Loving and faithful God,
as we begin a new college year,
we place ourselves and our community into Your care.

Bless our students as they grow in knowledge,
confidence, and wisdom.
May they use their gifts generously
and their voices with kindness, courage, and truth.

Bless our staff as they guide, support, and inspire.
Grant them patience in challenges,
joy in their vocation,
and strength in all that is asked of them.

Bless our families,
who walk with us in hope and trust,
and whose love sustains this community.

Send Your Holy Spirit upon us this year,
that in all we do we may
Live Fully Act Justly,
bringing hope and renewal to one another.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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.

Welcome to the 2026 School Year

Welcome back to our returning families. We look forward to building on the successes of last year and continuing to support your child’s growth and development throughout 2026. A special welcome also to our new families, we are delighted to have you join the Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs community and look forward to partnering with you to make the most of your child’s time at the College.

Although only a couple of weeks into the term for students, our staff have been working diligently to ensure a productive and rewarding start to the year. A wide range of opportunities and experiences have been thoughtfully planned to extend learning beyond the classroom. Whether in faith, social, academic, cultural or sporting contexts, each opportunity is designed to help students grow in confidence, strengthen friendships and create lasting memories.

Consent2Go Platform

Thank you to all parents and carers for your prompt engagement with our new Consent2Go platform following the transition from Operoo. We sincerely appreciate the positive and proactive manner in which our community has embraced this change.

As outlined in our original Consent2Go correspondence, all requests for permission received via Consent2Go must be treated as a call to action. The platform does not send daily reminders for outstanding consent requests. It is therefore essential that when a notification is received, it is reviewed and actioned promptly to ensure your child does not miss valuable learning opportunities, particularly those occurring outside of the classroom or offsite.

Your partnership in this process enables us to continue providing enriching and well-organised experiences for our students.

College Swimming Carnival – 24 February

Our College Swimming Carnival will take place on 24 February. This is always a highlight of Term 1 and a wonderful opportunity for students to come together as a school community. The day promotes participation, friendly competition and strong House spirit, while encouraging students to support one another and celebrate collective achievement. We look forward to an energetic and spirited day.

Year 9 Camp – 25 –27 February

We are especially excited for our Year 9 cohort, who will attend their 3-day, 2-night camp from 25 to 27 February. Please note that there will be no Year 9 classes on these dates due to camp.

Camps are an important part of school life. They provide students with opportunities to build independence, resilience and teamwork while strengthening relationships with peers and staff in a different environment. Through a wide range of activities, students are challenged to step outside their comfort zones, collaborate with others and grow in confidence. We look forward to hearing the stories and reflections when they return.

Year 10 Premier League

This week also marked the commencement of Year 10 Premier League. This program provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, teamwork and commitment while representing our school with pride.

Premier League fosters healthy competition and encourages students to take ownership of their involvement in the sporting life of the College. Beyond the competitive element, it strengthens connections across the cohort and builds a strong sense of belonging. We look forward to seeing the enthusiasm, sportsmanship and leadership that will emerge throughout the season.

Visit from Liceo Scientifico Livio Cambi (Italy)

This week we had the pleasure of welcoming 16 students and one staff member from our sister school in Italy, Liceo Scientifico Livio Cambi. These international partnerships provide rich cultural exchange experiences that broaden perspectives and deepen global understanding for our students.

We extend our sincere thanks to the generous families within our community who have opened their homes to host our visitors during their week-long stay. Your hospitality enables these meaningful experiences to take place and reflects the strong spirit of welcome within our College community.

Staying Informed

To remain up to date with important College dates and upcoming events, we encourage all families to regularly consult the College website calendar. This remains the most accurate and current source of information regarding key events throughout the year.

We look forward to a positive and enriching Term 1 and thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s learning journey at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs.

We warmly welcome all our new Year 7 students and their families as you begin your exciting school journey at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs.

Moving from primary to secondary school is an exciting time, though it does come with a lot of new learning for both you and your child. That’s why starting secondary school is the perfect time to build safe travel habits to and from school. Whether your child walks, cycles, takes public transport, or you drive them, there are simple steps we can all take to make every school journey safer. We are happy to share the TAC’s Safe Migration Project resources with you, designed to give schools and families the support needed to help children travel safely to and from school.

The TAC’s Safe Migration Project includes a fun and engaging video that shows the many ways children and young people get to and from school and reminds us how important it is to make every journey a safe one. You can also find a helpful fact sheet with practical safe travel tips and resources.

To learn more, watch the TAC’s Safe Migration video here. And click here to read the fact sheet (available in multiple languages) for more tips on safe travel to and from school.

Let’s work together to make every school journey a safe one.

MACS Care Website - Child Safe Standard 1

This year, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) has launched a new child-safe campaign and website called MACS Care. The purpose of this is to assist schools in continuing to build a child safety culture and maintain compliance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards.

The MACS care website includes a number of resources and templates to guide schools throughout the year as they focus on all 11 standards each month.

“MACS Care is intentionally curated to raise awareness, encourage accountability, and inspire action at every level of the organisation to ensure the safety of children and young people. By creating a concise and impactful narrative. MACS Care seeks to resonate with all members of the MACS community, prompting them to actively contribute to creating safer environments for children and young people.” Source: MACS Care website

This month, we will be focussing on Child Safe Standard 1: Establish culturally safe environments in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children, young people and students are respected and valued.

I encourage you to read the Newsletter Child Safe Standard 1 which will give you a better understanding of what our College do to ensure our students are safe and the processes involved in making Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs a child safe school.

Dear parents/carers,

It is my pleasure to introduce the Learning and Teaching Team and the Curriculum Leadership Team for 2026:

As we partner together in educating our young people, I encourage you to read the below policies which our Learning and Teaching Team, Curriculum Leadership Team and teachers will model throughout the year:

Code of Academic Integrity
Artificial Intelligence Guidelines 
Student MacBook Agreement
Homework Policy.

SEQTA: Our Learning Management System

We utilise a Learning Management System called 'SEQTA'. The parent version of SEQTA is called ‘SEQTA Engage’, the student version of SEQTA is called ‘SEQTA Learn’ and the staff version of SEQTA is called ‘SEQTA Teach’. 

All new parents/carers to the College should have received information containing login instructions and an explanation of the features of SEQTA Engage. A copy of the letter highlighting the features of SEQTA Engage can be found here:

SEQTA Engage Letter 2026

Additionally, as a beneficial refresher to all families, a demonstration video showcasing the features of SEQTA Engage can be accessed here:

Should you have any problems accessing SEQTA Engage, please contact the College on 9217 8000 or by emailing enquiries@crccs.vic.edu.au.

Finally, additional important newsletter items by the Learning and Teaching Team can also be found in this newsletter edition detailing our New Grade Scale and Assessment Rubrics and updates to Assessment Resit, together with our Student Success Programs by the Experiential Learning Coordinator, Learning Area Leader English and Literacy and Learning Area Leader Mathematics and Numeracy.

Communication processes in support of learning

Questions, queries and/or feedback are welcomed in creating a supportive learning environment for our students.

The first point of contact regarding questions, queries and/or feedback is your child's subject teacher. The next level of support if applicable includes Learning Area Leaders and/or the Professional Learning Coordinator.

As shared in College Street News Issue 9, 2025, the College Curriculum Leadership Team (CLT) and the Learning and Teaching Team worked in two Action Teams (a Grade Scale Action Team and an Assessment Rubric Action Team) from January 2025 to develop a revised assessment rubric and grade scale for use in 2026. This work was in response to School Review feedback, together with our ongoing commitment to strengthening school culture. This work was salient to our 2025 Annual Action Plan, with Goal 1 being: “To improve student achievement and access to the curriculum by developing and implementing clear assessment rubrics in all year levels”. Additionally, marking changes to our Assessment Rubrics and Grade Scale was a clear priority from interviews with stakeholders.

Introducing Our New College Grade Scale

As part of our ongoing commitment to improving clarity, consistency, and fairness in assessment, the College has introduced a new assessment grade scale for students.

Why have we made this change?

Assessment results should clearly communicate how well a student has demonstrated their learning. Previously, assessment results were reported using percentages aligned to achievement standards. Because these standards covered a wide range of results, they did not always clearly indicate where a student’s achievement sat within that range. The updated grade scale has been introduced to:

• better reflect best practice in assessment and reporting
• help students and families more clearly understand what assessment results mean
• ensure that student achievement is recognised and communicated clearly and transparently.
  

What is a grade scale?

A grade scale shows how well a student has met the learning goals of an assessment task. Under the new system, students will continue to receive a percentage score, but this will now be accompanied by a letter grade. The letter grade directly corresponds to the percentage achieved and provides a consistent measure of achievement across subjects.

In simple terms, the grade scale helps students better understand what their result means, not just how many marks they earned.

What are the main changes?

• Percentage scores remain: Students will still receive a percentage result for assessment tasks.
• Letter grades are now included: each percentage result aligns to a clear letter grade.
• Letter grades now appear alongside percentages in SEQTA.

When does this take effect?

The new grade scale is already in place. Students and parents/carers will see letter grades alongside percentage scores when viewing assessment results in SEQTA.

Introducing our new Assessment Rubrics

Why have we made this change?

Alongside the introduction of the new College grade scale, we have also updated our approach to assessment rubrics as part of a broader focus on improving assessment clarity, consistency, and feedback for students. While the grade scale provides a clear summary of achievement, assessment rubrics describe the key knowledge, skills and attitudes being assessed and outline progressive levels of achievement, proficiency and sophistication. Rubrics play an important role in helping students understand what mastery and high-quality work look like, and how their learning is assessed, rather than focusing only on task completion or a final result.

What are the main changes?

The new rubrics have been developed to align closely with the College’s updated grade scale and to reflect best practice in assessment and reporting. Together, the grade scale and rubrics provide a clearer and more consistent picture of student achievement by showing both how a student performed overall and why they received that result.

These updated rubrics clearly identify the learning focus and links to curriculum of each assessment and describe levels of achievement, proficiency and sophistication using clear language. This helps students better understand expectations and supports more meaningful feedback, allowing them to clearly see strengths in their work as well as areas for improvement.

When does this take effect?

Classroom teachers will explicitly introduce and explain the assessment rubrics for their subject areas as assessment tasks are introduced this year. Teachers will guide students through the structure and features of the rubric, explain how it connects to task requirements, and highlight how it can be used as a learning and feedback tool throughout the learning and assessment process. This ensures students have a clear understanding of expectations before they begin an assessment and can use the rubric to support their learning.

We believe our new transparent rubrics will strengthen assessment consistency across the College, support clearer communication with students and families, and help students take greater ownership of their learning.

From 2026, the College has updated its Assessment Re-sit Policy and Procedure to support greater consistency, fairness, and clarity for all students completing in-class assessments.

These changes ensure that assessment processes are applied consistently across year levels and Learning Areas, and that all students are assessed under comparable conditions. This helps maintain the integrity of assessment outcomes and ensures results accurately reflect each student’s learning and achievement.

Under the updated Policy, students who miss an in-class assessment will be eligible for a re-sit only if the absence is School-Approved (such as excursions, camps, or College events) or supported by a valid medical certificate.

If a student is absent from an in-class assessment for a Non-School Approved reason, a medical certificate must be provided to Student Reception by 4:00pm, two days after the missed assessment (i.e. if your child is absent on a Monday, the medical certificate must be submitted by 4:00pm Wednesday). If appropriate documentation is not supplied, the assessment will be awarded a zero result, in line with College Policy.

To support students while minimising disruption to regular learning, the College provides a supervised Assessment Re-sit session held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:05pm-4:15pm. This allows students to complete missed assessments in a structured environment while ensuring fairness for all. In a change from previous years, students from all year levels can attend both Tuesday and Thursday sessions, as scheduled by the teacher (except for students who have VCE lessons on Thursday afternoons).

A copy of the updated policy and procedure document is linked here for your reference, along with a flow chart summarising the new process.

We appreciate the ongoing support of parents and carers in reinforcing these expectations with students. These updates are designed to promote responsibility, equity, and confidence in the College’s assessment practices.

For further information or clarification, please contact Hayley Iannazzo.

The beginning of a new school year is the perfect opportunity for students to reflect on their personal and academic goals. Our dedicated staff offer a range of Student Success Programs designed to support students in achieving their goals and helping them thrive and flourish at school.

The following Student Success Programs are available to students:

English Support
Maths Support
Assessment Re-sit
Homework Support

We encourage all students to take full advantage of these programs to help them achieve their academic and personal goals. Each program is tailored to meet individual needs and provides students with the tools, guidance, and encouragement they need to succeed.

For more information on each specific program, please contact the relevant staff member listed below.

To assist students further in their literacy skills, English Support sessions are offered to all students as an after-school Student Success Program. The sessions are facilitated by English teachers to develop student capability and confidence in all areas of English including vocabulary, writing structure and conventions, grammar and punctuation.

The program is offered to all students on Tuesday afternoons between 3:05pm – 4:00pm in room MM3. Students are not required to attend for the entire hour and can leave after they have received the necessary support.

Below is the timetable for Term 1 which indicates the date as well as the teacher facilitating the session. The sessions are entirely voluntary and provide a great opportunity for students to receive tailored guidance in further developing their literacy skills. 

If you would like any further clarification, please feel free to contact me at the College at bcrowe@crccs.vic.edu.au.

I am pleased to announce that the 2026 Co-Curricular Student Handbook is now available, offering a fantastic range of Clubs and Groups for students to explore this year. Whether their interests lie in creativity, sports, or academics, there’s something for everyone.

This year, we have introduced several exciting new opportunities, such as the Curious Kitchen Club, the Journalism Club, the Audio Recording Club, and our new Musical Vocal Ensemble. These clubs provide students with a wonderful chance to develop new skills, try something new, and make lasting friendships.

Participating in a club or group is an excellent way for students to develop leadership skills, strengthen social connections, and engage more deeply in school life. We encourage all students to explore the available options and choose an activity that aligns with their interests and passions.

Although official sign-ups for 2026 have closed, students are still welcome to join a Club or Group by contacting the listed staff member in the Term 1 Clubs and Groups chart.

Please encourage your child to get involved, grow, and make the most of their year by joining a club or group in 2026.

Lent and Ash Wednesday

Next Wednesday, 18 February, we begin the sacred season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. Our College community will come together for a Liturgy, led by Deacon Chris and our student leaders, to mark this important moment in our faith journey.

Lent mirrors Jesus’ 40 days in the desert, a time of preparation, reflection and renewal as we journey toward the joy of Easter. It invites us to slow down, refocus our hearts, and grow closer to God through three simple but powerful practices:

Prayer – Making time to talk with God each day, perhaps through a short family prayer or grace before meals.

Fasting– Letting go of small comforts, like extra snacks or screen time, to strengthen our spirit and self-discipline.

Almsgiving – Sharing generously with those in need.

As Pope Francis reminds us, "Lent is a good time to recover the joy and hope that make us feel like beloved sons and daughters of the Father." It is a time to reset, to forgive, and to love more deeply just as Christ loves us.

At school, students and staff are encouraged to attend Friday 8:00am Mass, participate in Lenten activities and engage in service-learning opportunities (Year 8 students only). At home, Lent might be lived through meatless Fridays, praying the Rosary as a family or simple acts of kindness offered with love.

Below is a link to resources to support you and your family as we journey together toward Easter, growing closer to Christ this Lenten season 2026 Catholic Lent Resources

Year 7 Thanksgiving Welcome Mass

Our College community recently gathered to celebrate the Year 7 Welcome Thanksgiving Mass, a meaningful occasion marking the beginning of our newest students’ journey at CRC, shared with their parents and families.

Beginning the year with the celebration of the Eucharist was particularly significant, as it lies at the heart of our Catholic faith. Through the Eucharist, Christ strengthens and sustains us, calling us to live out our College Motto, Live Fully, Act Justly. To live fully is to deepen our relationship with Christ, while to act justly is to respond to others with love, compassion, and a commitment to justice.

The Mass was celebrated by Fr John Vespa, Assistant Parish Priest at St Catherine of Siena Parish, Caroline Springs. In his homily, Fr Vespa encouraged our Year 7 students to form positive friendships, embrace new opportunities, respect their teachers, and grow closer to God, reminding them that it is through our relationship with God, our Creator, that we are able to grow and flourish as individuals.

Our Year 7 students have already made a strong and positive impression, with their enthusiasm and spirit clearly evident, particularly through their willingness to serve and minister during the Mass.

We sincerely thank the parents and families who joined us for this celebration and for their ongoing support of our College community.

As the academic year unfolds, we look forward to many opportunities for our students to grow in faith, learning, and character as they continue to build strong foundations throughout Year 7.

Opening College Mass

On Tuesday, 3 February, our College community gathered in prayer to mark the beginning of the new scholastic year with our Opening College Mass, celebrated on the Memorial of St Blaise.

The Mass was presided over by Fr John Vespa, Assistant Parish Priest at St Catherine of Siena Parish, Caroline Springs. In his homily, Fr Vespa drew upon the life and witness of St Blaise patron saint of the throat and a reminder of the power of the human voice. He challenged our community to reflect on how we use our voices each day, through words of encouragement, truth, and kindness. Fr Vespa emphasised that our words and choices have a lasting impact on those around us and can either build up or diminish the community we share.

Celebrating our Opening College Mass on the Memorial of St Blaise provided a wonderful opportunity to entrust the year ahead to God, asking for His protection, guidance, and blessing upon all members of our College community.

Following the celebration of the Mass, Fr Vespa generously made himself available to staff and students to receive the traditional Blessing of the Throats, a practice associated with the feast of St Blaise and a sign of God’s protection and care.

As we journey through the year, may we continue to seek God’s blessings and strive to use our voices and actions in ways that allow us to Live Fully Act Justly in all we do.

Invitation to attend Friday 8am Mass

I invite you to join us for our Friday 8:00am Mass, celebrated each week of the school term at St Catherine of Siena Parish Church, Caroline Springs. Mass concludes at 8:25am, allowing students ample time to prepare for the school day.

We are truly blessed to have our Parish Church located on College grounds more importantly, a sacred place where God dwells among us. Participation in Holy Mass is central to our faith, nurturing our relationship with God as we listen to His Word and are strengthened by the Holy Eucharist. It is a sacred moment where heaven and earth meet.

We would be delighted to welcome you and your family and we encourage you to support your sons and daughters in considering Friday Mass as a meaningful part of their ongoing faith journey.

Students also have the opportunity to sign up to read during Mass via notice on SEQTA, with the option of nominating a family member to read alongside them.

We hope to see you there.

Our newest Year 7 students have made a confident and enthusiastic beginning to their secondary journey at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs through our structured three-day Welcome Program prior to commencing regular classes.

Day One: Building Belonging and Confidence 

Friday’s Welcome Day focused on helping students feel known, supported and organised. The morning began with families gathering on Hogan Green for photos and refreshments before students met their homeroom teachers in Siena Square.

Throughout the day, students:

• Met their homeroom teachers and peers
• Worked through their Welcome Day booklet activities
• Received and practised using their locker locks
• Had school ID photos taken
• Participated in their first Year Level Mass

The celebration of Mass in the afternoon provided a meaningful opportunity to gather as a year level, reflect on the beginning of this new chapter, and formally welcome our students into the faith life of the College.

Day Two: Connection and Exploration 

On Monday, students continued building relationships and familiarity with College life. The day included:

• Homeroom reflection and orientation activities
• Music tours
• ‘Get to Know You’ activities to strengthen peer connections
• Creation of personalised name tags and classroom prayer contributions
• Whole school assembly participation

These experiences supported students in navigating the campus confidently while beginning to form a strong sense of community within their homerooms. We are proud of the immediate impact our new Year 7’s have had on our College community, as shown by the reverence they displayed during the mass.

Day Three: MacBook Rollout and Digital Readiness 

The third day marked an exciting milestone as students received their College MacBooks. Alongside device distribution, students were explicitly guided through expectations regarding digital responsibility, appropriate use, and care of their device within a learning environment.

This session focused on:

• Understanding acceptable use guidelines
• Digital organisation and responsible online behaviour
• Caring for their device
• Establishing routines that support learning in a 1:1 environment

By embedding these expectations early, we are ensuring students develop the digital literacy and responsibility required for success in secondary education.

Across the three days, our Year 7 students demonstrated enthusiasm, curiosity and maturity as they embraced new routines, new friendships and new expectations. We thank our homeroom teachers, student leaders and families for their partnership in ensuring a smooth and positive transition into College life.

We look forward to seeing the Year 7 cohort continue to grow in confidence, faith and learning throughout 2026.

Welcome to a new year of learning in Mathematics! The mathematics department is looking forward to working in partnership with families to support every learner grow in confidence, understanding and achievement in mathematics.

Our aim is to provide classrooms where students feel safe to ask questions, are willing to “give things a go”, and challenge their thinking. Learning mathematics requires effort and practice, and we are committed to providing students with a rigorous and appropriately challenging curriculum.

To help students experience success, there are a few important expectations for our maths classrooms.

Being prepared for learning:

Students are expected to arrive to every lesson with the correct equipment. This includes:

• A charged MacBook
• Access to Cambridge Mathematics online textbook
• Two exercise books
• Graph paper
• A scientific calculator
• A CAS calculator (Year 9 Advanced and Year 10)
• Mathomat
• Writing materials.

Having the correct resources allows lessons to begin promptly and ensures students can fully participate in learning activities. These resources can be purchased from Campion via the booklist.

Regular completion of homework:

Homework plays in important role in reinforcing the skills learnt in class and encourages independence. Typically in mathematics, homework involves the completion of assigned class work and is accessed through the online textbook. Students should expect to complete approximately 20-30 minutes (depending on year level) of maths homework after each lesson and are asked to complete homework by the due date. They are also strongly encouraged to seek help from their teacher when difficulties arise. Set homework can be viewed on the SEQTA Dashboard.

The Cambridge online textbook also offers additional questions and extension tasks that students can access should they wish to extend themselves in mathematics.

Seeking support as required:

Maths Support – Student Success Programs

As part of the Student Success Program offered at the College, Maths Support is available to students who would benefit from extra assistance or time to practise their skills. The mathematics teaching team offer after school support sessions on Mondays and Thursdays from 3.05pm – 4.00pm in MM1. These sessions provide a quiet space where students can ask questions, work through homework, revise classwork, or prepare for assessments with the guidance of a teacher. We strongly encourage students to take advantage of this valuable opportunity whenever they need support.

We are excited about the year ahead and the opportunities for students to develop their mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills. If you have any questions or concerns throughout the year, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s maths teacher. We look forward to a successful year of learning together.

The Food Technology space at CRCCS is always buzzing with energy, learning, and the amazing smells drifting down the hallway. Our goal is simple: to create a welcoming, inclusive space where students feel confident in the kitchen and leave with skills they’ll genuinely use for life.

The recipes we cook are drawn from a wide range of cultures and cuisines, because food is one of the best ways to learn about the world and each other. We’re also very mindful that food intolerances and allergies should never stop anyone from learning these critical life skills. With a little planning and a lot of care, every student can be involved and successful.

Our Food Technology team includes Nicole Croft, Nicole Evans, and me, each bringing our own strengths, creativity, and passion into the kitchen. We’re incredibly lucky to be supported by the wonderful Fay Ghazi, our Food Technician, who works tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure everything is organised, prepared, and good to go before each class even begins.

Spread across three kitchens, our program continues to grow, with Year 9 and 10 students especially excited to work in the state-of-the-art kitchens located in the Sacred Heart Building. These spaces allow students to collaborate, challenge themselves, and take pride in their work.

We can’t promise that many samples of our recipes will make it home, but we can promise that every dish comes with learning, confidence, and a story. Food Technology at CRCCS is about so much more than cooking; it’s about connection, culture, and building skills that last well beyond the classroom.

Congratulations to the Social Justice Team of 2026. This group of students has stepped forward with generous hearts, a strong sense of responsibility, and a real desire to live out our call to act justly and compassionately.

The objective of the Social Justice Team is simple but powerful: to raise awareness, take action, and stand in solidarity with those in our local and global community who need it most. Through service, advocacy, and fundraising, these students remind us that justice begins with noticing, caring, and choosing to do something.

In the coming weeks, the Caritas Project will kick off, inviting our community to unite against poverty. This is an opportunity for our students to learn, lead, and respond with empathy — recognising that even small actions can make a meaningful difference.

Also, Our Social Justice Leadership Day on February 17 will allows the students to come together, reflect, and grow as leaders guided by compassion and action. The day will encourage students to see leadership as service and to consider how they can respond meaningfully to the needs of others in our community and beyond.

We look forward to seeing the Social Justice Team of 2026 grow, lead, and make a difference together.

Prayer

Loving God,
We thank you for the hearts of these young people who are willing to lead, serve, and stand up for others. Bless their efforts, guide their decisions, and give them courage when challenges arise. May their actions reflect kindness, compassion, and hope,
and may they always remember that what they do for others, they do for You.

Amen.

2026 School Fees

The 2026 School Fee Schedule and Fee Payment Agreement were distributed to families via Operoo on 17 September 2025. These documents are also available on the College website and are attached to your monthly statement (College Tuition Fee – CRC Caroline Springs) for your convenience.

The January statement was issued last week and includes the full year’s fees. Families are reminded that school fees must be paid in instalments as outlined in the Fee Payment Agreement, unless alternative arrangements have been approved by the College Business Manager.

If you have not yet returned the signed Fee Payment Agreement, we kindly ask that you do so as soon as possible, as fee payments for 2026 have now commenced.

The BPAY payment option is now available. Please refer to your monthly statement for the relevant BPAY details.

If you have recently changed your home address or email details, please notify the College to ensure our records remain up to date.

Please note that 2026 school fees must be finalised by the end of the school year, unless prior arrangements have been made and approved.

CSEF 2026 – Current Health Care Card Holders

Applications for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) for 2026 are now open.

Only Year 7 students and new students who are eligible for the Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF) are required to submit an application for 2026. Students who received CSEF in 2025 will have their eligibility automatically rolled over and do not need to reapply.

Eligible families are asked to:

• Complete the CSEF application form available on our website
• Return the completed and signed form, along with a copy of the current parent/carer Health Care Card, to the College office as soon as possible

Public Transport Update for Our Families

We’d like to share important information from Transport Victoria regarding student travel. From 1 January 2026, public transport is free for children aged 5–17 years. To access free travel, students must carry a Youth myki card and remember to tap on and off each time they travel.

Youth myki cards can be purchased for $5 online via the Transport Victoria website, or in person at a staffed station or PTV Hub. Please note that cards purchased online are registered and expire when your child turns 18, while cards purchased in person are not registered and expire after four years.

If your child travels on V/Line services, they will still need to obtain a paper ticket or e-ticket and present their Youth myki to access the free fare.

We encourage families to ensure their child has a valid Youth myki card prior to the start of term.

How long have you worked at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs?
2026 will be my 13th year full time. I did some CRT for 2 years before starting full time.

What is your role at the school?
I am the Sports and Camp Co-Ordinator so I organise the Years 7 and 9 camps and all interschool sport and house carnivals.
As a classroom teacher I teach Health/PE, Outdoor Education, Project 9 and Digital Technology.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Taking students on camp and seeing them develop their own sense of self, achieving things they didn't think they could, and enjoying time with their peers.

What is your ideal way to unwind and relax?
My family and I like to go away camping in our camper trailer as much as we can.

What's your most fond childhood memory?
Growing up in the bush, I remember spending every spare minute outside. Riding bikes and horses, playing footy and cricket, swimming in the creek and camping in the bush.

When you were little what did you aspire to be?
I wanted to be a recording engineer.

What was your favourite subject at school?
PE and Outdoor Education were my favourites but I also enjoyed Maths.

How many languages do you speak?
I learnt French at school but only remember a little bit so I would say just English.

What skill would you like to master?
I would like to get my golf handicap in single figures and master playing guitar.

What book/tv series/podcasts are you into at the moment?
I enjoy reading James Patterson novels, particularly his Michael Bennett series.

What is your favourite sport to watch or play?
I love watching all sports but AFL football is my favourite.

Do you play a musical instrument? If so, which one?
I play guitar.

What would you sing at karaoke night?
Would have to be something from Bon Jovi, probably 'Livin on a prayer'

If you could choose to be anything for a day, what would it be?
I think a bird. I would love to be able to fly and see the earth from above.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Steak, Salad and Chips. Medium rare.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
I would like to fly.

What's your favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere by the beach.

What are your hobbies?
Playing guitar, Golf, Gardening.

What is something you could spend hours doing?
I don't do it often anymore but when I do I puzzle, I get caught up in it and lose hours before I realise.

If you had to watch a documentary, what would you want it to be about?
I like watching documentaries about nature and the environment. As I have gotten older, I have become more interested in Australia's role in war, specifically Kokoda, Gallipoli and the Western Front.