Last Sunday was the day of Pentecost, celebrated seven weeks after the resurrection of Jesus; the Holy Spirit was poured out upon those followers of Jesus who had gathered together in Jerusalem. In Pentecost, God pours out the Spirit upon all who put their faith in Jesus Christ and become his disciples (see Romans 8:1-11).

As we celebrated the joyous feast of Pentecost, I would like to take a moment to reflect on its significance and how we can embrace the spirit of this holy day within our school community.

Understanding Pentecost: Pentecost, celebrated 50 days after Easter, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. This event marked the beginning of the Church's mission to spread the Gospel to all nations. The apostles, once timid and fearful, were transformed into bold preachers of Christ’s resurrection, speaking in various tongues and reaching out to diverse peoples.

The Holy Spirit's Role: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding and inspiring us. It is the source of our faith, hope, and love, and it empowers us to live out our Christian values. The gifts of the Holy Spirit – wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord – are bestowed upon us to help us navigate life’s challenges and make decisions that reflect Christ’s teachings.

Living the Spirit of Pentecost: As we celebrate Pentecost, let us remember that the Holy Spirit continues to work within us and our school community. By fostering a spirit of unity, love, and service, we can make a positive impact on the world around us. I encourage everyone to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit and allow it to guide and inspire our actions and decisions.

May the Holy Spirit fill each of us with joy, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose. Let us carry the light of Pentecost into our everyday lives, spreading the message of Christ’s love to all we encounter. We pray that the Holy Spirit empowers us to truly live, breathe and enact our College motto of ‘Live Fully Act Justly’.

School Saving Bonus - Government School Only

On 16 July 1962, 2000 students from the Catholic schools of Goulburn, New South Wales presented for enrolment at the local government school.

The action, known as the 'Goulburn Strike', was in protest of the State Government's failure to provide funding to Catholic schools for basics such as toilets for students.

The protest highlighted a fact that remains just as strong today. If all Catholic school students were to enrol in Government schools, the system would not be able to cope, with one in four students in Victoria attending a Catholic school.

The protest was a watershed moment that saw the beginning of a more equitable funding model for Catholic schools. This equitable funding model is not only practical - reducing the burden on all families - but also serves to break down sectarian divisions and avoid an us-and-them mentality.

It is extremely disappointing that the current Victorian Government has decided to provide a $400 School Saving Bonus for every student in a government school. Only students whose parents have a health care card will be eligible to receive this bonus if they are enrolled in a Catholic school.

All families are feeling the cost-of-living pressures, not just those who enrol in government schools. Families that have selected to enrol their children in Catholic schools and include the study of Religious Education in their children’s education will now miss out on much-needed financial assistance.

Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs is not a high-fee-paying College. It strives to balance financial responsibility and a minimum burden on families with the increased costs of staffing and building projects.

All of our families should be eligible for the $400 School Saving Bonus.

We encourage you to contact our local State parliamentarian, Steve McGhie, to seek a more equitable distribution of state funds, which all of our families contribute to and should, therefore, be eligible to receive.

Template email for parents to send to MPs
Template email for broader school community to send to MPs

Letter templates are available below and can be emailed to Stephen.McGhie@parliament.vic.gov.au

National Reconciliation Week 
27 May - 3 June

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.

There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect.

Reconciliation supporters must stand up to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples. To call out racism wherever we encounter it, and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent.

Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.  

Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.

New Building Update

We are filled with excitement and anticipation as the construction on our new triple storey building is now well under way and beginning to take shape. 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.

King’s Birthday Public Holiday

Please note that Monday 10 June is the King’s Birthday public holiday. Students will return to school on Tuesday 11 June. Please place this return to school date in your calendars.

Mr. Jamie Madigan
Principal

Almighty God, deepen in our hearts
our love of Mary Help of Christians.
Through her prayers and under her protection,
may the light of Christ shine over our land.

May Australia be granted harmony, justice and peace.
Grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens.
Bless especially the men and women
of the Australian Defence Force and their families.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.

Mary Help of Christians became a beacon of hope and faith. In the early days of the colony, the faithful faced significant challenges. Priests were not sent to Australia, and Mass was prohibited for all but one brief year until 1820. It was the Rosary, fervently prayed by the early settlers, that sustained their faith during this period of isolation.

This day is not just a commemoration of a past event but a celebration of the enduring faith and resilience of many before us who despite immense challenges, maintained their devotion to Mary and the Rosary.

Today, Australia faces growing tensions and divisions across various facets of society social, political, and economic. The example of the early settlers turning to Mary Help of Christians can serve as a powerful source of unity. Just as the Rosary sustained the faith of those early Catholics, our collective devotion to Mary Help of Christians can help bridge divides and foster a spirit of solidarity.

Mary Help of Christians, Pray for us!

On Friday, May 10 our College community celebrated Mother’s Day with our traditional Mass and Breakfast. The Mass honoured the beauty of motherhood, with Fr. Richard highlighting in his sermon how mothers selflessly give of themselves for their children from the moment of conception. Providentially, this was also reflected in the Gospel reading of the Mass of the day.

After the Mass, students escorted their mothers, grandmothers, and other significant women to the cafeteria to share a wonderful breakfast together put on by our Cafeteria staff. Along the way, they presented them with chocolate and a prayer cards. It was so wonderful to see the women of our community being recognised and celebrated.

We thank God for all the mothers and important mother figures in our community who continue to nurture us in every way. Let us continue to pray for them so that God may give them the strength and courage to continue their vocation.

It has truly been a productive few weeks, from the Social Justice Front.

Anzac Day Celebrations

ANZAC Day is an important and dignifying day in Australia, celebrated on the April 25th. We honour everyone who died while Australia was in wars, fights, and peacekeeping missions. On ANZAC Day, we especially think about the brave things the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps did during World War I. To acknowledge the sacrifices made and in recognising human dignity, students were invited to place their name on a red poppy cut-out, which were used to make a vibrant display for the whole community to enjoy.

Mother’s Day Card Making

At CRCCS, we never forget to celebrate the amazing women in our lives, especially our mums and motherly figures. They show us love, compassion, hard work, and strength each day. As Christians, we look up to Mary as a role model especially during the month of May, which is dedicated to Mother Mary. The mother of love and obedience.

Students took timeout of their lunchtime to make cards, showing their appreciation, while letting their smiles do the talking.

We pray to her for guidance, especially for all the significant females in our lives. Let's remember, a mother's love is a special gift that connects us to something divine.

"When you walk around, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will protect you; when you awake, they will occupy your attention." Proverb 6:22

Prayer Day

The 'Year of Prayer' has been declared by Pope Francis as part of the preparations for the Jubilee Year "Pilgrims of Hope", which spans from 2023 to 2024. During this time, there's a special focus on the Our Father prayer. This presents a great opportunity for us to revisit the fundamentals of prayer and deepen our connection with God.

It was once said that prayer isn't just something that helps our relationship with God; it is our relationship with God. So, by dedicating ourselves more to prayer, we strengthen our friendship with the Divine. As Pilgrims of Hope, we need to nurture our prayer life as we journey in faith continually.

Moreover, the Year of Prayer encourages us to think about how we can assist others in their prayer journey, so they too can encounter Jesus personally. As we reflect on this, let's consider ways to share the gift of prayer with others, just as Jesus taught His disciples. More so, we can embrace our school pillar of Prayer. This is a paramount part of our journey at Catholic Regional College.

This year we devoted a day to prayer, this consisted of meeting the community at the front gate, handing out prayer cards, followed by a “spiritually” sound lunch activity. We were blessed to have Sister Lawrence join us as we wrote prayers, listened to worship music and completed some mindful colouring in.

May we continue to work on building a positive and heart filled relationship with our Lord.

In 2023, the CRCCS community continued its remarkable journey of compassion and impact, building upon the foundations laid in the previous year. Through our collective generosity and unwavering commitment to our College motto, ‘Live fully, Act Justly,’ we extended our support to the deserving individuals of St. Francis Primary School in Kizinga, Uganda.

The strides made in 2023 were profound. These significant funds brought rays of hope to countless children and families, fostering an environment of security, opportunity, and empowerment. Through education initiatives, the establishment of safe learning spaces, and the implementation of essential food programs, we nurtured the dreams and aspirations of the St. Francis, Kizinga community.

Yet, our journey is far from over. In 2024, we remain steadfast in our commitment to driving meaningful change and addressing ongoing challenges. To this end, our focus turns towards several critical objectives:

- Further Developing a holistic and sustainable food program encompassing breakfast and lunch provisions.
- Implementing sustainable water harvesting solutions, including the installation of advanced water tanks.
- Establishing an outdoor kitchen/cooking area to enhance food preparation facilities.
- Continuing our support for essential building projects and providing necessary furniture for future expansions.

As we embark on this new chapter, our fundraising target for 2024 stands at $30,000. Building upon the spirit of solidarity and compassion that defines our community, we ask in kindness that each student contributes $20 towards this wonderful cause. Families with more than two children are asked to make a family donation of $50.

The collection process remains simple and efficient: students submit their contributions to their homeroom teacher, who will record their names on the class list.

The 2024 St. Francis Kizinga - Uganda Fundraiser will once again take centre stage, serving as a heartfelt reminder of our shared values and collective responsibility. It is an opportunity not only to uphold our Catholic faith but also to reflect on how we can actively embody our college motto in service to others.

In this project, we draw inspiration from the timeless words of Caritas: ‘for all future generations.’ Our commitment to creating a brighter future knows no bounds, and we eagerly anticipate your unconditional love and support as we continue to make a difference in the lives of countless children and families.

Should you have any queries or require further information regarding the 2024 St. Francis Kizinga - Uganda Fundraiser Project, please do not hesitate to contact the College. 

Together, let us journey forward with compassion, purpose, and hope.

Read more about it or Donate here

The images below showcase a selection of serving boards completed by Year 8 Materials Technology students in term one.

It was the first time most students had used woodworking tools to complete a practical product, and I must say they all did a fantastic job!

It is great to see students designing and creating work with their own hands. I’m sure their families will take great pleasure in serving up tasty snacks on these boards.

Peace in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary!

My name is Sr. Lawrence Nicolas, from the Leaven of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters (LIHM). Starting this second term of the year, I have had the privilege to be the College Chaplain for CRCCS.

The Sisters and I have been visiting the college since 2018 for reflection days and youth ministry sessions. It is now a joy to have a permanent presence within the College community in this new role.

"Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire." These famous words from one of our patron saints, St. Catherine of Siena, inspire us as a school to build up our young people enflamed with this fire. This is only possible when we are grounded in Christ. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve the college community and collaborate with students, staff, and surrounding families in this mission.

2024 School Fees

2024 School Fee notice and Fee Payment Agreements were mailed home. If you have not received them, please contact the finance department or visit the College website. 

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

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

Final payment due 27 May 2024 $1100.00

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.

The Bible and Science

Answers to trivia questions from the last Newsletter

1.What do the Whitsundays in Queensland have to do with Sunday 19 May?

Answer: Captain James Cook discovered what is now known as the 'Whitsunday Islands' on Pentecost Sunday. The date of Pentecost Sunday commemorates The Holy Spirit’s arrival 50 days after Easter. Also known as White Sunday in some church traditions, churchgoers dress in white clothing signifying The Holy Spirit’s work of holiness in people’s lives. Combining White and Sunday into one word and dropping the “e” we get the name for one of the most picturesque parts in the world. 

2. (a) Which colour in visible light did Sir Isaac Newton predict existed even though he managed to discover 6 colours?
Answer: Indigo

(b) How was he able to predict one more colour existed?
Answer: He believed in God and because He created light and the number 7 in The Bible represents completeness or perfection He would leave His Fingerprint on this and He was right

(c) What is the significance of the colour produced when all 7 colours mix together?
Answer: The 'colour' white is produced which symbolises purity

How long have you worked at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs?
Just over one year.

What is your role at the school?
I am the Mathematics and Numeracy Learning Area Leader, and I teach maths and VCE Psychology.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Being able to watch students work hard and achieve their goals. I also love building positive relationships and having a laugh with my students.

What is your ideal way to unwind and relax?
Laying on the couch with my dog watching The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills or RuPaul’s Drag Race.

What's your most fond childhood memory?
I was a dancer for over twenty years, so I have fond memories of dance concerts and competitions. When I was young, there was no better feeling than putting on a beautiful costume and performing for an audience.

When you were little what did you aspire to be?
I always wanted to be an educator of some sort. I actually wanted to be a kindergarten teacher for many years!

What was your favourite subject at school?
Surprisingly, not maths! I loved science, particularly psychology and biology.

What skill would you like to master?
As much as I like to think I can sing, I really can’t. I would love to be able to sing well.

What is your favourite sport to watch or play?
I love watching the Olympics, especially athletics, swimming and gymnastics.

What would you sing at karaoke night?
You will likely find me belting out to ABBA or Taylor Swift.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Definitely hot chips!

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
I would have the ability to teleport so I wouldn’t have to sit in traffic everyday!

What's your favourite holiday destination?
I love the hustle and bustle of New York City, but I would love to visit the Maldives or Bora Bora.

What are your hobbies?
Going to the gym and going on long walks amongst beautiful scenery with my dog.