Tomorrow 21^st September is designated by the United Nations as the International Day of Peace. Established by the UN General Assembly in 1999, this year marks the 25^th anniversary of this day. The International Day of Peace was established to lay out the values needed to establish a culture of peace. These include: respect for life, human rights and fundamental freedoms; the promotion of non-violence, dialogue and co-operation; commitment to the peaceful settlement of conflict, and adherence to values such as justice, democracy, tolerance, solidarity, cooperation and diversity.

It is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and strengthen the ideals of peace, both within and among nations and peoples but also within our own community, and in our personal relationships. With conflict between nations rising and increased anger and aggression across the community – in our hospitals, on our roads, on our sporting fields and homes, it is timely to mark this day.

‘We invite you to take a few moments of quiet to read the peace blessing at the beginning of our newsletter and to reflect on how you might live more peacefully in your day-to-day life; in your home, your community, at work and at school.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27)

Thank You

As this is the final newsletter for Term 3, I’d like to thank students, families and staff for your support, hard work and care over the past 10 weeks.

There have been many highlights: the recent Immersion Day, the Year 9 camp, the Year 10 Social, Work Experience, course selection for 2025, interschool sport and much more.

Congratulations to Year 9 students on a terrific Premier League season. Five teams made the semi-finals, with both Volleyball teams going on to the grand final and the Girls Volleyball Team taking out the pennant. As much as we are thrilled with the success students have experienced, we are equally thrilled with the great sportsmanship and school spirit shown by all students who represented the school.

Without a doubt it has been a full term, so it’s no surprise that we’re all ready for a break! I hope that everyone enjoys this time with family and friends, and the opportunity to enjoy life at a less hectic pace.

Start of Term 4

Students will return to school on Tuesday 08 October 2024. On the Monday staff will be involved in a Professional Practice Day. Staff will be involved in a range of planning and professional learning activities.

Term 4 Timetable

There are no changes to the timetable for Term 4. Tuesday 08 October 2024 will be Day 2.

MACS Vision for Instruction

Following is a message from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) regarding the Vision for Instruction.

In February 2024, MACS changed the way reading, writing and mathematics are taught in its 300 primary and secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Vision for Instruction promotes explicit instruction, a way of teaching in which complex skills are introduced to students in small steps, supported by clear explanations and demonstrations of what students are expected to learn. Students then practise what they have learned and receive feedback from their teacher until the skill is mastered. MACS is leading explicit instruction and evidence-based practice education in Victoria to achieve teaching and learning excellence. To find out what becoming a flourishing learner means for your child, and how you can help, read Parents Guide to Vision for Instruction and ask your child’s teacher if you have any questions.

Please follow this link for further information:

Enrolment for 2025

Enrolment at the College continues automatically from year to year. However, if a student in Years 7, 8 or 9 is not returning in 2025, 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 most levels and would like to let these families know sooner, rather than later.

Preparing for Term 4

School holidays are certainly a time for rest and recreation, however, the time between Terms 3 and 4 is more like a semi-colon than a full stop. It is a pause in the semester, a chance to catch your breath before the important final term. Some students will have projects or homework to complete over the break. It’s a good idea to get this done earlier, rather than later.

With exams only 7 or 8 weeks away, the holidays are a good time to begin revision of Term 3 work and / or to catch up on any missed work. Those who struggle with organisation might use this time to put some order into folders. Filing old notes and worksheets might be a good start. Ensuring that you have all the stationery you need for Term 4 would help.

If students do little else it would be helpful to find some time to read each day.

Term 4 Uniform

Families are reminded that Weeks 1 – 4 are a transition period for uniform. Students can wear either full summer or full winter uniform but not a mix and match of both.

Following the Cup Weekend, from Wednesday 06 November all students will need to be in full summer uniform.

The holidays may be a good time to check that students have all that is required.

MACSSIS School Improvement Surveys

Thank you to all students, staff and families for your input. This data will be released in late October and will provide important information for our planning for 2025.

Newsletter

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

Newsletter Days for Term 4 2024:             

Fridays: 18 October,   01 November,   15 November,    29 November,     15 December