CSPD Annual Education Mass

On Wednesday August 27th, I was accompanied by four Year 10 students attending the CSPD Annual Education Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Vincent. After the Mass, our students had the opportunity to explore various displays from different schools and organisations about the Mission initiatives at their schools. I would like to thank Susannah Cody, Chris Chantiri, Rachel Hay and Lucas Reimer for representing our College with pride and distinction.

Father's Day Mass 2025

Our Father's Day Mass took place on Friday 5th September and was an opportunity for us to demonstrate our appreciation for the important role fathers and father figures play in our lives. Fr Raymond celebrated our Mass and all were able to enjoy hospitality prepared by our Year 9 Hospitality students & Miss Papadimitriou.

CSPD Bishop of Parramatta Award 2025 - Melanie Casha

Melanie Casha was awarded the prestigious 2025 Bishop of Parramatta Award at a vespers and ceremony evening at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta on Thursday 4th September. This award seeks to recognise some of our outstanding young men and women, at the culmination of their schooling, who witness their Catholic faith and achieve well in their academic, sporting, creative, vocational or community endeavours. What a fantastic achievement Melanie! Charlotte Cauchi in Year 11 read the following citation at the evening:

Melanie Casha is an exemplary student who profoundly displays Catholic values that we nurture within our Bede Polding College students. She has enthusiastically put her faith into action through numerous initiatives such as Special Religious Education, Project Compassion and the St Vincent de Paul Society. Melanie has demonstrated commitment to nurturing her faith through attending World Youth Day 2023, the Good Friday Night Walk 2024 and our College Immersion Program. In her role as the 2025 SRC Vice Captain, she epitomises the values of John Bede Polding as she authentically bears witness to our College motto, “We Are Called To Bring Peace.”

Year 9 Reflection Day 2025

On the 29th of August, Year 9 participated in their Reflection Day. The day was primarily run by our guest speaker, Chris Doyle who was quick to establish a rapport with our students and bring them out of their shell. He was able to foster a sense of fun whilst still being able to intertwine key messages such as appreciation, God’s gift of creation for us, to have confidence in yourself and to turn to God in prayer. By the end of the session with Chris Doyle, students were dancing, singing and having lots of fun! There was a real sense of community and cohesion manifested within the Year 9 cohort. The day culminated with the celebration of the Mass where Fr Adam reminded them of their mission as Christians, but to also be prepared for challenges along the way.

Year 10 Reflection Day 2025

Our Year 10 students participated in their Reflection Day on Wednesday 3rd September. This was an opportunity to engage with guest speaker, Sam Clear who shared his unique story of walking around the world spreading the message of Christian unity. Fr Ranning joined us to celebrate Mass to conclude the Day.

Class Masses in Our Lady Help of Christians Chapel

We have continued to celebrate regular Masses in Our Lady Help of Christians Chapel. We have started the roster with Year 10 classes. Since our last newsletter:

• Ms Apap’s 10 Religion D class celebrated Mass on August 27th
• Ms Woods’ 10 Religion C class celebrated Mass on September 10th

The students and teachers have been very grateful to Fr Raymond for coming along to celebrate Mass for them. They have found it to be a very worthwhile, reverent and solemn experience.

ACYF Fundraisers - Thank you

Later in the year, we have 11 Year 10 students going to the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Melbourne, along with Ms Apap, Ms Samson and Ms D’Souza. In the past couple of weeks, we have held some fundraisers to help alleviate their costs. We would like to thank our wonderful Bede Polding College community for helping us raise over $2000 by supporting us through the bake sales and soft drinks sales that we have organised.

St Monica’s Richmond Parish Fete

A reminder that this weekend, Saturday September 20th, is St Monica’s Spring Fair. Feel free to come along to support the local community. There will be games, prizes, stalls and food.