Catholic Education Week: (10 - 17 March 2024)

Next week we celebrate St Patrick ’s Day, the patron of our Archdiocese and Catholic Education Week. Catholic Education Week is an opportunity to join with other Catholic schools to celebrate our distinctive Catholic identity, our achievements and the important role that our schools play in our parish and local communities.  

The theme for Catholic Education Week 2024 is ‘In the light of Christ’. This is drawn from the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) strategic plan MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World.  Christ is our inspiration, the very life of our purpose as Catholic educators. Everything we do is illuminated by this.

The Mass of St Patrick for Schools will take place on Friday. We will be represented by Ms Dykes (Faith and Mission Leader) and a small group of student leaders.

Each week our newsletter gives you just a glimpse of the great things happening in our own school. None of this can be achieved without the commitment of staff, the support of families and the enthusiasm, interest and involvement of students. We’re very lucky in all areas. Thank you.

Vale

Last week we were very sad to learn that Sharon Mills, a teacher at the College from 1999 to 2009, and Haney Rangel, a student from 2013 – 2016 both passed away.

Sharon taught Health, PE and RE and was a House Leader, Religious Education Leader. She leaves her husband Anthony and two young children. We ask that you keep Sharon and her family in your thoughts and prayers. We remember Sharon as a gentle, generous and gifted teacher who will be very much missed by all who knew her.

Haney was a shy and caring member of our community. Those who knew her were touched by her courage, determination and kindness. We remember Haney and her family in our thoughts and prayers.

Inter-house Swimming Carnival

Students and staff enjoyed a terrific Interhouse Swimming Carnival yesterday. We were blessed with perfect ‘goldilocks’ weather, not too hot and not too cold. Congratulations to all the students who represented their House and who did their absolute best for their teams. There were some very good team and individual performances. Thank you to all the enthusiastic supporters who cheered for the swimmers all day, and all who participated in the novelty events.

Thank you to Mr Boudaher, Mr Fernando, the House Captains and all who assisted them in organising a fine carnival and a very enjoyable day.

On Tuesday 26 March the College swim team will head off to the SACCSS Swimming Carnival at MSAC. We wish all competitors well and hope that each of them is able to achieve a personal best on the day.

Years 7 and 9 Family Nights

Over the past two weeks we have welcomed Year 7 and 9 families to the College. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us; to Mr Bain-King and Ms Roberts, the Year Level Pastoral Care Teachers and Associates, and the students who led various parts of the night.

We look forward to meeting Year 10 Families on Thursday 14 March.

Traffic Management

As is the case around many schools, traffic around our school can be hectic at ‘drop off’ and ‘pick up’ times. We remind students and families that:

• The speed limit around the College and Sacred Heart is 40 kmh.
• Students should use the crossings on Arthur and Theodore Streets.
• Those walking to and from St Albans station can use the safe crossing on the roundabout at the corner of Victoria and Arthur streets.
• Arthur Street provides less congestion and some good pickup points, as do Winfred and Alexina Streets.
• As Theodore Street is the most congested, we suggest that families do not pick up or drop off in this street.
• It is illegal to double park on Theodore Street.

I trust that families and students will discuss these suggestions and, if there is a need, adjust their practices to ensure everyone remains safe.