This week we have celebrated Science Week across the school. From making Oobleck to virtual tours of the zoo and the International Space Station, online incursions, a virtual safari, the STEM Challenge and lunchtime activities like the Science scavenger hunt, it has been an interesting, fun filled and action packed week. Thank you to the Science staff, led by Mrs Lowe and Mrs Arora for a week that has captured our imaginations.

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the importance of science and scientists is at the forefront of our minds. Scientists have replaced sports stars on the front page of newspapers. Every day we watch the news for coronavirus updates: we track case numbers, listen to the experts and watch progress on the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. All this is the work of Scientists.

We rely on the work of Scientists in all aspects of our lives, and give thanks for their sense of curiosity, capacity to wonder, speculate, imagine and resolve.

Albert Einstein described the essential characteristic of all science and scientists, and possibly faith and life, as follows:

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when one contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvellous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose holy curiosity.

We hope that all our students be blessed with awe, wonder, questions and curiosity. Thank you to the Science faculty for continually drawing us to experiences which spark this within us.

Co-curricular Activities

In addition to the Learning from Home program, there are currently many opportunities for students to participate in co-curricular activities. I encourage everyone to engage with as many as you can. Activities such as these, provide a bit of fun, support our wellbeing; invite us to try new things and to develop or display different talents. All offer a break, connect us to other people and are a chance to focus on something different. Thank you to all the students and staff who have put such energy and thought into how we can continue some of the activities that would happen if we were at school. Have you participated in anything?

As well as all the Science Week activities, this week we are enjoying CRC’s Got Talent, WOW (Workout Wednesdays), the SHAPE Challenge, Year 7 Trivia and the Online Chess Club. Next week, we look forward to Languages and Understanding Week, and the annual Spelling Bee.

Friday 28 August: ‘Catch Up’ Day.

On Sunday we reach the mid-point of Stage 4 restrictions, three weeks down and on the downhill run! Thank you to everyone for all that you are doing to ensure that we get on top of the COVID-19 outbreak and that everyone remains safe.

We have decided that next Friday (28 August) will be a ‘Catch Up’ day at the College. At this point in the term, students often have a number of assessment tasks due and work begins to pile up. This day will give students and staff some ‘space’ away from formal online classes to catch up on work; to complete assessment tasks and to prepare for upcoming tests. A number of students have indicated that they are somewhat stressed in trying to keep up. This is a chance for everyone to ‘catch’ their breath.

Friday marks the end of the sixth week of remote and flexible learning for this term. It provides a good point for a break and to gear up for the final three weeks of term.

The students whose parents are essential workers can still attend school for their ‘Catch Up’ day as the College will be open for this purpose.

Congratulations

Earlier this week, we were delighted to hear that Caelen Khoo has been voted on to the VicSRC Executive Committee for 2020 - 2021. The VicSRC is the peak body for students in Victoria, representing their views to other stakeholders and ensuring student voice is front and centre on a range of issues.

Caelen has been a very active member of our school SRC and will bring energy, ideas and enthusiasm to his new role. He follows in the footsteps of Sonany Istaifo who is currently on the VicSRC Executive. Congratulations Caelen.

Congratulations: Year 10 Students

Last Friday Year 10 students finalised their courses for Year 11, supported by their pastoral care teacher, a staff member from Sydenham and their family. Like all things this year, the process used for course planning has been redesigned so that they could be completed online. The students have really impressed us all with their preparation, maturity, openness to advice and resilience.

A very big thank you to Mr Eder Ramos (Year 10 Level Leader), Mr Chris Orsini (Careers) and the Year 10 teachers who have supported students during this time. Thank you also to CRC Sydenham staff who have prepared an engaging online school tour, a series of subject based webinars and then where needed attended the course planning meetings. Their support has been much appreciated.

Lastly, thank you to all families who have been with these young people every step of the way; ploughing through the course selection information and the countless conversations in the background to support students’ decision making.

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:                 04 September     18 September

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