Newsletter Edition 13 / 2025 October 20th

Principal's Message

Dear Emmanuel College Families,

Welcome to Term 4. It hardly seems possible that we have already reached the final term of the year. Each new season brings a fresh sense of energy, and the past few weeks have been no exception. Emmanuel Day, held on the last day of Term 3, was a wonderful celebration of faith, fun, and community spirit. The enthusiasm, generosity, and good humour shown by students and staff were truly inspiring, and it was heartening to see the joy with which everyone participated. Through our collective efforts, we raised well over $5000 for Mercy Works and the Ruben Centre, helping to support those who are denied access to basic human needs such as education, health care, and social welfare. My sincere thanks to all who contributed to making the day such a memorable and successful celebration of our shared Mercy values.

As we move into this third week of Term 4, our prayers and best wishes are with our Year 12 students, who have now concluded their classes and prepare to embark on their final exams and the next chapter of their journey beyond school. Our Valedictory Assembly last Friday was a beautiful occasion - one of joy, reflection, and gratitude. Both Evie and Hannah, two of our College Captains, spoke with heartfelt honesty about friendship, resilience, and the importance of savouring each moment. Their words captured the spirit of this graduating class perfectly: kind, grounded, and full of hope for the future.

You can read their inspiring speeches via the link below.

2025 Captain Valedictory Speeches

Fr John’s homily at the Valedictory Mass reminded us all of the simple yet profound call to be kind, be humble, be gentle and be patient. These words now go with our Year 12s as they step forward into exams, further study, apprenticeships, work, or travel. To the Class of 2025, we wish you every success and blessing. May faith guide your steps, hope light your way, and love be the mark you leave wherever life takes you.

As the exam period begin, it is natural for students - and their families - to feel a mix of anticipation and pressure. This period calls not only for preparation but also for balance, encouragement, and perspective.

To our parents and carers supporting students through this time, I offer a word of encouragement and perspective. While VCE exams may seem like a uniquely school-based experience, they also help prepare our young people for many of life’s real-world moments—times when we are tested, make decisions under pressure, and are called to show persistence, integrity, and sound judgment. These experiences build lifelong skills in resilience, time management, and self-discipline.

For some students, this can be a time of stress or uncertainty, and it’s natural for them to feel the weight of expectation. I encourage families to keep communication open and supportive—notice signs of fatigue or anxiety, offer calm reassurance, and remind students that their wellbeing matters most. Gentle conversations, shared meals, and small acts of encouragement can go a long way in helping young people maintain balance and perspective. Students draw great confidence from knowing that those around them believe in their efforts and care for them beyond any exam result.

Looking ahead, I’d like to take a moment to reflect with families on the upcoming changes to social media laws for children under the age of 16. These changes are designed to protect young people from the potential harms of early and unrestricted social media use, but they may also bring questions and challenges at home. The most helpful approach begins with open, empathetic conversations. Take time to listen to your child’s perspective, validate their feelings, and clearly explain that the changes are intended to support their safety and wellbeing.

Consider sitting down together to review current apps and accounts, discuss what changes might be needed, and plan for alternative ways to stay connected—whether that’s through group messages, phone calls, or spending time in person. This is also an ideal time to teach digital literacy and online safety, including how to use privacy settings, understand algorithms, and make thoughtful choices online. Setting clear family boundaries for device use and creating regular tech-free times can also be helpful.

Most importantly, keep the conversation ongoing. Reassure your child that they can always come to you if they encounter something that makes them feel uncomfortable or uncertain online, and model healthy habits in your own technology use. Together, we can help young people develop the confidence, discernment, and resilience they need to navigate the digital world with safety and wisdom. For more information, suggestions and support please visit the e.SafetyCommissioner and HeadSpace.SocialMediaBan websites.

As we continue through this term, may we do so with faith in our shared purpose, gratitude for the many blessings of this community, and hope for the bright futures ahead of each Emmanuel student.

St. Joseph: Pray for us.  May the spirit of Catherine McAuley and Edmund Rice guide us in all that we do.  Amen.

Warm regards,
Ms Rachel McGennisken
Principal

A Message from Mrs Claire Wrigley

Emmanuel Day 2025

On Friday September 19 we celebrated Emmanuel Day with a theme of ‘Aussie Icons". Students and staff had a great day dressed up in the theme looking fantastic in all things Aussie! Students enjoyed moving around to various activities and the day culminated with Emmanuel Got talent.

It was a great celebration day for our school community

We thank our school community for purchasing  wrist bands and are pleased to announce we raised $5,681 with all proceeds to be shared between our two primary charities, Mercy Works and Ruben Centre, Africa. 
We would also like to acknowledge the generous support of the Midfield Group for their sponsorship of our BBQ meat, Foodshare for supplying bread and Harvey Norman who donated wonderful prizes for the passport competition.
Congratulations to the following students who were "best dressed" on Emmanuel Day , with each student collecting a movie voucher

William Carey - 7C
William Reilly - 8D
Gretta Wake - 9H
Jackson Palmer - Year 10
Matilda Graesser,  Alannah Oliver-Hay, Kristen McKenzie, Harriett Wake (Group Dress up) - Year 11

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 16

Next

Uniform
We are still in the transition period of summer or winter uniform. Depending on weather students are able to wear summer or winter uniform,  but not a combination of both.  All students will be required to be in full summer uniform on Monday Nov 3.
From Nov 3 all students will need to be wearing a hat when out in the sun in the school yard. A college hat is available from the uniform shop for $18.50. 
We please remind parents that students are expected to wear a blazer to and from school regardless of summer or winter uniform and we appreciate your support in ensuring your child is doing this.

E-safety @ Emmanuel College - October is cyber safety month
Cyber security awareness month offers an opportunity for all Australians to take action to improve their cyber safety security. This year's  theme is ‘Building our cyber safe culture.

For simple steps and resources to safeguard yourself online visit -

Social Media Platforms Delay for under 16 years.
Talking to your child about the age restrictions 

As we approach 10 December, when the new Social Media Minimum Age law comes into effect, it’s important for families to start preparing for the changes. 

If you have children under 16 who currently use age-restricted social media platforms, they will be directly impacted by the new law.

To support your children through this transition, it’s helpful to: 

•         Talk openly about the new age restrictions and why they’re being introduced. 
•       Understand how your child currently uses social media and explore how these changes might affect them. 
•         Reassure them that these changes are about safety and wellbeing, not punishment. 

To help guide these conversations, eSafety has developed practical tips for parents and carers to start these conversations to support you in starting and managing discussions in a calm and constructive way.  Please click on link for more information - https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions-hub

Helping families stay safer online
Do you want to feel more confident in supporting your children to have safer online experiences? eSafety's live webinars give parents and carers the knowledge, skills and tools to help understand and navigate the online world.   In particular there is a webinar for parents on the new laws etc around the Social Media delay.

See the schedule of upcoming live webinars.

Booklist Updates & new Victorian Curriculum Yrs 7-10

2026 Booklists

Booklists will be distributed to parents on Monday the 17th November and orders will need to be received by Sunday the 14th December. Booklists will be available after students have one final attempt to swap out of any subjects the week before, only if the blockings allow this. Any changes should be very minimal as the vast majority of students have received the electives they chose. Along with the booklist and instructions, students and parents will also receive an email with the list of subjects that students will be undertaking in both semester one and two 2026. Ordering can then happen through the Campion Books website. 

Please note that the Victorian Government has introduced a new curriculum, Victorian Curriculum 2.0, which all schools are required to implement from 2026. As part of this change, many of our Years 7–10 subjects will follow updated programs of study.

To ensure your child has access to the most up-to-date and relevant learning resources, we will be book listing new texts that align directly with the new curriculum requirements. We understand that this may mean an additional cost for families, and that some of current texts may not be able to be sold on second-hand this year.

We want to reassure you that we have carefully considered these changes and have taken steps to minimise costs wherever possible. This has included negotiating with our online resource providers to secure the best possible prices for our families.

We appreciate your support as we work together to provide students with the highest quality learning opportunities under the new Victorian Curriculum 2.0.

Ms Simone Rolfe
Director of Learning

9@Rice Term 3 Immersion Week 2025

9@RICE Term 3 Immersion Week 2025

The 9@RICE community recently enjoyed their third and final Immersion week filled with challenges, learning, and fun.

Resilience
9 G,H and I saw their resilience tested with some challenging weather on their  ride to Port Fairy before walking to Killarney for an overnight stay. The following day saw the groups trek along the stunning coastline back to Warrnambool, taking in the beauty of the beach environment. These journeys tested stamina, perseverance, importantly resilience and teamwork. Another challenge was a day of canoeing, where students strengthened their collaboration and resilience on the water in some typical challenging Warrnambool wind. 

Exploration
Immersion Week 9 A, B and C enjoy an Indigenous focused week, giving students the opportunity to explore the rich cultural history of our region. They visited Tower Hill and Budj Bim, took part in an Indigenous art workshop, and also took part in an exciting Amazing Race challenge around the Warrnambool CBD.

Canberra
9 D, E and F experienced what the nation's capital had to offer. They visited Parliament House, MOAD, The AIS, The Australian War Memorial amongst other educational attractions. They also were able to have some fun at places like Bounce and laser tag. 

Two questions were asked of some students who went to Canberra for their immersion, and these were some of the responses

• What was the most interesting thing from the Canberra Immersion?
  
• Parliament  House
• War Memorial
• Parliament House 
• War Memorial
• War Memorial
• Questacon
  

• What was your favourite activity?
  
• • Bus ride up
  • The AIS
  • Bounce 
  • Laser Tag
    

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $45.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion. Emmanuel College Warrnambool is very appreciative of this. 

Mr Paul Aberline
9@Rice Teaching Staff

Student Voice - Year 10 Media

50th Anniversary of JAWS - Student Voice

On Wednesday the 3rd of September our media class went to the capitol cinema to watch the 50th anniversary remake of the classic movie ‘Jaws’. Our class went to see this famous horror movie because it is a classic piece of film that not only introduced many new unique filming techniques but also made many people appreciate the film industry.

I was very impressed how good this remake of Jaws looked. I was amazed at how ahead of time Jaws was, as the camera movement kept the film very intriguing. The sound was mostly diegetic noise, meaning most of the sound you heard while watching this film was actually played during filming, not in editing. The use of sound in this movie was amazing, and as many people know the sound track of Jaws does an amazing job at building and keeping suspense. There was one scene that got a big audience reaction, and that's when a corpse popped out of a boat wreck, which in addition to the build up of the scene got the audience to jump.

Film Technique - Music: This technique has a huge impact on the film, and is half of what made it famous in the first place, which is the sound design. The famous sound track for this film is known across the world, because it is simply amazing. The slow but ever growing build up of the oncoming dread some to come does such a good job at creating unease and fear in the audience, including me.

My favourite scene in Jaws is the climax of the film. All the characters have just had a good laugh when ‘Bruce’ the shark comes out of the darkness and attacks the crew. I like this scene so much because it shows the audience that even in times that are supposed to be lighthearted, like moments of laughter, the shark can still attack. This shows that the shark is a wild animal trying to eat them, and if the crew is not always aware of the shark, then it could spell disaster. Because I had never watched the film before, I didn’t know what to expect when walking into the cinema, apart from wanting to watch a fun and enjoyable film. Coming out of the cinema, my expectations were met, and I had a good time.

Watching this piece of cinema history taught me how to correctly build suspense. Don’t force the build up, let the film do what it needs to do. Jaws shows how to create an amazing ‘monster’ for the protagonists to overcome. Since the very beginning of the film, the shark was being built up as this massive challenge to overcome, and the climax of the film showed that, with the shark being able to withstand every effort of the main characters until its inevitable demise.

Student Voice
Jordan Morrison - Year 10

The Literacy Lowdown

 Spelling: Break Words into Meaningful Parts

The Challenge: Why Some Words Are Hard to Spell

Spelling long or unfamiliar words can be overwhelming, especially if students try to memorise them letter by letter. However, many English words have Greek or Latin roots, which can help with both spelling and meaning.

Tip: Use Word Origins to Boost Spelling Skills

Breaking words into parts makes them easier to remember:

• - Biography - bio (life) + graphy (writing)
• - Transport - trans (across) + port (carry)
• - Invisible - in (not) + vis (see) + ible (able)

How Parents Can Help At Home

• If your teen struggles with a word, look up its root meaning together.
• Turn it into a game. See who can find the most words that contain 'graph'  or 'port' in a book or online article.
• Reinforce tricky spellings by breaking them into syllables and saying them aloud.

Quick Challenge for Your Teen

Look up five new words this week and find their Greek or Latin roots. Understanding word origins can make spelling much easier!

Mr Chris Allsop
Literacy Coordinator

Maths at a Glance

100% Club 25% Question 

Last weeks solution - The number was 214

Maths Help
When: Wednesday Afternoon (3.45pm – 4.30pm)
Where: McAuley Library

Students have the opportunity to get assistance with their Mathematics on Wednesday afternoon’s in the McAuley library.  Look out for the Math’s teachers, bring your questions and get some help. It’s a great opportunity to work on those areas that you may not fully understand or consolidate the work that has been covered in your class.

FAQ - How can I assist my child to revise for tests and exams?

1. Speak to your child to determine what topic(s) the test or exam will be covering.

2. Ask your child what specific concepts they are struggling with, or feel they need to revise the most (begin revising these concepts first).

3. Encourage your child to check Google Classroom, their class notes, and other class resources (e.g. Cambridge, Edrolo, Maths Pathway, Ed Perfect, etc.) to review material that has been taught in class.

4.Support your child to redo questions from class examples, textbook questions, worksheets, revision material, etc. (without the solutions in front of them) to see if they have retained this information. This can also help identify any possible misconceptions your child may have.

5. Remind your child to seek assistance from their maths teacher during class time or attend the after-school maths help (information above) if there are questions you are unsure about.

The earlier and more frequently revision is completed, the more likely your child will be able to retain concepts. 

VCE Maths - Upcoming Exams
As we head into the final weeks for unit 3/4 VCE Maths students it is important for students to use these final weeks productively. One of the best ways to study is by creating a bound reference book that includes key formulas, worked examples, and summaries of important concepts from each topic. This book can be used during some parts of the exam depending on the Maths subject, so make sure it’s neatly organized and easy to navigate. The staff at the library can help students with binding notes books. Students should seek help from their teacher for clarification or extra practice questions. Completing past papers, and asking questions when you’re unsure will help students feel more confident and ready for the exams.

If you have any questions regarding the information above feel free to email Caroline Ryan cryan@emmanuel.vic.edu.au or Tamara Hulands thulands@emmanuel.vic.edu.au 

Tamara Hulands & Caroline Ryan
Math Teachers

Outdoor & Environmental Studies - VCE

Unit 2 - Otways Excursion

Visiting the Otways was a significant educational experience for 28 of our Unit 2 Outdoor and Environmental Studies students. Our visits occurred on Wednesday, 17th and Thursday, 18th September. The excursion provided many learning opportunities, such as understanding different biomes, learning about the local flora and fauna, and overcoming personal challenges.

The students were challenged with a 16km bike ride on the Old Beechy Rail Trail from Barongarook to Gellibrand. This journey featured a mix of steady downhill riding and a sharp 1km climb. In this activity, the students experienced several changes in environment type, including dry forest and rainforest biomes, as well as patches of private land used for housing and farming.

The Otway Zipline allowed students to explore the rainforest biome further. Experiencing the 100m tall Mountain Ash trees at up to 40km/hr was exhilarating for many students. The zipline heights challenged some students, but many enjoyed the scenery from the higher vantage point, including bird's-eye views of ferns fanning out like giant flowers.

The students have gained a wealth of knowledge from these experiences, which they can now use as examples to refer to in their upcoming assessment tasks. This trip has not only been a memorable adventure but also a rich source of learning for our students.

A huge thanks goes to our dedicated team for their invaluable support in making this trip a memorable experience for our students. Teachers Hannah Dart and Ben Walsh, Deputy Principal Justin Houlihan, trainee Ryan Barnes, and bus driver Jaffa Williams, your individual efforts and contributions are greatly appreciated.

Jason Dart
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Outdoor & Environmental Studies Teacher

Chess Club News ♟️

Emmanuel College Chess Report: Northern Star Chess Secondary Girls State Final 

Emmanuel College was proudly represented by Lisa Bail at the Secondary Girls State Final, hosted by Northern Star Chess on October 17th. The event brought together 58 participants from 26 schools across Victoria, highlighting a very competitive and talented field.

Lisa played seven rounds, scoring an impressive 3 points and finishing 36th overall. For Emmanuel College, this placed us 26th in the school standings, with Lisa bravely representing our school as the sole competitor. Notably, Lisa is now the first girl from Emmanuel College to participate at state level chess – a milestone achievement for our school’s chess program.

The day provided Lisa with valuable experience, exposing her to the depth and quality of chess played at the state level. Her performance and participation set an inspiring example for future Emmanuel College chess competitors, especially female players aspiring to take part in future events.

Congratulations, Lisa – and thank you for your pioneering spirit and competitive effort. Emmanuel College is proud to see our students excel and break new ground in chess competitions across Victoria.

Northern Star Chess State Finals
Emmanuel College put in a strong performance at the Northern Star Chess Secondary Opens State final on October 9, at Xavier College in Melbourne. Competing among 446 players from 71 schools across Victoria, each of our students earned their place through dedication and skill, showing great determination and sportsmanship against tough statewide opponents. We’re incredibly proud of their efforts and they way they represented our college.

Emmanuel College Individual Results
The following Emmanuel students competed admirably, each battling for every result against a tough statewide opposition:

Emmanuel College Team Ranking and Points
Emmanuel College placed 22nd overall out of 71 schools, scoring a total of 21 points. This ranking demonstrates strong teamwork and individual effort within a highly competitive field.

Reflections on the State Final
Chess in Victoria is at an all-time high, and the scale and skill on display at this final were truly remarkable. With 446 worthy qualifiers competing for every result, the commitment shown by Emmanuel College’s students deserves high commendation, both for their individual performances and their contribution to the team. The school community and all participants should feel exceptionally proud. Every student earned their place among Victoria’s best, making this a memorable event in the school's chess program. I am very proud of all of our players and their positive sportsmanship.

Mr Andrew McKenzie
Chess Club Coordinator

Performing Arts & Music

2026 College Production

We’re thrilled to announce our 2026 College Musical - Disney’s Dare to Dream JR

A magical journey through Disney’s greatest hits from Coco to Frozen, to The Lion King to Encanto and more! This uplifting musical follows a group of trainees on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio, the show celebrates the power of dreaming big. Stay tuned for audition dates and more exciting details - the journey to Dare to Dream starts soon! 

Student-led Junior School Play: A Weekend Mystery

Rehearsals are in full swing for our very first Junior School Play — an exciting, student-led production directed by Year 7 student Paddy McKane, with Ms Davies supporting as producer.

This fast-paced, 30-minute “Who Dunnit” mystery, A Weekend Mystery, featuring Year 7 and 8 students, showcasing the creativity and talent of our young performers.

Performance Dates:

• Wednesday 29 October – 7:00pm

• Thursday 30 October – 10:00am & 7:00pm

Entry is free, with a gold coin donation appreciated upon arrival.
Bookings are essential for audience numbers — please reserve your seats via TryBooking:

https://www.trybooking.com/DGUJM

Mrs Megan Davies
Head of Performing Arts & Instrumental Music Coordinator

Sports News - GWR Athletics

On the 9th of October, a very strong team of Emmanuel students competed at the 2025 GWR Championships in Ballarat. The weather provided some challenges with very cold and windy conditions causing a few issues throughout the day. While this was a challenge, our students rose to the challenge and competed exceptionally well with plenty of effort, smiles, personal bests, medals and even some region records on the day. Our school team also took out the GWR school title again with a strong overall performance from all involved.
The below students have qualified for the 2025 SSV State Championships at Lakeside Stadium on today, Monday the 20th of October:

Library News

Year 8 Picture Book Award Presentations 2025

On Thursday 18 September in The Emmanuel Centre at the combined Year 7 and 8 Assembly, the Picture Book Awards were presented.

Following on from students in Year 8 English designing and creating a picture book in Term 2 this year, the books were judged on their merit as suitable for a younger child (approximately 5-8 years old).

The English Faculty and Creative Arts Faculty were involved in the judging.

The picture books that were created were about colour, friendship, going on an adventure, animals able to talk, family, losing items, finding items, counting and many different settings including: space, the beach, the farm, in Medieval times, World War 2, in a snow storm, at sea, at the football, in a forest, the city or a zoo.

The students created the pictures by using paint, coloured pencils and matched these with eye catching titles, carefully chosen font styles and text placement on the pages that helped with the story.

There were over 40 picture books shortlisted by the Year 8 English teachers.  Each student received a certificate.  A number of other awards were presented with Hugh Matthews winning the major award for his book entitled The Unseen Hero.  A story about war which included a beautiful dedication to a great Grandfather.  A story about Fred going to the Second World War, about what he did and what he saw.

Amelie Williams received 2^nd prize  for her story called The Joyless Town, a story about Missy Mouse coming across a town without colour.

The students are to be congratulated on the effort that they put in to the thinking and designing of the picture books.

Illustration Awards were also presented by the Creative Arts Faculty.

Vani Singh received 1^st prize for Lina’s Little Light and Amelie Williams received 2^nd prize for The Joyless Town.

New Books For Students To Read
The Library has just had some new books arrive and that are now ready for borrowing, that will be of interest to students. They include:

Rivet Boy by Barbara Henderson
Don’t look down.  When 12 year old John Nicol gets a job at the Forth Bridge construction site, he knows it’s dangerous.  But he has no choice.  He finds comfort in the new Carnegie Library.  He has to face his fear of heights and find the courage to climb.

If you would like any further information, please contact Margaret Sinnott, Library Coordinator  msinnott@emmanuel.vic.edu.au or ring the College for more information.

Mrs Margaret Sinnott
Library Coordinator

Play The Game series: Aussie Rules & Play The Game series: Basketball

Worst Farmer Ever by Pat Cummings (Australian cricket captain)

Robert’s Rocket Rescue by Gerard Bourke and Robin Goodall
A story set in Warrnambool back in time.  Where rockets were used to rescue people from shipwrecks.  Gerard, the author, has been volunteering at Emmanuel College in recent times.

Kevin Sheedy’s Bomber Jacket: Australian football’s controversies and curiosities.
Legendary true football stories.

You & Me and the Peanut Butter Beast by Andy Griffiths and Bill Hope
A new book in the Adventure Unlimited series.  Andy Griffiths is always so popular with students and this is a new series for students to enjoy.

Guts and Glory: Diggers, sport and war by Peter Rees
A history of sport in Australian warfare.  About a famous cricket match at Gallipoli, a Wallabies jersey worn by Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop.

Ultimate Fishing Australia by India Thompson
40 unforgettable fishing adventures.  Also includes boat ramp maps, information about fishing licences and many different species of fish.

Emmanuel Reads 2025
On Thursday 23 October students in Years 7-9 will be taking part in Emmanuel Reads.  This is an opportunity in Extended Home Room for students and staff to spend some time reading in a sustained way.  Students are asked to have an interesting book ready for the Home Room to participate in the program.  The Library has many books available to borrow or students may bring a book from home.

Sustainable School Shop Site
Emmanuel College has a paid subscription to the Sustainable School Shop site.  This means that Emmanuel families can buy and sell Emmanuel items via the site.  As soon as the College booklists are available, they will be uploaded to the site so that families can tell the required items for their child for Emmanuel College. 

If you would like any further information, please contact Mrs Margaret Sinnott, Library Coordinator msinnott@emmanuel.vic.edu.au or ring the College for more information.

Mrs Margaret Sinnott
Library Coordinator

Career News

Year 12s are done - well almost!

Classes have officially finished for our Year 12 students - congratulations! While the celebrations have begun, the hard work continues for those preparing to sit exams over the coming weeks.

As you head into this final stretch, remember a few key study tips:

- Create a realistic study plan and stick to it
- Take regular breaks - your brain needs to retain information
- Go over your notes, back yourself
- Eat well, sleep well, and stay hydrated.

It's normal to feel anxious, nervous, or unsure about how you will go. But remember - your results do not define you. They're just one part of your story. What truly matters is the effort, growth, and resilience you've show throughout your schooling.

You've got this!

Items in the Career News include:

• Dates to Diarise in Term 4
• Reminder: Key VTAC dates
• Studying the Bachelor of Design at the University of Melbourne
• Master of Project Management at Victoria University
• Diploma of Teaching Education Preparation
• Career in Digital Marketing
• US Virtual College Fair
• Project Management Courses  in 2025 in Victoria
• Snapshot of JMC Academy in 2025

For further information please view the Emmanuel College Careers Website: https://emmanuelcollegecareers.com/

Mr David Gladman
Student Pathways & Careers Leader

Student Spotlight - Scarlett O'Donnell

VCE Product Design & Technology excellence

Rounding off the end of a busy Term 4, Scarlett has completed an outstanding VCE Product Design & Technology school-assessed project: a custom drawer and storage system for the rear of her Toyota 120 Series Prado. From initial research and concept sketches to the final installed unit, Scarlett identified a genuine design opportunity with the goal of ‘improving vehicle storage, accessibility and flexibility for camping.’ Scarlett has delivered a professionally finished purpose-built solution that fits the vehicle perfectly.

Scarlett’s professional approach to time management and manufacturing was a stand out. She produced a clear production schedule with ambitious goals, tracked progress in her folio, and allowed time for prototyping and testing. This disciplined time management meant she could perfect the drawer geometry, hardware choices and fastening system without compromising finish or safety. The final product shows meticulous attention to detail: accurate joins, neat carpeted finishes, secure latches and smoothly operating drawers that meet real-world use requirements- and will stand the test of time.

Scarlett’s work highlights the complex processes and problem-solving central to VCE Product Design & Technology: translating user needs into specifications, selecting appropriate materials and hardware, managing manufacturing steps, and evaluating performance against the design brief. This project is an excellent example of the ‘iterative’ design process and assessment expectations described in the VCAA Product Design & Technologies study design.

Congratulations to Scarlett for producing a high-quality, well-documented project that reflects the standards of senior VCE design work and the practical skills valued in industry. All of this completed with one week to spare!

Ben McKenzie
Technology Faculty Coordinator.

Words for Wellbeing

Standing Tall
Our Term 3 Standing Tall excursion was a huge success! Students enjoyed connecting with their mentors over a delicious Subway lunch before heading off for a behind-the-scenes tour of FitzMedia — even getting the chance to read the news like professionals! The group also explored the Car Museum, where they admired an incredible range of vehicles from across the generations. The day was full of laughter, teamwork, and great conversations. 

Standing Tall Event Inspires with Music and Mentorship
Earlier in the year Emmanuel College proudly hosted a Standing Tall event, welcoming students and mentors from Warrnambool College, Merri River School, and our own Standing Tall Program. The highlight of the day was the Chaotic Choir experience, led by the incredibly talented Tom Richardson and Emmanuel College Alumni Grace Kenny.

Tom and Grace shared powerful insights about their journeys with music, perseverance, and self-belief. Grace wowed the crowd with her performance and personal story, while Tom inspired students with how he turned his passion into a career.

Here’s what some of our students had to say:
🎶 “It would be so awesome if I could make a job out of doing what I love.”
🎤 “I liked hearing about their stories.”
🌟 “Follow your dream and rise above others who try and push you down!”

Grace aka GK - Greatest Known is once again taking to the stage at the renowned Port Fairy Folk Festival in March 2026! Adding to your already impressive

Tomorrow Man, Tomorrow Woman
Year 9 students were divided into groups to participate in these compelling workshops about gender norms and societal expectations.  Tomorrow Man is a look at redefining masculinity and improving mental health.  Tomorrow Woman aims to empower women to challenge unrealistic expectations. We were delighted to receive immediate positive parent feedback about this information session.  

My son came home from school and told me about his session.  He was clearly impacted by it, and I was so proud listening to his experience and what he told me about the group experience.    I feel this has been a very positive thing for the year 9 boys and well timed for this changing time of their lives.  I hope the boys can continue to move forward with this growth from yesterday’s experience.  

Red Frogs
The recent Red Frogs Australia presentation to the Year 12 cohort was a highly engaging and valuable session focused on safe partying and looking out for your mates. The presenter connected well with students through humour, real-life stories, and relatable examples, creating an open and enjoyable atmosphere. They shared practical strategies for keeping safe during celebrations, looking out for friends, and managing challenging situations like peer pressure or alcohol use. The session struck the perfect balance between fun and informative, leaving students feeling more confident, supported, and aware as they prepare for end-of-year festivities and life beyond school.

October is Mental Health Month
Mental Health Month is a global initiative to highlight the importance of mental health to overall wellbeing.  It is a time for encouraging open conversations and ensuring everyone knows where to turn for support.  Let's encourage a culture where help seeking is seen as a sign of strength.  The Wellbeing Team encourages all students to do something to look after your own mental health this month .  

Easy Self Care Ideas you can do at school : 

• Practice deep breathing exercises
• Write in a journal or express your feelings through writing.
• Go for a walk at recess
• Do some gentle stretching.
• Chat with a friend.
• Practice mindfulness or meditation.
• Lay on the grass and look up at the sky.  
• Read a book. 
• Paint, draw, or engage in other creative activities.
• Practice gratitude by listing things you’re thankful for.
• Do something kind for someone else.
• Dance or move your body.
• Drink water. 
• Declutter your locker
• Write down your goals or aspirations.
• Practice positive affirmations.
• Reflect on past accomplishments and successes.
• Do a puzzle or play a game
• Practice self-compassion and forgive yourself for any mistakes.
• Create a vision board of your dreams and goals.
• Write a letter to your future self.
• Treat yourself at the canteen 
• Practice forgiveness towards others who may have hurt you.
• Volunteer or help someone in need.
• Practice visualisation of your ideal future.
• Write down things you love about yourself.
• Practice boundary-setting and say no to things that drain your energy.

Youth Mental Health First Aid
As it is World Mental Health Month we would like to shine a light on our many staff who have completed the Youth Mental Health First Aid course.  Having staff with this qualification helps us connect with students and makes them feel cared for and  supported - and that is good for everyone’s mental health.  In December we will have an additional 20 staff complete this qualification upskilling our staff to connect with our students and make every conversation matter.

Community News