Pope Leo XIV visits Türkiye and Lebanon

The Pope has dedicated the month of December for praying for the Christians in war zones. He said, ‘To the Christians of Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and so many other countries, you are not forgotten, the universal Church walks with you!

Why is he concerned specifically about Christians in the Middle East?

As Pope Leo set out for his first apostolic journey to Türkiye and Lebanon, the Holy Father's prayer intention for December was released through The Pope Video. 

Pope Leo offers a prayer to the “God of peace,” in the video. This month’s prayer intention, as well as Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic journey, focus on one of the most unstable areas in the world from a political, economic, and safety perspective. According to Aid to the Church in Need’s Religious Freedom Report 2025, the number of conflicts in the Middle East and the socio-economic conditions there expose religious minorities, and Christians in particular, to a condition of extreme vulnerability.

After two years of war, the population in Palestine is beyond exhaustion. The severe economic crisis in Lebanon has driven thousands of people to emigrate, emptying parishes and schools. In Syria and Iraq, reconstruction struggles to make progress due to political instability, insecurity, and the lack of prospects for the young. And yet, in the midst of these difficulties, many small communities continue to safeguard the faith, serve the poor, and build bridges of co-existence with their neighbours who practice other religions.

The images that accompany the prayer read by the Pope tell us specifically about this. They show us examples of an unshakable faith even in the midst of the rubble. We see celebrations in Iraqi villages come back to life after the war, the extraordinary strength of the Church community of Gaza even as they are being bombed, the indispensable work of Caritas in Lebanon among the poor and refugees in neighbouring countries, the spiritual oasis offered by

Syrian monks. All of these are signs of the presence of that Holy Spirit who, as the prayer read by the Pope says, is “the source of hope in the darkest times.”

We pray for continued Christian unity in the world and we pray for interreligious dialogue and peace.  Most of all we pray for our Pope and for his Mission.

Congratulations to all students on your accomplishments this year.  Looking back, there are so many successes to celebrate.  Our College Annual which will be published soon is the best presentation of all we have done and of the community we have developed at Antonine College.  The Annual will be published on our website so stay tuned.

I wish you and your families a Blessed Christmas.  Enjoy this time with your families and ensure that you stay safe.  May 2026 be an even greater year.

- Ms Joanne Bacash

Dear Parents, Antonine College congratulates the class of 2025.  
Click here for more information. VCE Results 11 December 2025

Thank you to our sponsors, families, students, and staff for coming together to celebrate the academic achievements of our students from Foundation to Year 11 in 2025.

Guest speaker Bernadette Lando shared thoughtful reflections on living a hope-filled life. The College Choir provided musical entertainment, and Principal Joanne Bacash spoke about the Parable of the Talents from the Gospel of Matthew, encouraging students to make the most of their gifts and abilities.

Congratulations to all award recipients on your efforts and achievements throughout the 2025 school year.

- Ms Ria Coffey

This year, the University of Melbourne received more than 2,300 applications for the Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program. Students nominated for this program have demonstrated strong academic performance and community involvement.

Successful applicants will take part in a program of events and activities over the next two years, designed to support their learning and leadership development. In January, a welcome event will be held at the Parkville campus, where students will be officially welcomed into the program.

We are pleased to announce the successful candidates from Antonine College:

• Angi A

• Andre S

Congratulations to both students. We look forward to supporting you through your VCE years at Antonine.

- Ms Ria Coffey

Teachers have been busy ensuring all Semester Two Reports are completed. We were concerned with our reporting timeline, due to the problems experienced with access to SIMON and PAM. Thankfully we are back on track, and I appreciate the patience and understanding while one of our key platforms was inaccessible and the subsequent impact on workflow and administration. For families, teachers and Office Admin it has been a headache!

We are scheduled to release reports on Thursday 11 December. Please see the link below to a short video unpacking the features of the reports and reach out if you have any questions.

https://bit.ly/Report-Guide-for-Families2025

- Ms Ria Coffey

Staff and students at Saint Joseph Campus gathered in the Mother Isabelle Khoury Stadium for the final assembly of the year. This event also marked the last day of school for our Year 10 and Year 11 students, following a week of VCE Look Ahead classes. These classes play a vital role in preparing students for Unit 1 and Unit 3 coursework, as well as providing holiday homework to set them on the right path for the 2026 academic year.

During the assembly, we celebrated and acknowledged student achievements in a variety of areas, including:

• Participation in VALTA Awards

• 2026 Student Leadership Team

• Anthony Cianflone’s Endeavour Awards (Emma A & Julian F)

• House Points Winners (Nassar House)

• Sports Awards and Participation (Nisseren S)

• Reports from Year 11 Camp, Year 10 Formal, and RIJI Interviews

Our Principal, Joanne Bacash, also shared Pope Leo’s inspiring message of peace during his visit to Lebanon and Turkiye.

The assembly was a wonderful showcase of the outstanding work happening across the College and the diverse programs and events that enrich our community.

- Ms Ria Coffey

Resource Lists for 2026 – a note from Campion:

Dear Parents & Carers 

Campion is the school resource supplier for Antonine College (VIC). Please order online by 14-Dec-25 to get first choice of school needs and best available handling costs. 

Please head to: order.campion.com.au

School resource code: can be searched in platform

Family help: 

• The Campion Parent Hub includes How to Order video & How to Order PDFs in 11 languages: campion.com.au/parents/how-to-order/

• FAQs: campion.com.au/support-help/support/

• Email help@campion.com.au

• Tel 1300 433 982

Our Resources Lists are available here: https://www.antonine.catholic.edu.au/learning-wellbeing/booklists

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 BYOD How to order Flyer School

Start of 2026 School Dates and Testing

Please see important dates below regarding the beginning of the 2026 school year:

• Australia Day Public Holiday – Monday 26 January 

• Staff return – Tuesday 27 January

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

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

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

• F-12 students return to school – Friday 30 January

Cedar Start of Year Testing

Wednesday 28 January and Thursday 29 January will be used for Academic Testing for all Foundation to Year 6 students.   This testing is important as it provides the teacher with data to inform the learning goals for your child. 

• Each testing session is for 30 minutes, and interviews will be conducted by each Literacy Class Teacher in their classroom at Cedar Campus. 

• A small number of students will be tested by a different teacher due to part time staff availability or where there is high demand for testing times.

• Siblings can be booked at the same time with different teachers. 

• It is expected that all students are tested during these two days. 

Please note that Foundation students will only have testing on Wednesday 28 January with testing interviews being 15 minutes in length. All Foundation students have their first day of school on Thursday 29 January. This will be a great opportunity for them to become acquainted with the school, with extra staff on hand to support them getting settled and enjoying their first day!

I will send notification in January for when academic testing is open. Please book for academic testing online using PAM.  If you are unable to get the booking time you would like, please contact the College Office and a time will be provided for you.   Please note that we have a Staff Mass and Meeting on Tuesday 27 January and this will impact Office hours on this day. 

 We will see all Foundation to Year 6 classes back on Friday 30 January.  

Homework Policy and Procedures

We are pleased to share that the Antonine College Homework Policy has been updated for all year levels. We recognise that homework is a significant matter for many families, and we sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback provided by students, teachers and families during this process.

The policy represents a considered and collaborative approach. It sets out clear expectations for homework at each year level, helping to ensure consistency and understanding across the school.

We believe this policy will offer valuable guidance and support for students, families and teachers. The link below contains the full policy for your reference.

Thank you for your ongoing support in your child’s learning journey.

Click here to read the Homework Policy and Procedures

- Ms Ria Coffey

How to support your child under 16 with the new social media age restrictions

From 10 December 2025, the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 will require social media platforms to:

• prevent children and young people under 16 from having a social media account

• deactivate or freeze existing accounts held by people under 16.

Delaying access to social media protects the health and wellbeing of young people and gives them extra time to build real world connections and digital literacy skills. 

The responsibility will be on the social media platforms, not parents, carers, children or schools, to implement these new restrictions. 

Most popular social media platforms will be age restricted. These include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit and YouTube.

Messaging services and online games, as well as apps and platforms that support health and education, can still be used. 

How to help under 16s prepare for the change 

Parents and carers play an important role in supporting their children to be safe online. 

To help get under 16s ready for the social media minimum age requirements, you can go to the eSafety website to learn more about the social media age restrictions and find tips on how to talk about social media age restrictions with young people.

What the change means for our school 

At our school, all age-restricted social media platforms are blocked for student use on the school network. 

To keep up to date about the new social media age restrictions, visit the eSafety website and subscribe to their newsletter.

- Ms Helen Diab

It has been a joy welcoming our new Foundation students for 2026 as they begin their transition days. They have all been wonderfully brave, engaged, and eager to join in, whether reading books together or taking part in classroom activities. We are very much looking forward to supporting them as they begin their exciting journey with us next year.

 - Mr Abraham Diab

This week we took part in a eSmart Virtual Storytime. In this story time session, students read “Seesaw”, a winning entry from the Series 1 Stories by Digital Children competition.

This story explores compulsion, one of the 4Cs of online safety risk. Compulsion refers to balancing digital technology use by fostering healthy habits, managing screen time and developing self-regulation skills

“I learnt today to know what my body is saying when I have used my iPad for too long” Michel 3A

“I learnt to use a timer when I am using screens at home” Elena 3A

“I learnt how to listen my body and balance my time between screen time and outdoor time” Amelia, Raquel & Rami 3A

- Mrs Joelle Zakharia

Support your child’s reading by enrolling them in the Big Summer Read

Now in its 5th year, the Big Summer Read aims to address the ‘summer slide’ – the dip in literacy skills that occurs when kids step away from school over the holidays. And while we know that kids deserve sunshine and down-time over the long break, we’re also committed to helping combat the alarming decline in recreational reading noted among our young people.

Studies around the world have found that reading for pleasure is the single most important indicator of a child’s future success, even more powerful than socio-economic background (OECD Reading for Change Report). Encouraging kids to pick up a book has proven benefits for their mental and physical wellbeing as well as literacy skills, emotional competence and academic achievement (Australia Reads).

As Dr Bree Kitt, lecturer in Education from Central Queensland University, states: summer is a great time for children to ‘experience reading for relaxation and pleasure, not just academic gain.’ 

Running from December 1st to January 31st, the Big Summer Read encourages children between 0 –18 to stay engaged with books and their local libraries during the summer holidays. This year the campaign has expanded beyond Victoria to include public libraries in Tasmania, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. Participating library services across the country offer incentive prizes, as well as a national prize draw to encourage the efforts of young readers, and kids can earn digital badges along the way by logging any books they read, listen to, or watch in audio. Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to read aloud to young people and log their reading as part of the challenge.

The Big Summer Read is available through participating libraries in Victoria, and you can also encourage your child to read, view or listen to stories through our school’s account with Story Box Library.

Head to Read Books to register and find out more. https://readbooks.com.au/bsr

Log in details to access StoryBox Library

Username:   Cedar Story Box Library

Password:    Stories

Check out their Big Summer Read Ambassador Stories & Recommended Reads collection (found in your dashboard when logged in) to get started!

- Ms Mori Milholland

On the 30th of November we embarked on a special journey. We arrived at st Patrick’s cathedral and attended a fiesta which was followed by our pilgrimage walk. This walk lasted a total of 2 hours from the cathedral to the Melbourne convention and exhibition centre, and despite the heavy rain it was still a beautiful experience, seeing thousands of people from all across Australia come together in this powerful movement of faith. 

Upon arrival we had an hour to eat and then we headed straight to the plenary. The plenary was a time where everyone was in the same space taking part in various activities such as Adoration, Mass, listening to talks and testimonies, worship and ect. During our first plenary we heard from Cardinal Myoka Bychok and Archbishop Peter comensoli who both shared such words of wisdom and gave a beautiful opening to this event. 

On the second day we started it off with a plenary which focused on our creation to love. This plenary featured speakers such as Bishop George kolodzjei and Sr Mary grace. Sr Mary grace especially stuck out to us as her devotion and love for this faith was felt by each one of us. After the plenary we headed to various workshops which included one from Father Mahir murad, an assistant priest from the Chaldean community. He explained the topic of walking by faith, not by sight, which many of us found direct yet extremely accurate and helpful. We continued the day attending more workshops, visiting the expo and collecting stamps for our pilgrimage passport. We ended the day with a plenary which focused on a God who draws close. We were reminded that God is always calling us and waiting for us to turn to him, this plenary touched our hearts and many tears were shared, making this experience even more beautiful. During all our plenaries we partook in worship, this was a time for singing and dancing and praising our lord Jesus Christ, we all thoroughly enjoyed this part!

On our final day we again attended the morning plenary which focused on a God who saves us. This plenary deeply touched each one of us as we were reminded of everything God does for us and everything Jesus has done for us. During this plenary we also took part in adoration and a moment of silence. This experience was truly beautiful, you could feel the Holy Spirit moving amongst us and that feeling is indescribable. We left our final plenary with our hearts full and continued our day attending more workshops, visiting the expo and building our relationships. At last we attended mass which was extremely heavenly. There was an orchestra which made the mass even more touching, and over 50 members of clergy and Bishops were in attendance. We all felt the Holy Spirit throughout this mass and it was an experience like no other. We also each received a cross which was blessed by the Archbishop during the mass. 

Overall this experience was something truly special. We received so many blessings and were able to deeply strengthen our faiths, by being reminded that we are never alone and our faith is a strength rather than a weakness. The presence of God was heavily felt which encourages us to continue embarking on this journey and spreading the love of God unto those around us. This was an unforgettable experience and we thank everyone who was able to make it happen.

- Jana A, Year 10

The ACYF experience had truly granted us the greatest gift: a deeper reunion with the Holy Spirit, feeling His presence undeniably surround us in every moment. It also renewed our appreciation for the blessing of being born a Christian. Oh, what a great journey it was, and what a grace to worship and praise our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ alongside more than six thousand Australian Catholic youth. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of such an experience, where we had the chance to listen to talks by Bishops and Nuns who shared their wisdom and the life of Christ with us, as well as to hear inspiring testimonies from outstanding speakers. I want to sincerely thank everyone who gave us the opportunity to be part of this unforgettable event, which has been one of the highlights of my young life.

- Sally A, Year 11

The Australian Catholic youth festival was an experience we will always remember. we went to many different workshops, and each one taught us something new about ourselves, our faith, and the people around us. It really pushed us to open up our heart to God in ways we hadn’t before. we felt more connected to our faith than we ever thought we would, and that feeling stayed with us throughout the whole event.
It also brought us closer to our peers and the people around us. we made so many new friends and met people who shared similar beliefs and struggles. Being surrounded by others who were on the same journey made us feel supported and understood. There was a strong sense of togetherness that made the experience even more special. It was also a really good thing that we were able to meet different people from all around Australia, which helped us see how faith brings people together no matter where they come from.
 Even the times we felt tired, we still pushed ourselves to keep going. Looking back, I’m so glad we did because it ended up being one of the most meaningful times for us. Having Mr Elbarbar, there with us on the trips made a big difference, as he really supported and encouraged us throughout the experience. ACYF 2025 helped us grow spiritually, socially, and personally, and it is something we will always carry with us.

- Dareen H, Year 10

On Wednesday 26th November, our F-4 students gathered with Father Richard to celebrate an Announcement to Mary Mass. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to hear the story of the angel Gabriel visiting Mary. Together, we explored how Mary showed faith and openness to God’s plan, and the students participated thoughtfully throughout the celebration.

- Ms Tanya Khattar

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our parents, students and staff  who donated to our Christmas Drive. Each year we are truly taken aback by the generosity and kindness of our school community. Your contributions will make a meaningful difference for families in need this Christmas.

Thank you for helping us share joy and hope with others during this special season.

- Ms Tanya Khattar

Our Cedar community gathered for a joyful Christmas Carols Assembly on Wednesday 2nd December. The theme this was centred around the Symbols of Christmas. Through song and reflection, students shared the meaning behind these special symbols which reminded us of the hope, love, and light that Jesus brings to the world.

The symbols showcased were:

Foundation – Star of Hope
Year 1 – Shepherds of Faith
Year 2 – Mary and Joseph, Pilgrims of Trust
Year 3 – The Doves of Peace
Year 4 – The Wise Men, Bearers of Gifts
Year 5 – The Light of Christ
Year 6 – Angels of joy

- Ms Tanya Khattar

Little saints on a big adventure! On Thursday 4th December our Foundation students dressed up for St Barbara’s Feast Day and visited the high school. It was a beautiful celebration of faith and community

- Ms Tanya Khattar

Our Antonine College choir students had a truly heart-warming visit to St Paul’s Hostel in Thornbury this year. From the moment they arrived, they were warmly greeted by residents and staff, creating a beautiful sense of connection. The students performed a selection of Christmas songs and hymns, filling the room with festive cheer. Many of the residents sang along, their faces lighting up the room with their smiles that made the moment even more special. It was wonderful to see how the singing lifted everyone’s spirits and helped bring the Christmas mood to life. A memorable and meaningful experience for all! 

Mrs Martina Gawro & Sr Veronique Karam

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful parents & friends, and helpers who gathered on Wednesday. Your hard work and dedication throughout this year have been incredible, supporting our school in so many ways, especially through fundraising. Your generosity and teamwork make a real difference for our students and community. We are truly blessed to have such an amazing group of people walking alongside us!

- Sr Veronique Karam

Celebrating the Immaculate Conception A “Yes to God”

On Monday, 8 December, we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a moment of grace when Mary said “Yes” to God’s plan. The angel reassured her: “Do not be afraid, you have won God’s favour.” Luke1:26-38 Mary’s trust and openness remind us that saying “yes” to God can bring light and hope into the world.

This message of faith came alive in a touching story shared by Mrs. Ayoub. One of our community members, a young man named Peter, was very sick. While teaching Year 3, Mrs. Ayoub invited her students to pray for Peter. The children wrote heartfelt prayers, asking God to heal him. Through their faith and love, Peter began to recover and he later wrote a beautiful thank you note to the students, expressing his gratitude.

A Heartfelt Thank You from Peter El Asmar

Dear Year 3 students,

Thank you so much for your beautiful prayers and kind thoughts while I was going through my recent medical challenges. Your caring hearts and loving words brought me comfort and strength when I needed it most.

I feel truly blessed knowing that you were thinking of me and asking God to help me get better. Your faith and kindness mean more to me than you can imagine.

I’m feeling much better now, and I’m very grateful for your prayers. Please know that your compassion made a big difference.

Thank you again for being such wonderful, thoughtful students.

God bless each of you.

With love,

Peter El Asmar  

- Sr Veronique Karam

Our assembly was a beautiful celebration filled with performances. We began with a prayer, and we honoured Pope Leo XIV, who will be visiting Lebanon from 30 November to 2 December, as we continue to pray for peace around the world. 

Our school proudly celebrated Lebanese Independence Day with a vibrant assembly that brought students together especially wearing their Red, Green and White colours.

Each year on 22 November, Lebanese people commemorate the country’s independence and the values of freedom, resilience, and unity.

It was wonderful to showcase the talent of our students through different performances such as Singing, dancing, tribute to Ziad Rahbani in Arabic dialogue and performing on the Lebanese Drum and Darabuka. It was a great assembly.

Thank you to all the teachers who contributed to this assembly Mrs Atme, Martina, Mrs Ayoub, Mrs Rola, Mr Abou Zeid, Ms Rita, Adelle, Doumit, Michelle and Mrs Noel. 

We extend our gratitude and a big thank you to our Parents and Friends who organised a special breakfast for each student we fed 404 students, which is truly amazing!

• Thank you to Mrs Natalie El Halabi for providing the containers.
• Thank you to Mrs Sahar Elcheikh, Mrs Liliane ElKhoury, and Mrs Victoria Hajj for providing 23 kg of labneh.
• Thank you to the Melbourne Lebanese Ladies Charity (MLLC) for providing 130 zaatar manoushe Zaatar , cut into four, making a total of 520 pieces of zaatar.
• Thank you to Mr Tony Ghosn for donating 20 kg of cucumbers and 20 kg of tomatoes.
• Thank you to MEB Mr Mark Abou Haila for providing the Lebanese bread.

- Sr Veronique Karam

On Tuesday the 18th of November, our Year 3 students enjoyed an exciting and educational excursion to MEB Foods. The visit offered a behind-the-scenes look at how Lebanese bread is made which tied in well with our Procedural writing topic and Lebanese Independence Day celebrations.

Students were warmly welcomed by the MEB Foods team and fitted with protective clothing—an instant source of excitement! They were then taken on a guided tour through the production facility, where they saw the incredible process of turning simple ingredients (flour, water, salt and yeast) into the fresh bread many families enjoy at home.

Students were fascinated by the large mixing machines, conveyor belts, and high-tech ovens. They learned about the importance of hygiene, quality control, and teamwork in food manufacturing. The staff also explained how MEB Foods reduces waste by turning leftover bread into breadcrumbs.

One of the highlights was watching the dough being shaped and baked right before their eyes before getting to try it straight from the conveyer belt. 

A big thank-you to the wonderful staff at MEB Foods for providing such an engaging and memorable learning experience. 

- Mrs Joelle Zakharia, Ms Janine Wanda and Ms Georgia Petraki

The Year 5 students had the wonderful opportunity to step into the world of radio and podcasting at RMIT’s SYN Radio studios. As their teachers, it was fantastic to watch them immerse themselves in the full podcasting process — beginning with brainstorming ideas and collaboratively planning their scripts. They then moved into the studio, where they learned how to use professional recording equipment, practised speaking clearly and confidently, and recorded their very own podcast segments.

The students were highly engaged as they experimented with sound levels, practised interviewing one another, and discovered how much teamwork goes into creating a polished audio piece. This hands-on experience not only strengthened their communication and media-literacy skills but also gave them a creative platform to express their thoughts and ideas. It was a proud moment for all of us when their podcasts were presented!

 - Ms Martina Gawro

Our Year 5 students had an amazing time on their excursion to Surf Life Saving Victoria in Port Melbourne! It was a fun-filled, action-packed day that gave them the chance to learn essential water-safety skills in an engaging and memorable way. Students took part in a variety of hands-on activities, including identifying potential hazards at the beach, understanding the meaning of surf lifesaving flags, and practising real-life rescue techniques under the guidance of experienced lifesavers.

They also learned about the importance of teamwork, communication, and staying calm in emergency situations. Whether they were practising CPR on the sand, exploring rescue equipment, or role-playing different beach scenarios, every student was fully immersed in the experience. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and it was fantastic to see them asking thoughtful questions, supporting one another, and growing in confidence around the water.

By the end of the day, the students walked away not only with new knowledge but also with a deeper appreciation for the vital work surf lifesavers do to keep our beaches safe. It was a valuable and empowering learning opportunity that we know they will remember for years to come.

 - Ms Martina Gawro

Our Year 6 students took on a real-world maths challenge, planning the perfect holiday for two with an $8000 budget!  From flights and hotels to food, attractions and even car hire, they crunched the numbers and designed their ideal getaway.

- Ms Tanya Khattar

On Wednesday December 10th our Year 6 students enjoyed their final day of their primary school days at Archie Brothers in Docklands. They were treated to unlimited games and a round of laser tag against each other.  

- Ms Tanya Khattar

This term, Year 8 students explored Indigenous Foods, learning about native ingredients, traditional knowledge and sustainable practices. They investigated bush herbs, spices and fruits, and cooked delicious kangaroo burgers to experience these flavours in a practical way. Through hands-on cooking and research, students built confidence in the kitchen while deepening their understanding and respect for Australia’s First Nations food traditions, making the unit both meaningful and engaging

- Ms Stephanie Hartnup

Our Year 8 students enthusiastically participated in this year’s swimming program, developing confidence, fitness and essential water-safety skills. Throughout the sessions, they refined stroke technique, practised survival and rescue skills, and engaged in team-based challenges that encouraged cooperation and resilience. Their positive attitude, improvement and willingness to support one another were fantastic to see. Overall, the program was a valuable and enjoyable learning experience for all students involved.

- Ms Stephanie Hartnup

The Year 9 College production took place on the Thursday, 20th of November. This year the students performed Disney’s Frozen! Throughout the year, students were preparing for this annual event in their chosen Arts and Performance elective subjects, Dance, Costumes and Design, Performance, and Music. 

Our talented year 9 students worked tirelessly to bring this delightful story to the stage and all students and teachers were very proud of the outcome. The students were marvellous and absolutely shined! The Antonine community were delighted by the performance which was a massive success! The community were entertained and impressed by the amazing dramatic performance, dance, music, lighting and the stage props which transported them to a world where love can conquer all. Year 9 have engaged in this theme throughout the year, learning about self-love, and meaningful relationships.

I want to thank the Elective Arts and Performance teachers Miss McAleece, Miss Natoli, Mr Kerr and Miss Manariti for working alongside the students throughout the year. A special mention to Mr Kirkman and the photography students for putting together the program for the evening. Thank you, teachers, for your hard work and dedication to the Arts and the year 9 students! Congratulations Year 9 for coming together and making the evening a very special and memorable one! 

- Ms Diane Farah

In honour of Lebanese Independence Day, Year 9 Food Technology students took part in a special practical cooking session preparing smashed kafta wraps, a staple of Lebanese street food.

Students prepared their own kafta mixture, combining minced meat with finely chopped parsley, onion, salt and pepper. The room was filled with delicious aromas and the activity generated enthusiasm around making food students were familiar with and the potential of re-creating this recipe outside of the classroom. 

This practical not only celebrated Lebanese culture but also strengthened students’ understanding of food traditions, knife skills and cooking techniques. The smashed kafta wrap activity made Lebanese Independence Day both educational and delicious, leaving students proud of their creations and Middle Eastern culture. 

- Ms Norma Francis

Year 11 Camp was held at The Summit in Trafalgar, with the primary goal of strengthening the Year 11 students’ sense of community before their move into Year 12. Throughout the camp, the themes of Leadership for Year 11 and Integrity for Year 12 were clearly reflected in the students’ actions. The experience offered a valuable chance to reflect on the past year and prepare for the transition ahead. Students worked in designated activity groups and took part in a range of challenges that pushed them to their limits. Overall, the camp proved to be a rewarding experience for both staff and students involved.

26 January: Australia Day Public Holiday

27 January: Staff Professional Learning Day

28 January: F-6 Academic Testing

28 January: St Joseph Campus Professional Learning

29 January: Foundation, Year 7 & VCE Classes commence

29 January: Year 1 - 6 Academic Testing

30 January: Foundation - Year 12 Classes commence

9 February: Feast of St Maroun Opening College Liturgy

16 February: Ash Monday

Pilgrims of Hope - College Theme 2025