Catholic Education Week was recently celebrated and is an opportunity for all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne to celebrate their Catholic identity, the pivotal role they play within their local community and the strength of the sector. This year’s theme celebrates the significance of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of our local Church in Melbourne.
Christ beside me: Walking in the footsteps of Saint Patrick.
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, our mother Church, is named after the saint of Ireland.
Last week we acknowledged Harmony Week. It is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. Harmony Week is a community celebration. Since 1999, more than 80,000 Harmony Week events have been held in childcare centres, schools, community groups, churches, businesses, and federal, state and local government agencies across Australia.
Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world and we should celebrate this and work to maintain it. Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is at the heart of who we are. An integrated multicultural Australia is an integral part of our nation's history and character.
Why does orange represent Harmony Week?
Orange has been the Harmony Week colour since the first event was held in 1999. Traditionally the colour orange relates to social communication, stimulating two-way conversations. It aids in the development of new ideas and frees the spirit of its limitations, giving us the freedom to be ourselves. At the same time, it encourages self-respect and respect of others.
Parade’s Harmony Day took take place on Friday 20 March. We celebrated the occasion and raised awareness by allowing students and staff to wear casual clothes that represented their cultural backgrounds and identity.
Last Monday we welcomed our friends from Takada High School to Parade College. It was a lovely occasion to introduce the staff and students from Takada to our wonderful College community. The students have been attending classes and have also visited some beautiful places around Melbourne and have had the opportunity to experience our culture. A sincere thank you to our families who hosted our visiting students and our staff who hosted the Takada school staff. Their staff were full of praise and said their students had a wonderful time at Parade. Our students were amazing hosts.
As we approach the end of Term 1 next Thursday 2 April, on behalf of the staff at the College, we wish you all a lovely break over the Easter period, and remember such an important event within the Catholic Church.
We look forward to welcoming our students back for Day 1 of Term 2 on Monday 20 April.
Parade College teaching staff took part in our annual Teaching and Learning Professional Learning Day, with this year’s focus centred on strengthening high‑impact teaching practices through explicit instruction, cognitive science, and full student participation. This work continues to deepen our shared understanding of the Parade Instructional Model and strengthens the consistency of learning across classes. Professional development was led by education consultants, Teach Well, drawing on current research from the Science of Learning. Staff explored how effective teaching aligns with how the brain processes, stores, and retrieves information, and why structured, explicit instruction, supported by daily review and deliberate checks for understanding, helps reduce cognitive load and boost long‑term retention.
Teachers also participated in workshops facilitated by Parade staff. These sessions gave teachers the opportunity to practise participation tactics, experiment with formative assessment strategies, and observe how small instructional adjustments can dramatically improve student engagement. Teachers were able to learn from one another, refine techniques, and build confidence applying these approaches in their own subject areas.
Mid-semester reports will be released on the afternoon of 25 March on PAM. The report provides valuable insights into your child's learning behaviours in the classroom. Rather than focusing solely on academic achievement, this report highlights the habits and attitudes that contribute to successful learning. Teachers evaluate four key areas of learning behaviour:
There will be two opportunities for Student Progress Interviews in Semester 1 on the following dates:
A letter on how bookings can be made on PAM was emailed to all families on 13 March and can also be found on the following link:
Please be aware that Tuesday 2 April is a student free day to allow for Student Progress Interviews.
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 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.
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.
The end of Term One marks an exciting milestone for our Preston-based VCE Vocational Major (VM) and Edmund Rice Pathways Program (ERPP) students as they begin Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) and Work Experience (WE). These programs are a key part of the VCE VM journey, providing students with valuable opportunities to step beyond the classroom and into real-world environments. SWL allows students to build industry-specific skills aligned with their vocational studies, while Work Experience offers a broader introduction to the world of work. Both pathways are designed to help students develop confidence, responsibility, and a deeper understanding of employer expectations.
Over the two weeks, students attend placements across a wide range of industries including construction, hospitality, retail, community services and automotive. These experiences not only strengthen practical skills, but also enhance important employability qualities such as communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. We encourage all students to approach their placements with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and a commitment to representing Parade College with pride. Making a strong first impression, asking questions and showing initiative can open doors to future opportunities.
The Sport and Business Academy students participate in Structured Workplace Learning in the final week of this Term. Students have connected with a variety of sporting, medical, educational, and business organisations to support them in experiencing the world of work beyond Parade. This is also a fantastic opportunity to prepare for future study at La Trobe and access part-time work to support them during this time.
We would like to thank all our business partners for their continued support in providing meaningful placements for our students. Their guidance plays a crucial role in helping young people transition from school to further education, training, or employment. Parents and carers are encouraged to discuss these experiences with students at home, celebrating successes and reflecting on challenges along the way.
We look forward to hearing about the many achievements and learning experiences our students will gain throughout their SWL and Work Experience placements this year.
Thank you to all our students and families for their support during the NAPLAN testing period. In total, over 2900 separate tests were completed at the College during this time. Results will be mailed to families in Term 3.
All Year 7 to Year 9 students should be engaging in regular homework and study each afternoon. Students will be advised of homework tasks by their teacher and tasks will be recorded on SIMON/ PAM lesson plans.
When no formalised homework is set, students are encouraged to study. This could take the form of:
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 7-9 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’ for any missed assessment tasks. 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. 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.
Learning Tutors will have commenced 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!
ExCEL is an experiential program designed to foster independence, resilience and confidence in our Year 9 students. Students are given the opportunity to become self-directed learners while exploring diverse curriculum areas and educational pathways.
Independent travel is a core requirement of the ExCEL program. Last year's orientation program covered efficiently using public transport between campuses, safe travel practices, excursion protocols, and strategies for punctual arrival at both locations.
Our first eight-week Extended Learning Project (ELP1) is well underway with many students confidently traveling independently between campuses and into the community. Students have participated in numerous engaging activities, including tracking data using golf simulators, researching small businesses in Melbourne's CBD, reviewing the architecture of Melbourne's bridges, and experiencing our judicial system first-hand through a visit to the Melbourne Magistrates Court.
Extended Learning Project 2 (ELP2) will commence on Wednesday 22 April. In preparation for this, students will receive and email with details about their ELP2 class, including subject and room allocation before the end of term. Please note that ELP blocks and L4L classes will operate at both Bundoora and Preston campuses. Classes in 'R' and 'K' classrooms (e.g. R14) will take place at Preston. Students attending classes at their non-home campus must arrive by 8:40am and remain until 3:15pm. Students based at Bundoora are expected to attend Tutor Group as usual (unless otherwise directed by their teacher).
On Friday 20 March, a number of our senior students had the privilege of attending the annual Catholic Education Week Mass held at St Patrick's Cathedral. This significant gathering brought together students, educators, and leaders from across the Archdiocese to celebrate the shared mission of Catholic education.
This year’s theme, 'Christ beside me: Walking in the footsteps of Saint Patrick,' invited all present to reflect on the life and witness of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of our local Church in Melbourne. As the mother Church of the Archdiocese, St Patrick’s Cathedral stands as a powerful symbol of faith, unity, and tradition, deeply connected to the story and legacy of Saint Patrick.
Following the Mass, students participated in the Young Speakers Colloquium, where they engaged with peers from other Catholic schools in thoughtful dialogue and reflection. This experience provided a valuable opportunity for students to explore contemporary issues, share perspectives, and grow in confidence as young leaders within the Church and wider community.
We are proud to announce that our College fundraising efforts for 2026 will be dedicated to supporting the Olympic Village Exodus Community. Located in Heidelberg West, the Exodus Community has long been a vital presence in the Olympic Village, working tirelessly to meet the needs of local residents and to advocate for those experiencing powerlessness and disadvantage. Their work supports individuals and families who may be living on very low incomes, facing mental health or addiction challenges, or navigating the impacts of family violence.
Our College shares a longstanding and meaningful connection with Exodus through our Brekky Van program, with students and staff serving breakfast each Tuesday to members of the community. This initiative is not only an act of service but also an opportunity to build relationships grounded in dignity, respect, and compassion.
The Exodus Community provides important pathways for education, community involvement, and volunteering among those who are marginalised. Their commitment to responding to emerging needs with care and dignity reflects the values we seek to embody as a College community.
We look forward to continuing to stand alongside Exodus in their vital work, raising funds throughout 2026 to support their ongoing efforts and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who may require additional support.
A reminder to families, our canteens will not accept mobile phone bank card payments. Please ensure your child either has cash or a plastic bank card to purchase items at the school canteen.
Students are reminded to show respect and courtesy when travelling on public transport. Please be mindful of others by offering your seat to adults, elderly passengers, people with disabilities, pregnant individuals, and anyone who may need it more than you.
Represent our College with pride by travelling safely, respectfully, and ensuring you take all your belongings and dispose of any litter appropriately when alighting from public transport.
Our students have been engaging in 'Wellbeing Wednesday' Tutor period check-ins. Please view the link here for information from Pivot regarding the student experience. Our Wellbeing Support Services, Tutor Teachers and House/Wellbeing Leaders continue to support our students reaching out for conversations, clarifications, and general wellbeing support. Please discuss with your child about using the wellbeing check-in tool each Wednesday morning in their Tutor Group.
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 between 12.30pm and 2.00pm, and Fridays between 8.00am and 9.00am. Staff will be checking student uniforms as students arrive to school and classes, 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.
Academy Uniforms are located at 238 Wolseley Place, Thomastown.
Phone- 9460 8011.
Trading hours:
Monday to Friday: 9.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am to 12.00pm
Students Ryan Coate T17, Lachlan Audley T13, and Nate Robertson T13 at Bundoora Campus recently found an envelope containing $150 that belonged to a senior student who had planned to make an after‑school purchase. The three Year 9 students who discovered it showed outstanding honesty by handing it straight in. The relieved student later checked lost property and was thrilled to receive his envelope back with the full amount untouched.
Well done, a fantastic example of integrity in action!
Our recent Year 7 Camps were a fantastic success, providing students with an exciting and memorable start to their journey at the College. Across the camps, it was wonderful to see the boys fully immersed themselves in a range of activities, challenge themselves, and most importantly, have a great deal of fun. From outdoor adventures to team-based challenges, the camps created an environment where students could step outside their comfort zones and embrace new experiences.
A key highlight of the camps was the opportunity for students to form new friendships and strengthen existing ones. Many students spoke about how quickly they felt a sense of belonging within their groups. As one student shared, “I didn’t know many people before camp, but now I feel like I’ve got a whole new group of mates.” Another reflected, “Camp helped me get to know people I wouldn’t usually talk to at school.”
The camps also played an important role in building resilience. Whether it was pushing through a challenging hike, overcoming nerves on the high ropes course, and taking the leap of faith or pulling the release cord on the giant swing, or working collaboratively in team challenges, students demonstrated perseverance and courage. I witnessed many of our students lifting one another up with positive encouragement, phrases like “come on, you can do it, just one more step,” “great work, keep it up,” and “you’ve got this” were heard throughout the camp, demonstrating how they supported each other to push through challenges and build resilience together.
Overall, the Year 7 Camps were an incredibly positive experience, setting a strong foundation for the year ahead. The connections formed, confidence built, and resilience developed will no doubt support our students as they continue to grow within the College community.
On Thursday 12 March, our Year 7 families had the opportunity to engage in an informative and highly relevant webinar delivered by David Kobler from Your Choicez. The session, 'On the Same Page', focused on supporting families as they navigate the challenges of raising young people in an increasingly digital world.
The webinar highlighted the importance of ensuring that students, parents, and the College are aligned in their expectations around technology use. David provided practical strategies to help families open up meaningful conversations at home, set clear and healthy boundaries, and promote safe and responsible online behaviours.
A key takeaway from the session was the value of a consistent, 'same page' approach between school and home. By working together, families can better support students to make positive choices online and develop habits that promote wellbeing, respect, and accountability in digital spaces.
We thank the families who attended and engaged so positively in this session. As a College, we remain committed to continuing to provide opportunities and resources that support our students and families in this ever-evolving digital landscape.
Our Year 11 students recently participated in the RYDA Road Safety Education Program on Wednesday 18 March at Bundoora Campus. It was an engaging incursion focused on building the knowledge and awareness needed to stay safe on the road.
The program included interactive sessions exploring key topics such as hazard perception, speed and stopping distances, decision-making, and the risks of distraction and impaired driving. Students were encouraged to reflect on their responsibilities as current and future drivers and passengers.
Programs like RYDA play an important role in preparing students for independent driving and making safe, informed choices on the road.
Below is a reflection from one of our Year 11 students:
The RYDA program was an incursion that was all about being safe on the road. It consisted of six different sessions that ranged from important lessons for drivers, to hearing the story of someone who experienced first-hand the impacts of unsafe driving. However, the most memorable part was a demonstration on how long it takes for a car to stop in an emergency breaking situation as we watched a car slam on the breaks at various speeds. A key message that stood out to me was just the importance of being both physically alert and in a good state of mind while driving. Additionally, it really surprised me how much responsibility drivers have towards vulnerable road users such as pedestrians. Overall, I found that the RYDA program had so many important lessons when driving that are very useful for new drivers.
Year 11 Nicholas Cicero L02
At the beginning of the school year, Parade College delivered a whole‑school presentation to all year levels focused on student safety, respectful relationships, and positive behaviour. The purpose of this session was to ensure that every student understands their rights, feels supported and knows how to seek help whenever something does not feel right.
Students were reminded that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that every person under 18 has the right to be safe, protected from harm and supported in their wellbeing. The presentation emphasised that every young person deserves to feel secure at school, online, at home and in the community.
Parade College reinforced its commitment to creating a learning environment where all students feel valued and respected. Students were reminded that they have the right to:
The message shared with students was clear: everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and kindness.
Students were informed that Australian law protects all people from behaviour that undermines their safety or wellbeing. Key legislation referenced included:
These laws reinforce the importance of treating others fairly and respectfully.
A major focus of the session was empowering students to speak up early if something does not feel right. They were encouraged to:
Students were reminded that they always have the right to feel safe and supported.
Parents play a vital role in supporting a culture of safety and respect. You can help by:
Together, families and the school can ensure that every student feels protected, respected, and supported throughout the year.
The Parents of Parade (POP) committee plays a key role in supporting many initiatives that help to build our school community. In doing so, POP provides opportunities for Parents and Carers to get to know one another and to form strong connections with the College. I would like to thank Bethany Henry for her many years of leadership as President of POP. Bethany has decided to step away from this role, and for the remainder of this year Vice President Trish Liddell will serve as Acting President.
In her time as President, Bethany played a key role in reinvigorating many of the annual events that had been paused or limited due to COVID. The Mother’s and Father’s Day breakfasts, Family Games night, new Parents Morning Tea and Parent Winery tour all benefited from Bethany’s enthusiastic leadership and energy. Furthermore, fundraising events such as the annual Mega Raffle have ensured that POP is well-placed to support a range of student activities, such as the RYDA Road Safety Education Program program, Year 12 farewell morning tea and the Board Game Club. I would like to thank Bethany for everything she has done for POP, and wish Trish well as she steps in for the remainder of this year.
To support Trish and the POP committee, I encourage Parents and Carers to come along to our POP meetings or volunteer at one of the upcoming events.
Term One continues to progress at a rapid pace with so much going on in the life of the Music Department here at Parade. We are pleased to have many new enrolments this year and warmly welcome all our new music students. From Flexi Band for our junior musicians, Honours Band to Big Band and Concert Band, our ensemble program continues to grow and develop, and we thank our music staff, music students and every parent for making our music and performing arts community a wonderful place to be.
Well done to all students who auditioned for Music Scholarships this year. With so many entries the music department had a tough job in selecting the various scholarship awards. It was inspiring to hear everyone’s entries, and we extend a heartfelt congratulations to all our scholarship award winners who will be announced shortly. We strongly encourage all instrumental music students to consider applying for scholarships in 2027.
A brief reminder to students and families that the rehearsal days for these two bands have now switched. Honours Band will now rehearsal Monday’s at lunch time and Flexi Band will rehearse Wednesday’s at lunch time. The reason for this change is so more of our Year 9 music students can participate in Honours Band. A friendly reminder that consistent ensemble attendance is a compulsory part of the instrumental program here at Parade, and we look forward to a strong showing for both of these ensembles in Term 2.
We are excited to be offering a great range of excursions over the coming weeks, including an ACC Drumline workshop day at St Bernard’s College in Essendon, a Top Acts Performance excursion for our Senior music students and the much-anticipated yearly Generations in Jazz weekend camp for our Big Band in early Term 2. Stay tuned for some great photos and news from these events!
The 2026 production is nearly upon us, with rehearsals progressing well at 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. Tickets for the show will become available in Term 2.
As the term draws to a close, we wish our students and families all the best for the upcoming Easter holiday break. As always please do not hesitate to contact the Music Department via music@parade.vic.edu.au with any questions.
Prospective families of current Year 4 and Year 5 students are invited to attend our informative and interactive Year 7 Information Evening on Wednesday 20 May from 6:00pm 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 Information Evening
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 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.
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 2 dates are as follows:
Bundoora Campus - for families with 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.
For primary school students in Years 3-5, the Snapshot Program allows students to experience an area of Parade College for an afternoon. Running after school on Wednesday 29 April between 3:45pm-5:00pm, prospective students can register to attend one of the following workshops:
Interested families can register their child’s participation via 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, St Gabriel’s Preston, Sacred Heart Preston, St Catherine’s Lalor West, St Luke’s Lalor, Holy Trinity Eltham North. A big thank you to our Manchester 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!
As we begin to 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 Bundoora Campus. During the term it is open from 12.30pm-2.00pm on Tuesdays and 8.00am-9.00am Fridays. Academy Uniforms are also located at 238 Wolseley Place, Thomastown, where their trading hours are 9.00am-5.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am-12.00pm Saturday.
Further information, including the College Uniform Policy and Price List, can be found on the College website.
In our Year 10 Small Business class, we are completing a Business Plan assessment task.
Each student had to create their own business idea, and we are developing a full business plan for it. We need to think about what product or service we would offer, who our target customers would be, what our business structure will be and how we would promote and manage our business.
My business concept is Fin Finder, a mobile app that helps users identify what fish they have caught by taking a photo. The app uses image recognition and a built-in fish database to match the fish and display important info such as species, size ranges, habitat, and whether it is legal to keep.
Target users:
• Recreational fishers
• Students learning about marine life
• Families on fishing trips
• Beginner anglers who do not know fish species
Features:
Photo Identification: Upload or take a photo to instantly ID the fish
Local Species Guide: Shows fish common in your region
Catch Log: Tracks your catches with date, location, and size
Rules & Regulations: Shows size limits and legal status
Slogan: “Know Your Catch.”
Joseph Raso H06
I am finding the project interesting because it makes me think like a real entrepreneur. I must research my idea and consider how the business could make a profit. It is also a good opportunity to be creative and design something that could solve a problem or meet a need.
My business ‘Arch Runs’ is a program for all different people. We have 3 stages. Beginner, Advanced and elite. The program consists of many different runs. Sprint training program or long-distance program. It comes at a cheap price for only 60$ a month. For the sprint training program, you do 4 sessions a week and the same for long distance running but you can choose to do more if optional.
On our app we track and record how you go, every month we give you feedback on how you are going and how you can improve.
Archer Parke H02
My business idea is a physio that comes to you whenever you need, and I also help with programs for your week or gym workouts.
Business overview:
Panza’s Physio is a physio service that comes to you, so you don’t have to worry about traveling to a clinic. We make it easy for busy people or anyone who cannot get out of the house. Whether you’ve hurt yourself, feel sore after a workout or just want to move better, Panza’s Physio can help. Our physios are trained to give the right exercises and treatments to make you feel better and stronger. We come to your home, workplace, or wherever suits you, so you get quality care without the stress of going anywhere. With Panza’s Physio, getting better is simple, comfortable, and fits into your life. We also help with programs for sports and gym.
Panza’s physio is a very reliable company that can help you get back to your best self.
Ricki Panzarini L06
It has wonderful having students from Takada High School joining us at Parade College as part of our exchange program. Below is an account from one of the students visiting the College.
I am part of the student group visiting from Takada Gakuen in Tsu, Japan. Although we have only been here for a week, so much has happened since our 5.30am arrival in Melbourne last Saturday, it feels we have been visiting Parade for significantly longer!
Between making new friends, getting used to the different school days and trying different foods, we have experienced so many new things in Australia.
Many different things have left deep impressions on our group. The way students are often asked to give opinions in class is very different to Japan. The historical buildings and different shops in the city were also particularly interesting. Changed eating habits were also notable. Fish and chips, croissants, potato pancakes and vegemite, though not all in the one meal, has made for a real food adventure.
Lastly, the generosity and kindness of the families hosting our students is deeply appreciated. We look forward to sharing Japanese culture with Parade students and teachers when they visit us in September.
Vishal
Parade College fosters a positive learning culture, where both staff and students can access multiple opportunities to ensure life long learning. Within the Arts at Parade, we have had the privilege of each of our staff being talented artists in their own right, and two of our (now retired) staff are currently exhibiting their own works after decades at the College. It is wonderful to be able to celebrate our own students past and present, along with some of our staff that have always encouraged a love of the Arts amongst our community.
You are all invited to visit the 'The Traveller's Eye', an exhibition by Cara Love and Tony Teo hosted at Galleria Crocadillo Reservoir.
Catholic Education Week was recently celebrated and is an opportunity for all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne to celebrate their Catholic identity, the pivotal role they play within their local community and the strength of the sector. This year’s theme celebrates the significance of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of our local Church in Melbourne.
Christ beside me: Walking in the footsteps of Saint Patrick.
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, our mother Church, is named after the saint of Ireland.
Last week we acknowledged Harmony Week. It is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. Harmony Week is a community celebration. Since 1999, more than 80,000 Harmony Week events have been held in childcare centres, schools, community groups, churches, businesses, and federal, state and local government agencies across Australia.
Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world and we should celebrate this and work to maintain it. Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is at the heart of who we are. An integrated multicultural Australia is an integral part of our nation's history and character.
Why does orange represent Harmony Week?
Orange has been the Harmony Week colour since the first event was held in 1999. Traditionally the colour orange relates to social communication, stimulating two-way conversations. It aids in the development of new ideas and frees the spirit of its limitations, giving us the freedom to be ourselves. At the same time, it encourages self-respect and respect of others.
Parade’s Harmony Day took take place on Friday 20 March. We celebrated the occasion and raised awareness by allowing students and staff to wear casual clothes that represented their cultural backgrounds and identity.
Last Monday we welcomed our friends from Takada High School to Parade College. It was a lovely occasion to introduce the staff and students from Takada to our wonderful College community. The students have been attending classes and have also visited some beautiful places around Melbourne and have had the opportunity to experience our culture. A sincere thank you to our families who hosted our visiting students and our staff who hosted the Takada school staff. Their staff were full of praise and said their students had a wonderful time at Parade. Our students were amazing hosts.
As we approach the end of Term 1 next Thursday 2 April, on behalf of the staff at the College, we wish you all a lovely break over the Easter period, and remember such an important event within the Catholic Church.
We look forward to welcoming our students back for Day 1 of Term 2 on Monday 20 April.
Parade College teaching staff took part in our annual Teaching and Learning Professional Learning Day, with this year’s focus centred on strengthening high‑impact teaching practices through explicit instruction, cognitive science, and full student participation. This work continues to deepen our shared understanding of the Parade Instructional Model and strengthens the consistency of learning across classes. Professional development was led by education consultants, Teach Well, drawing on current research from the Science of Learning. Staff explored how effective teaching aligns with how the brain processes, stores, and retrieves information, and why structured, explicit instruction, supported by daily review and deliberate checks for understanding, helps reduce cognitive load and boost long‑term retention.
Teachers also participated in workshops facilitated by Parade staff. These sessions gave teachers the opportunity to practise participation tactics, experiment with formative assessment strategies, and observe how small instructional adjustments can dramatically improve student engagement. Teachers were able to learn from one another, refine techniques, and build confidence applying these approaches in their own subject areas.
Mid-semester reports will be released on the afternoon of 25 March on PAM. The report provides valuable insights into your child's learning behaviours in the classroom. Rather than focusing solely on academic achievement, this report highlights the habits and attitudes that contribute to successful learning. Teachers evaluate four key areas of learning behaviour:
There will be two opportunities for Student Progress Interviews in Semester 1 on the following dates:
A letter on how bookings can be made on PAM was emailed to all families on 13 March and can also be found on the following link:
Please be aware that Tuesday 2 April is a student free day to allow for Student Progress Interviews.
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 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.
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.
The end of Term One marks an exciting milestone for our Preston-based VCE Vocational Major (VM) and Edmund Rice Pathways Program (ERPP) students as they begin Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) and Work Experience (WE). These programs are a key part of the VCE VM journey, providing students with valuable opportunities to step beyond the classroom and into real-world environments. SWL allows students to build industry-specific skills aligned with their vocational studies, while Work Experience offers a broader introduction to the world of work. Both pathways are designed to help students develop confidence, responsibility, and a deeper understanding of employer expectations.
Over the two weeks, students attend placements across a wide range of industries including construction, hospitality, retail, community services and automotive. These experiences not only strengthen practical skills, but also enhance important employability qualities such as communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. We encourage all students to approach their placements with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and a commitment to representing Parade College with pride. Making a strong first impression, asking questions and showing initiative can open doors to future opportunities.
The Sport and Business Academy students participate in Structured Workplace Learning in the final week of this Term. Students have connected with a variety of sporting, medical, educational, and business organisations to support them in experiencing the world of work beyond Parade. This is also a fantastic opportunity to prepare for future study at La Trobe and access part-time work to support them during this time.
We would like to thank all our business partners for their continued support in providing meaningful placements for our students. Their guidance plays a crucial role in helping young people transition from school to further education, training, or employment. Parents and carers are encouraged to discuss these experiences with students at home, celebrating successes and reflecting on challenges along the way.
We look forward to hearing about the many achievements and learning experiences our students will gain throughout their SWL and Work Experience placements this year.
Thank you to all our students and families for their support during the NAPLAN testing period. In total, over 2900 separate tests were completed at the College during this time. Results will be mailed to families in Term 3.
All Year 7 to Year 9 students should be engaging in regular homework and study each afternoon. Students will be advised of homework tasks by their teacher and tasks will be recorded on SIMON/ PAM lesson plans.
When no formalised homework is set, students are encouraged to study. This could take the form of:
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 7-9 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’ for any missed assessment tasks. 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. 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.
Learning Tutors will have commenced 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!
ExCEL is an experiential program designed to foster independence, resilience and confidence in our Year 9 students. Students are given the opportunity to become self-directed learners while exploring diverse curriculum areas and educational pathways.
Independent travel is a core requirement of the ExCEL program. Last year's orientation program covered efficiently using public transport between campuses, safe travel practices, excursion protocols, and strategies for punctual arrival at both locations.
Our first eight-week Extended Learning Project (ELP1) is well underway with many students confidently traveling independently between campuses and into the community. Students have participated in numerous engaging activities, including tracking data using golf simulators, researching small businesses in Melbourne's CBD, reviewing the architecture of Melbourne's bridges, and experiencing our judicial system first-hand through a visit to the Melbourne Magistrates Court.
Extended Learning Project 2 (ELP2) will commence on Wednesday 22 April. In preparation for this, students will receive and email with details about their ELP2 class, including subject and room allocation before the end of term. Please note that ELP blocks and L4L classes will operate at both Bundoora and Preston campuses. Classes in 'R' and 'K' classrooms (e.g. R14) will take place at Preston. Students attending classes at their non-home campus must arrive by 8:40am and remain until 3:15pm. Students based at Bundoora are expected to attend Tutor Group as usual (unless otherwise directed by their teacher).
On Friday 20 March, a number of our senior students had the privilege of attending the annual Catholic Education Week Mass held at St Patrick's Cathedral. This significant gathering brought together students, educators, and leaders from across the Archdiocese to celebrate the shared mission of Catholic education.
This year’s theme, 'Christ beside me: Walking in the footsteps of Saint Patrick,' invited all present to reflect on the life and witness of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of our local Church in Melbourne. As the mother Church of the Archdiocese, St Patrick’s Cathedral stands as a powerful symbol of faith, unity, and tradition, deeply connected to the story and legacy of Saint Patrick.
Following the Mass, students participated in the Young Speakers Colloquium, where they engaged with peers from other Catholic schools in thoughtful dialogue and reflection. This experience provided a valuable opportunity for students to explore contemporary issues, share perspectives, and grow in confidence as young leaders within the Church and wider community.
We are proud to announce that our College fundraising efforts for 2026 will be dedicated to supporting the Olympic Village Exodus Community. Located in Heidelberg West, the Exodus Community has long been a vital presence in the Olympic Village, working tirelessly to meet the needs of local residents and to advocate for those experiencing powerlessness and disadvantage. Their work supports individuals and families who may be living on very low incomes, facing mental health or addiction challenges, or navigating the impacts of family violence.
Our College shares a longstanding and meaningful connection with Exodus through our Brekky Van program, with students and staff serving breakfast each Tuesday to members of the community. This initiative is not only an act of service but also an opportunity to build relationships grounded in dignity, respect, and compassion.
The Exodus Community provides important pathways for education, community involvement, and volunteering among those who are marginalised. Their commitment to responding to emerging needs with care and dignity reflects the values we seek to embody as a College community.
We look forward to continuing to stand alongside Exodus in their vital work, raising funds throughout 2026 to support their ongoing efforts and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who may require additional support.
A reminder to families, our canteens will not accept mobile phone bank card payments. Please ensure your child either has cash or a plastic bank card to purchase items at the school canteen.
Students are reminded to show respect and courtesy when travelling on public transport. Please be mindful of others by offering your seat to adults, elderly passengers, people with disabilities, pregnant individuals, and anyone who may need it more than you.
Represent our College with pride by travelling safely, respectfully, and ensuring you take all your belongings and dispose of any litter appropriately when alighting from public transport.
Our students have been engaging in 'Wellbeing Wednesday' Tutor period check-ins. Please view the link here for information from Pivot regarding the student experience. Our Wellbeing Support Services, Tutor Teachers and House/Wellbeing Leaders continue to support our students reaching out for conversations, clarifications, and general wellbeing support. Please discuss with your child about using the wellbeing check-in tool each Wednesday morning in their Tutor Group.
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 between 12.30pm and 2.00pm, and Fridays between 8.00am and 9.00am. Staff will be checking student uniforms as students arrive to school and classes, 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.
Academy Uniforms are located at 238 Wolseley Place, Thomastown.
Phone- 9460 8011.
Trading hours:
Monday to Friday: 9.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am to 12.00pm
Students Ryan Coate T17, Lachlan Audley T13, and Nate Robertson T13 at Bundoora Campus recently found an envelope containing $150 that belonged to a senior student who had planned to make an after‑school purchase. The three Year 9 students who discovered it showed outstanding honesty by handing it straight in. The relieved student later checked lost property and was thrilled to receive his envelope back with the full amount untouched.
Well done, a fantastic example of integrity in action!
Our recent Year 7 Camps were a fantastic success, providing students with an exciting and memorable start to their journey at the College. Across the camps, it was wonderful to see the boys fully immersed themselves in a range of activities, challenge themselves, and most importantly, have a great deal of fun. From outdoor adventures to team-based challenges, the camps created an environment where students could step outside their comfort zones and embrace new experiences.
A key highlight of the camps was the opportunity for students to form new friendships and strengthen existing ones. Many students spoke about how quickly they felt a sense of belonging within their groups. As one student shared, “I didn’t know many people before camp, but now I feel like I’ve got a whole new group of mates.” Another reflected, “Camp helped me get to know people I wouldn’t usually talk to at school.”
The camps also played an important role in building resilience. Whether it was pushing through a challenging hike, overcoming nerves on the high ropes course, and taking the leap of faith or pulling the release cord on the giant swing, or working collaboratively in team challenges, students demonstrated perseverance and courage. I witnessed many of our students lifting one another up with positive encouragement, phrases like “come on, you can do it, just one more step,” “great work, keep it up,” and “you’ve got this” were heard throughout the camp, demonstrating how they supported each other to push through challenges and build resilience together.
Overall, the Year 7 Camps were an incredibly positive experience, setting a strong foundation for the year ahead. The connections formed, confidence built, and resilience developed will no doubt support our students as they continue to grow within the College community.
On Thursday 12 March, our Year 7 families had the opportunity to engage in an informative and highly relevant webinar delivered by David Kobler from Your Choicez. The session, 'On the Same Page', focused on supporting families as they navigate the challenges of raising young people in an increasingly digital world.
The webinar highlighted the importance of ensuring that students, parents, and the College are aligned in their expectations around technology use. David provided practical strategies to help families open up meaningful conversations at home, set clear and healthy boundaries, and promote safe and responsible online behaviours.
A key takeaway from the session was the value of a consistent, 'same page' approach between school and home. By working together, families can better support students to make positive choices online and develop habits that promote wellbeing, respect, and accountability in digital spaces.
We thank the families who attended and engaged so positively in this session. As a College, we remain committed to continuing to provide opportunities and resources that support our students and families in this ever-evolving digital landscape.
Our Year 11 students recently participated in the RYDA Road Safety Education Program on Wednesday 18 March at Bundoora Campus. It was an engaging incursion focused on building the knowledge and awareness needed to stay safe on the road.
The program included interactive sessions exploring key topics such as hazard perception, speed and stopping distances, decision-making, and the risks of distraction and impaired driving. Students were encouraged to reflect on their responsibilities as current and future drivers and passengers.
Programs like RYDA play an important role in preparing students for independent driving and making safe, informed choices on the road.
Below is a reflection from one of our Year 11 students:
The RYDA program was an incursion that was all about being safe on the road. It consisted of six different sessions that ranged from important lessons for drivers, to hearing the story of someone who experienced first-hand the impacts of unsafe driving. However, the most memorable part was a demonstration on how long it takes for a car to stop in an emergency breaking situation as we watched a car slam on the breaks at various speeds. A key message that stood out to me was just the importance of being both physically alert and in a good state of mind while driving. Additionally, it really surprised me how much responsibility drivers have towards vulnerable road users such as pedestrians. Overall, I found that the RYDA program had so many important lessons when driving that are very useful for new drivers.
Year 11 Nicholas Cicero L02
At the beginning of the school year, Parade College delivered a whole‑school presentation to all year levels focused on student safety, respectful relationships, and positive behaviour. The purpose of this session was to ensure that every student understands their rights, feels supported and knows how to seek help whenever something does not feel right.
Students were reminded that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that every person under 18 has the right to be safe, protected from harm and supported in their wellbeing. The presentation emphasised that every young person deserves to feel secure at school, online, at home and in the community.
Parade College reinforced its commitment to creating a learning environment where all students feel valued and respected. Students were reminded that they have the right to:
The message shared with students was clear: everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and kindness.
Students were informed that Australian law protects all people from behaviour that undermines their safety or wellbeing. Key legislation referenced included:
These laws reinforce the importance of treating others fairly and respectfully.
A major focus of the session was empowering students to speak up early if something does not feel right. They were encouraged to:
Students were reminded that they always have the right to feel safe and supported.
Parents play a vital role in supporting a culture of safety and respect. You can help by:
Together, families and the school can ensure that every student feels protected, respected, and supported throughout the year.
The Parents of Parade (POP) committee plays a key role in supporting many initiatives that help to build our school community. In doing so, POP provides opportunities for Parents and Carers to get to know one another and to form strong connections with the College. I would like to thank Bethany Henry for her many years of leadership as President of POP. Bethany has decided to step away from this role, and for the remainder of this year Vice President Trish Liddell will serve as Acting President.
In her time as President, Bethany played a key role in reinvigorating many of the annual events that had been paused or limited due to COVID. The Mother’s and Father’s Day breakfasts, Family Games night, new Parents Morning Tea and Parent Winery tour all benefited from Bethany’s enthusiastic leadership and energy. Furthermore, fundraising events such as the annual Mega Raffle have ensured that POP is well-placed to support a range of student activities, such as the RYDA Road Safety Education Program program, Year 12 farewell morning tea and the Board Game Club. I would like to thank Bethany for everything she has done for POP, and wish Trish well as she steps in for the remainder of this year.
To support Trish and the POP committee, I encourage Parents and Carers to come along to our POP meetings or volunteer at one of the upcoming events.
Term One continues to progress at a rapid pace with so much going on in the life of the Music Department here at Parade. We are pleased to have many new enrolments this year and warmly welcome all our new music students. From Flexi Band for our junior musicians, Honours Band to Big Band and Concert Band, our ensemble program continues to grow and develop, and we thank our music staff, music students and every parent for making our music and performing arts community a wonderful place to be.
Well done to all students who auditioned for Music Scholarships this year. With so many entries the music department had a tough job in selecting the various scholarship awards. It was inspiring to hear everyone’s entries, and we extend a heartfelt congratulations to all our scholarship award winners who will be announced shortly. We strongly encourage all instrumental music students to consider applying for scholarships in 2027.
A brief reminder to students and families that the rehearsal days for these two bands have now switched. Honours Band will now rehearsal Monday’s at lunch time and Flexi Band will rehearse Wednesday’s at lunch time. The reason for this change is so more of our Year 9 music students can participate in Honours Band. A friendly reminder that consistent ensemble attendance is a compulsory part of the instrumental program here at Parade, and we look forward to a strong showing for both of these ensembles in Term 2.
We are excited to be offering a great range of excursions over the coming weeks, including an ACC Drumline workshop day at St Bernard’s College in Essendon, a Top Acts Performance excursion for our Senior music students and the much-anticipated yearly Generations in Jazz weekend camp for our Big Band in early Term 2. Stay tuned for some great photos and news from these events!
The 2026 production is nearly upon us, with rehearsals progressing well at 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. Tickets for the show will become available in Term 2.
As the term draws to a close, we wish our students and families all the best for the upcoming Easter holiday break. As always please do not hesitate to contact the Music Department via music@parade.vic.edu.au with any questions.
Prospective families of current Year 4 and Year 5 students are invited to attend our informative and interactive Year 7 Information Evening on Wednesday 20 May from 6:00pm 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 Information Evening
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 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.
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 2 dates are as follows:
Bundoora Campus - for families with 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.
For primary school students in Years 3-5, the Snapshot Program allows students to experience an area of Parade College for an afternoon. Running after school on Wednesday 29 April between 3:45pm-5:00pm, prospective students can register to attend one of the following workshops:
Interested families can register their child’s participation via 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, St Gabriel’s Preston, Sacred Heart Preston, St Catherine’s Lalor West, St Luke’s Lalor, Holy Trinity Eltham North. A big thank you to our Manchester 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!
As we begin to 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 Bundoora Campus. During the term it is open from 12.30pm-2.00pm on Tuesdays and 8.00am-9.00am Fridays. Academy Uniforms are also located at 238 Wolseley Place, Thomastown, where their trading hours are 9.00am-5.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am-12.00pm Saturday.
Further information, including the College Uniform Policy and Price List, can be found on the College website.
In our Year 10 Small Business class, we are completing a Business Plan assessment task.
Each student had to create their own business idea, and we are developing a full business plan for it. We need to think about what product or service we would offer, who our target customers would be, what our business structure will be and how we would promote and manage our business.
My business concept is Fin Finder, a mobile app that helps users identify what fish they have caught by taking a photo. The app uses image recognition and a built-in fish database to match the fish and display important info such as species, size ranges, habitat, and whether it is legal to keep.
Target users:
• Recreational fishers
• Students learning about marine life
• Families on fishing trips
• Beginner anglers who do not know fish species
Features:
Photo Identification: Upload or take a photo to instantly ID the fish
Local Species Guide: Shows fish common in your region
Catch Log: Tracks your catches with date, location, and size
Rules & Regulations: Shows size limits and legal status
Slogan: “Know Your Catch.”
Joseph Raso H06
I am finding the project interesting because it makes me think like a real entrepreneur. I must research my idea and consider how the business could make a profit. It is also a good opportunity to be creative and design something that could solve a problem or meet a need.
My business ‘Arch Runs’ is a program for all different people. We have 3 stages. Beginner, Advanced and elite. The program consists of many different runs. Sprint training program or long-distance program. It comes at a cheap price for only 60$ a month. For the sprint training program, you do 4 sessions a week and the same for long distance running but you can choose to do more if optional.
On our app we track and record how you go, every month we give you feedback on how you are going and how you can improve.
Archer Parke H02
My business idea is a physio that comes to you whenever you need, and I also help with programs for your week or gym workouts.
Business overview:
Panza’s Physio is a physio service that comes to you, so you don’t have to worry about traveling to a clinic. We make it easy for busy people or anyone who cannot get out of the house. Whether you’ve hurt yourself, feel sore after a workout or just want to move better, Panza’s Physio can help. Our physios are trained to give the right exercises and treatments to make you feel better and stronger. We come to your home, workplace, or wherever suits you, so you get quality care without the stress of going anywhere. With Panza’s Physio, getting better is simple, comfortable, and fits into your life. We also help with programs for sports and gym.
Panza’s physio is a very reliable company that can help you get back to your best self.
Ricki Panzarini L06
It has wonderful having students from Takada High School joining us at Parade College as part of our exchange program. Below is an account from one of the students visiting the College.
I am part of the student group visiting from Takada Gakuen in Tsu, Japan. Although we have only been here for a week, so much has happened since our 5.30am arrival in Melbourne last Saturday, it feels we have been visiting Parade for significantly longer!
Between making new friends, getting used to the different school days and trying different foods, we have experienced so many new things in Australia.
Many different things have left deep impressions on our group. The way students are often asked to give opinions in class is very different to Japan. The historical buildings and different shops in the city were also particularly interesting. Changed eating habits were also notable. Fish and chips, croissants, potato pancakes and vegemite, though not all in the one meal, has made for a real food adventure.
Lastly, the generosity and kindness of the families hosting our students is deeply appreciated. We look forward to sharing Japanese culture with Parade students and teachers when they visit us in September.
Vishal
Parade College fosters a positive learning culture, where both staff and students can access multiple opportunities to ensure life long learning. Within the Arts at Parade, we have had the privilege of each of our staff being talented artists in their own right, and two of our (now retired) staff are currently exhibiting their own works after decades at the College. It is wonderful to be able to celebrate our own students past and present, along with some of our staff that have always encouraged a love of the Arts amongst our community.
You are all invited to visit the 'The Traveller's Eye', an exhibition by Cara Love and Tony Teo hosted at Galleria Crocadillo Reservoir.
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