Last Sunday was the day of Pentecost, celebrated seven weeks after the resurrection of Jesus; the Holy Spirit was poured out upon those followers of Jesus who had gathered together in Jerusalem. In Pentecost, God pours out the Spirit upon all who put their faith in Jesus Christ and become his disciples (see Romans 8:1-11).
As we celebrated the joyous feast of Pentecost, I would like to take a moment to reflect on its significance and how we can embrace the spirit of this holy day within our school community.
Understanding Pentecost: Pentecost, celebrated 50 days after Easter, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. This event marked the beginning of the Church's mission to spread the Gospel to all nations. The apostles, once timid and fearful, were transformed into bold preachers of Christ’s resurrection, speaking in various tongues and reaching out to diverse peoples.
The Holy Spirit's Role: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding and inspiring us. It is the source of our faith, hope, and love, and it empowers us to live out our Christian values. The gifts of the Holy Spirit – wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord – are bestowed upon us to help us navigate life’s challenges and make decisions that reflect Christ’s teachings.
Living the Spirit of Pentecost: As we celebrate Pentecost, let us remember that the Holy Spirit continues to work within us and our school community. By fostering a spirit of unity, love, and service, we can make a positive impact on the world around us. I encourage everyone to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit and allow it to guide and inspire our actions and decisions.
May the Holy Spirit fill each of us with joy, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose. Let us carry the light of Pentecost into our everyday lives, spreading the message of Christ’s love to all we encounter. We pray that the Holy Spirit empowers us to truly live, breathe and enact our College motto of ‘Live Fully Act Justly’.
School Saving Bonus - Government School Only
On 16 July 1962, 2000 students from the Catholic schools of Goulburn, New South Wales presented for enrolment at the local government school.
The action, known as the 'Goulburn Strike', was in protest of the State Government's failure to provide funding to Catholic schools for basics such as toilets for students.
The protest highlighted a fact that remains just as strong today. If all Catholic school students were to enrol in Government schools, the system would not be able to cope, with one in four students in Victoria attending a Catholic school.
The protest was a watershed moment that saw the beginning of a more equitable funding model for Catholic schools. This equitable funding model is not only practical - reducing the burden on all families - but also serves to break down sectarian divisions and avoid an us-and-them mentality.
It is extremely disappointing that the current Victorian Government has decided to provide a $400 School Saving Bonus for every student in a government school. Only students whose parents have a health care card will be eligible to receive this bonus if they are enrolled in a Catholic school.
All families are feeling the cost-of-living pressures, not just those who enrol in government schools. Families that have selected to enrol their children in Catholic schools and include the study of Religious Education in their children’s education will now miss out on much-needed financial assistance.
Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs is not a high-fee-paying College. It strives to balance financial responsibility and a minimum burden on families with the increased costs of staffing and building projects.
All of our families should be eligible for the $400 School Saving Bonus.
We encourage you to contact our local State parliamentarian, Steve McGhie, to seek a more equitable distribution of state funds, which all of our families contribute to and should, therefore, be eligible to receive.
Template email for parents to send to MPs
Template email for broader school community to send to MPs
Letter templates are available below and can be emailed to Stephen.McGhie@parliament.vic.gov.au
National Reconciliation Week
27 May - 3 June
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.
There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect.
Reconciliation supporters must stand up to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples. To call out racism wherever we encounter it, and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent.
Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.
Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.
New Building Update
We are filled with excitement and anticipation as the construction on our new triple storey building is now well under way and beginning to take shape. The new building will encompass modern classrooms, and versatile spaces designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and innovation. This building will accommodate a new College entrance, administration reception office and foyer, conference room, meeting rooms, offices of the Business Manager and Finance Team, a second Staffroom and additional Staff Offices and associated spaces.
Additionally, this building will allow for two Food Technology rooms, with an adjoining dining room, two large collaboration spaces, four Art classrooms, three Music rooms and a recording studio and five general classrooms. This three-storey building will not only meet the urgent needs of the College for specialist classrooms and administration offices but will also future proof the site and ensure additional land is available for future building projects to meet projected enrolment growth.
King’s Birthday Public Holiday
Please note that Monday 10 June is the King’s Birthday public holiday. Students will return to school on Tuesday 11 June. Please place this return to school date in your calendars.
Mr. Jamie Madigan
Principal