Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let Your perpetual light shine upon them.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed
rest in peace.

Amen.

As November unfolds, our hearts and minds turn to the solemn observance of Remembrance Day on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. This occasion invites us to pause, reflect, and honour the men and women who have served our country in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping missions. Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy today and compels us to live lives of gratitude and purpose.

At our College, the ethos of "Live Fully, Act Justly" resonates deeply with the spirit of Remembrance Day. To "live fully" is to embrace the opportunities that freedom affords us, cherishing the life and peace so hard-won by those who came before us. It is also a call to use our gifts and talents to make the world a better place.

To "act justly" reminds us of our responsibility to be peacemakers in our own communities. Justice, compassion, and respect for the dignity of every person were the values for which so many sacrificed their lives. By embodying these values, we honour their legacy not only with our words but with our deeds.

As Australians, we are part of a nation forged in the spirit of resilience, courage, and mateship. On Remembrance Day, we commit to living out these qualities in our daily lives, inspired by the example of those who sacrificed so much for us. Lest we forget.

As we journey through these final weeks of the school year, we are reminded of the many opportunities to reflect, grow, and give thanks. These past few weeks are particularly rich in meaning as we commemorated Remembrance Day, prepare for end-of-year examinations, and celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King this coming Sunday, 24 November.

Solemnity of Christ the King

The Solemnity of Christ the King, marking the final Sunday of the liturgical year, invites us to reflect on the true nature of Christ's kingship. In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, John 18:33-37, Jesus stands before Pilate and declares that His kingdom is "not of this world." This passage challenges us to consider what it means to follow Christ as our King.

Jesus’ kingdom is not about earthly power or control but about truth, love, and justice. His kingship calls us to live as people of integrity, serving others and standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. Our College motto, "Live Fully, Act Justly," aligns perfectly with this message. To live fully is to embrace the life Christ offers us through His example of self-giving love. To act justly is to embody His call to serve others and work for the common good.

As we reflect on Christ’s kingship, let us ask ourselves: how can we better live out His truth in our daily lives? How can we make His kingdom of justice and peace more present in our school and broader community?

Examinations

The end of the school year is a time to finish well, particularly for our Years 8, 9, and 10 students, who are preparing for their upcoming examinations. This is a moment to draw on the lessons of perseverance, commitment, and hard work, ensuring that you conclude the year with pride in your efforts and achievements.

I encourage all students to embrace this time with focus and determination. Use the study skills you have developed, ask questions when you need support, and approach each subject with confidence. These exams are not only an assessment of knowledge but an opportunity to reflect on your growth this year.

As we strive to finish well, let us also remember the importance of respect and gratitude. Your teachers and school staff have journeyed alongside you, offering their expertise, support, and encouragement. Their dedication ensures that you are well-prepared, not just academically but as young people of character and faith. Take the time to thank them for their guidance and commitment.

End of Term

Please be reminded that the final day for Year 10 Students is FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER, with dismissal at 11.50am. 
Final day for Year 7-9 students is THURSDAY 5 DECEMBER with dismissal at 1pm. 

May we be inspired to finish the year with purpose and to live each day in the light of Christ's truth and kingship.

On Monday 11 November our College Community commemorated Remembrance Day with a Solemn Liturgy. The Liturgy was led by our College Leaders: Faith and Social Justice Captain – Mihini Rodrigio; College Captain – Rita Youssef and Deputy Captains – Tileah Tabone, Tomasso Corrente and Lucas Previti. 

The Liturgy was an opportunity to give thanks to God for the sacrifice of many men and women who have given their life for the common good, so that we may experience the peace and freedom we currently enjoy. We were reminded in the Gospel reading that there is “no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend” (John 15:13). 

Let us pray as we did in the Opening Prayer - “May war never again threaten us, and where war rages in our world, we pray that your peace will reign.”

This month of November marks two important feasts: All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. While the entire month is dedicated to praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, these two feasts focus on all who have passed away. On All Saints' Day, we are reminded of the inspiring examples of men, women, and children who have lived "Christ-like" lives and are now enjoying the beatific vision of God in heaven. The stories of the saints give us hope, as they remind us that we all have a “universal call to holiness.” We should all strive to be saints!

On All Souls' Day, the Church remembers those who have died but have not yet entered heaven. We are reminded of the importance of praying for the dead, as seen in 2 Maccabees 12:26 and 12:32: "Turning to supplication, they prayed that the sinful deed might be fully blotted out... Thus, they made atonement for the dead, that they might be free from sin." We believe that through the prayers of the faithful on earth, the souls in Purgatory are cleansed of their sins, so they may enter into heaven. It is a special opportunity to remember and pray for our loved ones who have gone before us.

Our staff and students have had the opportunity to pray for the faithful departed by writing the names of the deceased in our memorial book. Additionally, they have learned more about life after death during our Wednesday sessions with the LIHM Sisters. Let us always remember the words of Australia’s Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop: “We are but travellers here.” May this reminder help us orient ourselves toward heaven, keeping our eternal salvation in mind.

All Saints Day

All Souls Day Clip

In July and August this year, 8 students from Catholic Regional College competed in the NCSS Challenge Python 3 - an intensive coding competition designed to test problem-solving, programming logic, and creativity in Python. Over five weeks, students competed against students Australia-wide as they attempted programming challenges that ranged from simple to mind-bendingly hard.

All of our students showed great determination during the challenge with special recognition going to the following students who achieved scores of Credit and above.

Year 8

William Conto - Credit
Michael Gagliardi - Perfect Score

Year 10

James Jepson - Perfect Score
Lucas Previti - Perfect Score

As part of their Science unit on classification, our Year 7 students recently had the exciting opportunity to attend an incursion hosted by Wild Action Productions. The session, provided students with a hands-on, up-close look at a range of fascinating Australian animals, helping them better understand the concepts of classification and biodiversity.

Throughout the incursion, students were introduced to a variety of creatures, including joey kangaroos, wallabies, a koala, albino python, and even a freshwater crocodile! Each animal was brought in for students to observe and learn about in detail. Wild Action’s presenters shared fascinating facts about the unique characteristics, habitats, and behaviours of each species, while also discussing the ways in which these animals are classified into groups based on shared traits.

The incursion was a perfect complement to the students’ ongoing studies of animal classification, giving them the chance to apply their classroom learning to real-world examples. It was also an opportunity for students to develop a deeper appreciation for Australia’s diverse wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts.

A big thank you to all staff and students who participated in our incursion. It was three days of discovery and excitement, and we look forward to seeing how this experience enhances our students' understanding of the natural world.

Dear Families,

Archbishop Peter A Comensoli is inviting your family to the Archdiocesan Celebration on Sunday 24 November 2024 (Feast of Christ the King) at St Patrick’s Cathedral.

We would love to have you join us particularly as we launch Australian Catholic Youth Festival being held in Melbourne in 2025. Come and find out more and celebrate with the youth of Melbourne.

If you are participating in Mass in your own local community on Sunday morning, you are still very much welcome to the Festival in the Cathedral grounds beginning at midday.

On behalf of Archbishop Comensoli, we are very much looking forward to sharing this day with you as we begin our journey towards the Year of Jubilee and the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) to be held in Melbourne in 2025.

"Share the Dignity is an Australian women’s charity that makes a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or facing challenging circumstances”.

This wonderful organisation assists women in need by collecting hundreds of thousands of essential products each year through various drives and campaigns, distributing them directly to charities across Australia. This year, our generous community stepped up, making a positive impact on the lives of those around us.

Thanks to our community’s overwhelming support, the donation baskets overflowed with essentials for daily living—we managed to fill five massive boxes! Once again, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to shop for those in need. Your kindness and generosity have truly made a difference.

As it says in Proverbs 19:17, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” Together, we have proudly proclaimed our College motto "Live Fully Act Justly."

Catholic Care Carry-A-Can – Casual Clothes Day

On 7 November, CRCCS’s social justice group led the Catholic Care Carry a Can initiative, capturing the heart of our community’s generosity. Instead of the usual gold coin donation for casual clothes day, students were invited to bring in a can of food. This thoughtful approach sparked a tremendous response, as bags quickly overflowed with essential items donated by students and community members alike.

That same day, two representatives arrived with two cars to collect the impressive amount of donations. These items will soon be distributed to families in need, helping to make their Christmas season a little brighter. This initiative serves as a powerful reminder of how empathy and unity can bring hope to those who may be facing difficult times.

The Carry a Can drive truly underscores the strength of community and the impact of living out our College Pillar of Compassion can have. By coming together in this way, we help ensure that more families will experience the joy and warmth of the Christmas Season.

In 2024, the Social Justice Team embraced the spirit of our College motto, "Live Fully Act Justly”. Their efforts were truly transformative, shaping the culture of our school and creating a stronger sense of unity and understanding. Through their dedication, the team helped bring our community closer together, fulfilling God’s calling to strive for justice and compassion and in tangible ways. I am deeply grateful to the 2024 team for their unwavering faith and relentless drive to make such a meaningful difference.

Now as we look ahead, I want to extend a warm congratulations to the 2025 Social Justice Team and look forward for their exciting work to come!

2025 Year 8
Sienna H
Monica C
Taliah P
Poppy G
Sophia F
Alarii B
Chanelle N
Sophia B
Lucas S
Poppy V
Olivia V
Matejas J
Chiara G
Jana T
Matilda S
Sophie R

2025 Year 9
Olivia C
Richardine C
Emilia R
Gabriella L

2025 Year 10
Carlos T
Charlotte A
Chanel G
Sophia C
Chloe H
Keisha C
Alannah S

A special congratulations to Charlotte on her new role as CRCCS Faith and Social Justice Captain for 2025.

Guide me, O Lord, in your ways, and teach me to follow your path. Lead me in your truth, for you are my Savior. I place my trust and hope in you, now and forever.
— Psalm 86:11-12

May God bless their efforts to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others and inspire us all to walk in the path of God’s justice and compassion.

Thank you and Congratulations!

This Christmas season, let's come together to bring joy and support to those in need. From 11 to 29 November, we invite you to donate items such as pasta sauce, Christmas puddings, instant noodles, sweet biscuits, dried fruits, and more (please, strictly no baked beans or tinned spaghetti).

In February 2025, we will be welcoming 24 Italian exchange students to our college for a week. We are calling for all families who are able, to consider hosting a student from February 19th to 26th, 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity to take part in a cultural and language exchange, making lifelong connections with visiting Italian students from our sister school in Italy.

To help assist with the costs associated with hosting, host families will receive a $200 Visa voucher (per hosted student). In addition, CRCCS host students will have the chance to enjoy their choice of attending two exciting full-day excursions during the program.

For more information or to express your interest, please complete this form or ask for Mr. Julian Swan at reception.

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 were 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.