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2025 Nagle Catholic College Yearbook

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2025 YEAR BOOK

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Let your light shine

A faith-filled learning community striving for excellence

MISSION AND VISION

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PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

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SCHOOL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

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2025

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LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

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HOUSE GROUPS

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ACADEMIC AWARDS

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AROUND THE SCHOOL

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CO-CURRICULAR AND EVENTS

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teachings of Jesus Christ.

Your college takes seriously its responsibility t teachers, school leaders and parish clergy have visible, tangible and conscious ways. Through t families pathways to hope and faith. I thank th Mrs Elizabeth Warden – House Coordinator body for their openness and willingness to enga

Avila House Bishops Message

Vision and Mission VISION

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” — John 10:10 Inspired by the life of Christ, our Presentation Heritage and the Salesian Charism, Nagle College is a Catholic community that welcomes, builds strong relationships, evangelises and prepares young people for life.

12th October 2023 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Grace and peace to you all.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

past has been in so many Each year when I am asked to provide a This reflection foryear your yearbook, I amextraordinary afforded the opportunity to think back over the year that has been, celebrate wonderful that we havesadness been blessed ways.theWe have things experienced atwith, the and death to consider some of the difficulties we have Our theme Catholic education in 2023 was of of encountered. Pope Francis and for gladness at the elevation Catholic Schools – Places of Encounter. For mePope this is key to what your college wonderful place is. Leo XIV.makes We have beenthedismayed by itwar You gather as a learning and faith community, coming to know each other and your community, working and the violence it begets in many parts of the world. together to develop a sense of belonging and shared accomplishment. Your school is one where we hope We have also been saddened by many natural your daily actions and interactions match our vision for education, one that is centred on the person and disasters that have displaced people in our country teachings of Jesus Christ. and from around world. In our Diocese in particular,

Your college takes seriously its responsibility bear also witnessexperienced to the Good News In this, your we to have joy of asJesus. delegates from all teachers, school leaders and parish clergy of have worked to help the Christian story be shown andconsider lived in our parishes gathered in February to visible, tangible and conscious ways. Through important work, they haveus triedas to aoffer you and and your how the this pastoral issues facing Diocese families pathways to hope and faith. I thank them for this very important work, and I thank the student best to address these in the years ahead in our body for their openness and willingness to engage in this life-affirming work.

parishes and schools.

Our society today is characterised by a multicultural and multireligious composition. In your school the Considering best cultural that humanity offer and Catholic community welcomes students and families fromthe different backgroundshas and to religious affiliations, including those with no religious affiliation. In allmany we do, we workchallenges to ensure fidelity to our face acknowledging of the people Catholic vision and inspiration, which is best expressed through capacity to bear witness to the in their daily lives,thePope Francis offered us story a way and person of Jesus, and to welcome encounters with It is through ouraengagement with each forward bydiversity. proclaiming 2025 Year of Jubilee, other that we can come to deeply know each that we can formof bonds of friendship and trustYear withother, the and theme Pilgrims Hope. This Jubilee that can support each of us on our journeybegan of life and faith. with the opening of the Holy Door of St Peter’s

MISSION So that all members of the Nagle College community can live out the College motto Let Your Light Shine, we will—

Develop a safe, nurturing and hope-filled community based on Christ’s message of love, justice and service ——————————

Provide innovative, inclusive and engaging educational pathways that enable students to develop their potential to become lifelong learners in the 21st Century ——————————

Be conscientious stewards of the environment ——————————

Continue to build sustainable relationships with faith communities, other educational institutions, and community organisations and businesses ——————————

Build a culture that promotes and accepts personal excellence

Create leadership opportunities and provide formation for all members of the College community

Be people of dignity, respect, compassion, resilience and unconditional love

Celebrate the traditions and rituals of our Catholic Story

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Christmas it will draw to aeach close Therefore, in your school, and across ouron Diocese, we haveEve, tried 2024 to buildand an environment where the Solemnity of thethat Epiphany, 6 January 2026. community member has been invited on to participate in a dialogue has opened pathways of understanding, compassion and empathy. Throughout It is my hope and prayer that each of you been enabled to this Jubilee year, thehasDiocese of Sale, be part of this dialogue and as a result, hasyour been supported and encouraged. parish and your college, have worked to ensure people have been to lifttotheir hearts In this work, your school has been puttingthat into all action Pope Francis’s call forable the Church experience a to Christ and become of hope in and a world synodal way of being. That is, to be a community that listens, prays singers and celebrates together, tries to by too much despair. bring to life the teachings and missions ofmarked Jesus. I would like to thank each and everyone of you for your contributions to this great work.

Our society today is characterised by a multicu Catholic community welcomes students and fa affiliations, including those with no religious af Catholic vision and inspiration, which is best ex and person of Jesus, and to welcome encounte other that we can come to deeply know each o that can support each of us on our journey of lif

In talking to your principal, school leaders, teachers Therefore, in your school, and across our Dio and fellow students, I have been pleased to hear of the emphasis placed onmember creating a culture of hope invited in your community has been to pa college this past year. I am hopeful the Jubilee Year compassion empathy. It is we understanding, have just experienced will help us alland fan the flame of hope that has been dialogue given to us and and help be part of this as aeach result, has been person gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and farIn this work, your school has been putting into sighted vision.

synodal wayhopes of being. towill be a commun In this, Pope Leo that the That Jubileeis, Year encourage us all to implement new initiatives to bring to life the teachings and missions of Jesus support and assist the poorest of the poor, reminding contributions to this greathope work. us that the early Christians viewed as an anchor: “Christian hope is like an anchor that grounds our hearts in the promise of the Lord Jesus.” In a world In the joyful work of and Catholic education, I hop plagued by war, displacement, environmental degradation, he reminds us that that this in your school community canhope helptoday you come to can be an anchor holding human dignity fast. gifted to us by the God who loves us.

I thank all of you, students, parents and staff on your many good works this year that have enabled hope to With every grace and blessing. flourish in your school community, for it is in hope that the joy of life can be perceived and experienced.

We might ask ourselves why a focus on hope is so

In the joyful work of Catholic education, important I hope and pray that theAs wayinjustice each of youand experiences your time today? arrogance persist, in your school community can help you come to understand and accept that you are always full of the grace the poor are discarded, wars sow seeds of death, gifted to us by the God who loves us. With every grace and blessing.

the least of our brothers and sisters remain at the bottom of the pile, and the dream of a peaceful world seems an illusion. In answer to this, pope Francis reminded us that hope can bring courage, comfort, closeness and care.

+Greg Bennet Bishop of Sale August 2025

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Avila House Principal’s Report Mrs ElizabethMr Warden – House Coordinator Doug Doherty

“ Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God — what is good and acceptable and perfect.” — Romans 12:2

Welcome to our 2025 Yearbook, a wonderful way in which we can celebrate the wonderful life at Nagle College throughout 2025. This is also accompanied with our first ever Video Year Book.

Always striving for improvement and progress, we are bringing changes to our learning environment and offering more opportunities for students to discover their individual pathways to excellence.

At Nagle College, we recognise that every human being is designed with a unique purpose to make a difference in this world. As teachers and staff at Nagle College, we are very privileged to be able to be part of each young person’s journey by helping them to discover their unique purpose through assisting them to find and develop their strengths, passions and pathways in life.

As we honour our heritage and traditions, we also envisage the future and our place in it. And in doing so we constantly move forward, while bringing the most useful parts of the past with us. Our Salesian Charism, our dedication to life-long learning, and our commitment to being and achieving our best ensure our students are well-equipped to be positive contributors to society.

2025 has been a wonderful year, with Nagle College achieving some of its best academic results across all year levels, including VCE, VCE, VM, VET and NAPLAN.

We are also updating the look and feel of the school, and the way we present ourselves to the world.

2025 saw the launch of our Strategic Improvement Plan for the next four years, with a conscientious focus on providing a faith inspired learning community where all can be safe, happy and successful.

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This can be seen physically in changes to our branding, logo, signage, uniforms, website and stationery. It will be experienced in a revitalised energy, unity and pride in all the school community represents and delivers These changes reflect our heritage, the way our community sees and feels the school environment, and the direction we are taking the school, together.

With all students finding their passions and zones of genius in a myriad of outlets and fields of study, we continue to empower them to follow their dreams and arm themselves with the knowledge and skills they need to become critical thinkers and innovative doers. All areas of learning success – academic, applied learning or extra-curricular – are celebrated. As a Catholic community we recognise and value the dignity and unique contributions of every individual. Actively encouraging them to “let your light shine”. We don’t just quote our motto, we live it.

Anchored in hope, pilgrims with young people. 2025 STRENNA

Through our faith-based learning, we rely on the example and values of Christ to help us map our way forward, and apply our specific talents, skills and expertise to creating a thriving future for all. By ensuring all students are safe, happy and successful, we empower our community to continuously grow in aspiration and achievement of personal success, ensuring that we can all be proud to say that we are part of this amazing community – Nagle College.

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Congratulations to the Class of 2025 7 | Nagle College 2025

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Programs and Staffing Gabrielle Costin, Deputy Principal – Staff

It takes a team of champions to run a school the size of Nagle College—champions for students, learning, culture, faith and community. We are fortunate to have an outstanding staff who bring passion, expertise and dedication to every aspect of school life. In 2025, we began implementing our new Strategic Plan (2025– 2028), with a focus on Religious Education, Learning and Teaching, Pastoral and Oratory Development, and Professional Learning for staff. One of the most significant initiatives this year was the launch of our Whole School Approach to Differentiation, led by Director of Pedagogy Rachel VanderKoogh and Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching Judy Taylor. This approach ensures that all students can access the same curriculum through carefully planned adjustments to content, process, product and the learning environment. Teachers, Subject Learning Leaders and Learning Support Officers worked collaboratively to provide learning experiences that respond to students’ readiness, interests and learning needs while maintaining high expectations for every learner. Another exciting development has been the exploration of the Big Picture Learning Academy, led by Mrs Michaela Ward. Designed as a flexible “school within a school” model, Big Picture places student voice, choice and engagement at the centre of learning. Throughout 2025, Michaela and a team of teachers undertook professional learning to prepare for the implementation of this innovative program, which will provide new pathways for students who may not thrive in a traditional classroom environment. We also celebrate the achievements of our staff beyond the classroom. Katherine Brown, Languages Learning Leader, was awarded a prestigious Teaching Impact Fellowship through the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. Her project will focus on improving engagement in Years 7 and 8 Languages through evidence-informed collaborative practice, strengthening learning outcomes for our students and professional practice within the Languages team. Catholic Education Week provided an opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary dedication of our staff, with twelve members recognised for 25 years or more of service to Catholic education. Their commitment has shaped generations of young people and reflects the values that continue to define our college community.

On a personal note, I was honoured to join the Executive Team of the Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools Deputy Principals’ Association and to receive a Fellowship Award at the Deputy Principals’ Conference. This role enables me to advocate for regional Catholic schools while continuing my commitment to supporting the professional growth of our staff. As Deputy Principal – Staff, my priority is to foster a culture grounded in kindness, integrity, humility and generosity. By supporting teachers and support staff at every stage of their careers, providing opportunities for professional growth and maintaining strong partnerships with families, we continue to build a community where students and staff can flourish. A major focus for my work in 2025 has been the development of STAR – Staff Training, Appraisal and Recognition. STAR reflects our commitment to investing in our people through high-quality professional learning, meaningful coaching and appraisal, and recognising the outstanding contributions of staff. The initiative encourages teachers to reflect on their practice, set professional goals and celebrate their achievements, while promoting a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and wellbeing. Throughout the year, staff engaged in an extensive program of professional learning that included curriculum planning and development, professional practice days, Smartboard training, Religious Education formation, compliance updates, first aid and CPR training, and collaborative team meetings. Staff Development Week concluded the year with keynote presenter Andrew Douch exploring the use of artificial intelligence to enhance classroom engagement, alongside curriculum workshops, compliance training and our end-of-year Mass. These opportunities strengthened both professional capability and our shared sense of purpose as a Catholic learning community. As Nagle College continues to grow, our investment in people remains at the heart of everything we do. Through initiatives such as the Whole School Approach to Differentiation, Big Picture Academy, staff research and leadership opportunities, and the STAR program, we are creating a culture where staff are empowered to excel and students are inspired to achieve their best. Together, we are building a school community where every member is safe, happy and successful.

Our graduate teacher, Selina Lancaster, also demonstrated the innovative spirit of our staff through a research partnership with Deakin University. Her project investigated how improved nutrition can positively influence student learning, focus and academic outcomes. Supported by our canteen staff and volunteers, the initiative trialled healthier food options during Term 4 and highlighted the importance of wellbeing in supporting student success.

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School Advisory Committee

College Captains

By Jason Cherry, 2026 Chair

Amber Mazon and Banjo Jackson

The past year has been one of growth, renewal and careful planning for Nagle College, and it has been a privilege to work alongside a committed Advisory Committee dedicated to supporting the College and its community. Throughout the year, the Committee worked closely with Principal Doug Doherty and the College leadership team, providing governance and strategic advice while ensuring every decision remained focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for students. A major priority has been ensuring the College remains financially strong. The Committee regularly reviewed enrolments, budgets, school fees and long-term financial planning. Pleasingly, Nagle continues to operate with no debt while maintaining a strong commitment to investing in quality facilities and educational opportunities. During the year, we also reviewed and approved updates to the College’s School Fee Policy to ensure it remains fair, transparent and responsive to the needs of families. We also continued to oversee the College’s Master Plan, with significant progress made on the new Vocational Major Entrepreneurial Centre and planning for future improvements, including upgrades to learning spaces, staff facilities and other areas across the campus. These developments represent an important investment in the future of Nagle College and will provide students with modern, flexible learning environments for many years to come.

Student wellbeing remained central to our discussions throughout the year. Regular updates on child safety, wellbeing initiatives and student engagement reinforced the College’s commitment to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. We were also pleased to see continued investment in innovative learning opportunities, including Big Picture Learning, vocational pathways and entrepreneurial education, giving students greater choice and preparing them for a wide range of future careers. The Committee also welcomed positive improvements across many areas of College life, including stronger enrolment interest, growing community engagement, expanded partnerships and continued work to strengthen the culture of the school. I would like to sincerely thank my fellow Advisory Committee members for their generosity, profess-ionalism and willingness to volunteer their time throughout the year. I also extend my appreciation to Principal Doug Doherty, Business Manager Steve Brill and the entire leadership team for their openness, commitment and passion for continually improving Nagle College. Thanks also to Samantha Gulbis Bishop, who finished as Chair after four years at the end of 2025, and handed the reins over to me from the start of 2026.

Every school year at Nagle College is different from the last, and 2025 was certainly no exception. The importance and value of 2025 in the story of Nagle College was forged through the efforts of various parts of our Nagle College community. It was the teachers, staff, students, and families who all helped make this year successful and special. Across all year levels, students embraced the opportunities that came their way. The Year 7 cohort stepped into the Nagle College community for the first time, learning routines, forming new friendships, and grounding themselves in a community that supports and values one another. Our Year 12 cohort grew ever closer together as they finished their formal educational journey at Nagle College, learning the true importance of trust, respect, and a dedication to becoming our best selves. All year levels from junior to senior continued their journeys of self-discovery and growth. Our school calendar was full and vibrant. School carnivals created the foundations for belonging and camaraderie. Salesian celebrations and liturgies reminded us of our shared values at the heart of Nagle College. Retreats and camps offered space for reflection and connection.

Talent nights, art displays, and musical showcases highlighted the creativity alive throughout our school grounds. Sporting achievements, academic competitions, and community service projects demonstrated the talent and dedication of our students. As a community, we all gained a sense of stewardship and custodianship for the land, through the renewed Tree Planting Day. The attention to the voices of all leaders allowed the College to become a place of vigilance and growth. More importantly, this year strengthened the sense of unity across the College. Students stepped up to support one another, teachers guided with patience and care, and the wider Nagle community, families, and staff, played their part in shaping an environment where everyone could belong. In classrooms, on camps, and in the everyday moments between bells, Nagle College lived out the values of respect, responsibility, and excellence. As we close this chapter of Nagle College’s decadesold history, we do so with pride. Nagle College finishes stronger, more connected, and more confident in who we are as a Salesian community. The lessons learned, about improving ourselves and our community, all while looking after one another, are lessons we will carry long after this yearbook is closed.

The past year has laid strong foundations for the future. With clear direction, dedicated staff and an engaged school community, Nagle College is well placed to continue building on its successes and providing outstanding opportunities for every student.

Another highlight has been the College’s rebranding journey. The Committee supported the rollout of a refreshed vision, mission, logo, website, signage and future uniform changes. It has been encouraging to see students, staff and families actively involved throughout the process, ensuring the new identity reflects both the College’s heritage and its future direction.

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Avila House Mrs Elizabeth Warden – House Leader

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Avila House Captains 2025

Avila House Mrs Elizabeth Warden – House Leader

First, I would like to give my thanks to the amazing Avila Oratory staff. Tracey Wilson and Vince Campagna - A1, John Corby - A2, Jake Morgan and Matt Redenbach - A3, Skye Smith - A4, Jim Kelliher - A5 and Chris Kool - A6. Without these amazing people the Oratory programme would not exist. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Matt Redenbach who looked after Oratory group A3 while Jake Morgan was on leave. Matt fitted in easily and consistently contributed to every house event we had. This year Tracey Wilson, Oratory teacher for A1, went on maternity leave to have her beautiful bub Matilda ‘Tilly’. I would like to thank Vince Campagna for taking responsibility for Oratory group A1; Vince will continue in this role for 2026. Like Matt he has fitted in well with the Avila family and contributed to the spirit of Avila House. This year Avila came third overall in the various sports competitions held throughout the year and second for Arts. We have some amazing students who are not just able to perform, create and compete but who also put themselves forward with the talents and skills they have.

Without their willing participation the various competitions like the sports carnivals, ANZAC Gift, Triathlon, Cross -Country, Art and Photography Competition and Talent Night would not happen, and the culture of the school would not be developed. I would like to acknowledge all the Avila students who have put their hand up to volunteer to participate in the numerous events that happened throughout this year. I would like to thank my house captains, Alana Chila, Jake Reynolds, Lucy Hawkins, Campbell Hardy, Maddison Kelly and Courtney Widdows. The time and effort they have put into a variety of expected and new school events this year has been a huge help to me. I would also like to make a special mention to Campbell Hardy who helped in several events without having an official captain role. His extra help was greatly appreciated and did not go un-noticed. Finally, I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe summer break.

JUNIOR HOUSE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

SENIOR HOUSE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Lucy Hawkins (Year 9) Campbell Hardy (Year 8)

Alana Chila (Year 12) Danika van Deventer (Year 12)

Elizabeth Warden Avila House Leader

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Avila House Mrs Elizabeth Warden – House Leader

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Avila House Mrs Elizabeth Warden – House Leader

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Avila House Mrs Elizabeth Warden – House Leader

Bosco House Ms Lauren Hollingsworth – House Leader

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Bosco House Ms Lauren Hollingsworth – House Leader

Bosco House Captains 2025

House Bosco enjoyed a memorable and rewarding year, marked by community, achievement, and spirit. From the very beginning of the year, we were fortunate to welcome new students and staff into the brand new Saint Dominic Savio Centre, setting an exciting tone for what was to come. The year concluded on a high as we celebrated the graduation of our Year 12 students and acknowledged the many successes of Bosco throughout 2025. Strong and positive leadership was a highlight, with our House Captains leading with enthusiasm, kindness, and pride. A special thank you goes to our senior and junior captains for the warm welcome they extended to our 2026 Year 7 students, helping them feel part of the Bosco family from day one.

have already made a meaningful impact. Bosco students also demonstrated outstanding commitment across house events, proudly claiming first place in the Academic House Shield for 2025. Our house spirit shone brightly at the Athletics Carnival, earning the Spirit Award—made unforgettable by our Year 12 students’ legendary cow costumes. Bosco also embraced the new model of Oratory, showcasing confidence and creativity. Congratulations to all Bosco students on another fantastic year.

We were delighted to welcome new Bosco staff members Lizzie Strickland and Lauren Cox, whose contributions

JUNIOR HOUSE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

SENIOR HOUSE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Alyssa Holland (Year 9) Sebastian Gray (Year 9)

Elizabeth Gray (Year 11) Mikayla Holland (Year 11)

Lauren Hollingsworth Bosco House Leader

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Bosco House Ms Lauren Hollingsworth – House Leader

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Bosco House Ms Lauren Hollingsworth – House Leader

Chisholm House Mrs Julie Henley – House Leader

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Chisholm House Mrs Julie Henley – House Leader

Chisholm House Captains 2025

Chisholm House were incredibly proud to be awarded the house trophy for 2025. Our house walks proudly in the footsteps of our patron Caroline Chisholm. We are the house that is full of ‘heart’; we are led by her example of persistence, ‘deeds not words’, empathy, compassion, generosity, vision and tenacity.

We have enjoyed the company of one another during Oratory sessions and worked together to support those in need in our local and global community through fund raising and gift giving. Chisholm House is looking forward to welcoming our newest members for 2026 to the Chisholm family.

Throughout the year we have participated fully in the house carnivals that include swimming, athletics, cross country and colour run.

JUNIOR HOUSE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

SENIOR HOUSE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Sisilia Tuisue (Year 8) Anabelle Nelsson (Year 8)

Gabrielle Atentar (Year 12) Tayah Alsop (Year 10)

Julie Henley Chisholm House Leader

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Chisholm House Mrs Julie Henley – House Leader

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Chisholm House Mrs Julie Henley – House Leader

MacKillop House Mr Mark Fairweather – House Leader

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MacKillop House Mr Mark Fairweather – House Leader

MacKillop House Captains 2025

2025 brought in a number of new changes for Mackillop house. Firstly, Mark Fairweather stepped into the role of House Leader in the restructuring of leadership within the school. We say a huge thank you to Celeste Campagna for all her work as the previous house leader. She stays on as valuable member of the Oratory staff. As Mark moved out of the Oratory Position, we have welcomed Kim Elliot and Roland Atkinson to fill his position guiding M6. They have both brought their own personal touch to the group and the students continue to grow through their guidance. With new leadership came slightly new direction. Our focus was on participation. Participation in College events like Swimming and Athletics Carnival but also Nagle’s Got Talent. While we didn’t win any major prizes, (although we unofficially won the Talent night with some “campfire stories”) it was great to see students and staff stepping up and “giving it a go”. We strongly recommend taking that step out of your comfort zone because that is where the true magic happens.

The year still held many exciting moments, like our Mackillop Bake Sale that raised over $1000 for project Compassion and who could forget our year 12 Graduation ceremony. We celebrated and farewelled 14 graduates who have all gone onto employment, further study or travel. We pray they will dream big, reach for their fullest potential and let their light shine. I would like to thank our house captains Darcy Wilson, Ava Morrison, Ruth Fairweather, Aliesha Mekken, Ashtyn Stone and Stella Davies for all their hard work and willingness to take on the challenge of leadership and living out Mary Mackillop’s vision, “Never see a need without doing something about it.” God Bless, Together as one.

JUNIOR HOUSE EXCELLENCE AWARDS.

SENIOR HOUSE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Jillian McKenna (Year 9) Haylee McKinnon (Year 10)

Ashley Atkinson (Year 12) Grace McKenna (Year 11)

Mark Fairweather MacKillop House Leader

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MacKillop House Mr Mark Fairweather – House Leader

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MacKillop House Mr Mark Fairweather – House Leader

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Newman House Captains 2025

Newman House Miss Meg McCallum – House Leader

2025 has been another consistently strong and memorable year for Newman House. Participation was impressive across all House events, with students stepping up in every area of school life. In particular, Newman saw a standout year in the Creative Arts—an area that hasn’t traditionally been our strongest—making our Creative Arts Shield victory all the more rewarding. As always, Newman dominated in the pool, continuing our reputation as a powerhouse in swimming, with no other house coming close. Strong leadership from our senior students, especially in sport, helped lift House morale and engagement throughout the year, creating a positive and unified House spirit.

We were proud to finish as Runners Up for the Championship House and to see a significant number of Newman students recognised with Excellence and Merit awards across a wide range of areas. While second place featured prominently this year, the determination and drive within the House are clear —and we’re calling it now: 2026 will be our year to take out the Championship. As one student perfectly summed up the Newman experience in 2025: “I thought we were supposed to be Second to None. We came second a lot this year.”

JUNIOR HOUSE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

SENIOR HOUSE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Alexandra O’Brien (Year 9) Isla Campbell (Year 9)

Amber Mazon (Year 12) George Ioakim (Year 12)

Meg McCallum Newman House Leader

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Newman House Miss Meg McCallum – House Leader

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Newman House Miss Meg McCallum – House Leader

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Polding House Captains 2025

Polding House Mrs Katherine Brown – House Leader

This year our house spirit shone brighter than ever, proving once again that great participation brings great rewards. Whether cheering from the sidelines, competing on the track, or supporting one another in everyday school life, Polding students embodied what it means to create a true sense of community and belonging. Across every Oratory, our students found a place where they were welcomed, valued, and encouraged to give their best. Our collective effort paid off in spectacular style as we proudly celebrated winning the Triathlon, Athletics, and Sports Awards. These victories were not just about speed or strength—they were the result of determination, teamwork, and the mighty efforts of every single Polding student. Each achievement reflected the spirit that defines our house: inclusive, determined, and united.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to our incredible 2025 House Captains—Will Whateley, Olivia Majcerzak, Aidan Scott, Des Hine, Ayla Seymour, and Lucy Bradley. Their enthusiasm, leadership, and dedication helped guide Polding through a year of success and connection, inspiring students across all year levels to step up and get involved. With pride in our past achievements and excitement for what lies ahead, one thing is certain: Polding House will always be mighty, mighty!

JUNIOR HOUSE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

SENIOR HOUSE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Lucy Bradley (Year 8)

Sonia Yomo (Year 12) Lily Seymour (Year 12)

Katherine Brown Polding House Leader

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Polding House Mrs Katherine Brown– House Leader

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Polding House Mrs Katherine Brown– House Leader

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Polding House Mrs Katherine Brown– House Leader

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Xavier House Captains 2025

Xavier House Miss Rachel Prince – House Leader

Xavier House has had a huge year filled with pride, participation, and plenty of memorable moments. We proudly farewelled 10 Year 12 students who graduated in 2025, leaving behind a strong legacy of leadership, spirit, and house pride. Our sporting highlights were hard to miss, with Xavier students coming together to form some fantastic teams at the Swimming Sports Carnival and Athletics Day. A standout achievement was our senior girls winning the age champion title in the triathlon—an incredible effort that had the whole house cheering. Beyond sport, Xavier students shone on the stage at Nagle’s Got Talent, showcasing an impressive range of musical and singing performances that reflected the creativity and confidence within our house.

We also took time to celebrate what it means to be part of Xavier House. On Founders Day, we honoured our patron, St Francis Xavier, reflecting on his values of service, courage, and commitment—all qualities our students continue to embody. This year also marked a time of change as we farewelled Patrick Ward from X3 Oratory, thanking him for his dedication, while warmly welcoming Timothy Bull, who will take on the role in 2026. Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome 23 new Year 7 students into Xavier House next year and can’t wait to see them grow, contribute, and add to the strong Xavier spirit.

JUNIOR HOUSE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

SENIOR HOUSE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Lachlan McGrath (Year 8) Lucy Simpson (Year 9)

Andrejs Bishop (Year 12) Layla Chapman (Year 11)

Rachel Prince Xavier House Leader

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Xavier House Miss Rachel Prince – House Leader

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Xavier House Miss Rachel Prince – House Leader

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Xavier House Miss Rachel Prince – House Leader

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Academic Awards 2025 Presentation Ceremony Awards

MAJOR AWARDS

YEAR 10 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Junior Sportspersons of the Year

Riley Caylock & Ashtyn Stone

Josephine Antonopoulos

Advanced Mathematics, English, Biology, Health and Wellbeing

Senior Sportspersons of the Year

Ecco McLeod-Kourie & William Tanner

Lucy Cashman

Eat Well Live Well

Junior General Excellence Award

Alyssa Holland & Sisilia Tuisue

Amber Cribbes

Food and Wellbeing

Senior General Excellence Award

Andrejs Bishop & Danika van Deventer

Kaitlin Dorling

Australia at War – World War II

Spirit Award

Ruth Fairweather & Sebastian Gray

Matthew Faithfull

Agriculture

Positive Achiever Award

Campbell Hardy & Alexandra O’Brien

Anna Fuhrmeister

Citizenship Award

Banjo Jackson & Madeline Thomson

Accounting and Business, English, Psychology, English Literature, Fabric to Fashion 1

Don Bosco Oratory Care

George Ioakim & Elizabeth Gray

Emme Hadden

Fabric to Fashion 2

Hailey Huntingford

Forensic Science, Outdoor Education, Environmental Change and Management

Madelyn Jacovou-Skeen

Literacy, Numeracy

Lina Jung

Oceaneering

Emily Kanavan

Studio Arts

Noah Mathers

Physical Education

Xavier Morrison

Creative Design

James Morton

Mathematics, Systems and Machines

Connor Newman

Accounting and Business

Lochlan O’Kelly

Marine Science

Bella Prince

Digital Technology

Ava Richards

Mathematics

Dana Riley

Music

Edward Sheridan

Advanced Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics

Joseph Sykes

Functional Furniture

Allegra Webster

English, History – Renaissance and Revolutions, Mathematics, Forensic Science, Law and Society

JUNIOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Lily Hollow, Chelsea Hebbard, William Gray, Huzaifa Kashif, Lucas Walker, Eliza Savige, Evleen Kandola, Eve Filtness, Grace Jarvis, Olakiitan Owolabi, Lincon Armstrong, Audrey Palmer, Archer Rickman, Adele Hammond, Indi Cavanagh, Ellery Campbell, Eliza Duffield, Oliver Hellisen, Lewis Jennion Elaine Wheeler, Charlotte Fincher, Lucy Bradley, Maddison Kelly, Sisilia Tuisue, Campbell Hardy, Ryder McGovern, Ella Horner, Bianca Collins, Amity Bailey, Evelyn Bates, Macy Brodribb, Eve Rowe, Xanthea Whitfield, Naomi Latimore, Natalie Smeal, Charlotte Murray, Ashtyn Stone Lucy Simpson, Jillian McKenna, Ayla Seymour, Sophie Groves, Grace Hall, Ruth Fairweather, Charlotte Von, Alyssa Holland, Rachael Bulmer, Jindy Gale, Lucy Hawkins, Ruby Teklic, Isabella Cantillon, Sesali de Silva, Imogen Ceveri, Alexandra O’Brien, Daniyal Kashif, Luke Holmes, Sebastian Gray, Alfred Bady-Campbell

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AWARDS Year 7

Audrey Palmer & Lily Hollow

Year 8

Charlotte Fincher & Maddison Kelly

Year 9

Alexandra O’Brien & Jindy Gale

YEAR 10 ACCELERATED PROGRAM (VCE UNITS 1&2)

Year 10

Lina Jung & Anna Fuhrmeister

Kaitlin Dorling

Health and Human Development

Year 11 (SHINE)

Emma Fincher & Bailey Guerrera

Allegra Webster

Art Making and Exhibiting

Liturgical Music through the Ages (Year 11)

Grace McKenna

Edward Sheridan

Systems Engineering

Don Bosco Youth Ministry (Year 11)

Emily Kool

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Academic Awards 2025 Presentation Ceremony Awards

YEAR 11 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS VCE UNITS 1&2 Izaac Alleaume

English Language, Religion and Society

Ramona Bady-Campbell

English, Literature, Legal Studies

Makayla Baldock

Work Related Skills

YEAR 11 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS VCE UNITS 1&2

YEAR 12 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS (VCE UNITS 3&4) Ashley Atkinson

Business Management, English, Health and Human Development, Legal Studies

Andrejs Bishop

Biology, Literature, Physics

Danika van Deventer

Systems Engineering

Noah Goodman

Geography

Leah Grant

VM Numeracy

Sophie Hamilton

VM Personal Development Skills

Banjo Jackson

History: Revolutions, History: Ancient History

Semi Jung

Chemistry, English, General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Physical Education

Amber Mazon

Visual Communication Design

Izaac Alleaume

English Language, Religion and Society

Elise Meyn-McKay

Outdoor and Environmental Studies

Ramona Bady-Campbell

English, Literature, Legal Studies

Emily Pendergast

VM Literacy, VM Work Related Skills

Makayla Baldock

Work Related Skills

Sonia Yomo

English Language

Alexandra Banson

Business Management

Jaden Brown

Accounting, Outdoor and Environmental Studies

Emma Fincher

Biology, English, Psychology

Elizabeth Gray

Environmental Science, History: Modern History

Olivia Greer

SPECIAL AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS Deborah Griffiths Grace McKenna

Nano Nagle Award

VM Numeracy

Lily Seymour

ADF Long Tan Leadership & Teamwork Award (Year 12)

Alek Hawtin

Chemistry

Mitchell Roberts

ADF Long Tan Leadership & Teamwork Award (Year 10)

Tori Laity

Food Studies

ADF Future Innovators Award

Harry McGuinn

Physical Education

Danika van Deventer Edward Sheridan Kai McEntee

Most Improved Year 12 VCE

Grace McKenna

Mathematical Methods, Physics

Katie Harding

Most Improved Year 12 VCE VM

Gabriella Merante

Personal Development Skills

Mikayla Holland

Most Improved Year 11 VCE

Lara Miller

VM Literacy

Audrey Hodge

Most Improved Year 11 VCE VM

Jasmine Renshaw

General Mathematics

Grace McKenna

Catherine Curtin Award

Imogen Spanton

General Mathematics

Chloe Disney

East Gippsland Field Days Agricultural Scholarship (Lindenow Lions Club)

YEAR 11 ACCELERATED (VCE UNITS 3&4)

Emma Fincher

Lindenow Lions Visual Arts Award (in memory of Bryan Smith)

Izaac Alleaume

Jack Moss Olivia Greer

Most Outstanding TAFE Gippsland Student

Ruth Fairweather

Neal Wilson Music Scholarship

Daniyal Kashif Elijah Alleaume Jillian McKenna Ayla Seymour

Salesian Award of Excellence

William Tanner

School Sports Victoria Academic & Sporting Achievement Award

Josephine Antonopoulos

Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program

Psychology

VET EXCELLENCE AWARDS Furniture Making Pathways – Year 1

Oliver Simpson (Year 11)

Furniture Making Pathways – Year 2

Trae Alsop (Year 12)

Sport, Aquatics and Recreation – Year 1

Harley Young (Year 10)

Sport, Aquatics and Recreation – Year 2

Elise Meyn-McKay (Year 12)

Hospitality – Year 1

Lily Reddick (Year 11)

Hospitality – Year 2

Sophie Hamilton (Year 12)

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House Excellence Awards 2025 Presentation Ceremony Awards

JUNIOR HOUSE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

SENIOR HOUSE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Avila

Lucy Hawkins (Year 9) Campbell Hardy (Year 8)

Alana Chila (Year 12) Danika van Deventer (Year 12)

Bosco

Alyssa Holland (Year 9) Sebastian Gray (Year 9)

Elizabeth Gray (Year 11) Mikayla Holland (Year 11)

Chisholm

Sisilia Tuisue (Year 8) Anabelle Nelsson (Year 8)

Gabrielle Atentar (Year 12) Tayah Alsop (Year 10)

MacKillop

Jillian McKenna (Year 9) Haylee McKinnon (Year 10)

Ashley Atkinson (Year 12) Grace McKenna (Year 11)

Newman

Alexandra O’Brien (Year 9) Isla Campbell (Year 9)

Amber Mazon (Year 12) George Ioakim (Year 12)

Polding

Lucy Bradley (Yr 8)

Sonia Yomo (Year 12) Lily Seymour (Year 12)

Xavier

Lachlan McGrath (Yr 8) Lucy Simpson (Yr 9)

Andrejs Bishop (Year 12) Layla Chapman (Year 11)

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Junior School

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Xavier House Miss Rachel Prince – House Coordinator

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Middle School

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Xavier House Miss Rachel Prince – House Coordinator

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Senior School

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Xavier House Miss Rachel Prince – House Coordinator

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Religious Education Mrs Rose Lee, Assistant Principal Catholic Identity & Mission

Catholic Identity and Religious Education are central to our mission, guiding the spiritual, moral, and ethical growth of our school community. Embedded in Gospel values, we nurture faith, service, and a deeper connection to the Church’s mission.

STRENNA 2025

NEW VISION AND MISSION

OUR MISSION STATEMENTS

As a Salesian school, Nagle College wholeheartedly embraces the Salesian way, drawing inspiration from the Strenna each year to bring our charism to life. The Strenna for 2025—“Anchored in Hope. Pilgrims with young people.” encourages us to open our hearts and transform challenges into opportunities.

As part of Nagle College’s rebranding journey, a committee was formed to create a vision statement that truly reflects our school’s identity and values. The journey began with brainstorming sessions that revealed four core elements of the Nagle Identity: our Catholic heritage, our role in mentoring students, the importance of lifelong learning, and our mission to shine light into the world. The committee examined our previous vision and mission statements, studied examples from other schools, and established clear goals for what we hoped to achieve.

To support this vision, the committee developed four mission statements, providing clear direction on how to achieve our vision.

The Salesian Strenna 2025, “Anchored in Hope. Pilgrims with Young People,” is a gift that sets the vision for the new year, continuing Don Bosco’s tradition of guiding young people with faith and optimism. The anchor symbolises hope, providing stability and security amid life’s uncertainties while also encouraging courage, movement, and change.

Hope must be made visible through concrete actions: •

Promoting peace in a world marked by conflict and war.

•

Inspiring enthusiasm for the future, encouraging young people to dream and share their vision.

•

Being signs of hope for those facing hardships.

•

Offering care and support to the sick.

•

Accompanying and empowering youth, as they are the very embodiment of hope and the future of the Church and society.

•

Extending compassion to migrants, the elderly, and those who feel abandoned.

As Pope Francis urges, we must walk alongside the young with renewed passion, ensuring they are not disappointed but instead nurtured and empowered as the joy and hope of the Church and the world.

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These statements represent the collective wisdom and dedication of our entire community, ensuring that every word reflects the Nagle Identity.

Through small group work and larger discussions, every member contributed their experiences and perspectives. The committee was intentional about selecting vocabulary that would resonate with students, parents, and staff alike. Each word was carefully considered for its deeper meaning and associations, with particular attention paid to ensuring the language applied to all members of our community. Students Grace McKenna and Madeline Thomson were part of the team and played an instrumental role in launching the new Vision and Mission with staff and students, bringing invaluable student perspective to the development process. The result of this dedicated work is our new vision statement:

VISION

Inspired by Christ, we guide young people to learn for life and shine light into the world.

MISSION STATEMENTS

With words and actions inspired by Jesus, Don Bosco, and Nano Nagle, we build a community shaped by faith, hope, and love.

We educate with the heart and provide innovative, inclusive pathways to empower students to live with respect, responsibility, and excellence.

We encourage curiosity, resilience, and empathy so students thrive and build meaningful connections in an ever-changing world.

We help young people discover their gifts, act with kindness and embrace a spirit of service.

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Religious Education Mrs Rose Lee, Assistant Principal Catholic Identity & Mission

BEGINNING OF A NEW YEAR - STAFF MASS, ST MARY’S BAIRNSDALE

COFFEE AND CHARISM MORNING: A WARM WELCOME TO OUR YEAR 7 FAMILIES

The year commenced with a Mass at St. Mary’s Primary School, uniting the school and parish community in prayer. Father Mark Hughes served as the celebrant, and Nagle College staff provided beautiful music. This gathering was a meaningful opportunity to come together in faith, setting a reflective and hopeful tone for the year ahead.

The annual Coffee and Charism Morning has become a cherished tradition at Nagle College, offering a meaningful and welcoming start to the school year. This event brings together Year 7 parents and carers for a time of reflection, connection, and community. Gathering in Don Bosco Chapel, families participated in a welcoming liturgy that introduced them to the heart of our College’s mission. Our Junior Coordinator for Religious Education, Mrs. Josie Boland, warmly welcomed attendees, sharing insights into the significance of belonging to a faithfilled Catholic community. Mrs. Boland spoke about the legacy of Nano Nagle, founder of the Presentation Sisters, and how her vision continues to inspire our College today. She also provided a thoughtful reflection on the Salesian charism, highlighting the values that shape our community, guide our students in their faith and learning journey, and strengthen our sense of belonging to the Salesian family. The liturgy focused on the hopes and dreams parents and carers hold for their children as they begin their secondary school experience. Following this reflective moment, families enjoyed a relaxed morning tea in the Don Bosco Garden. We are grateful to all who joined us and look forward to journeying together in faith, learning, and community throughout the year.

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LAUNCH OF PROJECT COMPASSION On Tuesday, 4th March, Nagle College proudly participated in the 2025 Project Compassion Launch at Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College in Leongatha. Representing our College at this event were College Captains Banjo Jackson and Amber Mazon, Vice Captains Ecco McLeod Kourie and Victoria Collins, and Faith and Justice Captains Grace McKenna and Deb Griffiths. The Launch provided a valuable opportunity for student leaders to deepen their understanding of Caritas Australia’s global impact. The students engaged in discussions about the transformative work of Caritas, which provides aid, advocacy, and sustainable development programs to vulnerable communities worldwide. A key highlight of the event was Caritas presenter, who shared inspiring stories of resilience and hope from people whose lives have been changed through Caritas initiatives. Through real-life examples, students gained a greater appreciation of how compassion, generosity, and action can make a tangible difference in the world. The launch was blessed by Bishop Greg, who led a liturgy, calling on all present to reflect on their role in building a more just and compassionate world. The liturgy reinforced the importance of Project Compassion and highlighted the theme ‘Unite against Poverty, this Lent.’

ASH WEDNESDAY LITURGY: A TIME FOR REFLECTION AND RENEWAL Our Nagle College community came together to recognise Ash Wednesday with a Liturgy. This significant occasion marked the beginning of Lent, a season of prayer, reflection, and renewal. Our Don Bosco Youth Ministry team led the liturgy with reverence, guiding us in prayer and reflection. Staff members also took part in the celebration, assisting with the distribution of ashes, a symbol of our commitment to spiritual growth and renewal. The liturgy provided a meaningful opportunity to pause and reflect on our personal Lenten journey. A key focus of the service was Project Compassion, reminding us of our responsibility to help those in need and live out the values of compassion, justice, and love in our daily lives. We are grateful to all who contributed to this special gathering, especially our Don Bosco Youth Ministry team, for their leadership in making this liturgy a prayerful experience for our College. As we continue through the Lenten season, may we embrace this time as an opportunity for growth, generosity, and a deeper connection with our faith.

Inspired by the event, our student leaders returned to Nagle College eager to champion Project Compassion within our school community. Over the Lenten season, students and staff will have the opportunity to engage in fundraising efforts and awareness campaigns, continuing our commitment to helping those in need.

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Religious Education Mrs Rose Lee, Assistant Principal Catholic Identity & Mission

RETREATS Year 7 and 8 — Salesian Reflection Days All Year 7 & 8 students participated in a Salesian Reflection Day in March. These retreat days were engaging and interactive experiences designed to deepen students’ understanding of the Salesian spirit and their place within the Salesian family. They also learned about St. John Bosco, the founder of the Salesians, and his inspiring mission. Led by Father Brian Ahern sdb and Emma Rigo, Salesian Youth Coordinator from Melbourne, the day featured a range of fun and dynamic group activities. These activities developed teamwork, built friendships, and strengthened the students’ sense of belonging within the Salesian community. It was a day filled with joy, connection, and the spirit of Don Bosco!

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Year 9 and 10 Retreat — The Passionist Youth Retreat Team The 2025 Year 9 and 10 Retreat Days were a meaningful and memorable experience for students. Led by the Passionist Youth Retreat Team and guided by Father Luke Bulley and Mr Tanis Normington, the retreats provided students a valuable chance to build stronger relationships and engage in thoughtful conversations with fellow peers. Throughout the day, students participated in activities that encouraged connection, reflection, and a sense of community. These moments contributed to a space where each student felt respected and acknowledged. Each retreat day ended with a focus on Catholic identity. Students explored gratitude, reconciliation and brought liturgy to life through practical actions. These experiences deepened their understanding of compassion, empathy, and the role of faith in everyday life.

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Religious Education Mrs Rose Lee, Assistant Principal Catholic Identity & Mission

Year 12 Retreat — A time for reflection, faith, and connection This year, our Year 12 students spent three days at Coonawarra Farm Resort, immersed in an environment that encouraged reflection and connection. The retreat provided a relaxed and informal setting where students could take time to reflect on their life’s journey, engage in meaningful discussions with peers, and deepen their self-awareness. A highlight of the retreat was the inspiring session with guest speaker Sam Clear and Marcel Koper on Day 1. Sam engaged students in interactive discussions about the need for hope in our lives and the importance of being open to receiving help. He encouraged reflection on understanding our purpose in life and how easily we can lose focus or direction.

Year 11 Retreat — Sam Clear, Walk 4 One In May, the Year 11 Retreat was held in Don Bosco Chapel, offering students a meaningful day of reflection, inspiration, and connection. The retreat was led by Mr Sam Clear, an adventurer, missionary, speaker, and author, who captivated students with the incredible story of his 15,600 kilometre pilgrimage over 568 days to promote Christian unity. His journey spanned South, Central and North America, and continued through Russia from Moscow to the western coast of Spain, on foot and by train. Speaking in the sacred space of the College chapel, Sam shared powerful reflections on the challenges he faced, including language barriers, life-threatening situations and physical exhaustion.

Throughout the retreat, students were involved in hands on team-building activities and prayerful moments. A special highlight was the Thursday evening Mass, celebrated by Father Mark Hughes. It was wonderful to welcome staff who travelled from school to join us for Mass and dinner. The retreat also provided students with valuable opportunities to strengthen friendships and celebrate their final year of schooling through a range of activities, including flying fox, swimming, giant swing, and archery. This experience was a reminder of the importance of taking time for spiritual renewal, gratitude, and personal reflection. Thank you to all the staff and students who contributed to making this retreat a meaningful journey.

The day also featured a variety of fun and hands-on activities that encouraged teamwork, personal reflection and spiritual engagement. Students found Sam’s stories captivating and enjoyed the interactive elements of the retreat.

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FATHER ROB GALEA We experienced a day filled with joy and inspiration when Fr Rob Galea and Jason Giuliani visited our school. The day began with professional development for staff, before Fr Rob and Jason worked with our Liturgical Music and choir students to share their passion for bringing faith to life through song.

CELEBRATING OUR SALESIAN CHARISM — PROFESSIONAL LEARNING FOR STAFF The College was privileged to welcome Fr Chris Ford, a Salesian priest, and Mrs Janet Coombes, Head of Two Wells Campus at Xavier College Gawler, for a deeply enriching Salesian Spirituality Day with staff.

The entire school then gathered in the hall for a special celebration, where our liturgical music and choir students showcased what they had learned. Fr Rob and Jason’s great enthusiasm and zest for the love of Jesus through music was evident throughout the performances, creating a memorable experience for all present.

Throughout this interactive professional development day, staff explored the significance of St John Bosco’s pioneering work in the Oratory and discovered how his vision continues to shape our school community today. Working collaboratively in groups, staff delved deeper into the lives and legacies of their House Patrons, strengthening both their understanding of these inspiring figures and their connection to the House system that unites our students.

PALM SUNDAY CROSSES — PARISH AND SCHOOL ACTIVITY

The day also provided an opportunity to learn about other significant Salesian saints and their important roles in supporting St John Bosco’s mission. Staff gained valuable insights into the Salesian Charter and how the spirit of the Oratory informs our whole-school approach to education.

An excellent example of community partnership during Lent, our Don Bosco Youth Ministry students assisted Mrs Michelle Grimsted from St Mary’s Parish, making hundreds of crosses for distribution during the Parish Palm Sunday Mass.

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This engaging day of teamwork and discovery reinforced our commitment to educating in the Salesian way, following in the footsteps of St John Bosco’s vision of accompanying young people with reason, religion, and loving kindness.

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Religious Education Mrs Rose Lee, Assistant Principal Catholic Identity & Mission

COMMISSIONING MASS FOR NEW LEADERS AT NAGLE COLLEGE On Wednesday, 26th March, Nagle College held a Commissioning Mass to recognise 33 new staff leaders. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Brian Ahern, a Salesian Priest, and our Parish Priest, Fr. Joseph Abutu. Guests from DOSCEL, the School Advisory Board, the wider community, families, staff, and students attended the ceremony, reflecting the collective support for our new leaders. This significant occasion acknowledged their dedication and commitment to excellence within the college. Following the Mass, the newly commissioned staff leaders attended a luncheon with guests. Our Hospitality students were commendable as they assisted and served with the luncheon. This ceremony marked a pivotal moment for our new leaders as they stepped into their roles, contributing to the continued growth and success of Nagle College.

TRIVIA NIGHT The Don Bosco Youth Ministry Team successfully brought our school and parish communities together for an exciting Trivia Night at the Parish Centre, showcasing the leadership and creativity of our students. From start to finish, the event was entirely studentled. The Youth Ministry Team created engaging trivia questions across a variety of categories, designed promotional materials to advertise the event, and secured an impressive array of quality prizes for participants. Their dedication and hard work ensured the evening was both entertaining and well run. Local parish youth gathered for a night filled with friendly competition, laughter, and community spirit. Pizza and drinks were provided for all attendees, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that encouraged connection and fellowship. Special recognition goes to Ecco McLeod Kourie and Emily Kool, who took on the role of hosts for the evening. Their enthusiasm and confidence kept the energy high throughout the night, guiding participants through each round of questions. The success of this Trivia Night highlights the partnership between our school and parish communities. Congratulations to Miss Campagna and all the students of the Don Bosco Youth Ministry class for creating such a memorable and impactful event.

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Religious Education Mrs Rose Lee, Assistant Principal Catholic Identity & Mission

FOUNDERS’ DAY 2025 Founders’ Day 2025: A Celebration of Faith, Heritage, and Service This year’s Founders’ Day was a joyful and reflective celebration of our Salesian identity and Presentation heritage. Students and staff gathered to honour the lives of our seven House Patrons, whose examples of courage, compassion, and faith continue to inspire our community. The day began with a special Mass, featuring the ringing of the original Nagle College Bell and a homily reminding us that small acts of kindness and faith can grow into lasting impact. Beautiful music and singing enriched the prayerful atmosphere.

CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK 2025 — A CELEBRATION OF FAITH AND COMMUNITY Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Sale celebrated Catholic Education Week from Friday, 16 May to Friday, 23 May, embracing this year’s theme, Pilgrims of Hope. This theme aligns beautifully with the Jubilee Year of Hope, inviting us to journey together in faith, inspired by the Gospel message. As part of the celebrations, Mr Doherty, Ms Judy Taylor, Mrs Maureen Plunkett, and I had the privilege of representing Nagle College at the Diocesan Catholic Education Week Mass, held at St Francis Xavier College in Beaconsfield on Wednesday, 21 May. We were especially proud that students from Nagle College participated in the choir, joining voices with students from across the Diocese. It was a wonderful experience for our talented music students.

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Guests from the Catholic education community, local parish, and charitable organisations joined us, highlighting the strong partnerships that support our mission. Students demonstrated their commitment to service through generous donations to the local food pantry and fundraising for a Salesian orphanage in Mongolia. A student-led Care Fair brought energy and creativity to the day, connecting our local efforts to global mission work. The celebration concluded with a fun and memorable ice bucket challenge, rewarding the school’s successful fundraising efforts. Founders’ Day 2025 was a powerful reminder that through faith, learning, and service, we continue to let our light shine.

Throughout Catholic Education Week, students reflected on what it means to be Pilgrims of Hope, considering the many opportunities Catholic education provides. Our Don Bosco Youth Ministry students also prepared a special prayer, which was shared during morning Oratory, encouraging the school community to live out the values of compassion, hope, and service. During Catholic Education Week, we give thanks for the blessings of our faith, our community, and the hope that guides us forward. Catholic Education Week is a significant occasion across our Diocese, bringing together schools and parish communities to honour our Catholic identity and shared mission. It is a time to celebrate the vital role Catholic schools play in their local communities and the strength of Catholic education across Australia.

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Religious Education Mrs Rose Lee, Assistant Principal Catholic Identity & Mission

ADVENT/CHRISTMAS LITURGY The final day of 2025 for our students concluded with a moving liturgy celebrating Advent and the approaching Christmas season. This sacred gathering provided a meaningful opportunity for our school community to pause and reflect during this contemplative season. Advent calls us to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth through reflection, prayer, and repentance. Grounded in the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, this season reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas, a time not only of celebration but of spiritual renewal and anticipation.

FR ROB MCCULLOCH — COLUMBAN MISSIONARY It was a privilege and an honour to welcome Father Robert McCulloch to Nagle College, where he shared his story of over fifty years of missionary service in Pakistan, speaking with both the Don Bosco Youth Ministry students and the Year 7 classes. Students were deeply engaged, asking thoughtful and challenging questions that reflected their genuine interest in his experiences. Father Rob’s visit coincided with the 150th anniversary of the Salesian Mission, a timely reminder of our own call to live as people of mission. During his time in Pakistan, Father Rob played a pivotal role in enhancing healthcare and education for disadvantaged communities. He served as chairman of the board of St Elizabeth’s Hospital in Hyderabad, where he helped establish the country’s first home-based palliative care unit and an outreach medical program offering maternal care, and tuberculosis treatment. He also supported the development of a School of Midwifery, which has significantly reduced infant mortality and provided professional opportunities for Christian women. In the field of education, Father Rob founded the Centre of Academic Excellence, which provides academic, spiritual, and personal formation for hundreds of students. Many graduates have gone on to study medicine, journalism, theology, and other disciplines, transforming not only their own futures but also those of their families and communities. Father Rob’s visit reminded us of the power of faith in action and encouraged us to reflect on how we can continue to serve others with compassion, courage, and hope.

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GRADUATION MASS Graduation marks not only an academic milestone but also brings together our College community in celebration and tradition. On Friday 19th October, we gathered for a prayerful final Mass to farewell our Year 12 cohort, with celebrants Fr Joseph Abutu and Fr Mark Hughes leading the liturgy. This special Mass provided a fitting and meaningful way to conclude the final days of our graduating students’ journey in our Catholic school community.

As our students depart for the Christmas break, they carry with them the spirit of Advent and the values it represents, ready to embrace the new year with renewed faith and purpose. Year 10-12 Religious Education Report: Senior Coordinator’s Reflection. Senior Religious Education classes focused on what it means to be Christian in the world today. Year 10s explored the history of the Church, Catholic Social Teachings and the example of St Mary MacKillop. Shine students looked at Christian ethics in the sporting field, the search for meaning, pilgrimage and the plight of refugees. This year also saw the return of a VCE Units 1 and 2 Religion and Society class. The Don Bosco Youth Ministry Team also provided a number of opportunities for students to support our school, local and worldwide communities. Some of these activities included the making of the Palm Sunday leaf crosses for the parish, designing the Salesian planter wraps. Their greatest achievements were the planning and running of the Don Bosco Care Fair as part of Founders’ Day and the parish Trivia Night, both outstanding successes. The Care Fair raised funds for the Don Bosco Caring Centre in Mongolia, who we have continued a connection with, sending personalised greeting cards to the boys who live there ahead of Christmas. The Team also ran a Christmas Card making session with students at St Mary’s Primary School and prepared and ran their first liturgy for the incoming year 7 students on Orientation Day. Miss Celeste Campagna RE Curriculum Coordinator – Senior (10-12)

Year 7–9 Religious Education Report: Junior Coordinator’s Reflection This year has been both busy and rewarding as our Year 7–9 students have continued to develop their knowledge, understanding, and skills in Religious Education, while also exploring what it means to live out their faith in practical ways. A highlight for both Year 7 and Year 8 was their Retreat experience, presented by a member of the Salesian Order, Fr Brian Ahern and his Youth Team. Students learned about St John Bosco, his life, his mission, and his commitment to nurturing the spiritual and personal growth of young people. This experience supported our students in reflecting on how faith can guide their own actions and relationships. In the classroom, Year 7 students explored several foundational topics. They created their Jesus Shields, a creative way to investigate Jesus’ life, mission, and values. They also examined the importance of rituals, with a particular focus on Baptism, and studied inspiring historical role models who lived out the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Year 8 students focus on ways to build the Kingdom of God and considered how the Gospel values can shape responses to real-world issues such as bullying, stereotyping, and caring for the environment. They also researched contemporary Social Justice organisations, evaluating how their vision and mission align with Catholic Social Teaching. Another significant area of learning was the life and influence of St Paul, especially his role in spreading Christianity beyond the land of Jesus. For Year 9, the year centred on deepening biblical understanding. Students investigated the communities of the four Gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, to understand how each audience shaped the way Jesus is presented as their Saviour. They also explored the Trinity as a profound symbol of love between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In addition, they examined the Church’s teachings on creation and stewardship, comparing these with the rich understandings of kinship and stewardship found in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Across all year groups, students were encouraged to ask questions, think deeply, and actively engage with the traditions that shape our Catholic identity. It has been a privilege to witness their growth as learners and as young people seeking to understand their place in God’s story. Josie Boland, Year 7–9 Coordinator

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English Ms Skye Smith, English Learning Area Leader

It has been another busy year in English. In Term 1, all students participated in a Wide Reading competition, with raffle tickets given out for books read and the raffle drawn at the end of the term with prizes given to winning students. It was great to see students get competitive with how much they could read, with some Year 12 students commenting that it was a nice challenge because they used to love reading but in later years of school they found they were only reading textbooks! In Term 2, all students competed in a short writing competition – creating a news headline and article based on an image and winners were selected across Junior, Middle, and Senior school. During Term 2, Year 12 English students also took place in a seminar with Ross Huggard who has extensive experience as an English teacher, lecturer, and advisor – having worked for many years developing English textbooks and working as a VCAA examiner. This was an invaluable experience for our students to help them navigate different English exam and outcome tasks. On top of that, Year 7 Public Speaking finals ran in June and it was wonderful to see the finalists speak with confidence and passion for the city they think is the most liveable in the world.

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In Term 3, Nagle students once again took part in the Write a Book in a Day competition. Students volunteered to take part in this and worked in teams to fundraise for the Kids Cancer Project and create a children’s book within 12 hours. The students did a wonderful job preparing for this event and were highly successful in their fundraising with Team 2 becoming the second highest fundraising team across Australia, and Ruth Fairweather was named the second highest fundraising individual across Australia – an incredible achievement. In collaboration with Library staff, English also held a number of activities through Book Week and it was lovely to see many staff across the school embrace the Book Week spirit and come dressed as book characters on the final day of Book Week. A student group formed in the year to collaborate with English Learning Leaders on ideas for a refurbishment of the English area and we are so looking forward to see the changes to the English classrooms in 2026! Exciting times ahead!

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Mathematics Mrs Ruth Kissick, Mathematics Learning Area Leader

2025 has been a year of growth, challenge, and excitement within the Mathematics Faculty at Nagle. Our classrooms have been filled with curiosity, problemsolving, and plenty of “aha” moments as students continued to build their confidence and extend their mathematical thinking. This year we were pleased to welcome several new teachers to the Mathematics team: Lisa Geysen, Amanda Virgo (Past Nagle teacher), and Shirley Xu, each bringing fresh energy, new ideas, and a strong commitment to supporting learners at every level. Their contributions have been felt across all year groups, and we are grateful for the enthusiasm they brought to the faculty. We also said farewell to Lisa, who unfortunately moved back to Melbourne at the end of Semester 2. We thank her sincerely for the time, care, and expertise she shared with our students during her time at Nagle. A major milestone in 2025 was the introduction of Semester One and Semester Two examinations for Year 9, marking the first time this year group experienced a formal exam structure. Students rose to the challenge with maturity and determination. Many used the opportunity to refine their revision habits, strengthen their understanding, and prepare for the academic expectations of the senior years. The exams also allowed the faculty to gain valuable insights into student progress and shape future teaching and learning programs. Throughout the year, students across all year levels engaged in a wide range of mathematical activities—collaborative investigations, problem-solving tasks, technology-assisted learning, and real-world applications designed to deepen understanding and build resilience.

A BIG YEAR FOR ASSESSMENT One of the major milestones in 2025 was the introduction of formal Semester 1 and Semester 2 examinations for Year 9. For many students, this was their first experience with high-school-style exam conditions, and they approached it with maturity and resilience. The exams provided valuable feedback to help guide learning and prepare students for the more rigorous assessment formats in the senior years.

DATA, GROWTH, AND ACHIEVEMENT Across the school, students engaged in several important assessment programs: Year 7 & Year 9 NAPLAN Students demonstrated strong improvement in numeracy results, with many achieving above their predicted growth bands. PAT Testing for Years 7–10 PAT Maths continued to be a key tool for monitoring progress and identifying strengths. Students across all levels showed excellent growth, reflecting steady effort and a strong engagement with classroom learning. These results help shape our teaching, guide targeted support, and celebrate student improvement throughout the year. The Mathematics Learning Team has consistently demonstrated adaptability, dedication, and a commitment to student success. The team’s accomplishments this year, including achieving excellent results in competitions and preparing for curriculum changes, showcase its strength and resilience. With clear goals and a focus on collaboration, the team is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the coming year. Thank you to all the team for their support over the last 3 years. Best wishes to Chris Kool as the new learning area leader.

STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS

STAFF QUOTES

“The Year 9 exams were tough, but I felt proud when I realised how much I’d improved.”

“The best part of teaching Maths this year has been watching students gain confidence — that moment when a concept ‘clicks’ is unbeatable.” — Ms Virgo

“I really enjoyed using the calculator for trig for the first time — it made me feel like a real mathematician.” “Maths games and group challenges were my favourite part — especially beating my friends!”

LOOKING AHEAD The Mathematics Faculty is proud of all students for their dedication throughout 2025. With new staff, new systems, and ongoing commitment to improvement, we look forward to an exciting year ahead filled with curiosity, problem-solving, and plenty of mathematical discovery.

“I loved the curiosity students brought to problem-solving. Their questions made every lesson feel alive.” — Ms Xu

Distinction Recipients Two students received a Distinction, placing them in the top 20% of participants across the country. Elaine Wheeler Xanthea Whitfield Credit Recipients

AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION Earlier this year around 40 students from Nagle took part in the Australian Mathematics Competition – a national event, with over 300,000 students from more than 30 countries, that challenges students with engaging and thoughtprovoking mathematical problems. We are proud that 15 of our students achieved outstanding results, earning either a Credit or a Distinction. We recognise and celebrate their achievements. Well done to all who participated, and we look forward to a strong competition next year!”

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“Our students showed incredible persistence. It’s been inspiring to watch them tackle challenges head-on.”­— Ms Geysen

The following students, achieved a Credit, placing them in the top 55% nationally.

Lincon Armstrong Oliver Hellisen Huzaifa Kashif Olakiitan Owolabi Campbell Hardy Daniyal Kashif Jillian McKenna Tiannah Mekken Alexandra O’Brien Nicholas O’Kelly Desmond Hine Xavier Morrison Izaac Alleaume A huge congratulations to all on your fantastic results!

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Languages Katherine Brown, Languages Learning Area Leader

2025 was an exciting year in Languages, highlighted by the Melbourne Immersion Trip for Year 9–11 Japanese and Italian students. Visits to the National Gallery of Victoria, hands-on food experiences, and cultural exploration across Melbourne helped bring classroom learning to life. Students gained a deeper appreciation of Japanese and Italian history, art, and contemporary culture.

YEAR 8 CULTURAL DAY Another highlight was the Year 8 Cultural Day, where students rotated through workshops featuring language games, cultural crafts, and food experiences celebrating Japanese and Italian traditions. Their enthusiasm and teamwork made the day a great success. Across all year levels, students demonstrated curiosity, respect, and a genuine passion for language learning. We look forward to building on these rich cultural experiences in 2026.

STUDENT REFLECTIONS TIANNAH MEKKEN (YEAR 9 ITALIAN) On Friday, October 10th, the Italian and Japanese classes set off at 6am for a full day of cultural immersion in Melbourne. After arriving, the Italian students walked to the National Gallery of Victoria, where guides introduced them to artworks connected to Italian culture and history. Students then created their own Italian-inspired art pieces. A delicious lunch at Lygon Street followed—green olives, warm focaccia, and mozzarella pizza that many called the highlight of the day. The Italian migration walking tour brought history to life, showing how Italian communities shaped Melbourne and transformed Lygon Street into Australia’s “mini-Italy.” Despite the cold weather, students enjoyed gelato before boarding the train home—much quieter than the excited trip in.

RAMONA BADY-CAMPBELL & ELLIE SMEAL (YEAR 11 JAPANESE) National Gallery of Victoria – Japanese Exhibition The NGV’s large Japanese exhibit featured stunning woodblock prints, pottery, folding screens, and contemporary artworks. Students were struck by the delicacy, symbolism, and storytelling in Japanese art—so different from Western styles. Walking through the gallery felt like stepping into a world of mythology, nature, and samurai legends.

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Japanese Consulate Visit Students learned about the important role of consulate staff— translating documents, organising events, and supporting Japanese residents in Melbourne. They also discovered opportunities for future study, exchange programs, and employment in Japan. A highlight was watching classmates try on traditional kimono and yukata, with plenty of assistance required but beautiful results. Lunch at Dotonbori At Dotonbori, a traditional Japanese teppan-style restaurant, students chose between okonomiyaki, yakisoba, and yakimeshi. Meals were cooked right in front of them, offering insight into Japanese cooking techniques. The entrée, main meal, and iced matcha were standouts— fresh, authentic, and delicious. Origami & Calligraphy Workshops Led by the friendly and skilled Yuuma-sensei, students learned calligraphy brushstrokes and wrote the characters for “Japan” and “Fireworks.” Origami followed, with creations ranging from hearts and dogs to Pikachu and a challenging paper bird. The workshops were fun, hands-on, and deeply engaging. Hello Kitty Café To finish the day, the group visited the Hello Kitty Café at Melbourne Central. With cute Sanrio-themed décor and character-themed tables, it was a delight. Students enjoyed themed snacks and drinks—everything from marshmallow cake pops to strawberry matcha lattes—before browsing the merchandise.

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Science Jacinta Symons, Science Learning Area Leader

NAGLE COLLEGE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT – A YEAR OF DISCOVERY AND INNOVATION! 2025 has been an incredible year for Science at Nagle College, filled with curiosity, hands-on learning, and exciting opportunities for our students.

BIG SCIENCE COMPETITION Our year kicked off with the BIG SCIENCE competition, where all Year 7 students participated alongside keen scientists from Years 8–10. With approximately 180 students involved, this event showcased the enthusiasm and talent within our school community. Congratulations to everyone who took part!

NATIONAL SCHOOLS TREE PLANTING DAY In July, every student from Years 7–12 contributed to sustainability by planting a tree in the Nagle Rainforest. This initiative not only enriched our environment but also strengthened our commitment to caring for our planet.

VCE PSYCHOLOGY AT MELBOURNE ZOO Our VCE Psychology students ventured to the Melbourne Zoo, observing animal behavior and exploring how rules and routines shape interactions. This real-world experience brought classroom theory to life in a fascinating way.

YEAR 10 FORENSIC SCIENCE & CHEMISTRY EXCURSION Year 10 students visited Quantum Victoria, diving into forensic science and chemistry through interactive workshops. These sessions sparked curiosity and gave students a glimpse into cutting-edge scientific applications.

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SCIENCE WEEK – OUT OF THIS WORLD! Science Week was a spectacular celebration of discovery, aligned with this year’s theme. Lunchtimes in the library featured space movies and documentaries, while the hill became a launchpad for thrilling water rocket competitions. The highlight? A crowd-pleasing demonstration of elephant toothpaste, leaving everyone in awe!

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING – QUESTACON STEM PD! Our Science teachers also embraced innovation through professional development at Questacon, exploring STEM concepts in “Catching the Wind.” They designed and tested windmills, bringing fresh ideas back to the classroom to inspire students in renewable energy and engineering design.

LOOKING AHEAD – VICTORIAN CURRICULUM 2.0 Behind the scenes, teachers have been busily planning new units to align with the implementation of Victorian Curriculum 2.0 in 2026. This forward-thinking approach ensures our students will continue to experience engaging, contemporary science education that prepares them for the future. A huge thank you to our dedicated Science teachers and lab technicians, whose hard work and creativity made these experiences possible. Your passion inspires the next generation of scientists every day. Here’s to another year of exploration, innovation, and wonder in Science at Nagle College!

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Outdoor & Environmental Studies Year 12 Student Ecco McLeod - Kourie

OUTDOOR AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES — SOURCE TO SEA 2025 My name is Ecco and our Year Twelve Outdoor Ed class hiked, biked and canoed down the Mitchell River as part of our Source to Sea expedition. We were gone for a total of five days and four nights starting at the top of the Mitchell River, at Angusvale and all the way down to the mouth of the river, the end of the Eagle Point Silt Jetties. Let’s dive into each day! Monday morning, we left Nagle College, with all our gear double and triple checked all packed into the trailer. We then took an hour bus drive to the Angusvale campground stopping at the Angus McMillan memorial at Iguana creek halfway, to read and learn about his impact on East Gippsland. Once we arrived at Angusvale, we grabbed our hiking packs out of the trailer and sat down to learn about the role and actions of Mitchell River National Park ranger Ollie. Then the start of our trek began along the Angusvale track, it was a quick 8 k’s of gentle climbing and descending with a stop at the Slalom rapids for some key knowledge. We arrived at camp for the night at Jergenson point around mid-afternoon. Once we arrived we had a quick debrief before setting our tents up and going for a swim in the Mitchell River and enjoying the rest of the afternoon. As it started getting dark, we cooked our dinners and played a few rounds of Mafia which has to be one of the funniest camp games you can do, then off to bed for a long day of hiking on Tuesday.

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Tuesday, we woke up to the sounds of the local birds and swiftly packed up and did our warmup game before leaving Jergenson point and continuing our hike. Starting with a steep ascent to the peak of the mountain, then a calm walk along the fire road before continuing back up and down the various mountains and finally, one last steep ascent before arriving at the amphitheatre rapids viewpoint. Once at the viewpoint we took in the scenic landscape and Jemma taught us all about the amphitheatre rapids, the hardest and most dangerous rapid along the whole Mitchell River at a Grade 4 level, there are only 5 levels. From there we had a very short stroll to Billy Goat Bend campground for lunch. The rest of the afternoon was a fun descent down towards the Den of Nargun with another swim as we entered the park to cool off. After the much-needed swim the boys and girls split off, the girls went with Jemma towards the Den of Nargun to learn its significance, whilst the boys strolled up the hill to the car park with Mr Morgan and Mr Whibley. After everyone regrouped at the carpark we made our way down to the Echo Bend caravan park around late afternoon. Once we arrived we were surprised with rewards of soft drink for our 21kms of hiking that we had completed and cake to celebrate Leah’s birthday. Next, we set out our tents and cooked up some dinner, and afterwards we played another game of Mafia before heading to bed for the night.

As Wednesday rolled around we crawled out of bed sore and tired but ready to tackle another day as after this morning there was no more hiking for the rest of the camp. After smashing down some breakfast and getting our gear on we made our way across the bushland and down to The Old Mitchell River Weir. We then climbed up on top of the weir and Mr Morgan informed us of its swift use before it then collapsed. After climbing back down we swam across the river through where the old damn used to rest with our bags above our heads. Once on the other side we ate our snacks and continued up with a decent walk to the top of the hill, where we were met with the Nagle van and a trailer packed with bikes. We then got our biking gear on and road down to Lindenow through the flats, then towards Nagle College, stopping our ride at the Calulu bridge. Here we put our bikes back on the trailer and ate our lunch under the shade of the bridge. After smashing down lunch, we got into our canoeing gear and pulled them off the second trailer and into the Mitchell River. Jumping into the canoes we spent the rest of the afternoon lazing down the river until our eventual arrive at the Nagle College rainforest where we rafted up in the late afternoon. We grabbed our other gear out of the trailer and set up camp for the night, then before dinner Mrs Costin surprised us with some much-needed icy poles and more cake as we were celebrating the 10-year anniversary of this very camp. Afterwards Mr Morgan taught us a new game. It is something you must experience for yourself as it is so funny but keeps you on your toes. Once finished we took a stroll through the Nagle rainforest to spot a wildlife activity which unfortunately we had none, so we jumped into bed again ready for the next day.

Waking up Thursday everyone was in the flow of our morning rituals and quickly packed up. Jumping back in our rafts we made our way down the Mitchell River to Picnic Point farm where Mary Baldwin informed us on the very complicated and specific ways to grow their apples to perfection and how they use the water from the Mitchell River. After our tour we were given some apples to munch on. Switching back to our bikes we rode along the Mitchell River, past the Doghole which is where steamboat used to park and turn around and ate some lunch at the old Bairnsdale swimming pool right beside the river. After lunch we then biked up the hill and through Bairnsdale to the Gunai Kurnai Keeping Place where Rob Hudson lectured us as we bombarded him with questions of the history of our Gunai Kurnai community. After leaving with a lot of local knowledge we continued our ride towards Howitt Park to visit the scar tree, a 170-year-old canoe tree, and the second Angus McMillan shrine.

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After taking the big yellow slide back down the hill we continued our ride towards Paynesville where we split off and switched back to canoes. We then spent the remainder of the afternoon canoeing down the Mitchell River and out towards the silt jetties where we crossed over the barrier into lake king and then towards the Eagle Point Caravan Park. We finally arrived in the caravan park around mid-afternoon after carrying our canoes up the hill and into our camp area. Again, setting up our tents and drying our clothes out before having a nice warm shower, and the cherry on top some more icy poles from Mrs Costin. Thanks Mrs Costin. We ate some dinner, played the shoe game and jumped into bed knowing we would be all wrapped up for camp tomorrow. As expected, waking up Friday everyone packed up very quickly knowing that tonight we would be back in our own beds. So once done we packed the trailer and brought the canoes back down to Lake King, we then rafted up and headed towards the barrier for a talk from the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.

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They bribed us with lots of chocolate, so a lot of questions were asked, and we learnt a lot about their impact on the Mitchell River and the wider area. Once finished we brought our canoes over the road into the Mitchell River where we then had our last paddle to the final jetty along the silt jetties. We quickly packed up the canoes onto the trailer and ended the camp by swimming out the mouth of the Mitchell River symbolising the end of our expedition. After gathering our thoughts and making it back to land we snapped the iconic Source to Sea picture and jumped into the van to head to the Grand Terminus for a pub feed. We then arrived at the pub and demolished our feeds whilst thanking Jemma, Bee, Mr Whibley and Mr Morgan for the camp and experience. All in all, the camp was an incredible five-day journey down the Mitchell River, combining hiking, biking, and canoeing to explore our natural and cultural landscape. This expedition not only tested our outdoor skills but also deepened our appreciation for the natural world and the interconnectedness of environment, culture, and community.

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Technologies

Humanities

Angela Costello, Technologies Learning Area Leader

Mrs Jenna O’Rourke, Humanities Learning Area Leader

It has been another exciting and innovative year in the Technology Department, with students building practical skills, creativity and real-world understanding across Textiles, Wood, Food Technology, and Digital & Systems Engineering. In Textiles, Year 7 students developed foundational sewing skills while creating patchwork cushion covers. Year 8 explored Japanese Shibori dyeing, applying traditional techniques to produce beautifully patterned tote bags. Year 9 extended their design thinking through fashion illustrations of pyjamas they constructed, alongside a zip cosmetic bag and hanging textile art inspired by sunrises and sunsets. Year 10 students embraced sustainability by upcycling old garments into new creations and designing a second garment that reflected their personal style and advanced skills. In the Wood Rooms, Year 7 students focused on workshop safety and tool use while constructing a pencil box. Year 8 designed and built creative lamps with impressive individuality. Year 9 produced functional bedside tables, refining construction and finishing techniques, while Year 10 students extended their craftsmanship through the design and creation of their choice which lead to some amazing designs.

The Food Rooms were equally dynamic. Year 7 students learned kitchen safety, developed practical cooking skills, and partnered with the OzHarvest program to explore food security and sustainability. Year 8 investigated healthy eating habits and nutrition. Year 9 examined Indigenous Australian food flavours and their cultural significance, before travelling the globe through international cuisine studies. Year 10 focused on life skills, cooking to a budget, healthy meal planning, and creating a cookbook tailored to a specific target market. VCE Food Studies students explored the origins of food, the development of societies, food processing impacts, and gut health—including a visit to the Yakult factory. In Digital & Systems Engineering, Years 9 and 10 students designed solar heat pumps, compared wind turbine blade efficiency, created energy-efficient homes using Minecraft, and explored water filtration solutions using limited materials. VCE Systems Engineering students applied the full design process to develop innovative solutions, culminating in a comprehensive portfolio of ideas. We are incredibly proud of our students’ creativity, problemsolving and commitment to innovation throughout 2025.

HUMANITIES LEARNING AREA — LEARNING ABOUT OUR WORLD 2025 proved to be an excellent year for the Humanities Learning Area, with students engaging in rich and varied learning experiences across Business and Economics, Geography, History, and Civics and Citizenship. These subjects continued to encourage students to think critically about the world around them, past and present, while developing the skills needed to participate as informed and active citizens. A highlight for Year 7 students was their Geography fieldtrip as part of the Water in the World unit. Students explored the Mitchell River and gained a deeper understanding of how this vital waterway shapes the economic, ecological, and cultural life of East Gippsland. The excursion brought classroom learning to life and encouraged students to view their local environment through a new lens. Year 8 History students stepped back in time while studying Vikings, culminating in an immersive Viking Day. Through hands-on activities such as archery, Viking games, weaponry, and learning about crime and punishment, students experienced history in an engaging and memorable way. A Viking feast accompanied by live music rounded out a day many students will not soon forget. In Year 9 Business and Economics, students applied practical financial skills by budgeting for their first car. This task required students to weigh up the costs and benefits of borrowing versus saving, consider ongoing expenses, and justify a realistic purchase price — an invaluable introduction to real-world financial decision-making. Year 10 Law and Society students closely followed the high-profile “Mushroom Case,” using it as a lens to discuss the application and implications of criminal law in Australia. These discussions helped students connect legal theory to contemporary issues. At senior levels, all VCE Humanities subjects ran successfully in 2025, including History, Geography, Accounting, Business Management, and Legal Studies. This breadth of offerings provided students with the opportunity to pursue their interests and strengths as they prepared for future pathways and careers.

STUDENT FEEDBACK REFLECTED THE IMPACT OF HUMANITIES LEARNING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR: •

“Having studied Modern History in Year 11, I can confidently say that I understand the world so much more now than I did twelve months ago.”

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“Thanks to the teachers for organising our fieldtrip to the Mitchell River—I’d never considered that the river had such a significant role in our region.”

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“The learning that I found most interesting this year was financial literacy—the importance of managing money was highlighted, and the lesson on common financial scams was really worthwhile.”

The Humanities Learning Area looks forward to continuing to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world understanding in the years ahead.

AUSTRALIAN WAR HISTORY — HUMANITIES WITH MS HENLEY Anzac Day ceremony at Nagle - volunteer students and guest speaker Bruce Crowle WW2 veteran HMAS Australia. Remembrance Day ceremony - volunteer students and guest speaker Kris Van Garderen - RAAF - former student of Nagle College. Ms Henley’s Year 9 Humanities entered and won the national prize for the. 2025 Anzac Day Schools’ Award. Following this award they were honoured by the Bairnsdale RSL with a formal luncheon and service at the Commonwealth War Graves to the Bairnsdale Cemetery. They then travelled to Melbourne to lay a wreath at the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance and a guided tour of Parliament House. The students are planning to use the $5000 prize money to extend and enhance the school Anzac garden. Many students entered the SOAP 2025 (Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize) and Lexie O’Brien was one of 12 Victorian recipients of this prestigious prize. Lexi travelled to Turkiye and walked the shores and ridges of Gallipoli as part of this prize. Charlie Moss, Blake Duffy, Nick Antonopoulos and Albie Clark received the Arthur Grassby Scholarship and walked the Kokoda Track. Volunteer students replanted the Anzac Memorial Garden at school.

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Humanities Mrs Jenna O’Rourke, Humanities Learning Area Leader

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Visual Arts Mrs Sally Bailey, Visual Arts Learning Area Leader

The focus for the Visual Arts in 2025 was to promote the many ways the area can develop skills and ways of thinking for students out of school and in their future careers. The promotion has been in the form of photos of students creating art; on the college social media platforms, the use of the digital screens informing students of career pathways in the Arts and Media and art event on the Arts notice boards. We have rewarded exemplary students through the continuation of Visual Arts Awards and prizes. Forty student’s work from all year levels was exhibited in the Gippsland Art Gallery school’s area in June and in November, seventeen artworks were displayed in the NextGen school’s exhibition in the East Gippsland Art Gallery. Year 10, 11 and 12 Art Making and Exhibiting students visited the Gippsland Art Gallery on several occasions, and in July enjoyed viewing the world level artwork displayed in the Turner and Australia exhibition, using works as inspiration and to analyse. Mr John Corby has developed the new year 10 Photography Media course to inspire students interested in digital video and photography, which could lead into a wide variety of career choices in the future.

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Year 10 Art units taught by Mrs Jenny Rawlings produced expressive two dimensional and sculptural artwork inspired by contemporary artwork explored and analysed. Other event during the year were the, Nagle has Talent Photography competition, where there were more entries in all sections than ever before, and the local Winter Festival, where lanterns were constructed and decorated during lunchtime activities for any students interested. Many colourful lanterns went home to be used in events all over East Gippsland. Over the past two years, students from the year 9 Snap, click and design units have designed personal animal totems after studying the artwork, totems and techniques of the Gunaikurnai Peoples. The final designs have been made into a long wall mural in one of the college corridors. Thank you to Toni Collins and Tania Holmes for their input into this project. I must also thank Mr David Burgess for his work in curriculum development in the junior Visual Arts classes and our Art technician, Kerri Livingstone, who was always willing to help and problem solve.

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Music Maureen Plunkett, Music Learning Area Leader

A YEAR OF PERFORMANCE AND PASSION The Music Learning Area enjoyed a vibrant and successful year, filled with performance opportunities that showcased the talent, dedication, and enthusiasm of our students. Throughout the year, music could be heard across the school and beyond, bringing our community together through live performance. Concert Bands and Choir students set the tone early with performances outside the Library, while the Showband energized audiences with a popular lunchtime concert and a standout performance at Discover Nagle. Students also represented the College at the East Gippsland Music Festival, performing alongside young musicians from across the region and gaining valuable experience in a large-scale musical event. A highlight of the year was the Rob Galea workshop and performance, where musicians and choir members worked closely with the acclaimed artist, deepening both their musical skills and appreciation for faith and creativity through music.

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Piano students shared their talents with the wider community through performances at Bairnsdale Parklands Care Community, as well as at a dedicated evening Piano Concert. Signature events such as the Annual Music Night celebrated the breadth of musical learning at the College, while the Senior Band Tour provided students with unforgettable performance experiences and strengthened ensemble bonds. Music also played a central role in key College events, including the Orientation Day Concert, Presentation Ceremony, and various community gatherings. The commitment of staff and students was summed up beautifully by one music student during Oratory: “Thank you to all the music and drama teachers for all their enthusiasm and hard work throughout this year in organising excursions, concerts and Band Tour. All the music students are incredibly grateful.” The Music program continues to thrive, offering students meaningful opportunities to grow as performers, collaborators, and confident young musicians.

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Applied Learning Victoria Shanahan, Applied Learning Area Leader

The Applied Learning program continued to flourish throughout 2025, providing students with rich experiences that supported their growth, confidence, and readiness for life beyond school. Across both Semester One and Semester Two, students completed work placements in a wide range of industries. These placements allowed them to explore potential career pathways, develop practical skills, and build meaningful connections with employers. Many students also achieved valuable workplace credentials, including White Cards, RSA qualifications, and other certificates that will support their transition into future employment. In Projects classes, students continued to design and create products for the Nagle Catholic College Shop. Chopping boards and charcuterie platters were standout favourites, proving especially popular at the Mother’s Day stall. These projects not only showcased students’ craftsmanship but also reinforced the importance of contributing to the school community. Students undertaking Vocational Education & Training (VET) programs made strong progress toward their qualifications this year. Many gained valuable industry exposure through off‑site Structured Workplace Learning, while some students also commenced school‑based apprenticeships as part of their VCE Vocational Major (VM) program. These authentic, hands‑on experiences continue to be a cornerstone of the Applied Learning pathway, giving students meaningful opportunities to apply their developing skills in real workplace settings. Our Personal Development Skills (PDS) students also played a vibrant role in strengthening school culture. They organised lunchtime games and activities that brought students together and created a fun, inclusive atmosphere. Later in the year, they hosted the VM Community Expo, which was a whole‑school event showcasing VM student projects. The expo was a highlight of the year, even featuring a visit from a hot rod car that drew plenty of attention and excitement.

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A major milestone in 2025 was the beginning of construction of the new Father John Borel Vocational Centre. This purpose‑ built facility will open up exciting opportunities for our Vocational Major students and support the growth of our Entrepreneurial Studies programs. The centre represents a significant investment in applied learning at Nagle and will serve as a dynamic hub for innovation, skill development, and industry‑aligned education. VET Applied Fashion: VET Applied Fashion students completed various projects aligned with their curriculum, including safety and workplace tasks, simple bags, and garment creation in their first year. Second-year students advanced to more complex garment construction, design tasks, and embellishment projects. Three students completed the course, earning a Certificate II in Applied Fashion and Technology, while one student received a Certificate of Attainment for her completed units. Students also prepared garments for entry in the Bairnsdale Show. Throughout the course, they developed skills in apparel making, design, and explored sustainable textile practices and circular manufacturing. VET Engineering: This year, the VET Engineering class included seven students (six in year two and one in year one), who gained valuable hands-on experience across various engineering processes. A major highlight was manufacturing components for a wobble engine powered by compressed air. Throughout the year, students developed skills in equipment handling, reading and interpreting plans, and measuring components accurately. They practiced using the metal lathe, milling machine, drill press, guillotine, and pan brake folder, and also had introductory experiences in welding and drill bit sharpening, refining their attention to detail and technical skills.

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Indigenous Educations Tania Holmes and Toni Collins, Indigenous Education Learning Area Leaders

This year started with an office move for the Koorie Education team. We moved into a larger stand alone, office which works much better in supporting our staff, students and their family members in a culturally safe environment. Nagle College celebrated Reconciliation week with a visit from Aunty Cath Thomas who spoke at lunch about the importance of the smoking ceremony. Cath then blessed the school with the ceremony which many staff and students participated in. It was done in the main eating and leisure space of the school which along with music playing from popular Indigenous artists gave the school a great lunchtime vibe. The students were also invited to help create a Reconciliation banner. Koorie Education staff and students have been a presence in classes delivering and supporting teachers with Indigenous perspectives across the curriculum to all year levels. Students begin the year with Koori Art on the Year 7 camp, followed by Ancient Australian Studies (Year 7) which included making boomerangs during their learning about the significance of totems to Aboriginal peoples, particularly the Gunaikurnai clans.

On the 24-25th of June 2025 staff and five students had cultural training as part of a program initiated by G.L.A.W.A.C to train individuals as local Tour Guides. The first day involved the sharing of information about potential tours, tourist data and projections and personal experiences. The following day everyone met at Raymond Island and under the guidance of Elders and expert staff we walked and talked, learning about the plants, animals and different uses of the land. We then all had a BBQ lunch together provided by G.L.A.W.A.C which was very welcome as the weather turned and we were all cold and a little wet! Koorie Education staff and school Counsellor Bernie Holmes set up a space for the Nagle College’s Discovery night to welcome new students who are having a look at the school for the next year. The children met the staff, had a look at the Nano Nagle building and participated in an Art project.

Our team celebrated two Year 12 Graduates this year with Trae Alsop and Campbell Reed completing their studies Both graduates have succeeded in securing trade apprenticeships and we wish them both well. Tayah Alsop acknowledged Country at their Grad ceremony and at Presentation Day. Our Indigenous students have had a strong presence in the schools leadership. Trae Alsop, Tayah Alsop, Campbell Reed and Annabelle Nelsson all took on leadership roles. Will Murdoch was recognised with an award in the National Geography Competition.

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Aza Wilkinson was involved in the competition “Write a book in a day “which achieved the second highest fundraising amount in Australia. Students have excelled with their participation in many of the sporting opportunities, extra curricula activities available and always enjoy the end of term celebration lunches with their friend. We wish all students happy holidays and we look forward to our incoming students in 2026.

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Careers Ms Louise Kelly, Careers and Pathways Coordinator

The Careers Department continues to play a vital role in supporting students as they develop their identities, ambitions, and pathways for life beyond Nagle. Throughout 2025, each year level participated in Pathways classes three to four times per term. These sessions focused on personal development, future planning, and the exploration of potential study, training, and employment opportunities. My sincere thanks go to the teachers who delivered these classes with such dedication and care. Their support ensures that every student begins to think meaningfully about their life after Nagle. This year also brought some exciting changes to the Careers team. In 2025, we welcomed Mrs Sally Jarrett as Careers Coordinator – Junior (Years 7–9), and Ms Jenni Howard as Vocational Pathways Counsellor. Their combined expertise strengthens the support we can offer across the school. Our VCE Vocational Major students had a particularly rich year in the careers space through their Work Related Skills and Structured Workplace Learning classes. Students engaged in a broad range of work placements—some linked directly to their VET courses, others aligned with future career aspirations. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the many employers who open their workplaces to our students each year. Your generosity makes these authentic learning experiences possible, and we are deeply grateful. In Unit 4 Work Related Skills, our Year 12 students produced outstanding professional portfolios, which will serve them well as they pursue employment or further education after graduation.

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The annual Tertiary Information Service (TIS) again visited Bairnsdale in May, with many of our Year 12s attending. This event allowed students to better understand the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) system and speak directly with representatives from a variety of tertiary institutions. For many, it also guided decisions about which university open days to attend later in the year. We were fortunate to host several university visits throughout 2025. Federation University presented to our Year 10, 11 and 12 students, while Monash University and Deakin University delivered valuable lunchtime sessions on campus. In November, a small group of students also attended a Federation University Experience Day, participating in engaging sessions in science, occupational therapy, and information technology. These sessions combined course information with interactive, hands-on activities that gave students insight into pathways they may not have previously considered. No department runs smoothly without strong administrative support, and I would like to thank Mrs Karen Dukakis, our Careers Admin Assistant, for her professionalism and ongoing assistance. Her work ensures that our programs operate efficiently and effectively. As we look ahead to 2026, I am excited about the opportunities that await our students. The Careers Department remains committed to guiding them as they discover their strengths, explore new possibilities, and prepare for their futures beyond Nagle.

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Swimming Carnival

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Athletics Carnival

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Athletics Carnival

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School Sports Victoria

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School Sports Victoria

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Do It For Dolly Day

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Nagle’s Got Talent In true Nagle Catholic College style, this year’s Nagle has Talent night was a feast for the senses. Capably controlled by the comic guidance of our two MC’s Lizzie Gray and Maddie Thomson, the evening was a combination of comic acts from students and staff to the more traditional presentations of solo instrumentals, small group vocals and bands, modern and classical dance and a very funny duel between bands. The highly entertaining evening was aptly drawn to a conclusion by Mark Fairweather telling campfire jokes and a song accompanied by his guitar. Many thanks to all the support given by staff and students in the organisation and running of the night. Congratulations to all!

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Annual Music Concert

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ANZAC Day

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Remembrance Day

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Founders Day

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Tree Planting Day

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Valedictory & Graduation

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2025 Nagle Catholic College Yearbook by Nagle Catholic College - Issuu