Always treat others as you would have them treat you (Matthew 7:12)

As we begin a new school year we are reminded of the wonderful prospect for new beginnings and to be the best we are called to be. With each new beginning comes the opportunity to prosper and find success in all we do. Our theme this year as a college community is 'RESPECT' - Respect for self, others and the environment which is outlined in the diagram below:

I give you a new commandment: Love one another as I have loved you (John 13:34)

A very warm welcome back to all of our staff, students and families. We particularly welcome those who are joining the College community for the first time. We have a total of 278 Year 7 students beginning their journey with us this year as well as 14 students joining us in Years 8, 9, and 10. We warmly welcome you all. Congratulations to the Year 7 students who have settled in extremely well. The school community has worked hard to ensure that our new students have been welcomed and supported in their transitional period. I hope that your time with Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs community is both enriching and rewarding.

It is essential that all students continue the year well and set high expectations in all areas and in every context. It is important that the College uniform is always worn well; that students are punctual to school and class and it means getting down to the core business of working hard in class and working with every teacher to produce the best set of results possible. I also remind students to challenge themselves to participate in the vast array of co-curricular activities available to them, and to embrace and contribute to the numerous, leadership, faith and social justice opportunities available at the College.

And finally, may all members of the Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs college community in 2024 truly live, breathe and enact our wonderful College motto of ‘Live Fully Act Justly'.

Please click on the link below to view the Principal’s Video Message:

NEW STAFF 2024
It is with great pleasure that I welcome the following staff into the CRCCS school community:

• Michelle Attard: Teacher – Mathematics/Science
• Natasha Bickley: Teacher – Mathematics/Digital Technologies
• Lauren D’ Lima: Learning Support Officer
• Fay Ghazi: Food Technology Assistant
• Annette Giang: Teacher – Mathematics/Religious Education
• Maria Gillies: Teacher - Italian
• Gigi (Jihan) Hogan: Teacher – English/Humanities
• Ashley Liu: Teacher – Japanese/Visual Arts
• Lachlan MacGregor: Learning Support Officer
• Tiana Mancuso: Learning Support Officer
• Stephen Manitta: Director of Curriculum & Pedagogy
• Alexander Michaels: Year Level Leader
• Ashley Nguyen: Teacher – Mathematics
• Mirjana Nikolic: Teacher – Visual Arts
• Rory O’Connor: Learning Area Leader - Humanities
• Gulaba Pacoski: Teacher – Mathematics
• Gaby Pauchnik: Teacher – Visual Arts
• Alana Rowling: Learning Support Officer
• Lesley Ryan: Teacher – Mathematics/STEM
• Vanessa Shaw: Learning Area Leader – Religious Education & Formation
• Wendy Smith: Year Level Leader
• Jackson Smith: Teacher – Mathematics/Physical Education
• Frank Stranieri: Teacher – Visual Arts & Italian
• Julian Swan: Cultural Immersion & Exchange Co-ordinator
• Jim Talliopoulos: Teacher – Science
• Courtney Wilcock: Teacher – English

LENT
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten period. Lent is a time to renew and restore our relationship with Christ. Lent is when we prepare, as a faith community, to meet the risen Christ at Easter. It is a time for us to turn away from what keeps us from living the Gospel, and to remind ourselves that we are called to live lives based on justice. In what ways can this be enabled and supported in the school community?

Each gospel concerns an encounter with Christ that challenged people to open themselves to God, to faith, to truth, to life. Catholic schools provide opportunities for such encounters throughout the year, but Lent demands a special effort. These opportunities might include:

• providing regular prayer and meditation sessions (daily or weekly, for individuals and groups)
• reflecting on the Lenten readings
• using images of the face of Christ for prayer and meditation
• ensuring every classroom, gathering space and public space contains an image or symbol that is not only a reminder of Catholic identity but an invitation to be open to Christ’s presence
• encouraging participation in Project Compassion, not just in donating or raising money but in opening our eyes to the suffering around us and making a compassionate response.

Lent is a chance to encounter Jesus, to remember again his invitation to chat, to come and see who He really is. It is a rich season for schools to look into the face of Jesus, not merely in our churches and classrooms with crucifixes and other images. Every encounter we have with a student, colleague or staff member can lead to a more profound realisation about our lives in Christ.

Over the 40 days of Lent, may the Holy Spirit give us the strength to act justly, the courage to love tenderly and the faith to walk humbly with our God, that we might rejoice in the triumph of God’s justice in Jesus at Easter.

Jamie Madigan
Principal

This year's Thanksgiving Mass was a wonderful celebration, as our Year 7 students, accompanied by their families, came together to give thanks to God and officially join our Catholic College Community. The Mass, held on the Feast of St John Bosco, allowed us to reflect on the teachings and virtues exemplified by this beloved saint.

St. John Bosco, known for his dedication to the education and well-being of young people, serves as an inspiration for our community as we strive to instil virtues of love, compassion, and faith in our students.

During the homily, Fr Gerard shared insightful reflections on the life of St. John Bosco and how his teachings continue to inspire us in our educational mission.

The Year 7 Thanksgiving Mass was a beautiful reminder that, as a Catholic College, we are not just a school but a community of faith.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who participated in the Mass. May the grace of St. John Bosco guide us in our endeavours and may our College Community continue to flourish in the light of faith so that we may Live Fully Act Justly in all we do.

Paul Sammut
Director of Catholic Identity and Mission

It is fitting that this year Lent commences on a day traditionally associated with love—Valentine's Day, February 14. This convergence of Lent and Valentine's Day invites us to explore the profound connection between love and the Lenten journey.

Valentine's Day is a day traditionally associated with expressions of love and affection. While the secular celebration often focuses on romantic love, the deeper connection between love and Lent is rooted in the Christian understanding of sacrificial and transformative love.

Love, in the Christian context, goes beyond the romanticism and affection. It encompasses the selfless and sacrificial love exemplified by Jesus Christ. The Lenten season challenges us to embody this love in our daily lives by imitating Christ's compassion, forgiveness, and mercy. As we engage in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during Lent, we are reminded to deepen our love for God and others.

This Lenten season, let us embark on a journey of love, self-discovery, and spiritual renewal. May our observances during this sacred time draw us closer to God and inspire us to live out His love in our daily lives.

What’s the purpose of Lent?

Prayer for Lent

O gracious Master, infuse in our hearts the spotless light of Your Divine Wisdom and open the eyes of our mind that we may understand the teachings of Your Gospel.

Instill in us also the fear of Your blessed commandments, so that having curbed all carnal desires, we may lead a spiritual life, both thinking and doing everything to please You.

For You, O Christ, our God, are the enlightenment of our souls and bodies; and to You we render glory, together with Your eternal Father, and with Your all holy, life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and forever.

Amen.

Last Thursday, Mr Madigan and I had the opportunity to address our students at a Whole College Assembly to go through our College theme for the year, uniform expectations and student management processes. One of our goals this year is to build on the connections we have with our families. It is important that we work as a partnership with parents and guardians in maintaining these expectations and our staff will be in communication with home with any concerns or questions they may have about your child. Classroom teachers have been asked to be the first to communicate with parents if they want to discuss a student’s progress and look at ways together in how to move forward. Following on from this the students understand that Year Level leaders may become involved and if necessary the Director of Student Wellbeing and Deputy Principal Wellbeing.

Mr Lentini, our Director of Student Wellbeing, also spoke with students regarding uniform expectations and highlighted some changes we have made to the College’s uniform policy. Our College uniform is widely recognised within our community and represents who we are and what we stand for. The uniform can identify our students and when worn correctly, encourages pride in one’s appearance. On the first day of the 2024 school year, a vast majority of our students did an excellent job in wearing their correct College Summer uniform.

As a school we have communicated such changes and our expectations to our families through our social media, text messages, email and through SEQTA. One of the important changes is our expectation around wearing the College blazer each day to and from school for Terms 1-4.

For further information, families can visit our College website to read our Uniform Policy and Dress Code. 

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the way in which our students have returned to school and the way in which they conducted themselves with one another and staff. A very special welcome to our new Year 7 students who are about to embark on their time here at the College.

I look forward to the school year ahead and once again working with our students and their families in 2024.

Katie Murray-Fawcett
Deputy Principal Wellbeing

We are fortunate as a College to have dedicated staff who aim to provide our students with a range of opportunities that extend their learning beyond the classroom environment. Whether these opportunities be based in faith, social, academic or sporting contexts, each opportunity is purposefully planned and coordinated to ensure our students gain the most from any offsite experience.

A significant and necessary part to any offsite excursion is the informed consent of their parent/carer. The platform that we use to obtain all parent/carer consent is called Operoo. At the start of the year, it is timely for parents/carers to ensure that they have shared their child’s Operoo profile with the College – and that the medical details for their child are up to date.

All information relating to any excursions will come directly to your nominated Operoo account. It is important that you carefully consider the information within the Operoo, and provide your consent for your child’s participation prior to the advertised “close off” date to enable your child to participate. All relevant details – including the nature of the excursion, uniform requirements and time commitments are noted in the Operoo for your reference.

Unfortunately, we are unable to approve a child’s participation in an excursion once the close off date on the Operoo has passed. The College will always provide sufficient notice with each Operoo to ensure you have enough time to respond to any request for consent, however detailed planning must be undertaken following the close off date, and hence it is not possible to revisit the consent process after the close off date.

It is important to note that Operoo’s use within the College extends beyond excursions, and the platform is also used to gain parent/carer consent for a range of events – including the capacity to indicate understanding and agreement of school policies, and permission to view films in class for curriculum related purposes. For this reason, it is good practice to regularly login to Operoo (i.e., once per week), to ensure that there are no outstanding consent forms for your child.

If you have any questions with relation to Operoo, then please contact the College reception as soon as possible, who will then be able to assist you with your query.

Dr. Andrew McAlindon
Deputy Principal Staff and Operations

The start of a new year brings about lots of change for all of us. For our students, one of the hardest changes to come to grips with is being placed in a new class, with new students and sometimes away from their close friends. Moving out of a friend's class can be a difficult experience so here are some ways they can be supported in coping with the change.

Maintain their friendships:
Just because they are no longer in the same class as their friends, it doesn't mean the friendship has to end. Encourage them to stay in touch and make plans to spend time together at recess, lunch or outside of school.

Meet new people:
Moving to a new class can be an opportunity to make new friends and expand their social circle. Encourage them to reach out to new classmates and participate in class activities.

Seek support:
If they are feeling sad or stressed about the move, encourage them to talk to someone they trust such as a Year Level Leader, teacher, counsellor or parent.

Focus on the positive:
Moving to a new class can be a positive experience, with the opportunity to learn new things, meet new people, and gain new perspectives. Encourage them to focus on the opportunities and benefits of the change.

Stay active:
Encourage them to continue participating in extracurricular activities and hobbies, which can help maintain a sense of normalcy and provide a positive outlet for their energy and emotions.

Be understanding:
Moving to a new class can be difficult for everyone, so encourage them to be understanding and patient with themselves and others as they navigate the transition.

Remember that moving to a new class is a common experience for nearly all students at some point during their time in high school, and with time and effort, they can adjust and make new friends. It is a great resilience builder for young adults.

We wish our newly transitioned students all the best for the new school year.

Mr David Sammut
Year 9 Level Leader

LIBRARY

HOURS OF OPENING

The library is open:
• From 8.00 until 4.15 Monday - Thursday
• From 8.00 until 3.45 on Fridays

Please note that students are expected to be productively occupied when using the library before or after school.

LOANS
Students may borrow up to 3 books at any time for a loan period of 3 weeks. Books may be renewed if so desired.

OVERDUE BOOKS
Students are asked to be considerate of others and return items as soon as they are finished with them. If students have overdue books, they need to be returned or renewed before any new items are borrowed. Students will receive regular reminders when their books are overdue via a direct message on Seqta. At the end of each semester, parents will be notified of outstanding books.

LOST / DAMAGED BOOKS
Students should speak to a library staff member if they have damaged a book or if they think it is lost. Each incident will be assessed individually, but generally, payment will be requested for books that are lost or damaged, so that replacement copies may be purchased.

PHOTOCOPIER/ PRINTER
Students are credited with $5 at the start of every term towards their photocopying or printing requirements. Credit amounts may be topped up by paying at Reception.

LUNCHTIMES
It has been a busy start to the year in the library, especially at lunchtimes. Students have been participating in various activities, such as:
• Reading books or magazines
• Homework
• Computer work
• Board games
• Photocopying or printing
• Borrowing or returning books

It has been particularly pleasing to see many of our new Year 7 students utilising the library space and resources, as well as borrowing books.

Natalie Hamill
Librarian

Assessment re-sit occurs from 3:05pm - 4:15pm each Tuesday and Thursday in the College Cafeteria and is designed to provide an opportunity for students who are absent for an Assessment Task to complete this task, without missing additional class time. Parents/carers will be notified through SEQTA the Friday prior to a Tuesday Assessment Re-sit Session, or the Tuesday prior to a Thursday Assessment Re-sit Session if their child is required to attend.

Students are required to attend for the full 70-minutes of the Assessment Re-sit Session, regardless of the length of their Assessment Task. If a student is absent for an Assessment Re-sit, this absence needs to be validated for the Assessment Task to be rescheduled.

The following are considered valid reasons for absence at an Assessment Re-sit Session:

• illness (medical certificate required within 48 hours with an accompanying parent/carer note to reception)
• compassionate grounds i.e. a funeral (parent/carer to provide note to reception)
• isolation due to infectious diseases protocols (parent/carer note to reception is required).

The following are considered as examples of invalid reasons for missing an Assessment Re-sit:

• illness (without a medical certificate)
• personal travel/ family commitments
• part-time job commitments.

Students who do not attend an Assessment Re-sit Session, or do not have a valid reason for missing the Assessment Re-sit, will have a score of 0% awarded for the Assessment Task, which impacts the students Overall Result for the Subject.

Copies of the Homework Policy and Assessment Re-sit Policy can be found below for your perusal and are also available on the SEQTA Learn and SEQTA Engage Homepage.

Please respond to the Operoo Notice regarding Assessment Re-sits no later than February 29 2024.

Stephen Manitta
Director of Curriculum and Pedagogy

Students at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs are strongly encouraged to participate in the extensive range of extra and co-curricular activities offered at the College.

Please see the CRCCS Clubs and Groups for Semester 1 – 2024. For more information, please feel free to liaise with the key contacts listed for each respective activity.

Students at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs are strongly encouraged to opt into our vast range of Learning Support offerings. 

Please see Student Learning Support Programs 2024. For more information, please feel free to liaise with the key contacts listed for each respective program.

Dear Parents/Carers,

Every Friday of Term staff, students and families are invited to attend 8am (8:00 – 8:25am) Mass at St Catherine of Siena Church. The term 'Mass' has its roots in the Latin word 'missa,' signifying 'mission' or 'sending.' This is because its intention is to send out the faithful to share the Good News of Jesus and embody His presence in the world. Additionally, it serves as a moment to express gratitude and praise to God, as reflected in the term 'Eucharist,' meaning thanksgiving.

Engaging in the Eucharistic celebration nourishes, transforms, and bring healing in our spiritual journey. It would be wonderful to have your presence.

Paul Sammut
Director of Catholic Identity and Mission

Auditions for our 2024 College Musical Little Shop of Horrors are starting soon!

Students have signed up this week to an audition time, and very soon parents will receive an Operoo to give permission for students to attend. Students/Parents will also receive a SEQTA Direct Message to confirm their Audition Time.

Audition Dates

Monday 19 February 3:15pm-5:00pm – Compulsory Dance Audition (anyone who has signed up to audition must attend this audition)

The following dates are where each student have signed up for an audition time. Students only need to come to the 10-minute audition time they have signed for.

Tuesday 20 February (SENIOR – YEARS 9 & 10 ONLY) - Students have signed up for a 10-minute audition time where they Sing and Act
Wednesday 21 February (JUNIOR – YEARS 7 & 8 ONLY) - Students have signed up for a 10-minute audition time where they Sing and Act
Monday 26 February (Call backs)– Not all roles will receive a call back, but this will be communicated to students. If they are required for a call back, then we will direct message both students and parents.

BAND -This year we will have a live band for our Musical. Students are encouraged to contact Mr Danny Godoy if you are interested in being a part of the Band.

After our Auditions/Callbacks, our cast list will be announced, and our rehearsals will BEGIN!

Thank you so much for your support of our College Musical! We cannot wait to bring another fantastic show to life.

Miss Allison Caruana
Director/Producer

At Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs, we take immense pride in the vibrant range of musical opportunities we offer in the coming year, and we invite our school community to embark on a journey into the world of Instrumental Music, Bands, and Choirs in 2024. We believe that these opportunities have the potential to cultivate not just musical abilities but also essential aspects of a student's social and emotional growth.

In 2024, our school will continue to offer an exciting array of opportunities for students to engage with music. We encourage families to consider the unique advantages that learning an instrument can provide, as it plays a significant role in shaping a student's character, fostering emotional growth, and enhancing their musical capabilities.

Instrumental Music Lessons at our college are seamlessly integrated into the regular school day. These lessons are organised on a rotating schedule, ensuring that students have the chance to immerse themselves in their musical training without any disruption to their academic commitments.

Instruments on offer:

Tuition Fees:

The start of the term marks an exciting phase for our students as they are given the invaluable opportunity to sample a diverse range of instruments. This allows them to make an informed choice and find the instrument that resonates with their musical aspirations. Whether it's the soaring notes of a violin, the rhythmic beats of a drum, or the melodious chords of a guitar, our students have the chance to discover their own musical path.

We are committed to fostering a love for music and offering our students the tools they need to grow both as musicians and as individuals.

Join us on this musical journey in 2024, as we nurture the talent and creativity that lie within each student, allowing them to thrive not only in music but in all aspects of their lives.

Please read the Music Instrument Hire Agreement.

Enrolment forms are available here. 

Jordyn Bugeja
Music Performance Coordinator

2024 SCHOOL FEES

2024 Payment arrangements are still being accepted. School fee payments to commence in February 2024 and finalise by November 2024 unless prior arrangement is in place.

If fees are paid in full by the end of term one a family discount of $100 is applicable

If you have changed home address or email details, please also update the school.

CSEF 2024 (Current health care card holders)

CSEF applications are being accepted for 2024. Please complete the application form on our website and return the completed signed form along with a copy of the parent/carer current health care card valid until the end of term one 2024 to the College office as soon as possible. CSEF-application-form.pdf (crccs.vic.edu.au)

STEM Immersion USA - 13/09 -24/09 2024

Payments due dates are 26 February 2024 and 22nd April 2024 $1500.00
If you wish to discuss any finance concerns, please reach out to us by phone 9217 8000 extension 2 or email accounts@crccs.vic.edu.au

Thank you
Finance Office

Enrolment for Year 7, 2026

Enrolment applications are now open to Year 5 students who will be starting Year 7 in 2026. Applications close Friday, 16 August 2024.

An Enrolment Application Form can be found on our College website, together with information required to support your application.  

Please note that parents/carers who already have children attending the College and who have a sibling in Year 5 will still need to complete an online enrolment form.

College Tours

We invite you and your family to discover the warm community awaiting you at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs. 

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to meet our College Principal, Mr. Jamie Madigan, who will guide you through our academic philosophy and share insights into our vision for student success. The tour will be led by our Student Leaders, who will offer firsthand perspectives on college life, extracurricular activities, and the supportive environment that defines us. All tours run for approximately 1 hour, with opportunities to ask any questions during the tour. 

Registration opens at 9.00am for a 9.15am start.  

Wednesday 21 February
Wednesday 20 March
Wednesday 24 April
Wednesday 15 May
Wednesday 19 June

Register your attendance here

For any queries in relation to student enrolments, please contact the Admissions Office at enrolments@crccs.vic.edu.au. 

Dear Families, 

Can we kindly ask to be mindful of designated drop off and pick up zones around the school. With ongoing construction taking place, we ask that families do not park on Police Road as this serves as an entry point for construction vehicles. Please also be reminded that the Caroline Springs Veterinary Clinic is private property and for vet patrons only, and that the College staff car park is not a designated area for student drop off and pick up.  

College Street has designated 2 Minute parking zones that families are encouraged to use: 

Please refer to the college website for further information on road safety during drop off and pick up times.  

Hello Parents and Carers,

Welcome to the 2024 school year, hopefully the holiday period treated you well.

BREAKFAST CLUB
As part of our ongoing commitment to your child’s wellbeing and making the most of their learning experience, the College is introducing a Breakfast Club.
 
Eating breakfast can help our students get more nutrients, do better in school, improve their mood and energy, and can also improve cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and executive function. Breakfast club will provide free breakfast meals and social opportunities for our students.
 
Breakfast will be served each Wednesday morning between 8.20 and 8.40am and it will include items such as toasted sandwiches, muesli bars and juice amongst other items.
 
If you are able to, or know of a business who may be able to help support our College Breakfast Club with a donation of breakfast items, please email tkemp@crccs.vic.edu.au

UNIFORMS
If you have any unwanted items of school uniform that are in good condition, can I encourage you to bring them into reception. We have some families for various reasons may need an extra item or two and they are handy for emergency situations.

Thank you for any support you are able to give.

THANK YOU
Thank you to Les Twentyman Foundation for providing much needed resources to some of families in need. This is invaluable for our students learning.

Kind regards,

Tim Kemp
Community Liaison Officer

Dear Year 10 2024 Families,

Year 11 2025 Applications Closing Soon

Applications for Year 11 2025 at Catholic Regional College Sydenham close on Wednesday, 14 February 2024. Applications received after this date are not guaranteed a place and the Application Fee is $500.00.

The application form and all enrolment information can be found on the Catholic Regional College Sydenham website. Application Fee - $250.00.

For all enrolment enquiries please contact the CRC Sydenham College Registrar on 9361 0002 or via email: enrolments@crcs.vic.edu.au.

Dear Parents/Carers,

It is important that we give opportunity for our children to flourish in a positive environment. One of the ways we can do this is to encourage them to participate in fruitful experiences that will contribute to their growth in character.

Ablaze Youth, is a community for High School students (in Years 7-12) to come together in a fun, safe and welcoming environment. It occurs every Friday night from 6-8pm in the College Hall. A wonderful opportunity if you are looking for a place for fellowship, fun and food.

Dear Families,

Please see below notices from the City of Melton regarding intersection works on Caroline Springs Boulevard and Rockbank Middle Road, commencing January 2024.

We expect that these works will significantly impact commutes to and from the College.

Intersection Works Update - Caroline Springs Boulevard and Rockbank Middle Road

Caroline Springs Boulevard and Rockbank Middle Road intersection upgrade

To find out more and to sign up for regular updates visit melton.vic.gov.au/csboulevardrockbankmiddleworks or use the below QR code:

For any enquiries, we encourage you to contact council Project Team directly via capitaldeliveryenquiries@melton.vic.gov.au or on 9747 7200. 

Principal's Office

Dear families,

Please read the attached document from Public Transport Victoria regarding information for schools and their students using public transport.

Five Minutes with Staff - Meet Matilda Mattar

How long have you worked at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs?
After dedicating over 15 years to my first school, I felt a calling for change. This led me to CRCCS. I have been here for seven years.

What is your role at the school?
Learning Area leader – Technologies and the Social Justice Co-ordinator

What was your favourite subject at school?
Home Economics, obviously!

How many languages do you speak?
I speak English and Arabic

What's your most fond childhood memory?
Hanging out with my siblings at the park and growing up as the milk bar kids. Just being happy in our little home

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Making a difference in the lives of the awesome humans, God has placed in our care. Being a witness to my faith. I find immense joy in connecting with my students and colleagues, fostering relationships that go beyond the classroom. The well-being of this community, both students and staff, holds a special place in my heart. Outside my professional life, I find solace in my love for hospitality, relishing the simple act of bringing people together through shared meals.

What skill would you like to master?
Learn to read Byzantine notes/music.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Love the Lebanese cuisine, so I guess anything Lebanese (not bias)

Favourite novel or book
‘What Lies Beneath the Cedars’ and ‘Where the Cedars Rise’ by Sonia Gebrael. I resonated deeply with the story of the young Australian-born Lebanese girl. The novel shared many relatable tales that touched my heart.

One of my Favourite Quotes:
Preach Jesus and if necessary, use words – St Francis of Assisi