolling on in the Music Department and its only Week 5!
Early in Term 2, the Parade College Big Band travelled to Mount Gambier with Mr Watson, Mr Saragossi, and me to participate in the annual Generations in Jazz festival. This highly regarded event brings together talented young musicians from schools across Australia to perform, compete and celebrate their passion for jazz and big band music.
Following an outstanding result in 2025 where the band placed second in Division 4, students embraced a new challenge this year by stepping up to Division 3. Competing against dozens of schools and performing repertoire of a higher level of difficulty, the Big Band rose to the occasion with an impressive performance. The ensemble received strong scores and commendations across several performance categories, reflecting the hard work and dedication of all involved.
On Saturday night students were treated to the epic soul stylings of musical super group “Tower of Power,” who travelled all the way from Oakland California, performing especially for the students attending Generations in Jazz. This soul band has its beginnings in 1968, with many of its founding members still performing! They also offered workshops and specialist advice for our students – a truly memorable experience.
One of the highlights of the weekend each year is the highly anticipated Superband announcements, where outstanding individual musicians are recognised as the top performers on their instrument within each division.
A special congratulations goes to Year 11 Luca Caporale L07 on guitar, who was once again selected for the Division 3 Superband. This marks Luca’s second consecutive year receiving this prestigious recognition — an outstanding achievement and a testament to his dedication and musicianship.
Thank you to the staff for their time and support in making the experience possible, and congratulations to all students who represented the College with excellence, both on stage and throughout the weekend. We are incredibly proud of the way they performed and conducted themselves.
Parade College and Santa Maria have once again combined powers to produce a truly spectacular musical production for 2026, Beauty and The Beast. After a sold-out run of shows last week at Santa Maria in Northcote, anticipation and expectations were high – and the students did not disappoint. Costumes were spectacular, the music was wonderful and the set design really brought the show to life. We are incredibly proud of the students, staff, parents, and volunteers who were involved.
A massive thank you must be given to the production team at Santa Maria College who hosted the Musical this year. Thank you for accommodating our students and giving them the opportunity to shine on stage, particularly our Year 12s who have just completed their final production during their time at Parade!
Stay tuned for further updates in the next newsletter, including additional photos and student reports.
On Thursday 28 May at 6.30 pm in The Rivergum Theatre, the VCE Music class will host a Semester 1 concert. This event serves as an assessment event for the Year 11s and is an important marker for the Year 12s as they build and prepare their end of year recital programs. All are welcome to join us for an enjoyable evening of music making.
On Friday 29 May we will hold a special meeting for all instrumental and ensemble students at Parade in the Rivergum Theatre, where the expectations for being involved in the program will be made clear. As we launch into our Term 3 performance season, it will be a great opportunity for everyone to recommit their efforts to rehearsals and ensure we continue to have a fantastic year of music making.
Another friendly reminder to families that if a student is enrolled in instrumental lessons at Parade College, they must attend a weekly ensemble rehearsal. Rolls are kept and the rehearsals are published on SIMON. For students not attending rehearsal for valid reasons (committee meetings, excursions, illnesses), an email to the ensemble leader in advance if possible is best practice, or to music@parade.vic.edu.au
Please do not hesitate to contact the Music department via music@parade.vic.edu.au with any questions.
The Lou Arthur Memorial Academic Scholarship is offered to students who demonstrate a strong commitment to their academic performance, outstanding academic results and display a desire and willingness to make a valuable contribution to the College community. The Academic Scholarship will carry between 25% - 100% remission of tuition fees for Year 9 and Year 10 and will be reviewed annually based on consistent academic performance and contribution to school life.
Applications will be accepted from currently enrolled Year 8 Parade College students who will be in Year 9 2027. Students will be required to complete the online application, sit the Academic Assessment Services (AAS) Scholarship Test on Monday 22 June, and if short-listed, attend an interview with relevant Parade College staff.
Please note, the application process closes on Friday 5 June at 12.00pm, and late or incomplete applications are unable to be accepted. Applicants must be able to attend a Scholarship Test on Monday 22 June.
You can access the application via the College website.
Further details regarding the selection criteria, application process and associated costs are available at Scholarships at Parade College - Parade College.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch via scholarships@parade.vic.edu.au.
Recently, our Year 10, 11, and 12 French students attended the French Film Festival. Below is a recount of the day from Year 10 student Ramon Abbey-Sobh N03.
The French Film Festival excursion was such an amazing experience! The Year 10, 11, and 12 French classes were able to take a break from their studies to watch the film Jean Valjean, which is based on Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. It was a wonderful way to help us gain a better understanding of what we have learned in our classes. After that, we all split into groups and went to different French cafés around the CBD. My group went to Le Petit Château, and we ate crêpes and macarons. After lunch, we all took part in an Amazing Race-style activity in our groups, where we had to complete tasks and learn how to work together. Some of the places we visited included a bookstore to find French books and several French restaurants to discover different dishes. Overall, we all had the best time, and I can already guarantee that when the next excursion comes around, I will be 100% saying yes to it.
Year 10 student Ramon Abbey-Sobh N03
Year 7 applications for 2028 and beyond are now being accepted. If you have a younger son in Year 5 and wish to enrol for Year 7 2028, please note that applications close on Friday 14 August 2026.
Parade College follows the enrolment dates set by the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools, and applications must be submitted in accordance with the College’s enrolment process and within the key dates.
For further information and submit an application, please visit Enrolling at Parade College.
We warmly invite families to register for our upcoming Manchester City Football School Information Evening. Held on Monday 20 July at 6.00pm, the comprehensive evening is particularly targeted for families interested in Year 7 2028 or 2029. The session will be an opportunity for families to learn more about the details of the program and coaching methodology, how this program aligns with the Year 7 2028 enrolment process, and how to apply, including information about trial dates and outcomes.
Please register your attendance via the College website.
The 10 Year Reunion for the 2016 graduation class will be held at the Old England Hotel in Heidelberg on Friday 19 June. Hosted by the Old Paradians’ Association, the evening is an opportunity to reconnect and reminisce with classmates.
For tickets, please visit the OPA website.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the OPA via phone 9468 3301 or email oldparadians@parade.vic.edu.au
The next OPA Luncheon will be held on Wednesday 10 June at 12:00pm. Our June Luncheon will feature guest speaker Executive Officer of the Associated Catholic Colleges, Paul Fahey. Bookings must be made via bank transfer with details found on the event page.
Our Family Tours are a fantastic opportunity for prospective families to meet members of our College Leadership Team and to see our College in action. Tours run from 9.00am to 11.00am. Bookings can be made online: Book a Family Tour - Parade College.
Remaining Term 2 dates are as follows:
Bundoora Campus - for families with students in Year 4 and up.
Last Friday 1 May, while most people were easing into the weekend, I found myself in a literary fever dream. As part of the CBCA Shadow Judging program, I logged into a Zoom meeting for a podcast recording, only to find myself face-to-face with the powerhouse of Australian YA fiction, Lili Wilkinson. Having spent weeks meticulously analysing her work, Unhallowed Halls, the sudden realization that I was about to defend my theories directly to the woman who wrote them triggered a moment of internal panic.
The experience was nothing short of surreal. Any initial nerves quickly dissolved into a high-energy "geek-out" session as we moved from formal reviewing to an enthusiastic deep-dive into the story’s soul. It was a rare thrill to discuss a narrative’s intricacies and have the author offer behind-the-scenes context that brought the characters to life in three dimensions. Lili was an incredibly good sport as we dissected her "brainchild," proving that authors truly appreciate it when you notice the tiny details they laboured over. It was an absolute blast, a bit of a whirlwind, and a definitive highlight of the term that reminded me why we fall in love with stories in the first place.
Year 11 Raphael Glow B09
We are proud to announce that the winners of the Term 1 BeanStack highest logging competitions are as follows:
Nolan: Year 7 Julius Rocillo N18 with 3005 minutes
Hughes: Year 9 Tinura Fonseka H11 with 2095 minutes
Bodkin: Year 11 Raphael Glow B09 with 1500 minutes
Treacy: Year 7 Sanjay Gunasekara T15 with 1266 minutes
Lynch: Year 7 Jacob Rizzo L14 with 976 minutes
Class Winners: 7eEN1b_d - Anita Schmidt with 9349 minutes
Honourable Mentions: 9eAL1b5a - Theresa Chiodo with 5096 minutes and 8eAL1b_m - Katie Tynan with 5912 minutes.
Prizes will be awarded in the coming days. Do not forget to keep logging in the BeanStack page or the BeanStack app on your phone to be in the running for big prizes!
The first edition of the Parade College Student Newspaper 'Radar' is out now. Come in and pick up a copy in the NLC. Digital copy coming soon. It includes articles game talk, music reviews, trivia, and heaps more!
Enter a library far, far away and enjoy the huge selection of Star Wars books and graphic novels. We celebrated by creating a selection of Cubies. You could celebrate by rewatching the Star Wars ennealogy (yes, it is a word. It is like a trilogy but with nine) through Clickview available through the NLC HOMEPAGE. The first 8 of the ennealogy are available for free and Rogue One. (Not sure what happened to the disliked The Rise of Skywalker. It is not available yet on Clickview)
On Tuesday 19 May, seven Parade students participated in the clay shooting competition held at the Melbourne Gun Club. It was an early alarm set before an hour drive to Yering. The team consisted of Year 8 Michael Palmieri N11, Year 10s Joshua Bonacci H05, Marcel Mortellaro T02, and Year 11s Riley Thompsom L02, Rocco Palmieri N06, and Adam Colarusso H10. It was a tough competition with 115 competitors from various schools around the state and Parade had three competitors ranked in the top 15 with unbelievable scores. Overall, Parade achieved the highest combined score. As captain, I am very proud of the boys as there was heaps of improvement from our previous competition. Thank you to Mr Derek Rylah and Mr Matthew Byrne for their support and making it a great day.
From 16 to 20 March, our school celebrated International Pi Week, a dynamic event highlighting the importance and beauty of mathematics, with a special focus on the constant π (pi). The week aimed to spark curiosity and engage students through a variety of interactive activities.
Each day, the school published an article exploring a different mathematical topic, often connected to the use of pi in real-world contexts such as geometry, measurement, and science. Alongside each article, students were invited to answer a set of related questions, encouraging them to think critically and apply their mathematical knowledge.
The response across the school was impressive, with hundreds of students participating throughout the week. Their enthusiasm demonstrated a strong interest in mathematics and a willingness to take on new challenges. To celebrate participation, one winner was drawn each day from all students who submitted their answers, adding a sense of excitement and friendly competition. The winners are Year 7 Jackson Bezzina B19, Year 8s Ronav Ramjutton H16 and Xavier Sacdalan N19, and Year 9s Riley Hunter H11 and Tinura Fonseka H11.
A highlight of the week was the achievement of Year 8 Jonathan Jiang B13, who successfully recited pi to 99 digits, showcasing exceptional memory and dedication. This accomplishment inspired many and captured the spirit of Pi Week.
Overall, International Pi Week was a great success, promoting engagement, learning, and a deeper appreciation of mathematics across the school community.
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