Newsletter Edition 2 / 2025, February 24
Principal's Message
Dear Emmanuel College Families,
The present time is a personally interesting time as my tenure as principal of Emmanuel College approaches its conclusion at the end of this term. It means there is a series of last experiences, events or opportunities occurring for me each week such as the swimming sports last Tuesday or school photos later in the week. This coming week will be my final term one college mass in which we celebrate the beginning of the school year. I look forward to sharing this, along with all the other events this term, with the College community.
This week’s mass will be conducted as a liturgy rather than a mass with the priests of the Ballarat Diocese attending their annual retreat. We understand that in the future it may be necessary for the college to run more liturgies and fewer masses as the workload of our diocesan priests increases. I am confident of our ability to gather prayerfully and to use the time and space to be mindful of the importance of community, to recall our history and to share the word of God in a contextually appropriate way for staff and students. Parents and members of the Emmanuel community are welcome to join us on Thursday at 9am in the Emmanuel Centre for our liturgy marking the beginning of the 2025 school year. Next week we join Christians around the world in marking the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday, on Wednesday 5 March.
Whilst preparing this report for the newsletter a message popped up on my screen letting me know the Emmanuel Team were awarded the Spirit of Relay Award at Saturday’s Relay for Life event. The Emmanuel Team made up of staff and many students circled the oval at Deakin University more than 100 times in temperatures approaching 40 degrees. Despite the temperature they participated with the energy of adolescence and the commitment of those who believe in the cause. In addition to the many laps of the oval they raised nearly $4000 for cancer research which the cancer survivors in the group, both staff and student, will be immensely proud of. If you would like to support the Emmanuel team finalise their fund-raising, I encourage you to donate at this link: https://www.relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/EMMANUELCOLLEGE5772
Planning is well advanced for the school’s Open Night on Wednesday 19 March commencing at 4pm. With enrolment demand at an all time high I encourage you to add this date to your diary and to share these details with family members and friends who are seeking year seven enrolment in 2026. If you are not seeking enrolment next year you are still welcome to visit the College and to explore the growth and development that’s occurred in recent years, please register here: https://tinyurl.com/mpeudzek
Following almost four years of planning and building, the new Edmund Rice Centre will be officially opened on Friday 7 March by Senator for Victoria, Senator Raff Ciconne, and blessed by the Most Rev. Bishop Paul Bird. It is more than an exciting event; it is a substantial milestone in the Emmanuel College story with all staff and students now working and learning at one location on the beautiful Botanic Road site. I look forward to sharing photos and insights of this very special occasion in the next edition of the newsletter.
In concluding this week, I extend my sincere condolences on behalf of the Emmanuel family to staff member Lucille Regan following the death of her father Kevin. Lucille’s father was buried in the last week, and I extend to Lucile and her family our care and support.
May Kevin know the loving embrace of God, and may perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
We also extend our care and support to Nigel Bailey, Helen and Richard Hodson who have experienced challenge and loss in the last week.
Pope Francis has declared the 2025 jubilee year a year of hope. We pray for Pope Francis and for his return to good health in the words of the Pope’s own jubilee prayer for hope.
Father in Heaven,
May the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ and
the flame of the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope
for the coming of your Kingdom.
May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May the same grace spread joy and peace throughout the earth.
St. Joseph: Pray for us. May the spirit of Catherine McAuley and
Edmund Rice guide us in all that we do. Amen.
Mr Peter Morgan
Principal
A Message from Mrs Claire Wrigley
School pick-up
We have had a request from St John of God Hospital in regards to our parents using their car park. The carpark at SJOG is for their staff and patients and it is quite dangerous if people are parking in there and back out etc., raising the risk of someone being hit.
We please ask that our parents do not access this car park to collect their children from Emmanuel College. We provide ample parking for parents over at Goold and two areas for drive through drop off and pick up. We appreciate your assistance with this request.
Uniform
Please be advised that in the coming weeks, we will be paying close attention to dress length, blazers, and jewelry.
We have observed that many students are wearing dresses that are too short, often resulting in undergarments being visible when they lean over, or move around the school. To maintain appropriate standards, dress hems should sit just above the knee and not at mid-thigh. We kindly ask that any necessary adjustments be made to ensure compliance with this expectation.
Wearing the correct uniform reflects a sense of pride and community, and we are committed to working with students and families to uphold these standards. We appreciate parents' support in ensuring their child wears the uniform correctly.
Time & Space Monday March 3 @6.45pm - 9.00pm - Year 8 Fathers/Male mentors.
Emmanuel College Fit4life wellbeing team are delighted to offer you an opportunity to experience a lifetime memory with your child at our very first Fathers/Male mentors Time & Space event. This innovative single evening program is an event we have planned especially for our Year 8 students and their fathers/male mentors. Many mothers attended a similar event last year with their child in year 7 and now it is dad's/male mentors time! We think that this is a great time to bring you together. For registration please see operoo message sent to all year 8 parents.
Mrs Claire Wrigley
Assistant Principal - Students
Performing Arts News - Excitement Plus!
School Musical- ‘Cinderella’ Rogers and Hammerstein
We have a cast! This year was a bumper year of interest with a cast number of 57 students.
Director Cindy Lee Morgan and Musical Director Dean Mulholland were very busy over four days of auditions and both were very impressed with the level of talent and enthusiasm. This year it is fantastic to see so many male students involved. I think some of our students forget that Ryan Gosling and Hugh Jackman started their acting careers in school plays and musicals
The first rehearsal/meet and great was on Wednesday and the Wyton Theatre space was abuzz with anticipation and excitement. It is always a great feeling when a group of students get together who are committed, focused and love what they do. We can’t wait to share our progress over the coming weeks.
Year 7 Band Program
This week, Year 7 were allocated their instruments for the band and music program. We look forward to sharing their progress.
Ensembles
Our music ensembles have begun with a great turnout for the Training Band rehearsal last week.
This year we have the following ensembles available for student involvement:
Brass Ensemble
Woodwind Ensemble
Concert band
Training Band
Soul Band
Junior and Senior Rock Bands
Warrnambool Eisteddfod
Entries are open for the Warrnambool Eisteddfod Instrumental Sections. This includes ensembles, piano, guitar, strings, brass and woodwind and bands – contemporary and concert. Sign-up sheets and information about each section will be on the STAGE Foyer notice board. If there are any questions, please email or come and see Ms Davies.
Ms Megan Davies
Head of Performing Arts
Year 7 Camp
Year 7 students enjoyed an awesome camp filled with adventure, laughter, and new experiences. With the exception of one morning, we had excellent weather throughout which allowed for some picturesque walks and activities around Port Fairy. The newly introduced fishing activity was a massive hit, with students catching a wide variety of fish including Trevally, Snapper, Australian Salmon and even a small Port Jackson Shark. While the waves weren’t great for surfing they were perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, which is always a popular activity. Evenings were just as exciting, with the mutton bird walk and quiz activities keeping everyone entertained. A highlight of the camp was the incredible selection of cakes, slices, and bickies generously provided by parents and guardians and enjoyed by everyone. Many smiles were had new friendships were formed, and the students even received glowing feedback from the public for their fantastic conduct. A memorable camp for all year 7’s, and an awesome way to start their Emmanuel College journey
Mr Dan Weymouth
Year 7 Community Leader
Maths at a Glance
Welcome to Maths at a Glance, your go-to section for updates, challenges, and opportunities in the world of mathematics at Emmanuel College!
100% Club – 25% Question Can you solve this riddle?
Mary’s mother has six children: April, May, June, July, August, and who?
Find the answer in the next newsletter!
Maths Help
When: Wednesday Afternoon 3.45pm – 4.30pm
Where: McAuley Library
Students have the opportunity to receive assistance with their Mathematics on Wednesday afternoons in the McAuley Library. Look out for the Maths teachers, bring your questions, and get the help you need! This is a great chance to work on those areas that you may not fully understand or consolidate the work that has been covered in your class.
Math Pathways Information Session
On Monday, 10th February, a ‘Math Pathways’ information session was held for parents of Year 7 and Year 8 students. If you were unable to attend, a recording of the session can be accessed at the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liKPxbHCfl4
The College continues to evolve its programs and, in 2025, will continue with the Pathways Classic program at Year 7 while introducing Pathways Flex at Year 8. This change at Year 8 is seen as a progressive step leading into Year 9. More details about these programs will be provided in future newsletters.
A New Maths Competition at Emmanuel College:
AMT Kangourou sans Frontières (KSF) Competition
Inspired by the AMT’s Australian Mathematics Competition, Kangourou sans Frontières (KSF) is now the largest maths competition in the world, with over 6 million participants each year. Scheduled to take place from March 25th – 27th, the KSF provides a fantastic opportunity for students to experience maths in a competition environment before the AMC in August.
This online competition runs for 75 minutes and challenges students with 30 multiple-choice questions across various topics, including:
- Basic arithmetic
- Fractions and ratios
- Algebra and pre-algebra
- Geometry
- Measurement
- Statistics and probability
- Problem-solving
Students interested in participating or seeking more information about the Math Comp or anything else mentioned above, don’t hesitate to contact Mr Hodson at rhodson@emmanuel.vic.edu.au
Mr Richard Hodson
Mathematics Coordinator
Sports Update
Swimming Sports
On Tuesday the 18th of February Emmanuel College held its annual House Swimming Sports competition. Continuing tradition, the Year 12’s proudly lead their houses into AquaZone with chants and songs setting the mood for a great day of competition. The day kicked off with the entertaining Year 12 Diving comp, before a day filled with thrilling races, with many events coming down to incredibly close finishes. Congratulations to all students who competed, giving their best efforts to earn valuable points for their Houses!
A special shout-out to our Age Group Champions -
- 12-13 Boys- Isaac Brown
- 12-13 Girls- Ruby Kenwright
- 14 Boys- Hugh White
- 14 Girls- Daisy Greening
- 15 Boys- Christian Wyse
- 15 Girls- Zoe Benson
- 16 Boys- Zavier Aberline
- 16 Girls- Indih Reeve
- 17 Boys- Jude de Silva-Smith
- 17 Girls- Layla McCarthy
- 18-20 Boys- Oscar Cooke
- 18-20 Girls- Kendra Wellens
And the overall House winner was……
1st - McAuley 867 points
2nd - Maguire on 832
3rd - Egan 572
4th - Rice 451
Mr Alastair Templeton
Sports & Lunchtime Activities Coordinator
Library News
Library Lovers’ Day
The Emmanuel College Library and the students and staff celebrated Library Lovers’ Day on February 14, coinciding with Valentine’s Day! This special day is recognised not only in Australia but in libraries all around the world.
Our Relationships Collection took the spotlight, featuring books on love stories, family sagas, and teenage fiction. Some of the authors included Alice Oseman, John Green, Kgshak Akec, and Harper Lee.
Students and staff enjoyed delicious red-coloured fruit and shared their love for libraries by writing down their thoughts, now proudly displayed on the Library Reading Room windows.
Student Book Club
The Student Book Club met last week for the first time where plans for the year were discussed. New members are welcome to join in. Anyone interested can email Mrs Sinnott or visit the Library to find out more information.
New Game – UNO Attack
A new, very popular game has arrived in the Library, ready for use at Recess and Lunchtime. Suggested by a staff member, the Library has purchased UNO Attack. Instead of picking up cards when required, students press the lever and a random number of cards will shoot out. Sometimes, the player is lucky and no cards are released. The purchase of UNO Attack follows on from the purchase of Tapple, which is a very popular game also.
New Self Loan Kiosk
The self loan kiosk in the Library has been upgraded to a newer version. Students are able to use their College Library ID card to borrow and renew books. This gives students independence in their browsing and borrowing of books to read.
Mrs Margaret Sinnott
Library Coordinator
Student Spotlights
Starting from this edition, we’re excited to include a new feature in our fortnightly newsletter showcasing our students and their achievements outside the College.
If you would like to recognise the achievements of a current Emmanuel student, please send us the details and photos to newsletter@emmanuel.vic.edu.au
Emmanuel College is proud to celebrate the incredible achievement of Poppy Myers, who has once again been selected for the Under-18 Victoria team! This marks Poppy’s fourth consecutive year representing Victoria at the highest level, a testament to her dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to the sport.
Poppy’s training can be intense, balancing sessions across Geelong and Melbourne with some weeks consisting of:
Tuesday: State Performance Program training
Thursday: Training with Geelong United
Friday: Competing in Werribee VJBL at 9:40pm
Saturday: High Performance Coach training from 11pm – 3pm
Sunday: Vic training & practice matches from 9am – 5pm
Monday: Geelong United training
Poppy has always been a dedicated member of our Basketball Academy Program, and her passion and determination are evident through the commitment she demonstrates at every level. Emmanuel College is extremely proud of Poppy and wishes her all the best for the upcoming Championships in Brisbane this April.
Image - Basketball Victoria
Words for Wellbeing
Swimming Sports
The Wellbeing Team provided a strong wellbeing presence at the school swimming carnival. We invited the crew from Headspace to attend who had a spinning wheel and great giveaways for students to win. We thank Headspace for their participation. Alongside Headspace was our marquee which was furnished with bean bags for chilling out and a collection of games, cards and colourings. Although the day got off to a soggy start, students were warmly welcomed and dropped by to participate. UNO was a crowd favourite.
Swimming Sports Activities
Girls Got Talent
Emmanuel’s annual celebration of International Women’s Day is being held on Thursday March 13 with “Girl’s Got Talent.” The much sought after free tickets are available for collection now from the Wellbeing Desk on a first come first served basis. Those who miss out on a ticket can view the livestream in the Library on the day.
Wellbeing Groups
At Emmanuel College we provide group programs to help students build skills to become capable young adults. Our Fit4Friendships and Year 9 Girls group have commenced with Standing Tall and Fit4 Courage to commence this week. Invitations to participate in groups have been sent via Operoo and we encourage parents to accept these invitations.
Career News
Career Newsletter
Our career website is packed with lots of ideas and conversation starters, it’s as simple and using this website to provide you with all the latest information about your future career and life beyond school. You can use this site to locate University, TAFE and any other type of course across Australia, get information about VCE, VCEVM, search for job vacancies and much more. Feel free to drop into the Careers Office if you have any questions.
Topics in the Career News include –
- Dates to Diarise in Term 1
- Nuclear-Powered Submarine Student Pathways
- Upcoming ‘Careers in Navy’ Events
- HMAS Arunta – Open Day
- HMAS Cerberus Open Day
- Important Announcement: New Adelaide University
- News from Deakin University
- New PPE/Communication Double Degree
- New Master of Speech Pathology from 2025
- Banking and Finance Degrees in Victoria in 2025
- Snapshot of Swinburne University in 2025
- Sport Courses for 2025
For more information go t https://www.emmanuelcollegecareers.com/
2025 Career Expo
The Neil Porter Legacy and Warrnambool & District Career Teachers Association are once again holding the Career Expo on Tuesday March 4th, with over 50 exhibitors present on the day along with an evening session, it is sure to be a very successful event.
All year 10 students together with VCEVM/VPC students will be attending, however we also encourage families to attend the evening sessions
Attached is further information regarding the day including an exhibitors list, competition details on how to win an iPhone and night session details.
Mr David Gladman
Student Pathways & Careers Leader
Financial Assistance for Families
CSEF - Camps, Sports & Excursion Fund
Parents/guardians holding a valid concession card on 28 January 2025 should submit an application form for the Camps, Sports & Excursion Fund (CSEF) allowance to Suzanne Dwyer via the McAuley Campus office or email info@emmanuel.vic.edu.au
Parents/guardians who have already applied for the allowance this year or in the past at Emmanuel College do not need to apply again.
The CSEF allowance is valued at $256 per student and is for holders of a health care card, or are a foster parent, or a Veteran Affairs pensioner. Payments are made to the school and will be deducted from a family’s school fees.
Further details about the CSEF allowance can be found at the Department of Education and Training’s website at https://www.vic.gov.au/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund
Conveyance allowance
Applications are now open to eligible families to lodge a claim for the Conveyance allowance. The allowance provides financial assistance towards the cost of transport for students to and from school via private car or bus who:
- travel more than 4.8 km by private car to a country school bus stop, or
- reside more than 4.8 km by the shortest practical route from school and pay to travel to school on a Warrnambool town bus, and
- are attending their closest government or non-government school.
Payments received are deducted from a family’s school fees at the end of each term. Application forms are available from the College Office or online at the Department of Education and Training website at https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/conveyance-allowance/policy. Application forms for the next claim period should be returned to Suzanne Dwyer via the College Office or email info@emmanuel.vic.edu.au by Thursday 13 March 2025.
Upcoming Events
Monday 24 February
School Photos catch-up day
WD Intermediate/Senior Cricket
Tuesday 25 February
WD Swimming
Thursday 27 February
Opening College Mass
Monday 03 March
Year 8 Time & Space Father & child evening
Tuesday 04 March
Year 10 - Neil Porter Foundation Career Expo
Wednesday 05 March
Ash Wednesday
GWR Int/Snr Cricket
Thursday 06 March
Loren Nicholson Student Leadership Workshop
Friday 07 March
Edmund Rice Centre- Official Opening
GWR Swimming
ADF Visit
Monday 10 March
Labour Day Public Holiday
