On Thursday 5 August, the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced a state-wide lockdown for Victoria from for the next seven days.

The following decisions have been made:

• Friday 6 August will be a full school closure day, as staff will be preparing for remote learning which will begin on Monday 9 August. Timetabled classes will not be running tomorrow, and students may use this time to catch up and complete any tasks. The College offices and reception will not be open on Friday 6 August if you have an urgent enquiry, please email enquiries@crccs.vic.edu.au
• From Monday 9 August to Thursday 12 August, 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)
• Students can access the Remote Learning Guidelines & Microsoft Teams instructions through the Student Portal on SEQTA
• At this stage it is anticipated that all students will return onsite next Friday 13 August. However, further information and updates will be provided next week.

It is recommended that students use Friday 6 August to catch up on work and begin preparing themselves for a move to remote learning.

Please click here to view the letter for more details, including important information about Tier 1 exposure sites in Caroline Springs.

Please contact the College if you have any concerns for your child.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to navigate through this period of change.

Significant feasts of August

During the month of August, one of the significant feasts in the Catholic Church’s calendar is the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which occurs next Sunday 15 August. According to our faith, the Holy Mother, having completed her course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. The Church teaches that Mary was without sin. She accepted God's will for her life and freely and perfectly obeyed. She served God, and followed her son, Jesus Christ. She was present at his death and resurrection.

In chapter 1 of the Gospel of Luke, we read how Jesus came to be conceived by Mary consenting to God’s invitation to give birth to Jesus. It was very courageous of Mary to say ‘yes’ to this enormous request and to put her complete trust in God as life unfolded. Her ‘Song of Praise’ in Lk 1:46-55 reflects her relationship with a God who has loved her from all eternity, her humble acknowledgement and acceptance of God looking kindly upon her and her gratitude for what was to come. Mary embodies the qualities of faithfulness, sensitivity, acceptance of hardships to protect her son, confusion in the adolescent Jesus who got lost in Jerusalem and was on a mission doing His Father’s will. Mary seeks understanding by pondering all these things in her heart.

Many mothers can identify with Mary in their role of motherhood. They are not alone in their struggles in nurturing and educating their children, in the daily sacrifices they make in giving of their best to the children they love, in the hope their children would reciprocate. Children look to their parents for guidance and protection.

This Sunday 8 August, we celebrate the feast of Australia’s first saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. With Mary MacKillop we have a model of untiring service to the Church and to the underprivileged and poor in Australia. With the Assumption we are reminded of Mary’s profound faith and her absolute commitment to her God. Both women are models for us of faith and discipleship and challenge us to reflect on our own lives and our relationship with God. May God continue to bless and strengthen you in your efforts to be good role models for your children.

Return to On-site Learning

It was wonderful to see students return to on-site learning on Wednesday 28 July. On behalf of our College, I want to say a big thank you to all our students, parents and carers for your continued resilience and support throughout this year. I know remote learning has not always been easy, but through our collective efforts, our students have continued to make valuable progress in their learning. You can be confident that our College will support any student who has fallen behind to catch up.

Term 3 is important for every student, and our teachers will strive to deliver high-quality learning for everyone. Whether we’re teaching remotely or on-site, our focus for Term 3, is on making sure that every student is supported in their wellbeing, learning, spiritual and transition needs.

Health and safety measures

As on-site schooling resumes, we will continue to have in place strong measures to protect the health and safety of students, staff, families and the community. This includes the compulsory wearing of masks, restricting parent access to school grounds and continued emphasis on hand hygiene and physical distancing where possible.

Please give particular attention to reducing the risks associated with congregation at school gates and taking steps to contribute to physical distancing within the school.

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS)

As you are aware since the introduction of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) on 1 January 2021, we have completed several policy updates.

The following documents are new to our website and formalise existing policies and practices:

• Pastoral Care of Students Policy

• Student Behaviour Policy  

• Duty of Care Guidelines

• Anaphylaxis Policy  

• Curriculum Plan

• Assessment and Reporting Policy

• Assessment and Reporting Procedures

The following documents have also been updated:

• Attendance Policy

• Anti-bullying Policy (including Cyberbullying)

• Complaints Handling Policy, and we have added a Complaints Form to support this policy 

• Enrolment Policy 

• Enrolment Application Form (2024 enrolment intake)

• Privacy Policy

• Standard Collection Notice

• Student Code of Conduct

• Parent/Guardian/Carer Code of Conduct

• Photograph/recording permission form (families complete through Operoo annually)

If you have any questions, please contact us by emailing enquiries@crccs.vic.edu.au

With the last COVID lockdown interrupting onsite classes the College decided to postpone the Professional Learning Day that was scheduled to take place on Monday 26 July.

We will instead be running this Professional Learning Day for teachers on Friday 17 September. With the change to the College’s timetable for 2022 teachers will be using this day to plan and prepare for 2022. Teachers will be developing the content and lessons, learning outcomes, use of digital technology, methods of assessment, and importantly having time to work collegially with other staff. The College Reception will be open on this day and teachers will be working onsite.

Due to this change, Thursday 16 September will be the final day of Term 3 for students. This will be a normal school day and conclude at 3:15pm.

We thank you in advance for your support. The great benefit of days like this enables us to be innovative in our approach to teaching, which will deliver rich learning experiences for our students.

St Mary of the Cross Mackillop

O God, source of all goodness,
who have shown us in Saint Mary
a woman of faith living by the power of the Cross,
teach us, we pray, by her example
to live the Gospel in changing times
and to respect and defend
the human dignity of all in our land.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.

From the Collect of the Mass for Solemnity of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop

Solemnity of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop

This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop, Australia’s first and only Saint. The Gospel of the Solemnity comes from the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus tells His disciples not to worry about the needs of everyday life but to ‘set your hearts on His kingdom first, and on God’s saving justice, and all these other things will be given to you as well.’ We find it so hard not to worry and be anxious about various things in our lives, it seems so easy to just say ‘don’t worry’ but so hard to implement. However, Jesus is reminding us that we are not God and cannot control every aspect of our life we need to surrender to God’s providence.

St Mary of the Cross Mackillop is a wonderful example of trusting in the providence of God. In 1871 St Mary Mackillop was wrongly excommunicated by Bishop Sheil from the Catholic Church (excommunication was later revoked). I am sure that the moment of her excommunication would have brought much angst and worry to Mary. However, she kept on bringing the love of Christ to the poor and marginalised in the streets of Melbourne. In reading her letters that we are so fortunate to have St Mary Mackillop says, “Do all you can with the means at your disposal and calmly leave the rest to God.” (1891) What a beautiful reminder of the trust in God providence.

How wonderful is it to know that we have our own saintly woman praying for us in heaven? St Mary of the Cross Mackillop, Pray for Us!

National Vocations Awareness Week

Each year in August the Church in Australia encourages the faithful to pray for the renewal and strengthening of vocations and to assist young people in discerning where God may be calling to. This week our College community celebrated National Vocations Awareness Week by having adoration and confessions in the Church, vocations workshop and our regular ‘Ask the Priest’ session. Our Year 10 students also had the opportunity to listen to priests and religious to be open to discerning God’s call to the priesthood or religious life.

“I really enjoyed it as it was relaxing and calming. It was really good being able to talk to God and say whatever I wanted. It's a really good way to strengthen your relationship with God”

• Mason Cini (8 Barak)

“I enjoyed going to Adoration as it gives me an opportunity to have a break from my school day to see and talk to Jesus face to face. After adoration, I always feel calm, refreshed and ready for anything.”

• Stacey Culas (8 Murphy Wandin)

8:00am Mass

A reminder that weekly Friday 8:00am Mass (8:00am-8:25am) is on every Friday in Term 3 (unless otherwise advised) at St Catherine of Siena Parish Church located on College grounds.

All students and their families are welcome to attend. It is a wonderful opportunity to begin the day in contemplation and prayer, listening to the word of God and receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. Students are also encouraged to sign up via SEQTA to minister as a reader at Mass.

GOSPEL REFLECTION

Solemnity of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop

Mt 6:25-34

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

The College has negotiated with CompNow to make available again the payment plan option for all families that had not signed up for this previously. The first payment will be higher to align with the previously set due dates. This portal will close off for new payment plans on Thursday 12 August 2021.

Option 1: Initial payment of $1060, two further payments of $530, last payment due by 5 November 2021

• Payment 1 Due: 13 August 2021 ($1060)
• Payment 2 Due: 24 September 2021 ($530)
• Payment 3 Due: 5 November 2021 ($530)

Option 2: Payment in full ($2120 Inc GST) by 4 November 2021 (this option will be available from 1 October 2021 to 4 November 2021).

The purchasing portal is now open for parents to sign up to the payment plan option only. Please click here to access the portal.

Once you’ve completed the order on the portal, you will receive an email from CompNow confirming your selection. CompNow will then email you directly when it’s time to make your scheduled payments with a link to their payment gateway.

Parents wishing to pay for the device in full will be able to do so using the same portal from the start of October 2021.

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

Nothing stopped the foodies from cooking up a feast on Wednesday. Aprons, masks and even gloves for some were on and ready for the practical sessions. This week’s menu consisted of beef stir fry, savoury mince cups, vegetable frittata and yum yum balls. All classes had the chance to be in this wonderful space, which truly was a blessing.    

We have attached a couple of the recipes for you to enjoy.   

Savoury Mince in Lettuce Cups

Ingredients:

1tbsp oil
200g beef mince
½ onion diced
1 carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 clove garlic, crushed
½ beef stock cube
2 tsp vinegar
2 (or 4) iceberg cups, washed

Method:

1. Heat oil in large frying pan over medium
2. Add mince and stir fry until brown on all sides, then remove from pan.
3. Turn down heat and add onion, carrot and celery.
4. Stir fry until soft. Remove from heat.
5. Add garlic, stock cube, vinegar and browned beef mince.
6. Stir fry for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
7. Spook equal amounts into lettuce cups.

Serving suggestions:

Use mixture in a wrap instead or over wholemeal toast.

Vegetable Frittata

Ingredients

½ sweet potato, cut into 3 cm pieces
½ red capsicum, cut into 3 cm pieces
1 zucchini, cut into 3 cm pieces
1 small red onion, sliced into wedges
1 tbsp Parmesan cheese
Olive oil cooking spray
3 eggs
3 tbsp skim milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Salad: ingredients of your choice

Method

1. Preheat oven to 220 degrees Celsius
2. Grease a 20cm cake tin with olive oil spray.
3. Line a roasting pan with baking paper and place sweet potato, capsicum, onion and zucchini in pan. Spray with olive oil and roast for around 30 minutes or until golden and tender.
4. Spread vegetables over the base of the frittata dish. Reduce oven to 190˚C. Whisk the eggs, milk and pepper in a jug. Pour the mixture over the vegetables, gently shaking the dish to allow the mixture to spread evenly. Bake frittata for 25 minutes or until top is golden and centre is set.
5. Set aside for 10 minutes. When cool, cut into pieces.
6. Prepare salad according to Salad recipe to your liking.
7. Divide salad and frittata between serving plates. Drizzle salad with vinaigrette dressing and serve.

Term 3 brings with it subject selections for our Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 students. I would like to encourage all students to have discussions with their parents/carers about the Maths pathways options available to them and also seek recommendations from their Mathematics teachers.

Maths Support sessions have resumed, running on most Tuesdays and Thursdays this term. Please see attached timetable.

What better way to kick off the first week back with a cultural casual clothes day? It was delightful that we could stroll into the school gates, proudly wearing colours and clothes that resemble a piece of what makes us who we are. In doing this, the school community was able to raise a total of $1059.65 – what a brilliant achievement. All monies will be added to our total so far for our dear ones in Uganda.

The Social Justice team would like to thank each and every individual for continuing to think about our brothers and sisters and helping us to work together in making it a just world for all.

Expressive movement and dance, mini-golf and bush walking are just some of the activities that students have immersed themselves in during Physical Education last semester. It’s always wonderful to see our students challenge themselves as they try new things, step out of their comfort zone, and importantly, have fun together as they connect through engaging in physical activity. Enjoy a snapshot of some of our students in action!

During Health, our wonderful Year 7 students explored key messages relating to SunSmart, positive mental health, promoting the importance of inclusiveness in sport and achieving the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Here’s a glimpse of our talented student’s work and their insightful presentations.

SunSmart – Reyna

Smiling mind PowerPoint – Mia

Positive Mental Health Video – Jacob

Comic Life physical activity task – Amelie

This year Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs celebrated Languages Week remotely. We started off each morning with a prayer read in different languages to celebrate the diversity at our College. The week consisted of virtual quizzes, games and competitions.

A number of students partook in the Manga Drawing and Origami Competition and it was very difficult to shortlist our finalists.

Congratulations to the following finalist for their amazing effort:

Isabel Galea - Finalist 

Pierrah Fusca - Finalist 

Renita Butris - Finalist 

Jayden Capitano- Finalist 

Livinia Butris - Finalist  

Rahni Dean - Finalist 

Ghleanna Alinea - Finalist 

Click here to read more information about the survey.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults- Sacred Heart/Emmaus Parish St Albans:

One aspect of Parish life is the RCIA process – the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

It is a process for those who are considering to become part of the Catholic Church from another religion, no religion, or from years of inactivity after having been baptised as Catholic.

The group meets fortnightly on Tuesdays at 7:30pm in the Sacred Heart Church St Albans. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 10 August 2021 at 7:30pm. Please contact the Parish if you require further information or have any questions.