Weekly Reflection

There are several different Feasts of the Cross in the Christian liturgical calendar, all of which commemorate the cross used in the crucifixion of Jesus.

Unlike Good Friday, which is dedicated to the passion of Christ and the crucifixion, The Feast of the Cross celebrates the cross itself, as the sign of salvation.

We pray,

Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord, God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.

Loretta Kalms

Acting Director of Catholic Identity

From the Principal

The inaugural meeting of the CRC Melton School Advisory Council (SAC) was held last week.

The role of Council is set out in its Terms of Reference and is as follows:

“In keeping with the objects of the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (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 key functions of the SAC may include:

  • acting as an advisory body for the school on matters concerning the development of the school and the education and welfare of the students;
  • providing advice on education matters relating to the school;
  • contributing to the governance of the school by being part of the framework of rules, relationships, systems and processes that make up governance without being the governing body;
  • supporting the governing body, MACS, through its delegated representative, the principal ;
  • supporting the parish priest, as the key evangeliser and educator in faith within the parish and its school communities;
  • providing advice on the development and review of school policies;
  • providing advice on budget planning and finance-related matters;
  • contributing to the selection process for the school principal.”

Serving on the advisory council of a Catholic school is a form of Church lay ministry. It is a response to the call to support the local parish and school communities in a particular way. It also enables members of the community to share their skills and talents for the common good.

I would like to thank our Council members for their willingness to participate in this important new structure at our College.


CRC Melton Principal
Marlene Jorgensen
Chairperson (Parent/Guardian representative)
Michael Gruis
Deputy Chairperson (Parent/Guardian representative)
Geoff Aldred
Secretary (CRC Melton Personal Assistant to Deputy Principal)
Tracey Blacka
Parish Priest
Fr Michael Moody
Parish Priest
Fr Fabian Smith
CRC Melton Business Manager
Michael Testa
CRC Melton Director of Catholic Identity
Shaun Coates
Parent/Guardian representative
Deruka Dekuek
Parent/Guardian representative
Tetchie Hadfield


Despite numerous lockdowns, this year seems to be flying by. I can hardly believe that we are in the last week of Term 3. I take this opportunity to wish parents, guardians, students and staff a very well deserved rest. I hope that the spring flowers and warmer weather allow you to relax and enjoy time at home with your children.

We look forward to a busy Term 4 with hopefully a full complement of students back on site.

Take care and stay safe.

Marlene Jorgensen

Principal

Looking Ahead

Dates to remember
Tuesday 14 SeptemberParent Student Teacher Interviews (online)
Thursday 16 SeptemberParent Student Teacher Interviews (online)
Friday 17 SeptemberTerm 3 concludes at 3.20pm
Monday 4 OctoberTerm 4 begins

From the Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching

NAPLAN

Whilst COVID has presented many challenges in learning and teaching, students at CRC Melton have continued to meet state and national standards for expected growth from Year 7 to Year 9 in reading, writing and numeracy and above expected growth for spelling, punctuation and grammar.

The four-year School Improvement Plan (SIP) focuses on improving writing, numeracy and differentiation* in our classrooms, to achieve 12 months growth for 12 months of learning.

The 2021 NAPLAN data indicates that we are making good progress in learning and teaching to support and reach the goal of the SIP.

Year 7 and 9 students will participate in the NAPLAN Online School Readiness Test (SRT) on Friday 8 October. Their devices must be fully charged on this day. Our IT team will push out the lockdown browser to devices and it must remain installed.

* when a teacher plans a lesson that adjusts either the content being discussed, the process used to learn or the product expected from students to ensure that learners at different starting points can receive the instruction they need to grow and succeed.

Practice Exams

As we cannot conduct Unit 3/4 practice exams on-site, students will receive these to do at home during Week 2 of the holidays. They should be attempted under timed exam conditions.

Teachers will mark the exams and provide feedback to students. Learning how to answer questions under timed conditions is a critical part of exam preparation. Families can support their children by helping provide a quiet space, free from interruptions to complete the exam.

Parent Student Teacher Interviews

Thank you to students and families for their efforts this term. The Parent Student Teacher Interviews this week provide an opportunity to discuss current progress and set goals moving into Term 4.

Enjoy the holiday break and stay safe.

Joanne Holmes

Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching

From the Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

As Term 3 draws to a close, I like to take time to reflect on the many achievements of our students and recognise their accomplishments.

These could have been personal goals or academic achievements, such as exceeding their expectations on a final grade on an assignment.

It is through their achievements that students become further engaged in their learning and appreciate their unique potential to flourish.

The motivation and determination shown by many students as they adapted their learning during this time of uncertainty and challenge are to be commended. Below are images of some of the initiatives, achievements and student work from this term.

As we approach the term break and hopefully some modifying of restrictions, I encourage students to relax and recharge away from screens and engage in activities that bring joy and peace.

We remain optimistic that we will soon have more clarity around our learning arrangements in Term 4.

Cheryl Bullen

Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing - Melton Campus

Introducing our 2022 College Captains

Our new College Captains for 2022 were announced by Principal Mrs Marlene Jorgensen last week. This week we find out more about our new college leaders Nathan Furtado and Lucy Taylor.

Nathan Furtado

Tell us about yourself – what subjects are you studying, what are your career plans beyond Year 12, what extracurricular activities have you been involved in during your time at the College and what are some of your hobbies or interests?

“I enjoy exploring a wide range of creative outlets, from filmmaking, song writing and sketching, to collecting and building complex LEGO sculptures. I am studying Math Methods, Physics, Year 12 Psychology, Year 12 IT, Media, RE and English. In the future, I aspire to work in a field that mixes design and technology, through product design and engineering.”

What motivated you to apply for the role of College Captain? Is it a role you have aspired to?

“I have enjoyed being an active member of the student leadership team for a few years now and have always participated in events around the school. The sense of accomplishment in achieving goals, making a positive difference in the school, and the skills I learned inspired me to apply for the role.”

What does 2022 look like for you? What are you most looking forward to as College Captain and what will be your biggest challenge?

“The school has great resources and plenty of opportunities for students with all kinds of personalities and interests. I will work with the leadership team to encourage students to participate in extracurricular clubs and events after missing out on these after two years of irregular lockdowns. The biggest challenge will be bridging the gap due to months of offsite learning.”

What are three of the best things about CRC Melton?

“The supportive teachers and staff, many clubs that cater to a wide variety of student interests and the positive faith-centred community.”

What would your message to the student body of 2022 be?

“Grasp every opportunity and participate in every area of high school as much as you can. It’s over before you know it, so just enjoy the ride!”


Lucy Taylor

Tell us about yourself – what subjects are you studying, what are your career plans beyond Year 12, what extracurricular activities have you been involved in during your time at the College and what are some of your hobbies or interests?

“This year my subjects are Health and Human Development, Further Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Chemistry, Biology and English Language along with Religious Education. Beyond Year 12 I’m not entirely sure what path I would like to follow but am planning on seeking higher education. During my time at the College, I’ve participated in school swimming and athletics events, SACCSS Athletics and Cross Country, netball and mixed netball, girls AFL, and tennis. I have performed in the school production and represented the College at Math Games days. Outside of school my main hobby would be playing netball but I also like to spend time with my friends when I get the chance.”

What motivated you to apply for the role of College Captain? Is it a role you have aspired to?

“Since Year 7, I have been inspired by the College Captains and their work. I knew I wanted to make a positive impact on the College in my final year and that motivated me to apply for the role of College Captain. I have always thought it would be such an honour to lead the school and I am incredibly grateful to be granted this opportunity.”

What does 2022 look like for you? What are you most looking forward to as College Captain and what will be your biggest challenge?

“After the past two years of distance learning, I hope that in my final year we can remain on site. Although I am sure there will be many challenges to face, especially in Year 12, I have full confidence that 2022 will be a year to cherish. I look forward to continuing to participate in all aspects of College life, both academic and sporting, and am eager to get back on campus when it is safe to do so. I am also excited to work with the leadership team of 2022 and believe we will have a progressive impact on the College.”

What are three of the best things about CRC Melton?

“The three best things about CRC Melton for me would be the constant support offered by staff especially in such trying times, the friendships I have formed and will forever value and the range of subjects and extracurricular activities available for students with all different paths and aspirations.”

What would your message to the student body of 2022 be?

“My message to the student body of 2022 would be enjoy the time you have at high school whether you have just started or are coming to an end. Take on every opportunity you are given, go out of your way to try new things, make new friends, and experience everything that CRC Melton has to offer.”

Languages Studied Virtually

It was a busy week in Languages with students practising their poems for the Melbourne University Dante Alighieri Italian Poetry Competition that went exceptionally well yesterday (Monday 13 September).

The Year 9 and 10 Italian students memorised their chosen poem and Dr Teresa De Fazio was impressed with their efforts. We eagerly await the results next term.

Year 10 student Clara reciting her poem

We also celebrated Italian Day virtually, during which 8 Catherine and 7 Reed were announced winners of the Italian Quiz. A pizza lunch awaits them when we return to school in Term 4.

Here are the quiz questions to test your knowledge at home.

In our Year 7 and 8 Italian classes, students took part in a creative lesson developed by their teachers. They had a great time engaging in activities such as playing a sport, creating a board game, designing or painting a picture or cooking a family meal. The time away from screens to learn and be physically active was appreciated by all.

A full list of the activities is available here. Year 8 Creative Ideas for Virtual Italian Day You may like to complete a few over the holiday break.

We wish everyone wonderful term break.

Claudia Russo

Languages Domain Leader

Year 10 History – Holocaust Survivor Talk

Year 10 History students recently participated in an online session run by the Jewish Holocaust Centre in Elsternwick.

Students were taken on a guided virtual tour of the museum aimed at addressing their upcoming assessment task.

Students were then involved in a question and answer session with Vivian Spiegel. Vivian was born in Paris before the Second World War. She spoke about what it was like to be Jewish before the war and how life changed after the German invasion of France. At the age of seven, Vivian and her brother managed to escape transportation to Eastern Europe and were sent to live on a farm in the French countryside with a couple who looked after her. Vivian’s parents were deported to Birkenau sometime in 1944.

The History students asked Vivian questions about Jewish identity before and after the war, what people knew about what was happening at the time and how survivors feel about sharing their experiences.

Vivian’s message was about her strong desire for people to treat others with care and respect and to not allow hatred based on appearance or religion to dictate their actions.
Paul Iannazzo

Teacher

Year 9 Food Studies

In their recent classes, our Year 9 Food Studies students have been focusing on what influences their food choices.

They considered physical, social, and psychological factors that impact food choices and investigated how the media influences consumers to try new food products through engaging, creative and imaginative packaging.

The students were then asked to develop their perfect packaging, prompting some creative and thoughtful designs.

Jessica Attard

Food Studies teacher

New Physical Activity Record Challenge

In Health and Physical Education (HPE) classes this week, students will select a physical activity and attempt to set a CRC Melton record!

After all this time in lockdown, many students have become very good at different physical activities. This challenge gives them the chance to show the College community just how good they are by setting a physical activity record.

Once they have selected their activity, students will record their efforts and submit them to their HPE teacher. All results for each activity will be collated and the student with the best result will be the inaugural record holder for that activity.

Students can attempt to set more than one record.

The Physical Activity Record Challenge is open to all students and staff. Entries close at 5pm this Friday 17 September. Records holders will be announced in Term 4 and there will be further opportunities to break them.

The search is on for the record-setting performance of the following activities:

Our HPE staff have already risen to the challenge, spending time last weekend on their record attempts! Some of the results are below.

Watch Miss Hurst's time-lapse video as she records 18 burpees in one minute!

Annika Miesen

Year 10 Coordinator

Learning About Drug Awareness

Year 12 student Ayla Robortella encourages our College community to learn more about drug awareness following a recent group project in her Personal Development Skills class. Here she reflects on what she has learned and the skills she has gained.

In PDS, we plan, organise and carry out our own projects such as fundraisers, activities, excursions, incursions and much more. These help us improve our skills because we organise everything ourselves.

In my recent group project, we focused on drug addiction. We planned an excursion to a rehab centre but were not able to go because of COVID restrictions. We decided to change our project and have our class watch a short film on drug addiction and answer questions.

According to the 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS), an estimated 9 million people (43%) aged 14 and over in Australia have illicitly used a drug at some point in their lifetime (including the non-medical use of pharmaceuticals).

If you would like to learn more about drug awareness below are some are some useful websites.

Lifeline

Beyond Blue

This project has helped me improve my communication skills. I have learned to send more professional emails and can speak to people more clearly. I can also work better in a group now.

Ayla Robortella

Year 12 student

Translated COVID-19 Resources

The Department of Health has created a simplified COVID Testing and Isolation Fact Sheet in several languages for members of Eritrean and East African communities.

The facts sheets are available below.

Amharic

Arabic

Bilen

Dinka

English

Nuer

Oromo

Somali

Tigre

Tigrinya

VCE Revision Workshops

Community Notices

Useful Links

Keep up to date with College events, procedures, resources and information via the links below.

PAM – Parent Portal

Parent Handbook

Events

Enrolment

Bulmans Road Upgrade

Facebook

Instagram

Policies

Uniform

Library

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