In the Church calendar, the fourth Sunday of Easter is known as Good Shepard Sunday, and this occurred last Sunday (which coincidently fell on the same day as ANZAC day). The Gospel reading for the Mass was taken from John 10:11-18. There was a particular synergy between Sunday’s readings and our commemoration of ANZAC day.
Jesus is the Good Shepard and says that He will lay down His life for His sheep. We do not mind being likened to sheep in this context. The word sheep in this text is not disparaging or belittling. In fact, it is quite the opposite, as it goes to the core of our very human need to be loved and to feel safe, sheltered and protected in that love, just like the innocent lambs that Jesus the Good Shepard shields and protects. The image of Christ as our Good Shepherd has always appealed to me. One of the earliest paintings of Christ in the Roman catacombs represents Him as carrying an injured sheep on His shoulders. In Jesus we have a Shepherd who understands us, one whose patience and love are infinite. He is always ready to go after us when we stray too far; His voice is constantly reaching out to us in missions, retreats, sicknesses, and we all have our own crosses to bear. With Jesus as our protector, we can confidently continue through life’s trials and tribulations.
The sermon preached by the Good Shepard two thousand years ago is still echoing and reverberating around the world, calling on us His faithful flock to do all in our power to help those other children of God who are still outside the fold, or lost from the flock.
ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day is always a special day on the Australian calendar and occurred on Sunday, 25 April. We remember all who lost their lives through Australia’s involvement in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. On ANZAC Day we especially remember the courageous actions undertaken by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during the First World War.
On this national day of commemoration, we pray for the airmen, sailors and soldiers who died in battle sacrificing their lives while on duty. We commemorate their bravery and pray for the families who lost loved ones.
As we strive for peace in our country and world, help us to become instruments of peace.
We give thanks for all who have served in the defence of this country and for their great sacrifices in conflict and in captivity - for the cause of peace and freedom. In our nation of wealth, prosperity and comfort, let us not forget the cost of these privileges which we now enjoy. We pray for peace and ask that leaders of nations and governments will pursue freedom, justice and the welfare of all peoples. And finally, we pray for ourselves. In the midst of worldly turmoil and strife, make us yearn for peace - not only with each other - but peace with you through our crucified and risen Saviour.
Staffing News
We wish Natalie DeBono all the best on the impeding birth of her first child, as she commences her Maternity leave.
We thank her for her outstanding contribution to the College and wish her all the best in the future.
New Staff
It is with great pleasure that I welcome the following staff member to the CRCCS school community:
Carolyn Sarnecka (Materials Technology Teacher)
As always, when a new staff member begins, they bring a diverse range of knowledge, gifts and talents to share with our school community. We wish all Carolyn all the best as they begin their journey at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs.
CRC Caroline Springs Parents & Friends Association
This year we are looking to further develop our Parents & Friends Association as we see this as a very important support group for our College. Unfortunately, last year due to COVID-19 restrictions we were unable to meet regularly and hold our usual social events. Meetings are open to and attended by interested parents/carers, friends of the College, teachers and administrative staff as well as the Principal, or one of the Deputy Principals.
Everyone is welcome to come and meet other parents, to learn more about our wonderful College as well as participate and share in general discussion often relating to significant issues about school events.
Below are the dates for the Parents and Friends association meetings, to be held in the College Library:
Wednesday 5 May 7:00pm
Wednesday 28 July 7:00pm
Wednesday 20 October 7:00pm
We would like for interested parents to please email the College at: principal@crccs.vic.edu.au
Aquinas Building
The College, as part of its vision and mission, aims to provide excellence in learning. This will be supported by ongoing development and upgrading of College buildings, grounds and facilities.
Some exciting news is that work is now completed on the new Year 9 Building named the Aquinas building. The Aquinas building will be a great inclusion for our community and students will reap the rewards of this state-of-the-art facility. This building will host eight homerooms, as well as two large collaborative learning spaces and numerous staff offices. The locker bay and surrounding landscaping is also complete and ready for student use. The building and other new facilities recently opened at the College provide a rich and stimulating learning environment for all our students to flourish and reach their full potential. The Aquinas building will be officially opened and blessed with special guests and dignitaries at a later date.
