What a busy, action-packed, and successful Term 3 we have had at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs. We have continued to provide quality learning and teaching every day in our classrooms, with a rigorous academic program enriched by a wide range of co-curricular opportunities. These have included SACCSS sporting competitions, excursions and incursions, faith formation and wellbeing days, school assemblies and liturgies, and music concerts.

A particular highlight was the original production Once Upon a Stage, performed to sold-out audiences from Thursday 28 August to Saturday 30 August. Another highlight was the Spring Twilight Concert, where students showcased their musical talents with excellence and enthusiasm.

One of the most significant events of this term was our Live Fully, Act Justly Day celebrations. It was a day filled with faith, joy, and community. Our students came together to celebrate their spirituality through a beautiful Mass, celebrated by Fr Robin Lomangkok, Assistant Priest of Holy Eucharist Parish, St Albans South. Fr Robin’s homily was both relevant and inspiring. He reminded us that if we live and act on our College motto with passion, we will be unstoppable as a College community and, together, achieve great things.

This year, the day held special significance as it coincided closely with the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, celebrated last Sunday. This feast reminds us that through the Cross comes the glory of the Resurrection and the victory of God’s love. As St Paul writes in Galatians 6:14, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” The Cross stands as a sign of hope, reminding us of Christ’s sacrifice and the call for each of us to embrace lives of faith, love, and service.

Following Mass, we gathered for a whole school assembly where our 2026 College Captain candidates addressed the audience with their candidate speeches. Each student spoke with courage and conviction, presenting their vision for our College’s future. They should be very proud of their efforts and the leadership they demonstrated.

A moving and inspiring address was given by our current College Captain, Jennlyn Magtalas, who unpacked and reflected on our College motto Live Fully, Act Justly. Jennlyn’s words captured the spirit and essence of the motto beautifully. She said:

“To Live Fully: means seizing every opportunity to grow, to develop your unique gifts and talents, and to express them with purpose. It’s about embracing moments that challenge you, inspire you, and allow you to thrive, whether that’s through academics, sports, the arts, or acts of kindness.

To Act Justly: is to recognize the inherent dignity in each person, including yourself, and to act in ways that uplift, respect, and serve others. It’s about fairness, compassion, and making choices that reflect God’s call to love one another and to love ourselves.”

Thank you, Jennlyn, for these fine words which truly capture the meaning of our College motto.

As a community, we deeply value student leadership, advocacy, and agency. I sincerely thank our current student leaders for their outstanding contributions. In particular, our College Captain, Jennlyn Magtalas, who has led with grace and vision—her address today was both inspiring and relevant. I also acknowledge our Deputy Captains, Clark Neustro, Cienna Victuelles, and Keisha Cortes Alinea, for their courage and presence; Charlotte Attard, our Faith and Social Justice Captain; Sophia Clayton, our Performing Arts Captain; and all our House Captains and student leaders, who serve with dedication and pride.

The carnival rides, stalls, and Talent Quest added fun and festivity to the day, with students’ gifts warmly celebrated by their peers. The applause for each performance reflected the supportive spirit of our community.

This special day also raised an impressive $17,700 for our sister school, St Francis Kizinga in Uganda. These funds will sustain the daily feeding program and contribute to the construction of a new classroom block. I sincerely thank our entire College community, students, staff, and families, for giving so generously and being so involved in the day. Your kindness and support will make a real difference in the lives of the students at St Francis Kizinga.

A treasured tradition of Live Fully, Act Justly Day is the recognition of staff members who have dedicated many years of service to the College. Their generosity, professionalism, and commitment have helped shape our school into a place of learning, growth, and joy. We thank these staff for supporting our College’s mission and helping us create a positive and inclusive environment for everyone.

The following staff members were recognised for their service:

Fifteen Years of Service

• Danny Godoy
• Hayley Iannazzo
• Joanne Jilbert
• Thomas Matkovic
• Andrew McAlindon
• Sue Walson

Ten Years of Service

• Tiffany Azzopardi
• Daniel Manning
• Olivia Reljic
• Melissa Vickery

I would like to thank our Deputy Principal Wellbeing, Katie Murray Fawcett, together with the Live Fully, Act Justly Day committee, for overseeing the organisation of the day. I also extend my gratitude to our administration, finance, and maintenance teams for their work, Paul Sammut and his Catholic Identity and Mission team for organising the Mass, and Jordyn Bugeja, Danny Godoy, and Allison Caruana for overseeing the very successful Talent Quest.

I wish to acknowledge all staff for their outstanding contribution to our College community this term.. From teaching and leadership to I.T., maintenance, counselling, learning diversity, library, support, administration, and finance, every staff member plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth running and vibrant spirit of the College. Their professionalism, care, and generosity of spirit underpin the success of programs, events, and daily life at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs.

Finally, may this holiday provide you with the opportunity to rest, rejuvenate, and spend quality time with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you all back on Monday 6 October for Term 4.