Alumni Newsletter December 2020

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CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA OLD COLLEGIAN ASSOCIATION Newsletter

In this edition.....

Principal's Report - Mr Nick Jones Year Twelve 2020 Farewell What's New at CCW Staff Valete Where are they now?

Upcoming Events

CCWOCA Cathedral College Wangaratta Old Collegians Association

BELONG

We feel privileged to produce the very first CCWOCA newsletter. This newsletter is designed to keep our Alumni community connected and informed. The College has experienced rapid and substantial growth over recent years. In 2013, the College had 329 enrolments and moved to being on the one campus at Murdoch Road. Fast forward seven years and there is a projected enrolment of over 1,050 students in 2021 and a Year Twelve cohort of over 100 students.

The College is thriving, and as Principal Nick Jones puts it, we are at a 'sweet spot' in regards to our size. We are big enough to include a diverse offering of core and elective subjects and a wide range of co-curricular activities and programs, but not so big that we have lost that small school feeling.

A range of factors have contributed to The College's success. Our Anglican identity continues to overarch and guide all that we do. Our regionality provides our students, staff and families with a unique schooling experience that extends beyond that of being a one-town school. Our beautiful campus and facilities allow for the pursuit of excellence in an environment that supports academic achievement and striving to be one's best, in whatever field that may be. However, and most of all, it is The College's culture that has made Cathedral College what it is today. This culture has been developed by students, staff and families of years past. Despite our prolific growth, this culture is ingrained and it is now the Cathedral 'way'. Thank you CCWOCA's, this is a lasting legacy to be proud of.

We are now old enough to be in a position to focus more on our alumni community. Your continued involvement in The College, no matter how big or small will be invaluable. It may be touching base with us about a professional achievement, attending a reunion, giving back by volunteering, dropping in, sharing 'life' milestones, attending fundraisers or tutoring current students.

We look forward to this new and important phase in the relatively short history of The College.

Please feel free to give us feedback regarding what you would like included in these newsletters or any other suggestions for alumni events.

And remember, once a Cathedralite, always a Cathedralite!

Mrs Kellie Cairncross Director of Development

Mrs Jessica Drage Alumni Co-ordinator

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From the Principal MR NICK JONES 2020 at Cathedral College Wangaratta saw some changes, the most significant being the commencement of The College's new Principal, Mr Nick Jones. Mr Jones has moved with his family to Wangaratta from Perth, Western Australia, where he worked at John Wollaston Anglican School as an Assistant Principal. Read more about the year that was from Mr Jones below.

2020 will be remembered forever as the year that the COVID-19 global health pandemic caused major upheaval for people across the globe. At the beginning of the academic year, as I took on the role of the new Principal of Cathedral College Wangaratta, I was planning for all the new challenges and responsibilities that come with such a role. Never could I have anticipated the year that we have all just lived through.

The year began with many members of our school community being affected by the devastating bushfires that raged across Victoria and New South Wales. Our skies were heavy laden with smoke as people and their animals sought shelter at the Wangaratta Showgrounds. As we began our school year, staff and students turned their thoughts towards practical ways that we could support our community members who had been impacted by the fires. I was proud of the strong response of our College as we collected cash and practical donations to support those affected by the devastating fires.

As staff and students settled into the familiar routine of the start of a new school year, we began to read the concerning news of a new virus beginning to circulate around the globe. We received advice to cancel a number of school activities including assemblies and other large gatherings as our nation’s politicians began to warn of impending social restrictions and lockdowns. We then began to plan for the possibility of a school closure, an outcome no one thought was ever a reality.

Having now experienced two periods of Remote Learning during 2020, we have been able reflect on what we have learnt about ourselves and each other during this very difficult year. One learning is that despite the challenges and adversities we encountered, we are a strong community. We are young, but we are strong. We have a culture of inclusiveness, acceptance and members of our community have a strong sense of belonging.

I sincerely thank families and students of the past for creating this culture. It is you that have shaped the College to be what it is today and I feel truly blessed to lead Cathedral College Wangaratta. I am not exaggerating when I say that I felt at home here as soon as I stepped through the College gates.

I extended an invitation to our graduating class of 2020 to feel welcome to visit us anytime and I extend that welcome to all members of CCWOCA (Cathedral College Wangaratta Old Collegians Association).

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An Irish Blessing Meg Allan Augustus Anagnostou Jan Barnard Megan Biddle Paige Blaine Sophie Bond Connor Bowers Sian Buckley Zac Calvert James Carmichael Jarryd Carr Hayley Cartwright Abbey Chapman Jasmine Clancy Jaylen Dale Billie Davern Zoe Davis Oscar Day Noah Dyer Sariah Ellem Jessie Ellis Arillian Fletcher-Blake Luca Gisonda Jacob Goodger Phoebe Grimwade Kyran Hagens Mitchell Harris Jackson Haw

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Max Hemphill Molly Heywood Benjamin Hordern Wil Hoskins Cooper Irwin Travis Jalenga Bethany James Kayleigh Jordan Emily Kay Tasman Kearney Jorja Kingston Oskar Major Jorja Marsden Keeley Marshall Mia Marshall Amelie McAsey Laura McKinnon Destiny McPhail Zach Mitchell Rachel Muller Lily Mullins Hannah Nikolic Isaac Pitches Oscar Plattfuss Emily Quirk Tim Seeger Jack Sleep

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Nicole Smith Jade Spurgeon Lachlan Suffern Darcy Sullivan Imogen Taylor Eliana Teh Jesse Temple Max Thomas Aspen Thomas Aidan Thomson Brooke Thwaites Timothy Twitchett Alexander Van Gastelen Andre Vitti Emma Voogt Georgiana White Sarah Wilson Ariel Witts Selina Wooldrage Maggie Worley Bailey Yelland Reese Young

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Farewell to these Cathedral families Farewell to the families of the following students: Sophie Bond, Keeley Marshall, Eliana Teh, Jorja Kingston, Selina Woodridge, Reese Young, Gus Anagnostou, Isaac Pitches, Andre Vitti, Bailey Yelland, Ben Hordern, Jackson Haw, Arillian Fletcher Blake, Hannah Nikolic, Hayley Cartwright, Aspen Thomas, Paige Blaine, Molly Heywood, Meg Allan, Jacob Goodger, Oscar Day, Tasman Kearney, Noah Dyer, Tim Seeger, Jan Barnard, Jessie Ellis, Nicole Smith, Billie Davern, Jade Spurgeon, Megan Biddle, Oskar Major, Jack Sleep, Jesse Temple, Aidan Thomson, Travis Jalenga, Emily Quirk, Destiny McPhail and Wil Hoskins.

As our Year Twelve students leave us, so to do many families that have been part of our Cathedral College family, some for many, many years.

We hope that you remain a part of our community and continue to watch us develop and thrive. It has been a privilege to play such an important role in your child's life and we thank you for the trust you have placed in us.

Lachlan Suffern, Destiny McPhail, Darcy Sullivan, Emily Quirk and Sarah Wilson,

A very special mention to the Quirk and McPhail families who are leaving us. Destiny and Emily have been with us since they commenced Prep in 2007.

We are a young school but we are at the point where CCW alumni will be a major focus for 2021 and beyond. Past students and families are an integral part of our College's culture, development and history and we value your contribution.

What's been happening at CCW? VCE Centre Since the beginning of 2019, our VCE students and staff have been comfortably housed in the VCE and Resource Centre, designed to place students at its centre. With tailored teaching areas, dedicated zones for silent and collaborative study and immediate access to committed pastoral care and career advisors, students have been able to enjoy their new learning environment despite some continued building works nearby. Term Three in 2019 saw the opening of the second floor, the Resource Centre. Students enjoy the quiet reading room, the versatile layout of the Library, as well as the resources they can access. There is also a Board Room which overlooks the oval.

Coming soon to CCW ...

CCW Hockey Field

Cathedral College Wangaratta continues to grow, and with that growth comes new and exciting additions to the campus.

Currently underway is a new synthetic hockey field. This will be a welcome inclusion to our expanding sporting facilities that will also be marked out for tennis. Next to this field, we will also have a grassed soccer field that will be ready to be used towards the end of 2021. Talk about a sporting mecca!

College Chapel The College is also excited to announce that we have started the process of building our Chapel. The architectural plans are now with the builder and The College will break ground on this project in 2021. All going well, the Chapel is due for completion in 2022.

This Chapel will seat approximately 200 people and will have the capability to hold year level assemblies and small performances.

It will be located in the area between Student Services and the Middle School classrooms.

Below we have some pictures from the architects of the proposed building.

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Cathedral College Wangaratta Sports Academy We are excited to announce the Cathedral College Wangaratta Sports Academy (CCWSA) being launched in 2021. This is a collaborative program with the Murray Bushrangers Football Club.

The academy aims to assist talented student-athletes to achieve at the highest levels of performance and to help them with their personal education and vocational development through providing an elite environment and learning opportunities. Initially, the academy is partnering with the Murray Bushrangers in order to cater for AFL athletes. In the future, the program intends to broaden to include other sporting pursuits.

Program Co-ordinator, Dale Carmody, explains “The Sports Academy is aimed at developing young footballers in our region in partnership with the Murray Bushrangers. The College already has strong ties with the Bushies, and together we are looking at developing a ‘culture of excellence’. We want to focus on the whole person, and concentrate on academic, personal and sporting development and performance through individualised programs.”

Students within the College can apply for the program as well as interested students in the wider region. Students must be currently in the Murray Bushrangers program and/or are expected to be in the 2021 squads. The Sports Academy is open to male and female students.

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Staff Valete Mr Keith Willett Mr Keith Willett joined the Cathedral College Wangaratta staff in Term Two, 2014.

Keith was well known in the local community having grown up in Boomanoomana, attending school locally and returning to the area to teach and raise his family.

Wellbeing has also been at the cornerstone of his role as Head of Senior School and Keith has been a strong advocate for relationships being the foundation stone of teaching. Knowing students and showing an interest in their lives has helped him foster a strong sense of belonging. His advice, tempered by many years of teaching experience, was always considered and compassionate.

Despite his busy role, Keith always found time to sit down with staff and listen to what was happening at the ‘coal-face’. As a result, he was continually attuned to the needs of his students and colleagues.

Keith has many wise mantras pertaining to teaching, the general day to day happenings at school and life beyond the school gate. His role as a mentor to so many in this community has had a terrific and farreaching impact.” Although we will all miss Keith’s friendship and contribution to Cathedral College, we wish him well as he begins a new chapter in his career. - Mrs Julie Findlay The following video was created to celebrate this wonderful teacher. "Describe Mr Willett in one word"

Mr Mike Noble Mike first joined the Cathedral College Wangaratta Council as an appointee of the Bishop-in Council of the Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta in November 2007. At the time he was practising as a solicitor and was sought out for his legal skills. It soon became apparent that Mike was a very intelligent young man, had great negotiating skills and the appointment proved to be the best decision the Council made at that time.

Mike, already showing leadership skills beyond his years was elected as Chair in 2009. The years 2009-2010 were difficult for the school which needed to expand but lacked the financial backing. Because of the small size of the school (280 students in 2010), the Board had to work hard to develop The College's strategic plan, financial plan, school policies and secure the future of The College. Mike was an integral part of this through his calm, objective and intuitive leadership.

In March 2011 the ASC took over the school allowing The College to develop on the Murdoch Rd campus.

The new College Council led by Mike has appointed two Principals both requiring his outstanding leadership.

It has been such a privilege to work with Mike and watch him grow and develop so well into his role as Chair of our College Council. We have been extremely fortunate to have had his leadership for all these years. Barbara Thomas OAM /Director

Mrs Jennifer Waugh Jen epitomises what it is to be a successful and effective primary school teacher.

She is blessed with a natural propensity to care for and nurture young people and develop in them the skills to learn how to learn. Her classroom was not just one for students learning how to spell and to count, but significantly one that helped them learn how to be a good and respectful person and to treat others with kindness and care.

Reflective practice is some of the jargon more frequently used nowadays and Jen Waugh was a shining example of it. Contemplative thought, critical analysis and implementation of plans were paramount in her teaching. This natural skill enabled her students to thrive, her skills as an educator to flourish and her relationships with colleagues professional and inspiring. Jen has always held a passion for assisting students who find the classroom more challenging than others.

In many cases, an early years educator won’t see the fruits of their labour until the later years of primary school, for childhood development is a gradual process. Jen took an ongoing interest and great pride in her students as they transitioned past Year One, and was often a font of knowledge to counsel other teachers with students she had previously taught.

It is sad for us that she leaves and our loss is Aspect School, Albury’s gain. Thank you, Mrs Waugh! We are a better school for having you as part of our staff. - Mr Greg Newbold

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Mr Brian Williams After 13 years with the College, Brian Williams has resigned and will now be entering a new chapter in his life; one where he will fulfil his passion for travel, new horizons and new experiences. During his illustrious career at the College, Brian was a dedicated teacher who took great delight and a great deal of personal satisfaction in developing positive relationships with his students, particularly as a Homeroom teacher. Brian never gave up on a student and he always dealt with them in a compassionate and very supportive manner.

Brian was also a great friend and mentor to many of the college staff and he was always someone to be relied upon. Brian will be sadly missed by the whole College community and he leaves a very big hole that will be hard to fill. - Ms Lynley Kelly

Mrs Francene Hoyle It is with some sadness that we acknowledge the departure of Fran for a new career as a “grey nomad”. Fran is retiring after serving the College in various capacities after 14 eventful years!

Fran started as a part-time Administration employee in January 2007. Mr David Everett was the Principal and we had 202 students. Murdoch Road Campus had been operating for just six months and Fran was the Administration person (and everything else!) at the Murdoch Road Campus. Fran became full-time in January 2008 and returned to The Close Campus to assist the Principal and provide numerous Administrative duties. She was responsible for the coordination of enrolments, PA to the Principal, Census lodgment, assisting at Reception, helping co-ordinate student reporting, reception and bus co-ordination.

In 2013, Fran’s role had changed and she was more focused on looking after our new Principal, Mr Adrian Farrer.

The College began expanding rapidly and Fran had to cope with numerous changes over the next seven years.

Many new systems and procedures were adopted and implemented by Fran in this period.

In her last year, we had over 1000 students and Fran has had to train a new Principal, Mr Nick Jones, cope with the bushfires, COVID 19 and training her replacement.

Fran has done a remarkable job over the years and we are grateful for her efforts which have extended beyond normal expectations. Thank you, Fran. We wish you all the best in your travels. - Mr Ian Collins

Mrs Lou Campbell Lou Campbell commenced at Cathedral College mid-2016 after relocating with her three children from Hay. She joined the Learning Enhancement team in the Junior School at a time of high growth, and she was particularly instrumental in developing strong literacy support programs for Years Three to Five. Key to the success of these programs was the fact that Lou implemented in smaller groups the spelling and writing programs herself, in close consultation with classroom teachers. Lou worked closely with the other Learning Enhancement specialist teachers in embedding a rigorous practice of undertaking individualised assessments, that informed intervention strategies and enabled success to be measured. Any students that had the privilege of working with Lou greatly enjoyed and appreciated her positive energy and expertise, allowing them to experience success in their learning.

Lou also taught Study Skills at Year Five and Year Six, sharing with the student's many tips for good study and work habits, including building a culture of practising mindfulness to calm ourselves to prepare to study and work. Lou’s bubbly and buoyant personality will be greatly missed by all who worked with her, and we wish her and the children all the best as they move to Geelong to be closer to family. - Mr Greg Newbold

Mrs Meika Staley “Mockingbirds…don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us.”

The above quote from Harper Lee’s classic novel epitomises how fortunate the students and staff were to have Meika as a teacher and colleague since her arrival in 2017. The care and devotion she displayed to her students was reflected not only in her varied and dynamic English classes but in the initiatives she helped to organise. Meika was one of the driving forces who gave students the opportunity to expand their love of reading by arranging for weekly bus trips to the Wangaratta Library. For Year Nine Study Skills she instigated an option for interested students to learn barista techniques and deliver welcome coffee to staff, leading not only to happier teachers but more confident and engaged students who were able to demonstrate their new skills.

Meika’s passion for learning assisted her students to make the often challenging transition from middle to senior school English and her commitment to consistently encouraging every member of her class to achieve their personal best demonstrated not only her professionalism as a teacher but her qualities as a wonderful person. Within the English faculty, she was a most valued colleague who is generous, knowledgeable, organised and caring and she will be missed. As she moves on to a new phase of her life, we wish Meika and her family all the best and are grateful that you were able to sing for us at Cathedral. - Mr Brant Whitsed D E C E M B E R

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Where are they now?

To share your story please email Jessica Drage at alumni@cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au

Amy Logue, Class of 2015 I am currently a registered nurse working at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) in Melbourne. I completed my undergraduate degree at Monash University at the Peninsula Campus, where I also lived, on the residence, for 2 years. Post Year Twelve I did not receive the required prerequisite marks, so I took a different path. In my first year of university, I did a Diploma of Tertiary Studies (DOTs). I had to complete a maths subject at university, which then that took me to my Bachelor of Nursing. This took no extra time and I completed my degree in 3 years. I always dreamed of working at the RCH and after a stressful process of applying for jobs, I was successful. I am currently working in theatre at RCH and it’s an incredible place to work. I am so grateful for the education and the care I received at Cathedral, which helped me achieve my goals over the past couple of years, and I am sure, for years to come.

"I am so grateful for the education and the care I received at Cathedral, which helped me achieve my goals over the past couple of years, and I am sure for years to come" Tianna Hughes, Class of 2018 Before I graduated in 2018, I applied for a gap year position in the Junior School at Cathedral College. At that stage, I had no idea what I wanted to study. I finished my exams early November and that night I received a call, asking if I would come into the school the following day to help Valerie Crosse in the Art room. Since that week, I have only ever imagined myself becoming a primary school teacher. I was very fortunate to get the position as a Teacher Assistant in the Junior School, spending 2019 in the Prep and Year One classes. I also had some time in the Year Three, Four and Six classrooms as the year progressed. This position allowed me to work and learn in a variety of settings, including classrooms, art and music rooms, sports classes and on excursions and camps. During the year I also completed an online Certificate III in Education Support through TAFE. I had the best year of my life and would like to thank Cathedral College for this opportunity. I learnt a lot from the incredible teachers and students which I’ll forever be thankful for. Now in 2020, I am on residence at La Trobe University in Bendigo, studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary), specializing in Special Education. This year I hope to get a job at a primary school to help support my studying.

" I have only ever imagined myself becoming a primary school teacher"

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Taylor Farmer, Class of 2016 My name is Taylor Farmer and I graduated from Cathedral College Wangaratta in 2016. I was accepted into a Bachelor of Science at Monash University in Clayton which I went straight from school to my first year of uni. I enjoyed university life, it’s very independent and I enjoyed studying, however, I decided Science wasn’t for me, so I transferred into a Bachelor of Paramedicine, also at Monash. I love my degree and I definitely believe I made the right choice. I am now in my final year and am expecting to graduate at the end of the year and begin the search for a job. If I can give any advice to anyone it would be that the best thing to do is to have a go and if it’s not for you, you can always change your mind and try something else.

"If I can give any advice to anyone it would be that the best thing to do is to have a go and if it’s not for you, you can always change your mind and try something else" Nathan Bullen, Class of 2016 During my time at Cathedral, I always planned on going straight on to university after graduation, however, my plans changed when I was offered a gap year job working at Geelong Grammar’s Timbertop campus for a year, running, hiking and camping out in the bush near Mount Buller with almost 230 Year Nine students. While working there, all staff live on campus, and I lived in a house with 11 other people from all over the globe - a definite change of pace compared to living at home, but also a great way to help build my independence and learn to live with other people.

Becoming a full-time staff member at a school less than 3 months after finishing Year Twelve was an interesting transition and took some adjusting.

However, it was a fantastic year with so many amazing experiences and plenty of lessons in resilience, perseverance and the value in rising to a challenge. To anyone on the fence about taking a gap year; I can definitely recommend it, but my advice would be to try to use at least some of the time to do something special, like travel or find a unique job that will give you some extra life experience – you’ll appreciate it in retrospect. Once I finished my year at Timbertop, I moved down to Melbourne to commence my degree at Monash University – I’m currently in my 3rd year of Undergraduate, commencing my Honours next year. Last year, I managed to get a student position at Idle Architecture Studio, an architecture firm in Richmond. This position has provided me with so much invaluable professional practise and industry experience, which has in turn really helped me at university. I’ve been working there a lot during the University breaks, and still do one to two days a week there during the semester. While I’ve wanted to be an architect for a long time, I’ve taken a few detours on the way and have had some of the best experiences of my life of because of them – I think it’s definitely a good idea to plan what you want to do, but also not be afraid to deviate from the path you so carefully planned, you might find something you love and would have completely missed otherwise!

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"My GAP year provided me with many amazing experiences and plenty of lessons in resilience, perseverance and the value in rising to a challenge"

Happy Birthday!

We send birthday wishes for the following alumni who are going to celebrate a milestone Birthday in the near future!

21st Birthday's December 2020 12th - Natasha McLaurin 16th - Georgia Benton 23rd - Jennifer Hertz January 2021 1st - Steven Hardwicke 27th - Jayden Holmes February 2021 7th - Jessica Hordern 16th - Lyla Waring 23rd - Olivia Martin March 2021 12th - Maedy Birti 22nd - Maddison Kennedy

May 2021 18th - Tahnee Stevenson 22nd - Tori Allen 23rd - Paige Hillier 24th - Thomas MacLean 31st - Max Taylor June 2021 21st - Abby Connor 24th - Kiera Murphy 29th - Bianca D'Andrea 18th Birthday's January 2021 1st - Jan Barnard February 2021 8th - Reese Young

Upcoming events We are delighted to invite all our Old Collegians as well as families to attend our upcoming reunion. This will be held on Saturday, March 27 2021 at Cathedral College Wangaratta.

Join us for a tour of the campus at 4:30 pm and enjoy a walk around your old favourite places. We will then conclude the tour in our VCE/Resource Centre for canapes and drinks sourced from our local CCW family-owned businesses.

More information on this event will be released in early 2021, so please keep an eye on your emails and Facebook.

We are also excited to host a get together in Melbourne which is proposed to be held on Friday, August 27 2021. A venue is yet to be finalised, but please contact us to express your interest.

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What it means to be part of CCWOCA

We do hope that you will continue to remain in touch with the College. All past students are automatically part of CCWOCA but your level of involvement is determined by you! Past students, families and staff are an important part of the Cathedral College Wangaratta community. Being part of the Old Collegians’ network means that you will maintain the connection you have with the College and your peers. Some key elements of being an OC include: Year Level reunions Volunteering / Mentoring program Keeping in touch and celebration of past students’ achievements.

The College would love to hear from you. Please remember to keep us informed about events in your life such as overseas or interstate travel, postschooling graduation, job promotions or career changes, sporting accomplishments, weddings, births or any other exciting adventures you have undertaken since graduating from Cathedral College Wangaratta.

How to stay connected We would like to keep in touch with our past students, families and staff so that we can send you invitations to College events or invite you to impart your skills and knowledge to the current generation of students. To do this we need your contact details, if you would like to be an active member of our community please provide your email address and alumni year in an email to alumni@cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au or complete the 'Message' box on our website to stay in touch.

Facebook: Cathedral College Wangaratta & Cathedral College Wangaratta Old Collegians Instagram: cathedralcollege.wangaratta Once a Cathedralite, always a Cathedralite...................

Stay in touch....

#ccw #cathedralcollegewangaratta #cathedralcollegealumni #ccwoca

Cathedral College Wangaratta Old Collegian Association D E C E M B E R

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CCWOCA Cathedral College Wangaratta Old Collegians Association

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