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

 
Celebrating Community, Learning and Joy

The past few weeks at the Junior Campus have been filled with colour, creativity, laughter, and moments of togetherness that remind us what a blessing it is to be part of such a vibrant school community. From the wonders of Science Week to the fun of Book Week, from mums connecting over dinner to celebrating our College birthday and the Assumption of Mary, there has been so much to reflect on and give thanks for.

Science Week – A World of Bubbles

Science Week was met with great enthusiasm from students and staff alike. The highlight was undoubtedly the bubbles! It was wonderful to see the boys completely immersed in hands-on exploration, testing and creating with joy and curiosity. The simple delight of watching bubbles float and expand sparked conversations about air, surface tension, and the science behind every day phenomena. These activities reminded us that science is not only about theories in textbooks, but also about wonder, discovery, and seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Science Week Activities

Book Week Parade – A Community Favourite

Book Week is always a much-loved tradition in our school calendar, and this year was no exception. The Book Week Parade was once again a highlight for every year level. The creativity of costumes, the energy of the boys, and the support of families made the event truly special. From classic storybook characters to modern favourites, the parade celebrated imagination and the power of storytelling. It is a joy to see our students not only engage with books but also express their love of reading through play, creativity, and community celebration.

Book Week at the Junior Campus

Mums’ Night Out – The Ghan, Kilburn

Community connection is such an important part of school life, and this term we were delighted to host a Mums’ Night Out at The Ghan restaurant in Kilburn. Over 40 mums joined us for an evening of food, conversation, and laughter. These opportunities allow our parents to connect beyond the school gates, strengthening the bonds of friendship and support that enrich our community. We are so grateful for the turnout and the positive feedback, and we look forward to many more occasions like this in the future.

College Birthday and the Assumption of Mary

This term we also came together as one College to celebrate our birthday and the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. These occasions are important reminders of our heritage and our identity as a Catholic school. The Assumption of Mary invites us to reflect on Mary’s faith and her 'yes' to God – a model of courage, humility, and trust. In celebrating our College birthday alongside this feast, we acknowledge the foundations on which our school is built and recommit ourselves to fostering a Christ-centred community where every student is encouraged to flourish.

College Birthday Celebrations at the Junior Campus

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

As we reflect on these recent celebrations, there is much to be grateful for – the joy of learning, the power of community, and the richness of our Catholic identity. Whether through bubbles in Science Week, books in our parade, the laughter shared at The Ghan, or prayerful reflection during the Assumption of Mary, each event has reminded us that education is not only about knowledge, but also about connection, belonging, and faith.

Thank you to all staff, parents, and students who contributed to these memorable experiences. We look forward with anticipation to the opportunities and celebrations that the rest of the year will bring.

Mrs Alison Ronoastro
Head of Junior Campus

 
As we move through the term, it has been fantastic to see our students engaging in such a diverse range of opportunities, from international-standard testing to enrichment programs and academic competitions. These events not only showcase the talents of our young men but also provide meaningful data, insights, and experiences that shape the future of teaching and learning at CBC.

PISA Testing

Next week, selected Year 10 students will participate in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Conducted every three years since 2000, PISA measures how well 15-year-olds can apply their knowledge in reading, mathematics, and science to real-life problems. The assessment evaluates how education systems are preparing students to analyse, reason, communicate effectively, and continue learning throughout their lives. At CBC, the data gathered from PISA helps us refine our programs and inform teaching practice.

Please note: If you have not received an email from me regarding this, your son will not be participating in this round of data collection.

Gifted and Talented – Academy Learning Conferences

For over a decade, CBC students have been privileged to participate in the Academy Learning Conferences, run by internationally renowned educator Julie Arliss, currently based at the University of Oxford. These conferences deliver outstanding programs to students across the UK and Australasia, and their impact extends well beyond the event itself. Students are inspired in areas such as:

• Critical Thinking: questioning assumptions and approaching problems analytically.
• Innovative Thinking: fostering creativity and real-world problem-solving.
• Holistic Development: promoting academic excellence alongside emotional, social, and ethical growth.
• Lifelong Learning: instilling a passion for continuous education.
• Compassion: nurturing empathy and social responsibility.

The conferences continue to enrich our students, equipping them with skills and perspectives that last a lifetime.

2026 Subject Selections

The subject selection process for 2026 is well underway. As of this week, all students have had their 2026 subject selection process launched. This marks a significant step in their educational journey, opening up new opportunities and broadening their choices as they look ahead to senior schooling. Please see below the due dates for subject selections to be made:

• Year 7: Monday 1 September
• Year 8: Monday 1 September
• Year 9: Friday 22 August
• Year 10: Complete
• Year 11: Complete

Australian Brain Bee Challenge

The Australian Brain Bee Challenge (ABBC) continues to be a highlight for our Year 10 students interested in neuroscience. The competition encourages students to explore the brain’s functions, neuroscience research, and careers in the field, while also addressing misconceptions about mental illness. We congratulate the following students who progressed to Round 2:

• Geon Ryu
• Lam Duong
• Sahil Nair
• Jax Yip
• Alvin Le
• Jas Stewart
• James Vu

Round 2 was held at the Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences building and played host to CBC and nine other competing schools. Round 2 saw CBC perform exceptionally, with two of our students placing in the top ten in the state. We congratulate both Geon Ryu and Lam Duong on this achievement and our team (comprised of Sahil Nair, Geon Ryu, Jas Stewart and Lam Duong) placing 3rd overall – a truly impressive achievement.

Brain Bee Challenge 

MASA Quiz Night

This year, CBC proudly entered teams into the MASA Quiz Night, a competition spanning Year 7 through Year 12 with categories in Junior, Intermediate, and Senior divisions. The CBC boys proudly represented the College, hosted this year at Blackfriars School. We entered two teams in each of the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior categories. The evening challenged students with mathematics problems, general knowledge, and tricky puzzles. All of our boys showed great enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the night. CBC teams excelled, winning the overall prize in each of the three categories. A standout achievement came from the group of Geon, Sze-young, Sahil, and James. This talented team has now claimed victory in their section for the past four years straight. Their consistency and commitment to excellence are truly remarkable.

Congratulations also go to every student who took part in the event.

We are very proud of the effort, camaraderie, and outstanding results of all our CBC teams.

Mr Ryan Serocki
Head of Learning: Mathematics

Mr David Salamone-Violi
Director of Teaching and Learning

 
The past fortnight has been filled with moments that reflect the strength of community and pride in the ‘Purple and White’.

Last Wednesday evening, nearly the entire Senior School cohort and Middle School soccer students attended the SAAS Soccer Grand Final. The behaviour and attitude of the students was excellent and even better was the result – a 1-0 win for CBC. The full crowd and positive support definitely played in our favour. Brilliant stuff!

Adding to the celebrations, our school marked its birthday, a special occasion to reflect on our rich history and the many people who have shaped our story. The celebration included a purple doughnut for all students and then an extended lunch packed with fun-filled games and activities run by the respective Houses. The stand-out favourite is the annual ‘sponge-the-teacher’ which, I am sorry to report, showed a much improved ‘aim’ by the students, much to the annoyance of the teachers! Students behaved impeccably at Mass and the uniform standards were excellent! Well done, all involved!

In addition, three Year 10 student leaders had the opportunity to take part in the Active Citizen Conference, at Adelaide Oval. Listening to inspirational leaders such as The Hon Peter Malinauskas and the Hon Heidi Girolamo MLC, Young South Australian of the Year, Amber Brock-Fabel and media personalities such as Gus McDonald and Tony Armstrong, inspired our students to use their voice. It was a powerful day of learning and inspiration about the role young people can play in shaping a fairer and more just society.

This segues nicely into our 2026 Student Leadership Launch, where we begin the challenging process of electing our 2026 'White Coats' and Year 10 and 11 student leaders. What is great and inspiring to see is the number of students willing to take the risk towards leadership. Their willingness to serve their peers is a reminder that leadership is about action, integrity and a deep sense of responsibility to others. A continued positive culture is key to both personal and academic success and the cornerstone of the pastoral care program at CBC.

Ms Debra Withers
Director of Students

 
Feast of the Assumption & College Birthday

Last week our community gathered in celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of Mary and CBC’s 147th Birthday.

Thank you to Father Matthew Newman, our Vocal Ensemble, and all staff and students who supported the Mass service, birthday activities, and organisation behind the scenes and across the day.

One of our earliest treasures, the Assumption Window in the Brothers' House, still stands as a reminder of our devotion to Mary and this proud history. Now at 147 years old, CBC continues to stand the test of time as a place 'full of happiness and work,' words from our School Song that rang out across the College to close this special day.

You can view photos from the Mass and birthday celebrations across the College below.

Feast of the Assumption of Mary Mass and Celebrations

Outback Immersion – Applications Now Open

Students currently in Years 9 and 10 (2025) are invited to apply for the inaugural CBC Outback Immersion, a nine-day journey through the Flinders Ranges and Coober Pedy (19–27 September 2026).

This experience offers the chance to walk alongside First Nations peoples, share in culture and story, and see life in the outback from a new perspective. Details are in the flyer attached, and students are encouraged to consider this exciting new opportunity.

Upcoming: Year 11 ‘Hearts on Fire’ Retreat

The Year 11 cohort will be attending their overnight retreat from Thursday 4 to Friday 5 September (Week 7, Term 3). Houses will attend across two sites, both located in picturesque areas on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

We see great benefit and reward in the retreat program, and it remains a highly valued part of the College experience. As this involves all students, it is important these dates are reserved for full attendance and participation.

All details have been provided to families in the released letter and via Operoo.

Community Masses and Sacramental Reminder

A reminder that Mass is held each Wednesday morning in the Senior Campus Chapel, and on the first Friday of the month from 8.00–8.25am in the Junior Campus Chapel. All are always welcome.

Sacramental families are reminded to see the communication from Mr Nardecchia regarding the upcoming Parent Evening for Eucharist and Confirmation preparation.

Mr Anthony Callisto
Director of Identity and Mission

 
Congratulations

…to the cast, crew and directors of Journey’s End who played to a sold-out Star Theatre on Monday night.

The dedication of all involved resulted in a fantastic production.

Thanks to Mr Josh Roach and Ms Olivia Jobson on their assistance on the day, to Mr Alex Meates and Mr D’Arcy Rabbit for transporting props, to the large number of staff who attended to support the boys, and of course to Mr Dylan Widdop on his directorial debut, and Mr Sean Carr for his blood, sweat and tears!

Plans are already underway for next year’s show – get ready!

Journey's End Drama Performance at Star Theatres

And that's a Wrap!

This week saw the final round of Debating for 2025.

This year we returned to the SADA competition, which came with increased quality and competitiveness. We also welcomed a Year 6 team, and were proud to field full teams from Years 7-10 as well.

Super coach Mr Vincent Garreffa was joined by novices Mr Simon Nardecchia and Ms Nidhi Sharma, who performed superbly, and the boys benefited from having different voices in training sessions.

Our biggest point of pride is the increase in confidence of all our speakers, and the community of boys supporting their teammates (even when they weren’t speaking) and families – there was not a single debate when CBC made up less than half the audience!

We will finish our season with a wrap party next Tuesday afternoon, and look forward to an even bigger and better 2026 season!

Chess 

Chess players are the last men standing in the winter cocurricular program, where Division 2 Players have 2 more rounds, and Junior and Div 3 just one. In the most recent round, Div 2 won 7 out of 8 games, and CBC Purple (in Div 3) won 8 out of 8 – finishing strong!

Music

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

Ms Alexandra Khafagi
Director of Performing Arts