Last Sunday’s Gospel reading was from Mark 4:35:

That day when evening came, He said to His disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took Him along, just as He was, in the boat. There were also other boats with Him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

He said to His disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him.

Put yourself imaginatively into the boat with the disciples. Allow yourself to experience the happy anticipation at the start of the voyage and then the terror as the gale sweeps in and suddenly you feel that your life is in danger. In our lives we are often riding the waves of life’s up and downs, and like the disciples we are afraid, and it is difficult to remain calm. Life’s storms often hit us unexpectedly and toss us into a sea of chaos, doubt and anxiety.

In Mark’s Gospel Jesus speaks with authority and immediately calms the wind and the sea. He said to His disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

We too can turn to Jesus in prayer when we are fearful or afraid and ask Him for strength of faith and an inner calm through the trials and tribulations of life. I am reminded in this Gospel reading of an anonymous quote that I often refer to in moments of anxiety or fear and when my own faith needs nurturing:

"Fear knocked on the door, but when Faith opened it there was nobody there." - Author unknown

When the waves of life threaten to swamp our little boat, we need to be aware that we always have Jesus by our side. Let us hear His voice saying: ‘Peace! Be still!

I would like to congratulate all students on the completion of Term 2, which involved a combination of remote and on-site learning. Overwhelmingly, students have been very engaged, connected and involved in their learning throughout this term. A big thank you also to parents/carers and families who have supported the students through this unusual learning journey.

At an address with Italian teachers, parents, educators and students, Pope Francis spoke about the true meaning of schools and education:

“The mission of schools is to develop a sense of truth, of what is good and beautiful. And this occurs through a rich path made up of many ingredients. True education enables us to love life and opens us to the fullness of life.”

At CRC Caroline Springs we are always aspiring to uphold this sense of truth, of what is good and beautiful every day as we seek to live, breathe and enact our College vision of Live Fully Act Justly.

As Semester 1 concludes, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed towards the safety and supportive Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs community.

I continually feel blessed that I work in a school environment where positive relationships are the norm. Walking the school grounds, corridors and classrooms, I witness the animated and enthusiastic conversations and quality learning and teaching that is taking place. I hear the conversation of students working with and for one another, which is truly a privilege.

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing school holiday.

Refugee Week is Australia's peak annual activity to raise awareness about refugees and to celebrate the contributions made by refugees to Australian society. It was initiated by the Refugee Council of Australia and is held every year in June to coincide with World Refugee Day on 20 June. It continues up until Saturday 26 June.

Why does Refugee Week have a theme?

The Refugee Week theme has several important functions:

• It raises awareness of the issues affecting refugees. The theme aims to highlight aspects of the refugee experience and help the broader community to understand what it is like to be a refugee.
• It helps to make Refugee Week a national celebration. The theme provides a focal point for events across Australia, uniting separate activities into a single nationwide celebration.
• It promotes harmony and togetherness. The theme unites individuals, communities and organisations from many different backgrounds behind a common cause. The common theme is a reminder that, regardless of our differences, we all share a common humanity.
• It broadens the impact of Refugee Week. The theme provides a common, cohesive message which can be promoted across the country, helping to maximise the effectiveness of awareness-raising activities.

2021 Theme – Unity

Unity – The way forward.

The volatility of life in recent times has shown us unequivocally that we need to work together often merely to survive, let alone to thrive and progress. Let us take the opportunity to start afresh and rebuild our lives together. To count our blessings and to put them to work. Existing and emerging communities, working together.

The powerful potential of Unity. The special brew of ideas from all over the world that created our great way of life can continue evolving if we work together. Let us not stop now, let’s move forward unified. In 2021, we are calling on you to help build a more cohesive community during Refugee Week.

Annual Report to the Community

Each year the College is required to produce an Annual Report to the community. The 2020 Annual Report truly encapsulates the enormous amount of growth and development that our College has undergone in all areas. To view the report, please click here.

Staffing News

We wish Lauren Purdey all the best as she begins her Maternity Leave. We also thank the following staff whose replacement contract positions finish at the end of this term:

• Kyleen Popovic
• Janine Kamleh

We thank them for their contribution to the College and wish them all the best.

Start of Term 3 - Tuesday 13 July

Please note that Monday 12 July will be a staff Professional Practice Day (student free day). Students will return to the College on Tuesday 13 July. Please place this student free day date into your calendar.