Our Biggest CBC X Vinnies Winter Sleepout Yet!

Over 100 students and staff from both campuses participated in our CBC x Vinnies Winter Sleepout events last week – our largest yet.

The Junior Campus Mini Vinnies team and the Senior Campus Social Action Group each hosted their own Vinnies Sleepout events, with students and staff coming together for a night of solidarity, reflection, and awareness, supporting those experiencing homelessness.

Junior Campus students participated in an eye-opening city immersion before spending the night outside in solidarity with those facing homelessness. On the Senior Campus, students heard from a Vinnies representative, engaged in reflection activities, and braved the cold sleeping rough overnight.

A special thanks to Jackie Hodgson and Simon Nardecchia for leading the Junior Campus event, and to Sean Carr, Jaycob Navarro, Brett Linke, Sebastian Stenchlick and Dylan Widdop for their support at the Senior Campus event, braving the cold alongside our students.

Held during Refugee Week, the event highlights our ongoing support of Vinnies – a key Catholic charity – and raises awareness of homelessness and displacement.

The initiative was truly a special mark of solidarity, living out our College values and Touchstones.

Senior Campus students participating in the Winter Sleepout

Reflection from Oscar K, Year 12 Vice Captain of Compassion

Last week, students and staff members set up our sleeping bags and cardboard boxes for the annual Vinnies Sleepout.

After playing a game of Red Rover and a soccer match, we were fortunate enough to have Rachael from St Vincent de Paul, who spoke with us about the organisation and the incredible support they provide for struggling individuals across South Australia.

After a humble meal of vegetable soup and sandwiches, we wound down watching the powerful film Lion. And finally, to gain a greater understanding of what it means to be homeless, we slept under the stars for a chilly night.

On behalf of everyone who attended, I’d like to give a huge thanks to Mr Callisto, Mr Carr, and the Social Action Group for organising it, and congratulate everyone who came along.

Reflection from Orville J, Year 12 College Captain

Coming back from the sleepout, I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated my bed more. However, it’s a humbling experience that really puts things into perspective.

For me, the importance of this event was less about the sleepout itself, but the idea of stepping down to step up. The same concept of walking a mile in boots that many wear every day. So, I encourage you all to give it a go in future years, as each sleep works towards St Vinnie’s mission of a future where everyone has a place to call home.

Winter Sleepout

A Message of Thanks from Caritas Australia

This week, we received a letter of thanks from Caritas Australia, recognising our College community’s generous support of Project Compassion in 2025, for which we raised nearly $3,000 during Lent.

Caritas reflected on the strength of the global Church under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, sharing that 'His message of compassion and concern for the world’s most marginalised echoes the mission of Caritas Australia… we are especially grateful for the support of Catholic communities like yours who walk alongside us in solidarity with those experiencing poverty and injustice.'

They noted that our 'incredible generosity… has once again demonstrated the profound impact we can have when we come together as a global family,' helping to provide clean water, education, and opportunity to vulnerable communities.

Thank you to everyone who contributed – your support goes a long way.

Staff Formation

Next week, while most students have wrapped up their learning for the term, our staff are still hard at work, engaging in professional learning, training, and upskilling.

As part of this, we’ll be spending time in spiritual formation with Fr Elio Capra (Salesian priest, theologian and lecturer, exploring how Gospel stories and Christian imagery can enrich our work in Catholic education.

The day will have a dedicated focus on the Touchstones of school in the Edmund Rice tradition – Gospel Spirituality, Liberating Education, Inclusive Community, and Justice and Solidarity.

It’s an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our mission as we prepare for the term ahead.

Art Spotlight

The Five Thousand

Artist: Eularia Clarke (1914–1970)
Oil on canvas laid down on board, 1962
65 x 62cm

 
Fish and chips replace loaves and fishes in this warm, grounded retelling of the feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14:13–21). Clarke places the crowd in modern dress – children fidget, tea brews in the corner, bikes and footballs lie scattered. Some doze, some chat, others listen as a priest reads the notices. Christ is barely visible, deliberately cropped, as Clarke once said: 'I daren’t paint Christ.' A moment of divine abundance, hidden in plain sight.

Mr Anthony Callisto
Director of Identity and Mission