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This week's Principal's Message from Mr David Johnston
Welcome back to Semester 2, to what we know is always the busiest of terms when it comes to the school year! However, before we look forward, I think it is pertinent to look back as we jump over the halfway mark of 2025.
Over the break, our Senior Campus boys would have received their Semester 1 reports. We will recognise their exceptional achievement, growth and application next week at the Academic Assembly. In reviewing the achievements, data would suggest our boys are applying themselves and reaping dividends. A particular highlight is the students who have demonstrated growth or 'turned the corner'. Hence, at next week’s assembly, we will recognise a student from each year level for the Liberating Education award. In short, this recognition identifies students who have demonstrated a marked shift in attitude, application and grades. Although we can only recognise one student per Year Level, it is a testament to many boys nominated by teachers and Heads of House. A sign of maturing as they enter Semester 2 and, by extension, prepare for 2026.
Looking forward, we are now in the phase of the year where many of the processes and mechanics of getting ready for 2026 begin. Last night, hundreds of Senior students with their parents attended the CBC Career and Subject Selection Evening. I thank all the staff involved, particularly the leadership of Tia Milhous (Career and VET Counsellor), who oversaw the event. Subsequently, all students will commence making their subject selections for next year over the next few weeks. Crucially, our senior students must accept that their eligibility to move into desired subjects and pathways next year is still largely bound to their performance and application this year. The higher one goes in school, the more rigorous and demanding the courses become. We are committed to all the boys’ success, but data informs these pathways, eligibility criteria and approaches. Vague promises to 'try harder next year' do not. To that end, I remind our students of the After School Study Groups – Years 7 to 12 in the Library (Mon to Thurs, 3:10pm to 5:00pm) and Senior Study Group – Years 10 to 12 in the Wakefield Building (Tuesday and Wednesday nights, 5:00pm to 8:00pm).
In closing, I would like to thank the boys for their stellar start to Semester 2, and it is amazing how sharp they look without the hoodies. I only got to confiscate one thus far! Over the next two weeks, just some event reminders:
Week 2:
- Tuesday 28 July: Year 10 Vaccinations – Dose 2
- Wednesday 29 July: Academic Assembly – This is a formal event and requires students in full uniform
- Friday 1 August: CBC Year 8 and 9 Social
Week 3:
- Monday 4 August: 2026 Year 12 (current Year 11) Subject Selections
- Tuesday 5 August: 2026 Year 11 (current Year 10) Subject Selections
- Friday 8 August: Hutt Street Walk a Mile
Dr Lee Del Col
Deputy Principal – Head of Senior Campus
Welcome back to another exciting term at the Junior Campus! We hope all our families enjoyed a restful and refreshing holiday break. A very warm welcome to the new families who have joined our community this term—we are thrilled to have you with us and look forward to getting to know you in the weeks ahead. Term 3 is always a busy and vibrant time in our school calendar, and we cannot wait to share the many learning experiences and events planned for the coming weeks.
Year 4 Camp – El Shaddai
This week, our Year 4 boys embarked on an exciting adventure to El Shaddai Camp in Wellington, near Murray Bridge, from Wednesday 23rd to Friday 25th July. Despite the chilly and wet weather, spirits were high as the boys embraced a wide range of activities including rock climbing, the giant swing, slingshot, scavenger hunts, vertical ladder challenges, laser tag and low ropes. In the evenings, they enjoyed a movie night and a range of games that added to the fun and camaraderie. It was a fantastic opportunity for the boys to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience, and strengthen friendships — all while having a great time.
A heartfelt thank you to Mr Oliver Megins, Ms Shenae Dougan, Mrs Rachael Saint, and Ms Monique Caldinez for generously giving their time and energy to support the Year 4 Camp. Your care, enthusiasm, and commitment helped make the experience a memorable and positive one for all the boys. We are truly grateful for your support.
Book Week - Week 5
Book an Adventure - Book Week is Coming
Get ready to turn the page on an AMAZING adventure! Our annual Book Week celebration is just around the corner in Week 5, and this year's theme, 'Book an Adventure', promises to be absolutely spectacular!
We are calling all pirates, princesses, superheroes, wizards, and every fantastic character in between to join us for a week of literary magic.
The Grand Book Week Parade - Friday 22 August
Mark your calendars because Friday 22 August will be the highlight of our Book Week celebrations! Our school will transform into a living, breathing storybook as students parade in their amazing costumes. Throughout the week, students will also explore the CBCA shortlist books and immerse themselves in the pure joy of reading through exciting classroom activities and adventures.
Costume Tips
Don't stress about creating the perfect costume! Sometimes the most creative outfits come from your imagination and what's already at home. A simple cape makes you a superhero, a cardboard sword turns you into a brave knight, and face paint can transform you into any character you dream up!
Book Week celebrates the incredible power of stories to transport us anywhere our imaginations can go. So dust off your favourite book, start planning that amazing costume, and get ready for an adventure!
Can't wait to see all our amazing literary characters come to life on August 22nd!
The adventure begins soon... are you ready?
Running Club Success and a New Fitness Adventure!
Our lunchtime Running Club was a fantastic success in Semester 1, with a growing number of boys lacing up their sneakers and giving it their all on the track. It was wonderful to see so many students challenging themselves, setting personal goals, and developing a love for fitness and movement.
As we step into Semester 2, we are excited to introduce Fitness Club in its place! Mr B and Mr Megins, along with several other enthusiastic staff members from the Junior Campus, will be leading a variety of fun and engaging activities during lunchtimes. From circuit training to ball games and team challenges, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Fitness Club aims to promote a healthy, active lifestyle while encouraging teamwork, resilience, and a bit of friendly fun. We cannot wait to see the boys get involved and try something new each week!
Staff Spotlight: Ms Sian McGradey
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I have always wanted to be a teacher. It started when I was a toddler, and I lined up all my toys and pretended to read them stories. I have been fortunate enough to have had some amazing teachers, which reaffirmed to me that it is what I wanted to be when I grew up.
How long have you been teaching, and what subjects/grades have you taught?
I have been teaching for almost 12 years now! I am an Early Childhood specialist, and have taught Kindergarten, Reception and Year 1.
What is your favourite thing about teaching at our school?
I love teaching at CBC because everyone is so welcoming and inclusive. It feels like home.
If you could have any other career, what would it be and why?
If I could have any other career, I think I would like to be a wildlife photographer. I am not great at taking photos, but I love wildlife and exploring new places.
How do you create a positive and engaging learning environment in your classroom?
I focus on creating an inclusive and student-centred learning environment, where every student can reach their potential. We play lots of games and explore concepts through inquiry. Helping students to develop a growth mindset is very important, particularly in the foundational years.
What do you enjoy most about teaching your current year level or subject?
Reception is such a fun year level to teach, I think it is my favourite! I get asked about 500 questions before 9.00am, so it is not for the faint-hearted! But the energy and joy the kids have rubs off on you and helps you to slow down and see the world for the wonder it is.
Important Dates for Term 3
- Friday 1 August – Community Mass and Assembly
- Friday 15 August – Assumption of Mary and College Birthday
- Friday 22 August – Book Week Parade and Assembly
- Wednesday 3 September – Father’s Day Breakfast
- Thursday 4 September – Father’s Day Stall
- Thursday 4 September – Year 3 Camp to Monarto
- Monday 15 September – Student Learner reviews / Pupil free day
Mrs Alison Ronoastro
Head of Junior Campus
Careers Night
What a night! For those of you who were present, last night’s event was our annual Careers Expo, held on the senior campus and attended by students and families from across the College community. On the night, representatives from a wide range of industries and institutions were present, including university spokespeople, VET and trade pathway providers, defence force representatives, and professionals from fields such as health, business, education, construction, IT, and hospitality. Each representative offered valuable insights to help students better understand the breadth of opportunities available to them beyond school.
This event was supported by our Heads of Learning team, who were on hand to answer questions about how subject selections at CBC can support a range of future study and work pathways. Their expertise helped families make clear links between a student’s aspirations and their curriculum choices at school.
The evening was a tremendous success, and I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Tia Milohis – Head of SACE and VET/Careers Counsellor for her outstanding work in organising the event. I also wish to acknowledge her ongoing efforts throughout the year in ensuring all of our boys understand what is required of them to pursue a meaningful post-school pathway.
Careers Expo at CBC
Subject Selections for 2026
The 2026 subject selection process officially began this week with the Careers Expo that occurred last night. This important event marked the launch of a critical period for students and families as they explore pathways for the year ahead and beyond.
Following the Expo, students in Years 7–12 will be guided through a range of counselling opportunities and support systems to help them make informed decisions.
Subject Counselling Meetings – Years 11 and 12
Year 12 (2026) Subject Selection – Monday 4 August
Students currently in Year 11 will complete their Year 12 subject selections on Monday 4 August, between 9:00am and 5:00pm in the Hurley Meeting Rooms. These meetings will be conducted in collaboration with their Head of House and cannot be completed independently at home.
The Head of House plays a vital role in tracking and supporting each student's academic journey in their final year of schooling. As someone who knows your son’s strengths, goals, and challenges, their guidance is integral in helping ensure that the chosen pathway aligns with both capability and aspiration. We strongly encourage parent involvement in these meetings, and families will receive an Edval Event invitation later this week to book a time.
Year 11 (2026) Subject Selection – Tuesday 5 August
For current Year 10 students (entering Year 11 in 2026), counselling meetings will be available from 2:00pm to 7:00pm in the Hurley Meeting Rooms. These will be facilitated by Heads of Learning.
We recognise that for many, this will be the first time engaging with the full SACE subject structure. If you would like support in determining which subjects best suit your son’s future goals, this is a great opportunity to receive professional guidance from staff with deep subject expertise. However, due to the recent updates to our Year 10 subject offerings, many students will already have a strong sense of their preferred Year 11 subjects and may be confident in completing their selections.
Students will receive their Edval subject selection codes and can submit their choices independently; however, these meetings are available for families wishing to discuss options further.
Subject Counselling Sessions – Years 7 to 10
Students in Years 7 to 10 will participate in subject counselling sessions during PC time in Week 5, facilitated by Mr David Salamone-Violi, Director of Teaching and Learning. These sessions will guide students through their options and explain how to complete their subject selections for 2026. At the conclusion of each session, students will receive a digital link to finalise their choices.
We encourage families to be aware of these sessions and, should you wish to discuss subject selections with your son, the evenings following these dates would be the ideal time to do so.
Session Schedule:
- Monday 18 August – Current Year 7 students
- Tuesday 19 August – Current Year 8 students
- Wednesday 20 August – Current Year 9 students
- Thursday 21 August – Current Year 6 students
For a list of details outlining compulsory and elective subjects and the choices your son can make, please visit the website, which has our Curriculum Guides.
Mr David Salamone-Violi
Director of Teaching and Learning
Welcome back everyone to what is shaping up to be a very busy term in the pastoral care space. It is the time we begin the process of electing the 2026 student leaders and meetings and timelines will be distributed at the end of Week 3 and 4, as to this process. Prior to this, the Adelaide calendar’s social event of the year will be reinstated when the CBC Social returns to the hallowed CBC Gym! The Year 8s and 9s will be getting out their dancing shoes and the disco balls and lights are hired! We can’t wait!
This week’s PC lesson was once again the student-driven initiative Fins Connect where all students connect with their ‘buddy’ and conversation, and connection is facilitated through a number of directed and focused questions and activities. This week, School Captain Orville Jones and his student leadership team posed the following questions to the boys:
Buddies are to ask each other these questions and discuss for approximately 3-5 minutes.
Question 1 - How were your exams?
Question 2 - What did your holidays look like? (travel, stay at home, study?)
Question 3 - What are your hopes/ambitions for this term?
Activity - 'Two Truths One Lie' in buddy pairs
- Dr Del Col wore shorts and a beanie to a wedding in China on top of a mountain
- Mr Callisto has played guitar in a jazz ensemble with Michael Buble
- Mr Spudic once had lunch with Jason Mamoa
The second one is the Lie (Mr Callisto plays in a rock band)
Finally, on a more serious note, Term 3 is also when we devote time to de-stigmatising mental health. Later in the term we will be hosting Blue Week, a dedicated time to promote mental health awareness and well-being across the school. Throughout the week, students will participate in workshops and activities designed to foster resilience, kindness, and open conversations surrounding mental health. Everyone is encouraged to wear a splash of blue on Friday to show their support for mental health initiatives. In addition to this, we are excited to announce that CBC will be participating in the iconic City to Bay event on the 21st September (Sunday, Week 9) to further support mental health. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, we invite all students, families, and staff to join in this wonderful community tradition. Our school gazebo will be set up at the finish line as a meeting point and a place to celebrate your achievements—look out for our school colours waving proudly! Look out for more details coming soon! We are hoping this will be a fantastic way to come together, show our school spirit, and support one another in a healthy, fun-filled environment to improve mental health outcomes for all, but young men in particular.
Finally, as the winter chill settles in, a gentle reminder to all families that full winter uniform is expected each day. Please ensure students are wearing the correct school jumper, blazer, and appropriate footwear. Scarves and beanies are permitted, provided they are in school colours and free of logos. We appreciate your support in helping our students present themselves proudly and warmly this season!
We look forward to a term filled with warmth, connection, and wellbeing for every member of our school community.
Ms Debra Withers
Director of Students
From the Middle School
CBC Middle School Social – Tickets Still Available!
Excitement is building for our upcoming Year 8/9 Purple and White Social on Friday, 1 August 2025, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the CBC Senior Campus Gymnasium. This much-anticipated event will bring together students from Christian Brothers College, St Aloysius College, and St Mary’s College for an evening of fun, connection and community.
We are proud to host this social as an opportunity for our students to enjoy a positive and inclusive event with their peers from other schools. With music, refreshments available for purchase, and a vibrant atmosphere, it promises to be a memorable night.
Tickets are still available, but they are limited and must be purchased online through Humanitix before the sales close on Tuesday, the 29th at 4:00pm. No tickets will be available at the door. To secure your son's place, please visit the link below and use the access code: CBCSTUDENT2025
We encourage all our Year 8 and 9 boys to attend and celebrate with their friends in a safe and supervised environment. We look forward to seeing many of our students there!
Mr Riley Atkinson
Assistant Director of Students (Middle School & Transition)
As we step into a new semester, we can look back with thanks for many great moments of the last one.
Last term concluded with a strong spirit of formation and action. As you know, we had our biggest ever CBC x Vinnies Winter Sleepout (over 100 students and staff across the Junior and Senior Campus), raising awareness for those experiencing homelessness and supporting the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society.
While the students were on break, our entire College staff came together for a day of formation with Fr Elio Capra, exploring Gospel stories and the Edmund Rice Touchstones that guide the core of our work. The day offered time to pause, reflect, and be re-energised in our shared mission. This year sees the launch of the 2025 EREA Charter, if you wish to learn more about this, you can access it in the link below:
Semester 2 brings many more exciting opportunities to engage with our values and come together as a College. Some of such key moments to be aware of ahead include:
Walk a Mile – Friday 8 August
Students and staff across Reception to Year 12 are invited to join this powerful community event in support of the Hutt St Centre, raising awareness and funds for those facing homelessness. See the Direqt Message from me with all the details and ways to register.
Feast of the Assumption and College Birthday – Thursday 15 August
A special day of learning, prayer and celebration, marking the Assumption of Mary and our College’s founding. It will include a whole-school Mass, followed by birthday activities and the singing of our College Song.
Year 11 Overnight Retreat – 4–5 September
With the theme Hearts on Fire, this overnight retreat invites the entire Year 11 cohort of students to reflect on their journey and sense of spirituality in everyday life, aligning as part of their Stage 2 Spiritualities, Religion and Meaning course. Students are asked to prioritise these dates and avoid any external commitments.
Weekly Community Masses
Held each Wednesday in the Senior Campus Chapel, and on the first Friday of each month in the Junior Campus Chapel. All CBC students, families and staff are warmly welcome to attend any or all of these.
We look forward to sharing these moments and many others with you as the term unfolds. Thank you for the many ways you continue to support our mission and community.
Mr Anthony Callisto
Director of Identity and Mission
Chess
There are three more rounds of chess this season, commencing with our Junior and Division 3 players battling it out in Week 2, and Division 2 in Week 3 – no matches this week.
A reminder that in the Senior College, coaching is on Wednesdays at recess and game play on Thursday afternoons –to compete, you need to attend both.
Debating
Each team has two more debates in 2025, with a round next week, and the final round in Week 5. Please check DMs for next week’s schedule.
Intercol Chess and Debating
Due to the change in the way Intercol has occurred in 2025, we will host chess players (at 4:30pm in the library and debaters (with a 5pm arrival to prepare for a 6pm debate in Walsh) on Tuesday in Week 3 – August 5.
Another change is that only senior teams will be competing, although we encourage ALL other members of debating and chess to come along to show support.
HUGE thanks to Mr Adon Cousins for his organisation of this event for us.
Drama
More thank yous – this time to Mr Sean Carr and Mr Dylan Widdop for their dedication to the Drama Club students – spending three days of the holidays rehearsing Journey’s End.
There are only 72 tickets available – these will be launched for sale next week.
Music
Riverland Tour
The Riverland was alive with the sound of CBC Music at the beginning of the holidays – congratulations to the 27 students who entertained school students in Berri, Renmark, Loxton and Barmera; business owners and passers-by at the Loxton Rotunda; and Trivia Night at the Barmera Football Club.
Performances were energetic, students were engaging (and brilliantly behaved), and our audiences were queued for autographs on their CBC footballs!
Thanks to Mr Josh Roach, Mr Robin Pratt and Mr Jude Thursby for their work with the boys ensuring such a high standard of show; thanks to CBC Music’s newest and biggest fan Dr Lee Del Col for joining us; and immense thanks to Mr Stephen Sheehan for his impeccable organisation.
New Staff
Welcome to Semester 2 for all of our Music Tutors who commence this term as CBC Staff Members. The team has started strongly and are already enjoying working with the boys.
Upcoming Performances
Week 2
- Wednesday – Festival Choir – Workshop at Blackfriars College
- Thursday - Vocal Ensemble – Mass for EREA Mission and Identity Leaders
Week 4
- Wednesday – Concert Band – ABODA Band Festival - Westminster College
- Friday – Vocal Project – Feast of the Assumption Mass – CBC
- Friday – Big Band 1 – ABODA Band Festival – Westminster College
Week 8 – EVERYONE – CBC MusicFest 2025 – CBC – tickets available soon!
As always, questions can be sent through to me at any time.
Ms Alexandra Khafagi
Director of Performing Arts
