Archived Newsletters

Notre Dame College Mother’s Day 2026

Notre Dame College warmly invites mothers and significant mother figures to join us for a special Mother's Day Liturgy followed by a light breakfast.

Date: Thursday 7 May 2026
Time: 8am - 8.45am
Where: Knight Street Northside Courtyard (if it is raining, we will be located in Sacred Heart Hall).

We look forward to you joining us.

RSVP HERE (essential for catering purposes)

Catholic Education Week 2026

Catholic Education Week will be celebrated from Monday 4 May to Friday 8 May. This year’s theme, ‘Seek Peace and Pursue It’ (Ps 34:14; 1 Peter 3:11), speaks directly to the heart of Catholic education.

Catholic schools are called not only to educate the mind, but to form the whole person in the light of the Gospel. By intentionally seeking and actively pursuing peace, our schools strive to create communities grounded in respect, justice, compassion, reconciliation, and hope.

In our school the call to peace is lived out each day through learning, relationships and service. Students are encouraged to grow not only in knowledge, but also in empathy, respect and a commitment to the common good.

Teachers and staff model the values of the Gospel, helping our young people to become people of faith, hope and peace in their families and communities.

As we celebrate Catholic Education Week 2026, we give thanks for the students, educators, leaders and families who together create communities where the peace of Christ is known and shared.

ANZAC DAY 2026

Notre Dame College Captains Gabe Garner, Kiera Shaw and Vice -Captain Elena Radevski represented the College at the ANZAC Day service on Saturday with pride and respect.

Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali was on hand offering words of encouragement to our leaders.

Lest We Forget.

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What Our Data Tells Us About Student Engagement in 2026

A Whole-School Snapshot

As we move into Term 2, we’ve taken time to look closely at how students are going across Semester 1. This gives us a helpful picture of attendance, engagement, and how students are settling into their learning.

There are some really positive signs across the school. Students are being recognised regularly for their effort and behaviour, and we’re seeing strong connections between school and home through ongoing communication with families.

At the same time, the data helps us identify where we need to focus. Attendance is one of the clearest patterns. Our younger students are attending very regularly:

  • Year 7: 91.5%
  • Year 8: 90.9%

As students get older, attendance drops slightly:

  • Year 9: 85.4%
  • Year 11: 84.5%

This isn’t unusual, but it is something we are working on, as attendance has a big impact on learning. We are also continuing to provide strong support for students through learning adjustments, wellbeing programs, and targeted interventions like QuickSmart. Our focus moving forward is simple:

  • helping students attend regularly
  • supporting them through key transition points
  • building strong habits that support learning

If you have any thoughts, comments or feedback, please contact Lena Cross at lena.cross@notredame.vic.edu.au

Lena Cross - Data Improvement Leader

Winter Uniform Changeover

With the weather starting to cool down, it’s time to think about winter uniform. All students are expected to be in winter uniform by Monday 4 May, so it may be wise to check that you have all the necessary items and that they are in a good condition and still fit. All year 7, 8, 10 and 11 students will be in the new winter uniform whilst students in year 9 & 12 may still wear the older styles. The new dress and short sleeve shirts are not part of the winter uniform. The old-style long sleeve shirt still requires that the College tie is worn with it. It is acceptable for students in year 9 and 12 to wear a mix of old and new styles.

Winter Uniform:

  • College navy tailored shorts or College navy skirt or College Navy tailored trousers (Grey for Years 9 and 12 permissible in 2026).
  • Long sleeve College shirt (new style for Years 7, 8, 10 & 11 in 2026).
  • College tie optional (new style for Years 7, 8, 10 & 11 in 2026).
  • College jumper (for Year 12 – Navy Blue, or Year 12 Rugby Jumper).
  • Soft Shell College jacket or College Blazer.
  • College scarf (new style for Years 7, 8, 10 & 11 in 2026).
  • College navy socks or navy tights (skirt must be worn with tights for winter). (Grey for Years 9 and 12 permissible in 2026).
  • Black, polishable lace up traditional supportive school shoes which are fully enclosed and solid with a heel.

PE Uniform:

  • Year 7, 8, 10, 11 – new College PE uniform.
  • Year 9 & 12 – old style permissible for 2026.

Call for Committee Members – 2027 Debutante Balls

St Brendan’s Parish is seeking a small organising committee of approximately four people to coordinate the 2027 Debutante Balls, which were previously organised by Notre Dame College.

If you are interested in being involved, please contact Diane at the St Brendan’s Parish Office on 5821 2633 to register your interest.

Please note: Without a committee in place, the 2027 Debutante Balls will unfortunately not proceed.

Your support would be greatly appreciated.

2026 Goulburn Valley Youth Environment Congress The second annual Goulburn Valley Youth Environment Congress is coming to Notre Dame College this June. If you’re a high school student with a passion for looking after and protecting our planet, this event is for you. Expressions of Interest Please email Phillip Guthrie - phillip.guthrie@notredame.vic.edu.au by Friday 29 May.

Isabella Lemma

Notre Dame College is proud to share that Year 11 student Isabella Lemma has been selected to represent the Nicholls electorate at National Youth Parliament 2026.

More than 2,200 secondary school students applied for the program, which brings 150 young Australians together in Canberra to learn about Parliament, public policy and leadership.

"I am most looking forward to debating on bills in parliament that matter the most to the Nicholls community. Being selected to be the Youth Member for Nicholls was a dream of mine, now it's reality. I plan on being the voice to the younger community of Nicholls on the big stage and possibly reaching wider electorates."

Isabella will head to Canberra in August and is feeling very excited about the opportunity to kick start her career in Parliament.

"I am currently a member of the Young National Party and have worked closely with Sam Birrell and Kim O'Keefe. Representing my community and working within it has been something I have always loved and enjoyed. Whether I gain the opportunity in state or federal parliament when I'm older, both are equally as important as the other, having their own strengths and weaknesses I one day wish to help carry on and solve."

Congratulations Isabella, this is an impressive achievement and we wish you all the best in Canberra.

Year 11 Immersion Group Fundraiser – Pie Drive

The Year 11 Notre Dame College Immersion students are running a Pie Drive Fundraiser through North End Bakehouse.

All money raised will be going directly into the hands of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Thailand to support the wonderful work they do at their youth centre, women’s shelter and school.

Our students will be visiting each of these places as a part of their upcoming Immersion experience in June / July.

Order your pies HERE to assist with this fantastic fundraising opportunity to help others in need. Orders close on Thursday 14 May. Pies will be delivered to school on Thursday 21 May.

We greatly appreciate your generosity.