Gracious God, as we come to the end of this school term, we offer you our thanks for the time of learning, growth, and community that we have experienced together. We are grateful for the opportunities we have had to acquire knowledge, develop skills, and form relationships with our peers and educators.

As we prepare to leave for the term break, we ask for your blessings upon each one of us. Grant us the grace to reflect on our achievements and challenges with gratitude and wisdom. Help us to carry forward the lessons we have learned and the friendships we have made into the next term and beyond.

We ask for your protection and guidance during the break, keeping us safe and healthy in our activities. Grant us moments of rest, rejuvenation, and joy as we spend time with our families and loved ones.

We offer this prayer with grateful hearts, trusting in your providence and love. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Teacher and Guide.

Amen.

As we conclude Semester One at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs, it is a fitting time to reflect on the many opportunities that have shaped our vibrant and faith-filled learning community.

Throughout the semester, our students have been offered a rich variety of experiences spanning academic support, co-curricular involvement, and spiritual development. It has been encouraging to witness so many making the most of what has been available to them.

From SACCSS sport and the College Musical to the diverse range of clubs, groups, and after-school programs such as Homework Club and Maths and English support, our students have stepped forward with enthusiasm, commitment, and a desire to grow. Their participation and engagement reflect not only personal achievement but a willingness to be part of something greater, a community built on shared learning, creativity, and collaboration.

We are also especially proud of the active and meaningful ways in which our students have lived out our call to serve others through a wide range of social justice initiatives. Whether through fundraising, awareness campaigns, advocacy, or hands-on service, our students have demonstrated a deep commitment to making a positive impact on those most in need. These actions reflect the words of Micah 6:8: "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Their compassion and leadership in this space are powerful signs of hope and a strong expression of our College motto, Live Fully, Act Justly.

Equally inspiring has been our students’ response to the many opportunities for faith and spiritual formation this semester. Weekly Friday 8:00am Masses, College and Parish liturgical celebrations, have provided sacred spaces for reflection, connection, and prayer. The presence of the LIHM Sisters in our lunchtime faith formation sessions, the dedication of our Mass Choir, and the enthusiasm for the Adoration Club all speak to a growing desire among our young people for deeper meaning and spiritual grounding.

Participation in extra-curricular activities, including creative arts, sports, leadership, and cultural programs—has a significant and positive impact on student learning across cognitive, emotional, and physical domains. Such involvement helps build social, emotional, and physical skills. It teaches independence, resilience, and teamwork. It fosters initiative and creativity, as well as persistence, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration (Bloomfield & Barber, 2011; Eccles, Barber, Stone & Hunt, 2003; Durlak & Weissberg, 2007).

Longitudinal research from Australia further suggests that students who engage in a greater variety of extra-curricular activities report higher levels of academic and social self-concept, along with stronger general self-worth (Blomfield, Barber & Modecki, 2013).

We are proud that at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs, we offer an extensive range of co-curricular clubs and groups, as well as learning support programs, to all students. These offerings are an integral part of our holistic approach to education. I encourage parents to explore the opportunities with their child and consider which clubs, groups, or support programs they would like to engage in for Semester Two. A list of opportunities can be found below:

Behind all of this are the tireless efforts of our teaching, administrative, finance, learning support, IT, and maintenance staff, whose dedication ensures that our students learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that is nurturing, stimulating, and safe. I thank them sincerely for their unwavering commitment and care.

To our parents and carers, thank you for your continued support. Your encouragement and partnership play an essential role in shaping the educational and spiritual lives of your children. Your support helps us foster a community embedded in hope, love, and Gospel values.

As we move into the school holiday period, I offer my thanks to all who have contributed to the energy, spirit, and life of our College in Semester One. May the coming break be a time of rest, renewal, and peace for all members of our community.

Opening the Sacred Heart Building

On Monday 30 June, we proudly celebrated a major milestone in the life of Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs with the official opening and blessing of our new Sacred Heart Building. This bold and beautiful space is a reflection of our College’s growth, vision and faith.

Named after the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the building reflects our commitment to love, mercy and compassion. It also honours the memory of the late Fr John O’Reilly, founding Parish Priest of Sacred Heart, St Albans, and a key figure in establishing our Federation of Catholic Regional Colleges and local Catholic primary schools. His legacy lives on through our mission and community.

The Sacred Heart Building is a contemporary, three-storey facility designed to serve both current and future needs. It includes a new reception and administration area, staff offices and meeting rooms, Food Technology kitchens, Art and Music studios (including a recording studio), collaboration zones, a large presentation space, and general learning classrooms. It is a space that will inspire learning, creativity and community for years to come.

This project has been brought to life through the dedication and expertise of many. We sincerely thank Dr Edward Simons and the MACS team, the Catholic Development Fund, Newton Kerr, ClarkeHopkinsClarke architects, and Newpol builders. A special thank you to Site Manager Mick Hartson, whose professionalism and strong rapport with our community made a lasting impression.

We also thank our Business Managers Kevin Ba and Michael Testa, and the College Executive and School Advisory Council for their wise guidance and support. Special thanks to Fr Richard Rosse for blessing the building and for his ongoing spiritual leadership and partnership with our College.

This is more than just a building. It is a space that reflects who we are and what we value. May all who walk through its doors feel welcomed, inspired and renewed in spirit.

Term 3 Student Free Day Monday 21 July

Please note that Monday 21 July will be a staff Faith Development Day (student free day). Students will return to the college on Tuesday 22 July. Please place this student free day date into your calendar.

To support the Annual Action Plan 2025, the Wellbeing Leadership Team have prioritised completing an audit of the current Recall and Points system. Feedback was received from students, parents and staff in regard to what was working well with current processes as well as what needs to work more effectively. The Wellbeing Leadership Team responded to the feedback and are now implementing changes from Semester Two.

This initiative has been through consultation with the School Improvement Team, the College Leadership Team and the Wellbeing Leadership Team. The College has aligned these changes with the introduction of the MACs Vision for Engagement. Please note the following changes that will be in place as of Term 3:

• Current College Points System will be terminated
• 1 x Uniform Breach will constitute a Lunch Recall on the day
• 2 x Lates Breaches will constitute a Lunch Recall (includes lates to school and class)
• Mobile phone breach will constitute a Lunch Recall
• Introduction of Student Engagement Plans including: attendance, behaviour, uniform, lateness and academic progress

These new changes have been presented to students through Communal Homerooms and End of Semester Assemblies. Please note the attached visual which helps support the new processes. Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs maintain high expectations and appreciates the support of our families regarding these changes. If you have any questions regarding these processes do not hesitate to reach out to a member of the Wellbeing Leadership Team.

Wishing all of our College families a restful and happy break and we look forward to working together again next Semester.

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.

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) recently published its revised Mathematics curriculum within the Victorian Curriculum 2.0.

All Victorian schools started using the 2.0 Mathematics curriculum in either 2024 or 2025. At Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs, we are using the revised Mathematics curriculum for school reporting from Semester 1, 2025.

In previous semester reports, your child’s teacher reported against the three Strands of the Achievement Standard for Mathematics (Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability). Under the 2.0 Mathematics curriculum, there are now six Strands (Number, Algebra, Measurement, Space, Statistics, and Probability). In this Semester’s report, your child’s teacher will report against the applicable individual Strands and also against the Achievement Standard as a whole, providing an overall, aggregated score for Mathematics.

As the Achievement Standard reported on has changed, the first Mathematic report reflecting the 2.0 Mathematics curriculum will show achievement, not progress, only. A sample report has been attached below to model your child’s upcoming Mathematics Semester 1 Report.

If you have any queries about the updated reporting of the 2.0 Mathematics curriculum, please contact Hayley Iannazzo, Director of Curriculum and Pedagogy, at the College on 9217 8000.

REGISTER HERE

As we draw Semester 1 to a close, it is a perfect time to pause and reflect on the growth, energy, and community spirit that have defined the Senior School this year. It has been an exciting and rewarding semester for our Year 9 and Year 10 students, who have each embraced their unique focus areas while continuing to build a strong and supportive school community.

For our Year 9 students, this semester has centred around partnership and community. We’ve seen these young people step into their roles with openness and enthusiasm, developing meaningful connections with one another and with the broader college. Whether through classroom collaboration, co-curricular involvement, or community events, they have taken real ownership of their learning and relationships.

Our Year 10 students have explored the theme of purpose and community, taking on greater responsibility and beginning to shape their identities as leaders within the college. Their engagement in both academic and personal development has been impressive, and their reflections have shown maturity, self-awareness, and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones.

A highlight across both year levels has been the outstanding participation in our Ignite programs. Students have enthusiastically explored a wide range of topics – from risk-taking and resilience to character strengths and leadership. These sessions have sparked rich conversations and deepened students’ understanding of themselves and others.

It has been a true pleasure to join the Senior School community this semester. The students’ reflective attitudes, personal growth, and commitment to their development have been inspiring. As they continue their journey, I have no doubt they will rise to the challenge of becoming the leaders our college is proud to nurture.

I look forward with great anticipation to what Semester 2 will bring.

Another term has flown by, filled with hands-on exploration and engaging learning across the Science and STEM departments.

Our Year 7 students have been diving into chemistry, exploring mixtures and mastering various separation techniques. In the labs, they’ve enthusiastically trialled methods such as filtration, decanting, and chromatography. In STEM, students took to the skies—building and flying model airplanes, then collecting data to calculate their speed.

Year 8 students have been investigating energy, with a focus on light. Using light boxes, they’ve explored how light reflects and refracts through lenses and prisms. One of the highlights was the dissection of a bull’s eyeball, providing a fascinating look at how our eyes process light into images.

In Year 9, students have delved into the world of chemistry, studying atoms and the ways they bond to form compounds. Their learning has been enriched through practical experiments that bring these concepts to life in the lab.

Our Year 10 students have been immersed in their chosen science electives. Chemistry students have developed skills in titration techniques, Physics students have constructed complex electrical circuits, and STEM students have taken their learning airborne by piloting drones.

As we wrap up the term, it’s been wonderful to see our students so engaged in scientific discovery and innovation. Their curiosity, creativity, and practical skills continue to grow, and we look forward to even more exciting learning in the term ahead.

Our Year 7 students participated in their Faith Formation Days on June 16 and 20.
These days are designed to provide students with meaningful opportunities to deepen their faith beyond the classroom, complementing their Religious Education classes. The Faith Formation Days allow students to explore the significance of our four College Pillars, ensuring they become more than just words but guiding principles to be genuinely lived.

Charlotte McGuire from 7 Kororoit shares her reflection of the day:

Stewardship

For our first Stewardship session, we were welcomed by our presenter, Ezekiel. We began with an exciting activity of Two Truths and a Lie to help us get to know each other. During the session, we learned that being a steward means using our eyes, voice, resources, and time to care for others and the world around us.

We also explored the qualities of stewardship according to Pope Francis, who describes a good leader as someone who “walks in front of the crowd, in the crowd, and behind the crowd.” A steward should also be a friend who understands others’ feelings, and a caretaker who ensures no one is left behind.

The key message we were encouraged to take home was: Try to do at least one thing that shows stewardship.

Learning

In the Learning session led by Lucas, we took part in fun and interactive challenges to earn points that helped us guess the words of a Gospel verse. Activities included walking blindfolded across the hall without tripping over objects, racing as a team on mats, and competing in Bible trivia in groups of four.

When a team answered correctly, they also had a chance to guess the colour of a hidden snake. Points were collected throughout the session, and the team with the most points won a bag of sweets.

Prayer

In our Prayer session with Sister Laurence and Angella, we explored meaningful actions and ideas around hearing, loving, prayer, Mary, and God. We participated in an activity where we had to combine all those words into one sentence. We also viewed one of the earliest known drawings of God and guessed how long ago it was made — an incredible 45,000 years.

Later, we prayed the full Rosary together, taking turns and lighting candles along the way. A powerful quote shared with us was:

“Our heart is our hidden center, the place of truth, encounter, and mainly the entrance for God.”

The message we were encouraged to take home was: God wants us to be happy and to live in His love with all our heart.

Compassion

Our presenter, Mrs Matter, broke down the meaning of compassion and all its components. We learned how to show compassion and what we can do to be the best version of ourselves. We watched an inspiring video with quotes — my personal favourite was:

“Imagine a world where we run our own race with integrity and kindness, cheer others on, inspire like a domino effect, and leave behind a legacy worth remembering.”

For our activity, we decorated paper bags for a meaningful cause. These bags are used to return the clothes of people who have passed away, and they’re donated to the Handover HeART Foundation, led by Berni Swinkels. It was a special experience to take part in something so thoughtful and compassionate.

This activity truly helped us live out our school motto:
Living Fully, Acting Justly.

Compassion Workshop

As part of the Year 7 Faith Formation Day, students took part in a beautiful and meaningful Compassion Workshop. Rooted in one of our College pillars, compassion – this workshop invited students into a deeper understanding of what it means to live with empathy, kindness, and care for others.

The session began with a deep conversation exploring the meaning of compassion, and why it plays such an important part in our lives, both as individuals and as a community. Students reflected on the ways compassion calls us to action – especially in moments of vulnerability and grief.

Students then took part in the Handover HeART Project, creating hand decorated bags for use in palliative care units. These bags are used to return the personal belongings of those who have passed, offering dignity to the deceased and comfort to grieving families. It’s a simple act, but one that carries deep emotional weight.

We were blessed to have these bags delivered to Bernie, a palliative care nurse and the founder of the initiative. Her response was one of immense gratitude and emotion – a reminder that small acts of compassion can have a profound impact.

This workshop not only helped students understand compassion on a deeper level, but gave them an opportunity to live it out in a real and tangible way. We are so proud of the care and thoughtfulness they brought to this experience. Glory to God!

The Year 7 Boys Premier League soccer team delivered a truly memorable season, full of energy, teamwork, and heart. From the first whistle to the grand final, the boys impressed with their skill, determination, and remarkable sportsmanship.

Their hard work paid off with a well-deserved place in the grand final, where they faced St Monica’s. Despite a courageous effort and some great plays, they finished the match with a 3–1 result. While the scoreboard didn’t fall in our favour, the boys walked off the pitch with pride, knowing they had given their all and achieved something special together.

One moment during the finals stood out more than any result. The boys showed incredible maturity and compassion by requesting a minute of silence out of respect for the opposing team, who had recently lost their coach. Their gesture was immediate, respectful, and deeply heartfelt. It was yet another example of the strength of character this team displayed all season. That moment said more than any goal or win ever could.

It reminded us all that sport is not just about competition, but about character. In that moment, our students embodied the College motto, to Live Fully, Act Justly, with such grace and compassion.

Congratulations to every player for an incredible season. Your commitment, kindness, and conduct have made our entire College community proud. Special thanks to the parents and carers who attended our local matches. Your support and encouragement throughout the journey were so appreciated.

Now… bring on next year!

Over the past semester, the Year 8 students have been hard at work sawing, sanding and designing our very own serving boards.

There was a careful design process in sketching out shapes on the wood. Some students preferred to create generic rectangles with curved edges and a cutout handle, but others chose to challenge themselves with more complex shapes such as cats, bows, paw prints and flowers. 

But the artistry didn’t stop there; using a pyro pen, unique designs were burnt into the wood. The project took a while however it was really rewarding in the end!

As we prepare for the start of Term 3, we’re excited to share more about the ongoing Uganda Project, a wonderful partnership between Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs and St Francis Primary School in Kizinga, in southern Uganda.

Thanks to the generosity of our students, families, and staff, we have already helped build seven classroom blocks, provided clean water and established a food program that feeds the children daily, giving them the nourishment they need to learn and grow.

Recently, we held a Casual Clothes Day and sausage sizzle fundraiser as a head start to the project, which raised over $2,400! This generosity shows the heart of our community, and we hope this spirit continues throughout Term 3.

We are continuing to make a real difference in the lives of hundreds of children and their families at St Francis Primary School. However, none of this progress would be possible without the ongoing support and generosity of our amazing community. We invite our community to get ready to support this important cause in Term 3. Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference to the students at St Francis Primary School.

Stay tuned for upcoming fundraising events and ways you can be involved. Together, we continue to live out our College motto, Live Fully, Act Justly.

To make a donation to support this wonderful cause, please donate here - 2025 Uganda Project. 

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...

At Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs, our Instrumental Music Program continues to grow and flourish, offering students an incredible opportunity to explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills through music.

As we move through a fantastic 2025, Semester 2 promises even more opportunities for students to engage with a vibrant music community. Whether your child is just starting their musical journey or looking to refine their skills, learning an instrument enriches both their academic and personal development — fostering discipline, resilience, teamwork, and emotional expression.

What makes our program special?
Instrumental lessons are delivered during the school day on a rotating schedule, designed to integrate seamlessly with students’ academic timetables – ensuring they can pursue their musical passions without missing core classes.

Instruments available:
Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin, Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Percussion, and Voice.

Looking ahead, Term 3 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our program with the opening of the Sacred Heart Building. This stunning new facility includes state-of-the-art music rooms, a professional recording studio, and top-of-the-line equipment – providing students with the perfect environment to create, perform, and grow as musicians.

We are proud to offer a program that not only develops musical ability but also cultivates personal growth and a lifelong love of music. We invite all students to join us on this exciting journey!

Enrolments are now open for Semester 2.
To get started, please read the Music Instrument Hire Agreement and complete the Instrumental Music Enrolment Form.

If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to reach out. We look forward to welcoming new students into our thriving music community!

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 - CSEF-application-form.pdf. Applications close 04 July 2025

2026 STEM/NASA Immersion 14 April-26 April 2026

Payment due dates are:

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

How long have you worked at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs?
This time just over six months but in my role as the Federation Business Manager, I had an eight-year association with the college from 2013.

What is your role at the school?
Business Manager

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing the teachers, students and support staff using the facilities that that I had an involvement with through the role I play in the master planning of the college. There is something rewarding about seeing a building or landscape project through from start to finish!

What is your ideal way to unwind and relax?
I love a good movie especially a De Niro, DeCaprio or Pacino one.

What's your most fond childhood memory?
Going to the Eastern Beach, Geelong with my family. Nine of us packed into an old Ford station wagon like sardines. No seat belts in those days so we sat on top of one another. We always said the rosary on the way there. My mother was praying that the car wouldn’t break down on the way there or back.

When you were little what did you aspire to be?
A soccer player. I wanted to be the left winger for Liverpool FC.

What was your favourite subject at school?
Legal Studies. Mr Brewster at St Johns College, Braybrook was a legend, and he wore the coolest leather boots and Levi jeans.

How many languages do you speak?
One and a quarter. The quarter is Maltese but I’m working on this as I am starting lessons in July.

What skill would you like to master?
Piano playing. I started lesson during Covid, but life got in the way, so I stopped. That said, it’s on the to do list after I finish the Maltese lessons!

What book/tv series/podcasts are you into at the moment?
The Lioness on Paramount and A Thoroughly Unhelpful History of Australian Sport by Titus O’Reilly.

What is your favourite sport to watch or play?
Soccer. I played when I was younger, and my dad was the coach. I thought I wouldn’t have to train to get into the team, but boy I was so wrong.

Do you play a musical instrument?
If so, which one? Yes, drums. I played in a wedding band in my younger days. Every time I see the movie The Wedding Singer by Adam Sandler it brings back so many memories.

What would you sing at karaoke night?
Waterloo by ABBA.

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

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
My wife’s Spaghetti Bolognese. It was the first meal she cooked for me before we were married and I thought if she can cook like this, I’m asking her to marry me.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
Superman powers of course. Jesus can’t do it all on his own!

What's your favourite holiday destination?
Valletta, Malta. I love the history and being of Maltese heritage it seems like home. The blue Mediterranean waters of the Grand Harbour are magical.

Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Al Pacino.

Do you collect anything?
I have collected sports memorabilia in the past, but Richmond is doing terribly so that’s on hold.

What are your hobbies?
I love walking. Especially where I can see water especially along the Maribyrnong River or the Great Ocean Road.

What is something you could spend hours doing?
Nothing, I get bored of things too easily.

If you had to watch a documentary, what would you want it to be about?
I love sports so anything sports related.

How have your interests changed over the years?
Not really, I’m a very boring person!