O Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, we dedicate this month of August to your loving heart. Guide us closer to your Son, Jesus, and teach us to love and serve Him with a pure heart.

Help us to imitate your virtues, especially your humility, patience, and obedience to God’s will. In times of trial, grant us the grace to trust in your maternal protection and to remain steadfast in faith.

We pray for peace in our hearts, in our families, and in the world. Through your intercession, may we grow in holiness and reflect the love of Christ in all that we do.

O Immaculate Heart of Mary, we place our prayers, our lives, and our souls in your hands. Intercede for us now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

In the Catholic Church, a vocation is a calling from God to live out our lives in a particular way that reflects His love and truth. Vocations can take many forms, including the priesthood, religious life, marriage, and single life. Each vocation is a unique path to holiness, where we are invited to serve others and grow closer to God through our daily lives. National Vocations Awareness Week is a time dedicated to fostering an understanding and appreciation of these different vocations, encouraging everyone to reflect on God’s call in their lives.

As part of this special week, we were honoured to have Fr. Richard and Seminarian Greg speak with our Year 10 boys. They shared their personal experiences and insights about the vocation to the priesthood and the broader concept of vocations. Fr. Richard emphasised the joy and fulfillment that comes from dedicating one’s life to serving God and His people. Seminarian Greg offered a relatable perspective, speaking about his journey from the Australian Airforce to a moment of discernment and the challenges and blessings he has encountered along the way.

Similarly, the Year 10 girls had the privilege of hearing from Sr. Lawrence, who spoke about the vocation to religious life. Sr. Lawrence shared her journey and how she came to realise her calling to serve as a religious sister. Her testimony was a powerful reminder of the peace and joy that comes from following God’s will.

Throughout the week, we engaged in various activities that helped students reflect on the theme of vocations. We watched Disney’s Soul, a thought-provoking movie that explores the meaning of life and the importance of following one’s true purpose. Students participated in cross-making, a hands-on activity that allowed them to create a tangible reminder of their faith and their call to serve others and we gathered for Adoration, a time of prayer and contemplation before the Blessed Sacrament.

We are grateful to Fr. Richard, Seminarian Greg, and Sr. Lawrence for their inspiring talks and to everyone who participated in the week’s activities. Let us continue to pray for an increase in vocations and for the courage to follow wherever God may lead us.

Earlier this month, our Year 8 students had the privilege of participating in a transformative Faith Formation Day led by Fr. Rob Galea. Fr. Rob shared his powerful testimony of discovering God’s love after a tumultuous life of crime during his early teenage years. His story of redemption resonated deeply with our students, offering them a raw and real example of how faith can transform lives.

In the second session, Fr. Rob explored the profound truth that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of inner strength and resilience amidst life's challenges. He emphasized that while things may sometimes go wrong, we still have the power to maintain our peace. Through engaging stories and practical advice, Fr. Rob provided insights into finding and sustaining peace even in the most turbulent times, offering our Year 8 students tools they can use in their everyday lives.

The day concluded with Fr. Rob offering both our staff and parish members the unique experience of a ‘Teaching Mass.’ This provided valuable insights into the liturgy, enriching our understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist.

Faith Formation Day with Fr. Rob Galea was a significant event in the spiritual lives of our Year 8 students, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have him at our College. Let us continue to pray for Fr. Rob and his ministry so that he may continue to reach the hearts of many with his message of Jesus’ transformative power.

Last Thursday, our school community gathered to celebrate the Solemnity of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a College Mass. This significant occasion in our liturgical calendar was a wonderful witness of our Catholic faith, as we came together to honour Mary, the Mother of God, and seek her intercession in our lives.

The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Jaycee Napoles, the Assistant Master of Ceremonies at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne. In his thoughtful homily, Fr. Jaycee reflected on the significance of the Assumption, highlighting how Mary's entrance into heaven reminds us that, as humans created in God's image, we are both body and soul. He emphasized that one day, we too are called to share in this divine mystery.

The celebration was enriched by the participation of our students and staff, and the choir's beautiful hymns lifted our prayers to God.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, assumed into heaven, continue to watch over our College and inspire us to grow in faith, hope, and love.

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS): Monday 2 September – Friday 20 September 2024

Throughout each year, we pause to listen to our students, families and staff to gauge how our learning community is travelling. This feedback is invaluable to our progress as effective school communities and is backed by evidence-based research and best practices.

A significant and formal way in which we engage and gather data is through MACSSIS, the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys.

MACSSIS is a set of surveys that have been built specifically for Catholic schools in Melbourne by the Learning Services team at MACS, in partnership with researchers at Learning First and in wide consultation with principals in our schools.

In 2024, students, families and staff are invited to participate in MACSSIS via our secure and purpose-built online platform. The online platform is where our school leaders will access the summary reports that visualise the results of the student, family and staff surveys.

The MACSSIS survey platform is operated by an independent supplier, ORIMA Research Pty Ltd. The platform meets with the high security and privacy standards for handling student and school data. Participating schools are in the process of updating their privacy policy to ensure school communities are fully informed and protected.

Students at our school will be provided with supervised sessions, where teachers are on hand to help and answer any questions. Families and staff can complete the survey anytime over the three-week window via an emailed link and password. Feedback has indicated that previous surveys were completed across a range of mobile devices and different web browsers. Schools will be providing more information about MACSSIS throughout Term 2 and 3, via newsletters and social media.

Our community’s opinions are critical to understanding how our school is performing – MACSSIS is a key data source for guiding the ongoing work to improve our school.

All participation is invited, welcomed and 100 per cent voluntary. The surveys are not a test; they are an inclusive way to support the work we are already doing to improve our school. Everyone has the right to refuse to participate, or withdraw from the survey at any point before, during or after completion of the survey. Please notify the school if your child does not wish to participate.

If you would like more information, please contact the school.

The 2024 Whole School Specialty Group Photos will be held on Monday, 16 September. New students can also take their individual portrait shots before school, during recess, or at lunch.

A detailed schedule for the day will be posted closer to the date on SEQTA for parents and students to view.

Students must wear their full winter uniform on their scheduled photo day. Those taking group photos in alternate uniforms will need to change prior to their photo being taken. Uniforms for sports groups will be provided in the hall. A list of the correct uniform items to be worn is included in the schedule on SEQTA.

Students wearing incorrect uniforms will not have their photos taken.

Any changes to the schedule will be posted on SEQTA notices.

To order sports and specialty group photos, all students involved will receive a hard copy ordering form in Term 4. Parents are asked to follow the instructions on the form to purchase the photos if they wish.

Shing-a-ling…what a creepy thing to be happening! Audrey Two comes to life here at Catholic Regional College, Caroline Springs.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or experiencing Little Shop of Horrors for the first time, this production is a must-see for audiences of all ages.

Shows:

Thursday 29 August 7:30pm (Opening Night)
Friday 30 August 7:30pm
Saturday 31 August 2pm (Matinee)
Saturday 31 August 7:30pm (Closing Night)

TICKET LINK: https://www.trybooking.com/CRYSW

We cannot wait to share our wonderful talent with our College Community!

Allison Caruana
Director / Producer

2024 School Fees

A reminder to all parents/carers that school fees are to be finalised by 30 November 2024. It is not too late to start a payment plan if required.

If this is an option for you, please contact the finance department or visit the school website to download a form. 

Year 9 Camps - Wednesday 30 October to 1 November 2024

Tax Invoices for Camp were emailed to Parents 22 July 2024

Payments due in FULL by 4 October 2024

Immersion Tasmania 2025 - payment due dates

Payments are due by 08 October 2024 - $1050.00 and 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

How long have you worked at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs?
This is my first year at CRC Caroline Springs, and I have been loving it so far!

What is your role at the school?
My role here is the Learning Area Leader for Humanities. The area of study has been a passion of mine since I was in high school and I’m thoroughly enjoying sharing my passion with my students and staff.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of teaching is seeing students who have been working hard on a skill or concept and watching it just click and they finally ‘get’ it. Students generally have a hard time hiding their excitement in those moments and its contagious.

What is your ideal way to unwind and relax?
I’m a music lover, so unwinding to me means putting on a soul/jazz record and letting the music wash over me.

When you were little what did you aspire to be?
When I was little, I wanted to play footy for the doggies like my hero at the time, Chris Grant. I still hold out hope for an emergency call up! Or I wanted to be a left-handed Steve Waugh.

What was your favourite subject at school?
Unsurprisingly, my favourite subjects at school were all in the field of the Humanities – I loved Politics, History and Legal Studies the most.

How many languages do you speak?
Other than English, I speak 4 languages – Arabic, Italian, French and a little Mandarin.

What book/tv series/podcasts are you into at the moment?
I’ve just picked up a copy of Bob Bauer’s ‘The Unravelling: Reflections on Politics without Ethics and Democracy in Crisis’ which I’m really looking forward to sinking my teeth into.

What is your favourite sport to watch or play?
My favourite sports are absolutely football and cricket. I spend my winters following the Western Bulldogs and my summers playing cricket for my local club. I’m also a big fan of rugby union.

Do you play a musical instrument? If so, which one?
I play guitar (poorly), but I’ve dabbled in a lot of other instruments over my time, like the piano, drums, trombone, saxophone and trumpet.

What would you sing at karaoke night?
‘Torn’ by Natalie Imbruglia is always a crowd pleaser.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
My nonna’s lasagne – heaven on a fork!

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
I’d love to be able to fly – oh, the places I would go!

What's your favourite holiday destination?
Beirut, Lebanon. Such an amazing city, where history and modernity collide, where you can go skiing in the morning and then kick back by the beach in the afternoon, before an evening of amazing food, fun and frivolity!

What are your hobbies?
My hobbies are fairly varied – I’m a big sports fan, but I also love music and theatre and will go to gigs and shows whenever I can. I love spending time with my family and friends and finding new, amazing things our great city has to offer.

If you had to watch a documentary, what would you want it to be about?
I’m a sucker for a WWII or Cold War documentary!