Catholic Education Week

Next week marks Catholic Education Week which is usually held in the week of St Patrick’s Day (Monday); the feast day of the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Melbourne. The week provides a chance to reflect on and to celebrate the fine work being done across our schools. Our fortnightly newsletter gives families a window into the many great things happening in our own school. None of this can be achieved without the great commitment of staff, the support of families and the enthusiasm, interest and involvement of our students. We are blessed in all areas. Thank you.

Inter-house Athletics Carnival

Students and staff enjoyed a terrific day at the Interhouse Athletics last Friday. There were many outstanding individual performances, some great team efforts and really good House spirit and participation. Congratulations and thank you to everyone on making it a great day, particularly Reis House on taking out the overall trophy. It has been quite some time since they last won.

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.

Free Student Broadband Offer

A number of families benefited from this initiative in 2024. The Australian Government has announced additional funding to extend the offer to 30 June 2028.

The extension will allow the free service to continue for new and existing families, with up to 30,000 places available in the program.

No action is required by families who have already connected to the program. Their free SSBI with their internet provider is expected to be extended automatically.

To apply, families not on the program but who are eligible, are encouraged to contact the National Referral Centre run by Anglicare Victoria on 1800 954 610 (10am – 6pm, Monday to Friday) or visit www.anglicare.org.au/student-internet.

Best wishes

On Tuesday 25 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.

Family Nights

On Thursday night, we held the Year 10 Family Night, our final Family Night. Thank you to all families who have joined us for one or more of these nights during Term 1. Your interest, support and readiness to be involved is very much appreciated. 

Thank you to all the students who hosted the nights, welcomed guests, led prayers and presented to families.

These nights are the result of much hard work. On behalf of families, I’d like to thank the Year Level Leaders and year level staff for their preparation and for their presence on the night.

School Advisory Council

There are currently two vacant positions on the School Advisory Council (SAC). We encourage parents / guardians to express interest in filling these roles. The members of the SAC provide input to the Principal on matters such as the following:

• strategic direction of the school
• Religious Education program
• curriculum
• enrolments and enrolment policy
• school resources
• improvements in the school
• Annual Report to the School Community
• family partnerships

If you would like more information about MACS School Advisory Councils, please refer to https://www.macs.vic.edu.au/Our-Schools/School-Advisory-Councils.aspx.

Click link for the Terms of Reference for the Catholic Regional College St Albans School Advisory Council.

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.