Dear Families,

We hope this newsletter finds you in high spirits as we approach the midpoint of the academic year. The past few months have been filled with exciting events and remarkable achievements across various areas within our college. In this edition, we bring you highlights of our recent Athletics Carnival, valuable insights on student examination preparation, and the extraordinary outcomes of our student cultural immersion trips plus a lot more. Read on and join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our talented students.

Athletics Carnival: Showcasing Talent and Team Spirit

Our annual Athletics Carnival was a resounding success, filled with exhilarating moments of athletic prowess and enthusiastic team support. Students from all year levels showcased their athletic abilities across a range of track and field events, including sprints, long jumps, high jumps, shot put, and relay races.

We extend our congratulations to all participants for their dedication and sportsmanship. Special recognition goes to the individuals and teams who achieved outstanding results and broke college records. Your commitment to excellence is truly commendable.

Student Preparation for Examinations: Strategies for Success

As the examination period approaches, it is essential for our students to adopt effective strategies to excel academically while maintaining their well-being. The college places great importance on providing guidance and support during this time. Here are 3 valuable tips to help our students make the most of their exam preparation:

1. Review and summarise: Summarise key concepts and create concise notes to aid comprehension and revision.
2. Seek clarification: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your teachers for clarification on papers and identifying areas that require additional focus.
3. Maintain balance: While studying is important, remember to take regular breaks, get sufficient sleep, eat nutritious meals, and engage in physical activities to stay refreshed and energised.

We have full faith in the abilities of our students and believe that they will approach their examinations with confidence and determination. Good luck to all!

Student Cultural Immersion Trips: Enriching Experiences and Global Perspectives

In line with our commitment to providing holistic education, several student groups recently embarked on cultural immersion trips to various parts of Australia and the world. These trips offered students unparalleled opportunity to explore diverse cultures, build connections, and broaden their horizons.

We extend our gratitude to the staff members who organised and accompanied the students on these cultural immersion trips. Their dedication and guidance have undoubtedly played a crucial role in creating these extraordinary experiences.

Nurturing Faith and Strengthening Family Bonds

As a community rooted in the values of compassion, love, and faith, we recognise the importance of fostering a strong connection between our college and the families we serve. In this edition of our newsletter, we would like to share a heartfelt Catholic message, reflecting upon the significance of family and the power of faith in our lives.

Living Our Faith: A Call to Action

As members of the Catholic community, we are called to live our faith not just within the walls of our church but in every aspect of our lives, including our families. Let us strive to be living witnesses of Christ’s love, demonstrating compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness in our interactions with one another.

In our families, we can cultivate a spirit of gratitude, recognising and appreciating the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. We can engage in acts of service, reaching out to those in need, and teaching our children the value of giving back to society.

Additionally, we can actively participate in our parish communities, attending Mass, partaking in sacraments, and involving ourselves in ministries and programs that strengthen our faith and support our fellow parishioners. Let us conclude this message with a prayer for our families:

A Prayer for Families

Loving God, we thank you for the gift of family,
For the love that binds us together,
And for the faith that sustains us.
Bless our homes with your presence,
Fill our hearts with your grace,
And guide us in living out our Catholic values.
Help us to cherish and honour one another,
To be instruments of your peace and love,
And to draw closer to you each day.
Through the intercession of the Holy Family,
May our families be a source of light and hope,
Radiating your divine love to the world.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

As we reflect upon the achievements of our college community, let us continue to foster a spirit of excellence, collaboration, and cultural understanding. We wish all our students the best of luck in their upcoming examinations and encourage them to make the most of their time at our college.

With blessings and warm regards,

Lucy Swan
Acting Principal

The Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, before ascending into heaven, You promised to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of the Apostles and Disciples, grant the same Holy Spirit to me, that He may perfect in my soul the work of Your grace and love.

Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal,

the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth,

the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining Heaven,

the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You, and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation,

the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints,

the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable,

the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God, and may dread in any way to displease Him.

Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit.

Amen.

Solemnity of Pentecost

The celebration of Pentecost holds great significance for our faith. It is a solemnity that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and marks the birth of the Christian Church. Pentecost, which means "fiftieth" in Greek, occurs fifty days after Easter Sunday. At its core, Pentecost symbolizes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus, as promised by Him before His ascension. This divine intervention enabled the apostles to boldly proclaim the teachings of Christ and spread the Gospel message throughout the world.

For our families, Pentecost serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and unity within the domestic Church. Just as the Holy Spirit empowered the early Christian community, it continues to infuse families with love, guidance, and strength. Pentecost invites families to embrace the gifts of the Holy Spirit and apply them in their daily lives - wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and the gift of fear of the Lord.

The celebration of Pentecost serves as a reminder to families of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit and the multitude of blessings and gifts that flow from this divine relationship. It invites families to deepen their faith, strengthen their bond with one another, and live out their Christian vocation with love and joy. Let us pray that families will embrace the spirit of Pentecost, so we may experience a renewed sense of purpose, unity, and spiritual vitality, becoming witnesses to God's love in the world.

Mother’s Day Mass & Breakfast

Mother's Day is a special occasion that honours and appreciates the remarkable women who have made a profound impact on our lives. On Friday 12 May the College hosted a Mother's Day Mass & Breakfast, organised for students and their mothers, grandmothers, and other significant women. The event aimed to create cherished memories and celebrate the incredible women who have played crucial roles in shaping our lives. The mass was led by Fr. Richard, who related the reading from the Gospel of John of Jesus’ command to ‘love one another’ to the sacrificial love our mother’s bestow on their children. Toward the end of Mass Fr Richard gave the women present a special blessing. After the Mass, the attendees were treated to a delightful breakfast, creating an opportunity for families to bond and celebrate the joyous occasion together. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, heartfelt conversations, and expressions of gratitude. The breakfast spread was beautifully prepared, with a selection of fruit, sweets, pastries, and savories. It was a wonderful morning to celebrate the immeasurable love our mother figures bring to our lives each day.

May – Month of Mary

May is traditionally referred to as the "Month of Mary" in the Church’s Liturgical Calendar. It is an opportunity to express our devotion, and draw inspiration from Mary's virtuous life. Throughout the month, the LIHM (Leaven of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) sisters, brought together students to participate in games, listen to a talk on our Blessed Mother, and recite a decade of the rosary during lunchtimes.

This opportunity allowed our students to learn about Mary's virtues, contemplate her life, and experience the joy and peace that arise from embracing her as our spiritual mother. May we continue to draw inspiration from the extraordinary life and profound impact of our Blessed Virgin Mary.

2023 World Youth Day

Every few years, World Youth Day (WYD) brings together millions of young people from around the world to celebrate their faith, share experiences, and embrace the vibrant spirit of One Holy Catholic Apostolic Faith. In 2023, the iconic city of Lisbon, Portugal, will play host to this awe-inspiring event, inviting students to embark on a journey of faith and cultural immersion. The College is delighted to announce that we will be sending three of our Year 10 students – Maya S, Liam W and Olivia M to World Youth Day. The students will have the opportunity to visit the Holy site of Fatima where Our Lady appeared to three children Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco. The participants are currently participating in formation workshops as they prepare for their pilgrimage in late July. Let us keep our students in our prayers so they will be renewed with a sense of the love of God through this great experience.

8am Mass

A reminder that students and their families are welcome to Friday 8am Mass every week of term (unless otherwise advised). The Mass finishes at 8:30am which gives adequate time for our students to prepare for their day, The Eucharist is the “source and summit” of our lives and fosters spiritual nourishment and unity with Jesus. I invite and encourage all students and their families to attend.

Sunday Gospel Reflection

Pentecost Sunday Year A
Gospel

Jn 20:19-23

Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit into the Apostles.

Enrolment applications are now open to Year 5 students who will be starting Year 7 in 2025. Applications close Friday, 18 August 2023.

You can find our online Enrolment Application Form on our College 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 online enrolment form.

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 (the DDA). 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.

Cultural Immersion – Ms Bracco

During Semester One, selected Year 9 students participated in the Tasmania Cultural Immersion Tour and the Central Australia Cultural Immersion Tour. Both experiences were unique and offered students an opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and immerse themselves in the beauty of Australia. Likewise, selected Year 10 students participated in the STEM with NASA Cultural Immersion Tour. This tour allowed students to visit the Kennedy Space Centre, chat with an astronaut and complete educational programs at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Universal Studios.

STEM with NASA Cultural Immersion Tour Reflection by Zalaika F - 10 Murphy Wandin

Being a part of the STEM with NASA trip has definitely been one of the biggest highlights throughout my time at CRCCS. On the first of April, the NASA trip began heading over to Orlando, Florida for the 12 Day Immersion trip. From there the group and I were able to go to various places including the Space Kennedy Centre, Disneyworld and Universal Studios. It was by far a memorable and enjoyable trip, with highlights including time at the theme parks until late and going on all the large rollercoasters, seeing the real, authentic rocket ships, including ones that had been out in space.

From spending time on the fastest rollercoasters to just hanging out and exploring new environments, shopping at large outlet malls, watching the night-time performances at theme parks (that made you feel as though you were in a movie), learning about the world beyond Earth and the experiences of being an astronaut through real-life simulations, we were all able to have a memorable experience we will never forget.

Tasmania Cultural Immersion Tour by Mr David Sammut

From the historic Port Arthur to the vibrant city of Hobart and everything in between, our journey was filled with unforgettable moments and valuable learning opportunities. Amidst Tasmania's picturesque wilderness, we embarked on bus rides through winding mountains, forests and open farmland. We hiked through dense rainforests, connecting with nature's beauty and encountered unique native flora and wildlife at different stages throughout the trip. 

Tasting local foods such as fresh oysters, cheeses, and chocolates, allowed our students to try some of Tasmania's culinary delights. Exploring new towns, cities, and rural artisan shops, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant culture and connected with local communities. Beyond discovering new places, our students gained valuable life skills, navigating unfamiliar territory, and embracing new experiences. They developed adaptability, communication, and collaboration skills, fostering personal growth. 

As we returned home, we carried cherished memories, newfound knowledge, and a deep appreciation for Tasmania's history, culture, and natural wonders. We extend our gratitude to everyone who made this journey possible.

Central Australia Cultural Immersion Tour by Mr Anthony Zammit and Luke C - 9 Bunjil

Seven Year 9 students, alongside Ms Linda Bracco and Mr Anthony Zammit, had the wonderful opportunity to embark on an adventure during the Central Australia Cultural Immersion Tour. This immersive journey allowed our students to delve into Australia’s Red Centre, where they were captivated and were in awe by its natural wonders including the majestic Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Watarrka.

The students’ experiences throughout the Cultural Immersion tour extended beyond the incredible natural wonders of Central Australia, but also an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the culture and history of the traditional owners of the land, the Anangu and Arrente peoples. The students actively participated in unforgettable cultural experiences, particularly at the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Centre. These encounters allowed our Year 9 students to learn about local bush life, traditions and history before travelling north to Alice Springs.

Luke Cefai explains…“I was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend the Central Australia Cultural Immersion Tour. I knew that this trip would not only create lifelong memories but also provide me with a deeper understanding of our First Nations Peoples’ way of life. When touching down at the airport, I was amazed at the sight of the red sand that reached as far as I could see. A short time later, we arrived at Uluru; a sacred rock for the Indigenous people. As we drove around Uluru, we found a quiet space to admire the sacred rock itself. We were able to sense its enormity. Looking back now at photos of Uluru and other rock formations that we visited, such as Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and Stanley Chasm and Gaps, I now realise that photos just don’t do them justice. Being in the presence of these formations moved me personally. The Indigenous Cultural Centre was very informative about the Indigenous way of life because we had the chance to learn about Indigenous foods, weapons, paintings and shelter along with other new information. Something that I was most proud of was the fact that I had tried roughly 10 new native Australian foods by the end of the trip. I was also proud to have learnt about the important history of the Traditional Owners of the Land, which completely changed my thinking around many Indigenous related issues and topics. This entire experience was life changing and I would do it again a million times over.”

The students were truly adventurous when they participated in the hunting of witchetty grubs before cooking and eating this delicious treat.

The Central Australia Cultural Immersion Tour provided the Year 9 students with an invaluable experience that they will cherish for years to come. It broadened their perspectives, fostered personal growth, built relationships and independence and drew connections to their classroom learning.

St. Francis Kizinga, Uganda Fundraiser 2023

In 2022, through the generosity and big hearts of the CRCCS community we were able to make a difference in the lives of individuals, less fortunate than ourselves. In doing this, our college motto Live Fully Act Justly was placed at the forefront of our hearts and minds, as we strived to care for our brothers and sisters of St Francis Primary School in Kizinga, Uganda.

It was during this year, we successfully raised above our target ($20,000), with a generous and heart-warming $33,000. A glimpse of hope was shared with many children and their families. A sense of security and opportunity was placed before them, with an education program, a safe learning environment as well as a food program. The St.Francis, Kizinga community are enormously humble and grateful for the opportunities presented to them.

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 buildings.

For, 2023 our target is $25,000. 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. In the case of families with more than 2 children a family donation amount of maximum of $50 can be paid.

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

The 2023 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.

We remember that such a project gracefully supports us in living out our College Motto - "Live Fully Act Justly" and our College Pillars of “Compassion” and “Stewardship.”

We 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 do not hesitate to contact the College regarding the 2023 St. Francis Kizinga - Uganda Fundraiser Project if you have any questions.

Please click here for more information about the project.

Rehearsals for the 2023 College Production of High School Musical are well underway with students excited to be back on stage after last year’s successful performance of Mamma Mia.

Full of catchy songs and exciting dance routines, Disney’s High School Musical on Stage! is an infectious celebration of both individualism and togetherness, with a story that says you don't have to change to be accepted, you just have to be yourself.

The show will be running between the 24 and 26 August. There will be three evening performances and one matinee performance, taking place in our state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre.

Stay tuned for more information and ticket release!

“Dreaming of Dragons” was our school theme for this year’s Library Week, which was held on the 8-12th of May. Library staff created exciting displays showcasing dragons and dragon themed books.

Students participated in many lunchtime activities, including a photo booth, a Kahoot, craft activities, creating and flying paper dragons, and watching a movie. Students also had the opportunity to purchase quality books at discounted prices from the Book Fair.

A survey of students revealed their favourite books, with the two top books being “Harry Potter” and “Diary of a wimpy kid.”

Several competitions were also promoted, with some stunning entries in the “dragon drawing” competition. Congratulations to the two students who tied for first place - Lana A and Keisha C.

Special thanks to the Book Club students who helped out throughout the week.

Year 9 Science - Modelling Radioactive Decay Practical

This term, as part of their Chemistry Unit, Year 9 students are learning about Isotopes, Radioactivity and Types of Radiation. Students conducted an experiment, which enabled them to examine the exponential nature of radioactive decay and find its half-life. The practical also demonstrated the probability which will be used to simulate the radioactivity of an element and the rate of its decay. It also assisted students to collect group and class data to interpret and analyse as well as represent their findings in a table and graph.

VCE Biology Unit 1- Frog & Rat Dissection

In our Unit 1 Area of Study 2, students explored how do plants and animal systems function. Students completed a frog and rat dissection, exploring how systems function through cell specialisation in digestive, endocrine, and excretory systems in animals. This opportunity provided students to compare the different systems of the rat/frog to that of a human. Despite the difference in size, students were able to see the basic structure and organisation of the two mammalian systems were similar. This unit provided the students an insight to explain and compare how cells are specialised and organised in plants and animals, and analyse how specific systems in plants and animals are regulated.

VCE Psychology Unit 1- Brain Dissection

In our Unit 1, students have been investigating the structure and functioning of the human brain and the role it plays in mental processes and behaviour and explore brain plasticity and the influence that brain damage may have on a person’s psychological functioning. Students completed a brain dissection to understand the roles of the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, including the cerebral cortex, in behaviour and mental processes. As part of the unit, students also explored the impact of acquired brain injury by describing the biological, psychological and social impacts of a frontal lobe injury and spatial neglect because of stroke.

FUN FACT! Because of a property called neuroplasticity, the brain is constantly changing in response to experience. Neuroplasticity is one of the brain's most important properties, as it lets us learn and adapt to our environment.

On behalf of the College I would like to extend a big thank you to those in our community who have provided some of our students and families with much needed support.:

• Les Twentyman Foundation for supplying student resources.
• Coles and Woolworths Caroline Springs for contributing to our breakfast club.
• Dr Chris McGillen for assisting one of our families with a home appliance.
• Mr and Mrs Tony Ziino for also assisting one of our families with a much-needed home appliance.

If you have the opportunity, please support those that support our College.

Thank you,

Tim Kemp
Community Liaison

Throughout the Year 10 Digital Photography course, students learn skills and tools to use in Adobe Photoshop so they can manipulate and edit images. Once they have these skills, they are put to the test in the Surreal Photography Assessment. They complete a folio showing their process from researching surreal ideas, planning, photo taking, editing and manipulating, right through to a final Photographic image they have created and presented.

There were so many amazing final images that I would love for all to see, so I have shared a random sample here today.

Please keep an eye out for the Arts Exhibition happening in early Term 4 where you can see all the amazing student photographic works and images on display for family and friends.

On Thursday, 18th of May, 20 students from our school competed in an inter-school Chess tournament. Ten schools and 130 students participated in the secondary division of the tournament which was held at Bacchus Marsh Grammar (Woodlea). Each student played six games of chess.

Our students had a very successful day, with our school placing second overall. Six of our students were awarded medals and received “distinction” certificates. Additionally, four other students received “credit” certificates.

Congratulations to all the students who participated in this Chess tournament!

We are thrilled to share some remarkable accomplishments from our Year 8 students in our Materials Technology subject at Catholic Regional College, Caroline Springs. These young innovators have embarked on a journey of creativity, design, and craftsmanship that we are incredibly proud of.

Under the guidance of their dedicated teachers, our Year 8 students have delved into the world of professional designers, utilising our college's design process, and exploring the market of keychains and earrings. Here's an overview of their incredible journey:

Exploration and ideation: Our students began by researching the current market for keychains and earrings. Through meticulous research, they gained valuable insights and inspiration. Armed with this knowledge, they unleashed their creativity, generating ideas through sketches and ideation.

Design and planning: With their ideas taking shape, the students carefully planned the process for designing their vector graphics. They learned how to navigate industry-standard software, such as Adobe Illustrator, and applied their skills to create their designs step by step.

Craftsmanship and execution: Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, our students brought their designs to life using the college's laser cutter resulting in high-quality and professionally finished products.

Reflection and Evaluation: Our budding designers didn't stop at the production stage. They took on the role of discerning customers, reviewing their own products as well as those of their peers. This invaluable exercise allowed them to refine their craftsmanship for future tasks and appreciate the perspectives of others.

We couldn't be prouder of what our Year 8 students have achieved in their first term of Materials Technology. Their accomplishments go beyond the classroom, as they have acquired skills usually taught in higher education design courses. By following a design process akin to that used in industry, they have gained a unique insight into real-world design, problem-solving and troubleshooting.

Moreover, the students have created meaningful products that hold personal significance to themselves or their loved ones. These creations reflect their individual stories and connections, making their achievements all the more special.

We extend our congratulations to our talented Year 8 students for their dedication, creativity, and exceptional craftsmanship. Their achievements in Materials Technology have laid a strong foundation for future design classes at the college.

I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to Ms. Catherine Mackay, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in guiding our students through this incredible journey of creativity and design. Ms. Mackay's dedication and commitment to our students has gone above and beyond, as she took it upon herself to familiarize herself with new programs and technologies that directly supported our students in their creative endeavours.

We are pleased to announce that from Term 2 we will be offering Violin as an instrumental option at CRCCS. The College has appointed Ms Ellen Jarman as our Piano and Violin Teacher and there are a number of vacancies for individual (Piano and Violin) and group (Violin) lessons. The College can also provide Violins for hire. Please contact Dr Chris McGillen at cmcgillen@crccs.vic.edu.au for further information.