Principal's Report

By Mr Jamie Madigan Principal

As we reach the close of another remarkable year, I am filled with gratitude for the many ways our College community has continued to grow, learn, and flourish. Each day in our classrooms has been marked by a strong commitment to high-quality learning and teaching, and our students have embraced their studies with enthusiasm and purpose. Equally, they have lived out our motto, Live Fully, Act Justly, by participating wholeheartedly in the rich tapestry of life beyond the classroom.

From SACCSS sporting events, camps, excursions, incursions, and faith formation days to assemblies, Masses, and liturgies, our community has thrived with energy and spirit. The vitality of College life has also shone through our music and drama performances, the Year 10 Formal Social, student leadership initiatives, and our joyful Live Fully, Act Justly Feast Day.

One of the standout celebrations this year was our original College production Once Upon a Stage. Performed to full houses across multiple nights, this production showcased the creativity, confidence, and collaboration of our students. It was a beautiful reminder of what becomes possible when young people are encouraged to use their gifts with courage and joy.

Student leadership and voice continue to be central to who we are. I extend my sincere thanks to all student leaders, especially College Captain Jennilyn Magtalas and Deputy Captains Klark Neustro, Cienna Victuelles, and Keisha Cortes Alinea, along with our Faith and Social Justice Captain, House Captains, and Performing Arts Captain. Their example of humility, responsibility, and service has strengthened the culture of student agency at the College. This year also saw the introduction of our Family Forums, creating a meaningful space for parent voice and partnership.

Our ongoing commitment to justice and compassion has remained strong. Through social justice outreach, leadership opportunities, advocacy, and awareness campaigns, students continue to learn what it means to act with kindness, integrity, and fairness.

Our relationship with our sister school, St Francis Kizinga in Uganda, continues to reflect the heart of our mission. Through the generosity of our community, we have supported the construction of six classrooms and sustained a breakfast feeding program, offering nourishment, hope, and opportunity to countless young people. This partnership is a powerful expression of faith in action.


I extend my gratitude to our College School Advisory Council for their guidance and stewardship throughout the year. I particularly acknowledge Mr Jason Kok, Chairperson, and Fr Richard Rosse, Custodian of Mission and Parish Priest at St Catherine of Siena. Their wisdom, expertise, and commitment have supported the College’s growth, master planning, and financial health.

A significant milestone this year was the completion and official dedication of the Sacred Heart Building—a three-storey contemporary learning facility designed to meet the evolving needs of our College. With modern classrooms, collaborative learning zones, Food Technology spaces, art and music studios, administration facilities, meeting rooms, and staff areas, this building stands as a testament to our commitment to high-quality education and future growth.

We are especially proud to dedicate this building in honour of the late Fr John O’Reilly, who faithfully served as Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Parish, St Albans, for five decades. His unwavering commitment to Catholic education, community partnership, and the spiritual formation of young people leaves an extraordinary legacy that will be remembered for generations.

I also extend my heartfelt thanks to our College leadership team, teaching staff, and all those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Our I.T., maintenance, counselling, learning diversity, library, support, administration, and finance staff each play a vital role in ensuring our daily operations run smoothly and that our community remains a place of welcome, learning, and care.

As we enter the sacred season of Advent, we are reminded that this is a time of joyful anticipation and a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Pope Francis beautifully reflects, “Advent is a continual call to hope: it reminds us that God is present in history to lead it to its ultimate goal and fullness, which is the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Advent invites us to pause, to breathe, and to recognise God’s quiet presence in our lives. It is a season that teaches us to wait with trust, to hope with courage, and to welcome Christ’s light into our homes and our hearts.

This year, the strength, resilience, and generosity of our community have been truly inspiring. I thank our parents and carers for your ongoing support, partnership, and encouragement. Your presence at events, your engagement with staff, and your guidance at home have been central to your children’s success.

As Christmas approaches, may the peace of Christ fill your homes and may His enduring light guide you into the year ahead. I wish all students and families a joyful, holy, and safe Christmas. May this be a time of rest, renewal, and celebration with loved ones. To our staff, thank you for your incredible dedication, may this season bring you the rest and joy you so richly deserve.

May the birth of Christ strengthen our resolve to continue to Live Fully, Act Justly in all that we do.

May God bless you and keep you safe.

Farewell to Our Year 10 Students

On Thursday 21 November, we gathered in the College Hall for the Year 10 Graduation Mass and Assembly. It was a beautiful celebration of prayer, gratitude, and recognition as we marked the conclusion of our Year 10 students’ journey with us.

Our motto, Live Fully, Act Justly, has guided our Year 10s throughout their time at the College. These four simple yet profound words have been woven into their daily experiences and will, we hope, remain etched not only in their minds but in their hearts as they move to the next chapter of their educational journey.

We thank Fr Richard Rosse for leading us in the Graduation Mass and extend our appreciation to all staff involved, especially Mr Paul Sammut and the Ministry team, Deputy Principal Wellbeing Mrs Katie Murray Fawcett, Year Level Leaders David Sammut and Bianca Conforti, the maintenance team, and our I.T. staff who ensured every element of the evening ran smoothly. Good luck and God Bless Year 10s.

Presentation Evening: A Celebration of Excellence

On Monday 1 December, we held our annual Celebration of Excellence, an evening dedicated to recognising the achievements of our 2025 Award recipients. Students across Years 7–10 were acknowledged for academic excellence, commitment to learning, service to the College, and contributions to College life.

Thank you to Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching Elise Novak, Director of Pathways Adam Ray, the Learning and Teaching team, and our administration, I.T., and maintenance staff for their meticulous planning and dedication.

Farewell and Thank You to Departing Staff

As the year concludes, we prepare to farewell several valued staff members who will be leaving our College. Their dedication, professionalism, and care have shaped the learning and wellbeing of countless students. We thank each departing staff member for the gift of their service. Your presence will be deeply missed, and we pray that God blesses you abundantly in the next stage of your journey. 

I would particularly like to acknowledge Mr Adam Ray and Ms Natalie Hamill. Mr Ray, our Director of Student Pathways, will be moving to another college next year, after 14 years with CRCCS. His leadership in developing and strengthening our pathways programs has supported many students in planning their future studies and careers, and we wish him every success in his new role.

Ms Natalie Hamill, our Teacher-Librarian, concludes 15 years of dedicated service to the College this year. Ms Hamill has played an integral role in shaping a well-resourced, accessible and supportive library space for students and staff. We hope her retirement offers a well-earned opportunity to slow down, recharge and enjoy new routines.


From the Director of Catholic Identity and Mission

By Mr Paul Sammut Director of Catholic Identity and Mission

Loving God, as we journey through Advent, awaken our hearts to the light of your Son, Jesus Christ. In this season of waiting and hope, help us students, teachers, and families to stay alert in prayer, eager to welcome you into our studies, challenges, and joys.

Scatter the shadows of doubt and distraction, that we may grow in wisdom and goodness, ready to meet you at Christmas and in every moment of our lives. Come, Lord Jesus draw near to us now and always. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Advent

The season of Advent derives from the Latin word Adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival." It invites us to prepare for the threefold coming of Christ his historical incarnation at Bethlehem, his ongoing presence in the sacraments and the life of the Church, and his glorious return at the end of time.

A beautiful way to enter Advent is through contemplation of the nativity scene, which captures God becoming man. The image of the nativity reminds us that salvation does not come from above. God speaks as a newborn baby; he is the light that shines through our darkness and brings light on all people “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14).

Pope Francis, in his 2017 Christmas Vigil Homily, echoes this truth by urging us to recognise Christ's presence amid the ordinary "The faith we proclaim tonight makes us see God present in all those situations where we think he is absent. He is present in the unwelcomed visitor, often unrecognisable, who walks through our cities and our neighbourhoods, who travels on our buses and knocks on our doors." Far from being an abstract deity "up in the sky," God is Emmanuel, "God with us" dwelling in our joys and struggles. Advent challenges us to open our eyes to this hidden presence, transforming our daily lives into a vigilant watch for the Lord.

As we begin this sacred season, let us pray for the grace to draw nearer to Christ, to welcome his light in our hearts.

A Joyful Pilgrimage: The Australian Catholic Youth Festival

From Sunday 30 November to Tuesday 2 December, twenty-three enthusiastic Year 9 students from our college, accompanied staff, to participate in the Australian Catholic Youth Festival at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. This vibrant gathering, attended by thousands of young people from across Australia, was a celebration of faith, unity and hope, drawing inspiration from the 2025 Jubilee Year motto, Pilgrims of Hope.

The festival served as a powerful reminder of God's boundless love for each person and the Church as our true spiritual home, a welcoming family where all are called to grow in faith. It was inspiring to witness so many young hearts united in the joy of the Gospel, sharing in prayer, music, and worship with such devotion.

In particular, the festival stirred the fire of the Holy Spirit within our students. With hope in God's abundant grace, these young pilgrims return invigorated, ready to carry this spiritual fire back to their parishes, schools, communities, and families.

This experience has undoubtedly strengthened our students' faith and sense of mission. We give thanks to God for such a wonderful experience and pray that the Holy Spirit continues to guide them as joyful disciples on the path ahead.

“My experience with ACYF felt so powerful, I enjoyed seeing so many people at the workshops and expos sharing their faith and ministry so passionately. The plenary area where we all gathered to listen to talks, praise and worship God made my heart feel so full. I would truly want to experience this again.”
- Rosalia Cajucom 9WU

“We got to praise and worship Jesus with so many young people all around Australia. Thanks to our teachers who gave us the opportunity to go and have one of the greatest experiences of our lives. I really want to go to the next one.” 
- Kevin Haber 9BA

“ACYF was a truly amazing experience that I will never forget. To be around all of those young people like me was eye opening. All the people I met, with all of us in unity for our faith, learning, singing and praying is something I am truly thankful for. But I have to say that just being with all those people was just as powerful in experiencing God.”
- Michael Gagliardi 9WO

“ACYF was one of the most life changing experiences and has brought me closer to God than I have ever been. Connecting with all those like-minded people through God was an amazing experience that will stay with me forever. All the workshops, live performance, masses, and time spent all together has really changed the way I see God, and the catholic faith all together. The passion everyone had and the atmosphere we all created was unlike anything I have been a part of and certainly not something I thought I would ever experience. ACYF was overall and amazing experience I will forever be grateful for, and I thank all the teachers for making it possible, and all the students and others there for making it memorable. During this time, I encountered God and that encounter has brought me closer to Him, and I know that it was His plan for me to be there and to see Him. I hope for you all that one day, you can experience what I have in those three days, because once you do, you will be transformed by His power. ACYF marked the end of an amazing adventure, but the start of a mission, our mission, to praise, worship, and love God."
- Jacob Magtalas 9WU

2026 Student Leadership

Our College community gathered on Friday 21 November for our annual Investiture Ceremony, a significant moment in which we formally welcomed our newly appointed student leaders for the year ahead. Guided by our shared values and commitment to service, each leader was presented with their badge and affirmed in their responsibilities.

In our final school gathering of the year, we were pleased to be joined by our current captains, as well as our 2024 College Captains, who offered their support and encouragement to the incoming team. It was a proud occasion that reflected the strength of student voice at our College and the bright leadership journey that lies ahead.

Congratulations to the following Student Leaders who will lead our College in 2026:

College Captains: Richardine Culas, Best Nnajieze
Deputy College Captains:
 Gabriella Lawrence, Manuela Maksemos
Faith and Social Justice Captain:
Matilda Snooks
Performing Arts Captain:
Emilia Raunik

Franklin House Captains:
Zaan Nabil, Charlotte Gambian
Jackson House Captains:
Jacob Magtalas, Rhaiyne Ganase
Norman House Captains:
Celine Schnellmann, Xander Ridsdale
O’Reilly House Captains:
Judith Joju, Augustine Caballes

Year 10 Student Leaders:
Michael Gagliardi
Teddy Jeske
Blen Hadgu

Year 9 Student Leaders:

Olivia Vu
Alarii Bautista
Bradley Vincent
Zara Borg
Ava Lo Guarro
Arsema Tesfay
Lucas Simonovski
Aiden Antonopoulos

Year 8 Student Leaders:

Lucas Jose
Santo Makwai
Quinn Cumbo
Sean Nicholas Cortes Alinea
Akshera Suresh Uthayakanthan
Emma Clayton
Gemma Nguyen
Paolo Tartaglia
Isabella Attard
Charlotte McGuire

Semester Two Reports

By Ms Hayley Iannazzo Director of Curriculum and Pedagogy

Semester Two Reports will be released via SEQTA Engage (for parents and carers) and SEQTA Learn (for students) after 4:00pm on Thursday 11 December.

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 Two 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 Two reporting cycle

The work habits on the Semester Two 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

We thank you for your ongoing partnership and look forward to sharing Semester Two Reports with you soon.

Homerooms 2026

By Ms Katie Murray-Fawcett Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

Catholic Regional College’s Wellbeing Leadership Team have taken considerable care and consideration in the creation of the 2026 class lists. Year Level leaders and the Heads of School have worked hard to accommodate your child’s academic and wellbeing needs. It has been a collaborative process, involving consultation with a range of key stakeholders such as subject teachers and College leadership. Our College has had significant growth in the last number of years and when completing homerooms our ultimate goal is ensuring that each student has the ability to thrive.

We aim to empower our students in their secondary school journey by encouraging them to develop a strong sense of resilience and ownership in their learning by giving them opportunities to form new relationships with those within their homerooms and respective subject classes. By doing so, we are certain they will flourish here in 2026.

We appreciate your support and understanding when it comes to our 2026 homeroom and class lists.


Social Justice Update

By Mrs Matilda Mattar Social Justice co-ordinator

Throughout 2025, our Social Justice Team played an important role in nurturing the heart of our college community. Guided by our motto, 'Live Fully Act Justly', they brought compassion to life through practical service, thoughtful initiatives, and a genuine commitment to supporting those in need. Their work fostered connection, encouraged reflection, and helped our students and staff see the power of small acts made with great love. I am truly thankful for the dedication and spirit the 2025 team brought to every project and every cause.

As we turn our focus to the year ahead, it gives me great joy to introduce the 2026 Social Justice Team. I look forward to the creativity, leadership, and passion they will bring as they continue this important mission within our community.

Year 8 Representatives
Emma W
Sofia S
Charlie E
Meral H
Amelie N
Maxine L
Emma C
Audrey V

Year 9 Representatives
Ella B
Zara B
Matejas J
Abby S
Teah F
Lucas S
Isabel S
Diana A
Sophia F
Matilda S
Jordan A
Chanelle N
Bradley V
Sienna H
Olivia V

Year 10 Representatives
Mitchel A
Richardine C
Olivia C
Aleqxia G
Gabriella L
Eden H

Lord, show us the way we should walk, and help us learn the direction you desire for us. Guide us in your truth, for you are our refuge and our strength. Our hope and our trust rest in you, always.

May God’s grace strengthen their hands and hearts as they work to uplift others, and may their example encourage our whole community to journey faithfully in God’s justice and compassion.

With gratitude and warm congratulations!

From the Finance Office

2026 School Fees

The 2026 School Fee Schedule and Fee Payment Agreement were sent to parents via Operoo on 17 September 2025. These documents are also available on the College website (College Tuition Fee - CRC Caroline Springs) and November statement for your convenience.

If you have not yet returned the signed Fee Payment Agreement to the College, and received a text message, please return completed form at your earliest convenience.

A kind reminder that 2025 school fees should have been finalised by end of November 2025 unless prior arrangements have been made.

For any fee queries or concerns, please contact us by phone 9217 8000 extension 2 or email accounts@crccs.vic.edu.au

Five Minutes with Staff - Meet Natalie Hamill

How long have you worked at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs?
15 years

What is your role at the school?
Teacher-Librarian

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Getting to know our beautiful staff and students, and also (hopefully) inspiring students to read books.

What is your ideal way to unwind and relax?

Read books and watch movies

What's your most fond childhood memory?
Playing with my friends

When you were little what did you aspire to be?
An actor

What was your favourite subject at school?
English

How many languages do you speak?
Two - English and Ukrainian

What skill would you like to master?
I would like to get through a Zumba class without puffing and having to stop.

What book/tv series/podcasts are you into at the moment?
I've just finished reading the latest John Grisham book "The secret of secrets" and I am enjoying the latest season of Outlander.

What is your favourite sport to watch or play?
I am enjoying watching AFL and hoping that Collingwood win the premiership in 2026.

Do you play a musical instrument? If so, which one?
No - I love to sing, but my "kind" friends tell me to stop.

What would you sing at karaoke night?
My favourite song- "Time of your life" by Greenday

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

A bird - it would be exciting to soar through the clouds.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Lasagne and hot chips

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

Telepathy - I would love to be able to read people's minds.

What's your favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere by a beach

Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Helen Mirren (I've lost track of how many times I've been told I resemble her)

Do you collect anything?
Books and paintings from overseas trips

What are your hobbies?
I am excited to start some new hobbies next year - I've already signed on to join a 10 pin bowling team

What is something you could spend hours doing?
Reading

If you had to watch a documentary, what would you want it to be about?

The life story of an inspirational person, such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg

How have your interests changed over the years?
Not so much my interests, but definitely my reading genres have changed - as a teenager I started to read horror books, then moved on to historical fiction, then romance and now my favourite genre is thrillers.

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