Weekly Reflection

A Lenten Reflection

From Ruth Moraes, Justice and Peace Office

Last year’s Lent was most likely the most intense and long-lasting Lent that any of us have experienced.

It was during Lent 2020 that the seriousness of the coronavirus became clearer leading to closed borders, cessation of Masses and stay at home orders. While in Australia at the moment we are doing so much better than most of the world, we need to remember all those in Australia and around the world who are still living a Lent induced by the coronavirus and which does not seem to be abating.

In solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world, we need to remember those who even before coronavirus were trapped in a never-ending “Lent” whether it was due to poverty, living in uncertainty while being detained for seeking protection or those caught in modern slavery.

Pope Francis’ Lenten Message for 2021 is addressed primarily to those who can make a difference and alleviate the suffering of others here and now.

During this season of Lent, Pope Francis calls us to renew our faith, draw from the “living water” of hope, and receive with open hearts the love of God, who makes us brothers and sisters in Christ.” Fasting, prayer and almsgiving, the three disciplines the church asks us to partake of every Lent are effective forms of charity which enable us to have “concern and loving care for the poor”.

Dear Lord, 

May we walk through this season intentionally, removing distractions that take our gaze away from your glory. May we quiet the noise that pulls us from adoration of you and puts our attention on lesser things. May we simplify where we have been stressed, may we surrender what has been burdensome, may we repent of what has been sinful, Lord Jesus. 

Amen.

Shaun Coates

Director of Catholic Identity

From the Principal

Dinka Language School Reopens

On Saturday 13 March, the Dinka Ethnic School of Victoria reopened for students. The school runs lessons in our Trade Training Centre and is open for any school-enrolled student. Lessons are taught on Saturday from 1pm to 5pm and are free.

There are many benefits to learning a language. In our global and interconnected society, the ability to communicate in a second language builds relationships with others and allows us to connect to the world.

The cognitive benefits of learning a language are well documented and give students a sense of accomplishment and confidence.

I encourage our Dinka families to contact the Dinka Ethnic School Principal, Augustino Deng, if they would like to enrol their child. Augustino’s details are available from College Reception.

Marlene Jorgensen

Principal

Looking Ahead

Dates to remember
Wednesday 24 MarchParents and Friends Annual General Meeting
Tuesday 30 MarchSACCSS Swimming Carnival
Tuesday 30 March & Wednesday 31 MarchParent Student Teacher Interviews (online)
Wednesday 31 MarchCollege Mass and final day of Term 1 for students - 3.20pm dismissal
Monday 19 AprilTerm 2 commences


View the full College Calendar

Parent Student Teacher Interviews

Term 1 Parent Student Teacher Interviews (PSTIs) will take place online via Microsoft Teams next Tuesday 30 March and Wednesday 31 March from 4.30pm.

Mid-semester reports will be released at 9am tomorrow, Wednesday 24 March, and interview bookings will also open through PAM, our parent portal.

Instructions on how to login to PAM and make your interview bookings are available below. You will also find information about how to access a link to the interview booking.

PAM Login PSTI Bookings

The process of online interviews was extremely successful in 2020 so the College has decided to continue with this method of engaging with parents and guardians.

You are encouraged to make an appointment with your child's teachers even if there are no concerns. Putting a face to the name of a teacher helps build connections. Teachers will discuss current student progress and provide points on moving forward. Our College aim is to achieve 12 months of growth for 12 months of learning.

Joanne Holmes

Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching

Parents and Friends Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the College Parents and Friends Association will be held tomorrow, Wednesday 24 March, at 7pm in the Conference room. 

At the conclusion of the AGM, Director of Catholic Identity Shaun Coates will discuss the school naming process for our College and our new campus in Cobblebank.

If you would like to take part but cannot attend onsite tomorrow evening, please email kmatthews@sfcc.vic.edu.au for an online link to the meeting.

Kerrie-Ann Matthews

Director of Community Relations

From the Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

Homework

Your child's homework will become more challenging and frequent as they progress through school. There are many ways to help keep them on track and be organised:

  • Identify the dates and times of your child's non-homework activities, like sport activities, house work, reading time.
  • Get your child to list all their homework tasks for the week and when they are due.
  • Ask your child to estimate how long each task will take to complete.
  • Break up big tasks into small chunks.
  • Colour-code each subject so that your child can see at a glance what they will work on.
  • Allow 10-15 minute breaks for every hour of study
  • Allow breaks for mealtimes and encourage your child to eat with the rest of the family. This should be away from their desk or workspace.

​If you have any questions regarding homework or you believe your child needs extra help, contact your child's homeroom teacher or class teacher.

Source: Department of Education and Training


Cheryl Bullen

Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing - Melton Campus

Success at SACCSS Senior Sports Day

Last Wednesday (17 March), our Senior Mixed Netball and Girls and Boys Volleyball teams made the journey to Eagle Stadium in Werribee to compete in the SACCSS Senior Sports Day.

SACCSS is made up of Catholic coeducational secondary schools, with a majority of them based in the western suburbs of Melbourne.

Mixed Netball

The Mixed Netball team played four games on the day for a total of two wins and two losses, narrowly missing out on a finals place by percentage. The team represented the College with pride on the day and we congratulate the students on their efforts.

Boys Volleyball

The Boys Volleyball team went into the competition having won the final last year. They played five games on the day and returned four wins and one loss, placing them into the final against Caroline Chisolm, the only team to have defeated them on the day.

The game started tight with the lead changing between the two teams for the first few minutes. However, the boys showed true grit and determination to bring home a comfortable 31-22 point win, with a stand out performance by Xris Blakelock who was awarded the Grand Final MVP. Congratulations to Mr Frazzetto and his team.

Girls Volleyball

Our Girls Volleyball team had won the SACCSS competition for three years straight and were looking to win again in 2021.

The girls were undefeated throughout their five games, and dominated in their final against Merymede Catholic College, which they won 24 to 19. The girls brought home the College’s fourth championship in a row in a strong team performance. Congratulations to Mr Hill and his team.

For photos and the full story on the girls' sensational win click here.

Zayne Armer

Sports Trainee

Volleyballers Victorious

The SACCSS Senior competition was revamped this year, putting CRC Melton in Division 1, up against the strongest teams. The format meant that the top two teams after the round-robin competition would play off for the premiership.

CRC Melton started the day playing the team it defeated in the Grand Final last year, Marymede Catholic College.

Melton quickly established ascendancy and maintained a solid lead to win 28-19. This was followed by a comfortable 40-17 win over Antonine College. St Monica’s College had notched up two wins, but Melton started quickly, completing a 27-17 victory. Melton was pushed by Emmanuel College before winning 24-20. The last game saw Kolbe Catholic College try to make the final. A tough match ensued, with Melton overcoming the challenge 27-21.

For the fourth consecutive year, CRC Melton had completed the round-robin stage of the competition undefeated. As results panned out, we were once again pitted against Marymede in the grand final.

And what a grand final it was. Both teams were at the top of their game. Points were scarce because the rallies were so long, involving great attacking moves countered by amazing defensive plays.

For most of the final, Melton held a slender lead. With three minutes to play, the lead had dwindled to two points but our girls would not concede and fought grimly for the last few points to clinch a fourth consecutive senior premiership with a score of 24 to 19.

Given that the departing Year 12 girls need to be replaced each year, it has been outstanding to win four years in a row, with a new team each year. To go through that period without losing one game has been an exceptional effort. The teamwork, skill, effort and enthusiasm has been at such a level that opponents have always succumbed.

Each team member who has represented the College during this period should be immensely proud of their efforts and achievements. We should also be very proud that we have such wonderful people and athletes representing us.

Michael Hill

Senior Girls Volleyball Coach

Year 7 Camp


Our Year 7 camps held at Weekaway Camp in Benloch last week gave students and teachers a chance to build connections and learn more about each other outside the classroom.

Students had a wonderful time trying all the different activities such as the Possum glider, crate stack and cannoning, to name a few. It was great to see students building relationships with their peers and teachers.

It has also been wonderful speaking to students about their favourite moments from camp. The group initiatives were a huge success. Students had to work together in their homeroom groups to complete an activity such as getting from one side of an area to another without falling into the “lava (made of bark)” using a skipping rope and carrying a bucket of water.

The winning homerooms received points towards the Clairvaux Shield. Different activities throughout the year allow students to earn points for their homeroom; the current tally is very close between three homerooms.

I want to thank the Year 7 Homeroom teachers and other staff who attended the camp. Without the staff support and dedication, activities such as camps cannot go ahead.

Student reflections

Camp was thrilling! All the activities such as possum glider, maze, canoeing, raft building, crate stacking, and archery were memorable in every way. Each activity was fun and every moment was spent building connections with my peers. Personally, my favourite activity was the possum glider as it relied predominantly on teamwork. I could shout out encouragement and make jokes, which made the experiences enjoyable.

Hannah - 7A

I preferred the maze activity, as it strengthened the trust between my teammates and helped improve my memory. I enjoyed the maze because of the support I got from my teammates and I liked the way we encouraged the other players not to give up. Camp wouldn’t have been the wonderful experience it was without the teachers' support, specifically Ms Crocitti.

Mongboe - 7A

Louise Crocitti

Year 7 Coordinator

Year 9 Rite Journey Calling and Departure Ceremonies

Year 9 students and their families joined Rite Journey teachers at the College last Thursday evening for the Calling and Departure ceremonies that mark the beginning of their transition from children to young adults.

The Rite Journey is a unique program designed to support the development of self-aware, responsible and resilient adults. The course reinvents the traditional process of a rite of passage to help adolescents move from dependency to responsibility.

Two elements of the program were celebrated on Thursday evening. The first being the ‘Calling’, which encourages students to show gratitude for their childhood and call them on their journey to young adulthood. The second component to the ceremony is the ‘Departure’, which involves the students’ significant adults joining the students for an opportunity to learn, reflect and look forward.

The evening began with Year 9 students and their chosen adult finding a quiet spot in Sheehan Stadium to exchange letters. Through this process, students identified immature behaviours that no longer served them and mature behaviours they could embrace in the coming year.

Students then placed the paper on which they had written their immature behaviours in an open fire. Their aspirations were written on a wooden leaf and put on an archway.

Fire has always played an important role in rituals, symbolising God’s presence and strength. Fire is also bitter and sweet, reminding us that the journey is not always easy. The leaf embodies the symbolism of growth and as the students placed it on the arch, we as a community of caregivers envisaged the collective growth of the Year 9 cohort.

Finally, students were greeted by their Rite Journey teacher who welcomed them on this journey and made a commitment to support them through the trials and tribulations they will face during the year.

We were blessed with a beautiful evening and a wonderful turnout for the first of many auspicious occasions in 2021.

A huge thanks to the Rite Journey teachers who commit an enormous amount of their own time to these endeavours, believing they will pay off for our students in their senior years of secondary school.

A huge thanks to the Rite Journey teachers who commit an enormous amount of their own time to these endeavours, believing they will pay off for our students in their senior years of secondary school.

Our young women's ceremony

Our young men's ceremony

Carroll Byrne

Gadal Program Director

Year 9 Dance Performance

Year 9 Dance students performed their first dance as part of their assessment task last Friday (19 March).

The students performed a Bollywood inspired routine to the song Jai Ho.

The students worked so hard to perfect this dance and I am so proud of the commitment shown during the performance. For some of the students involved, this was the first time they had performed on a stage. Congratulations, students, you were all superstars.

Ashlee Hughes

Dance teacher

3-Point Basketball Competition

Last Tuesday we held our first 3-Point Basketball Competition in Sheehan Stadium.

There was an overwhelmingly positive response to the event, and we had many participants who contributed points to their House teams.

Basketball is one of the most popular sports at the College and this event was an opportunity for all students to showcase their shooting talent and skills. It was a lively and exuberant environment that demonstrated how much the College community has grown, especially in sport.

The competition was not only for students. We had many teachers participate, a few of whom surprised everyone with their skills. The teachers added to the entertainment and competitiveness but fell short of our two winners.

All participants contributed 5 points to their House team, with one junior winner (Year 7-9) and one senior winner (Year 10-12), contributing 20 points for their House.

Our junior winner was Ruby Tonna-Barnett from Reed and the senior winner was Jackson Djatschenko from Fitzgerald.

Our winners also earned a $20 canteen voucher each courtesy of Principal Mrs Jorgensen.

I want to thank everyone for participating. Due to high demand and many requests, the 3-Point Basketball Competition will return very soon!

Raphael Hadfield

College Captain

Year 11 Tertiary Experience Day


On Monday (22 March) Year 11 students visited university and TAFE campuses on their Tertiary Experience Day.

Groups attended Federation University and TAFE Ballarat, The Gordon Institute of TAFE Geelong, Deakin University Waurn Ponds, LaTrobe University Bundoora, ACU Melbourne and RMIT Melbourne.

Students explored the campuses, gaining a taste of tertiary life through student ambassador workshops, detailed presentations and campus and facility tours.

Here are some of their thoughts about the day:

“It was a worthwhile experience in which we got to interact with student ambassadors and gain a deeper understanding of the tertiary education system.” Darcy, ACU and RMIT

“It was a good place to start our journey,” Caleb, LaTrobe University

“It really showcased the trade options and what facilities they have.” Montana, Federation University and TAFE

“It was never a thought of mine to go to TAFE, but now after seeing it today, I can see it may be a possibility.” Darcy, Federation University and TAFE

“It was a really cool campus. It was so much bigger and catered for everyone. I was amazed at the wide range of facilities.” Paris, LaTrobe University.

“It was a really good experience to see what they can offer and to see what life is like at university.” Hayley, Deakin University and Gordon Institute of TAFE

Sasha Dickson

Pathways Coordinator

Biology Incursion

Year 10 and 11 students studying Unit 1 and 2 Biology were visited by Cor Nie Tan, a representative from fermented milk drink manufacturing company Yakult, last week.

Below is Year 10 student Ophelia's summary of the visit.

During the incursion, students learned about how the probiotic fermented milk drink correlated to the digestive system. It was intriguing to have digestion further explained, relating it to everyday scenarios and the positive aspects you would gain from consuming Yakult.

We also learnt about the evidence supporting how beneficial bacteria within the digestive system would be replenished by the drink and the advantages of probiotics when consuming the drink daily.

For instance, did you know drinking Yakult reduces physical and psychological stress?

We finished the incursion by playing a Kahoot based on the material presented to us, drank Yakult samples, and created posters featuring interesting facts and information on the digestive system in humans and within cows.

Lisa Bui

Science Domain Leader

Social Justice Update

The Social Justice Team at CRC Melton aims to create positive social change in our College community through faith in action.

Throughout Term 1, the team’s activities have focused on promoting the concerns of others. Our annual Project Compassion campaign is raising money to support the less fortunate. People such as Jamila from Bangladesh, who with the support of Caritas, now has hope for the future. Many have featured in our Daily Messages on Simon.

Almost two weeks ago, the Social Justice Group organised an International Women’s Day event, where students and teachers came together and wrote letters to a special woman in their lives. It was a great success with many students participating.

Cultural Diversity Week

Poster created by Year 8 student Alanis.

This week the College will celebrate Cultural Diversity Week. Diversity Week follows on from Harmony Week, celebrated annually from 15 to 21 March. Harmony Week celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

Our CRC community is full of people from various cultural backgrounds, which we aim to recognise and celebrate this week.

Yesterday (22 March), the Social Justice Team held a stall where students and staff could collect a Harmony Day sticker or badge to show their support for building a culturally diverse community where all feel like they belong.

Today, the VCAL students ran a pop-up shop selling candles they had made to raise funds for Caritas.

Upcoming events include the diverse languages film screening that will showcase some of the many languages spoken within our school community. On Friday, Ks for Caritas will raise awareness about the plight of people who have to walk many kilometres every day to access essential resources like food and water.

Do it for Cancer

Do it For Cancer calls on staff and students to cut or colour their hair or shave their head to show their solidarity with those battling cancer.

Our event will be held at the College Athletics Carnival in Term 2 on Thursday 22 April, where staff member Ms Natalie Bourke (pictured above left) will cut her hair and Ms Lauren Whitford (pictured above right) will shave her head.

For a gold coin donation, students can have their hair sprayed in house colours.

If you or your child would like to donate to this cause, you can do so online at the CRC Melton fundraising page

We call on the College community to be part of the campaign for a cancer-free future.

Emma van Wees

Social Justice Coordinator

Eynesbury Heritage Trail Junior Parkrun

Eynesbury Heritage Trail has recently opened up a Junior Parkrun in the Eynesbury Forrest.

It’s a free, weekly event for children aged 4-14 to walk or run to encourage physical activity and socialisation.

CRC Melton students who fit the age bracket and let us know they have participated will earn house points for their team.

Zayne Armer

Sports Trainee

Community Notices

Bacchus Marsh Netball Association


Woodgrove event


On Track school holiday program

The On Track School Holiday Music Program run by the Mushroom Group will be held during the second week of the Term 1 school holidays from Monday 12 April to Friday 16 April.

ON TRACK 12 features a big schedule of activities including:

  • Collaborative songwriting and DJ sessions
  • Music and Dance Celebration Day featuring Afrobeat African Drumming, Artist x Artist interviews and L2R dance
  • An exclusive ON TRACK only excursion to Federation Square

As always, ON TRACK is free, includes lunch, snacks, prizes and all of the familiar good stuff.

More information and a registration form are available below.

On Track Term 1 School Holiday Program

On Track Term 1 Registration Form


Marriage Encounter weekend

Marriage Encounter offers couples an opportunity to spend a weekend improving their communication.

Attend in the comfort of your own home or experience a residential weekend.

The online weekend gives couples the chance to sleep in their own beds and check-in on kids or animals during meal times. The weekend is based around Catholic values but couples of all faiths are welcome.

The next online weekend will be held from 30 April to 2 May. The next residential weekend will be held from 21 to 23 May.

For more information about Marriage Encounter visit www.wwme.org.au.

To book an online or residential weekend phone Mercy and James on 0409 183 676 or email vicbookings@wwme.org.au.

Useful Links

Keep up to date with College events, procedures, resources and information via the links below.

PAM – Parent Portal

Parent Handbook

Policies

Uniform

Library

Facebook

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