College Street News | Issue 8, 2026

Immaculate Heart of Mary

Mother of Jesus and our loving mother,
help us to follow your example of faith,
humility, kindness and trust in God.

Keep our families close to your heart.
Teach us to listen to God’s Word,
to love one another generously,
to forgive as Jesus forgives us,
and to serve those in need.

Lead us always closer to your Son, Jesus,
and help us to do whatever He tells us.
Protect our homes and guide us in our daily lives,
so that our family may become a place
of prayer, peace, love and welcome.

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
pray for us and for all families.

Amen.

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS) 

Monday 31 August to Friday 18 September 2026. Throughout each year, we pause to listen to our students, families and staff to gauge how our learning community is travelling. This feedback is invaluable to our progress as effective school communities and is backed by evidence-based research and best practices. 

A significant and formal way in which we engage and gather data is through MACSSIS, the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys. 

MACSSIS is a set of surveys that have been built specifically for Catholic schools in Melbourne by the Learning Services team at MACS, in partnership with researchers at Learning First and in wide consultation with principals in our schools. 

In 2026, students, families and staff are invited to participate in MACSSIS via our secure and purpose-built online platform. The online platform is where our school leaders will access the summary reports that visualise the results of the student, family and staff surveys. The MACSSIS survey platform is operated by an independent supplier, ORIMA Research Pty Ltd. The platform meets with the high security and privacy standards for handling student and school data. Participating schools are in the process of updating their privacy policy to ensure school communities are fully informed and protected. 

Students at our school will be provided with supervised sessions, where teachers are on hand to help and answer any questions. Families and staff can complete the survey anytime over the three-week window via an emailed link and password. 

Our community’s opinions are critical to understanding how our school is performing – MACSSIS is a key data source for guiding the ongoing work to improve our school. If you would like more information, please contact the school.

UGANDA APPEAL – Help us make a difference 

Our sister school, St. Francis Catholic Primary School in Kizinga, Uganda, is a place where hope, learning, and faith grow, often in the face of great challenges. For many of the 450 students, a simple breakfast at school is not just a meal, it is the energy they need to learn, play, and dream of a brighter future. The support of our staff and students has enabled the construction and furnishing of three brick classroom blocks; a food program; the refurbishment of the church with a concrete floor; and soon the installation of water tanks.

Our support of St. Francis Kizinga is more than an act of charity; it is a reflection of our shared values and our commitment to living out the Gospel in tangible ways. For our students, this partnership provides a valuable lesson in what it means to live fully and act justly. It is an opportunity to see firsthand the difference that can be made when we put our faith into action. It teaches them that living fully means embracing the fullness of life that Christ offers, and acting justly means standing up for the dignity and well-being of others, especially those in need.

We are inviting our College community, parents, families, and students to give generously to this very worthy cause. Every contribution, big or small, makes a real and lasting difference.

Here is how your gift can help:

• $10 provides breakfast for 1 student for half the school year
• $20 provides breakfast for 1 student for the full school year
• $40 provides breakfast for 2 students for the full school year
• $60 provides breakfast for 3 students for the full school year
• $80 provides breakfast for 4 students for the full school year
• $100 provides breakfast for 5 students for the full school year

Every donation, no matter the amount, also supports future classroom buildings and vital school projects, helping to create a better learning environment for all.

Together, as a faith-filled community, let us reach out with love and compassion to help our brothers and sisters at St. Francis Kizinga. Your generosity will change lives.

Please click on the link below to donate.

Donate to the Uganda Project

Feast of the Assumption

On 15 August we celebrated the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, when our Blessed Mother was taken, body and soul, into the glory of heaven. This feast reminds us of Mary’s special place in God’s plan and gives us hope for the eternal life promised to all who follow Christ.

Mary’s life was marked by faith, humility and trust in God. She was the first disciple of Jesus and showed us what it means to live with an open and generous heart. Her Assumption reminds us, as Pope Leo XIV reflected this year, that “when in this life we ‘choose life,’ we are right to see in Mary, assumed into heaven, our own destiny.” Through her example, we are called to embrace God’s plan with courage, hope and love.

May Mary inspire us in our daily lives to live with faith and generosity. With her, may we always be able to say: “My soul magnifies the Lord.”

The biggest day on the CRCCS calendar is almost here... LIVE FULLY ACT JUSTLY DAY!

The day will be begin with Mass and Assembly before diving into a fun-filled celebration featuring rides, food stalls, exciting activities, show bags, and our ever-popular Talent Quest!

Tokens are available now via TryBooking - click the link below to purchase your tokens.

Live Fully Act Justly 2026 Tickets, CRC Caroline Springs, Caroline Springs | TryBooking Australia

100% of proceeds support our Uganda Project, helping to provide educational resources and a food program for the community of St Francis Primary School, Kizinga, Uganda.

Every token purchased helps make a difference. Together, let's Live Fully and Act Justly!

Reminders:

• Students are expected to wear correct PE uniform on the day
• Students will need to pre-purchase tickets prior to the event for rides, show bags, activities and food
• This is a compulsory school event. Students that are absent or late must have a medical certificate

To all fathers, grandfathers, and significant male role models in the lives of our students, we warmly invite you to join us for a special celebration of the important role you play in our school community.

Join us as we celebrate the wonderful gift of fatherhood at our annual Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast, Friday 4th September.

The celebration will begin with Mass at 8:00am at St Catherine of Siena Parish Church, followed by breakfast in the College Cafeteria from 8:30 to 9:05am.

To attend, please register via the following link:

Father's Day Mass and Breakfast

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this special morning together

We were delighted to welcome families to attend our annual Live Fully Act Justly Day Mass as we gather to celebrate and give thanks to God for the many blessings within our College community.

This Eucharistic celebration is an opportunity for students, staff and families to reflect on our shared call to live life to the full and act justly in the service of others.

Please register via the link below. Registrations close on the 9 September. We would be delighted to have you join us.

Register here your Live Fully Act Justly Day Mass Attendance

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.

This month, we will be focussing on Child Safe Standard 7: Processes for complaints and concerns are child-focused.

As part of our mission as a Catholic school, we have a moral and legal responsibility to promote the safety and wellbeing of young people in our care. We are committed to ensuring that families, students and those in our community are able to raise complaints and concerns respectfully and ensure they are listened to. As a College we will also ensure that families, staff and students have an understanding of how to access child-focused complaint processes.

I encourage you to read the Newsletter Child Safe Standard 7 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.

Earlier in the term, half of the Year 8 cohort participated in their Faith Formation Day themed “The NOW of God,” inspired by Pope Francis’ invitation for young people to encounter God in the present moment. The day encouraged students to recognise that holiness is lived through the choices and opportunities of today as they journeyed through Melbourne’s Catholic heritage sites.

Students visited St Patrick’s Cathedral, where they explored the beauty and majesty of Australia’s largest church. Many were captivated by the stained-glass windows and the light streaming through them, a reminder that God shines through each of us. They also visited St Francis’ Church, the first Catholic church in Victoria. What began as a church among the gum trees now stands in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Despite the hustle and bustle outside, students experienced a peaceful time of reflection and Eucharistic adoration within its walls, praying in the very place where St Mary MacKillop was baptised.

As part of the day, students learned about our two homegrown women of faith, St Mary MacKillop and Venerable Sr Mary Glowrey. Alternate groups visited the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre and the Glowrey Museum, deepening their understanding of these courageous women who lived their own “now of God” with faith and zeal. A special highlight for the Glowrey Museum group was hearing from Sr Mary Glowrey’s grandniece, whose personal insights enriched the experience.

The day concluded with students returning to school with a greater appreciation of Melbourne’s Catholic story and a renewed awareness that God works through ordinary people. We look forward to providing the same enriching experience for the rest of the Year 8 cohort later this term.

Below is a testimony from Akshera S, 8KO sharing her account of the day.

Faith Formation was great; I learnt a lot. It began with a trip via bus to St. Patricks, where we embarked on several quests on the booklets given to us. The quests were fun. Everyone had split into small groups and explored the chapels. My favourite was the Holy Soul’s chapel; the windows were stunning to look at. Outside, we explored several statues of known saints-one even being my primary school (St George Preca)!

Soon, we split off from the other class we came with and learnt about St. Mary Mackillop. The other class learnt about Sr. Mary Glowrey. I did notice that not so subtle fact that two of our school buildings are named after them! Then, we walked through the city and reached St. Francis Church. We spent the rest of the time reflecting on the day-and eventually visiting the chapel for Mary, and it was very nice.

What really stood out to me the entire journey was when the lady told us that anyone of us could be a saint, as we are all called to follow God! While I may not be able to do something as great as found over seven hundred schools, across a country/continent, I know that even something simple as prayer will guide us through our journey with God.

On Monday 3 August, students from our Yeah The Girls (YTG) Fitness Co-Curricular group had the fantastic opportunity to head off campus and experience a Pilates session at Strong Pilates Caroline Springs!

Led by a trained Pilates instructor, students worked through a variety of activities including Pilates, stretching, weight training, rowing and the elliptical bike. Each activity challenged students in different ways, helping them develop their strength, balance, coordination, stability and endurance. For many students, it was a great opportunity to step outside their usual routines, try something new and discover another enjoyable way to stay active.

A highlight of the session was the partner and team activities, where students encouraged one another, celebrated their achievements and shared plenty of laughs along the way. The supportive atmosphere encouraged everyone to give the activities a go and challenge themselves, demonstrating that physical activity can be about more than fitness — it can also build confidence, friendships and connection.

Yeah The Girls Fitness is a fortnightly co-curricular group open to all female students, designed to empower and encourage girls to participate in physical activity and experience its many benefits. Throughout the year, students have had the opportunity to participate in Pilates, boxing, strength training, team sports and recreational activities.

Our aim is to provide students with opportunities to try new activities, have fun with their peers and discover different ways to be active. The Strong Pilates excursion was a fantastic example of what YTG is all about — movement, friendship, confidence and fun!

A huge thank you to Strong Pilates Caroline Springs for welcoming our students and providing such an engaging experience!

Last week CRCCS celebrated National Vocations Awareness Week x World Youth Day!

Celebrating the wonderful vocations of religious life, priesthood, single life, marriage and the permanent diaconate - aligning each story with the lives of patron saints for World Youth Day 2027!

We dedicated each day of the week to the 5 patron saints of World Youth Day, with activities that celebrate their life.

Monday

St Frances Cabrini – patron saint of the immigrants, as she cared for the Italian immigrants in New York. Despite her illnesses, she founded 67 institutions including hospitals, schools and orphanages around the world.

To Celebrate: Fr Vespa shared his culinary skills in cooking pasta while sharing stories from his past, leading to his vocation as a priest.

Tuesday

St Carlo Acutis – the saint of the internet and the youth – known for creating a website that lists the Eucharistic Miracles from around the world.

To Celebrate: He built virtue through the way he played video games, and we played quite a competitive game of Kahoot.

Wednesday

St Andrew Kim Taegon – the first Korean priest, who was so brave and courageous, being one 103 martyrs, dying for his faith at 25 years old.

To Celebrate: To celebrate Asian culture, the students decorated pallet drums with the LIHM sisters. Sr Lawrence also shared her vocation story with the year 10s throughout the week, showing the beautiful video of her vows.

Thursday

St Josephine Bakhita – the first saint of Sudan, South Sudan and modern slavery. She radically forgave those who kidnapped her, holding on to hope and rejoicing in how it led her to meet Jesus.

To Celebrate: The Dominicans – Fr Matthew Boland and Brother Albert Boamah-Addai shared their vocation stories with the students. To honour the power of forgiveness, Fr Matthew offered confession and adoration for our students. Br Albert showcased Jesus’ love for our students through playing soccer with them!

Friday

St Pope John Paul II – the saint of young people the one who created World Youth Day! He was a man of many powerful teachings and creative talents – including being a playwright, actor & athlete!

To Celebrate: Adore Club has begun a series of showcasing talents – beginning with a display of Artwork and Singing. This is a series that will be continued with an opportunity for students to share what they love most.

The week has been filled with an invitation to hear God’s desire for our life. Our vocation is a life designed so specifically for us - to bring us joy and bring us closer to Him. Please join us in praying for the grace to hear God’s call on all our lives.

On the 13 August it was a day of joy, laughter and new memories for our twenty-one Year 9 and 10 students who attended the MACS Students Formation Day at the Catholic Leadership Centre.

The Wavemakers led around 300 students from across Melbourne through an interior journey, uncovering one’s true identity stripped away from what we do to who we are at our core.

The presenters shared about their mission and purpose that flows from their identity as a child of God. The day was scattered with deeper reflections for students on their own identity, on the life they want to create for themselves – as an outpouring of receiving God’s love for them.

The joy overflowed from the wonderful music, dancing, the delicious Korean meal shared together, and a celebration of the uniqueness of everyone in that room. This event was a powerful reminder to our students of the power of our unity as a young catholic community, and as tiny foreshadowing of the joy they would experience at World Youth Day 2027 gathering with more than a million others in Korea.

Insights from our students:

Arsema T, Yr 9: I really enjoyed hearing the different perspectives from the speakers and how they shared their own experiences. The musicians also made everyone loosen up and overall created a fun, bubbly environment! One of my main takeaways was that everyone has different experiences and perspectives. you truly never know how many people are experiencing/ enduring the same thing as you, which is why it’s crucial to offer aid and your services to everyone despite fear of rejection

Vanessa J, Yr 10: I enjoyed how expressive and fun the presenters were. They shared their stories and played songs in ways where everyone in the crowd were engaging too. For the activity where they asked questions for self-reflection, once they got to the deep questions, I learnt that there is no need to judge people for their past experiences or how emotional they get during deep questions and conversations. Another highlight: THE FOOD!

Land A, Yr 10: My experience of the World Youth Day excursion was an amazing experience and time to connect with friends and explore the options I have for next year in Seoul. It was also very fun to hear and dance to all the music which just grew our connection and got us exited for world youth day. Overall, the whole day was a very fun experience and a time to connect with friends and Christ.

Ms Madigan accompanied the students on the excursion and shared how incredible it was to see a room full of young people eager to encounter Christ and experience the hope of World Youth Day. A takeaway was that encountering Christ can happen in small, everyday ways, through a small gesture or a passing smile. Excitingly, World Youth Day will be an opportunity for students to encounter Christ on a scale like never before, connecting with people from all around the world.

The college looks forward to preparing for World Youth Day with the upcoming MACS student formations as well as more activities in the college.

The 2026 School Fee Schedule and Fee Payment Information are available on the College website (College Tuition Fees – CRC Caroline Springs) for your convenience.

Families are reminded that school fees must be paid in instalments as outlined in the Fee Payment Agreement. Fees for the current tuition year must be paid in full by the conclusion of the school year. If you are unable to pay your fees in full, please contact the Finance Office to arrange an appointment with the College Business Manager to discuss your circumstances and payment options. Alternative arrangements must be approved by the College Business Manager.

If you have not yet returned your 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 address, please notify the College to ensure our records remain up to date.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment in relation to school fees.

Reminder to update Student Medical Information

The health, safety and wellbeing of our students is a shared responsibility between families and the College. To assist us in providing appropriate care and support, parents and carers are reminded to ensure that all medical and health information held by the College remains current and accurate.

Please notify the College as soon as possible of any changes to your child's:

• Medical conditions, diagnoses or allergies
• Medication requirements
• Emergency contact details
• Health care, support or personalised care needs

Medical information can be updated at any time through Consent2Go. Families who require assistance updating their child's details, or who need to provide new medical documentation, are encouraged to contact the College Office.

Parents and carers of students with existing Medical Management Plans (including Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Diabetes or other health conditions), Student Health Plans, or Medication Authority Forms are reminded to review these documents regularly and provide updated plans or forms whenever changes occur.

Up-to-date medical information is particularly important when students participate in camps, excursions, sporting events and other off-campus activities, as it allows the College to make appropriate arrangements to support student health and wellbeing.

Please note that families may be contacted periodically throughout the year to confirm or update medical information, particularly prior to camps, excursions and other significant school activities.

We thank all families for their support in helping us maintain a safe and responsive learning environment for every student.