As we approach the third week of Lent, our opening prayer calls us to ‘fast’ from some of the things that stop us, and our relationship with God and others from flourishing. 

Currently, our global community is facing a number of challenges – focussing on kindness, gratitude, patience, compassion, stillness and prayerfulness would certainly help us to better care for each other, and despite the challenges to grow.

Final two weeks of Term 1

The final two weeks of term look to be very busy across the school. Students in all areas will have a number of assessment tasks due. We encourage families to access the Parent Access Module (PAM) to check student progress and due dates.

On Tuesday, all year levels, except Year 8, will be heading out for Immersion Day activities. These days are planned to support, enrich and consolidate classroom learning with a range of experiential and community based learning experiences.  

Year 7 students will draw together their transition experience with a Reflection Day, Year 9 have the first of the City Experience days and Year 10s will have a number of workshops. Year 8 students will have a modified program at school and are looking forward to their camp at Kinglake on the final three days of term.

Year 7 Family Nights

Thank you to all the Year 7 families who have joined us for Family Nights over the last three weeks. Your interest, support and readiness to be involved is very much appreciated.  

I’m sure that families are delighted with how well students have settled into the school and the way that they have negotiated the tricky transition from primary school. It is hard to imagine that they have only been with us for 6 weeks! Thank you to all the students who prepared the terrific presentations about their first term. Each group was different and reflected the particular gifts and talents of each class. The input was entertaining and gave a good insight into the transition experience and the life of a Year 7 student.

These nights are the result of much hard work. On behalf of families, I’d like to thank the Year 7 teachers, particularly the pastoral care teachers and Mr Justin Mead, for organising the Family Nights, and for all their work in supporting the transition of students. Thank you also to our Year 10 Peer Support Leaders, Student Leaders and the staff who prepared our meals. Your support and generosity are very much appreciated.

Coronavirus Update

The situation and advice around Coronavirus is evolving daily, and there is much information and misinformation in the public domain. At the College, our first priority is the health and safety of our school community. I want to reassure you that the school is well-prepared for the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

We are being provided the latest advice from the Australian and Victorian Chief Medical Officers by the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria Ltd to ensure that our school practices are helping to keep our school community safe from the outbreak.

Any incidents that arise will be addressed in accordance with our Critical Incident and Emergency Management Plan. We will also have access to resources and support from Catholic Education Melbourne and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Parents and carers have a critical role in helping the school manage this situation:

• Exercise good judgment by keeping children home if they are feeling unwell for any reason
• Talk to children about the situation, as they may be feeling anxious or stressed. You have a key role in helping students feel prepared and safe
• Encourage children to be proactive and committed to their schoolwork, and to stay connected with the school and their teachers.

The Department of Health and Human Services has a number of resources on its website, which explain the virus, detail risk-reduction practices and behaviours, and answer frequently asked questions. These are available at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.

You can also find information about Catholic education’s response at http://www.cecv.catholic.edu.au/Coronavirus-information-for-parents.

This is an evolving situation, but we will keep you updated as things change.

I ask that you continue to work closely with the school and to contact the office should you have any new concerns.

Thank you for your support as we work to keep our students and staff safe.

Best wishes

On Tuesday 24 March the College swim team will head off to the SACCSS Swimming Carnival at MSAC. The team has been training hard over the last few weeks. We wish all competitors well and hope that each of them is able to achieve a personal best on the day.

End of Term

Term 1 finishes on Friday 27 March. This will be a normal school day.

Policy Update

We have recently updated our PROTECT policy to include reportable allegations involving the Head of Entity, which can be found on page 14. The updated policy is available on the College website under Child Safety policies. https://www.crcstalbans.catholic.edu.au/student-wellbeing/child-safety-policies/

Since our last newsletter…..

Over and above the day to day activities of the school since our last newsletter students, families and staff have participated in the following:

• Swimming Training
• Intensive English excursion to Werribee Park
• Year 10 National Gallery visit
• All Girls Can - Careers in Trades Day
• Year 9 and 10 Health Club
• Year 7 Lunchtime Dodgeball Championship
• Volleyball and Otaku Club
• Project Compassion Awareness Raising activities.

I am sure that students and their families are very appreciative of all these opportunities and the time and energy that staff put into organising and offering these experiences.