Project Compassion 2025- Unite Against Poverty

As we journey through Lent, Notre Dame College is once again supporting Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, a vital initiative that helps end poverty, promote justice, and uphold dignity for vulnerable communities worldwide.

How Can Families Support Project Compassion?

Donations can be made by students through the collection boxes by students in Pastoral Group or by scanning the QR code below.

The House and Community that raise the most will be announced at the Project Compassion Cup on the last day of term.

Your generosity this Lent will help provide education, food security, clean water, and emergency support to communities in need.

Thank you for joining us in making a difference through faith and action this Lenten season.

Jason Giuliani
Deputy Principal – Catholic Identity

Youth Mass – All Families Welcome

Saturday 29 March at 6:00pm at St Brendan’s Church.

Join us for a special Youth Mass followed by pizza and games at the Parish Centre.

RSVP jacqueline.johnstone@notredame.vic.edu.au

Easter Liturgy

The College will gather in Mercy Stadium for a student-led liturgy celebrating Easter on the last day of term - Friday 4 April.

Project Compassion Cup – Staff vs. Students

The annual staff vs. student soccer match is back! The school community will be cheering on the students as they hope to go back-to-back winners in against the spirited staff. Kerry Stone from Caritas Australia will present the winning team with the Project Compassion Cup.

Project Compassion Cup – Staff vs. Students

The annual staff vs. student soccer match is back! The school community will be cheering on the students as they hope to go back-to-back winners in against the spirited staff. Kerry Stone from Caritas Australia will present the winning team with the Project Compassion Cup.

Harmony Day Friday 21 March

On Friday 21 March the Notre Dame College community came together to celebrate the richness of cultural diversity at our Harmony Day Assembly. It was a vibrant and inspiring event, showcasing the many backgrounds and traditions that make up our school community.

We were honoured to welcome guest speaker Ali Al Battaat, a former refugee and migrant from Iraq, who shared his powerful journey with us. His story was a reminder of the strength found in diversity and the importance of embracing one another’s cultures.

The assembly was filled with spectacular performances, including incredible dance routines, moving musical acts, and a runway show where students proudly showcased their traditional attire from around the world. It was a beautiful display of heritage and pride.

A huge congratulations to all the students involved—you were amazing! A special acknowledgment goes to our Cultural Diversity Specialist Leaders, Cidra Chkhaydem and Elizabeth Jegede, for hosting the assembly and dedicating countless hours to its preparation.

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Tina Mukasa, our Multicultural Education Officer for her incredible effort in coordinating Harmony Week activities. Tina, your passion and dedication make events like these truly special, and we are so grateful for everything you do.

Harmony Week is a time to celebrate inclusivity, respect, and belonging, and the assembly was a beautiful reflection of these values. Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a memorable occasion.

Reflection- Transcending time, space and art form

“There are some stories so vivid, so engaging, and so remarkable that they transcend time, space, and art form” said David Hallberg, the Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet. While Hallberg didn’t specifically speak about the Scriptures, we can apply the above quote to the stories of the people of God throughout the Old Testament and the New. And, of course, at the heart of it we have The Story: The Gospel of Jesus Christ that has been passed down to us through generations.

When I think about the Gospel stories I think about the events that took place during the time of Jesus: the miracles, the healings, and the encounters He had with people. But we must remember that “the word of God is living and active” (Hebrews 4:12), which means it is still living and active today; it is speaking to us every time we hear it.

The word that comes from God never returns to Him empty because it will accomplish what He intends (cf. Isaiah 55:11). God wants us to be part of that “accomplishment.” He invites us to be part of the story, leaving us free to choose whether or not to participate. Once we say yes—lovingly and freely—He will work in us and through us, making us part of The Greatest Story ever told, one that transcends time, space, and art form.

Fr Adi Indra - College Chaplain

Adapted from Fr Adi’s homily at the Solemnity of St Joseph, 19 March 2025 at St Brendan’s Church