Tomorrow marks the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross. Throughout her life, Mary faced much hardship and many challenges with courage, hope and a deep sense that God was always with her. Her deep conviction that ‘There where you are, you will find God’, may bring some comfort as we face six weeks of Level 4 restrictions.

As the numbers of COVID-19 cases across Melbourne increases, more and more students, families and staff are directly or indirectly impacted. I ask that you hold all who have passed away, the sick and their families; our health professionals, all essential workers and our leaders in your thoughts and prayers.

Today we also remember the people of Beirut and Lebanon whose lives have been torn apart by the tragic explosion at the port. A number of families in our community will be worried about family and friends who live in this area. Our prayers are with you.

Virtual Student Parent Teacher meetings

It continues to be a year of firsts. Yesterday we had our first online student led Parent, Teacher and Student conferences. Thank you to all the families who joined us, to the students for leading and preparing for the interview, and to all the staff who were once again ‘swimming well outside their comfort zone’.

We hope that is was a positive experience for students and families, and that the process of reflection provides a sound base for a fruitful second semester. For Years 9 and 10 students, the conferences were an important step in course planning for 2021.

Thank you to all staff for their work on the day and their preparation in the lead up to the meetings. A particular thanks to all staff involved in setting up the meetings, ensuring that all families have booked, that the right link is sent students and families, and that interpreters are allocated as needed. Quite a logistical achievement. 

School Assembly

Thank you to everyone involved in bringing together last week’s virtual whole school assembly. It was an amazing experience of community and being connected, even though we are all apart.

Thank you to all our student leaders, Ms Liberatore, Mr Quinn and Mr Ly for your creativity, ideas and bringing it all together. We are incredibly grateful, not only for planning and bringing together the assembly but for your messages of hope at the beginning, and all that you are doing for us at this time.

Congratulations to all the award recipients. Your achievements are particularly remarkable, in that they have been attained at such a challenging time. Seeing the wonderful photos of you with your very proud families was just a delight.  

Lastly, thank you to the families who were able to join us for the virtual assembly. The very positive feedback has been much appreciated.

Newsletter

In term 3 the newsletter will continue to be published online only. Families will receive a SMS with a link to the newsletter, and students will receive the newsletter by email.

Newsletter Days for Term 3 2020:             

Fridays:                 21 August     04 September     18 September

The newsletter can always be accessed on the College website at http://www.crcstalbans.catholic.edu.au