This week's Principal's Message from Mr David Johnston

 
Parents & Friends Long Lunch

The CBC Parents and Friends Committee is thrilled to invite you to our CBC Long Lunch – a wonderful afternoon of delicious food, live music, and community spirit set amongst the beautiful autumn leaves – happening on Sunday, 18 May 2025!

Guests will be treated to a mouth-watering three-course meal, catered by Ikonic Kitchens. The afternoon will come alive with entertainment from our talented CBC musicians! Enjoy a special gin tasting experience, participate in the silent auction or raffle, and go into the running for exciting door prizes.

Location: CBC Senior Campus, 214 Wakefield Street, Adelaide

Tickets: $90 per person or $850 for a table of 10

With only 200 tickets available, we encourage you to secure yours early to avoid disappointment. Please note that this event is for adults only.

This amazing fundraiser will support the purchase of a brand-new bus for the College.

CBC Long Lunch Tickets: events.humanitix.com/cbc-long-lunch

College House Sports Day

The College House Sports Day will be held on Friday 4 April.  This year, we will be holding the day on the College Ovals, and please note that there is an early dismissal at 2pm.

This promises to be a wonderful College event where students can compete at their own level in some friendly House competition and show their House pride. 

Details have been sent home to all families and boys via SEQTA but can also be accessed below.

Don’t forget the P&F will be running a BBQ on the day with students able to pre-order their lunch via the QKR! App by Monday 31 March, at 10pm.

Mr Cameron Alexander
Executive Deputy Principal

 
Sports Day

This year, the CBC Junior Campus Sports Day will take place on Friday 4 April, from 10.00am to 12:30pm (Reception to Year 2s) and until 1:30pm for Year 3s to Year 6s. As previously, it will be a Whole College Sports Day (R–12).

Parents and Grandparents are warmly welcome to attend from 10.00am onwards – the Junior Campus will be located on the TOP Oval.

Normal school drop-off is required for ALL boys on this day.

We will travel to and from the CBC Top Oval with the Classroom Teachers, leaving CBC at approximately 9.15am from the Junior Campus Courtyard and returning to CBC at approximately 1.30pm. Reception to Year 2 students may be collected at the end of their events (TUG OF WAR) at 12.30 pm, however, all are welcome to stay to watch the 3–12 Relays and presentation ceremony on the main oval.

If you are collecting your child, you need to ensure you see the classroom teacher prior to leaving to sign out your child. The remainder of the boys will be walked back to the Junior Campus with their teacher and be present in their classroom until dismissal at 2.00pm.

Year 3–6 Students MUST wait until after the Presentation Ceremony has concluded and can be collected on return to the Junior Campus. They MUST be signed out by their Class Teacher prior to leaving.

All boys are asked to bring a healthy recess, lunch and drink in a small backpack or carry bag clearly labelled with their name. We also request that all R–5 boys wear their sports uniform with their coloured House T-shirt, CBC wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen. Hairspray or coloured zinc cream is allowed; however, it MUST be applied at HOME.

Year 6 students have the option to dress up in their house colours as well.

There is a P&F BBQ that can be pre-ordered for students using the QKR! App. Please place your order by Monday 31 March at 10pm and you can find this in QKR (under P&F) at the bottom of the menu.

Week 8

What a vibrant and joyful Week 8 we had as we celebrated both St Patrick’s Day and Harmony Day!

Our school was awash with a sea of green and orange as students and staff enthusiastically embraced the spirit of these special days – honouring St Patrick’s legacy of faith and service while also celebrating the rich cultural diversity and unity within our community.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who dressed up, participated and donated. Your generosity is truly making a difference. So far, we have raised an impressive amount for Project Compassion, supporting Caritas Australia’s vital work with communities in need around the world.

Let’s continue to give with open hearts as we journey together through this Lenten season.

Lenten Activity of the Week – Coin Competition!

This week’s Lenten activity was the Coin Competition!

Each class was invited to bring in coins and line them up across the floor to see who could create the longest coin trail for the day. It was a fun and visual way to show how every little contribution adds up to make a big difference.

All the money raised will go towards our final fundraising total for Caritas Australia, supporting their incredible work with vulnerable communities around the world.

Let’s keep the Lenten spirit alive by giving generously and working together to create meaningful change.

Congratulations to 6 White and 3 White on winning the Coin Competition!

Join Us for Coffee Every Friday Morning!

We warmly invite you to join us every Friday morning from 8:20am at the canteen for a coffee and a chance to connect with other parents. It’s a wonderful opportunity to catch up, meet new families, and start the day with a friendly chat.

We would love to see you there—come along and enjoy a coffee with us!

• When: Every Friday morning at 8:20am
• Where: School Canteen

Looking forward to sharing a coffee and conversation with you!

Coffee Mornings Every Friday from 8.20am at the Junior Campus

Liturgies and Masses

Our Junior Campus chapel has been a special place of prayer, reflection, and community as students across all year levels take part in regular liturgies and prayer services. It is always a joy to see the boys take on roles in the readings, prayers, and singing, and we warmly welcome families to join us in these moments of faith. Watching your son participate in the spiritual life of the school is a truly meaningful experience, and we love having parents and caregivers there to share in it.

In addition to our chapel liturgies, several year levels have also had the opportunity to walk down to the Cathedral to take part in the 12:10pm community Mass, which is open to the public. These visits provide a valuable chance for students to connect with the wider faith community and deepen their understanding of the Eucharist in a more formal setting. We warmly invite all families to attend these Cathedral Masses – your presence and support mean a great deal to the students and staff alike.

Please also remember that we hold a Community Mass in our chapel on the first Friday of every month at 8:00 am. Our next Mass will take place on Sports Day, which will be a beautiful and meaningful way to begin the day. It offers a special opportunity to come together in prayer, reflect on our shared values, and celebrate the strength and spirit of our school community. We warmly invite all families to join us.

Student Assessment Tasks and Upcoming Student-Led Conversations

Assessment tasks are gradually being released across classes this term in preparation for the Student-Led Conversations taking place in Term 2. These conversations are a valuable opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning by presenting and reflecting on the work they have completed throughout the term.  You will receive more information about these closer to the date.

Students invest significant time and effort into preparing their work and thinking critically about their progress. To ensure these conversations are as meaningful and positive as possible, it is important that all students attend as they are responsible for leading the discussion with you.

We thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to celebrating the learning journey of each student through these reflective and empowering conversations.

Alphabet Day is Coming!

Mark your calendars! On Friday 2 May, we will be celebrating Alphabet Day – a fun, imaginative event where students are encouraged to dress up as something beginning with one of their initials. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to get creative, think outside the box, and enjoy the joy of learning in a playful and engaging way.

For those new to our community, last year’s Harry Potter Day transformed our Junior Campus into a magical Hogwarts experience! This year, we are looking forward to another exciting celebration, and we can’t wait to see the clever, colourful, and original costume ideas our students come up with for Alphabet Day.

The excitement is already building – our teachers are busily planning their own outfits, and once again, the entire staff will be getting involved to make the day extra special!

Start brainstorming now – whether it is a pirate (for Peter), astronaut (for Alex), doctor (for Daniel), or something completely unexpected, we are eager to see the creativity come to life.

Stay tuned – more details to come as the day gets closer! There will be lots of different activities for the boys to do throughout the day.

Let the alphabet-inspired fun begin!

SEQTA

A friendly reminder that SEQTA is our primary communication platform for sharing important school updates, announcements, and messages. To ensure you don’t miss any key information, we kindly ask that you regularly check your messages or set your phone to receive SEQTA notifications.

By staying up to date on SEQTA, you will have access to:

• Important school announcements
• Event reminders and calendar updates
• Direct communication from teachers and staff
• Academic progress and student reports

We appreciate your support in helping us maintain clear and effective communication. If you need any assistance with SEQTA notifications, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Term 2 Uniform Reminder – Blazer and Tie Required

As we approach the end of Term 1, we would like to remind families of the uniform expectations for Term 2, which includes the transition to the formal winter uniform.

From the first day of Term 2, all students are required to wear their college blazer and tie as part of the full winter uniform. These items are an important part of our school’s identity and reflect the pride we take in presentation and belonging to our community.

To ensure your son is fully prepared, we strongly encourage you to have him try on his uniform during the break to check for sizing and fit. This will allow ample time to purchase any new or replacement items from the Uniform Shop before the start of the new term.

As always, we appreciate your support in upholding the college’s uniform expectations and helping your son start Term 2 with confidence and pride.

If you have any questions regarding uniform requirements or shop opening hours, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.

Parents and Friends Association

A big thank you to everyone who supported our Easter fundraising efforts, especially those who placed an order for the Cookie Dough fundraiser. Thanks to your generosity, we sold over 300 tubs and raised more than $1,900 – a fantastic result! We’re also excited to have our Easter Raffle underway, with a variety of prizes up for grabs. There is one major prize valued at $5 per ticket, along with plenty of other fun prizes, with tickets available at $2 each or 3 for $5. Your continued support of our Parents and Friends initiatives helps make a real difference in our school community – thank you!

Heads Up for Week 11!

Just a quick note to remind you that I will be away in China for the week with our Senior students during Week 11. If you need any assistance at the Junior Campus, please reach out to Mrs Karen Chambers, who will be available to support you.  As this is my last newsletter article for this term, please have a safe and enjoyable break and I look forward to seeing everyone in Term 2.

Staff Spotlight: Mr Dylan Cook

What inspired you to become a teacher?

Teaching has been in my blood from day one. My grandmother was a principal and a Grade 1 teacher, my mum established a farm school for the community, and both of my siblings are teachers.

What is one lesson or skill you hope every student takes away from your class?

To have ago and make a plan. I try to encourage students to take risks in their learning, to first try themselves and then I’ll support them as they need it and once they have attempted it.  Normally in their attempt to Make a Plan, they experience their own 'AHA' moment and deeper learning.

What’s a fun fact about you that might surprise students or parents?

I used to bake my children’s birthday cakes. My mum baked and decorated my birthday cakes with my interests or hobbies at a young age. Its something I have always remembered growing up so I decided to try do the same for my son and daughters. There were many flops. However, I did surprise myself once or twice by creating something special.

Are there any projects or initiatives you’re particularly excited about?

I am looking forward to the students completing their Design and Technology project this term. The year 6 students headed to Canberra earlier this year and got to experience Parliament House and multiple uniquely designed buildings around Canberra. For Design and Technology, the boys are Designing their own Parliament House on design software called 'SketchUp'.   They will explore features of different time eras, unique from buildings around the world and incorporate Indigenous Australian ideas into their own Parliament House. There are a variety of challenges that the boys will be involved in, and I am looking forward to seeing what they will create.

How do you incorporate technology or innovative methods into your teaching?

I really try to get the boys to experience hands-on learning as much as possible. I feel like when a student, builds, breaks and tries to explain something using their hands it makes it more enjoyable and beneficial to them. I love exposing students to the use of tools, electric circuits, new technology and taking them outside to learn. There is so much amazing things out there and the students definitely enjoy trying something new.

Upcoming Events

• Friday 4 April – Sports Day (Early Dismissal)
• Tuesday 8 – Friday 11 April – Year 5 Camp to Port Hughes
• Friday 11 April – Last day of Term 1

Term 2 Events

• Monday 28 April – First day of Term 2
• Friday 2 May – Alphabet Dress Up Day
• Monday 5 May – JC Photo Day
• Thursday 8 May – Mother's Day Stall
• Friday 9 May – Mother’s Day Breakfast
• Monday 12 May – Student Learner Reviews (Pupil Free Day) 

Mrs Alison Ronoastro
Head of Junior Campus

 
The pastoral care space was busy once again with Harmony Day activities in full swing last week. Harmony Day is dedicated to promoting cultural diversity, inclusivity, and respect. This year, our school community came together for a range of fun and educational activities that highlighted the importance of understanding and embracing our differences.

In the pastoral care lesson, students shared stories of their heritage, showcasing the diverse backgrounds that make our school unique. Harmony chains in the colour orange with messages of kindness and inclusivity were created and displayed on the railings outside the College, whilst a message board with a pledge from each PC class is still on display in the Front Office.

Harmony Day Display in Front Office

We are proud of the way our school came together to celebrate Harmony Day. It was a reminder of the importance of kindness, respect, and understanding in creating a community where everyone feels valued.

We look forward to continuing our commitment to inclusivity and celebrating diversity every day!

Sports Day Extravaganza!! AKA – Best day of the Year!!

It’s the time for sports day fun again! Which House will emerge victorious?? The most thrilling event of the school year is fast approaching, and it's time to rally your House spirit for an unforgettable Sports Day extravaganza.

All six Houses are up for the challenge – which is both sporting and fashion related!! As usual, events will be divided into 'Div 1 and Div Fun' categories to allow for all skill levels – so there is no excuse!!

Here's how you can gear up and ensure your House emerges victorious:

1. ATTEND!!!! Statistically – the winner of Sports day is the House with the most students who attend and participate! So, turn up – get involved and have some fun!!
2. Wear your House colours with pride – this is your chance to go wild and go crazy – wear anything to support your House without any nagging about correct uniform!!
3. HOUSE SPIRIT –Channel your inner cheerleader and whip your House into a frenzy with creative cheers, chants, and dance routines. The louder and more enthusiastic your cheers, the greater your House's chances of clinching the Spirit Cup. So, unleash your competitive spirit, get your chant on and display your fashions in the field!!

Details

• Date: Friday 4 April
• Where: CBC Ovals, East Parklands, Bartels Road – but meet at Senior Campus first for PC and then movement down to the Ovals for 9.50am start.
• Remember: Wear a broad-brimmed hat, apply sunscreen and bring food (see below)

PLUS – Early Dismissal!!

Food and Drink:

All boys are asked to bring recess, lunch, snacks and a personal drink bottle in a small bag or backpack.

Alternatively, there will be a Sausage Sizzle for lunch which will be held by the P&F.

 If students would like to order a sausage, preorders must be placed through Qkr! app by Monday 31 March.

Mejiro Study Tour

In the spirit of cultural exchange and global understanding, Christian Brothers College was honoured to once again host six students from Mejiro School in Japan on Wednesday 26^th and Thursday 27^th March. This visit not only provided our Japanese counterpart with an opportunity to immerse themselves in a different educational setting but also enriched our own community with diverse perspectives and experiences. Both CBC and Mejiro student benefit from this exchange with one of the Mejiro students discovering a talent for Music in his Year 11 Music class! Thanks to assistance from the Year 11 student leaders and teachers, who welcomed the boys into their classes and friendship groups.

Mejiro Japanese Exchange Students Visiting CBC

Use of E-Scooters and Behaviour in the City

We have recently received a number of complaints about students using E-Scooters dangerously and riding without helmets etc.

A reminder that to ride E-scooters using Apps - you must be over 18 and also wearing a helmet.

Furthermore, please be mindful of language and general behaviour when in uniform in the city - particularly when cutting through the U-Park on Flinders. It is easy to forget yourself when in large groups – so try and remember that you are highly visible in the city. Remember to represent the College and your family with pride!

Ms Debra Withers
Director of Students

 
Feast Days and Cultural Celebrations

During Lent, a time of reflection and giving, we are called to make the world fairer and kinder. Our school community has been actively supporting charities like the Leukemia Foundation’s Greatest Shave and Caritas’ Project Compassion, all while celebrating Harmony Week, our diversity and the message that 'Everyone Belongs.' As we live, learn, work and play on Kaurna land, we acknowledge their rich spirituality and enduring connection to this place.

Our broader Catholic family has recently celebrated St Patrick’s Day on 17 March, for his message of faith, hope, and love. On 19 March, we remembered St Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, who teaches us about humility and service. On 24 March, we honoured St Oscar Romero, a courageous voice for justice who stood up for the oppressed. We also celebrated The Annunciation, which recognises Mary’s brave 'yes' to God and her important role as Jesus’ mother.

Many in our community have recently celebrated Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, which marks the triumph of good over evil, and a time of joy and renewal. With Lent soon heightening to Holy Week and the Easter triduum for the Christian community, and Ramadan coming to a close in celebration of Eid, for the Muslim community, this is a very spiritual time.

This year, everything is extra special because it’s a Year of Jubilee, something the Church celebrates only every 25 years. Jubilee years are all about renewal, forgiveness, and working onward towards a just society.

Celebrating Harmony Day at the CBC

Project Compassion

Through Project Compassion, we are helping people around the world. Like Toefuata'iga (Toe-eh-foo-ah-TEE-ah) from Samoa, who now has clean water at her school to help with her education. And Lam from Vietnam, who overcame exclusion due to his disability to find dignity and work. And Irene from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who is learning skills to support her family and build a better future.

The life-changing work of Caritas Australia is only made possible by the unwavering generosity of Catholic communities across the nation. Every donation, big or small, really makes a difference to people like them and so many more. Please join us in our support of this great cause.

Year 7s Exploring the Catholic World of Adelaide

The city was the RE classroom for the Year 7 cohort last week as the students participated in an excursion to explore the rich history of Catholic community-serving centres in Adelaide, which are right at our doorstep.

Key landmarks we visited included the Calvary Hospital, St Aloysius College – our sister school, St Francis Xavier's Cathedral, the Mary MacKillop Statue, and Victoria Square, for its significance to First Nations people. The students were able to witness firsthand the historical and contemporary contributions of Catholic organisations and hear stories of the courageous women of the Church who have shaped our community.

A big thank you to the staff who supported this fantastic day, particularly Mr Sean Carr, Mr Michael Spudic and Brother John Ahern for all of their great work, organisation and wisdom and to Mr Tony Carrieri, Jackson Ritter and Brock Mitchell for their assistance on the day.

Altar Service

We had great first training session for our future altar servers recently. Led by Father Matthew, along with Year 12 students Jonathan and Dylan, the group of Junior and Senior students are learning the roles and responsibilities of assisting at Mass. The training continues through this term and we look forward to seeing them serve in our community soon!

Altar Server Training with Fr Matthew

Social Action Group Kicks Off

The Social Action Group has officially kicked off, bringing together a passionate and diverse group of students eager to make a difference. Over the last couple of weeks, students have gathered to share their thoughts and concerns about justice in our society.

Key topics discussed included discrimination, LGBTQI inclusion, poverty and education, caring for the environment, and promoting safety from domestic abuse. The energy and dedication of everyone involved have been inspiring.

The group is planning an end-of-term BBQ in Week 11, to raise money for Project Compassion and celebrate the end of the first term. Captained by Year 12, Oscar Klopsteins, the group is looking forward to turning their passion into action this year, stay tuned for more updates and ways to support their efforts.

A Weekly Commitment, Made With Love

St Vincent de Paul Group members have been spending their lunch breaks making sandwiches for the Thursday Vinnies SA Fred’s Van service. Their efforts will go towards feeding those in need. A weekly commitment, made with love from CBC students and staff.

Adoration Returns

As part of the Lent events occurring throughout this season, all students and staff are welcome to join for another session of Introduction to Adoration, an experience of peaceful, contemplative prayer in the Edmund Rice Chapel with Fr Matthew Newman this coming Monday 31 March from 11.05am until 11.35am.

Community Masses – Every Wednesday at 8:00am

A reminder that you can join us for our weekly Community Mass every Wednesday at 8:00am in the Edmund Rice Chapel (Senior Campus). This short service finishes by 8:25am and is open to all students, staff, and families - no RSVP needed. As part of this week’s service, we took a moment to bless our students and staff who are preparing to embark on their journey to China.

A reminder that we also have a ‘First Friday’ Mass in the Presentation of Mary Chapel (Junior Campus) next Friday 4 April. Stay around for a coffee and a chat afterwards in readiness for the big Sports Day!

Upcoming: Whole College Easter Mass

On Monday, 7 April (Week 11), we will come together for a Whole College Easter Mass.

This special Mass, presided over by Father Matthew Newman, will mark the approaching Holy Week and Easter season. It is also a wonderful opportunity to gather as a community to reflect, give thanks, and celebrate a fruitful first term.

Please note that all students in R–12 are to wear full Summer uniform for this day.

Invitation to 'Homefulness: 70 Years of the Hutt St Centre' Screening

Speaking of great local Catholic organisations, on behalf of the Hutt Street Centre, we would like to invite our school community to a special screening of Homefulness: 70 Years of the Hutt Street Centre. This powerful documentary reflects on the journey of the Hutt St Centre from its establishment by the Daughters of Charity in 1954 to the compassionate and community-driven organisation it is today. Through personal stories, inspiring insights, and stunning archival imagery, Homefulness captures the resilience and spirit that have shaped this vital work for seven decades.

• Date: Wednesday 9 April 2025
• Where: Wallis Piccadilly Cinemas, 181 O’Connell Street, North Adelaide
• Time: 6pm – 8pm
• Cost: $10 per person - Popcorn and soft drink/water provided
• Tickets: Please click here to purchase your ticket

Sacramental Program

The sacraments are rituals that teach, strengthen and express faith in the Catholic tradition.

Every year, the College supports families in the preparation of their son(s) for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist.  We will also support you to connect with parishes for Baptism or to celebrate other Sacraments.

If your son is in the Junior Campus and would like to be prepared for these three important Sacraments this year, please see communications from Simon Nardecchia (Junior Campus) to register before the end of the day on Monday. You are welcome to contact either of us for any inquiries.

Mr Anthony Callisto
Director of Identity and Mission

 
Music

The past couple of weeks have continued at a speedy pace.

In Week 8, our Vocal Project and Vocal Ensemble were fortunate to participate in workshops with Mr Kaichiro Kitamura. Kai has been touring Australia with the a capella (unaccompanied) ensemble ‘The Idea of North’ which also features our singing tutor, Mr Luke Thompson. He is the ‘vocal percussionist’ in the group and also sings the baritone line. We learnt that a vocal percussionist does more than just beatbox – Kai can replicate all parts of the drumkit with his mouth, as well as imitating the bass and even trumpet sounds.

Kai was telling us that he grew up with a love of all forms of transport and taught himself how to mimic trains and planes among others. The demo he gave us was incredible!

Vocal Percussionist, Mr Kaichiro Kitamura with the Vocal Ensemble

Autumn Snapshot

This week, we have been filming ensembles during their scheduled rehearsals so that we can release our virtual 'Autumn Snapshot'. These are not necessarily polished rehearsals, but a point in time displaying the work that has been achieved so far in 2025, and teasing you, the audience, about what is to come!

We will let you know when it is released for your viewing pleasure.

Debating

We are currently building some solid teams and skills in our pre-season Tuesday afternoon sessions. A new feature of the SADA competition for many of our students is unplanned debates, where students receive their topic one hour before their debate, and have to plan their speeches without the use of any technology. This week, we incorporated Mr Garreffa and Ms Sharma into the debate – they had to work with the teams and deliver a speech! In addition, we welcomed some of our new Year 7 students who were brave enough to get involved in their first-ever debating session.

We are super excited to have five Year 6 students enrolled in our first JC Debating Team – they will work with Mr Simon Nardecchia and make some visits up to the senior campus to meet their debating big brothers later in the year.

Chess

We have a very healthy number of students engaging in coaching sessions on Wednesdays at recess with David from Chesslife. There are also increasing numbers coming along to gain match practice on Thursday afternoons which is great to see.

We are looking forward to the JC chess club starting in Term 3 – there is always a lot of energy from our younger players!

Drama Club

Mr Sean Carr organised an excursion for the Drama Club staff (including Mr Jarrod Potito, Mr Dylan Widdup and me) during the Fringe Festival. We attended a play entitled 'Shellshocked', held at the Holden St Theatres. It was set in World War 1, as is our play this year, and, whilst there were some harrowing moments, we all commented on how we could imagine some of our students in the roles.

Auditions for 'Journey’s End' are fast approaching. If you are interested, please come to a meeting in the drama theatre at recess of Week 10 to collect scripts and details, and sign up to audition the next week.

As always, questions can be sent through to me at any time.

Ms Alexandra Khafagi
Director of Performing Arts