Weekly Reflection

Prayer for Peace

God who cares for all the world:

We pray for the people, families, communities and nations involved in war in the Ukraine. Bring an end to fighting, there and in every place.

God, let there be love.

God who cries with those who weep: We pray for people who feel hurt, hungry, sad, lonely or lost.

Bring help and care and comfort to all who need it.

God, let there be hope.

God who draws near to us all: We pray for people standing alongside others in need.

Bring courage and compassion to leaders and other helpers who have power to make the world better for everyone.

God, let there be peace.

Shaun Coates

Director of Catholic Identity

From the Principal

One of the joys of Easter in the Catholic tradition is that it doesn’t end on Easter Sunday. The celebrations continue for another seven weeks after Easter.

During this time Jesus begins to appear to different groups and after the sadness and shock of Good Friday the Apostles begin to realise the joy of what Christ’s resurrection means.

This awakening comes to a crescendo on Pentecost Sunday. During these seven weeks as we listen to the gospel readings, a sense of hope builds up. An idea begins to form, which eventually brings great joy.

This sense of hope is building in our school community as we slowly open up and re-establish connections.

Last week our Year 9 students celebrated their Rite Journey Calling and Departure Ceremony on-site in our Gadal building.

This is a significant milestone for our Year 9 students who are moving from childhood towards becoming young adults. Next week they will participate in their camp experience, which will also push them out of their comfort zone.

Tomorrow our School Advisory Board will meet in person for the first time and last month members of our Parents and Friends Association were able to meet on-site and take tour of the College to see first-hand what their group’s funds had purchased for students.

We will celebrate Mother’s Day with a liturgy and breakfast at the College on Thursday morning.

While we were blessed to have the technology available these past two years to allow us to continue much of our work, it is even better now that we can reconnect and see each other face to face.

I look forward to reconnecting with our parent and guardian community which has been so isolated over these past two years.

Marlene Jorgensen

Principal

Looking Ahead

Dates to remember
Wednesday 4 MayYear 12 2021 Reunion BBQ from 6pm
Thursday 5 MayMother's Day Liturgy and Breakfast from 8am
Monday 9 MaySchool Photo Catch-Up Day
Resilience Project Parent Webinar from 6.30pm
Tuesday 10 MayNAPLAN online testing begins for Year 7 and 9 students

Thursday 19 May

College Athletics Carnival
Wednesday 25 MayCollege Tour from 9am
Parents and Friends meeting


School Photo Ordering and Catch-Up Photo Day

School photos were taken at the College yesterday and below you will find information about how to register and order your child’s photos.

If your child was absent yesterday, they can have their photo taken next Monday 9 May. On this catch-up day, Arthur Reed will also complete any sibling photos that were not taken yesterday.

If your child is having a photo taken next Monday please ensure they come to school in their full winter uniform, including blazer.

How to order photos

To view the images of your child and order photos, you will need to first register online.

  1. Go to https://order.arphotos.com.au and enter the 2022 image code for your child (from their personalised flyer)
  2. Tap on ‘Add another child’ to enter the image codes of any siblings
  3. Fill in your email and mobile details and then review all details before confirming your registration

When 2022 photos are ready, you will be notified by email and SMS.

Even if you registered last year, it’s important that you do it again each year using your child’s new image code to link their photos for the current year with your contact details.

To ensure you are ordering school photos for the current year, please wait for notifications that 2022 images are online before placing orders.

In the webshop you can view photos and customize your photo package; Choose any layout, any image and purchase multiple digital image downloads.

All photo orders will be sent directly to the address you provide when ordering.

Register online now to be notified when 2022 school photos can be viewed and ordered.

If your child misplaces their code, they can contact the Arthur Reed customer service team on 5243 4390.


Cheryl Bullen

Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing - Melton Campus

From the Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

Welcome back to Term 2. I hope you all enjoyed the Easter break and had time to relax and recharge for another term of face-to-face learning.

During the break I attended a webinar hosted by the eSafety Commissioner called Digital Rights and Responsibilities for Students and Educators.

It focused on the challenges facing young people online, helping them understand their digital rights and responsibilities and encouraging them to take an active role in protecting and promoting positive and safer online environments for themselves and others.

Statistics show young people demonstrate a good understanding of some of these areas, but there are still areas for further growth. The College continues to focus on developing these areas throughout the curriculum and wellbeing sessions.

It is also important for parents and guardians to be aware of the online apps their children may be exposed to and to have a good understanding of how to best support their young person.

The eSafety Commissioner has a range of free free webinars and resources that may help. Below are also tips on what to do after an online safety incident.

Tips for parents and guardians after an online safety incident

You can subscribe to eSafety News to stay up-to-date with online safety including new eSafety resources, online issues, events, blogs and the latest research.

College uniform

At the beginning of the year, I wrote to all families regarding our uniform expectations. Many students are following our uniform policy and wearing it as required.

As stated in my email to all parents and guardians last week regarding school photo day and in our uniform policy, the College winter uniform is expected to be worn in terms 2 and 3.

Students can wear their PE uniform for approved set days. Long sleeve jumpers underneath the PE sports shirt are not allowed.

It has been disappointing to see several students given infringements and consequences for not following the uniform policy or set guidelines for earrings or facial piercings.

We will continue to work with all students to ensure they are wearing the uniform correctly and adhering to the uniform policy. I strongly urge all parents and guardians to familiarise themselves with the uniform expectations in the College planner or on our website to ensure their child is meeting expectations before arriving at school.

CRC Melton School Uniform flyer

The Resilience Project

I wrote in a previous newsletter about our valued partnership with The Resilience Project, focusing on GEM, Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness. Our parent presentation this week focuses on Empathy.

Empathy is putting ourselves in the shoes of others to feel and see what they do. We practice this through being kind and compassionate towards other people.

Developing empathy is crucial for establishing relationships and behaving compassionately. It involves experiencing another person’s point of view, rather than just one’s own, and enables behaviours that come from within, rather than being forced. Source: Psychology Today

View Part 3 of the series here - Empathy

There are many ways to practise empathy, such as completing random acts of kindness. Click here for more ideas to get you and your family started.

For mental health resources and support information, visit The Resilience Project’s Support Page.

Parent and Community Webinar

Parents and guardians are invited to a webinar hosted by Martin Heppell from The Resilience Project next Monday 9 May from 6.30pm to 8pm.

During this presentation, Martin will share his experiences and combine them with practical strategies that can be implemented everyday to improve our overall wellbeing.

To register click here

Upon registration, you will receive a link to attend the webinar, along with a reminder the day prior. Please note the webinar is also open to parents and guardians from other Resilience Project partnership schools.

Resilience Project 2022 Parent Community Webinar General Information

Cheryl Bullen

Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing - Melton Campus

Mother’s Day Liturgy and Breakfast

The College will host a special Mother’s Day liturgy and breakfast on Thursday morning (5 May) from 8am in the Performing Arts Centre to celebrate and recognise all the motherly figures in our students’ lives.

Students and their mothers, grandmothers, aunties or a significant adult in their lives are invited to join us for a 15-minute liturgy, followed by breakfast for those who would like to stay. Siblings are welcome to attend, as is anyone who would like to come along and say a prayer for mothers past and present.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday.

Amy Rowley

Director of Community Relations

Year 12 Class of 2021 Reunion

We are looking forward to welcoming back students from our Year 12 class of 2021 tomorrow to hear where life has taken them almost six months after completing their senior studies.

Invitations have been sent to all of our 2021 cohort, with a QR code to RSVP.

Amy Rowley

Volleyball coach

From the Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching

On Tuesday, we launched the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Secondary Literacy Project during our staff meeting.

The two-year project is based on literacy, namely reading and writing. This year we focus on reading with an explicit strategy introduced across all Domains in Year 8. Staff are also encouraged to use the explicit strategy across other year levels when reading Domain related articles.

Mrs Kezi Todd (English Domain Leader) supported by Mrs Loretta Kalms (Middle Years Curriculum Leader) unpacked the strategies good readers use to make sense of information as they read.

We will be using an explicit template for unpacking reading of articles. This is based on research by Professor John Munro on the 7 High Reliability Literacy Teaching Procedures (HRLTPs). The project aligns with our Annual Action Plan (AAP) and School Improvement Framework (SIF) for improvement in literacy, especially writing, across the whole school.

MACs will run workshops, providing resources and access to literacy and data experts for this project. The second workshop will be held at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs on Monday. We will keep the community informed on our progress and our aim to improve reading and writing.

Term 2

As we enter the second term there is a lot to achieve. Camps, reflection days, NAPLAN online, the Athletics Carnival, excursions and incursions support learning and teaching. When students are unwell, they should remain at home; however, it is the responsibility of students to catch up on missed work, either by attempting it at home when they are well enough or by completing catch up homework once back at school.

For VCE Year 11 students, homework, including study, should be approximately two to three hours five nights a week. For Year 12 this increases to 3-4 hours but is offset by study periods at the College. A study timetable helps to take the pressure off by having set time for study and time to relax and should include any part-time work. Students can get support from their VCE teachers to create a study timetable. Parents and guardians should also access the study timetable to help students stay on track.

I look forward to an exciting and busy term.

Joanne Holmes

Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching

NAPLAN 2022

Students in Year 7 and Year 9 will complete NAPLAN tests online beginning next week.

The test window is from 10 to 20 May and students will use their devices (laptop for Year 7, iPad for Year 9) to access the tests. The NAPLAN tests are adaptive, allowing a more accurate prediction of student achievement.

Students have already completed the Coordinated Practice Test.

All students will be required to bring their fully charged device, earphones/earbuds and pen or pencil to all assessments throughout the NAPLAN testing program.

The Lock Down Browser icon has been installed on all devices. Students are not permitted to remove it. Year 9 students with iPads can click NAP Locked down browser on the App Store (apple.com) to install the Locked Down Browser, if they have removed it from their device.

The ACARA demonstration site (https://nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site)

allows public access for parents and guardians, teachers and students to familiarise themselves with the platform.

NAPLAN dates

Year 7

Assessment

Date

Reading

Tuesday 10 May Period 1

Writing

Wednesday 11 May Period 2

Reading and Writing Catch-Up Assessments

Thursday 12 May Periods 1 and 2

Conventions of Language

Friday 13 May Period 1

Numeracy

Monday 16 May Period 1

Catch-Up Assessments

Tuesday 17 May Periods 1 to 3

Year 9

Assessment

Date

Reading

Tuesday 10 May Period 2

Writing

Wednesday 11 May Period 1 This assessment will take place before students leave for camp.

Numeracy

Monday 16 May Period 2

Conventions of Language

Tuesday 17 May Period 1

Catch-Up AssessmentsFriday 20 May Periods 1 - 4



Paul Iannazzo

eLearning Coordinator

VCAL Student's Maker's Market

Our VCAL and Vincit cohort hosted their first Maker’s Market for the year during lunchtime yesterday.

We had a variety of items for sale, including body scrubs, candles, silicon bead bracelets and keyrings, resin keyrings, resin coffee tables and serving boards, to name a few.

All items were handmade by the VCAL students and the quality was impressive. Preparing for and planning this market has helped most students achieve the many learning outcomes across each of their four subjects.

Our next Maker’s Market will be held in August and will feature a variety of plants and terrariums.

Narelle Layton

Applied Learning Leader

Student Radio Program

CRC Melton will hit the airwaves in June with a new student radio program run by Ralph Barba, executive producer of Live FM.

Ralph comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience in radio, having worked with popular Melbourne radio stations SEN, Triple M and the ABC.

The program will run across a week with students receiving training before going to air. They will develop scriptwriting, microphone, radio technology and communication skills while promoting the school and their local community.

The student radio show will be broadcast to the local community and uploaded on a website portal for students and their families to download.

It is a great opportunity for students interested in radio and media to build their skills and confidence.

Students who would like to take part should contact me via email at thobson@sfcc.vic.edu.au

Students will interview a range of people during their broadcasts, such as principals, domain leaders, sports coaches, alumni, parents and guardians, arts and media staff, local politicians, celebrities and service providers. If you or anyone you know would like to be interviewed please email me as soon as possible.

To find out more about what the student radio program will be like, follow the link below to listen to Footscray City College’s recent collaboration with LIVE FM.  www.livefm.online/footscray-live

Trent Hobson

Student Wellbeing Counsellor

VET Students Learn About Infection Control

Year 11 students in their first year of a VET course in Health Services Assistance completed a unit on infection prevention and control last term.

They were taught the sequence and procedures for donning and removing personal protective equipment – something we have all seen a lot of in the past two years.

Some students plan to work as assistants in the health care industry once they complete Year 12. Others will continue studying to pursue careers in nursing, paramedicine, midwifery, dentistry, or physiotherapy.

A dedicated and experienced midwife guest speaker recently inspired some students to consider this fulfilling pathway.

This term, students will hear from a devoted paramedic who has been a frontline worker throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sandra Carey

Teacher

School Crossing Police Blitz

Below is a letter received from local police regarding an operation targeting school zones in Term 2.

It is of great concern that police from both Melton and Caroline Springs have seen an escalation of violence and aggression towards School Crossing Supervisors and school staff monitoring school drop off and pick up.

With students returning to “normal” school attendance there is an increase in traffic congestion in and around schools and with this, the aggression and frustration of a number of drivers.

Police would like to remind all drivers that the bottom line is SAFETY. The role of the Crossing Supervisor is to ensure the roads are safely crossed by all pedestrians and the laws are in place to protect everyone.

We have seen reports of appalling behaviour that include serious threats and violence which nobody should be subject to. Some of the infringement notices that can be issued in response to this problematic behaviour are:

  • Fail to stop and remain stationary at children’s crossing.
  • Fail to stop at the stop line when a handled stop sign is displayed, or a pedestrian is entering or on the crossing.
  • Proceed after stopping when the handheld stop sign is still displayed.
  • Proceed after stopping while a pedestrian is on or entering the crossing.
  • Pass stopped vehicle at children’s crossing or pedestrian crossing.

All of these offences carry a fine of $454 and 3 demerit points.

Along with this is the illegal and dangerous stopping of vehicles in and around schools, particularly in the afternoon. Whilst it may be frustrating and not convenient, police are asking that drivers make an effort to park their car legally and to refrain from remaining stationary on the road causing traffic to bank up and create a dangerous environment. Walking a short distance to collect your child is far safer that causing a collision that could injure many.

As we move into Term 2, a number of operations will target school zones where infringement notices will be issued to those failing to follow the road rules. Some examples of the penalties are:

  • Drive motor vehicle on a path, nature strip, traffic island or dividing strip – penalty $182.
  • Fail to obey traffic direction given by police officer or authorised person – penalty $363 and 3 demerit points.
  • Drive unlawfully in a bicycle lane – penalty $273.
  • Stopped contrary to a no parking sign – penalty $36.
  • Stopped on a nature strip – penalty $109.

This issue is about the safety of all, in particular our local school children.

Year 8 News

Many new activities are beginning for Year 8 students in Term 2.

Lunchtime sport

Last term’s Year 8 lunchtime basketball competition was a huge success. A dodgeball competition is planned for Term 2, and we look forward to seeing students compete for their homerooms in the coming weeks.

Afrobeat Dance Club

A new Afrobeat Dance Club for Year 8 students will begin at lunchtime this Friday and run for approximately six weeks, depending on the response. We are looking for an adult who might like to volunteer their time and run the club to teach the students some moves. Please email kjones@crcnmelton.com.au if you know anybody who might like to get involved. Otherwise, it will be myself (Kath) with students choosing the music.

Morning Prayer Group

We are also starting a new prayer group that will meet in the chill-out room next to the Year 8 Coordinators’ office every Wednesday morning from 8.30am. Hot chocolate, prayers and rosaries will be provided.

Homework Club

Homework Club will continue on Thursday afternoons from 3.20pm to 4pm in MK103 during Term 2. It was great to see many students take the opportunity to do their homework and access Maths and English tutors last term. Afternoon tea is provided and students who attend regularly will earn a canteen voucher at the end of Term 2.

Kath Jones and Nathan Hunter-Gerber

Year 8 Coordinators

Student Leaders in the Spotlight

This week we ask our student leaders to tell us more about their priorities for 2022.

Alleya Bautista – Environment Captain - Year 12

Describe one environmental issue you are passionate about.

Rubbish pollution and its effect on the environment whether it be local or global. The production of products that end up in landfill contributes to the overall pollution that humans create. This is very much something I would like to raise awareness of and increase action on.

What’s great about CRC Melton’s environment?

CRC Melton provides students with many opportunities to learn and improve the way they treat the environment.

Tell us one thing you would like to achieve as Environment Captain this year.

I would like to be able to improve the state of the school’s grounds and ensure students are aware of the impact of their actions on our environment.

Allan St Martin – Environment Captain - Year 12

Describe one environmental issue you are passionate about.

Waste disposal. I feel that the excess amount of rubbish produced by our society is big problem in Australia as well as how we deal with such waste. Even when we follow the rules and dispose of our waste properly, the systems in place to separate and deal with our waste such as what we recycle and throw in the bin fails.

What’s great about CRC Melton’s environment?

The diverse relationships within our College that allows for people to learn and grow and develop their skills, specifically the teacher student relationship that is all about helping students grow and achieve success in their education.

Tell us one thing you would like to achieve as Environment Captain this year.

I would like to make a definitive change in the school’s culture around littering and rubbish and make our school a cleaner place by implementing solutions to rectify our littering problem.


Darcy Makin - Social Justice Captain - Year 12

Describe a social justice issue you are passionate about.

I am most passionate about the issue of homelessness in Australia. I attended my first winter sleep-out in Year 8 as a member of the social justice team. I spent the night with my peers being educated on the statistics related to homelessness and the different causes and heard stories from those who had experienced it. Since then, I have participated in every winter sleep-out and deepened my understanding of the issue.

What’s the greatest about CRC Melton’s approach to social justice?

The best part of our approach to social justice is the community element. Students, teachers, parents, and guardians are encouraged to get involved in the initiatives and events to educate themselves and share their experiences and knowledge. This speaks to the strong bonds held in the CRC Melton community.

Tell us one thing you would like to achieve as Social Justice Captain this year.

I would like to ensure that students in younger year levels participate in social justice events. I say this because I let nerves get the better of me and avoided the social justice team in Year 7, which I have regretted since. I feel that younger level levels should be encouraged to participate because they learn about the many issues happening in the world and develop teamwork skills. They can also gain the confidence and knowledge to act as a leader when it’s their turn.

Cate Cimarelli – Social Justice Captain - Year 12

Describe a social justice issue you are passionate about.

I am passionate about combating discrimination, as there are many different kinds, and it affects a huge number of people in many different ways. I believe that once we understand what discrimination is, we can do our best to reduce it and be more aware of how the things around us affect other people.

What’s great about CRC Melton’s approach to social justice?

CRC Melton’s approach to social justice gives everyone in our school community a chance to get involved. Anyone can present us their issues and help raise awareness. It’s great to see the number of people willing to join us and do their bit to help.

Tell us one thing you would like to achieve as Social Justice Captain this year.

I would like to ensure the students are more aware of the issues affecting them and others. I would also like to see as much student involvement as possible in our initiatives so that all in our community feel accepted.

Georgina Bertsias – Deputy Environment Captain – Year 11

Describe one environmental issue you are passionate about.

Environmental awareness. I feel people need to enjoy the surrounding environment and appreciate it more.

What’s great about CRC Melton’s environment?

The good thing about CRC Melton’s environment is our ability to improve continually, whether that be becoming more sustainable or improving the school grounds by adding more plants and trees.

Tell us one thing you would like to achieve as Environment Captain this year.

I would like to improve how people treat our environment and their attitude towards it at school, for example, thinking that it is ok to walk inside the garden beds.

Ashok Yel – Deputy Social Justice Captain - Year 11

Describe a social justice issue you are passionate about.

I am passionate about racial discrimination, the many ways it occurs, and its effects on those it is directed to. I believe there is racial discrimination in some group settings and that there are ways to make people aware of their contribution to it.

What’s great about CRC Melton’s approach to social justice?

It’s great that we have Social Justice Team and that students are willing to give up their lunchtime to discuss and raise awareness of issues within the school and around the world. This group is open to all, and it is amazing to have so many younger students involved.

Tell us one thing you would like to achieve as Social Justice Captain this year.

This year, I would like to create more awareness of issues present within the school and create more opportunities for students to express their beliefs and talk about the problems they face.

Sports Update

Last week our senior volleyball teams played their fourth round in the season. The boys had a tough game against Penola, but in the end won 3-0. Our senior girls won convincingly against Marymede, scroing 3-0. Both teams showed great sportsmanship and determination.

Our senior AFL teams played their first game of the season last week. The girls made their way to Arnold’s Creek to play a very tough team from St Monica’s College and unfortunately lost 80-2.

The boys travelled to Bundoora to take on St Monica’s, putting in a great effort but were defeated 130-26.

We wish all the teams success this week.

Ella Higgins

Sports Assistant

Community Notices

Headspace teen program

Neighbourhood House Week

Free events for the City of Melton's Neighbourhood House Week begin on 9 May.

Find out more here. Neighbourhood House Week Program


Eynesbury Discovery Centre

Looking to learn something new? The Eynesbury Discovery Centre has a range of programs and workshops running in Term 2. See all the options below.

Flower Arrangement Workshop | Social Crafting | Tai Chi | Yoga and Meditation | Zumba Gold |

 Art 4 Kids | Green Gals | Green Homes | Healthy Spending Habits for Teens


Western Bulldogs Youth Leadership Project

Useful Links

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

PAM – Parent Portal

Parent Handbook

Enrolment

Cobblebank Campus

Facebook

Instagram

Policies

Uniform

Library

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