This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. It is the last Sunday of the Church’s year with the new year beginning with Advent next Sunday. Following is a short reflection by Michael McGirr about how God’s notion of being a King and vision for the Kingdom of God are very different to what we might experience in our world today.

The Feast of Christ the King is an opportunity to touch once more the core experience of our faith. There was a sign on the cross of Jesus which said ‘the king of the Jews’. When you see a crucifix these days, it is often represented by the initials INRI (which represents the Latin ‘Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews’). Pilate, who had the sign put up, was being ironic. Nobody looked less like a king than Jesus on the cross. But we believe that this is how God chooses to show leadership in our world. It is a reminder that a Christian sees the world differently. Sometimes what we expect, is turned upside down.

(Michael McGirr Finding God’s Traces)

Catherine McAuley Pins

Last week, at our final school assembly a number of students were recognised with the McAuley Pin. In the College library there is a plaque recognising the contribution made by the Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of St Joseph in establishing primary and secondary education in St Albans. It is fitting that our school pins, the McAuley Pin (service and community engagement) and the MacKillop Pin (academic excellence) are named after the founders of the two orders.

The quote on the plaque from Catherine McAuley reads as follows:

It is not for us to bestow gifts like benevolent people in the world but rather to bestow ourselves (1778 – 1841)

These words of Catherine McAuley capture well the spirit of our McAuley awards and the qualities we look for in the recipients. At CRC we encourage young people to be generous with their time and gifts; to look beyond themselves to the needs of others and to work for the common good. They are called to be responsible, compassionate and active citizens who know that they can make a difference, even if it is only one small step at a time. 

Throughout the year students have many opportunities to be involved in learning beyond the classroom and to contribute to the community. This happens through service, leadership, fundraising, sport, the Arts, extension programs and clubs.  I’d like to thank all students for the way they’ve participated and been involved in 2023.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2023 Catherine McAuley pin. You are indeed people who make a difference and your willingness to give of yourselves, lead, challenge, put in and to be part of things is very much appreciated. Thank you.

Recipients of this year’s pins are listed at the end of the newsletter.

Long Tan Leadership Award

Each year the Australian Defence Force (ADF) provides a scholarship to recognise a Year 10 student who demonstrates outstanding leadership and teamwork within the school and in the broader community. This student must also demonstrate strong values such as respect for others, always striving to do their best. Congratulations to Janelle Lawang who is this year’s recipient of the Long Tan Leadership Award.

Future Innovators Award

In recent years the ADF has introduced a second award to recognise students who achieve excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The award celebrates innovation, critical thinking and problem solving. Congratulations to Antonio Renda who is this year’s recipient of the Future Innovators award.

Ampol All Rounder Award

This award acknowledges a student at Year 7 or 8 for their all-round contribution to the school and the community. This year the award was given to Teresa Marsom. As well as achieving outstanding academic results, Teresa has been involved in many different aspects of school life throughout the year. Congratulations Teresa.

Loaves and Fishes Food Bank

A highlight of our final assembly was the presentation of a cheque for $3,300 to the ‘Loaves and Fishes Food Bank’ at Holy Eucharist. Led by Charlie, an amazing group of Food Bank volunteers collects, parcels and distributes 300+ food packages each week. Where possible, produce from our school garden is added or sold to raise funds to purchase food staples like rice.

Our fundraising efforts were led by our Student Leaders. Congratulations to all involved on an outstanding effort.

Year 7 Giving Tree Appeal

Continuing the theme of thinking of others – the Year 7 classes are collecting Christmas gifts to be distributed by St Vincent de Paul. All gifts are welcome. I encourage you to support this very worthwhile work and thank the Year 7 team for leading this initiative.

School Captains 2024

On behalf of the school community, I would like to thank our 2023 School Captains: Audrey Gerada and Roger Louis, and the Vice Captains: Janelle Lawang and Evan Barisic for their great work as leaders in our school. Throughout the year they’ve contributed in a very real and practical way to making our school a great place and in ensuring that students ‘have a voice’ on many issues. I thank them for their time, generosity and willingness to serve our community.

It is with great pleasure that I can now announce that our School Captains for 2024 are Mia Ye and Aurelius Catayong. Our Captains will be assisted in their role by Jennifer Tran and Corey Dang who will be Vice Captains. They are a talented and impressive group of young people and I look forward to working with them next year.

End of Year Arrangements for Years 7 - 9

Monday 27 November - Thursday 30 November are normal school days and students are expected to attend in full uniform, with the required books and be prepared to finalise their work. Year 9 students will complete their exams during this time.

On Monday 04 December Years 7 and 8 students will enjoy an Activities Day. For Years 7 students it is the last chance to gain points towards the 2023 Williams Cup. Year 9 students will enjoy their final Trinity Day which includes a Race around Melbourne experience.

Details for each activity have been forwarded to families. We ask that families complete permission forms on PAM.

Students in Years 7 – 9 finish school on Tuesday 05 December. They are required to be at school by 8.40am (normal time) and will be dismissed at 12.15pm.

Report Preparation Day: Friday 01 December 2023

Years 7 – 9 are not required at school on this day as staff will be marking exams and preparing reports.

Year 8 Premier League

Congratulations to the Year 8 Girls Volleyball team who defeated Thomas Carr College yesterday to win the tournament. The girls showed great sportsmanship, commitment and school spirit throughout the tournament. We are very proud of each of them.

Enrolment for 2024

Enrolment at the College continues automatically from year to year. However, if a student in Years 7, 8 or 9 is not returning in 2023, we ask that families notify us as soon as possible. Please email echalmers@crcstalbans.com.au or ring Eileen Chalmers on 9366 2544 with this information.

Your assistance with this is much appreciated as we have a waiting list at some levels and would like to let these families know sooner, rather than later.

McAuley Pin Recipients

Newsletter

The newsletter is published fortnightly and available online on Day 10 (Friday Week 2).

Newsletter Days for Term 4 2023:      

Fridays:  20 December