As we move through the final weeks of November and approach the end of the school year, we are invited into a period rich in reflection, gratitude and purpose. Recently, our nation paused to mark Remembrance Day, honouring the men and women who have served Australia in times of war, conflict and peacekeeping. Their courage and sacrifice continue to shape the freedoms we enjoy and remind us of the responsibility we carry to live with integrity, compassion and hope.

In our College community, the message of our motto Live Fully, Act Justly speaks clearly into this moment. To live fully is to appreciate the opportunities and freedoms gifted to us and to use them wisely. It means striving to become the best version of ourselves and using our talents to contribute positively to the lives of others. To act justly invites us to consider how we uphold peace, fairness and respect in our daily interactions. These values echo the ideals for which so many Australians served and sacrificed.

Remembrance Day reminds us that we are part of a nation built upon courage, resilience and a deep sense of responsibility for one another. As we reflect on this day, may we take inspiration from those who have gone before us and commit ourselves to building up our community through compassion and service. Lest we forget.

The celebration of Christ the King closes the liturgical year and invites us to contemplate a profound moment in the life of Jesus. This Sunday’s Gospel, Luke 23:35 to 43, brings us to the scene of Jesus on the cross, a place where His kingship is revealed in a way the world does not expect. As Jesus is mocked by leaders and soldiers, one of the criminals crucified beside Him turns to Him with the humble plea, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus responds with great mercy, saying, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

This powerful encounter reveals the heart of Christ’s kingship. His kingdom is not marked by earthly power, but by forgiveness, compassion and hope. Even in His final moments, Jesus offers healing, welcome and the promise of new life. His reign restores what is broken and lifts up those who turn to Him in faith.

Our College motto, Live Fully, Act Justly, connects deeply with the message of this Gospel. To live fully is to accept Christ’s invitation to new life and to trust in His enduring mercy. To act justly is to reflect His compassion in the way we treat one another, choosing kindness, fairness and integrity.

Examinations 

With final assessments approaching for our Years 8, 9 and 10 students, this is an important time to finish strongly. The weeks ahead call for focus, steady effort and a commitment to doing your best. Examinations are not only a measure of learning but also a chance to reflect on how you have grown throughout the year.

I encourage all students to apply themselves with determination, make use of the study habits you have developed and seek assistance when you need clarification or support. Approach each subject with confidence and a willingness to persevere.
I also invite students to express gratitude to the teachers and staff who have supported you throughout the year. Their dedication, encouragement and expertise have helped guide you both academically and personally. Taking a moment to say thank you is a meaningful way to recognise their efforts.

College Events

Recent weeks have seen a number of significant activities across the College. Year 7 students took part in the Ignite Program and the Science Incursion, both of which supported the development of key skills and learning outcomes. The Athletics Carnival and Premier League provided opportunities for students to demonstrate teamwork, commitment and school pride. Our Book Club held its annual Christmas Lunch to mark the end of the reading year. Students attending the VPP Camp engaged in a program focused on leadership and practical learning experiences. Today we also held our Investiture Ceremony, where our 2026 student leaders were formally commissioned as we gathered for the last time as a whole school community. More details around this will be shared in the final newsletter of the year, on 4 December. 

As our Year 10 students conclude their time at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs, we thank them for their contributions to our College and wish them every blessing as they transition into the next chapter of their education. May they continue to Live Fully, Act Justly and carry forward the values they have embraced during their years with us.

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity enkindled
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
reawaken in us the blessed hope
for the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us
into tireless cultivators of the
seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within
both humanity and the whole cosmos
in the sure expectation
of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,
your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee
reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread
the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed,
be glory and praise for ever.

Amen.

November – Month of All Souls 

During the month of November, dedicated in the Catholic tradition to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. The College has been remembering to pray for these souls. This practice holds profound significance, as the Church teaches that our prayers, almsgiving and especially the Eucharistic Sacrifice can aid the faithful departed in their final purification. Our College memorial book has been on display in Student Services, where staff and students have written down the names of their deceased family and friends. The book was brought to our Friday 8 am.

Eternal rest grant unto him/her, O Lord,
and let Your perpetual light shine upon him/her.
May his/her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed
rest in peace.
Amen.

Students visit St Carlo Acutis Exhibition

On Wednesday, November 5, several students visited the St. Carlo Acutis Exhibition, which was on display at St. Catherine of Siena Church. They explored the life of St. Carlo and examined the catalogue of Eucharistic miracles he compiled during his lifetime. Accompanying the exhibit was a first-class relic of the saint, a strand of his hair. The students took time to pray before the relic and to write personal prayer intentions, which will be carried to his tomb in Assisi, Italy.

End of the Jubilee Year

In just over a month's time, on the Solemnity of the Epiphany (6 January 2026), the Jubilee Year of Hope will draw to a close with the sealing of the Holy Door at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. It has been a profound joy to embrace this graced season within our College and Parish communities, fostering a spirit of renewal and pilgrimage. Highlights have included Catholic Education Week, dedicated pilgrimages, vibrant Encounter nights, opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and our forthcoming Australian Catholic Youth Festival. Through their Religious Education classes, students have explored the Jubilee's themes, while homeroom reflections have invited all to meditate on "messages of hope" drawn from Scripture and Church teaching.

As we now enter the sacred season of Advent, let us await with expectant hearts the hope that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In this time of preparation, we cling to the assurance of Emmanuel, God with us. Who guides our steps and imparts the grace to persevere through every trial.

Melbourne Passion Play

CRC Caroline Springs community is invited to join the cast or crew for the 2026 Melbourne Passion Play. Director, Gino Gammaldi, can be contacted directly by phone on 0422 662 451 or via email at gino.gammaldi@yahoo.com.

Further information about the production can also be found on the website: www.melbournepassionplay.com.au.

During September, we invited students, staff and families to participate in the annual MACSSIS Survey - an important opportunity to share insights about our school environment and experiences. We thank and appreciate the contributions of all who responded.

This feedback will assist our ongoing efforts to continually enhance the quality of our school. Please see the attached summary for further details and key findings.

Starting 10 December 2025, a major change occurs in how Australians under 16 can use social media. Certain social media platforms will have to take reasonable steps to stop under-16s from creating or keeping accounts, these include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit and Kick. It is expected that such platforms must prevent under-16s from using their services in the same way as older users. These rules apply not just for new accounts, with the request that existing under-16 accounts be deactivated or removed also.

How It Will Work

· Platforms will need to use age-assurance methods to verify users’ ages.

· There are no legal penalties for kids or parents if a child under 16 tries to access a restricted site — the law targets the companies, not families.

· Some platforms are excluded from the rules: for instance, basic messaging apps, online gaming, and educational or health-oriented services are not covered.

What Families and Teens Can Do Now

· If you or your child has an existing account: think about downloading any data (photos and messages) before December.

· Use the following resources from the esafety commission to talk through what is changing and when with your child - https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions-hub

· Stay updated on which platforms are age restricted as this could still change

These new laws aim to protect young people during a critical stage of growing up and the confidence to build real-life social skills and resilience. As a College we are committed to ensuring that our students are following these laws and we will continue to support our young people and our families regarding online safety.

Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs have engaged Campion Education for our 2026 resources.

The College has chosen to use Campion Education to provide families with:

• a simplified online resource list and ordering process
• digital and physical resources and required stationery in a single resource list
• a Campion Education shop in Derrimut where parents can purchase physical resources and stationery, if preferred
• reduced delivery costs for the delivery of physical resources

Detailed information regarding ordering from the resource list has been direct messaged to families via Seqta Engage, and appears in the Seqta Learn and Seqta Engage notices tab. Please see below for a summary of key dates, along with details regarding how to access the resource list on the Campion website.

Important Dates:

If you have any questions regarding ordering resources for 2026, please direct your enquiries to Hayley Iannazzo here at the College.

2026 School Fees

The 2026 School Fee Schedule and Fee Payment Agreement were sent to parents via Operoo on 17 September 2025. These documents are also available on the College website (College Tuition Fee - CRC Caroline Springs) for your convenience.

If you have not yet returned the signed Fee Payment Agreement to the College, please do so as soon as possible.

The BPAY payment option is now available, and the details can be found on your monthly statement.

If you have recently changed your home address or email details, please notify the school.

A kind reminder that 2025 school fees must be finalised by 28 November 2025 unless prior arrangements have been made.

For any fee queries or concerns, please contact us by phone 9217 8000 extension 2 or email accounts@crccs.vic.edu.au

As part of their Science unit on classification, our Year 7 students once again enjoyed an exciting and educational incursion with Wild Action Productions. This hands-on session allowed students to get up close with a range of remarkable Australian animals, deepening their understanding of classification, adaptations, and biodiversity.

Across the three days, students met an impressive lineup of native wildlife, including a baby joey, a baby wombat, a black-headed python, and even a freshwater crocodile. Each animal was carefully introduced by Wild Action’s expert presenters, who shared engaging facts about their features, habitats, and behaviours. Students explored how scientists classify animals based on shared characteristics, seeing these concepts come to life right in front of them.

This incursion perfectly supported the Year 7 Science curriculum by connecting classroom learning to real-world examples. It also fostered a deeper appreciation of Australia’s extraordinary wildlife and the importance of protecting our native species.

A warm thank you to all staff and students involved in making this incursion such a success. It was a memorable and enriching experience, and we look forward to seeing how it inspires our students’ ongoing exploration of the natural world.

Arts and Technology Exhibition

During Week 3 of Term 4, our College celebrated the annual Arts and Technology Week. Teachers from both domains ran a variety of interactive lunchtime activities, including a one pan competition, a cooking demonstration by past student Lachlan Saunders, metal embossing workshop, a digital technology workshop, Name That Broadway Tune trivia, drama games, a Gelli printing workshop, Guitar Hero competition, and much more!

Some lucky students who excelled in these challenges walked away with canteen vouchers as special prizes.

The week concluded with the Arts and Technology Exhibition on Thursday 23 October, where students, families, and members of the wider College community were invited to celebrate the incredible creativity and innovation of our students. The exhibition also showcased our College’s newest facility — the Sacred Heart Building — featuring our modern Food Technology kitchens, Art and Visual Communication Design studios, and Music rooms.

Visitors were treated to an impressive display of student work, including wooden platters, painted skateboards, artistic portraits, and Media TV advertisements and short films. The showcase also featured Drama silent films and performances, Music displays and workshops, Fashion projects, and Food Technology goodie bags. The event was a wonderful success, welcoming current families as well as many prospective Year 7 students and parents who were excited to see the engaging programs their children will soon experience.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all our students who contributed to the showcase, those who performed and participated, our dedicated teachers who guided visitors through the exhibitions, and the parents who continually support their children’s creative endeavours.

Share the Dignity Initiative

Since the last newsletter, our community has once again shown extraordinary compassion. Thanks to the generosity of students, families, and staff, we successfully collected and packed a large number of personal care items for the Share the Dignity initiative. Every contribution, big or small, will directly support women and girls in need this Christmas. Thank you to our entire school community for responding with such kindness and heart.

Carry a Can – St Vincent de Paul Casual Clothes Day

Our recent Carry a Can casual clothes day was a wonderful success. The response from our students and families was overwhelming, resulting in two full carloads of food donations delivered to St Vincent de Paul. These items will help support local families who are experiencing hardship, providing hope and dignity during a challenging time of year.

Uganda Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser

Another highlight this term was the Uganda sausage sizzle fundraiser, which raised close to $3000. This outstanding effort will directly contribute to ongoing projects supporting St Francis Primary School in Kizinga, Uganda. The generosity shown by our community continues to make a real and lasting impact on the lives of young people across the world.

Christmas Appeal

Our final social justice initiative for the year is the annual Christmas Appeal. The tree is up, and our social justice team have prepared a special service inviting the community to give with open hearts. Baskets have been placed under the tree, ready to be filled with food, books, toys, and other thoughtful items. These donations will bring joy and comfort to families right here in the Caroline Springs community.

As we come to the end of another year, thank you for your ongoing commitment to compassion, service, and justice. Together, we continue to Live Fully and Act Justly.

During Arts and Technology week, students had the opportunity to build a working computer using a Raspberry Pi — all in a lunchtime!

In this hands-on activity, students connected components, learned how each part worked, and watched with pride as their mini-computer powered up for the first time. Students then had a go at writing their own code to run on their newly built computer, discovering just how much they could create with a few simple lines. A few students revealed some hidden coding talents.

It was a fast-paced session full of curiosity, teamwork, and “aha!” moments. A perfect mix of creativity, problem-solving, and fun.

Speciality Group Photos – Orders Now Open!

MSP Photography has recently taken Speciality Group photos, for the various different speciality clubs, teams and leadership groups within our College. All families are now able to view and order prints online.

To access your child’s Speciality Group photo, simply scan the QR code provided on the flyer or use the link. You will be prompted to enter the secure password: N5NKSY7U.

Once logged in, you can upload a clear photo of your child’s face (no group shots or additional people) to help ensure accurate matching. After uploading, follow the ordering steps to complete your purchase.

Key details:

• Orders close: 5:00pm, Sunday 7 December 2025
• Cost: $28 per 10x8 inch print
• Delivery: All orders submitted before the cut-off date will be delivered directly to the school and distributed to students by staff. For our current Year 10 Students, your photos will be available for pick-up from Reception in the first week of Term 1, 2026.
• Missed the deadline? Please contact MSP Photography via phone or email for late-order arrangements.

For any questions or support, please reach out to MSP Photography Melbourne on (03) 9115 1642 or melbourne@msp.com.au.

Celebrating Matilda’s Stage Debut in Carmen

We are delighted to share that our very own Matilda Snooks of Year 8, took to the stage last weekend in Opera Australia’s acclaimed production of Carmen at the historic Regent Theatre.

The performance marked opening night for the Melbourne season, where Matilda appeared as part of the children’s chorus, dressed in character as a schoolgirl. The photo captured on the night shows her moments before stepping into costume, ready to embrace this wonderful opportunity alongside professional performers.

This is an incredible achievement for Matilda, and we congratulate her on her talent, dedication, and the excitement she brings to our school community. We look forward to seeing where her passion for the arts takes her next!

How long have you worked at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs?
4 years and 2 weeks.

What is your role at the school?
Learning Area Leader- Health and PE. Teacher. Down ball champion.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I love seeing students surprise themselves with what they can do. Whether that be on paper, in class or in life. Supporting them to take on every opportunity and watching them evolve is the best part!

What is your ideal way to unwind and relax?
Gardening, picnicking, and spending time outside with my sausage dog ‘Goose'.

What's your most fond childhood memory?
Making ravioli with my 'Nunna Bingo’ every Good Friday.
Family road trips.

When you were little what did you aspire to be?
A claymation animator or a nutritionist.

What was your favourite subject at school?
Health and PE.

How many languages do you speak?
One.

What skill would you like to master?
Backflips.

What book/tv series/podcasts are you into at the moment?
I love reading! On the prowl for a new book, send suggestions ASAP.

What is your favourite sport to watch or play?
I love swimming, running, basketball, gym and hot mat Pilates.

Do you play a musical instrument? If so, which one?
I have never mastered an instrument but dabble in keyboard and the drums.

What would you sing at karaoke night?
Scar - Missy Higgins.

If you could choose to be anything for a day, what would it be?
A manta ray.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Rice paper rolls.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
Teleportation.

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

Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Danny De Vito.

Do you collect anything?
I have a growing sea glass collection.

What are your hobbies?
Gardening, drawing, painting, boogey boarding, hiking, and laughing.

What is something you could spend hours doing?
Time with friends and family.

If you had to watch a documentary, what would you want it to be about?
Animals and Sea creatures- David Attenborough.

How have your interests changed over the years?
Honestly, most of my interests haven’t changed much over the years. I still enjoy a lot of the same things I loved as a kid. I think it’s important to hang onto the things that genuinely make you happy!