Weekly Reflection


Tomorrow commemorates the death of St John Henry Newman (born 21 February 1801, died 11 August 1890). He was beatified on 19 September 2010 and canonized 13 October 2019. He was an influential churchman and an avid writer who converted to Roman Catholicism in mid-life.

His reflection below shows the great strength of his faith.

The Mission of My Life

"God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments. 

Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about."

Shaun Coates

Director of Catholic Identity

From the Principal

This week our thoughts are with staff, students and families who worked so hard over a long period to prepare for the performance of our College Production. At the eleventh hour, we were forced into lockdown and the show could not go on.

I was privileged last Wednesday morning to witness the closed dress rehearsal. The students were exceptional. The dancing, singing and dialogue were all expertly delivered. The comedic element was outstanding and the fun and excitement on students’ faces was priceless. The large number of set changes went incredibly smoothly. My sincere congratulations to all those involved.

This dress rehearsal was professionally recorded so we will consider how this can be shared with our community.

Feast Day - Mary Of the Cross MacKillop – 8 August

We again find ourselves locked down and unable to attend mass in person at our local parishes. In times of adversity, we can take comfort in the example of those who have shown us how to react when faced with challenges.

This month’s Jospehite newsletter contains a beautiful reflection about the support given by one’s family.

“Mary MacKillop embraced the spirit of Saint Joseph in her approach to living the Gospel. Life engaged her in many challenges and like Joseph she responded with courage and charity as she weaved her way through difficulties both within and beyond the church.”

Sister Monica Cavangh – Congregational Leader – Sisters of St Joseph

Read the full article here

“Mary demonstrates by her life and ministry that we rely on others to help us to further our mission in life. Her profound faith and spirituality enabled her to trust in God’s providence and the support of others.

  • Where do you gain support when you are in uncharted waters?
  • Recall times when you tap into the wisdom of your parents or of significant others?
  • How does Mary MacKillop help you to cope with the struggles of daily life?”

Michele Shipperley rsj – Sisters of St Joseph

Read the full article here

During these challenging times let us all take comfort in St Mary’s words:

"Do all you can with the means at your disposal and calmly leave the rest to God."

Marlene Jorgensen

Principal

Reminders

Photos

Due to the current lockdown, College team and catch-up photos will be re-scheduled for later this term once COVID restrictions have eased.

Distance Learning Mode (DLM) and College operations during lockdown

Families are reminded that all information relating to DLM and updates on College operations during lockdowns will be sent via email. Emails are sent to the address provided in your PAM account. If you are not receiving communications from the College, please check your Junk folder or contact us on 8099 6000 for further assistance.

From the Deputy Principal Operations, Staffing and Strategic Intent

Subject choices 2022

The online portal for subject choices has now closed and most students in Year 8 to 11 have finalised their selections for 2022.

I would like to acknowledge the hard work and support of subject and homeroom teachers, year level coordinators and domain leaders over the last few weeks.

The College will now finalise which subjects will run next year, building the timetable and allocating staff to classes. At CRC, the choices the students make help formulate the timetable, and we expect well over 95% of their preferences to run.

If your child has missed the deadline to upload their choices for next year, they will need to meet with their year level coordinator to complete the process. Every effort will be made to meet your child’s needs however, please be aware their late submission may mean they do not receive their first preferences.


Evacuation drill

Last week the College had a practice evacuation drill. I am pleased that it went smoothly with students evacuating to the soccer pitch and our wardens checking the buildings to ensure no one was unaccounted for.

Practising our evacuations is an important part of the College’s emergency management planning. I thank our wardens and especially our chief warden, Steven Woolmer, for doing a great job.

Michael Wilcock

Deputy Principal, Operations, Staffing and Strategic Intent

From the Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching

Awards

Congratulations to the many students who received Certificates of Excellence or Endeavour awards last week.

The Certificate of Excellence is presented to students who achieve an average of 85% or above in their assessment tasks. To achieve this, students display a strong work ethic and a sound approach to their subjects.

Many students received excellence awards across more than one subject.

The Certificate of Endeavour recognises students doing their best consistently during the semester but who may not have received 85% or above.

I congratulate our award recipients for their strong work ethic, which was maintained despite the ongoing challenges of COVID.

Due to COVID restrictions, the awards were presented in homerooms.  

Well done also to all students who continue to work towards their personal best.

Study at home day

During the year, staff complete professional learning to enhance educational opportunities for students. There are also times when the sudden move to Distance Learning Mode (DLM) requires teachers to prepare the way they will deliver lessons online.

On these days, students will undertake study at home. This is not a day off for students but an opportunity to continue learning through various study options. These include:

  • completing homework.
  • Summarising notes, creating mind maps and quizlets.
  • Revising classwork from the week.
  • Working on assessment tasks, such as projects.
  • Studying for upcoming assessments (tests).
  • Practising skills learnt (for example graphing, ball skills, designing).
  • Reading their current English novel.
  • Completing practise exam papers.

The school year is very busy with curriculum, activities, sport, incursions and excursions. These days are invaluable for catching up and balancing all commitments.

End of year Jump Start Program

At CRC Melton, we currently run a Jump Start Program for senior students. This provides an opportunity for students to meet their teachers and commence their new course of study for 2022. It sets the scene and expectations for the year ahead.

The College has decided to begin a Jump Start Program for our Year 7 to 9 students, based on the success of the senior program.

The students will meet their coordinators, be introduced to the philosophy of the year level and explore what the year will be like. It provides a new focus for the students, gives time to meet their new teachers and commence their new subjects and electives. Teachers get to know the class group and can use this knowledge to design the 2022 curriculum with their students in mind.

Jump Start dates

These dates are available on the College Calendar.

Year 11 and 12 2022: 17- 26 November 2021

Year 8, 9 and 10 2022: 22 November - 3 December 2021

Joanne Holmes

Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching

From the Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

The e-safety Commissioner continually works to provide resources and information to protect and guide young people’s online behaviour.

It promotes a collaborative approach to educating young people and the need for consistent messages from school and home.

The e-safety Commissioner offers webinars parents can attend to increase their knowledge of online issues and access support.

The Term 3 webinar topic is online sexual harassment and image-based abuse.

It will cover:

  • the difference between online sexual harassment and image-based abuse.
  • How to report online sexual harassment to social media companies.
  • How to report image-based abuse to eSafety and when to report to police.
  • Where to get support if you feel upset or worried about something that has happened online.

You can choose to attend the webinar with your teen or share resources with them afterwards from the webinar package.

Dates and times

Tuesday 10 August 7.30pm to 8.30pm

Tuesday 24 August 12.30pm to 1.30pm

National Child Protection Week

Tuesday 7 September 12.30pm to 1.30pm

Thursday 9 September 12.30pm to 1.30pm

Register now

eSafety’s parent guide to popular apps

Learn how to help young people safely use popular apps including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.

This webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people aged 8-13.

It will cover:

  • an explanation of the popular apps used by young people.
  • Case studies, research, and targeted advice.
  • Ways you can support the young people in your life to have safe, enjoyable online experiences.

Dates and times

Monday 16 August 12.30pm to 1.30pm

Tuesday 31 August 7.30pm to 8.30pm

Click here to register for eSafety’s webinars

Register now

Cyberbullying and online drama

A video and information sheet summarising eSafety’s webinar about cyberbullying and online drama is now available to all parents and guardians. Watch now 

Term 4 webinars

The eSafety Commissioner’s webinar topic for Term 4 is, digital technology and mental health. Although registration is not yet open, dates for the webinars are available below:

  • Tuesday 19 October 7.30pm to 8.30pm
  • Wednesday 20 October 12.30 pmto 1.30pm
  • Thursday 21 October 12.30pm to 1.30pm
  • Tuesday 26 October 7.30pm to 8.30pm
  • Tuesday 9 November 7.30pm to 8.30pm
  • Thursday 18 November 12.30pm to 1.30pm

E-cigarettes, vaping and teens: do you know the dangers?

A Royal Children’s Hospital Child Health Poll shows half of parents surveyed support a total ban on the supply, sale and use of all e-cigarettes and vaping products in Australia.

The poll also found that 57% of parents had never discussed e-cigarettes or vaping with their child, and one in three parents was unaware that e-cigarettes contained toxins and chemicals. Read all the results here

Vaping is a popular trend among young people. We must all be aware of how it can affect a person’s health and the harm it can cause.

The Royal Children’s Hospital has released a video that provides information about e-cigarettes and vaping. I encourage you to watch it with your child and discuss with them the risks of using e-cigarettes. Watch now



Cheryl Bullen

Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing - Melton Campus

Live FM Radio Program Begins

Our students began their collaboration with Live FM last week recording voice overs for an animation to promote their upcoming radio program, scheduled to be broadcast from 13 to 17 September (subject to COVID restrictions).

The Melton Live Crew met with executive producer Ralph Barba and there was much enthusiasm and excitement among the group. Four students were chosen to do voice overs for the animated advertisements. Watch now

Students who would like to take part should contact me as soon as possible via email at thobson@sfcc.vic.edu.au. 

Trent Hobson

Student Wellbeing Counsellor

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS)

In 2021, our school will participate in Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS). 

MACSSIS is an annual process whereby schools listen to students, families and staff about how their school can improve. These surveys help inform the ongoing improvement of schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

One of the main goals of the family survey is to identify the strengths and areas for improvement in our school. MACSSIS data benefits everyone within our College community and provides valuable insights on areas we can focus on. The College believes it is important to encourage families to have a voice and contribute to shaping our school's ongoing improvement.

A letter with survey access details and pin will be emailed to all families before Monday 30 August. 

The survey is available online, can be accessed from Monday 30 August and needs to be completed by Friday 17 September 2021.

Kerrie-Ann Matthews

Director of Community Relations

New Parent Portal Smartphone App

Parents and guardians can now download the Simon Everywhere smartphone app to gain access to PAM, the College online parent portal.

The app is designed to streamline the communication process for families. It allows you to conveniently access your child’s reports, grades and attendance, update medical information, log student absences and give permission for excursions - all the functions found in PAM.

Simon Everywhere can be downloaded from the Apple Store or the Google Play store. Below are guides to help you. Please email itsupport@sfcc.vic.edu.au if you require further information or assistance.

Students Secure Early University Entry

Year 12 students have begun thinking about their study plans for next year and to help ease the pressure, several universities have released early entry offer programs. 

These programs have a variety of different entry requirements other than the ATAR such as school recommendations, community and leadership involvement, Year 11 results and reduced ATAR entry requirements. They enable students to go into exams knowing that they have a conditional place waiting for them.

A presentation about these programs was delivered to Year 12 students last week. A recording is available through their VTAC Teams page.

Links to the programs are available below:

VU Guaranteed

ACU Guarantee

Swinburne Early Entry 

RMIT Early Offer 

Deakin Regional Access Scheme 

LaTrobe Aspire

Federation University Early Offer 

Congratulations to the following students who have already received a conditional offer through these early entry programs:

Alyssa Pace - VU Guaranteed Sports Exercise Science

Mystique Ardley - VU Guaranteed Early Childhood Education

Natalie Valentine - VU Guaranteed Nursing Paramedicine Midwifery

Zoe Attard – VU Guaranteed Osteopathy Physiotherapy

Shaun Somers - VU Guaranteed Laws Criminology

Ruby Mawson - VU Guaranteed Teaching

Sianna Coulson - VU Guaranteed Early Childhood Education

Chloe Owen - VU Guaranteed Laws Criminology

Jasmine Lewin - VU Guaranteed Nursing Paramedicine Midwifery

Caileigh Aquilina - VU Guaranteed Laws Criminology

Tamia Hawira - VU Guaranteed Teaching

Emmanuel Riak - VU Guaranteed Accounting Finance Business

Jozela Nilwau - ACU Guarantee Early Childhood Education

Looking at applying for tertiary study next year?

The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) opened applications for study in 2022 on 2 August.

Year 12 students have begun attending registration sessions with Mrs Runciman and me to set up their VTAC accounts, choose course preferences and apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) and scholarships.

These registration sessions will continue over the next two weeks during students’ study periods and VCAL classes. Students can also organise individual appointments throughout Term 3 for further support and assistance.

Parents and guardians of Year 12 students have been emailed information about a VTAC Parent Information Night on Wednesday 18 August from 6.45pm via Microsoft Teams.

Sasha Dickson

Pathways Coordinator

Wellbeing Through Lockdown

From the CRC Melton Wellbeing Team

Feeling exhausted and without hope is a normal response to ongoing and sudden lockdowns but there are things you can do to ease the fatigue.

Reflecting on the good things you’ve gained rather than what has been lost is especially important for staff, students and families involved in our College Production that was cancelled on opening night last Thursday as Victoria entered its sixth lockdown.

It is a disappointing time for everyone and the team is understandably grieving the loss of the show. Remember to reflect on all the wonderful things you can take away from the experience such as the great friendships you have formed, the confidence you have gained, the lifelong memories and that you have made us all so proud.

Tips to fight off lockdown fatigue

  • Start each day with a goal, big or small. Try your best to work towards it. And if you don’t achieve it, revisit it the next day.
  • Try to maintain a routine at home. Change out of your pyjamas for online learning, eat regularly, drink water, take breaks and put away your computer at the end of each school day.
  • Self-care is the greatest act of compassion. This can include going out into the sunshine, taking a warm bath, listening to music, drawing, watching anime, gaming, exercise, playing with your pets, dancing, singing etc. The list goes on!
  • Notice what your body needs throughout the day. Does your body need water? Some sunshine? A stretch? A rest? A walk? A break from your screen?
  • Take deep breaths when you are feeling overwhelmed or panicky. You can do this by sitting comfortably and placing one hand on your abdomen (the lower part of your stomach). 
  • Breathe in through your nose (4 seconds), deeply enough that your abdomen rises. Hold the air in your lungs (4 seconds), and then exhale slowly through your mouth (6 seconds), with your lips puckered as if you are blowing through a straw.
  • If you would like some guidance with this, the Smiling Mind app has some great voice-guided breathing exercises.
  • Having trouble sleeping? The headspace app has some free sleep casts you can listen to before bed.
  • If you notice critical thoughts coming on, ask yourself, “What would a friend say to me right now?”
  • Write down three things you’re grateful for when you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed. Try to notice the little things because they count too. For example, “Today I am grateful that my friend sent me a text message”.

Stay connected

Reaching out and talking about how you are can ease feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. You may find the person you speak to is also feeling the same way.

It is important to connect with someone each day. This person could be:

  • Someone you live with. A parent, grandparent, aunty/uncle, sibling, cousin, carer, etc.
  • A friend. You can organise a Facetime call with a friend or group of friends during recess, lunch and/or after school.
  • An adult at school. This could be a teacher, year level coordinator, your counsellor.
  • Your doctor and/or counsellor outside of school. Speak to your parent or guardian about arranging this.
  • Your pet. Pets are awesome, and sometimes cuddling or talking to our pets can make our day.

    Need more support?

    Phone chat

    Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 - available 24/7
    Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service
    1800 512 348 - available 24/7
    eheadspace
    1800 650 890 - available 9am to 1am

    Web chat

    Kids Helpline - available 24/7

    headspace - available 9am-1am 


    CRC Melton Wellbeing Team

    College Psychologists - Sarah Abbas and Rachel Agius

    College Wellbeing Counsellors - Trent Hobson and Nerida Thurn

    Trivia Competition Results

    Glasheen has won our College trivia competition, held over three weeks to encourage social interaction and discussion while challenging the mind.

    Earning bonus points for their house as their prize, team Glasheen led the entire competition, followed closely throughout by Daffey. The trivia questions covered various topics including humanities, mathematics, English, religion and science.

    Thank you to everyone who participated and joined in on the fun. It was a great success!

    Kirsty Caruana

    Academic Captain

    Languages Update

    Buongiorno a tutti.

    Term 3 is proving to be very busy for our language students.

    We immersed our Year 8 Italian students in virtual tours of the Royal Melbourne Zoo since our excursion could not take place during lockdown. They have now moved on from studying animals and are delving into the topic of sport, leisure activities and what we like to do on the weekend.

    Our Year 7 students are studying a unit on family and preparing presentations on a famous family of their choice.

    Year 9 Italian students are working on reading and writing invitations, while Year 10 students analyse job applications, write cover letters, and a curriculum vitae in Italian.

    Some Year 9 and 10 students will take part in the annual Dante Alighieri Italian Poetry Recitation. They have chosen a poem to recite and their performance will be judged by Dr Teresa De Fazio, from the University of Melbourne.

    Outside of lockdowns, our Italian Club meets during lunchtime on Mondays. Students are learning to play Italian card games such as Scopa and recently watched the movie Benvenuti al Sud. Students who attend the Italian Club also receive prizes, house points and a certificate of attendance. Everyone is welcome.

    We are excited to host the College’s Italian Day on Wednesday 8 September. Our Year 7 and 8 students will view an Italian Drama Show Mission Gnocchi and enjoy a visit from a gelati van at lunchtime. A pizza lunch can also be ordered from the canteen.

    Claudia Russo

    Languages Domain Leader

    Year 7 2023 Enrolments Close Friday 20 August

    Elevate Education Webinars

    Parents and guardians have exclusive access to Elevate Education’s Parent Webinar Series for Term 3, 2021. Elevate works with our students, delivering workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation.

    Elevate’s webinar series can help you learn how to better support your child at home by reinforcing the skills they learn at school.

    The next webinar, Smart study: how to take notes effectively, will run live online from 7pm to 8pm on Wednesday 18 August. Registration is essential and is free for CRC Melton parents and guardians. It includes a live question and answer session so you can ask the presenter questions directly.

    You can register for one or all of the remaining free webinars using the link below.

    Register now

    Other webinars in the series include:

    Wednesday 1 September, 7pm - Exam home stretch and how to support your child in the final weeks.

    Community Notices

    Wolfpack Basketball Club

    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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