On Friday 13 February, we welcomed the high achieving students from our Class of 2025 to our first College Assembly for the year. We welcomed these Old Paradians and recognised their outstanding achievements in front of their families and the entire Parade College community. They are great role models for all our students and highlight that hard work and success for students studying the VCE and VCE VM programs is certainly attainable and something to strive for.
The Assembly also provided us with the opportunity to present for the third time, the Old Paradians’ Association Young Achievement Award. This year, we were thrilled to welcome back Ray Pastoors (Class of 2010). Ray was accompanied by his family and guests.
The award was founded by the OPA in 2023 to commemorate the memory of Lewis Derrico, College Captain 1974, former teacher at the College and driving force in the re-establishment of the OPA, serving as President from 2009-2021. The presentation commenced with Peter Bonadio, Secretary of the Old Paradians' Association, announcing Ray as the recipient.
Long-serving Parade College staff member, Anne-Marie Morello, was humbled to have the opportunity to speak at the assembly and recalls meeting Ray, when he joined the College in Year 9, coming from New South Wales, and the privilege of working with him over the next 4 years. “Settling in quickly, Ray found ways to contribute his time and interests to school initiatives. It wasn’t long before Ray found his way to the Community Action Centre, where he became an active and committed member of the team and where I had the privilege of working with him over his 4 years at the College”, Anne-Marie recalls. To read more about Ray’s contribution to the wider community, following his time at Parade, you can visit the Old Paradians website: Lewis Derrico Young Old Paradian Achievement Award - Old Paradians
Lewis's wife Ana Derrico was in attendance to assist in the presentation. We hope that this annual award might serve as an inspiration to our current students. Ray’s journey is certainly one that demonstrates the value of determination and resilience. Our Awards program aims to create opportunities to recognise the outstanding achievements of our Alumni in the wider community.
Our College Open Day was held on Sunday and was extremely successful. It was wonderful to see our staff and so many students onsite to showcase the College and the many opportunities available to prospective students and their families.
Current families were also onsite to support their children as they participated in several events and activities throughout the day. We also had our Parents of Parade committee members onsite cooking the BBQ and chatting with families about how they can become further involved in college life.
A sincere thank you to everyone for assisting on the day and the hundreds of Parade College students who volunteered to support the day and chat to prospective families and students. Many visitors commented on the kind and friendly nature of our students and staff.
We can hopefully look forward to welcoming many of these new students and families into our community over the coming years.
Our Ash Wednesday services at both campuses were held last Wednesday, to mark the beginning of Lent, which is traditionally the forty-day period to examine and renew our spiritual lives. It is a time of prayer, service, and fasting.
The forty days recall the forty years that the people of Israel wandered in the wilderness before arriving at the promised land and the forty days that Jesus spent in the wilderness after being baptised.
On Ash Wednesday, we receive ashes that remind us of our nature as created beings. This practice echoes the Old Testament tradition of wearing ashes as a sign of repentance. As the ash cross is made on our foreheads, we hear words that echo John the Baptist’s call to conversion: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel”.
Our Year 7 students are heading off to camp on Wednesday 4 March for two nights. The students have a great opportunity to make new friends and strengthen their relationships with their teachers and support staff.
Many scheduled activities expect the boys to communicate with each other, offer support and encouragement, and to also extend themselves beyond their comfort zones.
We hope camp is a wonderful experience for all our students.
The College is part of the global community in celebrating this year’s International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day will be celebrated at the College on Thursday 12 March this year. This year’s theme is ‘Give To Gain’. The campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration.
International Women's Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Each year, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made toward gender equality and highlights the work that still needs to be done.
We can all give our support to gain advancement for women and girls. As individuals, giving support means calling out stereotypes, challenging discrimination, questioning bias, celebrating women's success, and more. Sharing our knowledge and encouragement with others is also key. Collective activism is what drives change.
For more information, please visit the website: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
We are holding a Family Trivia Night on Wednesday 25 March. This is a great opportunity for students and their families to come along and share in a wonderful evening.
There will be many prizes on offer and House Points available for students, their families and staff for attending. We would love to see lots of families attend. Look out for further details.
There is an opportunity for parents/carers of current students to join the Parade College School Advisory Council in 2026. For more information, please refer to the link below for more details.
This Newsletter is our major means of communication with families, so please ensure that you take the time to read it.
We produce the Newsletter once a month; and it is sent electronically.
Parents and carers are urged to ensure that we have their current preferred email addresses to receive the Newsletter. Please advise Reception immediately of any change of residential or email addresses and phone numbers.
The Newsletter is always available on the College website. Hard copies are available for collection at Reception at both campuses for anyone unable to access the Newsletter
electronically.
During our recent College assembly, we were pleased to acknowledge the achievements of the VCE and VCE Vocational Major Class of 2026. Recognising our student’s accomplishments plays an important role in inspiring them to continue striving for excellence.
We hope your child has settled into the new school year feeling positive and ready to learn. After the summer break, we know that returning to school routines can take some adjustment. The beginning of the year has given our teachers valuable time to reintroduce classroom expectations and establish the consistent routines that help create the best learning environment for every student. We know that when students understand what is expected of them, they can focus their energy on learning and growing. Our College wide PEERS agreement (Prepare, Engage, Elevate, Respect, Safe) and entry and exit routines help create this consistency across all year levels and classrooms, so students know what to expect no matter where they are in the school.
We recognise that families today are juggling many responsibilities while supporting children to develop independence and responsibility. It's natural for young people to occasionally test boundaries as they grow. One of the most important ways we can work together to support your child's success is through consistent attendance. Research shows that every absence matters, even occasional absences, can add up and impact both current achievement and future learning outcomes. For perspective, missing just one day per fortnight is approximately four weeks of school across a year.
Regular attendance helps your child build skills and knowledge essential for their learning, develop social and emotional capabilities including communication, resilience and maintain friendships that may foster a sense of belonging. Where possible, we encourage families to schedule appointments outside school hours and plan family holidays during school holiday periods. We also ask families to reconsider signing children out early for reasons that can be avoided, as what may appear to be a small interruption to their school day can still have a significant impact on their learning and routine.
If your child seems reluctant to attend school or you notice any concerns about their engagement, please reach out to your child's House Leader or Student Wellbeing Leader. Early conversations often make a significant difference, and we are committed to working with you to understand what's happening and find solutions together.
It is important for families to know that the Parent Access Module (PAM) and SIMON are tools that allow students and their parents or carers to receive feedback on student progress in each subject. PAM’s continuous reporting feature allows parents to regularly view their child’s work submission status and the results of submitted tasks throughout the semester as they submitted and results released. This is accessible in the “Learning Tasks” option.
Where families have questions regarding accessing PAM please contact PAM support (pamsupport@parade.vic.edu.au).
All assessment tasks for Year 7 to 11 will be reported using both a percentage and a letter grade. This change has been made to help both students and families have a clearer understanding of progress. For Unit 3-4 VCE subjects, results are reported as a percentage. For Year 9 ExCEL, some Physical Education assessments, Year 10 ERPP and VCE VM subjects, results are reported using a proficiency scale (Initiating, Developing, Consolidating, Excelling).
Where a student does not submit an assessment task, or where submitted work receives a grade below a C (60%), the student may be required to complete a resubmission. Families are encouraged to regularly view their child’s assessment information on PAM. Families are welcome to contact their child’s subject teacher to discuss how we can work together to support ongoing learning.
For questions about curriculum and assessments please first contact your child’s subject teacher or the appropriate Dean:
Please be aware that Tuesday 10 March is a student free day with teaching and support staff involved in professional learning activities at Bundoora Campus. While Tuesday 2 April is student free to allow for Student Progress Interviews.
There will be two opportunities for Student Progress Interviews in Semester 1 on the following dates:
Further information on how bookings can be made on PAM will be communicated to families closer to the date.
As we continue to create a culture of high expectations, and in line with the College’s PEERS agreement, Study Support Sessions will continue in 2026. These lunchtime sessions offer an opportunity for students to complete overdue homework. Teachers may refer students in Year 8 to 12.
Subject teachers will monitor homework completion and may assign students to a Study Support Session when necessary. The student will be notified by their teacher about the session and which day they are required to attend. Students who complete the overdue homework before the session are still required to attend and may use the time to complete other homework, read their English novel, or review their study and organisational approaches. Parents will receive an automatic email if a session is allocated for their child.
The Nano Nagle Tutoring Program, which sees high-achieving Old Paradian students tutoring our current senior students, has commenced for 2026. It will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Terms 1 to 3, from 3.30pm to 4.25pm in the VCE Study Centre (MQ28). All students in Years 10-12 are welcome to attend. Students who attend are welcome to receive help or simply study in the area. This is a great opportunity for students to get extra assistance in meeting the demands of the final years of their schooling.
Students in Years 10-12 should have a clear study timetable with dedicated time each day for revision and homework. Each day, students should be reviewing the learning that has taken place in class, as well as completing specific tasks set by teachers. As a guide, this should be between 90-180 minutes each day, increasing as students’ progress to Year 12.
To support revision and learning, many VCE subjects use Edrolo. This important resource should form a significant part of each student’s study routine.
Year 12 students have been addressed about the importance of productivity in their Study Periods. These periods can be used for completing homework, revising class notes, or preparing for assessments. Over the year, these Study Periods are equivalent to 24 full school days.
Regular attendance is important for wellbeing and academic growth. Being present in class helps students stay connected, organised, and confident as the pace of learning increases in the senior years. Our VCE attendance data shows that there is a strong correlation between attendance and achievement (ATAR). Amongst Paradians who have achieved an ATAR above 90 in the previous three years, the average attendance was 93%.
We recognise that there will be times when illness or unexpected circumstances make attendance impossible. When this happens, it’s important that students take steps to stay up to date with their learning. All lesson outlines and materials can be accessed through each subject’s Lesson Plan on SIMON, allowing students to review content and understand what was covered during their absence.
Where students are absent for an assessment task, specific guidance is given below.
Where a student in Year 10 is absent for an assessment as a result of an approved reason (e.g. illness, bereavement, medical reason etc.) students and their families should be in contact with their child’s teachers to negotiate a revised date to submit the task. Generally, this is upon return to school or may be up to seven days after a student’s return. The revised due date will appear on SIMON/PAM.
Where a student is absent due to an unapproved reason (e.g. holiday etc.) then they will receive an ‘NS – Not Submitted’. Parents will also be notified of the non-submission via a letter on PAM indicating the new date by which the student will need to submit the task.
An after school ‘Academic Redeemer’ session may be issued by your child’s House Leader in situations where they have not submitted a task even after being provided with a new resubmission date. Where this is the case, parents will receive communication from their child’s House Leader.
If a student is absent for a VCE assessment, it can only be rescheduled upon presentation of a medical certificate covering the time of the assessment. More details are located in the VCE Handbook available to all students and parents on SIMON/PAM.
In the event of any approved absence (e.g. illness, medical reason, bereavement etc.) families and students are encouraged to notify their subject teacher of the absence and negotiate a revised date to submit any outstanding tasks; the new submission dates will be reflected on SIMON/PAM and assessments may be rescheduled to after school on a Tuesday or Thursday.
For other situations or where there are extenuating circumstances, a student will seek advice from the teacher prior to the due date as how to best address any difficulties. If an assessment task is not submitted by the due date without a valid reason, an afterschool ‘Academic Redeemer’ session may be issued. Not submitting an assessment task will result in an ‘NS – Not Submitted’ for that piece of work. Prior to the end of semester report, teachers will assess as to whether a student is likely to satisfactory pass the subject and will notify parents if this is not the case. Should it be necessary, other arrangements may be made for the student to meet the requirements.
Students commenced in their 2026 classes during the term four early commencement period. Timetables have been constructed to maximise student elective choice. Students in Years 7 – 9 cannot make changes to their elective or core subjects. We encourage students and their families to work in partnership with the subject teachers and to seek support from their tutor teacher where the transition to new classes may be challenging.
A new school year is an exciting opportunity for all students to commence fresh with new goals they hope to realise. We encourage all students to consider the College’s PEERS agreement and especially consider how they may better engage with their schooling and elevate their expectations to ensure they strive to achieve their personal best.
All Year 7 students should now be completing regular homework and independent study. The My Personal Planner poster distributed at the Meet the Tutor night is a key tool to help students stay organised. As a general guide, Year 7 students should be completing approximately 10 minutes of homework for each one period of class that they had that day. At times, students may need to complete more homework or independent study as they prepare for upcoming assessments.
To support students in their transition to secondary school, Study Support Sessions will not be assigned until Term Two. However, we seek parental support in helping our young students develop good study habits. Thus, your child’s subject teacher may reach out when your child is not meeting homework expectations.
NAPLAN will be occurring in March. The test schedule is below:
Year 7 and Year 9 |
||||
Wednesday 11 March |
Thursday 12 March |
Friday 13 March |
Monday 16 March |
|
Period 1 & 2 |
Writing |
Reading |
Conventions of Language |
Numeracy |
Catch up sessions for students who miss a test(s) due to absence will be available. Students who miss a NAPLAN test(s) should email Ms Nadia Bonvicino.
NAPLAN will be conducted on your child’s school laptop, and he will be required to use headphones in order to access and complete questions. All Year 7 and 9 students are required to bring their own headphones that are compatible with their school laptop. Wired headphones are preferable, but Bluetooth headphones will also work.
We are mindful that headphones were not on the booklist as students and their families may already possess headphones and that they may also be sourced from numerous retailers at a more affordable price.
For the tests, students need a specific browser application. We seek your support in checking that the below icon is present on the desktop of your child’s laptop.
Students and parents can access further practice via the public demonstration website
NAP - Public demonstration site
Students must fully charge their laptops each night at home, to ensure they can complete the tests. They should also bring their laptop chargers to school, in their laptop bags.
Note: Year 9 students that normally have a timetabled ExCEL class at the Preston Campus need to attend the Bundoora Campus on Wednesday 11 March.
Parents and Guardians that wish to discuss their child’s participation in NAPLAN for 2026, or access to headphones, should contact myself or their child’s Learning Diversity Coordinator.
In situations where students are absent from class for short or extended time periods, then they are encouraged to access the details of the lessons that were missed by accessing each subject’s ‘lesson plan’ on SIMON.
Where a student in Year 7 to 9 is absent for an assessment as a result of an approved reason (e.g. illness, bereavement, medical reason etc.) students and their families should be in contact with their child’s teachers to negotiate a revised date to submit the task. Generally, this is upon return to school or may be up to seven days after a student’s return. The revised due date will appear on SIMON/PAM. Where a teacher is of the opinion that it is unreasonable for a student to sit an assessment due to approved absence, then the grade ‘X-Special Circumstance’ may be used.
Where a student is absent due to an unapproved reason (e.g. holiday etc.) then he will receive an ‘NS – not submitted’. Parents will also be notified of the non-submission via a letter on PAM indicating the new date by which the student will need to submit the task. For Years 7-9, the original grade of ‘NS’ remains as the student grade even upon satisfactory submission.
An afterschool ‘Academic Redeemer’ session may be issued by your child’s House Leader in situations where they have not submitted a task even after being provided with a new resubmission date. Where this is the case, parents will receive communication from their child’s House Leader.
In the coming weeks, Learning Tutors will commence at the College to support students in their literacy skills. These learning tutors are qualified and experienced secondary school teachers who will work with students across the junior school.
The literacy learning tutor will support students predominantly in Year 8 in varied subject areas such as English and Humanities. They will work alongside the classroom teacher and may facilitate small group sessions with different students. The aim of this program is to further enhance the literacy learning opportunities here at Parade College.
We look forward to the positive impact these tutors will have on the literacy development of our students.
Homework Club is open to all students across the College; however, it is of particular assistance to our junior school students. Homework Club runs each Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon in the NLC from 3:15 pm until 4:30 pm. Students are encouraged to come along and seek assistance from the College’s Learning Support Officers. No bookings required!
As we launch into another exciting year at Parade College – Preston Campus, it has been wonderful to see students return with energy, enthusiasm, and a readiness to embrace the opportunities ahead.
We welcome our new Year 11-12 Wellbeing Leader, Ms Jo Pentony who has joined us at Preston from the Bundoora Campus. For any wellbeing or academic questions or concerns, please contact your child’s Tutor teacher in the first instance.
Our Year 12 students began the year with an important and engaging session on consent, delivered by Elephant Education. This presentation encouraged thoughtful discussion and reinforced the importance of respect, responsibility and informed decision-making as our students move into adulthood. It was a valuable way to set the tone for the year ahead.
Work Learning Period timelines have now been sent home, with the Term 1 placement scheduled from March 23 – April 2. These placements provide authentic, hands-on learning experiences that build confidence, employability skills, and industry knowledge. Even volunteering at organisations such as St Vincent de Paul Society (St Vinnies) offers meaningful opportunities for students to develop communication skills, initiative, and an understanding of workplace expectations. We encourage families to support students in securing a placement that aligns with their interests and future pathways. Students are also able to visit the ‘School to Work’ portal where businesses advertise placement opportunities. The forms were due on Monday February 23 so please send these in ASAP.
Attendance continues to be a significant focus. At Parade Preston, we emphasise that being present and punctual matters. Signing out early can mean missing key information, class discussions, or assessment preparation. Days absent from school can lead to students falling behind in both VCE VM and VET coursework. Likewise, signing in late can create habits that are difficult to break beyond Year 12. Establishing strong routines now sets students up for success in employment, apprenticeships, and further study. Missing 1 day of school a fortnight can add up to 4 weeks in a year being missed.
School Based Apprenticeships (SBATs) offer an exceptional pathway for students wishing to complete their Year 12 certificate while commencing an apprenticeship. This allows students to gain industry experience and a head start in their chosen trade. While these opportunities can take time to establish with host employers, they are incredibly worthwhile. If your child is interested in pursuing an SBAT, I encourage them to see me in my office to discuss the process and next steps. It was great to see a student, James Louis last week who initially started his SBAT at Parade College in 2025 and is now in full time employment.
Mr Paul Watson has been meeting with students to discuss sporting opportunities over the last few weeks. Students are reminded to be accountable for managing their commitments and ensuring they are aware of when they are required to leave campus to attend their sporting activities and reach out to Mr Paul Watson to seek opportunity to represent the College.
It was also a pleasure to welcome Tom Montgomery-Scobie to our first College Assembly for the year, where he was recognised for Outstanding Achievement within the VCE VM program. Celebrating the success of our students highlights what is possible through dedication and perseverance. Tom is now heading into a Horticulture course, proof that VCE VM keeps doors open to different career and pathway options after Year 12. If your child would like to discuss pathways or future plans, Ms Bult is available every Thursday at Preston Campus to meet with students and provide guidance and support. Students are also very welcome to visit me, Ms Hopkins to discuss pathway options too.
A reminder to families that students should now have all required materials listed on the Campion Resource List and must ensure they are fully enrolled in their VET subjects. Being organised early in the year supports a smooth and successful start.
Finally, we acknowledge that mobile phones can be a distraction in learning environments. We appreciate your ongoing support in reminding your child that phones do not belong in classroom learning spaces and should be kept away during lessons.
We look forward to a productive and rewarding year ahead and thank families for their continued partnership.
Year 9 students commenced their first Extended Learning Project (ELP) on Wednesday 4 February. Families should be aware that ExCEL classes may be timetabled at either the Bundoora or Preston Campus and that changes to ExCEL subjects are not able to be made throughout the year.
Year 9 students may wear their sports uniform on ExCEL days and should ensure that they are at the correct campus in time for Tutor Group.
Students and their families will be able to determine which campus their child’s ExCEL subject is based at from the room number on their child’s SIMON timetable. Rooms commencing with ‘R’ or ‘K’ are located at the Preston Campus (e.g. R14, K17) while all other room codes are located at the Bundoora Campus.
It has been wonderful to see how positively our Year 7 students have settled into life at the College. They are building new friendships, establishing routines and embracing the opportunities presented to them in their first weeks of secondary school.
We are excited to inform families that our Year 7 Camps will take place in Week 6, from Wednesday 4 March to Friday 6 March.
Camp is a significant milestone in the Year 7 journey and an important part of our transition program. It provides students with the opportunity to strengthen friendships, build resilience, develop independence and form deeper connections within their House community. Across the three days, students will participate in a range of team-building and outdoor activities designed to challenge, support and encourage personal growth in a safe and engaging environment.
Camp is a wonderful opportunity for students to further bond with their peers and House Leaders, fostering House spirit and a strong sense of belonging within the College community. We look forward to an enriching and memorable experience for all students.
As part of our commitment to supporting students and families during the transition to secondary school, we will be hosting our Year 7 Your Choicez Online Parent Seminar on Thursday 12 March 2026 at 7.00pm.
The Your Choicez program is designed to empower students to make positive, informed decisions as they begin their secondary school journey. The parent seminar provides families with valuable insights into the key themes being explored with students, along with practical strategies to support healthy decision-making, respectful relationships and overall wellbeing at home.
Further information, including access details for the online session, has been communicated to Year 7 families. We strongly encourage all Year 7 parents and carers to attend this important and informative session.
Our students engaged in the baseline survey last week and will commence their regular check ins next week. This additional wellbeing support platform will allow all students at Parade College to self-reflect and engage with any additional supports required. Please view the link here for information regarding our student experience.
Years 8, 9 and 10 students have a range of exciting and informative presentations and activities coming over Term 1. Year 8 and 9 students will participate in the Proactive Policing session on Friday 27 February. Year 9 students will receive a presentation from the Pat Cronin foundation on Wednesday 11 March. The Pat Cronin foundation focuses on educating students about why resorting to violence is not the answer, and how to effectively handle conflict and their emotions. We hope the students find this presentation extremely valuable as they move into the next stage of their development.
Year 10 students will participate in a vaping awareness program on March 18 with Blurred Minds and they will also participate in proactive policing during Term 2 to further develop cyber safety and online awareness. Students are also taking the next step into their leadership journey and selecting students will participate in a school network leadership community across several sessions this year. We look forward to continuing with them on their leadership development journey.
This year is a pivotal year in the Year 10 journey, with pathways becoming clearer and choice for VCE and beyond at the forefront of their minds. We will continue to support our Year 10’s with the next phase of their lives by equipping them with the resources and skills to ask questions, approach the year with curiosity and move forward towards the next stage of their educational and personal journey.
Later this term, Year 11 students will participate in the RYDA Road Safety Education workshop on Wednesday 18 March, during Periods 1 to 4, at the Bundoora Campus. This award-winning program supports young people as they begin driving or travelling with peers, focusing on safe decision-making and positive road user behaviour.
Given the over-representation of young people in road trauma statistics, this workshop forms an important part of our students’ wellbeing education. Through interactive activities and real-world scenarios, students develop practical strategies to help them navigate the challenges they may face on the road.
We kindly ask for your support to maintain a healthy school community. If your child is feeling unwell, even if symptoms seem mild, please keep them at home. Illnesses spread very easily in school settings, and one sick student can quickly lead to many others becoming unwell. This not only affects learning but can pose a risk to students or staff who may be more vulnerable to infection. Sending an unwell child to school often results in them feeling worse and needing to be collected early. Rest at home is usually the quickest way to recovery. We appreciate your partnership in protecting the wellbeing of all members of our school community.
We ask all parents that have children using our Charter bus system to discuss the importance of safety on the College’s bus network, and adhering to the Bus Code of Conduct, implementing safety measures by using seat belts when buses have them fitted and the importance of respectful conduct. The College is currently working with our transport providers for more and improved communications when any of their vehicle’s morning/afternoon are behind schedule, this can then be communicated to college families promptly. We appreciate your support and understanding with this matter.
Please remind your child to cross with the lights across Plenty Road. Students have been running across Plenty Road and causing cars to brake heavily with some very close calls for students being struck. It’s critical all our students receive the same message at school and home to cross with the lights. Plenty Road is one of the busiest roads in Victoria, please have this safety talk with your child, a similar message will be published in the Student Bulletin.
This week our school community gathered for our Ash Wednesday liturgies, a significant moment that marks the beginning of Lent. Students received the traditional cross of ashes on their forehead, symbolising the start of their Lenten journey. As we begin the season of Lent, our school community is invited to slow down, reflect, and renew our hearts as we journey towards Easter.
This year, our Lenten journey is given special meaning through the inspiration of St Francis of Assisi, during a specially declared Jubilee Year announced by Pope Leo XIV. St Francis is remembered for his radical commitment to simplicity, care for the poor, and love for all of God’s creation. His life challenges us to ask important questions: What do we truly need? How do we treat others? How can we be peacemakers in our world?
Inspired by the example of Christ and the witness of St Francis, Lent provides us the opportunity for renewal, to repair relationships, and to choose kindness, justice, and care for our common home. As a school community, may this Lenten season help us walk together with hope, humility, and a renewed commitment to living out our values in word and action.
As part of our shared spiritual life, we warmly invite all members of the College community -students, staff, families, and friends - to come together for the celebration of the Eucharist every Friday morning at 8:10AM in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, Bundoora Campus. These gatherings offer a quiet and prayerful start to the day, especially meaningful during the Lenten season, as we reflect together on God’s call to renewal and hope. Whether you join weekly or are considering coming for the first time, you will be warmly welcomed. Throughout the year, each Tutor Group will have an allocated week to join the Friday Eucharist and celebrate together as a community. Tutor teachers will share the specific dates with students and families in advance.
This week, our Year 12 students began the Tenete Retreat program, a long-standing and valued tradition at our school that invites students to step beyond the classroom and engage deeply with issues of social justice.
As part of the retreat, students spend a day in the city exploring the complex realities of homelessness. Through guided experiences and reflection, they are challenged to see the city through a different lens - one that recognises dignity, inequality, and the responsibility we share for one another. A key element of the day is hearing directly from The Salvation Army, as students learn about their mission, outreach, and practical work supporting people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.
The Tenete Retreats are designed to encourage reflection, empathy, and action, grounding our students in the belief that faith is lived out through justice, service, and compassion. As the Year 12 cohort begins this journey for the year, we hope the experience inspires thoughtful conversations, deeper awareness, and a continued commitment to standing with those on the margins of our community.
Each year, our College recognises the generosity, service, and leadership of a Year 10 student through the Nuwan Amarakoon Community Action Award, an award honours the memory and legacy of past student Nuwan, and is presented to a student who reflects his spirit of service — someone who demonstrates a genuine commitment to volunteering their time, skills, and energy to support a college or community initiative. It is a powerful reminder of the impact that one individual can have on the world around them.
Last year Community Action and the College have been incredibly fortunate to be supported by such a large number of generous Year 10 students. Throughout 2025, these students have willingly given their time and talents, showing enthusiasm, compassion, and a strong sense of responsibility to others.
We were, quite simply, spoilt for choice when selecting a recipient for this award. Every student named on the slide before them were a worthy recipient, and each has made a meaningful contribution to our Community Action program – all continue to be active and enthusiastic participants in our Community Action program, consistently showing reliability, initiative, and a genuine willingness to contribute wherever they were needed.
This year we have dual winners for this award, Hamish Adlard B10 and Harry Pitts (L08)
Both Harry and Hamish, have been outstanding examples of what Community Action is all about — stepping forward, getting involved in meaningful ways. Both were active volunteers at the Bluestone Café and led many Community Action initiatives. Their commitment and positive attitude made a real difference to the success of these programs
However, what truly set both students apart was their shared commitment to Eddy’s Brekky Van. Their consistent involvement, compassion, and willingness to serve those in need reflect the very heart of Community Action and the values this award seeks to recognise.
Congratulations Hamish and Harry!
At the Commencement assembly Year 12 Prefects, Orlu Hadley-Searle A1A and Noah Jordan B05, introduced the 2026 Student Year Level Leadership program for students in Years 8 to 11.
Orlu expressed why she chose to be a Prefect:
“I wanted to represent the female students and ensure their voices and experiences are heard. As a student leader, I can listen to their experiences, raise their concerns, and help create positive change within the school.”
“l became a Prefect, because I wanted to give back to the College, as it has given so much to me. Being a school leader is giving me the opportunity to work for you the student body by representing your voices, supporting your wellbeing, and helping create positive change within the school” says Noah.
The new student Leadership program will see one Year Level Leader per House at Year 7, 8, 10 and 11. At Year 9 there will be two Year Level Leaders per House, 1 Captain and 1 Vice-Captain. Interested students will need to fill in an application form which can be collected from each House Leader’s office. All nominations are due on 27 February. Once applications are in, student Year Level Leaders will be voted in by students within their house. We encourage all students who want to make a difference in your Year Level and House to apply.
The beginning of the year is always busy in the Music and Performing Arts Department, with several exciting events already having taken place, and many more fast approaching.
We began the term with a Music Recruitment Evening where families of the college could join us to learn more about the Instrumental Music Program at Parade. Our Honours Band performed with Mr Emmet Brazil conducting and showcasing the fantastic learning of our junior musicians. It won’t be long until our new recruits are part of our beginning bands. Many thanks to all the students and music staff who joined us to make it a successful evening.
The VCE Music Performance class performed along with the Concert Band at our Term 1 College Assembly. The VCE class performed an arrangement of “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkly and during the assembly we also announced our Music Captain for 2026, Orlando Saltalamacchia (Year 12 Treacy 05).
The VCE Music Class also performed as part of the college Open Day. Our students performed both ensemble works and solo items to visiting students and families. A special thanks to all music staff for preparing these performances and assisting on the day.
Each year it is exciting to welcome an influx of new Year 7s into music classes and electives. We want to extend an open invitation to Year 7s to join the College Flexi Band, which rehearses each Monday at lunch in the Music department. It is a friendly environment for students to make new friends and extend themselves on their instrument beyond their classroom studies. It may be the instrument they learn at Parade, or the one they learn externally outside of school. We look forward to welcoming students over the coming term!
Instrumental Music enrolments for Semester One will soon close. Thank you to all families who have enrolled their child in lessons. Students who enrol in lessons from March 2026 in will now be placed on the Semester Two enrolment list and contacted soon. If you do not have lessons at school but play an instrument and would like to join a college band, please email us at music@parade.vic.edu.au; we would love to have you join our department.
Guitar and bass lessons at our Preston Campus will continue for 2026. These instrumental lessons will be conducted by our guitar teacher, Mr Jim Tsiambazis, during school time. Any interested students can email music@parade.vic.edu.au for more information.
This coming week we also conduct our Music Scholarship Auditions for 2026. Students who are auditioning for Instrumental Music Scholarships have been contacted and the results will be released in the coming weeks. We thank you for your support throughout this process and are impressed by the number of applicants and standard of applications received this year.
Rehearsals are now in full swing for the upcoming production of Beauty and The Beast with Santa Maria College in May. A big thank you to all staff and students involved in rehearsals – it is inspiring to see everyone’s dedication and hard work. I particularly want to thank Anthony Mercadante, our Production Coordinator, who has worked tirelessly bussing our students from Parade to Santa Maria for rehearsals each Monday and Wednesday. Any students who are interested in participating as crew should keep an eye on the student bulletin in the coming weeks on how to apply. Tickets for the show will become available in Term 2.
As the term progresses, we wish our students and families all the best for the upcoming weeks. As always please do not hesitate to contact the Music department via music@parade.vic.edu.au with any questions.
A huge thank you to all Parade students who assisted at our annual Open Day on Sunday. The students are to be commended on the amazing way they represented the College when interacting with prospective families at the event, thank you for your support.
The final opportunity for students to have their 2026 College Photographs taken will be on the following dates:
Date |
Location |
Details |
Wednesday 25 February |
Preston Campus |
1.30pm-3.00pm – Retakes for Preston Campus students |
Thursday 26 February |
Bundoora Campus |
8.00am-8.45am - Sibling Photos 8.55am-10.45am – Retakes for Bundoora Campus students |
All students are required to have their photograph taken as it is used for school identification, applied to school ID cards, transport concession cards, and published in the 2026 Paradian. As such, each student must participate, regardless of whether you wish to purchase photos.
We ask that families please ensure that students are in full College Uniform in line with the College Uniform Policy. Please review this policy carefully prior to the date, as it contains important guidelines relating to hair, jewellery, etc.
All sibling photos will be taken at the Bundoora Campus on Thursday 26 February from 8.00am-8:45am. Bookings for a sibling photo can be made using the below link.
Arthur Reed Photos uses an electronic system where all ordering is done online after the photo days and features a preview your child’s images. There is no need to do anything before photo day. There will be no need to order or return any forms to the College prior to photography. Access codes and order details will be emailed to you when images are ready to view and purchase online, and all orders through Arthur Reed Photos are mailed home directly to families. Please note that a review process is completed prior to photos being made available for ordering, we thank you in advance for your patience.
Arthur Reed Photos has a Customer Service Team in place who will be able to assist you with any queries. Customer Service can be contacted via email or phone.
customerservice@arphotos.com.au / 5243 4390
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.
Term 1 dates are as follows:
Bundoora Campus - for families with primary school aged students in Years 4 and up.
Preston Campus - for families with secondary school aged students in Year 9 and up for entry in Years 10-12.
Year 7 applications for 2028 and beyond are now being accepted. If you have a younger son in Grade 5 and wish to enrol for Year 7 2028, please note that applications close on 14 August 2026. Applications for other year levels are also welcome.
For further information and to submit an application, please visit Enrolling at Parade College.
Returning to Parade College in an official capacity as the Alumni Officer has been an exciting and fulfilling experience during my first few weeks. The College has certainly changed since my school days in the early 1980s. While the uniform remains familiar, I am truly impressed by the incredible facilities our current students enjoy every day.
I began my Parade journey as a Year 7 student at Edmund Rice Campus and completed my HSC in 1986. My time at Parade was filled with memorable experiences and lifelong friendships — many of which remain strong to this day. This year, the Class of 1986 will celebrate our 40-year reunion in November, and I am greatly looking forward to reconnecting with my former classmates and reminiscing about our school days.
Shortly after completing my HSC, I was fortunate to be employed by the College for a 12-month role assisting the Sport and Woodwork departments. Admittedly, I spent more time in the Sports Department — kicking the footy, playing table tennis, or shooting hoops — than in the woodwork rooms! That year deepened my connection to the College community and solidified my love for sport and camaraderie.
In 1987, I joined the Old Paradians Football Club, where I played for 14 years. It was a wonderful period of my life, building friendships and representing the Club alongside Old Paradians from many different eras. I retired from playing in 1999, shortly before the birth of my first child, but remained actively involved with the Club. Over the past seven years, I have proudly served on the committee, including the last four years as Vice President.
Before stepping into the Alumni Officer role, I spent 15 years at the Melbourne Cricket Club as Customer Service Manager, followed by three years in senior management roles. These experiences have strengthened my leadership, communication, and community engagement skills — all of which I am now delighted to bring to this role.
Taking over from John Nicholls as Alumni Officer is both an honour and a privilege. Having known John for many years — from my time as a student on the school football team to more recent collaborations on Old Paradians Football Club awards — I recognise the large shoes I have to fill. I feel incredibly grateful for the warm welcome and support from the entire Development Office and broader Parade College staff, which has made my transition both seamless and enjoyable.
We have an exciting year ahead with numerous Old Paradians Association events and luncheons planned and I look forward to building on the strong foundations of alumni engagement and ensuring another successful and enjoyable year.
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