From the Head of Junior Campus
100 Days of Learning
On Friday, 27th June, our Reception students celebrated a wonderful milestone – 100 days of school! To mark the occasion, the boys and their teachers dressed up as if they were 100 years old. It was an incredibly fun and heartwarming day, with some students looking far too convincing in their elderly roles!
Congratulations to all the boys on reaching 100 days of learning in 2025 – a fantastic achievement and a great start to their educational journey.
100 Days of Learning for Receptions!
Reception Transition Visits – Welcoming Our Newest Learners
Our mid-year Reception students have now completed their five transition visits, helping them gradually settle into school life at CBC. These visits culminated in a special Hat and Bag Ceremony on Monday, 23rd June, where we officially welcomed 14 new students into our school community. It was a joyful occasion filled with excitement and a sense of belonging.
A special thank you to Orville, our College Captain, and Travis, Captain of the Junior Years, for taking the time to welcome our new Receptions – your presence helped make the day even more meaningful.
Hat and Bag Ceremony for our newest Receptions
Year 5 and 6 Transition to the Senior Campus
Our Year 5 and 6 students recently took part in a transition visit to the Senior Campus as part of their preparation for 2026. They had the opportunity to meet Mr Riley Atkinson and participated in a fun and engaging 'Race Around the School' activity to help them become familiar with their future learning environment.
These visits are an important part of easing the transition and will continue in Semester 2, leading up to our relocation to the Senior Campus in Term 4. We look forward to supporting our senior primary students as they take these exciting steps in their educational journey.
A special thank you to Mr Simon Nardecchia for coordinating these visits with Mr Atkinson and ensuring a smooth and engaging experience for our students.
Year 4 Program – Adventure to Thrive
Throughout this term, our Year 4 students have been taking part in a dynamic and engaging program called Adventure to Thrive, facilitated by experienced counsellors from Connected Self. This wellbeing-focused initiative has been running in both Year 4 classes and has quickly become a highlight of the week for many students.
The Adventure to Thrive program is designed to support social and emotional development through hands-on, reflective, and play-based learning. It aims to help students build resilience, improve communication, strengthen relationships, and grow in self-awareness–all essential skills for thriving both inside and outside the classroom.
Through activities such as cooperative games, storytelling, mindfulness, and problem-solving challenges, students are learning how to better regulate their emotions, work collaboratively, and develop a stronger sense of self-confidence and empathy.
We are incredibly grateful to the Connected Self team for the care, creativity, and professionalism they bring to this program. It has been wonderful to see the positive impact Adventure to Thrive is already having on our Year 4 students, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to grow in the weeks ahead.
Year 4s Visiting Morialta Conservation Park
St Vinnies Can Drive
This Term, our Mini Vinnies team has been leading a Can Drive as part of the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal, and we thank you for all your wonderful support.
Students from all classes have been busy bringing in cans and non-perishable food items, which will now be donated directly to Vinnies to help local families in need during these colder months. In Week 9, classes put their creativity and teamwork to the test by using their donated items to construct some impressive structures in the courtyard and PAC.
Congratulations to 5P on winning the challenge with their imaginative and sturdy design – they have earned a well-deserved free-time lesson in the park as their prize!
Your generosity and compassion will make a real difference to those doing it tough this winter. Thank you again for helping our students live out the Gospel values of service and care in such a practical and meaningful way.
Junior Campus Dad’s Night – Building Community Beyond the Classroom
On Wednesday, 18th June, a group of 11 Junior Campus dads joined Mr Simon Nardecchia, Mr Riley Atkinson, and myself for our Term 2 Dad’s Night – an opportunity for our parent community to come together, connect, and enjoy a relaxed evening out.
We ventured to The Guardian for a casual dinner, where good conversation, great company, and a warm community spirit were the highlights of the night. The two-for-one schnitzel deal was a hit, with many of the dads happily making the most of the generous servings and relaxed atmosphere.
Events like Dad’s Night are a valued tradition at CBC, offering parents a chance to build relationships and feel more connected to the school community outside of drop-offs, pick-ups, and formal meetings. It was fantastic to see both familiar and new faces come together for a shared evening of laughter and camaraderie.
Thank you to everyone who came along – we look forward to seeing even more dads at our next event!
Battle of the Bands
On the evening of Wednesday, 18th June, the Junior Campus Rock Band brought energy, excitement, and talent to the stage at the annual 'Battle of the Bands' competition held at Nazareth College. Performing the pop-punk anthem 'All the Small Things' by Blink-182, our students captivated a lively audience of over 600 people.
Seventeen bands from various schools competed in the event, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere. The performance space was equipped with professional lighting and sound systems, and the entire evening was overseen by experienced videographers, sound engineers, and a panel of expert adjudicators, giving students a real taste of what it’s like to perform at a professional level.
The band represented CBC with confidence and musical flair. The students not only delivered a strong performance but also had the opportunity to gain valuable experience on a large public stage.
Congratulations to all involved – we're proud of your efforts and look forward to seeing where your musical journey takes you next!
Winter Sleep Out
On Thursday of Week 8, our Junior Campus Mini-Vinnies boys took part in the St Vinnies Winter Sleepout, stepping into the shoes of those less fortunate.
After an eye-opening immersion walk through the city to better understand the realities of homelessness, the boys spent the night sleeping outside in the cold, showing solidarity with those facing hardship this winter. Throughout the experience, they engaged in thoughtful conversations and personal reflections that challenged them to see the world through a more compassionate lens.
This was much more than just a night in the cold – it was a powerful lesson in empathy, social awareness, and personal responsibility. By putting themselves in someone else’s situation, the boys gained a deeper appreciation of the struggles so many people face every day and developed a stronger sense of respect and kindness for those in need. It was a meaningful and memorable way for them to grow as thoughtful, caring members of our school and wider community.
Thank you to Mrs Jackie Hodgson and Mr Simon Nardecchia for generously volunteering their time to provide this valuable opportunity for the boys.
Mini-Vinnies Sleepout
Thank You and Best Wishes for the Break
As we come to the end of a busy and rewarding term, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all our students, families, and staff for your continued support and partnership.
Wishing everyone a safe and restful break. If you’re heading away during the holidays, we hope you travel safely and enjoy some well-deserved time with loved ones.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the start of Term 3 on Monday, 21st July.
Staff Spotlight: Mr Sam Barbara
How long have you been teaching, and what subjects/grades have you taught?
I’ve been teaching since 2014. I initially taught high school subjects including Nutrition, Maths, Science, and PE. Since 2017, I’ve been teaching Primary School PE.
If you could have any other career, what would it be and why?
If I could pursue another career, it would be something in the nutrition and fitness space, a firefighter, or working within the student wellbeing realm. I’m passionate about health, physical and mental wellbeing, and supporting others, so all of these roles align closely with my interests and values.
What is one lesson or skill you hope every student takes away from your class?
One lesson I hope every student takes away from my class is the importance of enjoying physical activity and staying active for life. I want them to build confidence in their abilities, understand the value of teamwork, and develop a positive attitude toward health and movement – skills that support both their physical and mental wellbeing well beyond school.
Do you have a favourite book, movie, or TV show you’d recommend to students or parents?
One of my all-time favourite movies is Toy Story. I am a big fan of Disney and the inner teachings that they display. The reasons I’d recommend Toy Story to students or parents, apart from it being a great watch for all ages, are the underlying teachings of identity and self-worth, teamwork, friendship, change and adaptability.
What do you enjoy doing outside of teaching (hobbies, sports, travel, etc.)?
Outside of teaching, I enjoy staying active through my interest in bodybuilding, which involves early morning gym sessions 4 to 5 times a week. I also love spending time with my family and coaching my eldest son’s school soccer team, which allows me to stay involved in sport while supporting his development and having fun together.
How do you stay motivated and inspired as a teacher?
I stay motivated and inspired as a teacher by focusing on the positive impact I can have on students’ growth and wellbeing. Seeing their confidence build, especially in PE where they develop skills, teamwork, and a love for being active, is incredibly rewarding. I also find motivation through continuous learning, setting personal goals – like in my own fitness journey as well as staying connected with passionate colleagues who share the same drive to make a difference.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about teaching?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received about teaching was: 'Build relationships first and learning will follow.' It reminded me that students thrive when they feel seen, supported, and safe. Especially in PE, where confidence and participation can vary greatly, creating a positive, inclusive environment helps every student feel capable and valued. Once trust is there, real learning can take place.
Important Dates for Term 3
- Monday 21 July - Term 3 starts
- 23 – 25 July - Year 4 Camp – El Shaddai
- 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
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