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Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
As we enter into Term 4, I eagerly look to the Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs community to continue to foster and further develop the already strong relationships with the view to provide the best possible contemporary educational, spiritual and faith experience for our students.
Over the holiday period an enormous amount of work went into preparing facilities such as classrooms, IT facilities, sporting facilities and the College grounds for the students to utilise this semester. I thank the teaching, administrative, support and maintenance staff involved in this important work as it contributes significantly to the comprehensive educational environment for our students.
We are blessed at CRC Caroline Springs to not only have outstanding contemporary, state of the art facilities and resources, but we also have positive, respectful, relationships that permeate all aspects of college life. Our theme for 2024 has been based on 'Respect'. Respect for ‘Self, Others and Environment’. We have a thriving school community that values our strong and present Catholic identity and ethos which embraces our wonderful College motto of ‘Live Fully Act Justly’.
We have continued to have quality learning and teaching occurring every day in the classrooms. We have participated in many co-curricular activities, including SACCSS sporting events and competitions, excursions and incursions, faith and student development days, whole school assemblies and liturgies, music concerts, the recent ‘Live Fully Act Justly’ feast day and a particular highlight of Term 3, was the performing of the College Musical ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, to sell out audiences.
Another highlight of Term 3 was our Live Fully Act Justly day celebrations. It was a day filled with faith, joy, and community. Our students came together to celebrate their spirituality through a beautiful Mass, celebrated by Fr Gerard Keith. This was followed by a whole school assembly where our College Captain candidates for 2025 demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities as they delivered their speeches, outlining their visions for our school’s future. It was heart-warming to witness our students’ dedication to making our college a better place for all.
It gives me great pleasure to announce our college Captains for 2025:
College Captain:
- Jennilyn Magtalas
Deputy College Captains:
- Cienna Victuelles
- Klark Neustro
- Keisha Cortes Alinea
It has been a tradition at our College that on our Live Fully Act Justly Day Celebrations, we also celebrate and honour the teachers and staff who have served our school community with generosity and dedication. They are the ones who have made our school a place of learning, growth, and joy.
We thank them for their years of service, and for the difference they have made in our lives. We are proud of their achievements, and grateful for their service. In appreciation of fifteen years of service we congratulate the following staff: Clara Cremona, Renuka Dhillon and Maria Wasilewski. In appreciation of ten years of service we congratulate the following staff: Hayley Code and Bianca Conforti.
We thank all these staff for supporting our college’s mission to Live Fully and Act Justly and helping us create a positive and inclusive environment for everyone.
We eagerly look forward to Term 4, and immersing ourselves fully in all our college has to offer. May all members of the College community truly live, breathe and enact our College motto of ‘Live Fully Act Justly’.
Mr. Jamie Madigan
Principal
On 14 September, 24 students from Year 9 and Year 10 embarked on an exciting STEM with NASA trip to Orlando, Florida.
Our adventure began with a visit to NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, where we enjoyed a bus tour, experienced the shuttle launch simulator, and explored the Atlantis Shuttle exhibition. We later met astronaut Guy Gardner and had the opportunity to participate in the Astronaut Training Experience. During this session, we worked together to solve real-world problems using authentic NASA science, including docking skills and navigating Mars terrain.
We spent several days at Universal Studios, engaging in educational programs about ride construction and special effects. These sessions allowed us to learn about the park’s production processes and get behind-the-scenes access to attractions like the 'Transformers Roll Out' and 'Rip Ride Rockit' rollercoaster. We had plenty of time to explore the different parks and experience thrilling rides, including the 'Revenge of the Mummy' and the 'Hulk' coaster.
At Full Sail University, we participated in a game development workshop, creating our own games and learning about the various features and techniques involved in game assembly. We also managed to squeeze in some outlet shopping, where we found souvenirs and gifts to take home. Most evenings, we enjoyed delicious dinners together, sharing laughs and stories from our daily adventures.
Our trip continued with two magical days at Disney World! On the first day, we visited Disney’s Magic Kingdom, where we enjoyed fun rides like 'Tron' and participated in an educational program to design our own theme park. We ended the evening by watching the fireworks at Cinderella’s Castle. At Disney Hollywood Studios, we took part in another educational session, investigating how magnets can create, speed up, and slow down rides like the 'Tower of Terror' and 'Aerosmith’s Rock 'n' Roller Coaster.' We bought many souvenirs and concluded the day with the Fantastic light show, another amazing experience.
To wrap up our trip, we visited iFly, a unique indoor skydiving experience, which was a fantastic way to conclude our STEM with NASA adventure. This trip was truly unforgettable, filled with lasting memories and new friendships that we will cherish forever.
Claire Vickery 9KU and Sophia Clayton 9LI
On Saturday 12 October Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs were blessed to officially welcome our Year 7 2025 families. Parents and students were invited to discover the best our school has to offer by visiting stalls, engaging with leaders in conversations, and having the opportunity to ask any questions. Nearly 300 students began their day with a homeroom session led by our staff and one of our student leaders, whilst parents attended an informative session by our College Leadership team in the College Hall.
Our Year 7 2025 students completed a College tour and had a taste of what it means to be a CRCCS student through learning about:
As a College we prioritise a positive transition experience for our new students, and the journey began for many on this day. I know many parents can be quite anxious about their child beginning secondary school, however a lot has been put in place to support students including our upcoming Orientation Day later this term, our Welcome Days at the beginning of the year and the MacBook Orientation Program. To also help with the transition of students we have been working closely with their primary schools to learn about them through school visits and feedback.
It was a blessing to have over 800 people join us for the morning and officially become part of our school community. We were also fortunate with amazing weather as we enjoyed the sausage sizzle and coffee van provided. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Primary Links Team for putting together a terrific event for our school community and to the staff that attended the day and ensured families and our new students felt very welcome.
Celebrating St Francis of Assisi
On the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, we honoured the remarkable legacy of the saint whose love for creation and deep care for all living beings resonates with our college pillars of compassion and stewardship. In recognition of his passion and dedication, a special display was set up in front of a building named in his honour.
Students were warmly greeted at the front gate, where they were invited to ask for St. Francis' intercession. As a symbolic gesture, they wrote their names on paper birds, which were then used to create a stunning visual display, reminding us of St. Francis’ reverence for the natural world and his deep connection with God's creatures.
This day served as a beautiful reminder of the values we strive to live by as a community and the powerful example set by St. Francis in caring for both creation and our fellow beings.
World Mental Health Day
This year, the Social Justice Team decided to bring some joy to the community by selling choc tops at lunchtime, with all proceeds going to the Black Dog Institute. The Black Dog Institute is dedicated to creating a mentally healthier world, as outlined in their mission:
"Science. Compassion. Action: 1 in 5 of us will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year. In Australia, that’s around 5 million people. Roughly 60% of these people won’t seek help."
The institute's 2022-2026 strategy focuses on delivering impactful research that treats, manages, and prevents common mental health conditions and suicide in various settings, including workplaces, schools, and communities.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, we raised a total of $1534. Your contributions will help support this important cause, and we are deeply grateful for your involvement!
This term, the Food Technology space has been a hub of activity as our Year 7 students take on the exciting challenge of creating their very own health burgers. After engaging in extensive research and exploring innovative ideas, students have carefully designed and tested their creations to meet a specific design brief.
From experimenting with different ingredients to analysing nutritional value, these young CRCCS chefs have shown remarkable creativity and dedication in crafting burgers that not only taste great but also promote healthy eating. It's been inspiring to watch them bring their unique concepts to life, all while applying essential food preparation skills and practicing kitchen safety.
The result? Delicious, nutritious burgers that reflect the hard work and creativity of our students!
Stay tuned for more photos and stories from our food technology classes as we continue to blend creativity with learning.
During Arts and Technology Week this year students had the opportunity during a lunchtime to build a mobile phone app. Students used the no-code mobile app builder, Glide, to develop a mobile application on their laptops and then installed the working application onto their phones, which they were allowed to bring with them to the session.
Students developed a mobile app that helps them with their language studies. The app provides Italian and Japanese words and shows the English translation. The app includes images and Japanese hiragana characters. Students can add new words to their vocabulary lists that they are learning in class.
Students had a fun time and were surprised they could build a mobile app so quickly and have it running on their phones by the end of lunchtime.
Tuesday 15 October saw our Year 7 students partake in our final Student Development Day for the year. Our wellbeing program focus for this term is bullying, emphasizing the importance of understanding bullying, including its definition, misconceptions, and the critical distinction between being an upstander and a bystander. To support us in this focus, we were heard from Kosta, an educator from BullyZero.
BullyZero is dedicated to fostering safer, more inclusive environments for students through evidence-based education, advocacy, and support for all communities across Australia. We thank Kosta for his expertise and resources aimed at empowering our students to better understand and address the complexities of bullying, reinforcing our commitment to student wellbeing and safety. We are grateful for their positive impact their visit had on our Year 7 students and in turn, our school community.
In alignment with our English curriculum, students engaged with the themes presented in the novel "Wonder," allowing them to explore the multifaceted impacts of bullying on victims, perpetrators, and bystanders alike. Through interactive discussions and activities, students mapped out these effects, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of their roles within the school community.
Our Year 7 Student Development Day aimed not only to raise awareness but also to empower our students to take positive action against bullying. By cultivating a culture of support and inclusivity, we strive to ensure that every student feels safe and valued.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to promote a positive school environment.
Mr. Luke Lentini
Director of Student Wellbeing
During the 5-13 October, our College celebrated Mental Health Awareness Week, an opportunity for both students and staff to come together and focus on mental well-being. This week encouraged us to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and to foster open, honest conversations about how we feel. It served as a timely reminder to check in with ourselves and prioritize our well-being amidst our busy lives.
We also recognized World Mental Health Day on October 10th, with the theme, “It’s time to prioritize our mental health in the workplace.” Our celebrations included a variety of engaging activities designed to promote mental well-being throughout the week.
Here are some of the highlights from our week of activities:
It’s essential to remember that mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness. It encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how we think, feel, and act. As we navigate the challenges of college life, maintaining our mental health is a continuous journey that requires attention and care.
These facts show why we need to keep mental health awareness strong, especially in schools.
Mental health awareness can change lives. Many people still suffer in silence, unsure of how to seek help. For students, untreated mental health issues can affect their learning, relationships, and development. For teachers, it can lead to burnout, stress, and even leaving the profession.
Together, we can:
For both students and parents, staying connected is crucial. Regular check-ins can help identify changes in mood or behaviour early on. Encouraging open discussions about feelings can normalize the conversation around mental health and reduce stigma. Here are a few ways to foster connection:
As we reflect on the importance of mental health, let’s continue the conversations beyond this week. Share your thoughts, support one another, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. We have provided a list of numbers below should you wish to reach out and have a conversation. Remember, prioritizing mental health isn’t just a one-time event; it’s a lifelong commitment.
Thank you for being an integral part of this vital conversation. Together, we can create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to prioritize their mental well-being.
Stay well,
The Counselling Team
If you or your student need support, here are some valuable resources available in Victoria:
Term 4 has kicked off with great enthusiasm in the Science Department! Our students are actively engaging in hands-on learning activities designed to deepen their understanding of classroom topics and spark their interest in this fascinating subject.
Year 8 students have been exploring human body systems and recently participated in a sheep heart dissection. This hands-on experience allowed them to identify structures they had studied and gain a clearer understanding of how this vital organ functions.
Our Year 10 students have also been busy with practical activities. The Biodiversity and Evolutionary Science students completed a chicken wing dissection to compare its anatomy to our own, making connections to our evolutionary history. Meanwhile, the Year 10 Chemistry class engaged in various experiments showcasing different types of chemical reactions, with some exciting demonstrations from their teacher, Mr. Michaels.
As we approach the end of 2024, there’s still plenty of time to foster a love for science and take advantage of the learning opportunities available here at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs!
On Thursday 10 October, our Year 10 students participated in their final Student Development Day for the year, which centered on the themes of respectful relationships and gender dynamics. Our aim for the day was to provide an opportunity for students to explore varied dynamics that relationships can cause, as well as gender roles and stereotypes, examining both their benefits and limitations, including the barriers they can create for individuals within the lifespan.
Our male students engaged with motivational speaker Max Radcliffe, who delivered an inspiring session aimed at redefining positive masculinity. Through his insights, students were encouraged to reflect on their roles in promoting respect and support within their relationships, with topics varying from dating, rejection and consent, to intoxication, relationships and purpose.
Meanwhile, female students participated in a session led by the PPEP Talk (Periods, Pains, and Endometriosis Program). This initiative focuses on early intervention and support for girls dealing with gender-specific health issues, emphasizing the importance of managing pain and its impact on education and daily life.
Throughout the day, students discussed how daily acts of kindness can foster supportive environments and examined various scenarios highlighting gender-specific challenges. By encouraging open dialogue, we aimed to promote understanding and empathy among our students.
We believe that these discussions are crucial for building a respectful and inclusive school culture. Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to prioritise the wellbeing of our students.
Year 9 Art students have begun working on their drawing folios and have started with still life images as inspiration.
The following images highlight pen drawings based on the elements of line and tone. To compete the drawings students then added water colour.
Overall, a successful collection of drawings was completed.
2025 School Fees
2025 School Fee notice and Fee Payment Agreements have been mailed home. If you have not received them, please contact the finance department, or visit the school website. If you have changed home address or email details, please also update the school.
2025 Payment arrangements are due back by 31 October 2024 to commence in February 2025 and finalised by November 2025 unless prior arrangement is in place.
2024 School Fees
A reminder to all parents/carers that 2024 school fees are to be finalised by 30 November 2024.
Immersion Tasmania 2025 - payment due date
Final payment due 19 November 2024 $1050.00
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 Department
You are warmly invited to join us for our 8am Mass every Friday during the term at St Catherine of Siena Parish Church, Caroline Springs. The Eucharist, as the “source and summit” of our faith, offers an opportunity for spiritual nourishment and communal worship. We look forward to coming together with you in prayer and reflection.
During October, we are reminded of the profound significance of the Rosary, culminating in the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on 7 October. The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary has its origins in a time when Europe faced grave threats. In 1569, Pope Pius V encouraged Christians to invoke Our Lady’s intercession through the Rosary, especially during periods of turmoil.
On 7 October 1571, during the Battle of Lepanto, the odds were against the Holy League, yet as they turned to prayer and clung to their faith, a miraculous shift allowed them to prevail against the Ottoman army. The Rosary became a powerful weapon of hope, liberating captives and preserving Christendom. Today, Our Lady remains a powerful intercessor for us, especially when we seek her protection through the Holy Rosary.
The Rosary is not just a tradition, but also as a powerful tool for spiritual growth. Integrating the Rosary into our daily routine deepens our relationship with Christ through faith and the sacraments. “The Rosary is a prayer both so humble and simple and theologically rich in Biblical content. I beg you to pray it” Pope Saint John Paul II. Through this repetitive, grounding practice, we immerse ourselves in the mysteries of Christ, allowing us to draw strength and comfort during difficult times.
As a College community, we came together to celebrate the month of the Rosary by participating in a ‘live’ Rosary. Students and staff collaborated to create a large rosary using balloons and then prayed the Rosary together in the presence of a statue of Our Lady. It was a beautiful witness to the college community of our devotion and faith in her intercession.
As we reflect during this month, let us encourage a devotion to the Rosary in our personal and family life.
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!
This October, our college came together for a beautiful Living Rosary event, uniting students and staff in a powerful display of prayer through devotion to the Blessed Mother. October being the month of the Rosary also aptly coincided with Pope Francis’ call to prayer for world peace.
A Living Rosary allows for the physical enactment of forming a rosary, with participants taking turns as representatives of each part of the prayer. This year, with the use of balloons, it was indeed an extraordinary show of collective prayer as a college community. The lunchtime event concluded with a mini re-coronation ceremony of Our Lady by Mrs. Vanessa Shaw (Religious Education Leader), Rita Youssif (College Captain) and Klark Nuestro (incoming Deputy College Captain).
Prayer (one of our College Pillars) allows us to be connected to our source of peace and power, God Himself. In these times wherein many of our brothers and sisters are hurting, praying with the Blessed Mother remains a timeless act of solidarity as we intercede for the needs of the world, and for our own families.
How long have you worked at
Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs?
13th
year
What is your role at the
school?
Director of Student Pathways
What is the most rewarding
part of your job?
Working with the Year 10s
completing careers mentoring sessions and listening to their hopes and
aspirations.
What is your ideal way to
unwind and relax?
Gardening
What's your most fond
childhood memory?
Winning Grand Finals with
my mates playing footy
When you were little what did
you aspire to be?
Play cricket for Australia
What was your favourite
subject at school?
PE
How many languages do you
speak?
I tried to speak Italian during
secondary school, but the results obtained suggest I only speak English
What skill would you like to
master?
Playing the guitar
What book/tv series/podcasts
are you into at the moment?
Presumed
Innocent on AppleTV
What is your favourite sport
to watch or play?
American Football
Do you play a musical
instrument? If so, which one?
I would love
to learn the guitar but have only mastered the recorder
What would you sing at
karaoke night?
Shallow (the Lady Gaga part)
If you could choose to be
anything or a day, what would it be?
An NBA
player (the money they make is amazing)
If you could only eat one
meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chicken Parma
If you were a superhero, what
powers would you have?
The ability to fly
What's your favourite holiday
destination?
Las Vegas
Who would you want to play
you in a movie of your life?
Ben Affleck
Do you collect anything?
Dust in my home
What are your hobbies?
Going to the gym
What is something you could
spend hours doing?
Watching sport
If you had to watch a
documentary, what would you want it to be about?
Crime
How have your interests
changed over the years?
I’ve always been
enamoured with sport and that has not changed