On behalf of the staff at the College, we hope that all families were able to enjoy some quality time together over the Term 2 break. Hopefully the students were able to get some much-needed rest and are re-energized for a big Term 3. This term will of course be full of many events and activities, and we look forward to supporting and guiding the students through the upcoming subject selection process.
This term there are a number of events on our calendar, and we look forward to welcoming you to the College. I have listed some of the events below:
| Thursday 31 July | Subject Selection Evening & Tertiary Expo |
| Monday 4 August | Student Progress Interviews (online) |
| Tuesday 5 August | Staff Professional Learning Day / (Student Free Day) |
| Thursday 21 August | Parade Presents Concert |
| Thursday 28 August | Drama Production (Opening Night) |
| Tuesday 9 September | Father’s Day Breakfast |
| Wednesday 17 September | Student Progress Interviews (online) |
Just a reminder to families of current students: If your son is currently in Year 5 and you would like him to also attend Parade College in Year 7 in 2027, you will need to ensure that you meet the enrolment deadline – Friday 15 August.
Application can be made via the College website.
In early June, our College Captains spoke to me about wanting to promote and raise awareness around the importance of Mental Health, and how they could, at the same time, raise funds for our College charity, The Good Samaritan Inn. So, planning got under way to plan and promote the Push-Up Challenge at Parade College.
Since 2017, The Push-Up Challenge has raised over $50 million for mental health programs and services and engaged over 700,000 people to push for better mental health.
Our students and staff got behind this initiative and each of the tutor groups participated in a push-up challenge within their houses to see who could complete the most push-ups in one sitting. A massive 25,249 push-ups were completed by our students. But this challenge is about more than just numbers. Every push-up completed is a reminder of the importance of mental health. The Push-Up Challenge aims to raise awareness and start conversations about an issue that affects so many - reminding us that it is okay to speak up, check in with friends, and take mental health seriously.
I would like to sincerely thank our College Captains, our students and staff for supporting this worthy cause and encouraging students to talk about mental health.
Year 9 and 10 students and parents are required to attend one of the three Subject Selection information sessions and the VCE Expo. Current Year 11 and 12 students are encouraged to attend from 3.30pm to 4.30pm when they will have access to Parade College VCE and VET staff as well as to representatives from a range of tertiary institutions.
Representatives from the following institutions and organisations will be present to answer any questions regarding future pathways, as well as requirements to gain entry to their courses.
Further information regarding subject selection can be found on the College’s Subject Selection Website (https://www.parade.vic.edu.au/subject-selection) or by contacting Mr James Fogarty, Dean of Learning (Year 10 to 12), Ms Tegan Hopkins, Dean of VCE VM, or Ms Nadia Bonvicino, Dean of Learning (Year 7 to 9).
In Term 3, Years 7 and 8 students and their families select their elective subject choices for 2026. Changes to core subjects do not form part of subject selection and if your child is currently involved in a specialised program such as Intervention English or Maths, Altior or Manchester City, then they will continue with this in 2026, subject to normal review.
Students will be guided through this process during two Tutor Workshops/Assemblies on 1 and 8 August. During these workshops, students will be shown information on the College’s Subject Selection Website and will have an opportunity to discuss their potential elective choices with their Tutor Teacher. Further information has been emailed to families and included on the College’s Subject Selection Website (https://www.parade.vic.edu.au/subject-selection) or by contacting Ms Nadia Bonvicino, Dean of Learning (Year 7-9).
| 31 July | Subject Selection Information Evening for Year 9 into 10 (2026) and Year 10 into 11 (2026)
VCE/Tertiary Expo - Current Year 11 and 12 students encouraged to attend |
| 1 August | Subject Selection Tutor Workshop 1 for current Year 7 to 11 students |
| 8 August | Subject Selection Tutor Workshop 2 for current Year 7 to 11 students |
| 13 August | Subject Selection online Web Preferences submission due for all year levels (11:59 pm) |
| 14 August | Acceleration forms are due from Year 9 and 10 students |
Students and their families are encouraged to explore the Parade College Careers Website, a valuable resource for anyone seeking guidance on career pathways, further study options, or answers to specific career-related questions. The site offers information, tools, and support to help students make informed decisions about their future.
https://www.paradecollegecareers.com.au/
Student Progress Interviews for Year 11 and 12 VCE and VCE VM students will be conducted online on Monday 4 August between 4.15pm and 6.00pm, and 6.45pm and 8.30pm. This will be the final interview time of the year for Year 11 and 12 students.
Details on how to make student progress interview bookings on PAM and how to connect to your teacher are attached and were emailed to all families and included below.
Year 7 to 10 Student Progress Interviews will be held online in the final week of Term 3.
A reminder to all students undertaking a Unit 3-4 subject that all subjects are aiming to complete their courses by the end of Week 8 this term. The following week (Week 9) will be a revision week, ahead of the commencement of trial exams. This means that a very busy next few months lie ahead where students should be looking to use every advantage that they can. By making use of Study Hall periods and after school Nano Nagle tutoring (Tuesday and Thursday afternoons), students can manage their workloads during this very busy time.
The College runs trial exams for all Unit 3-4 subjects, to help prepare students for their final exams. Trial exams will begin on Friday 12 September and conclude on Friday 19 September. The timetable will be published in the next few weeks, with exams running throughout each day and, like VCAA exams, concluding as late as 5.30pm.
Students should begin preparing for trial exams now, by revising past content that will be assessed on their final exams. Revision should include Edrolo and past exam papers. Students should be using evidence-based revision techniques, such as Spaced Repetition and Active Recall, which are explained below.
Spaced repetition is a study technique that involves reviewing material at increasing intervals over time. This method leverages the psychological spacing effect, which shows that our brains are better at retaining information when we spread out our learning sessions.
Start by breaking down your study material into manageable chunks. After your initial study session, review the material after one day. Then, revisit it after three days, a week, and so on. The key is to gradually increase the intervals between reviews. There are various tools and apps available, such as Quizlet, which can help you schedule and manage these review sessions efficiently.
Research has consistently shown that spaced repetition is more effective than cramming. By repeatedly exposing yourself to the material over time, you strengthen your memory and understanding, making it easier to recall information when you need it most.
Active recall involves actively stimulating your memory during the learning process, rather than passively reviewing material. This method encourages you to actively retrieve information from your brain, which strengthens your memory and understanding.
To implement active recall, try using flashcards, self-quizzing, or writing down everything you remember about a topic without looking at your notes. For example, after reading a chapter in your textbook, close the book and jot down key points and concepts from memory. Regularly challenge yourself with questions about the material you’ve studied.
Studies show that active recall significantly enhances memory consolidation and retrieval. By forcing your brain to recall information, you create stronger neural connections, making it easier to remember the material later. This technique is especially effective for improving long-term retention and exam performance.
Now that they have settled into the expectations and routines of their senior class, Year 10 students are invited to attend Nano Nagle tutoring sessions on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in MQ28 (VCE Study Centre). Sessions run from 3.30pm to 4.25pm. Tutors specialise in a range of common subjects, and can also offer advice regarding study habits, managing workload, and preparing assessment tasks.
This year, the end of Year 11 exams (in November) will include content from both Units 1 and 2. This will assist VCE students in building better revision skills and prepare them for the rigour of Year 12 exams. Students who have transferred into a new Unit 2 subject should speak to their teacher about the most important Unit 1 content to learn.
As we commence Term 3, an opportunity arises for students to re-evaluate their organisation and study approaches. Students are reminded to use organisational apps such as Microsoft To-Do to help them keep track of their homework and assessments.
From this term, all students, including Year 7's, will be eligible for a study support session. These 20-minute lunchtime sessions are available to support students with catching up on incomplete homework or classwork. Parents are notified of their child’s attendance via a letter that is sent at the end of each day.
We seek parental support in reminding their child to check SIMON lesson plans daily for assigned homework. Lastly, we continue to encourage all students, especially our junior students, to attend Homework Club in the NLC (Tuesday and Wednesday from 3.15 to 4.30 pm).
The College has recently received the 2025 NAPLAN results for individual students. These reports have been mailed directly to parents and guardians. To help interpret and understand your child’s individual NAPLAN results, we encourage you to read the following information for parents and carers.
All students from Years 9 to 12 are invited to attend Subject Selection evening on Thursday 31 July in Moore Hall at the Bundoora Campus.
For our VCE VM and ERPP students, there will be a focus on VET subjects, and the chance to speak with a variety of tertiary education and training providers. It's a valuable evening to help you make informed choices for your future studies and pathways.
Students and families can now view a wide range of post-Year 12 course options that don’t require an ATAR. These include pathways through TAFEs, RTOs, and other tertiary institutions. Click the below link, scroll down to the side bar where it says, ‘Estimated ATAR’ and click the No ATAR.
Explore your options here:
VTAC Course Search – Non-ATAR Options
Bookings are now open for VCE VM Interviews, which will be held online on Monday 4 August. These interviews are a vital part of tracking your progress and planning for the rest of the year. Please ensure you book in and meet with your teachers.
Congratulations to all our VCE VM/ERPP students on completing their Term 2 Work Placement with such positive feedback from employers! Your efforts, professionalism, and attitude have been praised highly.
Looking ahead, the next Work Placement Program (WLP) will run from 8 September to 19 September. This round is for:
With a fast-paced Term 3 ahead, we remind all students to submit their Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) or Work Experience (WE) forms on time. Planning ahead ensures the best possible placements and learning outcomes and ensures that we can correctly enter documentation. Families, we seek your support with this too.
If you are interested in being a host employer and having students come and complete WE or SWL with you, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with me on tegan.hopkins@parade.vic.edu.au
Parade College recently had the pleasure of hosting a half-day visit from the enthusiastic Prep and Grade 2 and 3 students at Sacred Heart Primary School, Preston, as part of our Business Academy’s Certificate III in Community Services program.
The visit was led by our Parade students, including Hugh, Eden, and AJ, who demonstrated exceptional leadership and care as they guided the younger children through a range of engaging activities.
Highlights of the day included:
Before heading home, each Sacred Heart student received a show bag and their own bubbles to remember the day by.
This special visit provided real-world experience for our Business Academy students, helping them put their community service learning into action while fostering connection, kindness, and fun.
Thank you to Sacred Heart Primary School, Preston for visiting us—we look forward to welcoming you again soon!
As part of our Year 9 ExCEL program, all students will participate in a series of personal development Learning4Life subjects. Learning4Life subjects are two weeks in length and focus on life skills that are aimed to help prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Subject and room allocations have been emailed to students. Please ensure your child attends the correct campus on these dates:
Learning-4-Life Schedule
Block |
Week 1 |
Week 2 |
L4L- 2 |
23 July |
30 July |
L4L- 3 |
6 August |
13 August |
L4L- 4 |
20 August |
27 August |
Welcome back to Term 3! I hope families had some time to rest and rejuvenate as the winter weather really settled in! I enjoyed some time with my family on Mount Buffalo – Dingo Dell play area, for my three children under five to see snow for their first time!
Below are images of our students arriving to school for their first week back to a wintery start! An exemplary display of wearing our College uniform correctly and proudly!
Boys create their own unique version of healthy masculinity by understanding how gender norms have shaped their perspectives to this point before being given the choice to grow beyond that. Exploration of personal identity, their unique strengths, how to care for themselves and what their values are, all add up to them understanding how they can reach their full potential. In the first full-day workshop, boys will:
"The second day of the NEA’s Leadership Conference saw us senior student leaders partake in a variety of activities aimed at equipping us with the skills to be effective and impactful change-makers. The day was hosted by Ivanhoe Grammar in Doreen, with a plethora of other schools taking part, giving us the opportunity to meet and connect with other like-minded young people.
We started the day with a teamwork activity: making a square from a circle and skipping rope whilst blindfolded (which was difficult to say the least!) After completing a character survey and receiving our own personality traits, we discussed what a ‘model’ leader might look like and reflected on how we could develop our own unique leadership styles based on our strengths.
After further discussion and another difficult, hand-eye coordination intensive teamwork task, we worked towards our group project – a presentation aimed at ‘bridging the gap’ between young people and adults. We discussed what generational divide we wanted to cover specifically, and, in doing so, had the chance to consider the problems facing both ourselves and our parents. We ended up deciding that social media and its benefits and drawbacks as a natural part of 21st century life would be a perfect topic to present on. We will be delivering our presentations with Marymede College at Parade in Term 4, and are excited to host the other schools and grow as leaders together.
Additionally, the Year 10 students were given the opportunity to participate in a workshop on character strengths and building confidence with Chris Daicos. They then broke up into school groups and worked on an initiative that they are going to pitch to their individual school principals in Term 4.
Overall, the day was highly insightful, with it helping us leaders recognise our full potentials and realising that no matter our personalities, we can lead in our own unique way.'
Orlando Pettinella Year 11 T07
Gambling is when someone risks money or something valuable in the hope of winning a prize. It is a game of chance, and the odds of winning are usually low. While gambling is legal for adults in Australia, many young people are exposed to gambling-like experiences from an early age—often without even realising it.
The part of the brain responsible for decision-making is not fully developed until around age 25. This makes teens more impulsive and less able to understand the risks of gambling. Early exposure can lead to serious problems later in life.
Many video games now include features that mimic gambling. This trend is called gamblification, and it is becoming more common in digital entertainment.
Examples include:
These features encourage risk-taking and can lead to addictive behaviour—especially when players spend money chasing better outcomes.
Young people are constantly exposed to gambling ads—on TV, social media, and during sports broadcasts. Even though there are rules about when gambling can be advertised, loopholes mean kids still see these ads during family-friendly events like weekend football.
This exposure can make gambling seem like a normal, harmless part of life.
Not all young people who gamble will develop problems, but here are some signs to watch for:
If you notice several of these signs, it might be time to seek help.
If you are concerned:
Support is available:
The information in this article comes from the Royal Children's Hospital website article Gambling - teens and young people
The link between children’s mental health and social media is receiving growing attention. In response, the Australian Government will introduce new measures from mid-December requiring certain social media platforms to take steps to prevent children under 16 from creating accounts.
In a June address to the National Press Club, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant outlined the government’s approach to helping children and young people navigate the online world more safely.
She highlighted three key points about the upcoming changes:
Support is available.
eSafety provides trusted resources for parents, carers, young people and kids.
Furthermore it offers safety tips and tools for dealing with cyberbullying and image-based abuse with help that is available when it’s needed most.
You can watch the full message and learn more here:
A friendly reminder for families with a younger son currently in Year 5, applications for Year 7 2027 are closing on Friday 15 August.
Applications can be made online through the College website - Apply Now
This closing date is set by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS). Any applications that are submitted after the closing date will be placed on a waitlist.
Should you have any questions regarding the application process, please do not hesitate to contact the Enrolment Office on 03 9468 3300 or via email enrol@parade.vic.edu.au.
Our Family Tours are a fantastic way for prospective families to see our College in action. In Term Three, we are pleased to be offering morning tours of both Bundoora and Preston Campuses on the following dates:
Bookings can be made via the College website.
Parade College is delighted to offer a new VCE VM Scholarship in 2026. This scholarship is offered to new students who enrol in our VCE Vocational Major program (VCE VM) at our co-educational Preston Campus, and who demonstrate the potential to be outstanding contributors in their chosen field of interest within one of the following VCE VM Programs at Preston:
Successful applicants must display a strong desire and willingness to make a valuable contribution to the College community. For further information about the scholarship and application process, please visit Scholarships at Parade College.
For prospective families interested in learning more about our VCE Vocational Major offerings at Preston Campus, registrations are now open for our Information Evening on Tuesday 9 September. The evening is a wonderful opportunity to find out more about the range of pathway options available at our Preston Campus, including our Business Academy and Sport Academy which offer direct entry to La Trobe University. Please register your attendance via the College website.
Applications for Year 7 2027 close on Friday 15 August 2025.
Please ensure that you adhere to the College Enrolment Application Process with all your children / siblings / future Parade students.
Applications are required to be submitted by the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) enrolment dates, and we work through the enrolment process when students are in Year 5. Although priority is given to siblings, late applications are not guaranteed a place at the College.
Applications can be made online through the College website - Apply Now
The College and Old Paradians Association were thrilled at the news of former student John Vespa’s (2002) recent ordination into the Priesthood. In a resplendent ceremony John was ordained by the Church’s new Pope, Pope Leo XIV. John joins our most recent ordained Priest Jaycee Napoles (2003). Jaycee is currently Assistant Priest and Master of Ceremonies at St Patricks Cathedral. Recently appointed Bishop of Cairns, Joe Caddy AM (1977) was our last ordained Old Paradian Priest before John and Jaycee.
Former student and staff member John Abrahams (1980) sent through a lovely reflective piece on John Vespa’s ‘Journey of Faith’
Back in 1998, as a fresh-faced Year 8 coordinator at Parade College, I first encountered John Vespa—a reasonably quiet, thoughtful student in my Religious Education class, nestled in the back row of Room 24. Little did I know that this unassuming young man would one day captivate the world with his extraordinary journey. Now, 27 years later, I smile at the memory of those formative days at Waterford, where John and his 261 fellow year level 8 classmates forged lifelong bonds. For John, that classroom was just the beginning of a remarkable odyssey—from a Parade graduate to a priest ordained by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Basilica on June 27, 2025, during the Church’s Year of Jubilee.
John’s story is one of resilience, faith, and divine timing—what he calls “the Holy Spirit at work.” It began at Parade College, where he entered as a Year 7 student in 1997 and graduated in 2002. John recalls, “those years were filled with laughter, great teachers, and friendships that endured.” A turning point came during a Year 12 street retreat in 2002, when, at 18, John slept rough and served the homeless. “That’s where I became conscious of the Spirit working in me,” he later told me, his voice tinged with awe. That seed of vocation took years to bloom, but it was unmistakable.
Post-Parade, John didn’t rush to the seminary. Instead, he dove into the hospitality world, starting as a pizza maker and rising to restaurant manager while completing chef apprenticeships in Melbourne. A 2007 setback—being fired from William Angliss—became a catalyst. Undeterred, he travelled to London and Italy, honing his craft. Back in Melbourne by 2010, he studied nutrition, showcasing his versatility. A pivotal moment I clearly remember came around 2016 at Mass at Newman College, where John spoke freely about the priesthood with his insightful questions about seminary life. It wasn’t hard to see the internal wheels turning, as John was embracing and discerning a huge decision.
After 17 years of discernment, John’s calling crystallized post-Easter 2018. He met Melbourne’s vocations director and began seminary life on February 17, 2019. “When I stepped into the seminary, I felt at home,” he shared with me, his eyes lighting up. The COVID years (2020-2021) tested his resolve with online studies, but the community’s strength carried him through. His 2022 pastoral placement with Father John Salvano and diaconate ordination at St. Bede’s, Balwyn, cemented his path.
The crescendo arrived with an email from the Vatican on June 3, 2025, scheduling his ordination for the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. After prayerful discernment at St. Francis of Assisi in Mill Park, John flew to Rome, staying near St. Peter’s to prepare. On June 27, the world watched as Pope Leo XIV laid hands on him in a resplendent ceremony. International reports from Vatican News hailed it as “a moment of profound spiritual renewal,” with the Holy Father praising John’s “journey of trust in God’s perfect timing.” John, visibly moved, told The Tablet: “Standing in St. Peter’s, I felt the weight and joy of every step that brought me here. It hit me like a wave.”
The ordination was a global spectacle, broadcast live to millions. Clad in white vestments, John knelt as the Pope anointed him, the basilica’s grandeur amplifying the solemnity. “I was overwhelmed by the love—my family, friends from Parade, and even strangers praying for me,” he recounted. A personal anecdote: I remember his mischievous grin during a class debate about faith—now, that same spirit shines through his priesthood.
John’s path resonates with others worldwide. Catholic Herald quoted him saying, “God always knows the right time—my 17-year wait was preparation.” John hoped to visit Assisi and continue to walk in the steps of St Francis and also echo a pre-seminary trip to Assisi that had a huge impact on him and shaped who he is. As John prepares for a life as a disciple in the service of others, he exudes peace. “I’m excited, full of joy, and ready to serve,” he told me, his voice steady and sure.
For his Parade community, John’s message is heartfelt: “Trust in God and cherish your time at Parade—it’s a fruitful place. Learn about Edmund Rice; his legacy lives in us.” His story, enriched by faith and grit, inspires all. As John steps into this new chapter, let’s keep Fr. John Vespa in our prayers—his journey is a testament to the power of listening to the Spirit.
John Abrahams (1980)
A new semester of music is upon us with an exciting array of music and performing arts events to look forward to.
Our student band, The Liffeys, will be competing in the Grand Finale of Harwyn’s Rocking the Nation Battle of the Band's competition. The band consists of Year 12 Angus Tucker L04, and Year 10 students Noah La Torre H08 and Luca Caporale L07. The event takes place on Sunday 10 August at 6.30pm at the Alexander Theatre. The band will be competing against eight other school bands from across the nation, which is shaping up to be a great event. Tickets for the show can be purchased via the link below.
https://www.monash.edu/performing-arts-centres/event/harwyn-battle-of-the-bands/
Our annual music department showcase, Parade Presents, will take place in Week 5 on Thursday 21 August at 7.30pm. This year our theme is ‘Stage and Screen’ as we present items that have appeared in theatres, movies, productions and live events. The evening promises to be a stellar showcase of the talent of our students and the variety of ensembles in our department. Tickets are available for purchase online at Humanitix via the link below:
https://events.humanitix.com/parade-presents-stage-and-screen
There are a variety of music and performing arts events to look forward to this semester. Some of these include:
| Harwyn Rocking the Nation (Alexander Theatre) | Sunday 11 August, 6.30pm |
| Parade Presents... Stage and Screen (Rivergum Theatre) | Thursday 21 August, 7.30pm |
| Big Band Performance at VSMF (Hawthorn Arts Centre) | Thursday 11 September |
| ACCent on Music Performance (Hamer Hall) | Monday 15 September |
| Carols Under the Cross (Rivergum Theatre) | Wednesday 26 November |
The start of this semester is the perfect opportunity to start instrumental music lessons. A reminder that students can sign up for music lessons via this link or the sign-up sheet on the College website. Various ensembles also run during lunchtimes and after school, such as Concert Band, Big Band, Rock Band, Drumlin, Vocal Ensemble and more.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Music Department via music@parade.vic.edu.au with any questions.
At the heart of Parade College life is our commitment to Gospel Spirituality and the educational values of Blessed Edmund Rice. This tradition calls us to be aware of the world around us and to respond with compassion, especially to those who are marginalised in our communities.
One of the most meaningful experiences in the Year 12 journey is the Tenete Ministry Retreat, providing students the opportunity to reflect deeply on questions of Social Justice.
So far, students have heard from a range of organisations making a tangible difference in the community, including Boots For All, Edmund Rice Social Services, Edmund Rice Oceania Province, Sacred Heart Mission, and St Vincent de Paul. These speakers invite students to explore real-world issues through the lens of faith and compassion.
Students have also devoted their time and efforts volunteering at the FareShare Kitchens. FareShare is a charity that operates Australia’s largest non-profit kitchens in Melbourne and Brisbane, cooking millions of free, nutritious meals each year for people experiencing hardship. Using rescued, donated, and homegrown ingredients, their meals are distributed through frontline charities like soup vans, shelters, and disaster relief groups, bringing dignity, care, and nourishment to those in need.
Across the retreat series so far, our students have made a remarkable impact, helping to prepare the following:
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the parents and caregivers who have supported the Ministry Retreat program by arranging transport and picking up their sons each week - your support is essential in making this experience possible. We also express our deep gratitude to the social justice organisations who have generously given their time and shared their stories with our students, enriching their understanding of faith in action. We look forward to seeing the impact and hearing the stories from our remaining retreats throughout this term.
Our next three classes of Year 11 Touchstones students begin their volunteering placements next week.
Last week Feona Wadsworth from Big Group Hug and Liz and Maxine from the Exodus Community- West Heidelberg spoke to the group about the wonderful work they and their organisations do in our local community for families doing it tough. A key message from the presentations was the growing number of people seeking assistance due to ongoing economic challenges, highlighting the urgent need for more volunteers to help community groups provide the necessary support.
Our students, who will be volunteering at various organisations such as Sacred Heart and Vinnies Op Shops, the Exodus Community Centre and Big Group Hug, will play a vital role in supporting these efforts, helping to meet the increasing demand and make a meaningful difference in the community.
I look forward to hearing about the valuable experiences they will have whilst helping others.
Last term, as part of my Touchstones volunteering, I learned about the Big Group Hug foundation and the day-to-day work that they do helping hundreds of families who are struggling. The Big Group Hug foundation (BGH) collects, toys and toiletry products for children from newborn to 16 years old and donates them to families in need. Big Group Hug receives no financial assistance from the government and relies solely on volunteers.
This experience allowed me to put myself in the shoes of those in need and get some insight into the challenges that they face.
It was an opportunity that I would, without hesitation, recommend to all!
I encourage all Parade Families to donate goods which can be left at Front Reception or the Community Action Centre.
We are excited to announce the launch of the Prefect Leadership Training Program for our future 2026 student leaders. The program marks the beginning of an important journey in leadership, teamwork, and service to the college community.
l would like to commend and congratulate all the Year 11 students from both Preston and Bundoora, who have nominated themselves for prefect positions. Your willingness to step forward and serve as role models reflects a strong commitment to the values and spirit of our college.
Over the coming weeks, participants will take part in a series of workshops and activities designed to develop their communication, decision-making, and leadership skills.
l looks forward to watching these young leaders grow and prepare to take on responsibilities in 2026 with confidence and purpose.
Get House points while helping the community.
It is time to show your House spirit and make a real difference!
Through winter many Families in need and the many rough sleepers in our community are in desperate need of warm clothing — and you can help.
Any baby and children’s clothing up to size 16 will be donated to Big Group Hug. Adult clothing and goods will be given out by the Vinnies Food Vans on their street runs.
What to Bring:
Every Donation gets one house point, and items can be dropped off at Community Action Centre, Main Reception or your House Leader Office with name and Tutor Group.
The second half of Term 2 brought many exciting activities to the students through NLC; from VR gaming championships to smashing reading goals, and the ongoing popularity of the lunchtime clubs.
The students and staff at the College cruised through our Semester 1 reading minutes goal of 126,500 to more than double it with a grand total of 254,700 minutes! This is absolutely an achievement worth celebrating. All students should be reading widely and are able to log their minutes through the BeanStack website or app available on the NLC Homepage.
Semester 2 has a new twist to the Reading Challenge with students pitting their reading skills against the staff in a head-to-head battle for bragging rights over who can read the most. Quite a few staff have signed up to take part so the entire student will be under pressure in this Sparta-like few against many competition. Any students who are unsure of how to log should drop into the NLC for a quick tutorial.
In other reading news, there have been some winners in the competition realm with the following results:
The Term 2 Reading Challenge House winners are:
Bodkin: Year 7 Akshar Bapodra B12 with 4122 minutes.
Lynch: Year 7 Tinayieshe Chimbodza L16 with 2868 minutes.
Hughes: Year 7 Manuka Manannalage H15 with 2433 minutes.
Treacy: Year 7 Joseph Tyrrell T16 with 1270 minutes.
Nolan: Year 8 Lewis Barber N11 with 1007 minutes.
The English Class winners are Ms Finn’s 7M with 17714 minutes total (an average of 656 minutes per student)
Both Year 7 students Jonathan Jiang B13 and Thomas Sellick T13 both got Bingo in the Scavenger Hunt Challenge during Term 2.
Each term affords the opportunity to take part in several new challenges with Term 3 hosting a Genre Bingo challenge, including a poster making component. Keep an eye out for further challenges coming soon. All details in the BeanStack app.
A crack team of VR Beatsaber practitioners were fortunate enough to travel to Strathcona Girls Grammar to compete in the state level, interschool Fuse Cup Beatsaber Championships run by MindFlight7. Year 7 Sathyan Muhunthan L16, Year 9 Xavier Tsioulos L19, Year 7 Hayden Stella B19, Year 9 Alex Stella B12, Year 7 Kaylan Ranasinghe N11, Year 7 Jordan Peiris B11, Year 7 Noah Litsos 16 and Year 7 Manuka Manannalage H15 competed in this exciting VR experience against students from schools such as Williamstown High School, Ivanhoe Grammar, Ivanhoe Girls Grammar, Sacre Coeur, and Mentone. Despite all students playing valiantly, and the Stella brothers making it through to the play-offs, we were bested by an incredible level of skill from some competitors. It was a fantastic opportunity to experience a e-sport competition and learn about online safety, with all students leaving with smiles on their faces.
16 August marks the beginning of Book Week, with this years theme being 'Book an Adventure'. Students will have the opportunity to take part in some really fun activities throughout the week, including escape rooms, trivia and scavenger hunts. Check the student messages for details.
All clubs are running as usual as follows:
Monday - Games Club in the FIRE Carrier room
Tuesday - TTRPG in the Fire Carrier Room
Tuesday - Juggling in the Heidelberg Room
Thursday - Pokemon (card players) Club in the Innovation Lab
Friday - Podcasting in Fire Carrier Room and upstairs Multimedia Lab when recording
New members welcomed at all clubs.
Year 10 Work Experience for Bundoora Campus students will occur on 17 November through to 20 November. Students are encouraged to find their own placement. When they have found their placement, students can download the Work Experience form on SIMON under Student Links. If students require a White Card for their placement, they must email Ms Barnes or Mrs Bult as soon as possible.
VTAC opens on Monday 4 August. Students must register to have access to course preferences. SEAS Applications are submitted through the VTAC portal but can only be activated once course preferences are entered. University Open Days are happening over the next month. Students have been emailed a document providing the dates of Open Days at all universities and TAFES in Victoria in 2025.
Please click the link to view important dates for the rest of the year: https://vtac.edu.au/dates
Students are encouraged to make a careers appointment with Mrs Bult to discuss course preferences, SEAS applications, assistance with VTAC registrations and general questions about work or apprenticeships.
I look forward to meeting with students to assist them with making decisions about their future pathway plans.
As part of our Unit 4 studies on Business Change, our Year 12 Business Management cohort was fortunate enough to visit ACTV Strength Co in Eltham throughout the week of 16 June. Year 12 Ably Moulin H01 recounts the visit to the gym.
We heard from the gym owner, Brad, who gave us a firsthand insight into the changes his business underwent during the process of rebranding from F45 to ACTV, and the strategies he utilised to build a successful environment.
By listening to Brad, we were able to transfer our classroom knowledge to real world experience, developing our understanding of key concepts within the unit. Following this, we took part in a short workout circuit, engaging with the programs Brad has to offer at ACTV in a competitive fashion.
Thank you to Brad, Mr. Simpson for organising, and all the teachers involved in making this excursion possible.
It has been an exciting few weeks in the English Department, and we have a number of major events coming up this term!
Firstly, congratulations to all Year 12 English students who recently delivered their Unit 4, Outcome 2.1 Oral Presentations to our expert panel of external markers. Students spoke on a wide range of topics—from the use of helmets in the AFL to the effects of AI on education. Although many were understandably nervous, every student should be proud of tackling such a challenging task.
On 23 July, Eagle’s Nest Theatre visited Parade to perform Oedipus the King. The actors brought fresh interpretations to the stage and left our students with plenty to reflect on. It was a memorable and thought-provoking experience.
Looking ahead, we have the Year 7 and 8 Spelling Competition on 7 August, followed by the Year 9 competition on 14 August. This event is always a highlight on the English calendar. As usual, Mr Moore and Mr Spurr will serve as our charismatic Masters of Ceremony, and Mr Aiello will continue his role as Spelling Master. This year brings added excitement, as selected Year 7 winners will go on to represent Parade at the ACC Spelling Competition at St Bede’s on 25 August.
Finally, for our Year 10 students, we are thrilled to welcome the Australian Shakespeare Company to Parade on 4 September for a performance of Macbeth! The company will perform key scenes and workshop the play with students, helping them deepen their understanding and appreciation of one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies.
A huge thank you to everyone who helps make these enriching experiences possible. It is shaping up to be an exciting Term 3!
On behalf of the staff at the College, we hope that all families were able to enjoy some quality time together over the Term 2 break. Hopefully the students were able to get some much-needed rest and are re-energized for a big Term 3. This term will of course be full of many events and activities, and we look forward to supporting and guiding the students through the upcoming subject selection process.
This term there are a number of events on our calendar, and we look forward to welcoming you to the College. I have listed some of the events below:
| Thursday 31 July | Subject Selection Evening & Tertiary Expo |
| Monday 4 August | Student Progress Interviews (online) |
| Tuesday 5 August | Staff Professional Learning Day / (Student Free Day) |
| Thursday 21 August | Parade Presents Concert |
| Thursday 28 August | Drama Production (Opening Night) |
| Tuesday 9 September | Father’s Day Breakfast |
| Wednesday 17 September | Student Progress Interviews (online) |
Just a reminder to families of current students: If your son is currently in Year 5 and you would like him to also attend Parade College in Year 7 in 2027, you will need to ensure that you meet the enrolment deadline – Friday 15 August.
Application can be made via the College website.
In early June, our College Captains spoke to me about wanting to promote and raise awareness around the importance of Mental Health, and how they could, at the same time, raise funds for our College charity, The Good Samaritan Inn. So, planning got under way to plan and promote the Push-Up Challenge at Parade College.
Since 2017, The Push-Up Challenge has raised over $50 million for mental health programs and services and engaged over 700,000 people to push for better mental health.
Our students and staff got behind this initiative and each of the tutor groups participated in a push-up challenge within their houses to see who could complete the most push-ups in one sitting. A massive 25,249 push-ups were completed by our students. But this challenge is about more than just numbers. Every push-up completed is a reminder of the importance of mental health. The Push-Up Challenge aims to raise awareness and start conversations about an issue that affects so many - reminding us that it is okay to speak up, check in with friends, and take mental health seriously.
I would like to sincerely thank our College Captains, our students and staff for supporting this worthy cause and encouraging students to talk about mental health.
Year 9 and 10 students and parents are required to attend one of the three Subject Selection information sessions and the VCE Expo. Current Year 11 and 12 students are encouraged to attend from 3.30pm to 4.30pm when they will have access to Parade College VCE and VET staff as well as to representatives from a range of tertiary institutions.
Representatives from the following institutions and organisations will be present to answer any questions regarding future pathways, as well as requirements to gain entry to their courses.
Further information regarding subject selection can be found on the College’s Subject Selection Website (https://www.parade.vic.edu.au/subject-selection) or by contacting Mr James Fogarty, Dean of Learning (Year 10 to 12), Ms Tegan Hopkins, Dean of VCE VM, or Ms Nadia Bonvicino, Dean of Learning (Year 7 to 9).
In Term 3, Years 7 and 8 students and their families select their elective subject choices for 2026. Changes to core subjects do not form part of subject selection and if your child is currently involved in a specialised program such as Intervention English or Maths, Altior or Manchester City, then they will continue with this in 2026, subject to normal review.
Students will be guided through this process during two Tutor Workshops/Assemblies on 1 and 8 August. During these workshops, students will be shown information on the College’s Subject Selection Website and will have an opportunity to discuss their potential elective choices with their Tutor Teacher. Further information has been emailed to families and included on the College’s Subject Selection Website (https://www.parade.vic.edu.au/subject-selection) or by contacting Ms Nadia Bonvicino, Dean of Learning (Year 7-9).
| 31 July | Subject Selection Information Evening for Year 9 into 10 (2026) and Year 10 into 11 (2026)
VCE/Tertiary Expo - Current Year 11 and 12 students encouraged to attend |
| 1 August | Subject Selection Tutor Workshop 1 for current Year 7 to 11 students |
| 8 August | Subject Selection Tutor Workshop 2 for current Year 7 to 11 students |
| 13 August | Subject Selection online Web Preferences submission due for all year levels (11:59 pm) |
| 14 August | Acceleration forms are due from Year 9 and 10 students |
Students and their families are encouraged to explore the Parade College Careers Website, a valuable resource for anyone seeking guidance on career pathways, further study options, or answers to specific career-related questions. The site offers information, tools, and support to help students make informed decisions about their future.
https://www.paradecollegecareers.com.au/
Student Progress Interviews for Year 11 and 12 VCE and VCE VM students will be conducted online on Monday 4 August between 4.15pm and 6.00pm, and 6.45pm and 8.30pm. This will be the final interview time of the year for Year 11 and 12 students.
Details on how to make student progress interview bookings on PAM and how to connect to your teacher are attached and were emailed to all families and included below.
Year 7 to 10 Student Progress Interviews will be held online in the final week of Term 3.
A reminder to all students undertaking a Unit 3-4 subject that all subjects are aiming to complete their courses by the end of Week 8 this term. The following week (Week 9) will be a revision week, ahead of the commencement of trial exams. This means that a very busy next few months lie ahead where students should be looking to use every advantage that they can. By making use of Study Hall periods and after school Nano Nagle tutoring (Tuesday and Thursday afternoons), students can manage their workloads during this very busy time.
The College runs trial exams for all Unit 3-4 subjects, to help prepare students for their final exams. Trial exams will begin on Friday 12 September and conclude on Friday 19 September. The timetable will be published in the next few weeks, with exams running throughout each day and, like VCAA exams, concluding as late as 5.30pm.
Students should begin preparing for trial exams now, by revising past content that will be assessed on their final exams. Revision should include Edrolo and past exam papers. Students should be using evidence-based revision techniques, such as Spaced Repetition and Active Recall, which are explained below.
Spaced repetition is a study technique that involves reviewing material at increasing intervals over time. This method leverages the psychological spacing effect, which shows that our brains are better at retaining information when we spread out our learning sessions.
Start by breaking down your study material into manageable chunks. After your initial study session, review the material after one day. Then, revisit it after three days, a week, and so on. The key is to gradually increase the intervals between reviews. There are various tools and apps available, such as Quizlet, which can help you schedule and manage these review sessions efficiently.
Research has consistently shown that spaced repetition is more effective than cramming. By repeatedly exposing yourself to the material over time, you strengthen your memory and understanding, making it easier to recall information when you need it most.
Active recall involves actively stimulating your memory during the learning process, rather than passively reviewing material. This method encourages you to actively retrieve information from your brain, which strengthens your memory and understanding.
To implement active recall, try using flashcards, self-quizzing, or writing down everything you remember about a topic without looking at your notes. For example, after reading a chapter in your textbook, close the book and jot down key points and concepts from memory. Regularly challenge yourself with questions about the material you’ve studied.
Studies show that active recall significantly enhances memory consolidation and retrieval. By forcing your brain to recall information, you create stronger neural connections, making it easier to remember the material later. This technique is especially effective for improving long-term retention and exam performance.
Now that they have settled into the expectations and routines of their senior class, Year 10 students are invited to attend Nano Nagle tutoring sessions on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in MQ28 (VCE Study Centre). Sessions run from 3.30pm to 4.25pm. Tutors specialise in a range of common subjects, and can also offer advice regarding study habits, managing workload, and preparing assessment tasks.
This year, the end of Year 11 exams (in November) will include content from both Units 1 and 2. This will assist VCE students in building better revision skills and prepare them for the rigour of Year 12 exams. Students who have transferred into a new Unit 2 subject should speak to their teacher about the most important Unit 1 content to learn.
As we commence Term 3, an opportunity arises for students to re-evaluate their organisation and study approaches. Students are reminded to use organisational apps such as Microsoft To-Do to help them keep track of their homework and assessments.
From this term, all students, including Year 7's, will be eligible for a study support session. These 20-minute lunchtime sessions are available to support students with catching up on incomplete homework or classwork. Parents are notified of their child’s attendance via a letter that is sent at the end of each day.
We seek parental support in reminding their child to check SIMON lesson plans daily for assigned homework. Lastly, we continue to encourage all students, especially our junior students, to attend Homework Club in the NLC (Tuesday and Wednesday from 3.15 to 4.30 pm).
The College has recently received the 2025 NAPLAN results for individual students. These reports have been mailed directly to parents and guardians. To help interpret and understand your child’s individual NAPLAN results, we encourage you to read the following information for parents and carers.
All students from Years 9 to 12 are invited to attend Subject Selection evening on Thursday 31 July in Moore Hall at the Bundoora Campus.
For our VCE VM and ERPP students, there will be a focus on VET subjects, and the chance to speak with a variety of tertiary education and training providers. It's a valuable evening to help you make informed choices for your future studies and pathways.
Students and families can now view a wide range of post-Year 12 course options that don’t require an ATAR. These include pathways through TAFEs, RTOs, and other tertiary institutions. Click the below link, scroll down to the side bar where it says, ‘Estimated ATAR’ and click the No ATAR.
Explore your options here:
VTAC Course Search – Non-ATAR Options
Bookings are now open for VCE VM Interviews, which will be held online on Monday 4 August. These interviews are a vital part of tracking your progress and planning for the rest of the year. Please ensure you book in and meet with your teachers.
Congratulations to all our VCE VM/ERPP students on completing their Term 2 Work Placement with such positive feedback from employers! Your efforts, professionalism, and attitude have been praised highly.
Looking ahead, the next Work Placement Program (WLP) will run from 8 September to 19 September. This round is for:
With a fast-paced Term 3 ahead, we remind all students to submit their Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) or Work Experience (WE) forms on time. Planning ahead ensures the best possible placements and learning outcomes and ensures that we can correctly enter documentation. Families, we seek your support with this too.
If you are interested in being a host employer and having students come and complete WE or SWL with you, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with me on tegan.hopkins@parade.vic.edu.au
Parade College recently had the pleasure of hosting a half-day visit from the enthusiastic Prep and Grade 2 and 3 students at Sacred Heart Primary School, Preston, as part of our Business Academy’s Certificate III in Community Services program.
The visit was led by our Parade students, including Hugh, Eden, and AJ, who demonstrated exceptional leadership and care as they guided the younger children through a range of engaging activities.
Highlights of the day included:
Before heading home, each Sacred Heart student received a show bag and their own bubbles to remember the day by.
This special visit provided real-world experience for our Business Academy students, helping them put their community service learning into action while fostering connection, kindness, and fun.
Thank you to Sacred Heart Primary School, Preston for visiting us—we look forward to welcoming you again soon!
As part of our Year 9 ExCEL program, all students will participate in a series of personal development Learning4Life subjects. Learning4Life subjects are two weeks in length and focus on life skills that are aimed to help prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Subject and room allocations have been emailed to students. Please ensure your child attends the correct campus on these dates:
Learning-4-Life Schedule
Block |
Week 1 |
Week 2 |
L4L- 2 |
23 July |
30 July |
L4L- 3 |
6 August |
13 August |
L4L- 4 |
20 August |
27 August |
Welcome back to Term 3! I hope families had some time to rest and rejuvenate as the winter weather really settled in! I enjoyed some time with my family on Mount Buffalo – Dingo Dell play area, for my three children under five to see snow for their first time!
Below are images of our students arriving to school for their first week back to a wintery start! An exemplary display of wearing our College uniform correctly and proudly!
Boys create their own unique version of healthy masculinity by understanding how gender norms have shaped their perspectives to this point before being given the choice to grow beyond that. Exploration of personal identity, their unique strengths, how to care for themselves and what their values are, all add up to them understanding how they can reach their full potential. In the first full-day workshop, boys will:
"The second day of the NEA’s Leadership Conference saw us senior student leaders partake in a variety of activities aimed at equipping us with the skills to be effective and impactful change-makers. The day was hosted by Ivanhoe Grammar in Doreen, with a plethora of other schools taking part, giving us the opportunity to meet and connect with other like-minded young people.
We started the day with a teamwork activity: making a square from a circle and skipping rope whilst blindfolded (which was difficult to say the least!) After completing a character survey and receiving our own personality traits, we discussed what a ‘model’ leader might look like and reflected on how we could develop our own unique leadership styles based on our strengths.
After further discussion and another difficult, hand-eye coordination intensive teamwork task, we worked towards our group project – a presentation aimed at ‘bridging the gap’ between young people and adults. We discussed what generational divide we wanted to cover specifically, and, in doing so, had the chance to consider the problems facing both ourselves and our parents. We ended up deciding that social media and its benefits and drawbacks as a natural part of 21st century life would be a perfect topic to present on. We will be delivering our presentations with Marymede College at Parade in Term 4, and are excited to host the other schools and grow as leaders together.
Additionally, the Year 10 students were given the opportunity to participate in a workshop on character strengths and building confidence with Chris Daicos. They then broke up into school groups and worked on an initiative that they are going to pitch to their individual school principals in Term 4.
Overall, the day was highly insightful, with it helping us leaders recognise our full potentials and realising that no matter our personalities, we can lead in our own unique way.'
Orlando Pettinella Year 11 T07
Gambling is when someone risks money or something valuable in the hope of winning a prize. It is a game of chance, and the odds of winning are usually low. While gambling is legal for adults in Australia, many young people are exposed to gambling-like experiences from an early age—often without even realising it.
The part of the brain responsible for decision-making is not fully developed until around age 25. This makes teens more impulsive and less able to understand the risks of gambling. Early exposure can lead to serious problems later in life.
Many video games now include features that mimic gambling. This trend is called gamblification, and it is becoming more common in digital entertainment.
Examples include:
These features encourage risk-taking and can lead to addictive behaviour—especially when players spend money chasing better outcomes.
Young people are constantly exposed to gambling ads—on TV, social media, and during sports broadcasts. Even though there are rules about when gambling can be advertised, loopholes mean kids still see these ads during family-friendly events like weekend football.
This exposure can make gambling seem like a normal, harmless part of life.
Not all young people who gamble will develop problems, but here are some signs to watch for:
If you notice several of these signs, it might be time to seek help.
If you are concerned:
Support is available:
The information in this article comes from the Royal Children's Hospital website article Gambling - teens and young people
The link between children’s mental health and social media is receiving growing attention. In response, the Australian Government will introduce new measures from mid-December requiring certain social media platforms to take steps to prevent children under 16 from creating accounts.
In a June address to the National Press Club, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant outlined the government’s approach to helping children and young people navigate the online world more safely.
She highlighted three key points about the upcoming changes:
Support is available.
eSafety provides trusted resources for parents, carers, young people and kids.
Furthermore it offers safety tips and tools for dealing with cyberbullying and image-based abuse with help that is available when it’s needed most.
You can watch the full message and learn more here:
A friendly reminder for families with a younger son currently in Year 5, applications for Year 7 2027 are closing on Friday 15 August.
Applications can be made online through the College website - Apply Now
This closing date is set by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS). Any applications that are submitted after the closing date will be placed on a waitlist.
Should you have any questions regarding the application process, please do not hesitate to contact the Enrolment Office on 03 9468 3300 or via email enrol@parade.vic.edu.au.
Our Family Tours are a fantastic way for prospective families to see our College in action. In Term Three, we are pleased to be offering morning tours of both Bundoora and Preston Campuses on the following dates:
Bookings can be made via the College website.
Parade College is delighted to offer a new VCE VM Scholarship in 2026. This scholarship is offered to new students who enrol in our VCE Vocational Major program (VCE VM) at our co-educational Preston Campus, and who demonstrate the potential to be outstanding contributors in their chosen field of interest within one of the following VCE VM Programs at Preston:
Successful applicants must display a strong desire and willingness to make a valuable contribution to the College community. For further information about the scholarship and application process, please visit Scholarships at Parade College.
For prospective families interested in learning more about our VCE Vocational Major offerings at Preston Campus, registrations are now open for our Information Evening on Tuesday 9 September. The evening is a wonderful opportunity to find out more about the range of pathway options available at our Preston Campus, including our Business Academy and Sport Academy which offer direct entry to La Trobe University. Please register your attendance via the College website.
Applications for Year 7 2027 close on Friday 15 August 2025.
Please ensure that you adhere to the College Enrolment Application Process with all your children / siblings / future Parade students.
Applications are required to be submitted by the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) enrolment dates, and we work through the enrolment process when students are in Year 5. Although priority is given to siblings, late applications are not guaranteed a place at the College.
Applications can be made online through the College website - Apply Now
The College and Old Paradians Association were thrilled at the news of former student John Vespa’s (2002) recent ordination into the Priesthood. In a resplendent ceremony John was ordained by the Church’s new Pope, Pope Leo XIV. John joins our most recent ordained Priest Jaycee Napoles (2003). Jaycee is currently Assistant Priest and Master of Ceremonies at St Patricks Cathedral. Recently appointed Bishop of Cairns, Joe Caddy AM (1977) was our last ordained Old Paradian Priest before John and Jaycee.
Former student and staff member John Abrahams (1980) sent through a lovely reflective piece on John Vespa’s ‘Journey of Faith’
Back in 1998, as a fresh-faced Year 8 coordinator at Parade College, I first encountered John Vespa—a reasonably quiet, thoughtful student in my Religious Education class, nestled in the back row of Room 24. Little did I know that this unassuming young man would one day captivate the world with his extraordinary journey. Now, 27 years later, I smile at the memory of those formative days at Waterford, where John and his 261 fellow year level 8 classmates forged lifelong bonds. For John, that classroom was just the beginning of a remarkable odyssey—from a Parade graduate to a priest ordained by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Basilica on June 27, 2025, during the Church’s Year of Jubilee.
John’s story is one of resilience, faith, and divine timing—what he calls “the Holy Spirit at work.” It began at Parade College, where he entered as a Year 7 student in 1997 and graduated in 2002. John recalls, “those years were filled with laughter, great teachers, and friendships that endured.” A turning point came during a Year 12 street retreat in 2002, when, at 18, John slept rough and served the homeless. “That’s where I became conscious of the Spirit working in me,” he later told me, his voice tinged with awe. That seed of vocation took years to bloom, but it was unmistakable.
Post-Parade, John didn’t rush to the seminary. Instead, he dove into the hospitality world, starting as a pizza maker and rising to restaurant manager while completing chef apprenticeships in Melbourne. A 2007 setback—being fired from William Angliss—became a catalyst. Undeterred, he travelled to London and Italy, honing his craft. Back in Melbourne by 2010, he studied nutrition, showcasing his versatility. A pivotal moment I clearly remember came around 2016 at Mass at Newman College, where John spoke freely about the priesthood with his insightful questions about seminary life. It wasn’t hard to see the internal wheels turning, as John was embracing and discerning a huge decision.
After 17 years of discernment, John’s calling crystallized post-Easter 2018. He met Melbourne’s vocations director and began seminary life on February 17, 2019. “When I stepped into the seminary, I felt at home,” he shared with me, his eyes lighting up. The COVID years (2020-2021) tested his resolve with online studies, but the community’s strength carried him through. His 2022 pastoral placement with Father John Salvano and diaconate ordination at St. Bede’s, Balwyn, cemented his path.
The crescendo arrived with an email from the Vatican on June 3, 2025, scheduling his ordination for the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. After prayerful discernment at St. Francis of Assisi in Mill Park, John flew to Rome, staying near St. Peter’s to prepare. On June 27, the world watched as Pope Leo XIV laid hands on him in a resplendent ceremony. International reports from Vatican News hailed it as “a moment of profound spiritual renewal,” with the Holy Father praising John’s “journey of trust in God’s perfect timing.” John, visibly moved, told The Tablet: “Standing in St. Peter’s, I felt the weight and joy of every step that brought me here. It hit me like a wave.”
The ordination was a global spectacle, broadcast live to millions. Clad in white vestments, John knelt as the Pope anointed him, the basilica’s grandeur amplifying the solemnity. “I was overwhelmed by the love—my family, friends from Parade, and even strangers praying for me,” he recounted. A personal anecdote: I remember his mischievous grin during a class debate about faith—now, that same spirit shines through his priesthood.
John’s path resonates with others worldwide. Catholic Herald quoted him saying, “God always knows the right time—my 17-year wait was preparation.” John hoped to visit Assisi and continue to walk in the steps of St Francis and also echo a pre-seminary trip to Assisi that had a huge impact on him and shaped who he is. As John prepares for a life as a disciple in the service of others, he exudes peace. “I’m excited, full of joy, and ready to serve,” he told me, his voice steady and sure.
For his Parade community, John’s message is heartfelt: “Trust in God and cherish your time at Parade—it’s a fruitful place. Learn about Edmund Rice; his legacy lives in us.” His story, enriched by faith and grit, inspires all. As John steps into this new chapter, let’s keep Fr. John Vespa in our prayers—his journey is a testament to the power of listening to the Spirit.
John Abrahams (1980)
A new semester of music is upon us with an exciting array of music and performing arts events to look forward to.
Our student band, The Liffeys, will be competing in the Grand Finale of Harwyn’s Rocking the Nation Battle of the Band's competition. The band consists of Year 12 Angus Tucker L04, and Year 10 students Noah La Torre H08 and Luca Caporale L07. The event takes place on Sunday 10 August at 6.30pm at the Alexander Theatre. The band will be competing against eight other school bands from across the nation, which is shaping up to be a great event. Tickets for the show can be purchased via the link below.
https://www.monash.edu/performing-arts-centres/event/harwyn-battle-of-the-bands/
Our annual music department showcase, Parade Presents, will take place in Week 5 on Thursday 21 August at 7.30pm. This year our theme is ‘Stage and Screen’ as we present items that have appeared in theatres, movies, productions and live events. The evening promises to be a stellar showcase of the talent of our students and the variety of ensembles in our department. Tickets are available for purchase online at Humanitix via the link below:
https://events.humanitix.com/parade-presents-stage-and-screen
There are a variety of music and performing arts events to look forward to this semester. Some of these include:
| Harwyn Rocking the Nation (Alexander Theatre) | Sunday 11 August, 6.30pm |
| Parade Presents... Stage and Screen (Rivergum Theatre) | Thursday 21 August, 7.30pm |
| Big Band Performance at VSMF (Hawthorn Arts Centre) | Thursday 11 September |
| ACCent on Music Performance (Hamer Hall) | Monday 15 September |
| Carols Under the Cross (Rivergum Theatre) | Wednesday 26 November |
The start of this semester is the perfect opportunity to start instrumental music lessons. A reminder that students can sign up for music lessons via this link or the sign-up sheet on the College website. Various ensembles also run during lunchtimes and after school, such as Concert Band, Big Band, Rock Band, Drumlin, Vocal Ensemble and more.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Music Department via music@parade.vic.edu.au with any questions.
At the heart of Parade College life is our commitment to Gospel Spirituality and the educational values of Blessed Edmund Rice. This tradition calls us to be aware of the world around us and to respond with compassion, especially to those who are marginalised in our communities.
One of the most meaningful experiences in the Year 12 journey is the Tenete Ministry Retreat, providing students the opportunity to reflect deeply on questions of Social Justice.
So far, students have heard from a range of organisations making a tangible difference in the community, including Boots For All, Edmund Rice Social Services, Edmund Rice Oceania Province, Sacred Heart Mission, and St Vincent de Paul. These speakers invite students to explore real-world issues through the lens of faith and compassion.
Students have also devoted their time and efforts volunteering at the FareShare Kitchens. FareShare is a charity that operates Australia’s largest non-profit kitchens in Melbourne and Brisbane, cooking millions of free, nutritious meals each year for people experiencing hardship. Using rescued, donated, and homegrown ingredients, their meals are distributed through frontline charities like soup vans, shelters, and disaster relief groups, bringing dignity, care, and nourishment to those in need.
Across the retreat series so far, our students have made a remarkable impact, helping to prepare the following:
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the parents and caregivers who have supported the Ministry Retreat program by arranging transport and picking up their sons each week - your support is essential in making this experience possible. We also express our deep gratitude to the social justice organisations who have generously given their time and shared their stories with our students, enriching their understanding of faith in action. We look forward to seeing the impact and hearing the stories from our remaining retreats throughout this term.
Our next three classes of Year 11 Touchstones students begin their volunteering placements next week.
Last week Feona Wadsworth from Big Group Hug and Liz and Maxine from the Exodus Community- West Heidelberg spoke to the group about the wonderful work they and their organisations do in our local community for families doing it tough. A key message from the presentations was the growing number of people seeking assistance due to ongoing economic challenges, highlighting the urgent need for more volunteers to help community groups provide the necessary support.
Our students, who will be volunteering at various organisations such as Sacred Heart and Vinnies Op Shops, the Exodus Community Centre and Big Group Hug, will play a vital role in supporting these efforts, helping to meet the increasing demand and make a meaningful difference in the community.
I look forward to hearing about the valuable experiences they will have whilst helping others.
Last term, as part of my Touchstones volunteering, I learned about the Big Group Hug foundation and the day-to-day work that they do helping hundreds of families who are struggling. The Big Group Hug foundation (BGH) collects, toys and toiletry products for children from newborn to 16 years old and donates them to families in need. Big Group Hug receives no financial assistance from the government and relies solely on volunteers.
This experience allowed me to put myself in the shoes of those in need and get some insight into the challenges that they face.
It was an opportunity that I would, without hesitation, recommend to all!
I encourage all Parade Families to donate goods which can be left at Front Reception or the Community Action Centre.
We are excited to announce the launch of the Prefect Leadership Training Program for our future 2026 student leaders. The program marks the beginning of an important journey in leadership, teamwork, and service to the college community.
l would like to commend and congratulate all the Year 11 students from both Preston and Bundoora, who have nominated themselves for prefect positions. Your willingness to step forward and serve as role models reflects a strong commitment to the values and spirit of our college.
Over the coming weeks, participants will take part in a series of workshops and activities designed to develop their communication, decision-making, and leadership skills.
l looks forward to watching these young leaders grow and prepare to take on responsibilities in 2026 with confidence and purpose.
Get House points while helping the community.
It is time to show your House spirit and make a real difference!
Through winter many Families in need and the many rough sleepers in our community are in desperate need of warm clothing — and you can help.
Any baby and children’s clothing up to size 16 will be donated to Big Group Hug. Adult clothing and goods will be given out by the Vinnies Food Vans on their street runs.
What to Bring:
Every Donation gets one house point, and items can be dropped off at Community Action Centre, Main Reception or your House Leader Office with name and Tutor Group.
The second half of Term 2 brought many exciting activities to the students through NLC; from VR gaming championships to smashing reading goals, and the ongoing popularity of the lunchtime clubs.
The students and staff at the College cruised through our Semester 1 reading minutes goal of 126,500 to more than double it with a grand total of 254,700 minutes! This is absolutely an achievement worth celebrating. All students should be reading widely and are able to log their minutes through the BeanStack website or app available on the NLC Homepage.
Semester 2 has a new twist to the Reading Challenge with students pitting their reading skills against the staff in a head-to-head battle for bragging rights over who can read the most. Quite a few staff have signed up to take part so the entire student will be under pressure in this Sparta-like few against many competition. Any students who are unsure of how to log should drop into the NLC for a quick tutorial.
In other reading news, there have been some winners in the competition realm with the following results:
The Term 2 Reading Challenge House winners are:
Bodkin: Year 7 Akshar Bapodra B12 with 4122 minutes.
Lynch: Year 7 Tinayieshe Chimbodza L16 with 2868 minutes.
Hughes: Year 7 Manuka Manannalage H15 with 2433 minutes.
Treacy: Year 7 Joseph Tyrrell T16 with 1270 minutes.
Nolan: Year 8 Lewis Barber N11 with 1007 minutes.
The English Class winners are Ms Finn’s 7M with 17714 minutes total (an average of 656 minutes per student)
Both Year 7 students Jonathan Jiang B13 and Thomas Sellick T13 both got Bingo in the Scavenger Hunt Challenge during Term 2.
Each term affords the opportunity to take part in several new challenges with Term 3 hosting a Genre Bingo challenge, including a poster making component. Keep an eye out for further challenges coming soon. All details in the BeanStack app.
A crack team of VR Beatsaber practitioners were fortunate enough to travel to Strathcona Girls Grammar to compete in the state level, interschool Fuse Cup Beatsaber Championships run by MindFlight7. Year 7 Sathyan Muhunthan L16, Year 9 Xavier Tsioulos L19, Year 7 Hayden Stella B19, Year 9 Alex Stella B12, Year 7 Kaylan Ranasinghe N11, Year 7 Jordan Peiris B11, Year 7 Noah Litsos 16 and Year 7 Manuka Manannalage H15 competed in this exciting VR experience against students from schools such as Williamstown High School, Ivanhoe Grammar, Ivanhoe Girls Grammar, Sacre Coeur, and Mentone. Despite all students playing valiantly, and the Stella brothers making it through to the play-offs, we were bested by an incredible level of skill from some competitors. It was a fantastic opportunity to experience a e-sport competition and learn about online safety, with all students leaving with smiles on their faces.
16 August marks the beginning of Book Week, with this years theme being 'Book an Adventure'. Students will have the opportunity to take part in some really fun activities throughout the week, including escape rooms, trivia and scavenger hunts. Check the student messages for details.
All clubs are running as usual as follows:
Monday - Games Club in the FIRE Carrier room
Tuesday - TTRPG in the Fire Carrier Room
Tuesday - Juggling in the Heidelberg Room
Thursday - Pokemon (card players) Club in the Innovation Lab
Friday - Podcasting in Fire Carrier Room and upstairs Multimedia Lab when recording
New members welcomed at all clubs.
Year 10 Work Experience for Bundoora Campus students will occur on 17 November through to 20 November. Students are encouraged to find their own placement. When they have found their placement, students can download the Work Experience form on SIMON under Student Links. If students require a White Card for their placement, they must email Ms Barnes or Mrs Bult as soon as possible.
VTAC opens on Monday 4 August. Students must register to have access to course preferences. SEAS Applications are submitted through the VTAC portal but can only be activated once course preferences are entered. University Open Days are happening over the next month. Students have been emailed a document providing the dates of Open Days at all universities and TAFES in Victoria in 2025.
Please click the link to view important dates for the rest of the year: https://vtac.edu.au/dates
Students are encouraged to make a careers appointment with Mrs Bult to discuss course preferences, SEAS applications, assistance with VTAC registrations and general questions about work or apprenticeships.
I look forward to meeting with students to assist them with making decisions about their future pathway plans.
As part of our Unit 4 studies on Business Change, our Year 12 Business Management cohort was fortunate enough to visit ACTV Strength Co in Eltham throughout the week of 16 June. Year 12 Ably Moulin H01 recounts the visit to the gym.
We heard from the gym owner, Brad, who gave us a firsthand insight into the changes his business underwent during the process of rebranding from F45 to ACTV, and the strategies he utilised to build a successful environment.
By listening to Brad, we were able to transfer our classroom knowledge to real world experience, developing our understanding of key concepts within the unit. Following this, we took part in a short workout circuit, engaging with the programs Brad has to offer at ACTV in a competitive fashion.
Thank you to Brad, Mr. Simpson for organising, and all the teachers involved in making this excursion possible.
It has been an exciting few weeks in the English Department, and we have a number of major events coming up this term!
Firstly, congratulations to all Year 12 English students who recently delivered their Unit 4, Outcome 2.1 Oral Presentations to our expert panel of external markers. Students spoke on a wide range of topics—from the use of helmets in the AFL to the effects of AI on education. Although many were understandably nervous, every student should be proud of tackling such a challenging task.
On 23 July, Eagle’s Nest Theatre visited Parade to perform Oedipus the King. The actors brought fresh interpretations to the stage and left our students with plenty to reflect on. It was a memorable and thought-provoking experience.
Looking ahead, we have the Year 7 and 8 Spelling Competition on 7 August, followed by the Year 9 competition on 14 August. This event is always a highlight on the English calendar. As usual, Mr Moore and Mr Spurr will serve as our charismatic Masters of Ceremony, and Mr Aiello will continue his role as Spelling Master. This year brings added excitement, as selected Year 7 winners will go on to represent Parade at the ACC Spelling Competition at St Bede’s on 25 August.
Finally, for our Year 10 students, we are thrilled to welcome the Australian Shakespeare Company to Parade on 4 September for a performance of Macbeth! The company will perform key scenes and workshop the play with students, helping them deepen their understanding and appreciation of one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies.
A huge thank you to everyone who helps make these enriching experiences possible. It is shaping up to be an exciting Term 3!
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