Principal Report

By Jamie Madigan Principal

Feast of All Saints and All Souls

This Monday 1 November is the feast of All Saints. On this day, we are asked to reflect on the lives of the saints. We can often think of saints as perfect people, but their greatest witness is how they coped with the ordinary difficulties of their life, and how they courageously showed the love of God to others.

We also remember and pray for all those who have died on the feast of All Souls (2 November). Some of these people may only be known to God. Others are people whose love, sacrifice, and fidelity we have seen for ourselves and who have inspired us. They saw God in this world and are now fully alive to Him in the next.

Return to on-site learning

The sounds of children playing, the shrills of laughter and joy, the art of face-to-face conversations with friends and gathering together in homeroom to pray, all thankfully returned this week as students undertook a staggered on-site learning program.

It was wonderful to welcome students back as they entered through the front gate for the first time in over two months. Although I could not see the students’ physically smiling as they wore facemasks, I could certainly see their eyes smiling with delight and excitement.

As announced previously, by Premier Daniel Andrews, the date for all students to return permanently to on-site learning has been brought forward. We eagerly look forward to the return to on-site learning, with all students from Year 7-10 to return on Wednesday 3 November.

Please note that Monday 1 November, is a Professional Practice Day for staff and Tuesday 2 November is the Melbourne Cup public holiday. The College will be closed on both days.

As per the Victorian Government and the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria Ltd (CECV) guidelines, the remote learning program will end, at the conclusion of classes on Friday October 29. This means if you choose to keep your child/children home after this date, that we can no longer continue the remote learning program as teachers will be teaching their timetabled lessons in the classroom.

Please note that based on CECV advice we have re-introduced staggered dismissal times as follows:

  • Year 7 and 8 will be dismissed at 3:05pm
  • Year 9 and 10 will be dismissed 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.

With the return to on-site learning for all year levels, I ask all families to inform the College, via Reception, if any student or member of a household in which our students reside has tested positive to Covid-19 and is in quarantine. If this occurs on the weekend, please email principal@crccs.vic.edu.au

Of course, we will have also been strictly following Government and CECV guidelines, in particular relating to health and safety and staff vaccinations by the mandated dates.

We thank you in advance for your ongoing support and strongly urge all families to regularly communicate with the College to keep our community safe. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please contact the College.

We eagerly look forward to welcoming all students back to on-site learning on Wednesday 3 November.

Expressions of Interest to join the new Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs School Advisory Council

All the Catholic parish and diocesan schools in the Melbourne Archdiocese are now under the guidance and governance of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS). In keeping with the objectives of the MACS Constitution, which states “The good work of educating the young, undertaken in the light of the Gospel, is a co-responsible task led by every member of the Catholic school community”, the School Advisory Council provides a crucial point of connection and support between the wider school community and school leaders.

We are beginning the process to establish a CRC Caroline Springs, School Advisory Council, beginning in 2022. While the School Advisory Council does not have governance responsibility or decision-making authority, it supports the Principal and School Leadership team.

A letter to parents/carers inviting expressions of interest to join the School Advisory Council is available through this link.

I strongly encourage parents/carers to consider undertaking this important service. If you would like to receive an information pack to help your deliberations, about whether to apply to join the CRC Caroline Springs SAC, please email enquiries@crccs.vic.edu.au

Happy World Teacher's Day

Friday 29 October is World Teacher's Day. This is a day of celebration, as we share our appreciation and thankfulness for our incredible teachers.

We wish all teachers at CRC Caroline Springs a happy and well-deserved Teacher's Day.

Faith & Mission

By Mr Paul Sammut Head of Faith & Mission

The Hail Mary

Hail Mary, 
Full of Grace, 
The Lord is with thee. 

Blessed art thou among women, 
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus. 

Holy Mary, 
Mother of God, 
pray for us sinners now, 
and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

October – Month of the Holy Rosary

The Church traditionally devotes the month of October to the Holy Rosary. The Rosary has been prayed for hundreds of years and many of us may recall our parents or grandparents praying it daily, we may even pray it ourselves. Sometimes people protest that “the Rosary is boring” and yes sometimes I find it hard myself due to the scripted words and the repetition. However, the power may be in the fact that it is repetitive, that it is scripted.

We are emotional beings and sometimes the flurry of emotions can overcome our ability to know what to say in times of prayer. At times, our emotions want to do anything but pray. The repetitive nature of the Rosary enables us to pray when we don’t know how`. It is simple and easy when we do not have the mind to think of the words to pray.

The Rosary also allows us to detach from ourselves. It invites us to contemplate the mysteries of Christ and His mother. It reminds us that the story is bigger than me. God’s plan is bigger than me.

Every Wednesday during lunchtime staff and students have been praying the rosary online. I have been humbled by the attendance of the students many who give up going outside or taking a break from their computer to pray for the intercession of Our Lady. I really encourage people to pray the rosary, start small, even a decade a day.

Praying the rosary is such a beautiful experience and powerful way to offer up everything to Christ and Our Blessed Holy Mother, the following quote summarises this well; ‘In times of darkness, holding the rosary beads is like holding your Blessed Mother’s hand.’
- Ivanka Portelli 9 Murphy Wandin

    The Rosary in 2 Minutes

    7 Surprising things happen rosary often

    Gospel Reflection
    THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
    Mark 12:28-34


    Finance Department

    By Maryann Krsteski Finance Department

    2021 School Fees

    A friendly reminder that School Fees for 2021 are due in full by the end of November. If you have a current plan in place, kindly review if it is up to date and contact the Finance department if you wish to discuss it.

    2022 School Fees

    2022 School Fee Notices and payment arrangements have been sent out in the mail to all families. Please find the relevant links below:

    2022 School Fee Payment Arrangement and 2022 School Fee Notice

    2022 Year 7 Student MacBook Program

    The 2022 Year 7 MacBook Program Payment is due by 4 November 2021.

    Any queries please contact our dedicated CompNow Account Manager Argie Froutzis by phone on 03 9684 3617 or email argie.froutzis@compnow.com.au

    Students Return On-site

    By Georgia Seymour House and Student Leadership Coordinator

    What are your hopes for the rest of this term?

    My hopes for the rest of the term are to finish the year really strong and enjoy all my time at school. Have fun with my friends and make the most of Year 9. I hope I make some great memories.

    What did you do to prepare for your return to school?

    To prepare to come back to school I try to organise everything I could, such as trying on my uniform and buying the things I am bringing for lunch. I also messaged my friends to see how they were feeling about going back to school.

    What were two things you missed most about learning in the classroom?

    I missed communicating with my friends. I couldn't talk to them face-to-face through remote learning. I also missed having face-to-face learning with teachers. Face-to-face communication is better than online learning.

    What were two things you missed most about learning in the classroom?

    During Remote Learning, I found myself missing the friendly atmosphere of our classrooms, being able to talk with friends and collaborate when doing work. I also missed being able to talk to teachers directly and see them when they're teaching us, rather than talking to an empty screen.

    What are you most looking forward to about being back at school?

    I am most looking forward to reconnecting with my peers and spending my final weeks as a CRC Caroline Springs student at school.


    School Photo Days

    By Mr Richard Brodrick Deputy Principal Wellbeing

    School photos are being held on Thursday 11 November and Friday 12 November.

    The above photo dates are subject to change due to the possibility of remote learning continuing in Term 4. Parents and students will be notified during the holiday period if changes are made. Parents will receive an email from MSP Photography with our online ordering process leading up to the day. Students will not receive a hard copy form to order photos this year. This is to help with the ever-changing restrictions. Family photos can be ordered online also.

    Students are to wear full CRCCS winter uniform with blazer, but no jumper on their allocated photo day. Sport and group participants will be notified via SEQTA notices about uniform requirements for their photos.

    Uniform reminders:

    • Boys – trousers (preferred), tie, blazer, shirt tucked in, no jumper, correct College socks, shiny shoes
    • Girls – kilt/striped long pants, tie, blazer, shirt tucked in, no jumper, correct College socks, shiny shoes
    • No make-up or jewellery
    • Long hair to be tied back with a navy blue or maroon hair tie or ribbon for sport photos only
    • If makeup, earrings or nails cannot be removed then the student will miss their photo

    A photo schedule has been made available to students on Wednesday 3 November via SEQTA Notices with further instructions. This will inform students of the day they are to wear their winter uniform. Students may need to wear their winter uniform and/or bring their PE uniform on both days as the health and safety of large groups has been taken into consideration when creating the timetable for photos. Students who have Physical Education can change in and out of their winter uniform for their photo.

    As we are not taking homeroom class photos this year, there is still an option for parents to order a ‘class’ photo with all students’ individual headshots.

    If parents choose to not purchase a photo, students are still to wear their winter uniform on their scheduled day as their photo will be taken for the Yearbook.

    2022 Timetable Change - Instructional Teaching Model

    By Mr Brendan Jackson Learning & Teaching Leader: Curriculum Innovation

    Throughout 2020 the College undertook a review of its current Timetable structure. In Term 1 this year, the College Leadership Team endorsed a change of the timetable structure for 2022 from the current six 50-minute periods per day to a five 60-minute period per day timetable. As mentioned in the last Newsletter, information regarding the College’s new Instructional Teaching Model, timetable times and structure will be disseminated across the next two Newsletters. The purpose of this Newsletter article is to provide some context regarding the College’s new Instructional Teaching Model which will be implemented in all classes in 2022.

    Prior to selecting an Instructional Teaching Model for 2022, the College’s Learning and Teaching team researched a variety of Instructional Models and identified similarities across the majority of these. Research has shown that the implementation of an Instructional Model consistently in the classroom increases student achievement (Hattie, 2008; Marzano et al., 2001). The GANAG model has the following steps occur throughout a lesson: setting a goal, accessing prior knowledge, introducing new knowledge, applying knowledge and reviewing the initial goal. In 2022 the College will implement an adjusted version of the GANAG Instructional Model (Marzano et al., 2001) across all subject areas. The Setting a Goal in the GANAG Model has been adjusted to Learning Intentions and Success Criteria of the lesson and the Reviewing the Initial Goal adjusted to a Lesson Summary/Reflection.

    In 2022, within each lesson at the College teachers and students will:

    • Identify Learning Intentions of the lesson
    • Explore Success Criteria of the lesson
    • Access Prior Knowledge about the content or skill being covered in the lesson
    • Be presented with New Information about the content or skill being taught in the lesson
    • Have an opportunity to Apply Knowledge learnt within the lesson
    • Summarise/Reflect on the learning that has occurred in the lesson

    A brief description of each part of the Instructional Model is listed below.

    Learning Intentions – Learning intentions are statements that make the goal of the lesson visible for students. They typically start with the phrase ‘To be able to…’ Another way to think of a Learning Intention is what students are expected to learn in the lesson.

    Success Criteria – Are more focused than the Learning Intentions that make the skills or content the students will be able to do or know about by the end of the lesson clear. They typically start with the phrase ‘I can…’ Another way to think of Success Criteria is how students will achieve the Learning Intention.

    Accessing Prior Knowledge – This stage is designed to engage students so that they are ready to learn. It is also designed to get students thinking about what they already know about the topic being covered, or what they had learnt in the previous lesson.

    New Information – In a format chosen by the teacher (e.g., video, information sheet, textbook, PowerPoint presentation) the new knowledge for the lesson is introduced.

    Apply Knowledge – This stage is the most important stage in the lesson as it is when students begin to interact with the new knowledge. There are many ways students could be asked to apply this new knowledge.

    Summary/Reflection – The aim of the summary/reflection is to reintroduce to students what they have achieved in the lesson.

    The School Review in 2019 highlighted that students felt that stimulating learning environments within the classroom could be improved. The review identified that there was a variety of contemporary teaching strategies being used across the school, but consistency in these strategies across all subjects and teachers was required, with examples such as Learning Intentions and Success Criteria being emphasised as important to develop across all classrooms. With the implementation of the Instructional Model across all subjects at the College in 2022, increasing consistency in use of contemporary teaching pedagogy will begin to address some of the recommendations of the School Review.

    More information regarding the day structure and period allocations for each subject will be provided in the next Newsletter. Should you have any questions about the 2022 Timetable Change, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the College’s Learning & Teaching team.

    Arts & Technology Week- Food Technology

    By Ms Deborah Mollica Year 7 Food Technology Teacher

    During the recent Arts and Technology week, the Food Technology department held a variety of activities to encourage the wonderful talents of our students.

    Thank you to Alexandra Savona, Talia Silvio and Tiana Baba for providing us with informative and interesting profiles on some of Australia’s most successful chefs. A special mention to 7 Kororoit, 8 Kororoit, 9 Kororoit and 9 Murphy Wandin for their success with the daily quizzes.

    Finally, a huge congratulations to the following students for their original, creative and edible masterpieces in the Food Design Competition.

    Stav Petros 7 Wonga

    Ben Farrugia 7 Wonga

    Jacob Rebustillo 7 Marin - Kurang

    Quotes behind the passion - Social Justice

    By Ms Matilda Mattar Social Justice and Service-Learning Leader

    2021’s Social Justice focus was based on linking our College motto ‘Live fully, Act Justly’, with the Caritas 2021 Motto “Aspire not to have more, but to be more” – Oscar Romero. However, this wasn’t the only drive behind the work and commitment of the fabulous Social Justice team. Each member was asked to share with the community their favourite quote or phrase, which plays a huge part in the work that they do at CRCCS.

    Enjoy and God bless!

    Lachlan:
    “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”- Nelson Mandela

    Olivia:
    "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter". - Stephon Ferguson

    Angel:
    "He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" - Micah 6:8

    Katherine Sulewski:
    "Do Justly. Love Mercy. Walk Humbly" - Micah 6:8

    Alexandra: 
    "The path to success is not linear"

    Rahma:
    "If you join a fight for social justice, you may win or lose, but just by being a part of the struggle, you win, and your life will be better for it" - Howard Zinn

    Ava:
    "Be the change you want to see in the world" - Mahatma Gandhi

    Noor:
    "Always remember that you are absolutely unique" - Margaret Mead

    Madelyn:
    "If you can take it, you can make it"- Pete Zamperini (basically, if you're willing to fight for change, you can make it happen)

    Alana:
    “Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”

    Christina:
    "Someday you will find out that there is far more happiness in another's happiness than in your own." - Honore de Balzac

    Maya:
    "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”- Master Oogway

    Taliah:
    "Justice is truth in action." - Benjamin Disraeli

    Meena:
    "Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you." - Deuteronomy 16:20

    Sammie:
    "Hope will never be silent.” -Harvey Milk

    Ivanka:
    "Speak up, stand up, and keep correcting the false perceptions. Stay true to your heart's views and keep chanting for peace and justice." - Suzy Kassem

    Sara:
    “Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.” - Albert Einstein

    Maria:
    “You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals” - Marie Curie

    CRC Sydenham Information - Year 10 2022

    By Ms Adam Ray Learning and Teaching Leader Student Pathways

    Year 10 students transitioning into Year 11 in 2022
    Please ensure you have returned your Personal Data Information form that was sent to your emails from CRC Sydenham to year112022@crcs.vic.edu.au.    

    Orientation Week
    Monday 29 November - Thursday 2 December
    The orientation week is compulsory for all students. Further information will be sent via email from Monday 15 November.

    Year 9- Year 11 2023 Enrolment Information Evening

    By Ms Adam Ray Learning and Teaching Leader Student Pathways

    Catholic Regional College Sydenham

    Year 11 2023 Enrolment Information Evening
    Save the Date: Monday 22 November 2021

    Further information will be sent via email the week commencing Monday 8 November.

    2022 Student Resource Lists

    By Ms Sandra Mobbs Learning and Teaching Leader Digital Learning

    We are pleased to announce our continued engagement with Box of Books for the provision of digital and hard copy resources for the 2022 academic year.

    Through Box of Books, parents will be able to purchase required digital subscriptions, digital and physical books, and stationery. Purchasing digital resources through Box of Books ensures students will have access to all the additional resources and enhancements made to the texts by the class teachers. The stationery list will also be provided as separate document for those who prefer to source stationery through Officeworks and other retail outlets.

    Box of Books provides a COVID safe delivery service for texts and physical resources for school families.

    Important dates:

    12 November 2021

    Parent communication via SEQTA outlining the ordering process

    Resource Lists available for online ordering

    10 December 2021

    Final day to order for guaranteed delivery of physical books before school year starts

    Arts & Technology Week - Live Music Competition Winners

    By Ms Melinda Martinek Teacher of Music & Religious Education

    Congratulations to the following students for their dazzling live music performances submission during Arts and Technology week. The sharing of their musical gifts and talents for this competition was outstanding! Prizes can be collected from Ms Martinek.

    Jacob Rebustillo - 7MW

    Jayden Capitanio - 8BU

    Yohann Aranha - 8BU

    Augustha Morris - 8LI

    Jermaine Ramirez - 9BA

    Heinrich Ernacio - 9MW

    Turning into Kids

    By Mr Richard Brodrick Deputy Principal Wellbeing

    Tuning into Kids is a FREE six-week, online parenting course that helps children to understand and regulate their emotions. Research has found that parenting styles can influence a child’s emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and control your emotions, as well as being able to communicate to others about how you feel.

    Dates and time
    Weekly online sessions starting Monday 8 November 2021, 10:30am-12:30pm

    The six interactive sessions will be conducted online via WebEx. Participants will need internet connection and access to a webcam and microphone.

    College Pick-up/Drop-off

    By CRCCS CRCCS

    Welcome back to on-site learning!

    As we return to our drop-off and pick-up routines, Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs would like to remind all parents/carers to please wait within the dedicated zones.

    Please avoid parking or waiting in other car parks, especially the Caroline Springs Veterinary Hospital, as this has been inhibiting clients from accessing the vet.

    Thank you!

    Virtual Art Show

    By Ms Catherine Mackay Art and Material Technology Assistant

    Staff and students are proud to present this year’s Virtual Art Show as part of Arts and Technology Week.

    We have accumulated work samples from this year exploring a range of medium, materials and techniques. As part of Arts and Technology week we will be running, classroom quizzes, competitions and more to inspire creativity and design. We hope you enjoy our presentation as much as we have enjoyed teaching the students.

    Nextwave Youth Short Film Competition

    By Ms Giordan Pakes Screenwave International Film Festival (SWIFF)

    Announcing a final call for entries for the Nextwave Youth Short Film Competition!

    If you’re a young person between the ages of 10-25 living anywhere in Australia, the Nextwave team wants to see what you can do.

    Make a film under 5 minutes, include this year’s signature item (a pineapple), and enter your film before the EXTENDED submission deadline of 12 NOVEMBER 2021 for your chance to win some amazing awards and prizes, as well as have your film premiere at the Screenwave International Film Festival on the beautiful Coffs Coast next April!

    For full terms and conditions, head to the Nextwave website:
    http://www.nextwavefilm.com.au


    Subscribe to our newsletter