Welcome Back

I extend a very warm welcome back to all staff, students, and families, and especially to those joining our College community for the first time. This year, we are delighted to welcome 295 Year 7 students as they begin their secondary school journey with us, along with 10 new students across Years 8, 9, and 10. We are pleased to have you all as part of our community.

I congratulate our Year 7 students on the positive way they have settled into College life. Our staff and student leaders have worked diligently to ensure a smooth and supportive transition, and it has been wonderful to see our newest students embracing the opportunities before them. I also extend a warm welcome to the families joining our community for the first time, and I hope your time at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs is both enriching and rewarding.

As the year progresses, it is essential that all students maintain high expectations of themselves in every context. This includes wearing the College uniform with pride, arriving punctually to school and classes, and committing fully to the core business of learning. Students are encouraged to work collaboratively with their teachers to achieve the very best outcomes possible.

As we begin a new school year, we are reminded of the promise that comes with new beginnings and of our shared call to be the very best versions of ourselves. Each new year brings fresh opportunities for growth, learning, and success, both individually and as a community.

“Always treat others as you would have them treat you” (Matthew 7:12)

A key focus for our College community this year is the embedding of the theme of RESPECT — respect for self, for others, and for our environment. This focus is central to who we are and how we live and learn together and is outlined in the diagram below.

At our College, we support this focus through the consistent implementation of clear classroom practices before and after each lesson. These practices are designed to create a positive and effective learning environment and to support both students and staff. They:

• Provide a predictable structure that helps students feel safe and secure
• Support effective classroom management
• Minimise time lost during transitions and disruptions
• Teach students responsibility and effective time management
• Improve focus, engagement, and learning outcomes
• Reduce stress by fostering a stable and consistent environment
• Support smoother, calmer transitions between lessons

I also strongly encourage students to challenge themselves beyond the classroom by becoming involved in the wide range of co-curricular opportunities available. Our extensive list of Clubs and Groups, along with leadership, faith, and social justice initiatives, offers something for everyone. Participation in these opportunities enriches student life and strengthens our sense of community.

Finally, may all members of the Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs community throughout 2026 truly live, breathe, and enact our College motto: Live Fully, Act Justly.

Welcome to Our New Staff

We are delighted to welcome the newest members of our College community. It is wonderful to have you with us, and we look forward to the energy, insight, and dedication you will bring to our school. Each of you arrives with your own strengths, skills, and experiences, and we are excited to see the positive impact you will have on our students and the wider College community.

As a Catholic secondary school, our work is grounded in faith, learning, and service. We hope you quickly feel at home and connected to our shared mission, as together we continue to build a caring, inclusive, and life-giving environment where everyone is supported to grow and thrive.

Welcome to new staff 2026:

Our CRCCS community warmly welcomes the following new staff for 2026:

• Annie William, Teacher
• Darryl Kell, Teacher
• Madyleine Kyriazis, Teacher
• Tuong Do, Teacher
• Declan Basil, Teacher
• Paris Tran, Teacher
• Sanjay Mishra, Teacher
• Sian Elliot, Teacher
• Sienna Cook, Library Technician
• Adrian Valenti, Learning Support Officer
• Carla Tarquinio, Performing Arts & Event Assistant
• Barbara King, Human Resources and Compliance Manager (Beginning March 2nd)

We also warmly welcome back the following returning staff for 2026:

• Anne Crockford
• Courtney Wilcox
• Rita Paniagua

Call for Expressions of Interest — School Advisory Council

We are pleased to invite expressions of interest from our school community for Parent Representatives on the School Advisory Council (SAC). We currently have two positions available, with six positions already held and completing their three year appointments.

The School Advisory Council plays an important role in supporting the strategic direction of the College. Councillors provide insight, partnership and advice that contributes to strong governance, helps uphold our Catholic identity, and enriches student learning and wellbeing.

What is the School Advisory Council?

The SAC is a consultative body that works with the Principal and school leadership to:

• support the vision and mission of our Catholic school
• advise on key strategic and community priorities
• enhance engagement with families and the wider community

The School Advisory Council provides a crucial point of connection between the wider school community and school leaders. While the School Advisory Council does not have governance responsibility or decision-making authority, it supports the principal and school leadership and provides an important connection to the parish.

Find out more in the MACS School Advisory Council Terms of Reference on the MACS website.

How Appointments are Made

Parent representatives are appointed through a transparent process in line with the MACS School Advisory Council Terms of Reference. In summary:

• Expressions of Interest are invited from all parents and carers
• Appointments aim to reflect diverse perspectives from across the school community
• Selection is guided by skills, experience, and commitment to the College’s mission

For detailed guidance on SAC structure and appointment procedures, see the MACS School Advisory Council Manual available on the MACS website.

How to Submit an Expression of Interest

If you would like to be considered for a Parent Representative position on the SAC, please submit an Expression of Interest to the College Principal by Friday 20 February 4:00pm

Please include:

• your name and contact details
• a brief statement (150–200 words) outlining your interest and what you believe you can contribute

Submit to: principal@crccs.vic.edu.au

We encourage all parents and carers who are passionate about supporting our school community to consider this meaningful opportunity.

Thank you for your interest and ongoing commitment to our College.