Tomorrow, Saturday 11 November we commemorate Remembrance Day, which is celebrated on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. On this day a minutes’ silence is observed and we remember those soldiers who died fighting to protect our nation. We remember in faith all who have served, and continue serving, in our armed forces.

We also remember at this time to pray for healing and peace; particularly in Israel, Palestine and Ukraine, and pray that one day, all peoples will lay down their arms and embrace one another as brothers and sisters in one human family. Lord our God, on this day of remembrance, we entrust all our prayers and needs to your infinite mercy. Help us to become ever more mindful of the bonds that unite us as a human family despite our differences. Heal our inner wounds and outward divisions, that one day, our world might live in your true and lasting peace.

New triple storey building has begun!

We are filled with excitement and anticipation as the commencement of construction on our new building has begun, with the demolition of the Hogan building, paving the way for the construction to begin. The new triple storey building will encompass modern classrooms, and versatile spaces designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and innovation. The building will house a new reception, administration and finance office, two Food Technology rooms with an adjoining dining room, five Art rooms, 2 Music rooms and a recording studio, and five general purpose classrooms. There will also be a new staffroom and staff study, together with multiple new staff office spaces.

Once again, we are reminded that the construction complexities and building time period of this state-of-the-art facility may present some temporary inconveniences and we kindly ask for your patience and understanding as we work towards the completion of this exciting building project.

We will keep you updated on the progress of the construction and eagerly anticipate the day when we can gather as a community to celebrate the opening of our new building. Together, we will create a legacy that will positively impact generations of students to come.

Jamie Madigan
Principal

Lord, grant that I may always allow myself to be guided by You,
Always follow Your plans,
And perfectly accomplish Your holy will.
Grant that in all things, great and small,
Today and all the days of my life,
I may do whatever You may require of me.
Help me to respond to the slightest prompting of Your grace,
So that I may be your trustworthy instrument, for Your honor.
May your will be done in time and eternity – by me, in me, and through me.

Amen.

~ St Teresa of Avila

On Tuesday 24 October, staff and students came together for a the 'Live Rosary' with the LIHM sisters. This gathering served as an opportunity to honour Our Lady during October, the month of the Holy Rosary.

Students joined hands to create a Rosary made entirely of roses. Each rose symbolised an offering to Our Lady. The roses beautifully displayed the profound meaning of the Rosary - an act of love and devotion to Our Blessed Mother.

The rosary culminated with the crowning of Mary and dedicating our College to her care. Student, Rita Youseff, shared her gift with a beautiful rendition of ‘Ave Maria Gratia Plena’.

We extend our gratitude to the LIHM sisters, whose presence and guidance enriched this spiritual experience as well as the staff and students who attended. Together, as a community, we continue to entrust our College community to the intercession of our Mother Mary.

Arts and Technology Week was held at the beginning of Term 4 with artworks being displayed throughout the school.

Here is a quick snapshot of art displays from Years 7 to 10 art students. Mediums used are varied, and both digital and manual in production and presentation.

Debbie Cooper
Learning Area Leader: Art

As we journey through life, there is one subject most of us find unsettling and prefer not to dwell upon: death. It is a topic that for some can bring fear, sadness, and uncertainty. However, the month of November, traditionally known as the month of All Souls, invites us to confront this discomforting reality, but also to find hope in our faith.

November is a time when we remember and pray for the souls of our loved ones who have passed away. It is a moment of contemplation, a time to recall the cherished memories and the lasting impact these departed souls have had on our lives. But beyond remembering those we have lost, this month encourages us to contemplate on our own mortality.

The truth is we cannot escape the fact that our lives are finite, and we are all on a journey toward an inevitable destination. We believe that when our earthly life ends, there is a very credible probability that we will continue to exist in another form and in another place. It could be heaven or hell, but what remains certain is that there is another life beyond this one.

In the spiritual writings of The Rule of St. Benedict, the concept of 'Memento Mori,' which translates to "remember death," plays a crucial role. St. Benedict encourages us to live by "keeping death daily before our eyes." While this may seem morbid at first glance, it is a profound reminder to constantly reflect on our lives.

What are we proud of in our lives? What needs to be rooted out? What should stay?

The reality is we need to take God seriously. Why not attend Mass? Why not praise God for the beauty and blessings in our lives? Why not express gratitude and seek forgiveness for our transgressions? These actions not only draw us closer to the divine but also provide a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives.

The month of All Souls reminds us to focus on heaven, to keep our eyes fixed on the eternal!

At Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs, we take immense pride in the vibrant range of musical opportunities we offer in the coming year, and we invite our school community to embark on a journey into the world of Instrumental Music, Bands, and Choirs in 2024. We believe that these opportunities have the potential to cultivate not just musical abilities but also essential aspects of a student's social and emotional growth.

In 2024, our school will continue to offer an exciting array of opportunities for students to engage with music. We encourage families to consider the unique advantages that learning an instrument can provide, as it plays a significant role in shaping a student's character, fostering emotional growth, and enhancing their musical capabilities.

Instrumental Music Lessons at our college are seamlessly integrated into the regular school day. These lessons are organised on a rotating schedule, ensuring that students have the chance to immerse themselves in their musical training without any disruption to their academic commitments.

Instruments on offer:

Tuition Fees:

The start of the term marks an exciting phase for our students as they are given the invaluable opportunity to sample a diverse range of instruments. This allows them to make an informed choice and find the instrument that resonates with their musical aspirations. Whether it's the soaring notes of a violin, the rhythmic beats of a drum, or the melodious chords of a guitar, our students have the chance to discover their own musical path.

We are committed to fostering a love for music and offering our students the tools they need to grow both as musicians and as individuals.

Join us on this musical journey in 2024, as we nurture the talent and creativity that lie within each student, allowing them to thrive not only in music but in all aspects of their lives.

Please read the Music Instrument Hire Agreement.

Enrolment forms are available here. 

Jordyn Bugeja
Music Performance Coordinator

Christmas is the perfect time to think of others in our community who long to feel loved. Your support is paramount in making this season a joyous one. St. Vinnies would like to put out a call for families who wish to purchase and donate new toys, books, or gift vouchers for children from the ages of 12 months to 12 years of age. Gift vouchers are always appreciated as well.

These donations will be given directly to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Deer Park and distributed to families in and around the area. All families wishing to donate items are kindly asked not to wrap them, but to place them under the Wishing tree opposite the reception.

This Christmas appeal will be running from the 8 November to 5 December 2023.

On behalf of the Social Justice Team thank you in advance, for showing the true meaning of compassion and unconditional love during this festive season, while allowing Christ to be born in your hearts and homes.

How long have you worked at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs?
8 Years

What is your role at the school?
Principal

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Working with the staff, students and families and seeing the students grow and develop, reach their full potential and be the best they are called to be

What is your ideal way to unwind and relax?
A nice holiday on the beach, fishing, playing golf or watching sport (I am a sport enthusiast and enjoy watching any sport)

What's your most fond childhood memory?
Family summer holidays camping at Ocean Grove, with most days spent at the beach surfing, swimming and fishing

When you were little what did you aspire to be?
AFL footballer or a Fireman

How many languages do you speak?
Unfortunately, only one - English. However, after recently travelling around Europe I would love to learn Spanish one day

What skill would you like to master?
Golf. I enjoy playing golf in the spring and summer months and would definitely like to improve my golf swing and scores.

What book/tv series/podcasts are you into at the moment?
I enjoy reading any books by my favourite author Rita H Rowe

What is your favourite sport to watch or play?
Definitely AFL football is my favourite, but I do enjoy watching all sports

Do you play a musical instrument? If so, which one?
I began to teach myself guitar during COVID lockdown. I can play at beginner level and now enjoy learning new songs and playing regularly in my spare time (although my family might not enjoy my guitar playing that much!)

What would you sing at karaoke night?
The Gambler by Kenny Rogers or Leaps and Bounds by Paul Kelly

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Any Vietnamese food… probably a Chicken Pho

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
The power to fly - like Superman!

What's your favourite holiday destination?
Vietnam and Europe

Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Cillian Murphy

How long have you worked at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs?
6 Years

What is your role at the school?
Year 9 and 10 English Teacher, Year 10 Homeroom Teacher, Learning and Teaching Leader Data Analysis.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Spending time with our students; teaching is the most sacred job and each day is different, rewarding and challenging in unique ways. Students teach me as much as I teach them.
I also enjoy the challenge of making data useful for teachers in the classroom in simple ways.

What is your ideal way to unwind and relax?
I love to meal prep and get organised for the week, knowing I have my macros sorted. I also love to spend time with my beautiful cavoodle and adore time with my family and friends - especially my three nieces and two nephews.

What's your most fond childhood memory?
Enjoying a milky cup of tea and a Marie biscuit with my Nunna.
Picking carrots in my Pop's garden.
Loud conversations in a big family at the dinner table.

When you were little what did you aspire to be?
Happy and content.

What was your favourite subject at school?
English and PE - the subjects I teach! Maths was also made fun by an amazing teacher named Mr Lavery.

What skill would you like to master?
Playing an instrument (piano) or learning a language (Japanese, French or German).

What book/tv series/podcasts are you into at the moment?
I chop and change books and TV shows but I will always come back to Atomic Habits by James Clear.

What is your favourite sport to watch or play?
The Brisbane Lions playing AFL (ps: it's still too soon to talk about this year's grand final). I also love to reach 10,000 steps and go the gym.

If you could choose to be anything for a day, what would it be?
A city worker - the novelty of working in the city sounds fun.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The plate would contain: 1/3 protein oats with peanut butter and berries; 1/3 Biscoff; 1/3 Mum's famous lasagne; though I don't think My Fitness Pal would approve!

What's your favourite holiday destination?
Ireland, Italy, France, Spain, Malta, Germany or Poland.