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It has been a very busy and positive start to the 2026 school year.
Kolbe’s newest cohort, our Year 7 students, have begun the year well at both the St Clare and St Catherine campuses. There were many nervous smiles on their first day of Secondary school. Since then, they have participated in a comprehensive orientation program, called GUSS – ‘Gearing Up for Secondary School’, received their MacBooks, and quickly settled into College life. As I visit Year 7 classrooms, I see a strong sense of purpose and pride. Students are responding well to the expectations of their teachers and the College.
This is also a significant year for our Year 12 VCE and VCE-VM students. They have settled into their final year and made a positive start as they work towards the completion of their secondary education. As they prepare to enter young adulthood, they take on increased responsibility, particularly as role models for younger students. It is important that they meet expectations in relation to uniform, effective use of class time, and the completion of homework. I encourage our Year 12 students to lead by example and uphold College standards.
Last year, students and families received information about the “Agreed Standards,” which outline expectations for every lesson and provide a foundation for success. These standards state:
“I am ready to learn when I…”
- Arrive on time and bring everything I need
- Formally start and end each lesson
- Use my laptop only when instructed
- Fully participate in class activities
- Communicate respectfully
- Follow all teacher instructions
In 2026, our focus is on punctuality and ensuring students bring all required materials to class. Being prepared allows students to settle quickly, minimises disruptions, and maximises learning time.
Students are expected to bring to every lesson:
- A fully stocked pencil case (pens, HB pencil, eraser, glue stick, markers, ruler, highlighters, earphones, calculator)
- Subject exercise book
- Charged laptop
- Any subject-specific materials (e.g. Maths textbook)
If parents or guardians have questions or concerns, the first point of contact is their child’s Pastoral Care Teacher, who can be reached via email or phone. Please note that staff are generally unavailable to meet without a prior appointment.
Kolbe Catholic College takes pride in student presentation. All students must comply with the College uniform policy, available on the College website. Families are asked to review these requirements carefully to ensure students understand their responsibilities. Dresses must be worn at knee length, and the blazer must be the outer garment to and from school (the jumper may not be worn as the outer garment). Fake eyelashes and artificial nails are not permitted. Rings and necklaces, other than a simple cross, are not to be worn. Formal uniform shoes must be plain black leather lace-up shoes. These expectations are clearly communicated and form part of the enrolment agreement.
The introduction of mobile phone pouches, along with consistent enforcement of the College mobile phone policy, has ensured that phones do not disrupt learning. It has been pleasing to see students more focused in class without the distraction of mobile devices.
The year has begun on a very positive note at Kolbe Catholic College. I look forward to working with our students, staff, and families to make 2026 a successful and rewarding year.
Vince Crimi
Acting Deputy Principal: Students
