Last Sunday, the Church celebrated Pentecost, a powerful moment in our Christian story when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, filling them with courage and purpose to go out and share the Good News. As we reflect on this sacred event, we are reminded of the words from Acts 1:8: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses.” This invitation to be witnesses is very much alive in our College community.

This Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity, one of the central mysteries of our Catholic faith. On this day, we reflect on the profound unity of God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - three persons in one divine nature. The Trinity reminds us of the perfect love and communion at the heart of God, calling us into deeper relationship with Him and with one another.

One way this love is reflected in our community is through our strong and growing partnership with our sister school, St. Francis Kizinga in Uganda. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our families and staff, we have now helped to construct six classrooms and continue to support their breakfast feeding program, ensuring students start the day nourished and ready to learn. Most recently, we have also assisted with the purchase of new desks and chairs for two newly completed classroom blocks. This partnership continues to be a beautiful example of putting our faith into action and living out our College motto: Live Fully, Act Justly.

It has been a vibrant and busy term across all year levels, with a wide range of learning, wellbeing, and co-curricular experiences on offer. Some of the highlights include:

• Year 7 Premier League and SACCSS sporting events
• The Ignite Program for Years 7 and 8
• Year 10 Faith Formation Day
• A variety of incursions, excursions, and guest presentations
• Social justice and fundraising initiatives
• College Musical rehearsals
• Project 9 activities
• Year 10 Careers and Pathways programs
• Tuning into Teens program for parents

Amid all this activity, we are also thrilled to share that the new Sacred Heart Building Reception is now open. From now on, all parents and visitors are asked to report to the new reception area at the front of the Sacred Heart Building. The previous reception space will now function as our Student Services Centre.

We look forward to officially blessing and opening this new building on Monday 30 June at 10:00am, with students to begin using the facilities at the beginning of Term 3.

This new addition to our campus includes:

• A welcoming new main entrance, foyer, and reception area
• Meeting and administration spaces
• A second staffroom
• Purpose-built Food Technology kitchens and dining areas
• Art, Music, and Recording Studio facilities
• General learning spaces and collaborative zones

The building has been carefully designed to support both our current needs and future growth. More than just bricks and mortar, we hope it becomes a place of learning, creativity, and community, a space where the presence of Christ is encountered each day. May it stand as a sign of hope and a symbol of our ongoing mission to form young people of courage, compassion, and faith.

Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.
And you shall renew the face of the earth.
God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit,
Did instruct the hearts of the faithful,
Grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy his consolations.
Through the same Christ Our Lord.
Amen.

Pentecost - The Holy Spirit

Last Sunday we celebrated Pentecost, when the extraordinary gift of the Holy Spirit, poured out upon Mary and the Apostles as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1-13). This transformative event bore immediate fruit. In the days that followed, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, healed a crippled beggar and enabled a man lame from birth to walk. He called on others to "repent, therefore, and turn to God". The early Christian community shared all their possessions, and the number of disciples grew rapidly.

These events remind us of the power of the Holy Spirit, a gift each of us possesses. We, too, have the potential to transform our communities when we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit and allow His grace to work within us. This is why it is important to give opportunity to members in our community opportunities to encounter the Holy Spirit and consider: How we can bring healing to those in our community? Are there opportunities for us to speak the truth with courage and love? How are we sharing the many blessings we have been given for the benefit of others? It was the sending of the Spirit that we celebrated last week in the feast of Pentecost and it is the unity of Father, Son and Spirit that we celebrate this week in the Solemnity of The Most Holy Trinity. Let us pray that we will continue to recognise all three expressions of God’s loving presence within our lives.

Australian Catholic Youth Festival 2025 – A Powerful Faith Experience for Our Young People

We are delighted to inform Parents/Carers that the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is coming to Melbourne from 30 November to 2 December 2025, and our College is preparing to take students to this exciting national event.

Organised by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, ACYF gathers thousands of young people (Year 9–25) for three days of celebration, inspiration, and faith. The Festival features dynamic speakers, live music, workshops, Eucharistic Adoration, and opportunities for young people to engage deeply with their faith in a way that is real and relevant to them.

For young people today—who are often searching for meaning, belonging, and purpose—ACYF offers a powerful encounter with the joy and beauty of a living Church. Surrounded by their peers, students will be encouraged and inspired to grow in confidence and in their relationship with Christ.

The Festival will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Students will travel to and from the College each day (this is not an overnight event).

We are currently inviting Year 9 and Year 10 students to express their interest in attending. To register your interest, please complete the short form here:

👉Students Expression of Interest Form

You can learn more at acyf.org.au or view a short promo video here: Watch Video

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:

Sr Lawrence (College Chaplain) – srlawrence@crccs.vic.edu.au
Angella Francis (Youth Minister) – afrancis@crccs.vic.edu.au

We look forward to offering our students this life-giving opportunity to grow in faith, friendship, and joy!

Year 10 Faith Formation Day

On Thursday 29 May 29, Year 10 students participated in their Faith Formation Day. The cohort was divided into two groups, one traveled to Holy Cross Centre in Templestowe, and the other to Amberley Retreat Centre in Lower Plenty. My Religion class and I attended the Templestowe location.

We began with an hour-long bus ride before arriving at a strikingly broad building. Its copper brown exterior was weathered and covered with plants and moss growing between the bricks truly a fascinating sight.

Upon entering, the five classes gathered in the center of a large room. Our facilitator, Robin, was an energetic, kind mother of two and an excellent storyteller.

To introduce ourselves and help Robin get to know us, we played some icebreaker games, including 'Would You Rather' which featured some quite interesting questions and answers.

After settling down and viewing a couple of videos, we were introduced to Ezekiel, a friend of Robin's and our next speaker. Ezekiel shared how he worked in prisons and juvenile centers, helping those who needed support the most.

During Ezekiel’s talk, he addressed themes of bitterness and revenge, emphasising that these feelings should not dominate our lives. He encouraged us to surrender such negative emotions to God, reminding us that the past is behind us and we should not let it obscure our future.

During our break, my friends and I explored the large, lush backyard that led into a small forest behind the building. We spent our free time talking about the presentations, running around, and even dancing, making the most of our time.

For the final session, Fr. Samuel spoke about the beauty of confession and the importance of God in our lives. After his talk, we had the opportunity to write a letter to God for personal reflection or to go to confession.

I used this time to write in my letter, releasing my worries and focusing on the music and my thoughts. It was peaceful, with the ink gliding smoothly over the paper as Angella sang beautiful hymns nearby.

Soon, it was time to leave. As I headed home, a smile crept across my face. The day had been a meaningful experience of faith and prayer that challenged me to reflect deeply and question certain aspects of my life, something I truly enjoyed.

- Charlotte A, 10 Wonga

Year 7 Burger Design

During Food Tech this term, half of the Year Sevens students were given the task of designing our own burgers and putting our cooking skills to the test. While making our burgers, there were several constrictions and constraints to keep in mind about the healthiness of the burger and the time limit of sixty minutes. Through this assessment, we discovered how the design process works and the amount of planning that goes into producing a product.

The planning part was experienced through researching which foods consisted of specific nutrients, as well as drawing up some designs for our burgers. Although planning the design may not have been a favourable part of the assessment, cooking the burgers definitely made up for it. There was a lot of chatter as we buzzed in excitement, all while ensuring that we were listening to the instructions. Once everyone got started, there was much concentration and efficiency that got put into making sure that the burgers were created correctly and with care. As a result of our great cooking skills, the burgers all came out looking absolutely delicious and we couldn’t wait to dig into them! Overall, the burger assessment was a huge highlight for many and now we can all go home and cook these burgers for our families, giving our beloved parents/carers a rest from preparing a meal.

By Isabella A - 7WU

Year 10 Food Technology - 'Get Healthy' Assessment Task

The Year 10 students currently undertaking Food Technology as a subject were required to do an assessment task which was designed to test their practical skills, nutritional knowledge, and creativity. The “Get Healthy Design Task” presented students with a realistic scenario that tested their skills on planning, budgeting, and preparing meals for a person with certain requirements. The project was divided into several key stages, guiding students through the full design process.

Students had to identify the specifications from the scenario given to them. Our fictional character, Ben, was described as an athlete who has little experience in the kitchen, enjoys meat, dislikes vegetables, and needs to prepare meals from scratch while on a budget. Students developed meal plans that considered these factors while also thinking about the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. Next, students planned out nutritious and manageable meals for Ben’s weekend. Meals like avocado toast with egg, sandwiches, granola yogurt bowls, and spaghetti with hidden vegetables demonstrated students’ ability to ensure a nutritious meal whilst keeping it tasty.

We then searched for groceries online at Coles and Woolworths to create shopping lists, ensuring their meal plan remained under the $70 budget. They learned how to stretch ingredients across multiple meals and make cost-effective choices.

Each student selected one meal to produce in class with a partner. They prepared a production plan, food order, and recipe, whilst taking into account any health and safety protocols. They were assessed on hygiene, safety, time management, and the final product.

Students were required to fill out detailed sensory analyses of their final dishes, describing flavor, aroma, texture, and appearance. They thought about how well their meals aligned with the AGTHE and the suitability of the recipe for someone like Ben.

The Get Healthy Design Task was a realistic simulation of the planning and problem-solving that go into everyday cooking. Students gained valuable insights into meal planning, nutrition, budgeting, and teamwork - skills they can carry well beyond the classroom.

Year 9 Nourish Bowls

This term's work has provided us with valuable knowledge on how to eat healthy, preparing us for the future when we will need to make our own meals. We have learned which foods are most beneficial to consume regularly and which ones are best enjoyed in moderation. Our understanding of this topic has been enhanced through our experience in designing nourish bowls. We designed these bowls to meet specific criteria, considering the target audience, ensuring they are aesthetically pleasing, and incorporating a variety of nutritious ingredients.

Ava P and Zoe F, Year 9

Bullying. No Way!

At our College, we believe that every student deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected. As part of the national “Bullying. No Way!” initiative and the Ignite program, our Year 7 students united to spread a powerful message of kindness and inclusion.

With bright smiles and even brighter spirits, the Year 7 cohort joined forces with the Social Justice Team to greet students at the front gate, distributing wristbands and promoting key values: Be kind. Be the change. Be respectful, and so on. These simple yet meaningful words remind us that creating a bully-free world starts with everyday actions.

The joy captured in the images from the day speaks volumes — our students are not just wearing wristbands, they’re proudly wearing the message that together, we can make a difference. When we stand united, there truly is no place for bullying.

Let’s continue to encourage a culture of respect, compassion, and positive change at our school and beyond.

Bake Sale

From Chocolate Crackles to Honey Joys, Rocky Roads to Yum Yum Balls…

The kitchen was buzzing with excitement as the Social Justice Team came together to prepare sweet treats for our Fundraising Bake Sale. With all proceeds going to support Cancer Council, every stir, sprinkle, and smile was filled with purpose.

This event was more than just a bake sale—it was a beautiful reminder of the power of community, kindness, and taking action for others. We’re proud of our students for showing that social justice can be lived out in even the smallest acts of service.

Watching our students pour their energy and compassion into such a worthy cause was heartwarming. Thank you to everyone who supported the bake sale—together, we’re making a difference, one delicious bite at a time!

On Thursday 15 May, twenty of our students competed in a Northern Star Interschool Chess Tournament held at Keilor Downs College.

One hundred and thirty students from six schools competed for medals, trophies and prestige. All our students played very well and were a credit to the school. In fact, the tournament organiser complimented our students by saying they were very polite, enthusiastic and co-operative. Special congratulations to Nathaniel Del Mundo and James Antunis who won medals and a place in the States Championships to be held later in the year.

Experience the Magic of Musical Theatre Through the Ages

We are excited to announce that tickets are now officially on sale for our 2025 College Musical, Once Upon A Stage!

This high-energy production is a vibrant celebration of musical theatre, tracing iconic moments from the Golden Age of Broadway right through to today’s most powerful contemporary hits. Featuring unforgettable numbers like It’s a Hard-Knock Life, You Can’t Stop the Beat, Seasons of Love, and a powerful tribute to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton and In the Heights, the show is bursting with heart, humour and harmony.

With rehearsals in full swing every Monday and Tuesday, our dedicated and talented cast of students have been working tirelessly to create a performance that will have audiences cheering, singing along, and maybe even shedding a tear or two.

This is more than just a school production, it’s a celebration of community, storytelling, and the power of performance. Expect big ensemble moments, stunning choreography, and vocals that will blow you away!

📅 Show Dates:

7.30PM Thursday 28 August
7.30PM Friday 29 August
2.00PM and 7.30PM Saturday 30 August

📍 Venue:
Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs Performing Arts Centre

🎟️ Tickets:
Tickets are now available via the link below:
https://www.trybooking.com/DCPHF

Get in quick—this show is not to be missed.

Come and support our amazing cast and crew, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll leave humming every tune. Let us take you Once Upon A Stage...

Semester One Reports will be released via SEQTA Engage (for parents and carers) and SEQTA Learn (for students) after 4:00pm on Friday 25 July.

Semester Reports are designed to provide students, parents and carers with a clear and concise picture of a student’s level of achievement throughout the semester.

The Overall Result feature is designed to provide students and parents/carers an overall indication of how the student has performed in all assessments and Exams as a score out of 100.

When looking at the Learning Area Achievement section of the Semester Report please note the following:

- The unshaded dot represents the last Semester One Report progress
- The shaded dot represents the current Report progress
- The shaded band indicates the expected achievement for the student at this point in time
- The unshaded dot will not appear if the Learning Area Achievement was not assessed in the previous Semester One reporting cycle
- The work habits on the Semester One Report are described in greater detail below:

Demonstrates academic improvement
- Responds to questioning in class
- Completes all coursework
- Demonstrates growth in class tasks and assessments.

Applies effort
- Attempts all tasks
- Maintains attention in class
- Participates in class
- Cooperates and collaborates in class

Manages personal learning
- Brings correct materials to class
- Organisation
- Satisfactory completion of set homework, in a timely manner
- Seeks teacher support as required

Demonstrates appropriate behaviours
- Punctuality
- Works respectfully with peers and teachers.

Following the release of Semester One Reports, if you have any questions about the report or your child's progress, please contact your child’s subject teacher.

2025 School Fees

2025 School Fee notice and Fee Payment Agreements have been mailed home. If you have not received your statement, please contact the finance department or visit the school website: College Tuition Fee - CRC Caroline Springs. If you have changed home address or email details, please also advise the school.

School Fees need to be finalised by November 2025 unless prior arrangement is in place.

Statements will be issued to parents every month for record keeping purposes. If you have requested for a direct debit to be in place, nothing further is required.

CSEF 2025 (Current health care card holders)

CSEF applications are being accepted for 2025. Please complete the application form on our website and return the completed signed form along with a copy of the parent/carer current health care card to the College office as soon as possible.  Applications close 04 July 2025

2026 STEM/NASA Immersion 14 April-26 April 2026

Payment due dates are:

26 June 2025 $1500
28 August 2025 $1500
16 October 2025 $1500
01 December 2025 $1500
05 February 2026 $1500

If you wish to discuss any finance concerns, please reach out to us by phone 9217 8000 extension 2 or email accounts@crccs.vic.edu.au

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (the national data collection) is an annual collection that counts the number of school students with disability and the level of reasonable educational adjustment with which they are provided. The national data collection will count students who have been identified as receiving an adjustment to address a disability under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (the DDA). College funding in support of learners is determined by this collection and submission of data. Further information, in both English and Arabic, are attached for parents/carers.

How long have you worked at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs?
One year and a bit. I celebrate my anniversary on the feast day of St Catherine Siena.

What is your role at the school?
College Chaplain

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
It’s a privilege for me to be here and journey with our staff and students as we all strive to live fully. God works so uniquely in each person’s life, and being able to witness others grow and move in Jesus’ love and light is truly a gift.

What is your ideal way to unwind and relax?
Of course, taking time in quiet personal prayer in our chapel.
But when occasion allows, I love soaking in scenic vistas—oceans, mountains, and everything in between.

When you were little what did you aspire to be?
A mother and a teacher. Interesting how God answered this and I’m living this out in an extraordinary way.

What was your favourite subject at school?
English.

How many languages do you speak?
Two. English and Filipino.

What is your favourite sport to watch or play?
I like watching the State of Origin - NRL. GO MAROONS!!!

Do you play a musical instrument? If so, which one?
I played the violin in high school. And play the keyboard for Mass.

What would you sing at karaoke night?
Where Is the Love? - by Black Eyed Peas

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
Teleport!

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sushi

What book/tv series/podcasts are you into at the moment?
Currently re-reading Anne of Green Gables books

What's your favourite holiday destination?
I’ve never been (yet) – but I would love to go to Europe. Hopefully it’s written in God’s plan for me sometime 😊