Loving God,

As we come to the end of Term 3, we pause to thank You for the many blessings that have filled these past months. We are grateful for the strength and energy You give us each day to live out our college motto, Live Fully, Act Justly.

We thank You for the hard work and dedication of each domain, especially as we journey together in preparing for the new Victorian Curriculum 2.0. Lord, it is not always easy, yet You continue to give us the courage and wisdom needed for the roles we carry as teachers and staff.

We give thanks for our students, for their gifts, their growth, and the joy they bring to our community. We are particularly grateful for the way our community has come together in generosity and compassion this term, most especially through our Uganda project and the wonderful efforts of Live Fully, Act Justly Day. These moments remind us of the impact we can make when we serve with love.

As we look ahead to Term 4, we ask for Your blessing on our Year 10 students as they prepare for exams and for their farewell. May they know they are cherished and guided by Your hand. And for all of us, Lord, help us not to lose sight of what is most important: faith, compassion, and the hope You plant in our hearts.

We entrust the rest of our year to You with gratitude and trust.

Through Christ our Lord,

Amen.

What a busy, action-packed, and successful Term 3 we have had at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs. We have continued to provide quality learning and teaching every day in our classrooms, with a rigorous academic program enriched by a wide range of co-curricular opportunities. These have included SACCSS sporting competitions, excursions and incursions, faith formation and wellbeing days, school assemblies and liturgies, and music concerts.

A particular highlight was the original production Once Upon a Stage, performed to sold-out audiences from Thursday 28 August to Saturday 30 August. Another highlight was the Spring Twilight Concert, where students showcased their musical talents with excellence and enthusiasm.

One of the most significant events of this term was our Live Fully, Act Justly Day celebrations. It was a day filled with faith, joy, and community. Our students came together to celebrate their spirituality through a beautiful Mass, celebrated by Fr Robin Lomangkok, Assistant Priest of Holy Eucharist Parish, St Albans South. Fr Robin’s homily was both relevant and inspiring. He reminded us that if we live and act on our College motto with passion, we will be unstoppable as a College community and, together, achieve great things.

This year, the day held special significance as it coincided closely with the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, celebrated last Sunday. This feast reminds us that through the Cross comes the glory of the Resurrection and the victory of God’s love. As St Paul writes in Galatians 6:14, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” The Cross stands as a sign of hope, reminding us of Christ’s sacrifice and the call for each of us to embrace lives of faith, love, and service.

Following Mass, we gathered for a whole school assembly where our 2026 College Captain candidates addressed the audience with their candidate speeches. Each student spoke with courage and conviction, presenting their vision for our College’s future. They should be very proud of their efforts and the leadership they demonstrated.

A moving and inspiring address was given by our current College Captain, Jennlyn Magtalas, who unpacked and reflected on our College motto Live Fully, Act Justly. Jennlyn’s words captured the spirit and essence of the motto beautifully. She said:

“To Live Fully: means seizing every opportunity to grow, to develop your unique gifts and talents, and to express them with purpose. It’s about embracing moments that challenge you, inspire you, and allow you to thrive, whether that’s through academics, sports, the arts, or acts of kindness.

To Act Justly: is to recognize the inherent dignity in each person, including yourself, and to act in ways that uplift, respect, and serve others. It’s about fairness, compassion, and making choices that reflect God’s call to love one another and to love ourselves.”

Thank you, Jennlyn, for these fine words which truly capture the meaning of our College motto.

As a community, we deeply value student leadership, advocacy, and agency. I sincerely thank our current student leaders for their outstanding contributions. In particular, our College Captain, Jennlyn Magtalas, who has led with grace and vision—her address today was both inspiring and relevant. I also acknowledge our Deputy Captains, Clark Neustro, Cienna Victuelles, and Keisha Cortes Alinea, for their courage and presence; Charlotte Attard, our Faith and Social Justice Captain; Sophia Clayton, our Performing Arts Captain; and all our House Captains and student leaders, who serve with dedication and pride.

The carnival rides, stalls, and Talent Quest added fun and festivity to the day, with students’ gifts warmly celebrated by their peers. The applause for each performance reflected the supportive spirit of our community.

This special day also raised an impressive $17,700 for our sister school, St Francis Kizinga in Uganda. These funds will sustain the daily feeding program and contribute to the construction of a new classroom block. I sincerely thank our entire College community, students, staff, and families, for giving so generously and being so involved in the day. Your kindness and support will make a real difference in the lives of the students at St Francis Kizinga.

A treasured tradition of Live Fully, Act Justly Day is the recognition of staff members who have dedicated many years of service to the College. Their generosity, professionalism, and commitment have helped shape our school into a place of learning, growth, and joy. We thank these staff for supporting our College’s mission and helping us create a positive and inclusive environment for everyone.

The following staff members were recognised for their service:

Fifteen Years of Service

• Danny Godoy
• Hayley Iannazzo
• Joanne Jilbert
• Thomas Matkovic
• Andrew McAlindon
• Sue Walson

Ten Years of Service

• Tiffany Azzopardi
• Daniel Manning
• Olivia Reljic
• Melissa Vickery

I would like to thank our Deputy Principal Wellbeing, Katie Murray Fawcett, together with the Live Fully, Act Justly Day committee, for overseeing the organisation of the day. I also extend my gratitude to our administration, finance, and maintenance teams for their work, Paul Sammut and his Catholic Identity and Mission team for organising the Mass, and Jordyn Bugeja, Danny Godoy, and Allison Caruana for overseeing the very successful Talent Quest.

I wish to acknowledge all staff for their outstanding contribution to our College community this term.. From teaching and leadership to I.T., maintenance, counselling, learning diversity, library, support, administration, and finance, every staff member plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth running and vibrant spirit of the College. Their professionalism, care, and generosity of spirit underpin the success of programs, events, and daily life at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs.

Finally, may this holiday provide you with the opportunity to rest, rejuvenate, and spend quality time with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you all back on Monday 6 October for Term 4.

The College proudly celebrated our Live Fully Act Justly Day last Friday 12 September. It was an incredible day where our staff and students gathered to celebrate Mass, listen to our prospective College Captains for 2026, celebrate staff service awards and enjoy our annual carnival and Talent Quest.

This year our students were able to enjoy various activities such as the ring toss, dodgem cars, the dunk tank, face painting, photobooth and delicious treats including pizza, donuts, potato twists, ice cream and showbags. In the afternoon we gathered in the College Hall once again to enjoy the many talents our students have to offer as well as a special act by some of our brave staff members! To see the joy on the students faces as they walked out of the school gates was a true blessing.

More importantly, Live Fully Act Justly Day is an important reminder of our mission in supporting our Uganda Project. This year the College were incredibly grateful for the donations and support of our College families. In total, we raised close to $18,000 which will allow us to contribute to a new classroom block and continue to support the breakfast program and further resources for the students learning at St. Francis of Kizinga. A huge thank you to our staff for their contribution in supporting the day as well as our students and their families for their online donations and token purchases.

On Friday, 12 September, the College celebrated our annual Live Fully, Act Justly Day! This occasion is always a highlight in our calendar, as it brings the whole community together, here at CRCCS, and in solidarity with the students of St Francis in Uganda.

The day began with the celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by Fr Robin Lomangkok, CSsR, Assistant Parish Priest at Holy Eucharist, St Albans South. The chosen liturgy was the Mass of the Holy Spirit, fitting indeed, for it is only with the Spirit that we are truly filled and empowered to live lives of justice and fullness. The Spirit is God’s love, God’s presence, God’s strength, God’s joy, and God’s peace within us. There is no better way to begin our LFAJ Day than by grounding ourselves in this divine gift and the mission entrusted to us both personally and communally.

In his homily, Fr Robin beautifully reflected on the power of the Holy Spirit and its connection to our school motto. He reminded us that God has already given us everything we need to live with purpose, mission, and fulfillment. What remains is our response: to open our hearts, to know Him more deeply, and to walk each day in relationship with Him.

This is the challenge and the invitation of Live Fully, Act Justly Day: not only to celebrate once a year, but to allow the Spirit to shape our choices, our service, and our lives, so that together we may become people who live fully, and act justly, in the world.

On Monday 15 September, teaching staff were involved in an Assessment Rubric Development and Application Professional Learning Day.

In response to the recent School Review feedback, and with our ongoing commitment to strengthening school culture, the Curriculum Leadership Team worked in two Action Teams (a Grade Scale Action Team and an Assessment Rubric Action Team) from January this year. They focused on developing a revised assessment rubric and grade scale for use across the school. Following the Teams’ findings, the Deputy Principal (Learning and Teaching) and the Director of Curriculum and Pedagogy brought together the Action Teams’ work into templates and guiding documentation.

This Professional Learning Day:

• shared an overview of the Action Teams’ findings with teachers;
• presented the revised rubric and grade scale;
• offered practical workshops on designing the effective rubric components of indicators and quality criteria;
• provided teachers time to begin drafting updated Term 1, 2026 rubrics.

The Assessment Rubric Development and Application Professional Learning Day aligned with Goal 1 of our Annual Action Plan: “To improve student achievement and access to the curriculum by developing and implementing clear assessment rubrics in all year levels.” In addition, teacher feedback collected through our recent Peer Observation process identified ‘provision of feedback’ as the most common area of interest. Strengthening our assessment rubrics directly supports this priority by enabling clearer, more effective feedback for students.

Images of our teaching staff participating in the workshops are below:

Further information about our updated assessment rubrics and grade scale will be shared at the beginning of 2026.

Thank you,
Elise Nowak
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching on behalf of the Curriculum Leadership Team

Term Three Interim Reports will be released via SEQTA Engage (for parents and carers) and SEQTA Learn (for students) after 4:00pm on Friday 19 September.

Interim Reports are designed to provide students, parents and carers with a snapshot of a student’s progress and work habits at the midpoint of the semester. Teachers will also use the Interim Report to either request or welcome a meeting with parents and students for our upcoming Student Parent Teacher Interviews to be held on Thursday October 9^th.

In the Interim Report, student work habits are reported against the following categories:

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 Interim Reports, if you have any questions about the report or your child's progress, please contact your child’s subject teacher.

On Friday 5 September, we held our Annual Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast. It was a wonderful opportunity to welcome fathers, grandfathers, and other significant men in the lives of our students. The morning began with a Thanksgiving Mass, giving thanks for God’s gift of fatherhood. In his homily, Fr Richard reminded us of the importance of this vocation and how the qualities of a father are essential in both times of joy and times of sorrow. Our fathers received a blessing so that, by the grace of God, they may continue in their mission.

After Mass, we were treated to a delicious breakfast prepared by our cafeteria staff, which provided an opportunity for our students and their guests to spend quality time together. It was a truly special morning, celebrating this important day for the fathers in our community.

Our 2025 College Musical Production, Once Upon a Stage, was a vibrant celebration of Broadway, showcasing the extraordinary talents of our students both on and off the stage. Over three evenings and one afternoon, audiences were transported on a journey through the decades of musical theatre, beginning with the sparkle of the Golden Age and culminating in the revolutionary sounds of contemporary hits.

The show wove together iconic numbers that have shaped the history of the stage. From the cheeky wit of Anything Goes and the joy of Do-Re-Mi, to the raw resilience of It’s a Hard-Knock Life and the youthful energy of Summer Lovin’. The emotional heart of the evening was captured through powerful performances of I Dreamed a Dream and Seasons of Love, before the cast brought the house down with a rousing finale of You Can’t Stop the Beat. Audiences were also treated to a spirited tribute to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, a reminder of the bold innovation that continues to push the boundaries of musical theatre today.

What made this production truly special was the way our students threw themselves into every moment. From the smallest details in set and costume, to the dynamic choreography and heartfelt singing, their dedication and creativity shone brightly. Backstage crews worked tirelessly to ensure seamless transitions, while the cast provided the heartbeat of the performance with energy and professionalism. Together, the cast and crew created a show that was polished, passionate, and deeply memorable.

Beyond the music and movement, Once Upon a Stage highlighted the values we hold close in our Performing Arts community, teamwork, resilience, and joy in creative expression. Watching students’ step into the spotlight, take risks, and grow in confidence was every bit as inspiring as the applause they received.

We are incredibly proud of our cast, crew, and creative team for bringing this production to life. Their hard work not only entertained but also reminded us of all the magic that happens when people come together to share stories. Once Upon a Stage was more than a musical, it was a celebration of passion, perseverance, and the timeless power of theatre.

R U OK? Day at CRCCS

Last week, our school community came together to mark R U OK? Day, a special opportunity to check in with one another and remind ourselves that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Our Social Justice team led a range of thoughtful and fun activities throughout the day. Students were treated to cupcakes and yellow bananas, small but meaningful gestures to brighten everyone’s day. A cheerful R U OK? display featuring smiley emojis reminded us to notice how others are feeling, while affirmation cards were handed out as a positive reminder to celebrate our own worth and encourage those around us.

In keeping with our focus on inspiration and reflection, each day of the week highlighted a saint whose life reflects the message of R U OK?, offering us real examples of compassion, care, and courage. A prayer was also shared with the school community, helping us to pause, reflect, and ask God for the strength to support each other in times of need.

R U OK? Day is a reminder that reaching out, offering support, or simply asking “Are you okay?” can make a real difference. Together, as a caring school community, we continue to foster an environment where every person feels seen, valued, and supported.

Father's Day

Father’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to pause and celebrate the love, guidance, and care that fathers, father figures, and significant men bring into our lives. Their quiet strength, wisdom, and encouragement shape us in ways that often go unnoticed, yet their impact is lasting.

Above all, we are reminded of God’s perfect example of fatherhood. As it says in Isaiah 64:8, “Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” God shapes us with patience and love, guiding us through life’s challenges. May the men in our lives reflect His compassion and integrity as they strive to lead with faith and care.

This year, our Social Justice team provided students with the chance to create heartfelt cards for the important men in their lives. It was a meaningful way to express gratitude and love, and to remind our community of the impact of their fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, and mentors. Students embraced this opportunity, filling their cards with messages of thanks, admiration, and love.

As we celebrate Father’s Day, let us take a moment to honour these men and the example they set. May they continue to find inspiration in our Saviour, and may their guidance nurture the next generation in faith, hope, and love.

Share the dignity

Next term, our school community will come together to support ‘Share the Dignity – It’s in the Bag’. We are calling on everyone, in our generous community, to contribute, because every donation, big or small, makes a massive difference.

This annual appeal encourages Australians to donate bags filled with essential items to women and girls in need. We are mainly looking for items to go into Bags, such as deodorant (roll-on), toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, and soap or body wash. Whether it’s a single item or a larger gift, your generosity has the power to change lives.

Collection will run until 31 October, giving us plenty of time to gather as much support as possible. Together, we can show that compassion, generosity, and community spirit make all the difference. Let’s step up, give what we can, and prove that even small acts of kindness can create big change!

For more information: https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/itsinthebag

"Share the Dignity is an Australian women’s charity that makes a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or facing challenging circumstances”.

Casual Clothes Day – Uganda project

As we wrapped up Term 3, our final Casual Clothes Day brought a wave of colour, energy, and excitement across the College with our Sports Fever theme. Students and staff alike joined in the fun, proudly wearing their favourite team colours and sporting gear.

Most importantly, this day was about more than just showing team spirit—it was about coming together as a community to support our ongoing Uganda Project. Through everyone’s generosity, the funds raised will go directly towards initiatives that provide food security, education, and resources for St Francis Primary School in Kizinga, Uganda.

A massive thank you goes out to the entire College community for once again showing such kindness and enthusiasm. Your contributions are making a real difference in the lives of students and families overseas, reminding us all the power of unity and compassion.

Once again, this event beautifully reflected our College motto, “Live Fully, Act Justly,” and the pillars of Compassion and Stewardship. By acting justly through our giving, and showing compassion for others in need, we continue to live out our values in tangible ways.

Together, we are making a lasting impact, both within our school and across the world.

 Second-Hand Uniform Donation Callout 

We’re always collecting second-hand uniforms to support families in our school community. If you have clean, gently used items please drop them off at the school office.
Your donations help ensure every student has access to the clothing they need to feel confident and comfortable at school. 

Thank you for your generosity!

Pre-Loved Uniform

We have Pre-Loved Uniform for sale at great prices. All proceeds go towards supporting our school community.
Please email tkemp@crccs.vic.edu.au with items and sizes.

Update Your Family's Details & Circumstances

To ensure we can best support your child and family, we kindly ask that you let us know if there have been any recent changes to your personal details or circumstances. This includes:

Contact information (phone, email, address or emergency) - Please email enquiries@crccs.vic.edu.au

Medical or health updates - Please update via Operoo platform

Financial situations - Please call 9217800, EXT 2 or email accounts@crccs.vic.edu.au

Your partnership helps us provide the most appropriate care and support for every student.

Warm regards,
Tim Kemp
Learning Support & Community Liaison Officer

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.

2026 STEM/NASA Immersion 14 April 2026 - 26 April 2026

Payment due dates are:

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 is my 16th year.

What is your role at the school?
Director of Curriculum and Pedagogy and Learning Area Leader of Science and STEM

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I love when I am teaching science and I can help a student understand a difficult concept. Seeing the "lightbulb" switch on is a very rewarding moment. I also love that in my leadership roles I get to work with a diverse range of people, and do something different everyday.

What is your ideal way to unwind and relax?
I love go for a walk and grab a coffee, spend time with my children, and watch trashy, mindless TV shows.

What's your most fond childhood memory?
On weekends my Dad would cook breakfast and play the record 'Morrison Hotel' by the Doors. I would wake up to the sound of that album and the smell of bacon and eggs.

When you were little what did you aspire to be?
I would change my mind often - at one stage I wanted to be an Art Historian, and at another a Primatologist.

What was your favourite subject at school?
English and Biology

What book/tv series/podcasts are you into at the moment?
I love listening to Big Small Talk podcast for the perfect mix of trashy celebrity gossip and insightful political discussion and current affairs.

What is your favourite sport to watch or play?
I am into Powerlifting. I have competed in the past and won titles, but at the moment I just do it for general fitness.

What would you sing at karaoke night?
'You're the Voice' by John Farnham and 'Mr Brightside' by The Killers

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Peanut butter and Jam bagels

What's your favourite holiday destination?
Thailand