"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” - Isaiah 43:18

Welcome

A very warm welcome back to all our staff, students, and families. Every new school year brings a sense of excitement, anticipation, and a fresh opportunity to start anew and focus on the year ahead with a positive attitude and an optimistic resolve.

We particularly welcome those who are joining the College community for the first time. I hope that your time within the Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs community is both enriching and rewarding.

We have a total of 274 Year 7 students beginning their journey with us this year, for the first time we have a 10th Year 7 Homeroom named ‘Wurundjeri’. We also have 10 new students joining us in Years 8, 9, and 10. We warmly welcome you all. Congratulations to the Year 7 students who have settled in extremely well. The school community has worked hard to ensure that our new students have been welcomed and supported in their transitional period.

The 2022 school year at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs has begun with the usual burst of energy and enthusiasm. I am excited to be working in a school where the holistic development of each student is of the highest priority.

It is important that all students begin the year well in every context. It is important that the College uniform is worn well at all times, and it means getting down to the core business of working hard in class and working with every teacher to produce the best set of results possible. I also ask all students to challenge themselves to participate in the vast array of co-curricular activities available and to embrace and contribute to the numerous Faith and Social Justice opportunities available at the College. May all members of the College community truly live and breathe our ‘Live Fully Act Justly’ motto.

Health and Safety Guidelines

Below are the links to the ‘2022 Term 1 Student Health & Safety Guidelines’, which contains some very important information regarding the students safe return to school for Term 1 2022. The guidelines are very similar to those implemented last year. Please take the time to read through the Guidelines with your child and feel free to contact the College if you have any questions.

2022 Term 1 Student Health & Safety Guidelines

Rapid antigen tests

Rapid antigen tests will be available for the first four weeks of Term 1 2022. Students received a pack of five tests to take home with them on their first day back at school and another pack at the end of Week two.

The Department of Health is strongly recommending that students complete a test twice a week to help proactively identify any cases, reducing the risks of an outbreak. We recommend students do the rapid antigen test in the morning before school on a Monday and Wednesday.

We have been supplied with tests by the Victorian Government – you do not need to buy your own.

Students and staff will do the tests at home; they only need to report their result if it is COVID-positive. They must report a COVID-positive result to:

• the school by phone or the VicEd COVID Portal; this is so that we can support students, record that they will be absent while in 7-day isolation, and let the rest of the school community know there has been a positive case onsite and that they should monitor for symptoms
• the Department of Health via the COVID-19 Positive Rapid Antigen Test Self-Reporting Form or call centre on 1800 675 398.

Information about how to do a test and how to read RAT results, including a how-to video translated into 33 languages, is available online.

Vaccination requirements

Parents and carers must have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine or have a valid medical exception (with limited exceptions) to enter school buildings.

COVID-19 vaccinations for students are not required for them to attend school but vaccination for students is highly encouraged. If your child has not yet had their first dose, please try to organise this before term begins. For more information on how to book a vaccination, including important information about vaccination for children aged 5 to 11, visit the Vaccination information for children and teenagers page on the coronavirus.vic.gov.au website.

Masks

As per the DHHS guidelines, staff and students are again required to wear masks whilst indoors. However, please note that as per the CECV School Operations Guide, school staff are not required to wear face masks while teaching or caring, but those who wish to do so, can. Parents and external visitors will also be required to wear masks whilst on-site. We ask parents to ensure that their child has a face mask with them every day and carry a spare mask in their school bag. The College has not been supplied with face masks from the Government and have a very limited supply and are not able to supply students with a face mask each day.

Ventilation

We will also make sure that classrooms are well ventilated by opening windows and doors, to minimise the risk of infection. We have received air purifiers, which are being used around the school as an added safety measure.

Vital COVIDSafe steps

Hand hygiene, mask wearing, and social distancing will continue wherever possible in Term 1.

Staffing our school

I know many of you will have questions about what happens if your child’s teacher gets COVID-19. While there may be some disruption because of staff absences, we will be able to bring in extra teachers and other staff if we need them and will be doing everything that we can to make sure our school stays safe and open.

Other information about school operations

For the first four weeks of Term 1, as per the School Operations Guide to limit mixing of year levels the library will not be open for student use. The College cafeteria will be open for students to purchase their lunch or morning tea. However, the inside dining area will not be available for students.

Please note that staggered finish times will again be implemented as per the Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools (MACS) Operations Guide. This means that Year 7 and 8 students will be dismissed at 3:05pm and Year 9 and 10 students at 3:15pm.

I would like to stress the importance of keeping students’ home if they are ill or show any COVID symptoms at all. I know that they have already missed large chunks of face-to-face learning. However, the safety of staff and students at the College is paramount and we need to do all we can to remain open.

Thank you for your continued support.

New Staff

It is with great pleasure that I welcome the following staff into the CRCCS school community:

• Katie Murray-Fawcett: Deputy Principal Wellbeing
• Luke Lentini: Head of Student Wellbeing
• Neve Lesnjak: Learning Area Leader, Mathematics & Numeracy
• Shanaye Botten: English Teacher
• Shingo Gibson-Suzuki: Japanese Teacher
• Abbigale Hoole: Humanities Teacher
• Erin Crowe: Learning Support Officer/Tutor Program
• Samantha Matthews: Science Laboratory Assistant
• Harjinder Singh: ICT Network & Systems Administrator

Returning Staff

• Abby Wellstead: (returning from Maternity leave)
• Alison Caruana: English Teacher
• Jordyn Bugeja: Drama Teacher
  

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. Unfortunately, the last two years due to COVID-19 restrictions, we were unable to meet regularly and hold our usual social events. 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 to learn more about our wonderful College, as well as participate and share in general discussion often relating to significant issues about College events.

Our meetings will be held a minimum of once a term and all parents are most welcome to attend. Details regarding the first meeting for 2022, will be available in the next edition of the Newsletter. We would like for interested parents to please email the College at principal@crccs.vic.edu.au.

Supervision

Parents and students are advised that the College grounds are supervised each day from 8:20am to 3:40pm. Outside these hours there are sometimes special activities, training, or other events. For these activities parents will be notified. Parents need to be aware that students who arrive on the College grounds prior to 8:20am or leave after 3:40pm are not actively supervised.

I thank you in advance for your ongoing support and understanding as we begin a new and exciting school year. I assure you that I, along with all staff at CRC Caroline Springs are doing our utmost to support your child and we will continue to provide the best possible outcomes for all in 2022.

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love, but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.
Amen

-St Augustine

Growing in Holiness

In 2010 Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI gave an address to pupils (all students at the Catholic Schools in England, Wales and Scotland) on an Apostolic Journey to the United Kingdom. In that address Benedict XVI stated that he hoped among the students listening there were some future saints of the twenty-first century. He stated, “What God wants most of all for each one of you is that you should become holy. He loves you much more than you could ever begin to imagine, and he wants the very best for you.”

At times we can forget that we are called to be saints, to pursue holiness. But what does this mean? Benedict, explains that holiness is placing our deepest hopes in God alone, recognising that God wants your friendship and responding to it and being attracted to the practice of virtue – so you begin to recognise dangerous things that cause destruction by developing compassion.

At Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs, it is our hope that our staff and students pursue holiness and in doing so our students will recognise the bigger picture of all the work they will do and in the context of growing closer to God.

10 Simple Ways To Bring Your Children Closer to God

Opening College Mass Postponed

Due to the current restrictions our annual College Opening Mass has been postponed. Parents/Carers will be notified of the new date once this has been confirmed.

Year 7 Welcome Day Liturgy

Family attendance to our annual Year 7 Welcome Day Mass had to be changed due to the current restrictions in schools regarding gathering in large numbers. However, we were still able to be united in prayer via a livestreamed liturgy to our Year 7 homerooms. Deacon Chris lead the liturgy along with several of our Year 7 students asking God for His blessings throughout our students’ time at CRC Caroline Springs. During the liturgy, the students and their families received a blessing and were presented with their homeroom candle as a symbol of ‘the Light of Christ.’ In Deacon Chris’ homily he reminded the students of our calling to “encourage one another to shine and add their light to whatever we do” as Christ said in the Gospel “your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven’ (Mt 5:14-16).

Friday 8:00am Mass – St Catherine of Siena Parish Church

Students, parents and their families are invited to attend 8:00am morning Mass.

Friday’s during Term 1
8:00 – 8:25am
St Catherine of Siena Parish, Caroline Springs.

The Eucharist allows us the opportunity to receive so many graces from God. Strength, forgiveness and hope are some of these graces we receive. However, the most important is growing in a deeper love for Christ from receiving him in the Eucharist. It is a wonderful opportunity to spend some time in silence and prayer and move our focus away from ourselves and on things we may need to work to allow Christ to reign in our hearts.

A very warm welcome back to our students in what has been an incredibly positive start to the 2022 school year. As your new Deputy Principal of Wellbeing, it is my role to support your child’s educational journey and ensure they have a very positive start.

As schools we are still challenged by the restrictions placed on us due to COVID19, we understand that your child might be feeling anxious. Please encourage them to seek support from members of our Wellbeing team, this of course includes Year Level Leaders, counsellors, Learning Diversity leaders, the Head of Student Wellbeing or myself.

I would like to congratulate the way in which our students have conducted themselves in returning to school and the way in which they have remembered to take pride in wearing the College uniform.

Finally, a very special welcome to our new Year 7 students who are about to embark on their time here at the College. Thank you to all staff, students and parents who have already made me feel part of the CRCCS community. I look forward to the school year ahead.

Katie Murray-Fawcett
Deputy Principal of Wellbeing

2022 School Fees

School fees payment arrangements for 2022 are still available. Please download a Direct Debit Form from the link below. Hard copies are also available from the College office.

Direct Debit Form

If you choose to pay your fees in full by the end of Term 1, the College offers a $100 discount. Please deduct this amount from your payment before the end of Term 1 when paying in full.

If you have any concerns with school fees, please contact the Finance Department to discuss.

School Fee Statements

Please note that school fee statements are sent out monthly by email. If you require a hard copy, please contact the Finance Department.

CSEF

CSEF applications are open for 2022.

Please complete the application form below and return the completed signed form, along with a copy of the parent/carer current health care card to the College office as soon as possible.

CSEF Application Form

Cultural Immersion

Final payment for Tasmanian Cultural immersion is due by 21 February. Please make payment to the College by the due date.

Year 7 Camp

Payment for Year 7 Camp is due by 28 February. The tax invoice is attached to your Operoo permission email. Please make payment to the College by the due date.

A warm welcome to new families of the Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs community. We utilise a Learning Management System called SEQTA - the parent portal of SEQTA is called ‘SEQTA Engage’. 

All new parents/carers to the College should have received two emails on Tuesday, 1 February. The first email explained the features of SEQTA Engage, and the second included login instructions. A copy of the first letter, highlighting the features of SEQTA Engage, can be found here:
SEQTA Engage Parent Information 2022

Additionally, as a beneficial refresher to all families, a demonstration video modelling the features of SEQTA Engage can be accessed below:
https://vimeo.com/655205871

 Should you have any problems with accessing SEQTA Engage please do not hesitate to contact the College by phoning 9217 8000 or emailing enquiries@crccs.vic.edu.au.

Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs is proud of the range of opportunities in Instrumental Music, Band and Choirs on offer in 2022. We encourage families to consider the unique opportunities that learning an instrument provides to students’ social, emotional and musical development.

Instrumental Music Lessons are delivered at the College through the course of a normal school day on a rotating basis. Students will have an opportunity to try a range of instruments at the start of the term. Enrolment forms are available from the Reception.

The following instruments are available in 2022:

Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Percussion/Drums, Piano, Voice and Rock Drum Kit

Lesson and Instrument hire charges are as outlined below, families will receive an invoice directly from the Instrumental Music Teacher. The initial enrolment is based on a semester made up of 16 lessons; a minimum of two weeks’ notice in writing is required to cease lessons, via email to music@crccs.vic.edu.au by week 8 of a 10-week term.

Group lessons are available for all instruments (except for Piano, Voice and Rock Drum Kit). It’s recommended that new students selecting Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone and Percussion/Drums start in 30-minute group lessons.

Instruments can be hired through the College at competitive rates; hire is based on a semester charge. Parents/Carers hiring an instrument will receive a hire agreement with all terms and conditions, which will need to be completed prior to the instrument being released to the student. We are unable to hire Keyboards, Guitars or Drum Kits.

A free trial 30-minute lesson is available for Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet and Trombone, please contact Chris McGillen to arrange.

2022/23 Co-Curricular Ensembles:

Part of the joy of learning an instrument is to participate is an ensemble. The following groups rehearse throughout the year and perform regularly at public and school events both on and off campus.

Enrolment applications are now open to Year 5 students who will be starting Year 7 in 2024. Applications close Friday, 19 August 2022.

You can download the application form from our website.

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.

Auditions for our 2022 College Musical Mamma Mia are starting soon!

Students have signed up this week to an audition time, and very soon parents will receive an Operoo to give permission for students to attend.

Audition Dates

28 February 3:30-5:00pm – Compulsory Dance Audition (anyone wishing to audition must attend this audition)

The following dates are where each student have signed up for an audition time. Students only need to come to 1 10-minute audition across these dates.

1 March - Students have signed up for a 10-minute audition time where they Sing and Act

3 March - Students have signed up for a 10-minute audition time where they Sing and Act

7 March - Students have signed up for a 10-minute audition time where they Sing and Act

10 March - Call backs – Not all roles will receive a call back, but this will be communicated to students. If they are required for a call back, then we will direct message both students and parents.

BAND -This year we will have a live band for our Musical. Students are encouraged to contact Mr Godoy if you are interested in being a part of the Band.

After this date the Cast will be announced! Following this there will be a Parent Information Night at the College that we will invite all cast members parents to attend.

Thank you so much for your support of our College Musical!

Ms Franzone
Ms Bugeja
Dr Chris McGillen
Mr Danny Godoy

With the power of God, the 2022 Social Justice team are planning on leaving their mark in the hearts of our community members. Each team member will strive to make a difference, bringing about positive change and fairness within the community. The Gospel teachings will guide the team as they bring our College motto “live fully, act justly”, to life.

Congratulations to the Social Justice Team of 2022!

Below is the new College Cafeteria menu for 2022:

For Year 10 students looking to enrol in Year 11 for 2023

Enrolment applications close Monday 14 February 2022

Please apply on Catholic Regional College Sydenham’s website:

Year 11 2023 Enrolment Application

www.crcs.vic.edu.au

Any queries please contact Gina Zumbo at Catholic Regional College Sydenham - year112023@crcs.vic.edu.au

Caroline Springs Football Club is encouraging sign-ups for 2022, with multiple male and female teams in different age groups.