We officially welcome back all of our students to school for Term 2. We hope that you enjoyed Easter with your families and friends and that you were able to enjoy the warm weather over the break. We look forward to the upcoming term and are enthusiastic about working with our students to enhance their learning experiences and connection to the College through the many different offerings we provide.
Pope Francis has passed away, May God Rest his Soul, may Perpetual Light Shine upon him.
God, Who, in Thine ineffable providence, didst will that Thy servant Francis ... should be numbered among the high priests; grant, we beseech Thee, that he, who on earth held the place of Thine only-begotten Son, may be joined forevermore to the fellowship of Thy holy pontiffs. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. And let the perpetual light shine upon him. And may his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
Pope Francis shone a light on the wisdom and capacity we all possess to lead and respond as the People of God, committed to building a better world. In solidarity with the poor, we recognise the radical leadership of Francis in responding to the realities of people’s lives. He challenged each of us to imagine and create communities where the causes of poverty, oppression, exclusion and injustice are understood and addressed. Pope Francis recognized that the only response was mercy and hope: working in the messiness of the world, alleviating suffering and striving for justice and peace. He spoke a language of inclusion, liberation, spirituality, justice and solidarity, underpinned by a theological wisdom that expanded this love and care beyond humanity to all of creation. With wisdom, simplicity and humility, this work of transformation and change has generated renewal, hope and optimism for our “common home.” In solidarity with the homeless, the prisoner, the refugee, the asylum-seeker, the stateless and the victim of conflict, we are emboldened by his courageous messages, his simple gestures and daily actions which challenged individuals, communities, governments, authoritarian leaders and international bodies to care for those most in need and commit to a more loving and compassionate world.
As a Parade community, we reflect on Pope Francis’ message of compassion, inclusion, and care for our world, and continually work toward nurturing an environment of trust and respect at Parade where all of our students are committed to building a better world for all.
We remember that Old Paradians fought and died in each major campaign and there are many Old Paradians serving in Australia’s armed forces today. We remember in a particular way those that served in the 1st and 2nd World War and the Vietnam Wars in the Honour Boards in the Hickey Foyer. The chief architect of the first ANZAC Day solemn service was actually an Anglican priest, Canon David John Garland, who pictured an “All Souls’ Day for Australia” in 1916, to commemorate the losses suffered at Gallipoli. His wish was for the service to be acceptable to all faiths and denominations or it would not be observed. I think observing ANZAC Day provides an opportunity for all of us to reflect on life and its meaning and its tragedies.
ANZAC Day, whilst in many ways a secular ceremony, has spiritual components that resonate for us as a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition - be it in the sacrifice, in the lowering of the flag, the bugle call, the minute’s silence - something's calling us and as people of faith, we would believe that's God calls to us in these sacred moments.
Lest We Forget
On Monday 5 May, the feast day of Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice is celebrated around the world. As a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition, we offer both hope and inspiration to our young people, and aim to live out of the Charism of Blessed Edmund. The Charter for schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition highlight four Touchstones, which guide us in our daily mission.
One of the Touchstones of the Charter, Liberating Education, can be summarised here:
‘Empowered by liberating teaching and learning experiences, we open our hearts and minds, so that we are hope-filled and free to build a better world for all.’
As we note in another Touchstone, Justice and Solidarity, it is Jesus’ message of compassion, justice and peace that we seek to make a living reality for all people. As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, we are invited to think about the challenges that other people face, and to see how we can contribute to God’s mission of making the world a better place for all.
Next week we will take the opportunity to reflect on the life of Blessed Edmund Rice and celebrate his life’s mission.
We look forward to the upcoming musical production of The Wedding Singer, with Santa Maria College. Our students have been thoroughly enjoying the rehearsals and we look forward to a wonderful show in the month of May. This year, the musical will be staged at Parade College in the Rivergum Theatre at our Bundoora Campus. I sincerely thank all of the staff from both schools for their efforts in working with the students in the lead up to these shows.
As we approach Mother's Day, it is essential to recognize and honour the profound impact mothers have in shaping our lives and communities. Whether it's through their unconditional love, unwavering support, or invaluable guidance, mothers play a pivotal role in nurturing future generations. This special day offers us the opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation for all that they do. Let's take this moment to celebrate and cherish the remarkable women in our lives, acknowledging their immeasurable contributions to our personal growth and collective wellbeing.
Thank you to all families who participated in this year's student progress interviews. The evening of in-person interviews was encouraging as we witnessed meaningful conversations between families and teachers from both campuses. We recognise that communication between home and school is essential for student success. Please continue to reach out to your child's teachers whenever you have questions about your child’s progress.
Last term, our Year 10 students participated in 'Mock Interviews' as part of their Term 1 Career Development program. Our students impressed us with their professionalism and preparation, having crafted cover letters and resumes for their target positions. Interviewers commented on the level of maturity and dedication demonstrated by our students throughout this experience being quite impressive. Special thanks to our volunteer interviewers who generously shared their time and expertise as 'employers,' and to our Careers Advisors for organising such a valuable learning opportunity for our students.
As we approach the end of Semester 1, Bundoora students in Years 8 to 11 will soon be preparing for their semester examinations. Please refer to the relevant year level section of the College Newsletter for further details.
Semester Two
Following the Year 8 to 11 examination period, Semester Two will commence on Monday 23 June. Student timetables are designed to maximise their elective choices. As students transition to new electives, some may also experience a change in teacher for some yearlong subjects. As academic programs offer more elective options, students and families recognise that these changes become more necessary to accommodate their elective selections.
Year 8 and 9 preparation and exams will commence from 10 June. Students should be encouraged to allocate time not only for homework, but to revise for the semester examinations as well. In the coming weeks, students will also receive detailed instructions and tips on how to best prepare for their exams.
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 16 June to Wednesday 18 June
Year 9: Monday 16 June to Thursday 19 June
Note: There will be no ExCEL classes on Wednesday 18 June. All year 9 students will be based at Bundoora Campus for the day.
Regular timetabled classes run for Year 8 and 9 students when they are not in exams. 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.
Where a Year 8 or 9 student is unable to attend an examination, it may not be possible to have the exam rescheduled. If a student misses an exam due to illness, then they will receive the grade ‘X-Special Circumstance’ for that task. Students absent for an exam due to an approved school event (e.g. ACC Sport) will be notified of an alternative time to sit the examination that was missed.
Please contact Ms Nadia Bonvicino, Dean of Learning - Year 7 to 9 if you have questions regarding Year 8 or 9 examinations.
Year 8 students participated in an Elevate Education webinar at the end of Term 1. They learnt about creating effective summary notes, how to use heading and subheadings to organise their work, and how to create a mind-map. Parents are encouraged to speak with their child about this seminar.
Elevate Education offers parents free 60-minute webinars where parents are shown strategies to support their child through school.
How to get (and keep!) your child motivated |
Wednesday 7 May, 6.30 pm |
Help your child prepare for exams |
Wednesday 21 May, 6.30 pm |
Help support your child during exams |
Wednesday 4 June, 6.30 pm |
Register for the webinars using this link: https://go.elevateeducation.com/auschoolwebinars
Year 10 and 11 preparation and exams will commence in a few weeks’ time. Students should be encouraged to allocate time not only for homework, but to revise for the semester examinations as well. In the coming weeks, students will also receive detailed instructions and tips on how to best prepare for their exams.
Year 10 and 11 students will have exams in all subjects.
Year 10 and 11 exams will be held from Wednesday 2 June to Monday 16 June. 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.
Year 11 students studying a Unit 3 & 4 subject will be required to sit the GAT on Tuesday 17 June. All other Year 11 students have a student free day on the day of the GAT.
Year 10 students have regular timetabled classes for exam feedback from Tuesday 17 June.
Study halls will be available in the NLC 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. 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 2024 tutoring our current VCE students, continues in Term 2. The program is open to all VCE students and will run on most Tuesdays and Thursdays in Terms 1 to 3, 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. 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.
The GAT is scheduled for Tuesday 17 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. Students can get a sense of the types of questions included in the GAT via the VCAA website.
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.
Important information for Year 10 families interested in their child being enrolled in the VCE Vocational Major for 2026 based at the Preston Campus, including the Sport and Business Academy can be found in the Preston Campus/ERPP & VCE VM section of this newsletter.
We invite all interested Year 9 families and Bundoora Campus Year 10 families to attend our Information Evening at the Bundoora Campus on Thursday 12 June. This evening will provide valuable information about our 2026 program options.
Please note that the Tertiary Pathways Program 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
Additional details about presentation times will be provided closer to the date. Applications for these limited programs will be due by the end of Term 2.
All Year 12 VCE VM students (including Sport Academy) based at Bundoora will sit the General Achievement Test (GAT) on Tuesday 17 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.
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).
As part of our Year 9 ExCEL program, students get to take part in a wide range of excursions and unique experiences. Below, Year 9 student Aiden Calvert H16 reviews his recent excursion to the Melbourne Magistrates Court.
Recently, I went on a school excursion to the Melbourne Magistrates Court. It was interesting to see how people are punished for their crimes and how everything works. My friends and I went into many court rooms and watched each of the cases. One case that stood out was a young person who got 100 hours of community service for assault. I honestly thought the punishment should have been harsher, considering the seriousness of what he did. After we left the courts, we then started our journey to the Old Melbourne Gaol. In the Gaol our whole class participated in a court reenactment of a 16-year-old boy who had shared personal information of his friend. I was the defending lawyer, and I really enjoyed speaking in a court room. The gown I wore was too big though! After we completed our reenactment, we then all decided on a sentence for the defendant, and we settled on a one-year probation with no criminal record so he can still have a chance of a good future. Overall, it was a cool experience and gave me a better understanding of how the court system works.
Aiden Calvert Year 9 H16
Applications are now open for the Lou Arthur Memorial Scholarship. This Scholarship honours the enduring commitment of Lou Arthur to Parade College and recognises students who have a strong dedication to their academic performance and display a desire and willingness to make a valuable contribution to the College community.
Applications for the Scholarship close on Friday 23 May at 5:00pm. For further information and to apply for the Scholarship, please follow the prompts on the College website Scholarships at Parade College - Parade College.
The College is now accepting applications for the Altior Program for Year 7 2026. This Gifted and Talented Program is open to students who are academically able, highly motivated and have an excellent work ethic.
Applications for the Altior Program close on Friday 23 May at 5:00pm. All enrolled families have been provided with the details and application form via Digistorm.
For further information about the Gifted and Talented Programs at Parade College or the opportunities outlined above, please contact Mrs Emma Mihocic, Gifted and Talented Program Coordinator via scholarships@parade.vic.edu.au and/or altior@parade.vic.edu.au.
It was a busy Term 1 in the Languages department with many great activities. We welcomed Takada High School to Parade College as they took part in homestays and classes at Parade. Some of our French students travelled into the city to visit the Alliance Française French Film Festival. Below, Year 11 Nicholas Fernandes N01 recounts his involvement in the Takada High School visit, while Year 11 Yacob Abraham H06 tells us about his experience at the Film Festival.
Being a part of the Japanese hosting program, this year was definitely a privilege. Seeing the smiling and slightly nervous faces of my peers ready to pick up the Japanese students at the start filled me with the realism that I would have to be a caretaker for almost 2 weeks. However, after the first few challenging days, I could tell why it was such a popular program. Making friends on excursions and sharing my everyday experiences with a new friend that was eager to learn made each day for me twice as enjoyable yet also twice as tiring. Whilst the language barrier between my family and the student was very evident, that still did not stop us from having the best time making food like Okonomiyaki and trying popular Japanese snacks. Spending time, bonding with the other host students in different year levels was just as good too, as we were invited to excursions along with the Japanese students, participating in activities that even I got to try for the first time. Unfortunately, all good things eventually came to an end, and whilst we all got to enjoy looking back on the events that we accomplished on our journey at the farewell evening, the next day we saw the Japanese students off as they were picked up by the bus. Overall, it was a once in a lifetime experience that I will remember forever. To any students that are looking into hosting next year, I would only encourage you to take this chance!
Nicholas Fernandes Year 11 N01
Bonjour à tous et à toutes ! The senior French students recently had an excursion, where we watched The Count of Monte Cristo in the CBD as part of the French film festival going on. Afterwards, within our individual groups, we went to French cafes and restaurants. The excursion was incredibly fun, I found the film to be enjoyable and intriguing. It has broadened my perspective on global films, and has made me, as a French student, want to immerse myself in French culture through this. The restaurants were also great; I do not know much about French cuisine, so learning some new dishes through this excursion was good. Overall, I hope we do this again, and I hope any future French students will be able to participate too! Au revoir!
Yacob Abraham Year 11 H06
We would like to thank our parent community for supporting their children in the various ACC home games. We ask that parents attending these games please ensure older or younger siblings who have scheduled classes remain in these classes. There have been instances of students attending games to watch friends or siblings when they are required in their scheduled class. Subject teachers have been following up with absences. We kindly ask for your support in this matter. House/Wellbeing Leaders and Deans will be supporting ACC coaches to ensure any student spectators at ACC games are not missing scheduled class time.
The College blazer, tie and winter long sleeved shirts are all essential items as part of our College Academic Winter Uniform and students must wear this to and from school when they are wearing their academic uniform. The College’s Uniform Shop is open each Tuesday and Friday at the Bundoora Campus. Please see times on SIMON in the Student Bulletin each day.
Staff will be checking student uniforms as they arrive to school and classes, and if necessary, alerting the relevant House Leaders/Wellbeing Leaders of students wearing incorrect uniform. Your child’s Tutor Teacher may require further clarification/communication, in this case you may receive a phone call or email.
Mother's Day originated from humble beginnings in 1908 as a simple tradition to honour all mothers, living and deceased. However, it did not take long for florists, confectioners, and card companies to jump onboard and commercialise the day, much to the disappointment of its founder, Ann Jarvis.
Today, Mother's Day is an annual reminder to say thanks to our mum, or other motherly figure, who plays an important role in our lives. It is a day to express our gratitude and love towards the women who have dedicated their time, energy, and love to raise and support us. Whether it is a simple gesture like a card, a bunch of flowers, or a heartfelt message, Mother's Day is an opportunity to show our mothers how much we cherish and admire them. It is a time to reflect on the love, sacrifices, and unwavering support that our mothers provide unconditionally.
Mothers will often put the needs of others above their own, so it is paramount to remind them to take care of themselves, especially when it comes to their mental health. Research has shown that women experience some mental health conditions more so than men and at much higher rates. There are many factors that can impact a woman's wellbeing physically and emotionally. Seeking effective treatment can enable her to engage more readily in everyday activities and fulfil the needs of her children and family.
This Special Report highlights that Mother's Day is not only a celebration, but also a reminder of the vital role mothers plays in the developmental growth of her children and the impact this has on shaping our society.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Click on the image below to access the Special Report.
This term, the upcoming student free day on Friday 23 May provides Parade College staff time to engage with expert guest speakers in the areas of further developing student wellbeing. A range of experts will present information to staff some of topics include Johnny Shannon - Bullying and Its Emotional Impact, Tom Brunzell - Berry Street Education Model and Lucy Barrat - Man Cave – Building Positive Relationships.
At Parade College, we are committed to supporting not only the academic growth of our students but also their wellbeing—both online and offline. In today’s fast-paced digital world, it is more important than ever for parents and carers to have clear, practical tools to help guide their children through the challenges of growing up in a connected world.
That is why we are excited to highlight Kids360, an innovative app designed to empower families with insights and tools to help young people navigate the digital landscape safely and positively.
Kids360 is a comprehensive parental support app that gives you real-time information about your child’s digital world—without invading their privacy. It helps parents and carers stay connected, informed, and involved in their child’s online and emotional wellbeing.
As part of our wider wellbeing and digital citizenship initiatives, Kids360 aligns with the values we promote at Parade College: responsibility, awareness, and partnership. It gives parents a tool to stay engaged in their child’s digital life without taking control away from the child themselves.
By using apps like Kids360, parents can support their sons in becoming responsible and resilient digital citizens—learning to manage their time, make thoughtful choices, and stay safe online.
From time to time, students may be absent from school for an extended period during the academic term, often due to family holidays or travel associated with sporting or other extracurricular commitments.
The College acknowledges the value of such experiences in supporting student wellbeing and providing opportunities for personal development and broadening of perspectives. However, it is also important to recognise the potential impact that extended absences may have on a student’s academic progress.
To assist us in supporting your child during any extended absence, we ask that parents and carers notify the College as early as possible. This includes contacting your child's Tutor Teacher and relevant subject teachers and recording the absence via the Parent Access Module (PAM).
Please be aware that while teachers are not expected to prepare work in advance for students taking extended leave, your child is encouraged to consult with their teachers regarding the content that will be covered during their absence. It is expected that they will complete any necessary catch-up work either prior to departure or upon their return, to minimise any disruption to their learning.
If an assessment task is missed during an extended absence, a mark of 'NA' (Not Assessed) will be recorded. In some circumstances, students may be offered an opportunity to redeem the task to meet the requirements for satisfactory completion of the unit.
It is important to note that all extended absences taken during scheduled school time are recorded as 'unauthorised absences', even when taken with parental consent. This classification is in accordance with the College’s attendance policy and is used for reporting purposes only; it does not imply any judgement regarding the student’s attitude or work ethic.
Following the notification of an extended absence via PAM, families will receive a standard letter outlining the expectations around missed work and reiterating the 'unauthorised' nature of the absence in line with College policy.
Should you have any questions regarding extended absences, we encourage you to contact your child's Tutor Teacher in the first instance.
As we move into the cooler winter months, a reminder that full winter uniform is required for both Term Two and Term Three. Our uniform shop is run by Academy Uniforms and is located in the College's main Administration Building at the Bundoora campus. During the term it is open from 12.30pm to 2.00pm on Tuesdays and 8.00am to 9.00am Fridays. Academy Uniforms are also located at 238 Wolseley Place, Thomastown, where their trading hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 2.00pm Saturday.
Further information, including the College Uniform Policy and Price List, can be found on the College website.
A significant part of the Development Office’s role within the College is to welcome and engage with prospective families at one of our many events throughout the year, and to provide a snapshot of what life at Parade College is all about.
For younger primary school aged children, our Manchester City Primary School Program allows Year 4 students from our Priority Parish Primary Schools the opportunity to participate in a series of skill development workshops with our incredible Manchester City Football School coaches, who are ably supported by our Sport Academy students. In Term One, Parade College welcomed the following schools: St Mary’s Thornbury, Holy Spirit Thornbury East, St Anthony’s Alphington, St Joseph’s Northcote, Holy Trinity Eltham North, Sacred Heart Diamond Creek and Our Lady Help of Christians Eltham.
In Term Two, we are looking forward to working with Year 4 students from St Pius X Heidelberg West, St Raphael's Preston West, Sacred Heart Preston, St John XXIII Thomastown East, St Luke's Lalor, St Catherine's Lalor West and St Clare's Thomastown West. A big thank you to our Man City team and Sport Academy students for the amazing work they do in fostering a safe and positive atmosphere for the visiting primary school students and allowing them the chance to be a footballer at Parade for the day!
Our Family Tours are a fantastic opportunity for prospective families to meet members of our College Leadership Team and to see our Bundoora Campus in action. For parents of Year 5 students in particular, our Term Two tours are perfectly timed provide a closer look at our College and community. Tours run from 9.15am to 11:00am, and bookings can be made online Book a Family Tour - Parade College. Term 2 dates are as follows:
Prospective families of current Year 4 to 6 students are invited to attend our informative and interactive Year 7 Information Evening on Wednesday 21 May from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, where families can learn more about the incredible opportunities available for Year 7 students at Parade College. Registrations are now open.
Year 7 applications for 2027 and beyond are now being accepted. If you have a younger son in Grade 5 and wish to enrol for Year 7 2027, please note that applications close on Friday 15 August 2025. Applications for other year levels are also welcome. For further information and to submit an application, please visit Enrolment Process - Parade College.
The Music Department is looking forward to an eventful Term 2 with several music activities underway. We ended Term 1 with Battle of the Bands taking place on Thursday 27 March. The event was led by Mr Brazil and Mr Tsiambazis, with equipment set up by the VCE VET Unit 3 class. It was great to see many students and staff coming to support and we congratulate our winners of the evening, The Liffeys, who comprised of Year 10 Luca Caporale L07, Year 12 Angus Tucker L04, and Year 10 Noah La Torre H08. Thanks to all those who performed or came to show their support.
This year we also prepare for the ACCent on Music concert, which sees all ACC schools collaborate in a joint concert at Hamer Hall in September. Joint rehearsals began at the end of Term 1 with a further three set to take place this Term. This is a great opportunity for our students to engage with musicians from other schools and participate in a combined concert that will feature up to 600 musicians.
Our College Big Band have been preparing for their annual trip to Mount Gambier to compete at Generations in Jazz on 3 May. The band will be accompanied by Ms Calia, Mr Watson and Mr Saragossi and perform amongst hundreds of other schools from around the country. As well as performing the students will also engage in workshops and attend performances by some top industry professionals both nationally and internationally. We wish the band an enjoyable trip and all the best for their performance.
Rehearsals have been going full steam ahead for the upcoming production of The Wedding Singer with Santa Maria College. A huge thank you to all staff and students involved in rehearsals. It is inspiring to see everyone’s dedication and hard work. There are five performances in total spread over two weeks in May on Friday 16, Saturday 17, Thursday 22, Friday 23, and Saturday 24 May. All shows take place at Parade College’s Rivergum Theatre and start at 7:30pm. Tickets for the show can be purchased via the following link:
As we launch into Term 2, we wish our students and families all the best for the upcoming weeks. Please do not hesitate to contact the Music Department via music@parade.vic.edu.au with any questions.
Term 1 concluded with some exciting activities including the Schools On Air program, the completion of our first communal Jigsaw Puzzle, the TTRPG Club after school celebration, podcast recording and the logging of over 50,000 minutes college wide for the first term.
15 students attended our once-a-term Schools On Air program run through the Banyule Nillumbik Tech School and played on SYNfm. The groups learned about the radio industry and segment creation, worked together to plan their segments, worked across the term on finessing their delivery, and then recorded their segments in a professional level studio offering an excellent opportunity for students to experience a potential pathway. There were lots of laughs and fun with each group tackling their task with enthusiasm. Keep an eye out for when their show will be aired on the socials.
The College students and staff have blasted through the half-way mark on our semester goal of 125,600 minutes, with over 25,000 minutes read over the term break. The Term 1 winners were:
Treacy: Alexander Sigaras Year 7 T12, 746 minutes
Hughes: James Pantelids Year 7 H14, 903 minutes
Lynch: Nathan Drazic Year 9 L16, 2107 minutes
Bodkin: Benedict Raphael Glow Year 10 B09, 810 minutes
Nolan: Charlie Huxtable-Lawlor Year 7 N14, 638 minutes
Year 7: 7G Jess Deprost, 7327 minutes total
Year 8: 8D Tom Randell, 2837 minutes total
In addition to the 2025 Reading Challenge, we also have a term-based Scavenger Hunt Challenge with its own prizes. The Challenge can be found in the BeanStack website through the NLC Resource Centre page here.
The Tabletop Role Playing Game Club celebrated their Term 1 activities with an after school celebration including delicious food, painting of figurines, and some intense Blood Bowl battles. The TTRPG is back for Term 2 on a Tuesday in the Fire Carrier Room. The Pokémon Club also continues to draw new members and runs on a Thursday lunchtime in the Innovation Lab.
The Podcast Club has already kicked of unofficially with Preston student Year 12 Ziggy Keating H10A conducting two interviews so far this year. The Parade Now podcast now has 3 episodes available through the social media outlets. The Podcast Club will run on Fridays in the Fire Carrier Room.
The Communal Jigsaw and NLC Puzzle Wall continue to be hits with three students already walking away with prizes for successfully completing all puzzles, and we are on to the second jigsaw for the year.
The Year 7 students have been welcomed into the Nash both upstairs for the game playing and downstairs for reading and quiet chatting during Term 1. While the Year 7 students were given a VIP suite in the Fire Carrier Room during the first term, they will now join forces with the other year levels in the main NLC areas. Friends have been met, challenges have been set, and laughs have been had. We continue to welcome all students before school from 7:45am, recess, lunch and after school until 4:30pm (4:00pm Fridays). Homework Club is of course running each Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:15pm until 4:30pm.
Students are encouraged to consider jobs or placements they are currently interested in and contact workplaces via email or phone.
Students can make an appointment with Mrs Bult or Ms Barnes if they have any questions or need assistance with a placement.
Dates: 17 to 20 November 2025
All students are required to make a Careers meeting with Mrs Bult or Ms Barnes to discuss future pathways for 2025 and beyond.
Early Entry programs will be available for student applications over the next few months. Dates and Information will be emailed to all Year 12 students when they become available.
VCE and Careers Expo- Melbourne Exhibition Centre
The VCE and Careers Expo 2025 is Australia’s largest education and careers event, bringing together students, educators, and industry professionals to explore future pathways. Whether you're preparing for VCE, considering university or TAFE, looking into apprenticeships, or exploring career options, this event has something for you!
What to Expect:
Australia's biggest education and careers event is now in its 33rd year! 2025 Expo runs between 9:00am and 3:00pm on Thursday 1, Friday 2 and Saturday 3 May.
This week, the first 5 Touchstones classes begin their volunteering placements. Students will be involved with a number of projects at the College, such as the Hand to Heart paper bag project, where students will donate their time to decorate bags for palliative care patients, or helping to prepare backpacks for our Eddy’ Backpacks project. Many students will travel out to local organisations such as Vinnies Op Shops or aged care facilities to volunteer their time and talents.
The volunteering program offers our students more than just a chance to give back — it is a powerful tool for personal growth and community connection. Whether they are tutoring younger students at homework club, helping pack donations at the Big Group Hug warehouse, or working in our Waterford Garden, students gain hands-on experience that goes far beyond the classroom.
I look forward to hearing about their experiences.
This year, the Community Action students have been working on a project with Vasey House Aged Care. During Term 1, students who volunteered would travel to Vasey House every Tuesday for 5 weeks and spend time with the resident they were paired up with. During this time, students would ask their resident a series of questions about their life story, gathering information about their adventures and experiences. We have put these stories into a presentation which include many old photos of the resident at various stages of their life.
We shared many stories and have learned a lot about life in the 50’s and 60’s.
On Wednesday 26 March, the students who volunteered for this project hosted their resident at the College. We shared many conversations during a delicious afternoon tea prepared by the Year 12 VET Hospitality class. During this time, students showed their resident a preview of their presentation. Our Red Carpet ‘This Is Your Life’ premiere was held on Tuesday 29 April in our Rivergum Theatre.
Year 10 students Julian Del Medico L04 and Eric Novatsis L06
Earlier this April, the Parade College Manchester City Football School (MCFS) travelled to Brisbane to take part in the Edmund Rice School Football Competition, joined by schools from across Australia in a celebration of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
St Joseph’s College, Nudgee generously hosted our squad, providing both accommodation and meals, as well as access to their top-class facilities where all matches were played.
Over the course of three days, our team competed in a group stage (three matches), followed by two knockout rounds and a final. We progressed through the group stage unbeaten, without conceding a single goal—a testament to the discipline and determination of the players.
In the final, we faced a strong side from St Virgil’s, Tasmania. The match proved to be a tightly contested battle, with both sides showing resilience and grit. After a tense draw in regular time, we broke the deadlock with a brilliant goal in extra time, securing a thrilling 2-1 victory and the tournament title.
Our squad of 15 players was supported by three staff members: Mick Bennett (Head Coach, MCFS), Elliot Seddon (Assistant Coach, MCFS), and Andrew Ward (Strength and Conditioning Coach, Parade College and MCFS).
Off the field, the team focused on match preparation, recovery, nutrition, and tactical planning—vital components of modern football that helped maintain performance levels across the competition.
The tour was a fantastic experience for the players—not only in terms of football development but also in building camaraderie and life skills. Being away from home encouraged independence, teamwork, and mutual support in a high-performance environment.
Our Year 9 and Year 11 student leaders recently had the opportunity to attend the Melbourne Secondary Youth Leadership Conference on Thursday 27 March 2025. This event united young leaders from across the region to enhance their leadership abilities. Below are two accounts from our students, sharing their experiences and key takeaways from the day.
Attending the Youth Leadership Academy Australia (YLAA) Conference was an inspiring and transformative experience. The event brought together passionate young leaders from many different schools, all eager to develop their leadership skills and create meaningful change. Through engaging workshops, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities, I gained valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and teamwork.
One of the most impactful moments was hearing from experienced leaders who shared their journeys, emphasising the importance of perseverance and adaptability. The conference also provided practical strategies for effective communication and problem-solving, which I can apply in both personal and professional settings.
Ramon Abbey-Sobh Year 9 N12
Beyond the learning experience, YLAA fostered a sense of community, encouraging collaboration and innovation. It reinforced my belief that young people have the power to drive positive change. I left feeling motivated, empowered, and ready to apply these lessons to my own leadership journey. YLAA’s leadership conference empowered us to forge our own definitions of leadership, and highlighted that, whether we hold formal student leadership titles or not, we can still fit and act on these definitions.
The conference featured a range of keynote speakers who shared their inspirational leadership stories and yet again highlighted that leadership is not a set formula, but rather a person’s ability to – in their own unique way – empower others to collectively achieve positive outcomes.
For example, we heard from Fiona Sanford, the former CEO of the Flourish Journey, a non-for-profit organisation focusing on the personal development of young women in the ever-changing social landscape. She discussed her journey in leadership and highlighted how accountability and introspection – or self-leadership – are essential qualities for a well-rounded leader.
This event granted us student leaders’ insight to cultivate positive change both within and beyond our school community.
Orlando Pettinella Year 11 T07
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