At Easter all around the world, Christians proclaim with joy Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead saying 'Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!’

Easter is the most significant day in the Christian calendar, as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, marking the birth of our eternal hope.  We celebrate it with pride and jubilation for four reasons:

The Resurrection of Christ is the basis of our Christian Faith. It is the greatest of the miracles, for it proves that Jesus is God. That is why St. Paul writes: “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain; and your Faith is in vain” (I Cor 15:14). “Jesus is Lord, He is risen” (Rom 10:9), was the central theme of the kerygma (or “preaching”), of the Apostles

Easter is the guarantee of our own resurrection. Jesus assured Martha at the tomb of Lazarus: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me will live even though he dies…” (Jn 11:25-26).)

Easter is a feast which gives us hope and encouragement in this world of pain, sorrows and tears. It reminds us that life is worth living. It also gives us strength to fight against temptations and freedom from unnecessary worries and fears.

Easter gives meaning to our prayers: It supports our belief in the Real Presence of the Risen Jesus in and around us, in His Church, in the Blessed Sacrament, and in Heaven, hearing our prayers, and so gives meaning to our personal as well as our communal prayers.

Here are some ways we can apply the teachings of Easter throughout our lives:

1. Forgive Others
   Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross was an act of forgiveness. He died for our sins so that we may be forgiven and have eternal life. As followers of Christ, we should strive to forgive others, even when it's difficult. Forgiveness is a powerful tool that can heal relationships and bring peace to our lives.

2. Love One Another
   Jesus taught us to love one another as He loved us. We can apply this teaching in our daily lives by being kind, compassionate, and understanding towards others. We can also show love by serving others and helping those in need.

3. Have Faith
   The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful reminder of the power of faith. Despite the challenges and trials we may face, we can have faith that God is with us and that He has a plan for our lives. We can deepen our faith through prayer, attending Mass, and reading the Bible.

4. Spread the Good News
   As Catholics, we are called to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. We can do this by sharing our faith with others, living out our faith through our actions, and inviting others to Mass or prayer groups. We can also support Catholic missions and charities that help those in need.

5. Embrace Hope
   The resurrection of Jesus gives us hope for eternal life. We can apply this teaching in our lives by embracing hope, even during difficult times. We can also help others find hope by being a source of encouragement and support.

Let us remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us and the hope his resurrection brings. Let us live our lives with faith, knowing that God is with us always.

Blessed Holy Week and Happy Easter! 

- Ms Joanne Bacash

We would like to congratulate our student Adam Samie on his selection in the AFL - Australian Football League Northern Knights VIC Metro team. Adam was recently selected to represent the Northern Knights in the premier statewide Under-18 AFL competition in Victoria.

This is a fantastic achievement and recognises Adam as one of the top players in his age group across the state. Throughout the season, Adam will compete against other elite under-18 teams from across Australia, providing a pathway for talented young footballers aiming to be drafted into the AFL.

We are incredibly proud of Adam’s hard work, commitment, and dedication to his sport, and we look forward to following his progress throughout the season.

We would like to congratulate Selena Alraawan on her selection in the Aspiring Matildas U15 Team. The CommBank Emerging Matildas Program is a key talent identification initiative aimed at supporting and developing the next generation of elite Australian female footballers.

Selena will participate in a 12-day national tournament during the school holidays at the Home of the Matildas, where she will train and compete with other talented players from across Australia. The program provides a valuable opportunity for young athletes to further develop their skills, learn from experienced coaches, and gain exposure to the national development pathway for women’s football.

Selena’s selection is a wonderful achievement and reflects her commitment, perseverance, and passion for the sport. We wish her all the best for the tournament and look forward to seeing her continue to grow and succeed in the future.

The Mid-Semester Reports are now open and accessible through PAM and SIMON - Student Profile. These reports provide students and families with an indication of academic progress and work habits. This feedback is valuable for future growth and learning and I hope reviewing the reports is a good opportunity for conversation about strengths and improvement areas to focus on for the remainder of the year.

Parent/Carer & Student & Teacher Interviews - bookings are open through PAM.
Monday 27 April will be a pupil free day with interviews held from 9:15am - 5:15pm.  Please book through PAM.

• Year 7-12 Saint Joseph Campus Interviews will be held online through TEAMs.

• Year F- 6 Cedar Campus Interviews will be held either in person or online through TEAMs. We are offering a limited block (9:15am - 11:35am) of in person only interviews during the morning, onsite at Cedar Campus. From 12:30pm all interviews will be online through TEAMs until 5:15pm.

Please be aware of the following details:

• All bookings can be made through PAM Parent Teacher Interviews. Please note whether your interview is online through TEAMs (all Year 7-12 interviews) or onsite at Cedar Campus (Years F-6 only between 9:15am-11:35am).

• Please ensure you have read the Mid-Semester Report prior to the interviews.

• Cedar parents please book a Literacy interview to speak with the Homeroom Teacher.

• When booking please select the relevant interview run as there are three options with different timings over the day:

Cedar Campus In Person Only Interviews 9:15am - 11:35am

Cedar Campus Online through TEAMs Interviews 12:30pm - 5:15pm

SJC Online through TEAMs Interviews 9:15am - 5:15pm

Please see the link below for instructions on booking and joining the online interviews: https://bit.ly/AntoninePTI-how-to-join26

Parent Webinar - during the Parent Teacher Interview day we are hosting a "Keeping children safe online" webinar for our parent/carer cohort. This is a FREE eSmart Schools webinar. This webinar will help you understand the digital landscape and risks involved, with practical tips for monitoring and guiding your child's online activities.  

This presentation will also elaborate on setting up parental controls, privacy settings and encouraging healthy digital habits.
Date: Monday 27 April, 2026
Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm (during the designated break for all interviews)
No need to pre register. 
Save and then click this LINK to join the webinar on the day. 
Thank you for your support across Term 1. It has been a busy term with many opportunities for our students to grow in faith, knowledge and virtue. Please enjoy the break from school and encourage your children to keep reading over the holidays.

- Ms Ria Coffey

Lord Jesus,
As we celebrate your resurrection, we pray for a renewal of faith, hope, and love in our school.

 May this Easter be a time of spiritual growth and a fresh beginning.

 Help us to be messengers of Easter joy and hope to everyone we meet.

Amen.

As we reach the end of our first term, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all members of our school community: our students, staff and families, for the part you’ve played in making this a successful beginning to the school year.
To our wonderful students, we thank you for your commitment to your learning, your persistence when faced with new challenges and your willingness to build positive relationships.

To our dedicated staff, we thank you for your thoughtful planning and for continuing to place student learning at the centre of everything you do. This term, you have ensured all our students have settled into our school routines, you have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of each child, you have used student data to inform your teaching, continuously refining your practice and being agents of change as we work to improve pedagogy and support the best outcomes for all students.

To our families, thank you for your ongoing support and for the partnerships you continue to build with us. Your involvement and contribution are deeply appreciated and help create a connected, caring environment in which our students thrive.

Some of the highlights of this term include:

• Our Foundation students successfully completing their first school term

• Cedar Athletics Day

• Wellbeing and Learning Awards

• Year 5 – 8 Swimming Carnival

• Variety of Incursion, Excursions and Retreats

• Parent Classroom Visits

• Ash Monday Service, Easter Procession and Holy Thursday Mass

• NAPLAN and a variety of Learning 

• School Assemblies, Harmony Day, St Patrick’s Day

• Parent and Friends Committee Meetings

• Fundraising activities for the Lebanese Appeal

Bus Behaviour
We are very fortunate to have a bus service that provides pick-up and drop-off at your door. However, some recent behaviour by students has resulted in several families receiving a formal warning. The bus service is an extension of the school, and the same expectations for behaviour apply. Any inappropriate behaviour on the school bus will not be tolerated. Please note three warnings will result in suspension from the bus service.
Students are reminded to:

• Scan their bus card on and off the bus

• Wear their seatbelt at all times

• Remain seated while the bus is in motion

• Speak quietly and respectfully

• Keep all rubbish inside their bag

• Avoid eating on the bus

• Avoid interacting with students from St Joseph

• Use AirPods/headphones when listening to music or using a device

• Do not walk around while the bus is moving

Thank you to the many wonderful students who consistently follow the bus rules and help keep everyone safe.

Harmony Week – Everyone Belongs
Last week we celebrated Harmony Week with a splash of Orange!
The theme “Everyone Belongs”, is a special time to recognise and celebrate the rich multicultural diversity that makes Australia such a vibrant and welcoming community.

Child Safety

We turn our attention to Child Safe Standard 2 – Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture. Building on our focus from February, this standard reminds us that creating a safe environment for children is not the responsibility of a few, but a shared commitment across our entire school community. Child safety remains visible, intentional and embedded in the culture of our school. By continuing to focus on one standard each month, we strengthen our collective understanding and commitment to ensuring that every child feels safe, supported and valued.

In complying with Child Safe Standard 2 an organisation must, at a minimum, ensure:
2.1    The organisation makes a public commitment to child safety.
2.2    A child safe culture is championed and modelled at all levels of the organisation from the top down and bottom up.
2.3    Governance arrangements facilitate implementation of the Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy at all levels.
2.4    A Code of Conduct provides guidelines for staff and volunteers on expected behavioural standards and responsibilities.
2.5    Risk management strategies focus on preventing, identifying and mitigating risks to children and young people.
2.6    Staff and volunteers understand their obligations on information sharing and record keeping.

Last Sunday, 29th March, we celebrated Palm Sunday, an important occasion in the Church calendar as we begin Holy Week.

Palm Sunday remembers Jesus’ joyful entry into Jerusalem, where people welcomed Him by waving palm branches. It is a time for us to reflect on themes of peace, hope, and following Jesus in our daily lives.  A special thanks to Sr Veronique who organised a lovely prayer and to Diana Abou Sattout from Rotana Travel who paid for the donkey during the Foundation – Year 3 Palm Sunday Procession.

Easter Raffle and gift donations
Thank you to our wonderful P&F committee for your generous donations of Easter eggs and items for our Easter Raffle. Your support has been overwhelming, and thanks to you, we have plenty of fantastic prizes for our students to enjoy. This is always an exciting occasion! Thank you again for your kindness and support.

- Mr Abraham Diab

At Antonine College, we are committed to continually improving teaching practice and pedagogy so that every student can flourish. One of the key ways we do this is through Instructional Coaching, a professional learning approach recommended by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) and supported by evidence based educational research.

Our coaching focuses on four key areas: creating calm and supportive classrooms, building strong curriculum knowledge, using effective teaching strategies, and understanding how assessment can best support student progress.

Through coaching, teachers work collaboratively with an instructional coach to reflect on their classroom practice, share ideas and trial strategies using evidence-based approaches that support student learning and wellbeing. Coaching is not about evaluation — it is about learning together and continually striving to improve student outcomes. Just as we encourage our students to be lifelong learners, our teachers are too.

For more information, read our Instructional Coaching Plan. 

- Ms Fran Cometti

Pope Leo XIV has dedicated 2026 as a Year of Prayer for Peace. Across Antonine, students have been exploring the meaning of his message of peace through a range of meaningful activities. 

Year 4 students created “Trees of Peace” in their classrooms, reflecting on ways they can help bring peace to others. 

Meanwhile, students in Years 5 and 6 worked together to design a collaborative display of hands symbolising how we can work together for peace. Staff at the Cedar campus also contributed to this display, decorating their own hands with symbols that represent peace. 

Together, these activities remind us that each of us can play a role in building peace within our school and wider community

- Ms Tanya Khattar

On Friday 20th students from Year 9 and 11 attended the annual St Patricks Day mass celebrated by the Most Rev Peter Comonsoli, Archbishop of Melbourne. 

It was a beautiful mass, filled with students from Catholic schools across Melbourne.

We thank God for the life of St Patrick and pray he continues to guide us. 

- Ms Tanya Khattar

Students at Cedar Campus were invited to wear a touch of green on Tuesday 17 March to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. 

The day honours Saint Patrick, who is remembered for bringing Christianity to Ireland and for his message of faith and hope. 

We also take this opportunity to wish all those named Patrick a very happy feast day! 🍀

- Ms Tanya Khattar

Our Foundation - Year 3 students joyfully gathered for a special Palm Sunday prayer service, remembering Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. 

With great excitement, they then took part in a procession, waving palms and accompanying the donkey, bringing the story to life as a community of faith.

Thank you to Diana Abou Stattout for covering the cost of the donkey 🌿

- Ms Tanya Khattar

The Rosary Club students prayerfully participated in the Stations of the Cross in the atrium, reflecting on the suffering, love, and sacrifice of Jesus. It was a quiet and meaningful time of prayer and faith.

- Sr Veronique Karam

Our Year 4–6 students celebrated our Holy Thursday Mass, entering into the sacred story of the Last Supper. Through a moving reenactment, students brought to life Jesus’ final meal with His disciples, deepening their understanding of this powerful moment in our faith.

A highlight of the liturgy was the washing of the feet by Father Richard, reminding us all of Jesus’ call to serve others with humility, love, and compassion. We are so proud of the respect and reflection shown by our students as they participated in this special celebration.

- Ms Tanya Khattar

"He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”  - Matthew 28:6

I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our parents and friends to Mrs Noel, Mrs Katia Harrika and Ms. Michelle who generously contributed items to our Easter raffle. This year we were blessed to have 34 wonderful raffle items, made possible through your kindness and support. 

We also warmly thank Johnny El Halabi and the Realest Estate company for visiting our school and helping spread the joy of the Resurrection, with the Easter Bunny delighting our community as the raffle winners were drawn. Congratulations to all our winners, and sincere thanks to every family who supported this fundraiser. 

This year, all funds raised will go towards improving the cooling and heating system in the atrium, as well as the two statues of St Maroun at St Joseph Campus and St Charbel at Cedar Campus. 

Thank you for your continued support of our school and all our fundraising efforts. Thank you for our admin for support and helping our students in everything.

Happy Easter to all! 
Jesus is Risen
Truly He is Risen!

- Sr Veronique Karam

For Religion this term, students in Year 5 explored Generosity in Lent. As part of this we explored the Parable of the Sheep and Goats and how we are called to give back to ‘the least of these’. 

During this lesson, students played a game where different scenarios were called out and they needed to identify whether the example was of us being the ‘sheep’ or ‘goat’.

- Ms Tanya Khattar

Student reflection

On Wednesday the 18th of March all the Year 6 students teachers went on a retreat to St Charbel in Greenvale. We had a lot of fun learning more about religion. We started the day off with a nice introduction lead by some of the Year 10 students followed up by a beautiful mass and some prayers for Lent. We next went with our class and participated in some activities before we had some lunch. After lunch we had two more activities, and it was so much fun as we got to make role plays and act out different emotions with a partner. We really enjoyed the day and look forward to more religious adventures.
-Layla K, 6A

On the 18th of March, the Year 10 Catch The Wave class ran a retreat for the Year 6’s at Saint Charbel in Greenvale. We started off a quick quiz following our arrival then engaged in a mass. We soon began our rotations, in which were split up into 3 groups. Each group had their own separate ideas and topics that were spoken and elaborated to the students. Following the 3 rotations, we had a reflection at the end where we prayed in the Church, including a decade of the Hail Mary, before we played a game called sleeping lions to conclude the retreat. The retreat was a very enjoyable and fun experience and I'd most certainly like to do it again.
-Joud R, 10D

On Sunday, March 22nd, we celebrated our Holy Communion Commitment Mass. 

Students preparing to receive the Sacrament this year were invited to officially begin this sacred journey, surrounded by the love and support of their families.

- Sr Veronique Karam and Ms Tanya Khattar

Over the past few Saturdays, we have held our Holy Communion program for children from outside the school community who are joining our Antonine students in May to celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist. 

Students engaged in different activities to help grow their spiritual understanding of their faith and the importance of the Eucharist. We look forward to continuing the sessions after term break.

- Ms Tanya Khattar

Our Rosary Club students prayed the Our Father the Lord’s Prayer in three languages: Syriac, the language spoken by Jesus; English; and Arabic.

- Sr Veronique Karam

Student reflection

On the last Friday of the Stations of the Cross, a procession was held in the hall. It was a deeply reverent and reflective moment, as everyone walked together pausing to pray at each station. The experience created a strong sense of unity and contemplation, allowing participants to connect more personally with the journey of the Cross.

-Isabella I, Yr 12A

Over Term 1, students at St Joseph campus have had the opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation with Monsignor Joe during break.

During Lent, in particular, Reconciliation offers us a chance to pause, seek God’s mercy, and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter. 

May God continue to bless our students as we conclude this Lenten season, guiding them with His love, mercy, and peace as they grow in faith and kindness.

- Ms Tanya Khattar

This Lent, Antonine College has been taking part in The BIG Water Walk - a Caritas Australia initiative that challenges school communities to walk in solidarity with the 292 million people worldwide who walk long distances daily just to collect water.

- Mr Fadi Elbarbar

Our Year 10–12 students gathered on Tuesday 24th March, to celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation. 

Through prayer, reflection, and song, they explored Mary’s courageous ‘yes’ to God, deepening their understanding of faith, trust, and openness to God’s call in their own lives. 

Afterwards, students had the opportunity to remain behind to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation with Monsignor Joe.

- Ms Tanya Khattar

On Monday 23rd March, our Year 12 students participated in their final spiritual retreat at Antonine College, centred on leadership and community. Throughout the day, students explored real-life scenarios, reflecting on how to lead with courage, humility, and integrity, and created vision maps for a more inclusive and supportive school community.

We were privileged to welcome Deacon Ray, who spoke about Jesus as a model of leadership. The retreat concluded with a reflection on our theme, God is Love, as students affirmed one another by recognising leadership qualities in their peers. During the final period of the day, students were presented with their Year 12 jackets, a sign of their leadership, unity, and the important role they play within the Antonine College community.

- Ms Tanya Khattar

During Term 1 at St Joseph, students have participated in a range of initiatives to raise money for the Maronite Eparchy of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania’s Lebanese Family Appeal. The students held a religious items stall where students could purchase a range of religious accessories. 

A crowd favourite was our Students vs Teachers Family Feud. There were plenty of laughs as both sides tried to guess the most popular answers, with some very funny and unexpected responses along the way. The friendly rivalry between students and staff made for a great atmosphere, and it was fantastic to see so many people getting involved and supporting the cause.

We also held a Students vs Teachers vs Students Volleyball Tournament, which brought lots of energy and excitement to the court. 

Both events were a great way to come together as a school while raising money for an important cause. It was wonderful to see the generosity of our school and the positive spirit throughout the events.

A big thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and donated. We are so proud of what we achieved together!

- Ms Tanya Khattar

Term 1 was very successful, with strong support for our students. We held a Slushy Day over three days, which our students greatly enjoyed.

We would like to thank Mr Elia Melhem “SNOW FLOW” for generously donating the slushy machine, syrups, cups, and straws. The students especially enjoyed the three flavours available.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our parents and friends, and to Mrs. Noel and Ms. Michelle, who kindly helped during these days.

- Sr Veronique Karam

Cedar Campus held its annual Athletics Day on Friday 20th March, providing students with the opportunity to participate in a wide range of track and field events in a positive and supportive environment.
Throughout the day, students competed in sprints, relays, novelty events, and field events, demonstrating enthusiasm, perseverance, and a high standard of sportsmanship. It was particularly pleasing to observe the level of encouragement shown between students, as well as their commitment to representing their house groups with pride.
All four houses - Maroun, Patterson, Nassar, and McKillop contributed to a successful and well-contested day. The final results were as follows:

• In fourth place, Patterson displayed commendable effort and resilience across all events.

• In third place, Maroun demonstrated strong teamwork and consistent participation throughout the day.

• In second place, MacKillop achieved several excellent results, reflecting their skill and determination.

• In first place, Nassar continued their outstanding form, securing back-to-back victories with excellent performances across both track and field events.
   

Congratulations are extended to all students for their participation, effort, and conduct on the day. The school also acknowledges the valuable contribution of staff and volunteers, whose organisation and support ensured the smooth running of the event.
We are extremely proud of the way students embraced the day, and we look forward to continuing to promote active participation and healthy competition in future events.

- Mr Hayden Wyllie

This week is National e-Smart week, the theme is Be Connected by e-Smart.  

Students attended an online Storytime about 16 year old Chelsea who spends a lot of time online. Chelsea learns when it is ok to share photos and information about other people and when it is not ok. 

Here is a link to The eSafety Guide | eSafety Commissioner. In this guide find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. 

- Ms Casey Crooks

This term’s library displays feature an imaginative fairytale theme, showcasing classic tales brought to life with colourful 3D elements - alongside fun and engaging Easter displays.

Are you looking for some engaging reading opportunities during the term break? Don’t forget to access Story Box Library using the following details: https://storyboxhub.com

Username:   Cedar Story Box Library
Password:    stories

Coming up in Term 2

Celebrating National Family Reading Month
May is always an exciting time in the Cedar Campus Library as we celebrate National Family Reading Month with a series of vibrant events designed to promote a love of books and reading.

Students will enjoy the Scholastic Book Fair, running from Tuesday 28 April to Friday 1 May, offering a great selection of new titles for all ages. Later in the month, our Foundation to Year 2 students will take part in National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday 27 May, featuring Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller by Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd, illustrated by Jake Minton.

Throughout May, students are also encouraged to take part in the Read More in May Challenge. Families are encouraged to read together for at least ten minutes every day in May. By registering for the challenge, families will be eligible to win one of ten Dav Pilkey prize packs valued at $350 each. Register for the challenge by clicking the link here: https://scholastic.com.au/nfrm/nfrm-home/

Each week in term 2 a Library STEM Club will be held for students in Foundation to Year 3, offering hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering and maths. Sessions run on Wednesdays (Foundation & Year 1) and Thursdays (Year 2 & Year 3) during break 1 and are proudly led by our enthusiastic 5B student leaders.

- Mr Gavan Kelly

On Thursday the 26th of March, The Year 6 Captains went with Ms Mori to the GRIP Leadership Conference. GRIP stands for Generosity, Responsibility, Integrity and People, and the conference had over 3000 student leaders from Primary schools all over Melbourne. 

It was a really fun event where the students got to play games and do challenges while also learning how to be better leaders by taking opportunities, serving the needs of others, making lots of connections and showing integrity. The captains reflected that they look forward to continuing to build their leadership during the year and are grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a fun conference.

- Ms Mori Milholland

Recently, our Year 4 students enjoyed an engaging and meaningful excursion to the Melbourne Museum, where they explored Australia’s history with a focus on First Contact between First Nations people and British settlers.
Throughout the visit, students learned about what life was like for First Nations peoples before European arrival, and how the arrival of the British in the late 1700s led to significant and often difficult changes for Aboriginal communities. Through museum exhibits, artefacts, and stories, students were encouraged to think about history from different perspectives.

A highlight of the excursion was learning about two important Aboriginal leaders from the time of First Contact:

• Bennelong, a Wangal man, worked to build understanding between First Nations people and British settlers. 

• Pemulwuy, a Bidjigal warrior and leader, was studied for his strong resistance to British settlement. 

By learning about these two men, students discovered that Aboriginal people responded to First Contact in different ways, showing cooperation, courage, and resistance.
This excursion supported our classroom learning by helping students build a deeper understanding of Australia’s history and the lasting impact of First Contact. Students demonstrated curiosity, respect, and thoughtful discussion as they reflected on the experiences of First Nations peoples.
The visit to Melbourne Museum was a valuable and memorable experience that helped students better understand the past and appreciate the resilience and ongoing culture of First Nations Australians.
- Mr Blanco, Mrs Stradiot-Gatto, Mrs Amaru

Throughout the term, students explored our college theme, ‘God is Love’, while developing a deeper understanding of Lent and Holy Week through a - range of meaningful learning experiences.

- Mrs Miriam Ayoub and Mrs Anna Stradiot-Gatto

This term the Year 4A students have been learning about dance and movement. During their dance unit they explored important skills such as rhythm, timing, coordination, and expressing music through movement. They practised moving in time with the beat, working together as a group, and building confidence when performing in front of others.

- Mrs Anna Stradiot-Gatto 

This term in Art, our Year 5 students have been learning about cultural dances from around the world. They explored how dance works and studied key elements such as actions, space, time, and the ways movements can be combined to create a complete performance.

Students also discovered how important dance is within many cultures. Through our lessons, they learned that dance can be used to tell stories, express ideas, and keep traditions alive.

Students used movement creatively to communicate meaning and ideas and were excited to perform their dances during school assembly.

It has been a wonderful term of learning, exploring, and creating.  

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- Ms Tania Jarrouje, Mr Nick Triantafillopoulos, Ms Martina Gawro, Mr Patrick Murphy

The Year 6 students have been learning how to play Netball in preparation for interschool sport next term. They have had some coaching sessions with Netball Victoria and have learnt the basic skills of Netball. 

Here are some pictures of one of our lessons. 

- Ms Casey Crooks

Across Cedar Campus this term we have had a big focus on being a good sport. Students have been practising this in PE and at breaktimes. 

- Ms Casey Crooks

Foundation class:

Foundation students have been learning the first letters of the Arabic alphabet: They practised recognising the letters, saying their sounds, and writing them. Students also explored simple words that begin with each letter and enjoyed fun activities to reinforce their learning.

Year 2:

Year two students enjoyed learning about the fruits and vegetables and saying their favourite fruits or veggies. 

Year 5: 
Lesson Summary:
Year 5 students created a passport ID in Arabic class to practice personal information vocabulary, such as name, age, nationality, and favourite things.

Learning Objectives:
    Use Arabic to introduce themselves (e.g., اسمي، عمري، أنا من...).
    Recognise and write key personal details in Arabic script.
    Connect language learning with real-life contexts (travel, identity, culture).

Student Reflections:

I really enjoyed the passports IDs and I loved the part when we had to draw the flags from where we are from! Nour I, 5C

I like to tell that I enjoyed this activity and especially writing information about myself in Arabic. - Jean - Paul E, 5A

This term, we learnt new words about hobbies. We learnt the letters أ ب م  . We used Languagenut to practise our words. - Charbel A 3B

This term in Arabic we learnt about hobbies. My favourite thing was learning about all the sports in Arabic. - Youmna 3B

I had fun learning about Sports, Arts and music. I learnt new words like:  ناي طبل كمان غيتار  - Mia 3B

I liked the steps game where we have to say the Arabic word. - Elena 3A

I learnt lots of words about different hobbies and to connect letters - Nardeen 3A

تعرفنا على أفراد العائلة في صف اللغة العربية مثل: خالتي – خالي – عمتي – عمي. أحببت هذا الدرس كثيرًا. - Sham 4A

- Mr Joseph Abou-Zeid and Mrs Rima Atme

This term, Year 7 students put their teamwork and collaboration skills to the test with a bridge building challenge. Working in teams, students designed and constructed their own bridges before finding out whether they could hold the weight of a can of beans. It was a fun and hands-on way for students to practise working together and problem solving as a group.

- Ms Indira Natoli

This term, Year 7 students have been exploring identity as part of their year level theme. Students created their own identity boxes, decorating the outside with things that represent who they are and filling the inside with personal items that have meaning or have shaped them. 

They then shared these with the class, giving their classmates a better understanding of one another.

- Ms Indira Natoli

Our Year 7 Drama students have spent the term diving into the wonderfully playful world of Clowning. Through a series of energetic workshops, they’ve been learning how clowns use physicality, imagination, and bold character choices to communicate often without relying on words. One of the highlights has been the “invisible obstacle course,” where students navigated imaginary challenges using exaggerated movement and expressive storytelling.

As they prepare for their final clown assessments, scheduled perfectly for April Fools’ Day, each student has been asked to bring in one item of clothing that reflects their unique clown persona. Whether it’s an oversized tie, a quirky hat, or a colourful accessory, these items will help bring their characters to life in class.

It’s been a joyful, laughter filled unit, and we can’t wait to see their performances.

- Ms Kim Moore

Year 9 Drama students have enjoyed a rich and varied term, beginning with an exploration of Stanislavski’s techniques and the art of creating truthful, believable characters on stage. After building these foundational skills, they shifted into Theatre in Education, discovering how performance can be used to engage and inspire younger audiences.

Their hard work culminated in a delightful stage adaptation of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. A selection of students travelled to Cedar campus, where they performed for the Year 2 cohort, bringing the classic story to life with a warm sense of play. It was a wonderful opportunity to apply their skills in a real world setting and experience the joy of performing for an enthusiastic young audience.

Next term, they will begin rehearsals for the Year 9 production to be performed later this year. As for the tale… for now let’s just say it has been told for millennia and features a few challenges that would test even the bravest of heroes.

- Ms Kim Moore

The Year 9 Religion course covers social justice issues, in particular homelessness. Students reflect on justice, compassion, and the human dignity of all people. Part of this unit of study, Year 9 students went into the city to explore homelessness. The day began with a Pilgrimage where students visited churches in the city, in particular the Welsh Church, St. John’s Cathedral, as well as celebrating an 11am mass at St Francis, where Antonine College was acknowledged in the service. After the service, students reflected on the history of the churches and their significance to the city of Melbourne.

After the church service, we made our way to the State Library for lunch. Students were given the opportunity to walk through Melbourne’s central central “knowledge hub,” and were in awe of the architecture and public space where people can read, study, research, and learn about history and culture. After lunch, we walked to the Salvation Army Headquarters on Bourke street, where students engaged in workshops, looking at the reasons why people are homeless, examining real-life stories, statistics and more importantly the services they provide for those who are in this dire situation. The program allowed students to learn about how we can help those in need by making donations and volunteering. The day allowed students to foster curiosity, compassion, and a desire to make a difference in our local communities.

Students truly engaged in reflecting on justice, compassion, and the human dignity of all people, reflecting on the school theme, God is Love, and that God is present in all people, especially the disadvantaged.

- Ms Diane Farah

Our Mathematics workshops continue to be a highly engaging and valuable part of our learning program from Year 7-9. During these sessions students participate in a range of interactive activities, focusing on developing deep mathematical thinking through games and problem-solving.

The games we use are designed to challenge students’ mathematical reasoning, encourage collaboration and build confidence with key numeracy skills. Rather than simply practising procedures; students are exploring patterns, testing strategies and justifying their thinking.

Maths workshops occur once a fortnight and I encourage students to share and play these games at home with family members. 

We look forward to continuing to build students’ curiosity and confidence in Mathematics through these sessions.

- Miss Isabella Athaide 

Year 9 students have been researching the topic of food waste and ways in which we can all play a role in reducing the amount of food that is thrown away. In this practical, students made use of some of the main ingredients which are thrown out weekly in our households, including bread, vegetables and dairy and created their own versions of pizza on toast!

This was an extremely enjoyable lesson and demonstrated how we can use everyday ingredients creatively to minimise food waste and in turn, create something delicious!

- Ms Norma Francis 

Year 10 students recently took part in a practical cooking workshop where they made cookies and cream biscuits. This session proved to be an enjoyable experience for all, and students had the opportunity to learn new skills and enjoy the process of making and tasting their own creations. 

- Ms Norma Francis

Year 10 Food Technology students recently took part in an exciting practical making caramel slice.  This cooking session was aimed at exploring key cooking methods and various food science concepts.  Students took part in simmering, baking and melting as well as examining how temperature control and ingredients interact. Students also had the opportunity to learn about processes including caramelisation, emulsification and the role of fats and sugars in achieving specific textures and flavours.  

Following the session, students engaged in a sensory evaluation of their final products and were very proud of their creations!

- Ms Norma Francis 

Year 10 students are developing and using their job seeking skills to find work experience which is scheduled in May from the 18th to the 22nd. Some students get to do extra placements depending on the employer opportunity.

Since late last year students have met with the Careers Development practitioner to discuss their interests. Jacob C expressed an interest in aeroplanes. We were lucky to snap up a work experience opportunity with Jetstar in December last year. Jacob completed an application form, and it wasn’t until February this year he found out that he was successful and accepted the opportunity.

Jacob spent a week with Jetstar spending time at the hangars at Tullamarine, in offices with the early careers team in Collingwood and at the flight simulation centre in Airport West. Jacob was working with a team of 11 other students from various schools around Victoria.

For Jacob this opportunity with Jetstar is an unforgettable experience and hopefully gives him some insight into the many careers that are possible.

- Ms Josie Rovetto

The Year 10 SACCSS Premier League season has been an exciting and rewarding experience for our students, showcasing not only their skill and determination but also their teamwork and sportsmanship. This year we were able to partake in the following sports throughout term 1 and I thank the college and coaches for making this a possible extra curricula activity for our year 10 students: Girls and Boys Soccer (coach: Isabella Athaide and Christine Al-Mourani), Girls and Boys Basketball (coach: Christiane Nasr and Will Thompson), Girls and Boys Volleyball (coach: Caitlin McAleece and Emile Fakhry) and Girls Netball (coach: Eliza Hoare). 

Throughout the competition, each team has demonstrated strong commitment on game days. Their ability to work together under pressure and maintain a positive attitude has been a highlight of the season this year.

A special mention must go to the players who have stepped up into leadership roles, guiding their teammates and setting a great example both on and off the field. All teams should be proud of their achievements, particularly the Girls and Boys Soccer teams and Boys Volleyball who have secured a spot in the semifinal this week. I wish them all the best of luck and hope to see a successful outcome to play off for the championship next term.

Thank you to all students for their dedication and to families for their ongoing support. We look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of this group in future sporting opportunities.

- Miss Isabella Athaide

Please join me in congratulating the Senior Girls Futsal Team, who claimed the championship last week with a 3–1 victory over Thomas Carr in the grand final. 

A special shoutout to Chantal I, who was named MVP of the tournament for her outstanding goalkeeping. 

I have had the privilege of coaching some of these Year 12 students since Year 7, it has been an honour to guide them and watch them grow in both their soccer abilities and leadership skills. I wish them all the very best and hope they continue their involvement in soccer beyond school.

SENIOR FUTSAL SQUAD: 

• Giselle D (Captain) 

• Chantal I

• Nisereen S

• Larisa K

• Evelyn E

• Chloe D

• Sahaar H

• Jonela A

- Miss Isabella Athaide 

2 April: Holy Thursday

2 April: Saint Joseph Athletics Day

2 April: Last Day of Term 1

3 April: Good Friday

5 April: Easter

20 April: First Day of Term 2

22 April: F-2 Easter Hat/Basket Parade 

27 April: F-12 Parent Teacher Interviews

28 April - 1 May: Scholastic Book Fair

7 May: F-3 Mother's Day Morning

18-20 May: Year 9 Camp

18-22 May: Year 10 Work Experience

God is Love - College Theme 2026