Term 2 Newsletter 2026
Welcome to our Term 2 Newsletter. Please click on the links below to read more.
- St Juliana Falconieri Feast Day
- Building Update
- Supervision Before and After School
- Student Device Control
- SEQTA Engage Absentee Module
- Staffing Updates and Thanks
- Charter Bus Review
- Upcoming Events
- Term 2 News & Events
- Servite College Council Expression of Interest
Message from the Principal
It has been another fantastic term at Servite College, with our students immersed in a wide range of activities both in and out of the classroom. Some of the highlights from the second half of the term have included the ACC Cross Country Carnival, Year 11 and 12 Exams and Workplace Learning, Year 12 Halfway Day, the Careers Expo, Saint Juliana Feast Day, and our Parent Teacher Interviews.
My sincere thanks to everyone involved in making these events and experiences possible, and to our students and parents who engaged so fully in these opportunities. More information on these, and other events that took place throughout the term, can be found on the College website.
St Juliana Falconieri Feast Day
________________________
Friday 19 June marked the Feast Day of Saint Juliana Falconieri, a very important figure in the Servite tradition and one of the special patrons of our College community. This week, we came together as a College to celebrate Saint Juliana with a special Mass on Tuesday 23 June.
Saint Juliana was born in Florence in 1270 and was the niece of Saint Alexis Falconieri, one of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order. From a young age, Juliana chose a life of prayer, simplicity and service. She later became the foundress of the women’s branch of the Servite family and was known for her deep faith, humility and care for the sick and those in need.
At Servite College, Saint Juliana continues to hold a special place in our story. Her life reminds us that faith is lived through action, especially through compassion, courage and service to others. As we celebrated her Feast Day, we were reminded that our College is part of a much larger Servite story, one that began in Florence many centuries ago and continues today in the lives of our students, staff and families.
Building Update
________________________
It has been exciting to see the first sections of the slab poured over recent weeks. This is an important stage of the project, as from here we will start to see the buildings really take form.
Discussions have also commenced regarding the public artwork that will be installed as part of the building project. We are hoping to design an artwork that complements the broader conversations already underway about Our Servite Identity and the ways we can embed signs and symbols into the physical environment to help share our wonderful Servite story and history with our community.
Supervision Before and After School
________________________
Families are reminded that the College provides supervision for students across the College grounds from 8.15am to 3.45pm each school day.
Students who are present at the College outside these times, and who are not participating in organised school activities, should be in the ARC. The ARC is open from 7.30am and closes at 4.00pm. Please note that while supervision is provided in the ARC during these times, students are not monitored in terms of their productivity or completion of schoolwork. It is an independent learning environment, much like a public library.
No student should be at the College before 7.30am or after 4.00pm unless they are participating in an official school activity.
Student Device Control
________________________
This year, the College has been considering ways we can further support students in their use of computers for schoolwork. A recent parent survey indicated strong support for this, with many parents aligned with a more controlled approach to student device use. Following a process of consultation and discernment, we can now take some further steps in this area.
From Term 3, the College will be trialing the use of an agent on Year 8 devices, which will place greater restrictions on how computers can be used both at school and at home. Mr Barry Hicks, Director of Digital Technologies, will send further details to relevant Year 8 families, and we will update the community at the conclusion of the Term 3 trial.
Additionally, from Term 3 the College will be changing our policy regarding how students use their computers during the school day. Student devices will only be permitted for educational purposes while on school grounds, including during break times.
We will continue to provide students with a range of activities, both inside and outside, to encourage face-to-face social interaction rather than screen time. We believe time away from devices is increasingly important in supporting a balanced approach to technology use.
SEQTA Engage Absentee Module
________________________
The College is pleased to be providing parents and caregivers with a new, safe and streamlined method for reporting student absences.
From Term 3, parents will have access to an ‘Absences’ module in SEQTA Engage, allowing for a secure way to notify the College of an unplanned absence. We look forward to receiving feedback from parents in due course as we consider further ways to improve the security and efficiency of how we manage student absences at the College.
Staffing Updates
________________________
We would like to sincerely thank the following staff members who will be moving on from the College:
- Elliot Wallace
- Caitlin Engler
- Caolan Dodgson
- Teresa Thomas (commencing parental leave)
We also congratulate the following teachers on their acting leadership appointments:
- Merrick Stokes – Head of Community, Senario (remainder of Semester 2)
- Alexa Pagnoni – Head of Community, St Anthony (Friday, 28 August – Friday, 25 September)
We acknowledge and thank Mr Glen Williams for his service as Acting Head of Learning Area – English and welcome Mrs Bree Marsh back to the role. We also acknowledge and thank Mrs Kelly Fitzpatrick for her service as Acting Head of Learning Area – Technologies and welcome Mrs Rachel Poga back to the role.
Charter Bus Review
________________________
The College currently subsidies one charter bus that supports a small number of students travelling to and from the College. Due to significant increases in the cost of running this service, we will be reviewing the feasibility of continuing this arrangement beyond 2026.
Impacted families will have the opportunity over the coming weeks to provide feedback as part of this review.
Upcoming Events
________________________
- Grandparents Day – Save The Date
- Thursday, 30 July – registrations open here.
- Paul Litherland Parent Workshop
- Wednesday, 5 August – register here.
- Interpriory Athletics Day
- Friday, 7 August
- Servite Spotlight – Shakespear Bachelor
- One Night Only! Friday, 14 August – more information to come!
Term 2 News & Events
________________________
As always, we invite you to stay up to date with the latest news and events throughout the term. Term 2 has already been filled with exciting opportunities, memorable experiences, and enriching learning moments for our students. Some key highlights include:
To read more about the latest happenings around the College, please visit our College News here.
Servite College Council Expression of Interest
________________________
We welcome applicants to join the Servite College Council with governance or senior leadership experience, and professional expertise in areas such as education, finance, law, risk, strategy, or human resources. A strong commitment to Catholic education and the Servite charism is essential. Please send expressions of interest to Father Stephen Victor, Prior Servite College Council.
Email: stephen.victor@servite.com.au
As we move into our inaugural three-week mid-year break, I wish all families a safe and enjoyable time with family and friends. We look forward to seeing our students return safely on Monday 20 July.
God Bless,
Michael Chiera
Principal
