Year 12 Graduation

Recently, we had the Graduation Mass and Ceremony for the Graduating class of 2025.  This was followed by a Dinner Dance at the Maron Centre.

The College theme for 2025 was Pilgrims of Hope, the theme of the current Jubilee Year.  I pray that as our Year 12 students prepare to leave Antonine College, they will remain Pilgrims of Hope.

Year 12 students were reminded in the Mass that when we place God at the centre of all we do, we do not need to worry or be anxious. God is love, and His love offers us hope.  All we need to do, is have faith in God, and trust in Him. Year 12 students were also reminded that God will never abandon them.  Even if they sometimes turn away from Him, He will always be waiting for them to turn back to Him.

As Pilgrims of Hope, we send off Year 12 students praying that they are always peaceful and happy.  Three tips to help:

1. Praise God each day by praying – The Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Glory Be.  Simple prayers and simple routine, yet so important.

2. Love and care for all humanity – sometimes all you need to do is to stand by someone in need.

3. Care for God’s creation – the environment and all that God created.

I wish Year 12 students all the best for the exams and for the coming years.  

This week we marked two very important days. Today, we celebrate Antonine Day and on Friday we celebrate World Teachers’ Day.

Antonine Day

On Antonine Day, we celebrated our College and all that has been achieved.  We expressed gratitude to all the Antonine Sisters who for more than 20 years have sacrificed so much to make Antonine College a reality. This week we have the opportunity to celebrate all that the Antonine Sisters have achieved.  We are grateful for all the opportunities we have been given due to the dedication and hard work of the Antonine Sisters. We also celebrate the contribution of all the lay staff, teachers and support staff.

Sr Mariette, Sr Veronique and Sr Rita are great examples to us.  They live life humbly and in service to God and to others.

Happy Antonine Day! 

World Teachers’ Day

On Friday, we also celebrate World Teachers’ Day which commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the status of teachers.

We are reminded that “The right to education means the right to a qualified teacher”. This was the theme of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) where education is recognised as a fundamental right. Yet so many children around the world do not have access to a qualified teacher.

I ask each student to take time, especially on Friday, to acknowledge their teachers and all school staff who help with their education.  We do not just do a job: teaching is truly a vocation.

I wish you all a happy long weekend.

- Ms Joanne Bacash

Start of 2026 school year

Please see important dates below regarding the beginning of the 2026 school year. I will provide further information for booking testing appointments during January.
 

• Australia Day Public Holiday – 26 January 

• Staff return – 27 January

• F-6 Academic testing – 28 January (appointment only)

• 1-6 Academic testing – 29 January (appointment only)

• Foundation & Year 7 & VCE students return to school – 29 January

• F-12 students return to school – 30 January

Curriculum Overviews 
All year levels have communicated their Term 4 Curriculum Overview to provide families with information about the topics being covered across subject areas and events and activities that are coming up. We hope this information helps to keep families updated and connected with the learning.

Digital Technology 
The Digital Technology Handbook contains information about the BYOD program we run for iPads (Year 5-8) and MacBooks (Year 9-12). Please ensure you have read information pertaining to the requirements for your child for 2026.
Digital Technologies Handbook https://bit.ly/DigitalHandbook2025

For information about the JB Hi-Fi Educational portal please visit https://byod.jbhifi.education

Resource lists (booklists) for 2026 have been finalised and as soon as this information is available it will be forwarded to families to support preparation for 2026.

- Ms Ria Coffey

On the final day of Term 3, the students and staff of Saint Joseph Campus came together in the Stadium for a whole-school assembly. This gathering served as an opportunity to reflect on the term’s accomplishments and to celebrate the vibrant life of our College community. A variety of significant events and sporting achievements were acknowledged, highlighting the dedication and enthusiasm of both students and staff throughout the term.
 

A key focus of the assembly was to honour our Year 12 students as they approach the conclusion of their secondary education at Antonine College. We took this moment to recognise their hard work, perseverance, and the many contributions they have made during their time with us. It was also a chance for the student body to extend heartfelt best wishes as they enter the final phase of their academic journey, with revision classes and final examinations taking place in Term 4.

In the accompanying photos, you will see our Spiritus students being formally acknowledged for their successful completion of the Youth Ministry program. This achievement reflects their commitment to leadership, service, and spiritual growth within the College community.

- Ms Ria Coffey

Who can believe we are already in the final term of 2025! This term is looking to be a very exciting one with so many learning opportunities and celebrations to look forward to. We look forward to a range of events such as Swimming, Antonine Day, Camp, Hot Dog & Pyjama Day, excursions & retreats, transitions to 2026 classes, Year 6 celebrations and graduation and of course our Christmas Carols at the end of term.  

Swimming Program 

We are thrilled to share how successful our recent water safety program with Coburg Indoor Centre. Our year 3 and 4 students  eagerly embraced the opportunity to build their confidence in the water while learning essential safety skills. From swimming techniques to understanding water safety, the program was a fantastic experience for all involved. A big thank you to Mr Wylie for his coordination and support in ensuring everything ran smoothly and all our year 3 and 4 staff. From all reports, the program was a great success, and we look forward to more opportunities like this in the future. 

Car Park Fencing 

During the term break new covering material was installed along the inside of our school fence, adjacent to the car park area. 

This improvement has been made primarily to enhance the safety and security of our students. The covering helps to: 

• Increase privacy, reducing visibility into the school grounds from outside areas. 

• Create a safer environment by limiting distractions and preventing unauthorised observation of students during school hours. 

• Provide a clear boundary between the car park and student areas, helping to maintain supervision and safety at drop-off and pick-up times. 

We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to make our school environment as safe and secure as possible for all students 

Social Media changes are coming soon 

Current Social media platforms, such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook, have an age restriction of 13+.  

Research shows that early use of these apps can increase risks such as cyberbullying, anxiety, and disrupted sleep. From 10 December 2025, these age limits will increase to 16+ to better protect young people online. We encourage families to support this change to help keep our students safe and promote healthy, balanced technology use. 

SUNSMART: Wearing of  Hats 

Antonine College  - Cedar Campus is a SunSmart School and our policy reflects the recommendations of the Sun Smart organisation. The Bureau of Meteorology provides information about the times of day UV levels are forecast to reach 3 or higher, meaning that sun protection is recommended for all skin types. In Victoria UV levels regularly reach 3 or higher from mid – August to the end of April. 

 As part of general Sun Smart strategies, our school: 

• Requires all students and staff to wear hats that protect the face, neck and ears (legionnaire, broad-brimmed or bucket style) and suitable clothing whenever they are outside (e.g. break 1, break 2, sport, excursions) 

• Requires children outdoors without hats to sit in a designated shaded area during play times from the beginning of September to the end of April or whenever UV levels reach three or more. NO HAT- NO PLAY. 

 All staff and parents are encouraged to access the daily local sun protection times via the free Sun smart app, or at sunsmart.com.au or the widget on our website. 

All children are to wear hats beginning Tern 4. We will give children another week to remember that a hat will be required from now on until the end of term. 

Being SunSmart in Victoria flyer 

Year Level Structure 

When grouping students in 2026, the priority is to group students to maximise the learning environment for each child. There are multiple perspectives to take into account when organising groupings: gender balance, an even ability spread, additional needs of students and more. Each child will be with at least one, perhaps two students from their friendship group. Children have opportunities to socialise with friends before school, during breaks and during school events. The classroom is for learning. Thanks for your support in this process.  Please contact me at school to discuss any social, emotional and academic needs of your child in regard to grouping for 2026. 

- Mr Abraham Diab

As we come to the final week of October, a month dedicated to the Holy Rosary, we give thanks for the many graces received through Mary.
Mary teaches us to see the face of Jesus and to reflect on His love. Her words, “Let it be done to me according to your word,” Luke 1:38 remind us of her deep faith and trust in God.

Each Monday during Break 1, our students gather to pray the Rosary together. We also encourage them to continue this beautiful prayer at home with their families. It is a special time to honour Mary, to seek her intercession, and to ask for her blessings. 

- Sr Veronique Karam

Our First Holy Communion will be held on 30th May 2026. 

Thank you to our parents who have enrolled their child, at the beginning of next year you will receive all the information.

-Sr Veronique Karam

On Wednesday 22nd October, our Year 4 students travelled to St Joseph to attend their Retreat. The day was run by our Year 11 Youth Ministry students and was based on the theme of ‘Growing in God’s Love’. Students ran through rotations where they created clay sculptures, found the golden lost sheep and constructed bead bracelets.

- Ms Tanya Khattar

On Tuesday 7th October, students in Years 7-9 came together to celebrate Mass and reflect on Matthew 24:23–31, where Jesus reminds us to stay faithful and hopeful amid life’s challenges, trusting that God is always with us.

- Ms Tanya Khattar

On Tuesday 21st October, our Year 7 students had an incredible time taking part in the Amazing Race Retreat. It was a day full of teamwork, reflection, and fun challenges!  It gave them a taste of what’s to come, as this retreat will be one of their exciting elective options next year!

- Ms Tanya Khattar

Our Year 8 students took part in the Catch the Wave retreat on Tuesday 7th October. It was aa day designed to help them explore their faith, identity, and connection with others. Through prayer, teamwork, and reflection, students discovered what it means to “catch the wave” of God’s love and respond with courage and hope in their daily lives. This day also served as a preview to a new elective which will be offered to the students in 2026.

Our Year 9 students experienced the retreat on Tuesday 14th October and will also have the opportunity to choose the elective in 2026.

- Ms Tanya Khattar

Our Year 10 & 11 students gathered for their final year level mass of the year, celebrated by Father Richard.

The celebration was inspired by the Gospel of Matthew 24:45–51, which stood out as a reminder to stay faithful, responsible, and ready to serve others with love.

- Ms Tanya Khattar

A delicious adventure from the Dubai Chocolate Crew!

Last term, something truly sweet happened in our EAL classroom. On the 18th of September, our very own Dubai Chocolate Crew whipped up a mouthwatering treat: Strawberry Dubai Chocolate!

What’s in it, you ask? Just the most delightful combination of kadaifi, fresh strawberries, rich chocolate, and a sprinkle of Dubai magic—all in one bite! It was sticky, sweet, and yes, a little messy… but worth it.

We chopped, mixed, stirred, and maybe snuck a few bites along the way (okay, maybe more than a few!). While we were busy creating this delicious dessert, we also learned new vocabulary and practiced our English—spoon-licking multitaskers at their best!

It wasn’t just about the chocolate—it was about teamwork, creativity, and having fun together. Like true chocolate superheroes, we made it happen!

We’re so grateful to have had the chance to share our Strawberry Dubai Chocolate adventure with you. And if you ever need taste testers, you know where to find us!

Wishing you a day as sweet as our chocolate!

- Mr Nick Triantafillopoulos

On the last day of Term 3 (Friday, 19th of September), all the students at Cedar Campus headed out with their teachers to participate in Clean Up Australia’s “Great Spring Clean Up.” With all the wind and rain at this time of year, we wanted to ensure that we pick up all the chip packets and other rubbish so that they don’t blow or wash into Merri Creek or other parts of our beautiful local environment. 

Younger students cleaned up the school grounds such as the playground or oval, middle years students cleaned up the carparks and driveway, and Year 5 and 6 students walked around the outside of our school, cleaning up the footpaths and even the Merri Creek trail across the road. Participating in events such as this a couple of times a year is an important reminder of the ways we should care for Creation every day.

- Ms Mori Milholland

The Year 9 Forum took place in week 9 of last term. The aim of the project this year was to select one of the following topics: Faith and Charity, Sport the Environment, Art and technology, Architecture and First Nations in Melbourne; students were required to research one of these topics in the city of Melbourne. 

Students needed to showcase their learning and apply it in their project to form a proposal using their city research to improve on an aspect of the College, answering the following key question, ‘How can young people contribute to Antonine College after exploring the city of Melbourne?’

It was a great opportunity for the Year 9 students to be creative, independent and work in a group setting. The students explored the city with great enthusiasm, independently visiting key Melbourne city sites relevant to their project. The day concluded reverently at St Patrick’s Cathedral, where students attended the daily Mass. They were excited about taking part in a ceremony in the largest gothic Cathedral in Australia. 

At the end of the week, spectacular presentations took place with students showcasing their wonderful projects to the Year 9 cohort and school leaders, with the winning teams awarded with a trophy for their original proposals. I thank the teachers and students involved in the city visits, for their creative ideas, their enthusiasm and passion, resulting in a very successful Year 9 Forum.

- Ms Diane Farah

Our Year 9 students have been researching food allergies and intolerances and in connection to this, took part in a practical cooking class where they prepared chocolate brownies made from black beans in place of flour. This practical was aimed at exploring the idea of ingredient substitution in common recipes to cater for dietary needs. 

Although students were not so confident in what the result may be, they were all pleasantly surprised at how delicious the chocolate brownies were!

- Ms Norma Francis

Year 10 students took part in a practical cooking class focused on reducing food waste.  The class was divided into two groups with the tasks being to either use overripe bananas to make delicious muffins or making mini pizzas with a dough made from yogurt and flour and toppings which if not used, would be otherwise discarded.  

Through this practical, students explored the idea of sustainable cooking practices and the importance of minimising food waste in our own lives by being resourceful and environmentally responsible. 

- Ms Norma Francis

The Real Industry Job Interviews for all year 10 were successfully held at the Coburg Town Hall.

Antonine College students stand out as been the best dressed and prepared of all the participating schools in the area.

Year 10 started preparing after work experience then through term 3 to update their resumes, look for relevant job advertisements and write cover letters. They made the most of their time in careers lessons and assemblies where they met speakers such as Steve Roberts from MEGT who addressed them in how to prepare for interviews. Students did role plans then finally dressed for the part to attend the interviews with volunteers from industry and employment services organised by the Inner Northern Employment Network.

All the students were excited and nervous in equal measure, they prepared with relevant breathing exercises and practiced how to self manage. Students came out of the interviews feeling happy and successful.

It was a great team effort with Ms Athaide, all the year 10 careers and wellbeing teachers.

- Ms Josie Rovetto

31 October: Year 10 Formal

3 November: Staff Professional Learning Day - Pupil Free Day

4 November: Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

5 - 18 November: Year 11 Exams

5 - 7 November: Year 6 Camp

19 - 21 November: Year 11 Camp

20 - 21 November: Year 10 Exams

20 November: Year 9 Production

24 - 28 November: VCE Look Ahead

26 November: Antonine College Awards Evening

3 - 5 December: Year 7-9 Exams

3 December: Cedar Christmas Concert

9 December: Year 6 Transition Mass

Pilgrims of Hope - College Theme 2025