St. Francis Kizinga- Uganda Fundraiser 2022

The 2022 St. Francis Kizinga - Uganda Fundraiser continues to be a major focus throughout Term 2. This event is a celebration of our commitment to our Catholic Faith as well as a time to reflect on how we can action our College Motto.

Motto

Our College Motto is beautifully succinct, yet all-encompassing. It clearly articulates the core Christian message of giving the gift of ourselves and loving each other. Live Fully Act Justly is a call to look beyond self-interest and stand in solidarity with the marginalised. Rather than asking, ‘How does this affect me?’ living fully and acting justly encourages a broader perspective that asks ‘How can I have a positive impact on others?

Uganda Project - St Francis Catholic School, Kizinga

With the motto in mind, we continue to build on the very positive relationships that have been established between CRC Caroline Springs and St. Luke’s parish as well as our sister school St Francis primary school in Kizinga Uganda.

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 classrooms; a daily food program; the refurbishment of the church with a concrete floor; and 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.

The St. Francis, Kizinga community are enormously humble and grateful for the classrooms and the breakfast program and were full of renewed hope for their children. The CRCCS community through previous generous donations has quite literally saved the lives of many children destined for poverty, hunger, and sickness.

But there is still more to do. We need to:

• find a solution to water harvesting, possibly through the installation of more complex water tanks

• erect an outdoor kitchen / cooking area

• develop a sustainable food program that includes breakfast and lunch

• support further building projects

• provide furniture for future building projects

2022 Target $20,000

In 2022, the target has again been set at $20,000. However, a project of this size and scope is going to need the continued commitment of our whole community. Therefore, in order to raise the funds, we need to come together as a school community and indeed live, breathe and enact our College Motto of ‘Live Fully Act Justly’. As we have previously done, we are asking that every student in the College again commit to a donation of $20 to be paid in the next few weeks. This can be paid in small instalments to the Homeroom teacher if needed. In the case of families with more than 2 children a family donation amount of $50 can be paid.

Below is a link to the Uganda fundraising PowerPoint presentation outlining the project in more detail:

Uganda Project

Collection Process: Students are asked to bring $20 and give it to their homeroom teacher who will mark off the student's name from the class list.

Such a project beautifully supports us in living out our College Motto - "Live Fully Act Justly" and ties nicely with the Caritas quote for 2022 "for all future generations".

We also look forward to your support in this unique opportunity for our College to make a real positive difference in the lives of many children and families. Please don’t hesitate to contact the College regarding the 2022 St. Francis Kizinga - Uganda Fundraiser Project if you have any questions.

CRC Caroline Springs Parents & Friends Association

This year we are looking to further develop our Parents & Friends Association as we see this as a very important support group for our College. Our first face to face meeting was held on Wednesday 18May at 7:00pm in the College staffroom. We were very pleased as over 40 parents attended, which was a great result. The Parents & Friends Association has decided to assist the College in the organisation of the following events this year:

Live Fully Act Justly Day

Grade 6 Testing Day

Father’s Day Breakfast

Meetings are open to and attended by interested parents/carers, friends of the College, teachers and administrative staff as well as the Principal, or one of the Deputy Principals.

Everyone is welcome to come and meet other parents/carers, to learn more about our wonderful College as well as participate and share in general discussion often relating to significant issues about school events.

We would like for interested parents to please e-mail the college at: principal@crccs.vic.edu.au

Parents and Friends Association Meeting Dates:

• Wednesday 20 July 7:00pm
• Wednesday 31 August 7:00pm
• Wednesday 5 October 7:00pm
• Wednesday 16 November 7:00pm

Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday

Please note that Monday 13 June is the Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday. Students will return to school on Tuesday 14 June. Please place this return to school date in your calendars.

The Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs uniform is widely recognised within our community and represents who we are and what we stand for. The uniform is able to identify our students and when worn correctly, encourages pride in one’s appearance. On the whole, our students do an excellent job in wearing their College winter uniform and sport uniform on a daily basis.

However, we would like to bring to your attention some items that are not part of College attire and do not meet the requirements of College Uniform Policy

• Hoodies worn under the College PE uniform
• False eyelashes
• Acrylic nails
• Make-Up
• The College PE jacket worn with the winter uniform
• Appropriate footwear for physical activity. Not inclusive of trainers such as Air Force 1’s
• Navy scarves only
• Extreme hairstyles eg. rats tail
• Un-natural hair colouring
• Body piercings eg. nose rings
• One gold or silver stud per ear
• No rings or necklaces (religious icon permitted on a delicate neck chain)
• Beanies
• Students are expected to be clean shaven

Please also note that Year 10 students will be expected to be in full school uniform when attending the College for their exams (including the College blazer).

On Monday 30 May Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs was very fortunate to have the Police Protection Unit (PPU) and The Butterfly Foundation present to our Year 8 and 9 students.

The Year 8 and 9 girls came together in the Performing Arts Centre to listen to a presentation on ‘Healthy Relationships with Eating and Exercise.’ Here the girls had an opportunity to discuss the impact the media has on body image, the impact of diet culture and look at ways in how to manage our own health so they can be healthy and happy. In the College Hall the Year 8 and 9 male cohort were addressed by the PPU and listened to a range of content around safety, social media and public behaviour. The boys were able to ask questions, giving them a deeper understanding of police expectations.

These presentations were essential for the wellbeing and development of our students. We see these opportunities to address issues and challenges that our young people may be confronted with, and hopefully ensure they have the right tools that will assist them on their adolescent journey.

The sign of the cross is an act that we invoke regularly when we begin prayer so much so that at times it can feel like a practice that we automatically do without very much thought. However, this tradition and the words “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” express the deepest mystery of our Christian Faith, the Trinity. The combination of these words is a creed, a statement of our beliefs. Last Sunday we celebrated the Feast of Pentecost and this Sunday we will celebrate the Feast of The Holy Trinity two important feasts that remind us of the mystery of faith. When we read of the event of Pentecost and the experiences that follow (Acts 2:1-47) we witness the very essence of our faith, love and mercy (forgiveness of sins, healing, the breaking of bread and love of neighbour). So, the next time we do the sign of the cross let us remind ourselves of whom we are calling upon – God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Enrolment applications are now open to Year 5 students who will be starting Year 7 in 2024.

You can download the application form from our website. Applications close Friday 19 August 2022.

Please note that parents/carers who already have children attending the College and who have a sibling in Year 5 will still need to complete an enrolment form.

Math Support is an after-school program designed to assist students in developing their numeracy skills. These sessions are facilitated by Math teachers at the College and are an excellent opportunity for students of all capabilities to receive tailored numeracy support and develop their confidence in all areas of Math.

This program is offered to all students at the College and will run from 3:20pm – 4:20pm in MM1 most Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students are not required to attend for the entire hour and, as such, can choose to leave after they have received the support they seek.

Below is the timetable for Term 2 which indicates the date as well as the teacher facilitating the session.

If you would like any further clarification, please feel free to contact me at the College at nlesnjak@crccs.vic.edu.au.

Last Thursday 2 June Fr Simeon, Assistant Parish Priest of St Catherine of Siena Parish Church was our special guest for our regular ‘Ask A…?’ session. These events allow our students to explore the Catholic Faith deeper through dialogue. It also exposes our young people to learn more about the vocation to the priesthood or religious life and experience our clergy in a different way other than liturgy. I was impressed by the great questions that were asked and the genuine curiosity of our students. Fr Simeon even showed us his hidden talent as a rapper by explaining Christ’s teaching of love and mercy through song. We thank Fr Simeon for his support to the faith formation of our College community.

On Tuesday 24 & Wednesday 25 May our Year 10 students experienced their Faith Reflection Days. Faith Reflection Days are an opportunity for our students to be immersed in the Catholic Faith in a different way other than the Religious Education classroom. The day was facilitated by Youth Ministers Ezekiel and Joe who guided our students to reflect more deeply on our College Motto Live Fully Act Justly. Lukas Luhm of 10 Marin-Kurang has written about his experience of the day.

On Year 10 Reflection Day, we went on a retreat to explore our relationship with God and how he can act in our lives. The presenters shared their stories about how God is love and how by opening our hearts to God we can live fully in Him. At lunchtime, we were able to go on a track down to the Yarra River and enjoy the beautiful surrounds. The Yarra River walk was especially fun as we were allowed to walk with friends and reflect about the day so far. The day was full of group activities and fun games that related to strengthening our relationship with God. We ended the day with a letter to God, this helped me and many others grow in their connection with God and Jesus.

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (the National Data Collection) is an annual collection that counts the number of school students with disability and the level of reasonable educational adjustment with which they are provided. The National Data Collection will count students who have been identified as receiving an adjustment to address a disability under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. College funding in support of learners is determined by this collection and submission of data. Further information, in both English and Arabic, are attached for parents/carers.

NCCD Information Sheet - English

NCCD Information Sheet - Arabic

Q1. What is your role in the Student Leadership Team and what are your responsibilities? 

Ivanka:

My role in the Student Leadership Team is College Captain. My responsibilities are to lead my passionate and hard-working team of student leaders, to write up various proposals that will be of benefit to our College community and to be an exemplar role model for all students. 

Christina:

I am a Deputy College Captain. My role requires me to live out our College Motto of Live Fully and Act Justly on a daily basis, as well as inspiring others to be their best selves. I support the team in its endeavours, as well as attending weekly meetings where I represent the student body with my fellow College Captains.


Q2. Why did you want to be a part of the 2022 Student Leadership Team ? 

Ivanka:

Being College Captain was always my greatest dream from the moment I began my journey at Catholic Regional College. I am passionate about my community and I have always wanted to serve and give back this wonderful community I am so blessed to be apart of. 

Christina:

I wanted to be apart of the 2022 Student Leadership Team to share my ideas for the college. I also wanted to be apart of the team so I could help create more student voice so that each student is heard.


Q3 What does servant leadership mean to you? 

Ivanka:

Servant leadership is the core of what it means to be a leader, this philosophy of leadership is about striving to serve for other people and for the benefit of the community. Jesus is our greatest example of servant leadership; He teaches us to always seek ways in which we can add value to the lives of others. “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” 

Christina:

To me, servant leadership has always meant serving others by showing empathy and listening to those around me when they need it. By leading with the pillars of our College, Learning, Stewardship, Compassion and Prayer, I have always strived to lead and serve a team with positivity and fun.

Q4. What is a goal you would like to achieve this year in the Student Leadership Team? 

Ivanka:

My goal for our Student Leadership Team this year is to bring joy, spirit and contagious enthusiasm to our College community! My goal is to work alongside my passionate team of leaders to write up various proposals and action these ideas. 

Christina:

On the team, as my goal I would like to ensure that everyone on the team gets an opportunity to present their proposals and presentations to the College Leadership Team.


Q5. What is the legacy you wish to leave behind? 

Ivanka:

The legacy I wish to leave behind at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs, is to be remembered as a servant leader, who put the needs of others before their own and lead through love, kindness, compassion and empathy. 

Christina:

I would like to leave behind a legacy where Year 7 Students can feel like their voices are heard, where their ideas are listened to and where they feel like they can have an opportunity to grow in many aspects of the College.


Q6. What are some exciting projects or proposals the Student Leadership Team are currently working on, that you are passionate about? 

Ivanka:

Our student leadership team have just presented a wide range of proposals to our College Leadership Team. All of our leaders proposals were well received and steps have been taken to begin actioning these wonderful ideas. Some proposals include but are not limited to; Celebration of Cultural Diversity, Peer Support Program, Cafeteria Barrier, School Newspaper and a Lunchtime Sport Program. 

Christina:

I am really excited or looking forward to implementing a Student Peer Support Program Proposal. This program is a wonderful opportunity for students to feel comfortable in the College environment and where students can form positive relationships with other students at the College.

On May 31, the Social Justice Team held a bake sale to raise funds for the Cancer Council. We sold many delicious treats like lemon slices, cookies, and jelly for $2.00 and we were able to raise a total of $450. The team also organised a casual clothes day for the June 3 where we encouraged students to come to school dressed in casual clothes and bring a gold coin donation. The $1,258.90 we raised will be donated to our sister-school St Francis Primary School in Kizinga, Uganda to support the school's funding. Our progress as a school has been reflected through the buildings, meals, and resources we have been able to supply the students with and the improved education they have been able to experience as well. On behalf of the Social Justice Team, we would like to thank you for your contribution and compassion, together we are making a difference so keep up your magnificent work!
Athena and Katherine - Year 10 Social Justice representatives

On Thursday 2 June, the CRCCS community held a Winter Concert in the Performing Arts Centre. This was a great concert with fantastic experiences for all. Families, friends, and parents enjoyed impressive performances by our students and were excited to see their children perform on stage. It certainly was a showcase of our wonderful gifted and talented musicians and vocalists. Congratulations to all students involved.

Thank you to our instrumental teachers; Maria Feteni, Elise Laguna and Luke Julien. A big thank you to Dr. Chris McGillen and Katie Franzone for the organisation and preparation of the event and a warm appreciation to the Performing Arts Team for all their assistance.

Our Year 7 Visual Arts classes have been looking at the art element LINE. Through researching the work of Dutch painter Van Gogh they have developed an understanding how line variation can change the mood and feeling of an artwork.

Using foam printing and collage techniques the students have developed bright, colourful prints that brighten up our school.

The past week has seen a positive surge of activity within our Music Department. Our inaugural ‘Mini Music Tour’ took place on Monday 30 May featuring both our Chamber and College Choirs, Beginner Concert Band, and instrumental/vocal soloists performing within the wider community. It was a privilege performing at St. George Preca Catholic Primary school, Emmaus Catholic Primary School, and CS Square. This mini tour was a fantastic opportunity for all students involved and allowed them to create positive relationships with their peers while sharing their love of music.

My part in the tour was to sing as a Soprano in the Chamber Choir. I enjoyed the experience a-lot because I’m very passionate about singing and to finally experience going on tour and singing in front of an unknown crowd was an exciting experience. I hope to take this on again and build my confidence throughout my singing journey.
Selena.L (Year 7)

I am in the Beginner Concert Band, and the instrument I play is the Clarinet. I enjoyed playing Sweet Home Chicago, I got nervous but as soon as I played, I got used to it and enjoyed it.
Ivan.K (Year 8)

I was part of Chamber Choir. What I enjoyed about the Mini Music Tour was performing to the public at CS Square. It was different and enjoyable because it was a crowd that we never really perform to. I also enjoyed singing with my friends.
Christina.S (Year 10)

In May, students from Years 8 and 10 competed against over 50,000 students across Australia in the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge.

During the challenge, students had 45 minutes to solve 15 problems that could be solved by a computer. Points were awarded for each question based on the difficulty of the problem. Some examples of the types of questions students answered are included below.

Congratulations to all our students who participated. Student certificates will arrive next term.

Special mention goes to Dominic Arellano of 8 Wonga who was awarded a Merit Certificate and is most improved since the 2021 competition.

Well done to Luke Profeta of 10 Marin-Kurrrang who was awarded a Distinction Certificate and also received the Best in School Certificate.

Bebras Solutions

COME AND SEE:

One aspect of Parish life is the RCIA process – the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

It is a process for those who are considering that they might become part of the Catholic Church – from another religion, from no religion, and from years of inactivity after having been baptised as Catholic.

The group usually meets fortnightly on Tuesdays, at 7:30 pm in the Sacred Heart Church St. Albans.

Please contact the Sacred Heart/Emmaus parish office for further information.