Over the past two weeks, we’ve had the opportunity to once again enjoy the Olympics, a feast of sports, both ancient like the Decathlon, and modern like BMX and Skateboarding. For the athletes, it is the culmination of many years of training, making mistakes, getting feedback, participating in competition, remaining focussed on their goals, making sacrifices and continually striving to do their personal best. 

Learning is no different to the training regime of an athlete. To do our personal best in all areas of the curriculum, we need to train, participate, get feedback, focus, make sacrifices and continually strive to improve.

Last week at our school assembly we recognised a number of students for learning excellence, and others for outstanding contributions to our school community. As is the case for all medal winners, these awards do not come easily, they are the result of hard work, dedication and focus. We congratulate each of them, and all students for whom Semester 1 was their best. 

The Olympic motto Citius, Altius, Fortius - Communiter translates to Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together. These words capture well the sense of striving to do your best. It is well worth keeping in mind during Semester 2.

Vale Charlie

Last week we were very sad to hear that Carmelo ‘Charlie’ Desira, a much-loved parishioner of Holy Eucharist has passed away. Charlie was a driving force behind the ‘Loaves and Fishes’ Foodbank which distributes hundreds of food packages each week. Our students and staff have been lucky to meet Charlie over the years, and to assist with fundraising and the foodbank.

Charlie’s generosity of spirit, humility, deep sense of optimism and service, and unfailing dedication to the community are an inspiration for us, and his story and example of living life to the full will always be part of our school community.

In the 2021 Australia Day Honours, Charlie received an OAM. There is no one more deserving.

We keep his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers, and in remembering Charlie we hold close the words of John 10:10 I have come that you have life, and have it abundantly.

Thank you, Charlie.

School Review

Leslie Tulloch, our reviewer, has completed the first two phases of the review. Over three days, she toured the school, visited classes and met with a range of students, staff and families to gain insights into our community and our work. Leslie will return in September to discuss her observations with the College Leadership Team, and to prepare her report for the community.

Thank you to everyone involved in the preparation for the review and all who met with Leslie. Your input has been much appreciated.

Student Led Conferences

Thank you to all families who attended the student led conferences over the past two weeks. They were a great opportunity for students to share their learning, achievements and reflections, and to identify goals for Semester 2. The support of families in this conversation is invaluable and very much appreciated.

Staff Professional Learning Day: Tuesday 13 August 2024

Tuesday 13 August will be a student free day. On this day, some staff will work with David Vinegrad on developing an understanding of Restorative Practices, and their place in building strong and healthy relationships with young people, and in constructively solving relational problems. Staff with leadership roles will work with Gavin Grift on further developing their leadership skills. 

Uniform Shop

Our uniform provider, Academy Uniforms, has moved from Derrimut to Niddrie. The new premises provide excellent changing facilities for uniform fittings and excellent parking. Families are asked to note the new details at the end of the newsletter.

Newsletter

The newsletter is published fortnightly and distributed to families electronically on Day 10. Students can access the newsletter via a link in the student bulletin on Monday morning.

Newsletter Days for Term 3 2024:            

Fridays:  23 August,  06 Sep,  20 Sep                              

The newsletter can also be accessed on Friday afternoon (Day 10) on the College website at http://www.crcstalbans.catholic.edu.au