We come to the end of Term 3, and we have certainly as a College community navigated our way through unprecedented, challenging and unique times. However, thankfully we have done so in a beautifully composed, cohesive and connected way. For that, I thank and congratulate the entire CRCCS community of staff, students, parents/carers and families. Please view the Term 3 Principals Video Message at the following link:
Click here to view the Principal Video Message Update
I would again like to congratulate our students, who have indeed made history as the first ever students to have been so resilient and agile and to have undertaken learning in such challenging and unique ways. The majority of students have been very engaged, present and involved in their learning throughout this remote learning period. A big thank you also to parents/carers and families who have supported the students through this unusual learning journey this term.
I would also like to express my thanks and gratitude to our teaching staff, who have gone above and beyond this term to ensure students have had a positive learning experience, albeit in very challenging circumstances. They have worked long hours and have tirelessly re-written curriculum, course outlines and assessment tasks to accommodate on-going remote learning. They have also undertaken various new and contemporary modes of pedagogical delivery, including the use of flipped learning, video conferencing and MS teams throughout this period to enhance the students learning experiences. These key learnings will ultimately have long term benefits for the College and will enhance future learning and teaching experiences.
We also thank the College I.T, maintenance, counselling, learning diversity, library, support and administration teams who have been actively working on-site throughout this term. They have done an exceptional job throughout the entire term and worked tirelessly and actively to prepare the College for the return to on-site learning.
Remote Learning Term 4
As you would be aware, the state government has made some significant announcements in relation to arrangements for schools in Victoria for the remainder of Term 3 and Term 4. As a College community, we are fully committed to working to provide our students with the best possible learning opportunities during these challenging times.
The Victorian Government recently released its plan for easing coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions. Below is the current outline for Term 4 arrangements.
First week of Term 4, 5–9 October
Remote and flexible learning will continue for all students, except in specialist schools in rural and regional Victoria.
VCE and VCAL students can only attend on-site for essential assessments during this week, including the General Achievement Test (GAT) on Wednesday 7 October.
Onsite supervision for children of permitted workers and vulnerable students will continue to be provided consistent with existing guidelines.
Schools in metropolitan Melbourne from 12 October – staggered return to onsite learning
Students in Prep to Grade 2 return to full-time onsite schooling. Year 11 and 12 students will attend on-site schooling full time. More information will be made available regarding our Year 10 students enrolled in a VCE, VET or VCAL program both at CRC Sydenham and here at CRC Caroline Springs.
Remote learning will continue for all students in Grade 3 to Year 10, other than for children of permitted workers and vulnerable students. A date for the return of these year levels to face-to-face learning will be subject to further health advice.
Term 4 Student Free Day Monday 5 October
Please note that Monday 5 October will be a staff Professional Learning Day (student free day). Please record this student free day date into in your calendars. Students will return to the remote learning program on Tuesday 6 October.
Office hours during school holidays
The College office and reception area will remain open throughout the Term 3 school holidays from 8:30am to 3:30pm each day. However, strict guidelines pertaining to parents only being on-site for pre-approved meetings in extenuating circumstances are in place, including adherence to strict health and safety guidelines.
School Fees
In recognition of the financial hardship that many in our community are currently experiencing, the Federation Council and College Principals have decided not to raise School fees for 2021. This decision is taken in consideration of the outstanding efforts that most families are making in contributing regular payments towards the cost of their child's education.
All families should have already received a letter via email today, explaining that in 2021 school fees will not increase. While this will require careful budgeting and a close watch on the College finances, a cap on school fees will assist families in recovering from the economic impact of COVID-19. Once again, I thank all families who continue to pay their school fees and urge anyone who is experiencing financial difficulty to contact our Finance Manager, Deb Gee to discuss concessions.
The letter sent to all families is available below:
Click here to view the letter sent to parents/cares
2021 Positions of Leadership
The end of the 2020 school year marks the completion of the current Positions of Leadership (POL) tenure. During this term applications were called for 2021 POLs and interviews have been conducted. We are very fortunate at CRCCS that we have dedicated and highly qualified staff which creates a healthy and aspirational climate of leadership. Given that, I would like to announce those members of staff who have been successful in gaining a Position of Leadership for 2021 - 2023.
Executive Leadership Team
Principal - Jamie Madigan
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching - Lucy Swan
Deputy Principal Wellbeing - Richard Brodrick
Deputy Principal Staff and Operations - Andrew McAlindon
Head of Faith and Mission - Paul Sammut
Digital Learning Services Manager (ICT) - Luke Georgiou
Learning and Teaching Leaders
Curriculum Innovation - Brendan Jackson
Data Analysis - Elise Nowak
Student Pathways - Adam Ray
Learning Diversity Leader - Anne Crockford
Learning Area Leaders
English and Literacy - Anneliese Consiglio
Mathematics and Numeracy - Clara Cremona Millo
Health and Physical Education - Helen Beynon
Languages - Linda Bracco
Visual Arts - Deb Cooper
VCAL - Xavier Hayes
Humanities - Victoria Lalor
Science - Kelly Nguyen
Performing Arts - Yanina Martins
Technology - Matilda Mattar
EAL - Anthony Zammit
Student Wellbeing
Head of Student Wellbeing - Kiera McNally
Year Level Leader - Broderick Ashmole
Year Level Leader - Tiffany Azzopardi
Year Level Leader - Karen Bailey
Year Level Leader - Laura Bonnini
Year Level Leader - Bridget Crowe
Year Level Leader - Jamie Lee Lafferrairie
Year Level Leader - Daniel Pisani
Year Level Leader - Dawn Rodgers
House and Student Leadership Co-ordinator - Georgia Seymour
Mission and Faith
Religious Education and Formation - Kristen Calandra
Social Justice and Service - Matilda Mattar
Sport Leadership Positions
Sports and Camps Co-ordinator - Rannoch Wilkinson
Sports and Camps Assistant Co-ordinator - Georgia Seymour
Music and Performance Leadership
Performing Arts Centre and Events Co-ordinator - Katie Franzone
Head of Music Performance - Christoper McGillen
Cultural Immersion and Exchange Co-ordinator - Linda Bracco
Once again, I thank you for your patience, support and understanding throughout Term 3 and indeed the entire year, in these unique circumstances. I assure you that I, along with all staff at CRC Caroline Springs, am doing our utmost to support your child and we will continue to provide the best possible learning outcomes for all.
May God bless you and your family.