A huge well done to all our Year 3 and 5 students who participated in this year’s NAPLAN assessments throughout the week! They started with Writing on Wednesday and wrapped up with Numeracy on Friday, demonstrating focus, perseverance, and resilience.

While these assessments provide valuable insight into where the boys are in their literacy and numeracy journey, they don’t measure everything that makes them unique and special. NAPLAN won’t tell us who is a great friend, an amazing artist, a talented athlete, or a LEGO master – but we see and celebrate all these qualities every day.

We are incredibly proud of their efforts and look forward to using this information to support their learning and growth in the best way possible.

On Friday 7 March we marked the beginning of Lent by wearing purple for the day – an initiative proudly led by our Junior Campus Leaders (JCLs). This was the first of many events planned throughout the term to raise funds for Caritas Australia, encouraging our students to actively live out the values of compassion, generosity, and service during this Lenten season.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Week 7 (Friday): Soccer Shootout – Students took part in a friendly competition for a gold coin donation.
• Week 8 (Monday): St Patrick’s Day – Students are encouraged to wear green and bring a gold coin donation.
• Week 9 (Friday): Coin Competition – Each class will compete to see who can create the longest line of coins, with the winning class earning a special lesson in the park!
• Week 11: 'Guess How Many Easter Eggs in the Jar' – A fun challenge where students can make a guess for a donation, with all proceeds going towards Caritas.

All funds raised through these initiatives will contribute to our final total for Caritas Australia, supporting those in need both locally and globally.

Thank you to our students, families, and staff for your generosity and enthusiasm in making this a meaningful Lenten season.

On Friday 7 March the Junior Campus proudly took part in the World’s Greatest Shave, with students donating $5 to have their hair coloured in support of this important cause. Through their generosity, we raised over $320, which contributed to the incredible total raised by the Senior Campus.

This year, we were especially proud to see four brave Year 5 students take their commitment even further by shaving their heads to support the fight against blood cancer. Their courage and selflessness truly embody the spirit of giving and solidarity.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and supported this initiative – your contributions are making a real difference.

Junior Campus students participating in the World's Great Shave

Thank you to everyone who attended the Community Mass on Friday 7 March. We certainly had more families in attendance, and we look forward to seeing more people attend, so please keep 4 April free and come along before staying for Sports Day.

Don't Forget! Coffee Mornings

Every Friday morning, you're invited to drop by the Junior Campus for a coffee! It’s a great chance to catch up, connect, and start the day with a warm cup and good company. We’d love to see you there!

Coffee Mornings Every Friday from 8.20am at the Junior Campus

Thank you to all the mums who joined Karen Chambers and me for our first Mum’s Night Out on Wednesday 5 March at The Coopers Alehouse. It was a fantastic evening filled with great conversation, laughter, and the opportunity to connect as a school community.

We also thank all the Junior Campus dads who joined Mr Simon Nardecchia, Mr Luke Teakle and Mr Anthony Callisto for Dad’s Night Out on Tuesday 11 March, also at The Coopers Alehouse. It was lovely to see so many new dads join us and have the opportunity to chat with other dads at the school.

We put out the challenge to beat last term’s attendance – and you delivered! Seeing so many dads coming together to connect and enjoy the night was terrific.

With such a good turnout, we’re already looking forward to the next Dad’s Night Out – let’s see if we can grow the numbers even more! Thank you again for making it such a great success!

Heads Up for Week 11!

Just a quick note to let you know 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.

Morning Drop-Off Reminder

As part of our duty of care, once parents bring their children into the Junior Campus courtyard, this marks the official handover to school staff. From this point, students are under our supervision to ensure a smooth and safe transition into the school day.

We understand that some parents enjoy walking their child over to the park before school begins, and we fully support this. However, for everyone’s safety, we kindly ask that you:

• Use the pedestrian crossing when crossing the road.
• Ensure children walk safely – please avoid carrying them at any time, particularly when crossing.

These measures are in place to protect both you and your child, ensuring a safe and structured start to the school day. Thank you for your cooperation and support!

Staff Spotlight: Ms Shenae Dougan

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. My experiences teaching dance made me sure that I wanted to work with children and that I had a natural ability to help them grow and reach their potential. My high school English Teacher, Brigitta Ragg, was also a big source of inspiration for me. She always worked hard to have fun, support our wellbeing, and encourage us to follow our passions. Her creativity and bright personality made school a safe place for me, and I want to make my students feel the same way! Her encouragement and support motivated me to be the best student and now teacher that I can be.

What is your favourite thing about teaching at our school?

Teaching at an all-boys school with energetic, excited students who are eager to learn is such a privilege. CBC offers so many amazing opportunities for students to learn inside and outside of the classroom, no matter their interests. I love how our school community supports the boys to explore and develop so many skills, supporting them to thrive. Additionally, the incredible staff culture we have makes me feel welcome and supported each day. The camaraderie among the staff and the shared commitment to student success create a positive and collaborative atmosphere that I truly appreciate and feel lucky to be a part of.

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

I am passionate about supporting the boys to be respectful people who are responsible, resilient and rational. Building students' confidence and self-worth and helping them identify their strengths is at the heart of everything I do. I want my students to know that they are valued and that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. It's important to me that they leave my class with a strong sense of self and the belief that they can make a positive impact in the world, as well as having the skills to do so. 'The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don't tell you what to see.'

What do you enjoy most about teaching your current year level or subject?

I love teaching Year 4 because the students are at a stage where their personalities and interests are blossoming. They are very eager to learn and are developing the skills to engage in their learning independently. Witnessing the ‘ah ha’ moments that come so frequently as they connect their prior knowledge to new concepts is very exciting! The social and emotional growth at this age is also phenomenal and watching and supporting the students to overcome challenges, make new friends, and work hard towards their goals is very rewarding.

What do you enjoy doing outside of teaching (hobbies, sports, travel, etc.)?

Most of my time outside of school is taken up by my involvement as a coach at Seaton Calisthenics Club. I have been involved in callisthenics since I was 2 years old and have now been coaching for 10 years! I spend a lot of time coming up with exciting themes, music, and choreography, which I teach to a team of girls aged 7–11. I am very passionate about dance and building confidence through performing. I also enjoy going to the beach and spending most weekends swimming and soaking up the sunshine.

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

A highlight of this year will be the Year 4 Camp in El Shaddai. I am eager to watch the boys tackle some new challenges and work together to enjoy activities like rock climbing, laser tag, and archery. It’s a privilege to watch the students shine outside of the classroom environment and it is a wonderful opportunity for them to develop teamwork skills, build resilience, and create lasting memories.

Upcoming Events:

• Friday 21 March – JC Assembly
• Friday 4 April – Community Mass at 9am
• 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

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