Dear Parents/Carers,  

On Tuesday 20 July Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced an extended state-wide lockdown for Victoria. Below is a link to the Principal’s video message outlining these changes and other important information regarding Remote Learning.

Principal's Message 20 July

 In summary the following decisions have been made:  

• Remote learning will continue until Tuesday 27 July. Homeroom will be conducted on MS Teams and classes will be conducted remotely, which may include a combination of Microsoft Teams and SEQTA coursework (this information will be communicated by the subject teacher)
• At this stage it is anticipated that all students will return onsite next Wednesday 28 July. However, further information and updates will be provided next week. 
• Students can access the Remote Learning Guidelines & Microsoft Teams instructions through the Student Portal on SEQTA
• Parents can access the Remote Learning Guidelines, Microsoft Teams Guidelines and Supporting Student Wellbeing (Parent Guide) in the email that was sent on Tuesday 20 July

We are unable to predict what may happen in the short or long term, but we know that things can change very quickly. Therefore staff, families and students must be ready for whatever decision is made. Please contact the College if you have any concerns for your child.

I would also like to express my thanks and gratitude to our teaching staff, who have gone above and beyond this term to ensure students had a positive remote learning experience. They have worked long hours and have tirelessly re-written curriculum, course outlines and assessment tasks to accommodate remote learning. They have also undertaken various new and contemporary modes of pedagogical delivery, including the use of flipped learning, video conferencing and MS teams throughout this period, to enhance the students Remote Learning experiences. These key learnings will benefit the ultimately have long term benefits for College and will enhance future learning and teaching experiences.

We also thank the College I.T., Maintenance, Counselling, Learning Diversity, Library, Support and Administration teams who have been actively working on-site throughout this week. They have done an exceptional job throughout and have also been actively, preparing the College for the return to on-site learning next week.

The College office and reception area will remain open throughout this Remote Learning period 8:30am-3:30pm each day. Students who need to access their lockers to collect their books and other resources can continue to do so throughout the week.

As a college community, we are fully committed to working to provide our students with the best possible learning opportunities during these challenging times. The systems and procedures that we have already put in place at the College will continue to ensure that productive and effective learning will still take place remotely for students.

Once again, I thank you for your patience, support and understanding in these unique circumstances. I assure you that all staff at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs are doing their utmost to support your child and we will continue to provide the best possible learning outcomes for all.

Staffing News

I would like to take the opportunity to wish our College Maintenance Officer Dennis Mifsud all the best on his retirement as has he concludes with us today. Dennis began at the College in 2010, and we sincerely thank him for his outstanding contribution to our College and wish him all the best for the future.

We welcome back this semester from maternity leave Morgan O’Neill and Hayley Code.

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

• Amanda Gray (Humanities and English Teacher)

• Nicole Croft (Food Technology Teacher)

As always, when a new staff member begins, they bring a diverse range of knowledge, gifts and talents to share with our school community. We wish all our new staff best as they begin their journey at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs.

Feast of St. Mary Magdalene

Yesterday, we celebrated the Feast of St Mary Magdalene. Many in the Church have confused Mary Magdalene as being the prostitute of Galilee. However, as biblical exegesis teaches, she was the woman that Jesus had cured, whom seven demons had come out (Luke 8:2). It was not too long ago that this day dedicated to Mary Magdalene was just considered an optional memorial in the Church’s liturgical calendar, rather than a feast. However, in 2016 Pope Francis moved to elevate the memorial to a feast. Why is this important? It places her on par with the apostles in line with what St Thomas Aquinas gave titled her many centuries ago, ‘Apostle of the Apostles’.

In the Gospels, Mary Magdalene accompanies Christ to Calvary. She is there when Joseph of Arimathea places the body of Jesus in the tomb and is the first to witness the Risen Christ and first to recognise Him “Rabbuni!” which means “Master!” in Hebrew. Mary Magdalene is also the first to announce the joyful message of Easter that He has risen, “I have seen the Lord” (John 20:18) to the other apostles. Her loyalty and generosity to the service of Christ is a wonderful example for all of us who are called to serve Christ’s Church.

Staff Faith Professional Learning Day

On Monday 12 July our Staff participated in a Faith Formation Day facilitated by Dr Andy Mullins. Dr Mullins was headmaster of Redfield College in Dural, NSW (1996 – 2010) and Wollemi College (2011 – 2014). He is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame Australia. He is the author of Parenting for Character: Equipping Your Child for Life. His doctoral studies focused on virtue development and neuroscience.

The day consisted of three sessions: ‘What does it mean to be Catholic?’, ‘How to be Salt and Light’ and ‘Prayer.’

We began the day exploring the great riches and traditions of our Catholic Faith from its very inception from Christ and his apostles to the many saints who gave witness throughout history. The session highlighted the wonderful gift and privilege we have as teachers to impart the ‘treasures’ of our Catholic faith within our community and in particular our students.

The second session focused on St John Paul’s statement that “Catholic Schools …are above all to be schools of holiness. They exist primarily to give saints to the world” (St John Paull II Millennial message to Australian Catholic School Students). That above all, Catholic schools are places of holiness where students learn to know and love God. We discussed practical ways to foster holiness in our students by providing opportunities to develop the virtues such as justice, prudence, temperance, and fortitude.

In the last session, Staff explored how we can be “Christ like to others” through nurturing our relationship with God in prayer which concluded with adoration with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament led by Fr Simeon at St Catherine of Siena Parish Church.

The day was a great opportunity for our Staff to develop their knowledge and faith to be authentic witnesses in a Catholic school and consequently encourage others, especially our students to develop their relationship with God.

GOSPEL REFLECTION

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

2021 School Fees

School fees payment arrangements for 2021 are still available. Please download a direct debit form from the link below. Hard copies are also available from the College Reception. If you have any concerns regarding school fees, please contact the Finance Department to discuss.

Direct Debit Form

School Fee Statements

Please note that school fee statements are sent out monthly via email, showing monthly payments. If you have any concerns, please contact the Finance Department.

CSEF application deadline extension for 2021
Final applications are to be submitted to the school by 12 August 2021.

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

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/programs/health/CSEF-Application-Form-2020.pdf

2022 Year 7 Student MacBook Program

Payment plan options for the 2022 Year 7 MacBook Program is now closed.

Full payment is due by 4 November 2021. This option will be available from 1 October to 4 November 2021. Please open the following link:

https://shop.compnow.com.au/school/crc-portal

If you experience any issues with the online portal, please contact our dedicated CompNow Account Manager, Argie Froutzis by phone on 03 9684 3617 or email argie.froutzis@compnow.com.au

Dear Parents/Carers,

Last Friday 16 July, Semester One Reports were released via SEQTA Engage (for parents) and SEQTA Learn (for students).

If you or your child have any questions regarding the Semester One Report, please contact the relevant teacher. 

19 students from the Year 9 & 10 cohort were given a once in a lifetime opportunity as they participated in the Cairns Rainforest, Culture & Reef School Trek from 8-15 July, alongside Ms Georgia Seymour, Ms Kelly Nguyen and Mr Anthony Zammit. All students who attended this cultural immersion trip had an unbelievable experience and many memories were made!

THURSDAY 8 JULY

Students arrived at Melbourne airport - Qantas departs bright and early at 7:30am! Enthusiastic and eager students greeted one another, as our parents were filled with excitement, anticipation and of course a little bit of nerves as we said our final goodbyes! We arrived at Cairns airport and were met by Wayne, one of our hosts from Getaway Trekking, Wayne is one of the most down to earth people you will ever meet! After our bags were collected, we were transferred to Emerald Creek Camping Ground where the next four nights would be spent. Camp was set up with our bonfire lit and we were ready for an amazing couple of days!

FRIDAY 9 JULY

Students learnt about maps, the compass and how to calculate compass bearings in a theory course. Our new knowledge and skills were then applied to a 3 and a half hour hike through thick dense terrain consisting of grass at knee height and this was our first taste of our outdoor adventures. After successfully accomplishing this navigational hike, we went for a well-deserved swim in Emerald Creek and freshened up! The night was spent by the bon- fire with the teachers having a few laughs.

SATURDAY 10 JULY

Students split off into teams of 4 people and completed a rogaining hike challenge. All teams were given 4 hours to find as many checkpoints as possible and earn points. After we finished our awards, the afternoon was spent leisurely by the campsite and an afternoon swim at the jaw-dropping falls, Emerald Creek Falls.

SUNDAY 11 JULY

On this day, the students conquered the Mount Baldy and Yabi Mountain hike, which was a significantly steep and elevated hike. However, the challenges were all worth it as the view at the top of Mount Baldy was absolutely breathtaking! After this hike was completed, we visited the Curtain Fig Tree, a heritage listed tree in Yungaburra. The students were treated to some delicious pizza for dinner which was definitely one of many highlights.

MONDAY 12 JULY

Today we departed Emerald Creek Camping Ground and visited the World Heritage listed site Mossman Gorge, where we completed an Indigenous Dreamtime Tour. The students learnt more about the Indigenous connection to land, culture and spirituality. We then drove to Cooya Beach and enjoyed some fish n’ chips. After lunch we learnt about Aboriginal spearing techniques and then went out and speared some of our own food such as crabs and other seafood. We then hopped back on the bus and checked in to our new accommodation at the Cairns Colonial Club Resort and were treated to a delicious dinner. To conclude the evening, we were presented the Future of The Great Barrier Reef presentation and learnt about how we can make a positive difference!

TUESDAY 13 JULY

Today we hopped onto the ferry from the Cairns Marlin Marina and arrived at a beautiful, tropical island called Fitzroy Island. Everybody was amazed at the astonishing 360-degree panoramic views of this spectacular island! Our tents were set up for one night of camping and then we headed off to snorkel at one of the many reefs of the Great Barrier Reef! After lunch we walked to Nudey Beach and had a lovely dip in the ocean! The day concluded with a night walk and watching the sunset over the beach.

WEDNESDAY 14 JULY

We concluded our time at Fitzroy Island with a trip to the Cairns Rehabilitation Centre and met a green sea turtle named Summer. We then went for another snorkeling session and explored more of the beautifully diverse and dynamic Great Barrier Reef. We examined the coral and how healthy the reef was. We also conducted three different water quality tests examining the abiotic factors of a water sample from the island. We then hopped back onto the ferry and back to our accommodation at the Cairns Colonial Club Hotel for our final night. We also visited the Cairns Night Market and explored the shops!

THURSDAY 15 JULY

Sadly, our trip has come to an end, but as we know, all good things must come to an end! We checked out of the resort after a morning swim in the pools at the hotel and were transferred to Cairns airport where we said our final goodbyes to Wayne and Sue (our Getaway Trekking hosts), who were genuinely the most beautiful people who made our overall experience all the more memorable! Without Wayne and Sue we would not have been able to experience half of what we did! At about 6:00pm we landed back in Melbourne and were greeted by our families. We were so fortunate to attend this trip and arrive back in time before Melbourne went into a snap lockdown that night!

On behalf of all the students who attended this trip we are grateful for this opportunity given to us by our school, teachers and parents. We are grateful for the friendships we made on the trip and lasting memories we made with people who we might not have known well before this adventure. We are grateful for our camping experience which has reminded us of the little things we take for granted in our day to day lives. We are grateful for the opportunity to escape the ‘real world’ and connect with the natural world. We are proud of each individual who pushed themselves out of their comfort zone, who persevered through those challenging and demanding times. We are proud of those who had an open mindset and approached all activities on this trip with an ‘I can do this’ attitude and to conclude THANK YOU to each student and teacher who made this trip the most amazing and memorable experience, THANK YOU!

Jordan Poldi, Scarlett Stinson planning their Rogaining circuit.

Cairns Adventure Group at the Mossman Gorge

Spear throwing at Cooya Beach

Cairns Adventure Group on the top of Mount Baldy

Luke Dalli and Marco Taranto cooking dinner on Fitzroy Island

Rogaining- Mr Anthony Zammit, Benjamin Scire, Marco Taranto, Marco Busic, Sue Fitcher (Getaway Trekking), Isabella Pacuillo, Olivia Allen, Scarlet Valori.

Ivanka Portelli- Mossman Gorge

Fitzroy Island- The Great Barrier Reef

Emerald Creek Camp Site

The Uganda Project “Dollar a Day” campaign for 2021 is focused on embracing our College motto ‘Live Fully Act Justly’. Our community is hoping to raise enough funds for our brothers and sisters in Christ in Uganda, to support our sister school St Francis Kizinga.   

We will be asking students to donate a $1.00 a day, with the aim of each student donating $25.00 in total over the course of the term in homegroup. Each contribution no matter how big or small will go towards creating a more just world.

Please click here to make your donation online.

Please click here for more information about the project.

Also, this term we will be selling “Uganda we care” wrist bands for $3.00 to go towards this worthy cause. Please see image below.

Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs is proud to present Annie the musical. Tickets are selling quick, so don’t miss out!

You can click here to book your tickets.

Please keep in mind the dates have since changed due to the lockdown restrictions. The new dates are 9, 10 and 11 September.

Click here to read more information about the survey.

Congratulations to the following recipients of Year 10 Pillar awards for Term 2:

Prayer Pillar

Thomas Cheal for regularly reading at the Friday 8:00am Mass and participating in ‘The Search’ Lunchtime Sessions.

Compassion Pillar

Owen Abrigonde for being caring and empathic to those in his classes.

Jairus Dacion for demonstrating care and kindness towards his peers.

Alex Dzemailoski provided good humour and banter to support students through Remote Learning.

Anthony Galea for his kind and gentle conduct towards his classmates.

Alexandra Prapas always happy to assist in looking after the learning space.

Alexandra Suntesic for her caring and kind treatment of her peers and teachers.

Lisa White for always bringing positivity and warmth to the learning space.

Stewardship Pillar

Jacob Fisher for participation in numerous activities outside the classroom in the name of helping others, as well as his environment.

Learning Pillar

Loona Alsamanni for her ongoing persistence and fabulous work ethic.

Tiana Baba for always making careful use of rubrics to inform assessed work.

Ethan Barichello for actively engaging in all academic tasks and having a contentious approach to refining his work.

Julian Carapelotti for participating in class discussions in English and taking ownership of his learning.

Zelda De Souza for continually strive to improve her knowledge and understanding.

Sarah Gibboyi for always displaying a high standard of class work.

Ivana Juric for her hard work and dedication.

Ice Mendoza for the high standards she sets herself and works hard to achieve.

Logan MacGregor for his diligent work ethic and organisation throughout the semester in Media class.

The document linked below contains resources to support and encourage parents and students to continue active participation in the life of the Church, through activities such as time in personal and family prayer, reflecting on the Scriptures, making a spiritual communion, educating yourself and the family in the faith or participating in a Mass online.

Please click here to view the document.

Congratulations to Lily Mikic from 7 Barak on being selected in the Victorian ‘Under 12 Girls Basketball’ team. Lily attended several trials this year and was one of just 12 girls from across Victoria to be selected in the School Sport Victoria team.

We are hopeful that the interstate competition will go ahead in November this year and Lily and her teammates will travel to the Gold Coast to compete against the other state representative sides.

Congratulations Lily and good luck with the competition in November.

Students interested in learning flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone in Semester 2 can come along to H5 at 1:00pm on Tuesday to Friday 27-30 July to try out the instruments (with COVID-19 safe protocols). Enrolment forms can be collected and returned from the College Reception.

Subject Selection for Year 10 into Year 11 is coming up over the next couple of weeks. This time is very important for your child, and they will have some fantastic staff that are dedicated to assisting them in making the right choices for 2022 and beyond.

Hopefully you received in the mail an information pack that CRC Sydenham sent out to you in the last week of the holidays containing some important documentation to make the process of transition as smooth as possible. If you didn’t, please contact Mr Adam Ray.

Below are some of the key dates that you need to be familiar with:

All information will be provided to your child in Pathways lessons, which occur on Mondays in Period 5 and 6.

If you have any questions, please speak to Mr Adam Ray – aray@crccs.vic.edu.au or via Direqt Message.

CRC Sydenham will be running an information webinar on Monday 2 August 6:00pm-7:00pm for all current Year 9 families. The purpose of this webinar is to provide families with subject and course information that will assist in decisions about Year 10 VET and VCE options at CRC Sydenham in 2022. We encourage all families to join us online on August 2.

Year 10 2022 Q & A - VCE and VET Subject Offerings Webinar

Webinar link: https://crcs-vic-edu-au.zoom.us/j/98075583349

ICAS Mathematics will return to Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs this year. I encourage you to consider entering your child in ICAS. This fantastic assessment program allows students to challenge themselves and be reorganised for their academic efforts. The competition assesses a student’s ability to apply classroom learning in a new context, using higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills. The assessment is now fully online and will be held between Monday, 30 August 2021 and Friday, 3 September 2021 at our school. Learn more by visiting icasassessments.com. To register, students are to use the link provided in the school SEQTA notices. Registrations CLOSE Friday 30 July 2021.

Maths Support sessions are on again most Tuesdays and Thursdays this term. Please see attached timetable.