In my backyard, both the weeds and plants have enjoyed a good summer and are thriving. The garden is in need of both weeding and pruning. This week, we begin the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. In many ways Lent is a bit like gardening. We look at our lives to ‘weed’ and ‘prune’ the things that are stopping us from living a full life, to ‘water’ the things we’re doing well and to plant new ways of being.

In Lent we choose simple actions that help us to become more prayerful, to live more simply, and to share what we have with those who are in need. We pay particular attention to prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Christian church. The forty days of Lent mirror the forty days that Jesus spent in the wilderness. Originally it was a time when the faithful re-dedicated themselves, and when new Christians were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism.

Lent is a perfect time for reflection and making changes in our lives. Our opening reflection attributed to Pope Francis provides some thoughts on what we might weed and plant as we journey through Lent.

Opening Mass

On Thursday we gathered as a school community for our opening mass and to induct our school leaders. In the liturgy we reflected on our 2025 school theme, Who do you say I am? and Jesus’ response that he is the way, the truth and the life. Thank you for Fr. Gerard Keith from Resurrection parish for leading our celebration of the Eucharist.

Thank you to all involved in preparing a prayerful liturgy, particularly the gathering rite where we were called to prayer through the beat of a drum. Various types of drum and different rhythms will feature throughout our prayer and reflection this year. Our opening mass left us with the questions: what is his way, what is his truth and what is the life to which we are called? We will reflect on these during Lent.

Induction of School Leaders

During mass we inducted our 2025 school leaders: School Captains, Social Justice Captains, SRC and House Captains. Congratulations to all the students who have graciously accepted a formal leadership role this year.

The full list School Leaders for 2025 are included later in the newsletter.

School Advisory Council

Earlier this week parents and guardians received information about our School Advisory Council (SAC). We are looking to fill two vacancies on the SAC. I encourage all families to consider putting in an expression of interest for this important role. Your application would be very welcome.

SACCSS Concussion Policy and Procedures

As is the case at all levels of sport, managing concussion appropriately is a priority for our sports association, SACCSS. Please find the SACCSS concussion policy and procedures by following this link.

It is important that families notify the College if a student experiences concussion through an outside of school activity. This will mean that we can ensure that all protocols are followed.

College Mobile Phone Policy

As is the case in schools across Australia, it is school policy that:

• Phones and audio devices are switched off and out of sight from 8.40am – 3.10pm.
• Devices are stored in a safe and secure place such as the office or lockers.

The College policy can be accessed by following this link.

Parents who wish to convey a message to their child are asked to ring the school on 9366 2544 and administration staff will make sure it is forwarded to them. Students can also ring home via the phone at reception.

Afterschool Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are a wonderful opportunity for students to make new friends, pursue areas of interest, try new things and to learn new skills. Often it is these experiences that we remember long after school is finished.

We remind families that students can only attend if parents / carers / guardians have given signed permission. Attendance is taken at all activities, and families will be notified by sms if their child is absent from the club for which they are enrolled.

Inter-house Athletics Carnival

The Inter-house Athletics carnival will be held on Friday 07 March 2025 at the Aberfeldie Athletics track. Everyone is looking forward to this event, the first major interhouse carnival of the year.

Families will receive detailed information through the Parent Access Module (PAM) and need to give permission through PAM.

Updating Medical Information on PAM

With the start of a new school year, it is important that all families check that the medical information we have on PAM is up to date. This is our first point of reference, both onsite and offsite in caring for your child.

Notification of Absences

We ask that parents or guardians contact the school before 10.00am if a student is absent on any day. This can be done by phone on 9366 2544 or email Atalalina Ulugia Sa’ena at aulugia@crcstalbans.com.au. As Atalina is responsible for tracking absences we ask that parent/carer/guardian notification by email be directed only to her, not to other staff.

If the phone call or email notifying absence is received it will be taken as the official explanation of the student’s absence and no further note is required. If no contact is made with the school, a note explaining the absence will be required on the student’s return to school.

To ensure the safety of students the College has a policy of contacting parents when a student is away from school without notification. Atalina rings parents after 10.00am. It is a great help if parents/guardians ring before we make contact.

Please Note:    

Year 10 students finish at the College on Thursday 20 November but have an Orientation program at CRC Sydenham from Monday 24 – Friday 28 November.

Mid-year exams (Years 9 and 10): 16 – 27 June 2025

End of year exams (Years 9 and 10): 13 – 27 November 2025

Families planning to travel in the middle of the year or at the end of 2025 are asked to note that exams and the Orientation program at Sydenham are compulsory. Exams must be taken within the exam timetable. They cannot be taken before or after the exam week.

Please do not book travel before:

• 27 June in the middle of the year (Years 9 and 10)
• 28 November for Year 11 2026 students (Year 10 2025)
• 28 November for Year 9 students.