Loving Father, you gather me in this upper room with your son, to be fed by your love.
At that supper, Jesus told us to "love one another" and I know that is the heart of his gift, his sacrifice for me.
I ask that I might find the source of my own heart, the meaning for my own life, in that Eucharist.
Guide me to the fullness of your love and life. May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.
Principal
This Sunday is Easter Sunday. This weekend is the highlight of the liturgical calendar. The Easter Triduum is a three-day event, Holy Thursday Easter Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Good Friday celebration of the Lords Passion, Holy Saturday Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday, marking the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. The Easter Triduum marks the end of Lent and the start of the Easter Season which lasts for the 50 days until Pentecost.
On the evening of Holy Thursday, we remember the Last or Lord’s Supper where, amongst other significant events, Jesus taught vividly about Christian leadership by washing the feet of his followers. On Good Friday we mark the passion, crucifixion and death of Jesus. Holy Saturday is a silent, barren day as we reflect further on the death of Jesus and his journey into the afterlife. On Saturday night and Easter Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus as the Christ and his victory over death.
Term 1, has been filled with many highpoints and activities including the many events and activities listed below:
All these events and activities take planning and preparation to ensure that they are successful events. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the CRC Caroline Springs community to thank our staff for their effort. They have been extremely diligent and generous with their own time to enable the many events listed above to take place. Without the support of staff, these activities simply would not take place, so I thank staff most sincerely for their efforts. I would like to thank all teaching staff and the I.T, maintenance, counselling, learning diversity, library, support, administration, and finance teams who have been working diligently to ensure a successful term.
I ask that students take the time to reflect and enjoy these achievements, whilst also setting specific and realistic goals for Term 2. I also ask all students to challenge themselves to participate in the vast array of co-curricular activities available at the College and to embrace and contribute to the numerous faith and social justice opportunities available at the College.
As we conclude Term 1, we give thanks for the many enriching experiences of life and learning at our College, and we pray for a safe and restful time for students, staff and families over the Easter holiday period.
May the spirit of hope that Easter brings, inspire renewed energy, new goals and a strengthened resolve to live the Christian life in the footsteps of Jesus.
New Building Update:
We are filled with excitement and anticipation as the construction on our new triple storey building has now begun. 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.
Term 2 student return date:
Please note that students will return to the College on Monday15 April in full Winter uniform for Terms 2 and 3. See below photos for examples of the full Winter uniform:
Jamie Madigan
Principal
Term One has proven to be a busy and exciting term for the Science and STEM department, with students getting involved in a range of activities and developing their knowledge and skills in this learning area.
The Year 7s students have been introduced to Science and STEM at CRCCS – they have learnt about Laboratory safety and how to use specialised scientific equipment such as the Bunsen Burners. Students undertaking the STEM elective this term have had fun learning to code Sphero robots and have experimented with film canister rockets powered by Bicarbonate Soda and Vinegar.
Our Year 8 students have been studying cells and have learnt how to use microscopes. Students have been able to use the microscopes to focus in on individual cells from plant samples, and to compare these to animal cell samples. The ability to see cells up close has helped our Year 8 students to really understand this fascinating area of Biology.
Year 9 students have been focusing on Physics this term. They have been learning about heat and electricity. The students have been testing different insulators to see which trap heat most effectively. They have also enjoyed learning how to wire series and parallel electric circuits.
The Year 10 students have been enjoying their first year of studying the science subject of their choice, in line with their own interests and pathways. Students studying DNA, Genes and Inheritance have been learning about DNA and learnt how to extract it from the cells of a Kiwi fruit. Biodiversity and Evolutionary Science students have been learning about Natural Selection and our Chemistry students have been experimenting with comparing metallic elements to non-metallic elements, as well as testing the chemicals which are used to create the beautiful colours we see in fireworks displays.
It certainly has been a jam-packed term, full of lots of hands-on learning. Our team looks forward to next term when we can continue to inspire our students to get excited about all things Science and STEM.
Hayley Iannazzo
Science & STEM Learning Area Leader
On 6-8 March, the Year 8-10 Student Leaders attended the annual Student Leadership Camp at the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club. It was an enjoyable and unforgettable experience that allowed us to build friendships and become closer as a team.
During our time away, we participated in various workshops, each of which helped us to develop our leadership skills and qualities. These workshops involved icebreaker and team-building exercises, learning about our personal values, leadership styles, and how to effectively coach our peers.
A few highlights of our time on camp include participating in a surfing lesson run by Go Ride A Wave, enjoying ice-cream while belting out songs on the walk back, and creating lasting memories along the way.
On the last day of camp, we started working on our proposals and focusing on our school’s future. We are very excited to work on these and hope to present them to the College Leadership Team very soon.
From great food and bonding experiences, to becoming more connected with the leadership aspect of our roles, we have come back ready to initiate new changes in our College community.
Gabriella 8WU and Carlos 9KO
On Thursday 18 April, the College is hosting a hybrid Student Parent Teacher Interview (SPTI) event, scheduled from 9:00am to 8:00pm.
There will be no scheduled classes for students on this day.
Parents/carers will be able to select to have their interview either face-to-face or online, via Microsoft Teams. Each interview will be 10-minutes in duration, with a 5-minute break between each interview.
The interviews are designed to provide students, parents/carers and teachers an opportunity to discuss progress throughout the beginning of the school year and set goals for the remainder of the year.
Bookings will open for parents/carers via the Parent Teacher Online (PTO) platform from 9:00am Friday 29 March and close at 9:00am on Monday 15 April.
When booking via PTO, parents/carers will enter their interview meeting preference as shown by the image below.
Please note your email address will be pre-entered in the email box. Instructions on how to access PTO and make bookings, together with how to join a scheduled Teams interview will be sent to your College registered email address inbox on Friday 29 March.
Students are expected to be present for the duration of all booked interviews with their parent/carer either at the College or from a suitable place at home.
Parents are asked to adhere to the booked times and abide by Parent/Carer Guardian Code of Conduct during SPTIs. Interpreters will be made available for parents as required.
You may download a copy of the Student Parent Teacher Interviews Policy and Parent/Carer/Guardian Code of Conduct by clicking on the links.
Please note that the following teachers are unavailable for bookings;
If you would like to speak to these teachers, please send them a Direqt Message and they will contact you back as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, or need any assistance, please contact College Reception.
Catholic Education Week ran from 10 - 17 March and our College Student Leaders were able to participate in the annual St. Patrick's Day Mass for Schools. Representing us were our College Captain, Rita, along with our three Deputy College Captains, Tileah, Tomasso, and Lucas, as well as our Social Justice Captain, Mihini.
The Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Comensoli, resonated with the theme 'In the Light of Christ,' emphasising the importance of our faith and the welcoming embrace of St Patrick’s Cathedral, our spiritual home. Catholic Education Week serves as an opportunity for schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne to reflect on our Catholic identity and our integral role within the community.
Archbishop Comensoli's Homily reminded us of our shared calling to be saints, echoing the example set by St Patrick himself. Following the Mass, our student leaders engaged in the Young Speakers Colloquium at the Catholic Leadership Centre, delving into meaningful discussions about how each of us is summoned to embody the "Light of Christ."
As we reflect on this experience, let us carry forward the spirit of St Patrick, embracing our roles as leaders within our community through living fully and acting justly and to illuminate the path with the light of Christ in all that we do.
Anthony Zammit
Teacher
Our College Hall transformed into a space of prayer and reflection as our talented students from Drama Club and our College Choir, accompanied by our Instrumental and Performing Arts staff lead a beautiful adaptation of the Stations of the Cross at our end of term Easter Liturgy. Through the Stations of the Cross, Jesus is inviting us to journey with him and to reflect on his suffering as it continues in the lives of his people.
Thank you to all the staff and students involved in the rehearsal and planning of our end of term Easter Liturgy. We are thankful that you have shared your gifts with our College Community.
Yanina Martins
Drama Teacher
As we journey through Holy Week we come to the most important time of the year in the Church. We celebrate Christ’s paschal mystery - the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Each of these holy days are rich in meaning, symbolism and of great significance in the life of the Church. We begin with Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem as King which is in strong contrast to what occurs during the Easter Triduum later in the week. Holy Thursday signifies Christ institution of the Eucharist and the new priesthood as Christ becomes the new ‘Passover Lamb.’ We have the beautiful image of Christ washing his disciples feet as he ‘sets us an example that we should do as he has done for us (Jn 13:15).’ In the liturgy all the decorations of the Church are removed or shrouded and all candles are extinguished to represent darkness. The priest strips and washes the feet of 12 people and instead of the final blessing we have adoration of the Eucharist.
On Good Friday we remember Christ’s Crucifixion. The ultimate act of love in which God humbles himself to become man. The tabernacle is empty and the church is again undecorated. We have the silent and solemn procession for the liturgy and we venerate the cross by kneeling before it and kissing it. The Eucharist received is consecrated from the day before.
The week culminates with the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord (Easter) in which we celebrated Christ’s rising from the dead. The Mass begins gathering in the dark symbolizing the darkness of the tomb and our sin. We follow the candle like the Israelites who followed the pillar of fire and we here nine readings and eight Psalms, which tell the story of Salvation that Jesus won for us. During the Gloria, the Church lights come on and we decorate the Church to symbolize Christ’s Resurrection. We also baptize and welcome new people into our church and renew our baptismal promises. The richness of the Liturgies over the coming days enables one to enter the Paschal Mystery of our Lord. I encourage you to check your local Parish Bulletin for Easter Timetable (see below for local Parish Masses). May the joy of the Risen Lord be with you and your families these Easter holidays.
The following two-minute clip gives a brief insight into the meaning of each of the days of Holy Week.
Paul Sammut
Director of Catholic Identity and Mission
As we near Easter, a time revered for its sacred significance in Christianity, our hearts and minds are drawn to the profound message of Jesus' Resurrection and his ascension into heaven. For members of the Social Justice Club, Easter is not only a time for personal reflection and spiritual renewal but also a poignant reminder of our mission to spread God's love and advocate for justice in our world.
No matter the background, we are all encouraged to celebrate Jesus' life and the profound sacrifices he made of love for all of us. We are called to remember that Jesus was not only God, but a human like us too, who experiences hardships, but no matter the occasion Jesus rose and overcame his challenges,
During this year in Easter, let us allow the significance of Jesus' resurrection to warm our souls and inspire us to action. Whether through grand gestures or small acts of kindness, let us extend Jesus' boundless generosity to all those we encounter, and calling us to live how he did, through his selflessness, compassion and his love.
The Social Justice Club extends a warm welcome to all those celebrating Easter, and a reminder to use this period to grow closer to God, and understand the sacrificed he made for us out of love.
May God continue to bless you abundantly as we rejoice in the resurrection of Christ. Christ is Risen!
Lucas Priviti
Year 10
Saint Patrick said, "The Lord is greater than all. I have said enough”. May we all continue to acknowledge that our Lord is greater than all that exists and ask for his strength and guidance in all that we do. Saint Patrick who was born in England, was taken to Ireland as a slave when he was just a teenager. After six years, he escaped and went back home. It was through his experiences that he was inspired to spread Christianity throughout Ireland.
To celebrate this marvelous saint, the Social Justice created a small display, of course using shamrock, which St Patrick used as a tool to educate on the Holy Trinity. They also distributed green apples and stickers before school and sold green jelly and lollies at recess. All monies raised went towards our Caritas Project Compassion fundraising. Thank you to our most generous community for all their support.
Matilda Mattar
Social Justice Leader
The Caritas theme for 2024, was “For future generations”. One might ask what this means. As educators we play a vital role in lead the paths for the young that we are surrounded by. In all that we do and say we are being heard and watched. We shape what the future will bring, which makes all we strive to do important.
It is through such projects that we uphold the dignity of all. We are encouraged to stop and think of the other, be it the poor, hungry and the many others suffering from the injustices of the world. During Term 1, the CRCCS Social Justice Team organised and facilitated a range of events to encourage the entire community to come together, open their hearts and generously donate towards this cause. It was through sausage sizzles, casual clothes days, treat sales and homeroom donations, that we were able to raise an amazing $5,091.03.
From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank you for the difference you have made in the lives of others. Someone out there will be keeping you in their prayers for the meal on their table, or the shoes on their feet.
Term 2 will bring allow us to redirect our focus on own brothers and sisters in Uganda. However, for now, thank you and God bless all your efforts.
Matilda Mattar
Social Justice Leader
2024 School Fees
2024 School Fee notice and Fee Payment Agreements were mailed home. If you have not received them or need to update account or credit card details, please contact the finance department or visit the school website.
If you have changed home address or email details, please also update the school.
2024 Payment arrangements are now due back as commencement of payment for fees was February 2024 and to be finalised by November 2024 unless prior arrangement is in place.
CSEF 2024 (Current health care card holders)
CSEF applications are still 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 22 April 2024 $1,500.00 and 27 May 2024 $1,100.00
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
We continue to build on the very positive relationships that has been established between CRC Caroline Springs and St Luke’s parish as well as our sister school St Francis primary school in Kizinga Uganda.
"In a world where there is so much wealth, so many resources to feed everyone, it is incomprehensible how there can be so many hungry children, so many children without an education, so many poor".
By reaching out in friendship and solidarity with the community of St Francis, Kizinga we have given hope to hundreds of children and their families who otherwise couldn’t access education. The support of our students has enabled the construction and furnishing of two brick classroom blocks; a food program; the refurbishment of the church with a concrete floor; and soon the installation of water tanks. Compassion, empathy and love for one another are the cornerstones of our teaching at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs and we are immensely proud of our community for continuing to embrace the Uganda Project.
Below is a video message of thanks to the Catholic Regional College Community from Fr. Emma Kiwinicha and the students from St Francis Catholic Primary school Kizinga, Uganda.
How long have you worked at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs?
Just over 3 Years
What is your role at the school?
Receptionist
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Coming into work each day to a positive work environment.
What is your ideal way to unwind and relax?
Listening to music or sitting in a hammock on a sunny day reading a book.
What's your most fond childhood memory?
Going to my family farm most weekends, playing games with my cousins and sitting around the many bonfires.
When you were little what did you aspire to be?
An Architect
What was your favourite subject at school?
VCD and Business Management
What skill would you like to master?
My goal this year is to learn the guitar. I would also love to learn Auslan (sign language).
What book/tv series/podcasts are you into at the moment?
Currently reading Normal People by Sally Rooney, which also is one of my favourite TV series.
What would you sing at karaoke night?
I grew up playing Singstar, so give me the mic and I’ll sing anything.
If you could choose to be anything for a day, what would it be?
Lady Gaga’s best friend. She is my idol.
What's your favourite holiday destination?
Echuca on the Murray and Vietnam.
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Blake Lively. She is a beautiful person, and I grew up watching her on Gossip Girl.
What do you do for fun?
Catch up with friends, go camping and hiking, see a concert/gig.
What are your hobbies?
Reading, pilates, running and gardening.
What is something you wish you did more often?
I’m someone that is always on the go, wish I slowed down and enjoyed quiet days more.
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