As another year ends, I pause to reflect upon the memorable events of this school year. It has indeed been pleasing to return to a 'normal' school year again, after the past two years of constant interruptions and regularly moving from remote to onsite learning, and the consistent changing of restrictions. A key theme for 2022 was to "find joy in the journey.” I hope that all members of the College community were able to find "joy in their journey."

This year we have continued to have quality learning and teaching occurring onsite, every day in the classrooms. We have also been fortunate enough to have participated in many co-curricular activities, including SACCSS sporting events and competitions, camps, excursions, incursions, faith development days, whole school assemblies, masses and liturgies, music and drama concerts, Year 10 Formal Social, Student Leadership Days, Live Fully Act Justly Feast Day and a particular highlight the performing of the College musical Mamma Mia, to sell out audiences.

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the College community, to thank our College leadership team and teaching staff for their efforts as they have been extremely diligent and generous with their own time to enable these significant events to take place. I would also like to thank the I.T, maintenance, counselling, learning diversity, library, support, administration, and finance staff who have worked diligently to ensure the College runs so effectively and smoothly. It has indeed been my honour and privilege to again serve our college community this year. I find the achievements of this community over the past year, quite exceptional.

“Let us never forget that authentic power is service.” -Pope Francis

I thank and congratulate the increasing number of students acknowledged as Student Leaders. I would particularly like to thank Ivanka P, for her outstanding contribution to the college in her role as College Captain. She has led with confidence, poise and a genuine, authentic, faith filled demeanour. I also thank our College Deputy Captains Christina S, Angel Y and Meena B, for doing a great job in their roles and for being outstanding role models for all our students. Each student leadership role continues to evolve and extend the student leaders’ responsibilities.

I would also like to thank and acknowledge the inaugural members of the Catholic Regional College School Advisory Council. I would like to particularly thank the SAC Chairperson Mr. Jason Kok and the Custodian of Mission Fr. Richard Rosse, parish priest at St. Catherine of Siena Parish. The SAC have met regularly to discuss important information regarding the day to day running of the college as well as future developments, including master planning and finance.

Thanks also to all parents who assisted the College in any way this year. The education of young people is a shared undertaking between parent and school and your commitment to your child’s school improves educational outcomes. I particularly thank those who have contributed through the Parents and Friends Association.

I would also like to wish all the best to our departing, Year 10 students. When I look at these students, I have a genuine, optimistic hope for our future and for the future of our Catholic church. I feel certain, that their futures are bright, exciting, and positive. Through an active focus on our College motto ‘Live Fully, Act Justly,’ our students have embraced a community in which faith is a "hands on" experience in which they seek Christ in the each other and in the world in which they live.

We continue to build on the very positive relationships that has been established between CRC Caroline Springs and St Luke’s parish as well as our sister school St Francis primary school in Kizinga Uganda.

"In a world where there is so much wealth, so many resources to feed everyone, it is incomprehensible how there can be so many hungry children, so many children without an education, so many poor".

By reaching out in friendship and solidarity with the community of St Francis, Kizinga we have given hope to hundreds of children and their families who otherwise couldn’t access education. The support of our students has enabled the construction and furnishing of a brick classroom; a food program; the refurbishment of the church with a concrete floor; and soon the installation of water tanks. Compassion, empathy and love for one another are the cornerstones of our teaching at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs and we are immensely proud of our community for continuing to embrace the Uganda Project.

In the very busy lead up to Christmas, we often miss Advent's power because these December weeks are full of Christmas shopping, parties and other end of year events. Each year, the business of this month serves to distract us from having an Advent season that truly prepares us for the celebration of Christmas, with all its meaning.

This Advent let us all remember; it is the feast that sings of the gift of life. The birth of a child moves us and causes tenderness. It is a stimulus to discover the warmth of simplicity, friendship and solidarity. Christmas can become an occasion to welcome, as a personal gift, the message of hope that emanates from the mystery of the birth of Christ.

As the 2022 year concludes, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs. I continually feel blessed that I work in a school environment where the College motto of Live Fully Act Justly is lived, breathed and enacted each and every day.

Wishing you all a happy, holy and safe Christmas.

College Timetable 2023

After careful consideration, supported by the feedback from key stakeholders, which has included our College Leadership Team, Teaching Staff, Year 7 to 10 Students, and School Advisory Council, a decision has been made to move to a 4 x 70-minute period day in 2023. This refinement in our timetable is further supported by the changes implemented at CRC Sydenham, who will also be adopting a similar timetable structure for next year.

We thank staff, students and parents who completed the feedback survey on the four possible timetable options for 2023. We can now announce that based on the survey feedback the timetable for 2023 will be as follows:

Start of Year Arrangements 2023

• College Office opens Friday 20 January (operating hours 8:30am to 3:30pm from Friday 20 January to Friday 27 January)
• Year 7 students return Tuesday 31 January
• Year students 8,9,10 return Wednesday 1 February
• Arrival time for students is no later than 8:45am
• Dismissal time is 3:00pm

Staffing News

We have a number of staff who will be leaving us at the end of this year; some taking leave and others beginning new positions at other schools. We wish the following staff members well as they leave us to work at other schools or industries in 2023:

• Belinda Harding Health and Physical Education Teacher (commenced in 2007)

• Karen Bailey - Year Level Leader and English/ Humanities Teacher (commenced in 2013)

• Marcia Desira - Mathematics and Science Teacher (commenced in 2010)

• Lisa Barnard - Science Teacher (commenced in 2015)

• Amanda Gray - Humanities and Digital Technology Teacher (commenced in 2021)

• Neve Lesnjak - Learning Area Leader Mathematics/ Mathematics and Science teacher (commenced in 2022)

• Erin Crowe - Tutor/LSO (commenced in 2022)

• Cassie Hayes - Tutor/LSO (commenced in 2021)

We wish the following staff members well as their contracts have now concluded:

• Amanda Gray - Humanities and Digital Technology Teacher

• Leo McInerny - Humanities and RE

• Kiah Saric - Humanities and RE

We wish the following staff members well as they undertake a period of leave for 2023:

• Trudi Binks - Science/ RE Teacher

• Abby Wellsteed - Science Teacher

• Laura Mason - Drama/RE teacher

• Lauren Purdy - Food Technology/Mathematics Teacher

We thank all of the above staff for their outstanding contribution throughout their time at the College and wish them all the best in the future.

Presentation Evening: A Celebration of Excellence

Our Presentation Evening: A Celebration of Excellence was held on Monday 5 December. This event was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the wonderful accomplishments of our 2022 Award recipients. Throughout the course of the evening, students were presented with Academic Achievement and Excellence Awards, College Service Awards and other Major Awards for students in Years 7 through to 10. Celebrating together, the Presentation Evening gives us time to pause and take note of what we have achieved, individually and collectively, to honour and respect those who have excelled, and to give thanks. Congratulations to all Award recipients.

I would like to thank our Deputy Principal Learning and teaching Lucy Swan, the Learning and Teaching team, the administration, I.T and maintenance teams and all staff and students involved, for meticulously overseeing the planning, preparation and implementation of the Presentation Evening: “A Celebration of Excellence”.

O God of all beginnings and endings,
We praise and thank you for the gift of this school year.
It has been a time filled with grace and blessings,
With challenges and opportunities, joys and sorrows.

The days have passed quickly, O Lord.
The weeks, the months, the seasons, the holidays and holy days,
The exams, vacations, breaks, and assemblies,
All have come forth from your hand.

Give us the rest and refreshment we need this summer.
Let our efforts of this past year bear fruit.
Bring all of our plans to a joyful conclusion,
And bless us, according to your will,

With the fulfillment of our summer hopes and dreams.
Watch over us in the weeks of rest ahead,
And guide each day as you have done this past year.
Help us return to school with a new spirit and a new energy.

May Christ enter our hearts this Christmas season.

Amen.

The Joy of the Christmas Season

As a child I remember this time of the year as being a time of anticipation and excitement. It felt like the days leading up to Christmas Day went so slow. As an adult the days leading up to Christmas Day can often be hectic and tiring. Attending various Christmas parties, shopping for Christmas presents amongst the rush of the crowds and attending family gatherings. By the time Christmas comes around many people are already over it. It is important to remember the idea of waiting and preparation of Advent (coming from the Latin word Adventus – meaning the coming). The purpose of the season is to help us focus on the Second Coming of Christ; to take time for prayer, stillness and sacrifice. It is only by doing this that we can reduce the stresses of planning for Christmas and magnify the real meaning of Christmas. Let us enjoy the Christmas decorations, let us sing with intent the traditional Christmas carols and focus our attention on the nativity.

I would like to thank all staff and students who have ministered in the various Masses over the past couple of weeks and this year. These are wonderful times to gather to celebrate the Eucharist and give thanks to God as a Catholic Community. Our End of Year Mass was also an opportunity to give thanks for our year.

May you experience a joyful and holy Christmas with your families.

End of Year 7-9 College Mass

On Tuesday we celebrated our end of year Thanksgiving Mass. The Mass was an opportunity to gather as a Catholic community of faith and celebrate the Eucharist in thanksgiving for all the blessings God has bestowed on us in 2022. Fr Joel (assistant Parish Priest, St Catherine of Siena Caroline Springs) was the main celebrant of the Mass. In his homily Fr reminded us of the great love Christ has for us. He challenged us to make room for Christ this Christmas season and to ensure that we have a place in our hearts for him so we may grow in loving relationship. It was a wonderful way to end the school year.

World Youth Day 2023 Information Night

Dear Parents/Carers of 2023 Year 10 Students,

An information night will be held for families of students interested in attending 2023 World Youth Day in Lisbon Portugal. For more than 30 years, World Youth Day has been an opportunity for the youth of the world to go on pilgrimage. This event is open for students who will be 16 years of age and over from the 31^{st of} July 2023.

Date: Wednesday 15 February

Time: 6:00 – 7:00pm

Place: Catholic Regional College, Caroline Springs

World Youth Day Promotional Video

Gospel Reflection

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR A

Matthew 11:2-11

John asks, ‘Are you the one who is to come?’

Semester Two Reports will be released to parents/carers after 4:30pm on Monday 12 December, through the College Learning Management System, SEQTA Engage.

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

Within the Semester Report, the Overall Result is designed to provide students and parents/carers with an overall indication of how the student has performed in a subject throughout the semester, as a score out of 100.

Glancing specifically at the Learning Area Achievement section of the Semester Report, the unshaded dot represents the previous Semester Two report progress, the shaded dot is the current report progress and the shaded band the expected achievement at this report. The unshaded dot will not appear if the Learning Area Achievement was not assessed in the previous reporting cycle.

The work habits on the Semester Two Report are described in greater detail below:

Demonstrates academic improvement

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

If you have any questions about Semester Two Reports, please feel free to contact the subject teacher or a member of the Learning & Teaching Team at the College.

2023 School Fees

2023 School Fee notice and Fee Payment Agreements were mailed home. If you have not received them please contact the finance department or visit the school website. https://www.crccs.vic.edu.au/enrolment-1/college-tuition-fee

If you have changed home address or email details please also update the school.

2023 Payment arrangements are due back as soon as possible to commence in February 2023 and finalise by November 2023 unless prior arrangement is in place.

CSEF 2023 (Current health care card holders)

CSEF applications are being accepted for 2023. 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 valid until the end of term one 2023 to the College office as soon as possible. CSEF Application Form 2023

STEM Immersion USA - 1-12 April 2023

Payments due dates are 1 February 2023 $550.

Immersion Central Australia 2023- payment due dates

Payments are due by 1 Feb - $1000 and 1 March - $1000

Immersion Tasmania 2023- payment due dates

Payments are due by 1 Feb - $1000

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

Thank you Finance Department

"Christmas is a glorious season of the year. ... Our celebration of Christmas should reflect the love and selflessness taught by the Saviour. Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. We are more kind to one another. We reach out in love to help those less fortunate…”

On behalf of St Vinnies and the Social Justice Team, we would like to say a huge thank you to the CRCCS community.

Each gift placed under the wishing tree will bring joy to the hearts of many young children within our community. Thank you for being a witness to the true meaning of Christmas.

May this festive season fill your homes with warmth, as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour – Christ is Born!

Our college captain Ivanka P, stated in one of our first newsletters -

“One focus for social justice is the Uganda appeal and supporting our sister school St Francis, Kizinga in the district of Rakai, in southern Uganda. We encourage you to donate generously to this cause and help make a positive difference to these communities who are less fortunate than we are. With the support of our college community, we can continue providing hope to our fellow Brothers & Sisters”

Well, with Jesus as our role model and a vision driven by strong passion and love, the CRCCS community came together with one heart and mind. The social justice team planned and facilitated several fundraisers which saw our community giving with generous hearts.

Our aim was to raise $20,000, thankfully, we managed to raise an even higher figure of:

$21,277.00

A heartfelt thank you and God’s blessings to all who contributed to this wonderful cause, without you, we could not have achieved this remarkable feat.

May God repay you a hundredfold, as you live out the true meaning of Christmas, which is in togetherness, taking the time out to think of others and showing them unconditional love and care.

Christ is Born!

The Social Justice Team of 2022 embraced the College motto ‘Live Fully Act Justly’ and exemplified our College Pillars of Prayer, Stewardship, Compassion and Learning of which we thrive on educating our community. In harmony, the team worked tirelessly to do God’s will. The Christian definition of a team refers to the body of Christ, or the people that are the whole of humanity - our social justice team. So, from the bottom of my heart, I would like to extend a huge thanks to you the team of 2022, who trusted in the Lord and successfully drew people closer on the journey.

Now, we look to next year, a massive congratulations to the Social Justice team of 2023.

Maya S
Yara J
Chanel G
Olivia G
Claire P
Samraeen H
Alannah S
Grace D
Sedra A
Lolita H
Karla H
Lucas P
Lily M
Carols T
Oscar N
Mihini R
Maja M
Charlotte A
Alizah P
Darcy C
Nyankat Deng

A special congratulations to Maya S on her new role as CRCCS’ Faith and Social Justice Captain for 2023.

Social Justice 2023, is going to be amazing! As we work together to teach and demonstrate the essence and meaning of Living Fully Acting Justly in our community and walking in the light of God, 

May God bless guide and protect you always.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5, 6).

Here is the link to the What’s on in the West web page, which has a flyer with activities that young people can do across the west.

The last one was for the September holidays, the Christmas one should go up in about four weeks and might be beneficial for families to take a look at so that they can plan some exciting, low cost activities for their families throughout the holiday period.

As an example, click here for the September edition to see what you can expect to find or to view some events which may be of interest to you and your family.