This week’s prayer reflects on life and faith through the lens of the Olympics motto: faster, higher, stronger and together. Whilst there were some questions about whether the 2020 Olympics should have gone ahead, many have been uplifted by the performances, and the grace and sportsmanship of individuals and teams from across the world. Each of us will have our own highlight real. All Olympians, officials and the Japanese organising committee share the desire to be the best that they can be, individually and collectively. For some this will be a gold medal whilst for others, it will be fourth, tenth or fiftieth place but still their personal best, and cause for much celebration.

Since the return to onsite learning, students and staff have enjoyed a range of lunchtime activities in our own mini Olympics. Table tennis, 3 on 3 basketball, a soccer obstacle course and volleyball have all been lots of fun. Thanks to our Sports Assistant, Damien Marshall for his organisation of the activities.

Thank you to families for joining us for the Student / Parent / Teacher conferences on Wednesday and Thursday. In preparation for the conference, each student has used a range of strategies to reflect on their goals, report and learning in Semester 1, and to set goals for this semester. They have prepared a portfolio to discuss these reflections with their family and pastoral care teacher. Like the Olympians, many students will be able to celebrate achieving their personal best, and will have a clear picture about the next steps.

Lastly, it was great that interschool sport could resume this week and Year 9 students were finally able to start the Premier League season. Well done to all students on a good first round.

Term 3 Assembly

Due to COVID restrictions we were unable to gather as a school for the Term 3 assembly, however, the School Captains produced a terrific video to recognise a number of students for academic excellence, and others for contributions to the life of the school.

The Student Leaders group has initiated a new award that will be given to one student at each year level in Terms 2 and 3. Called the Centauri award, it will recognise students who use their talents to initiate, negotiate and implement a new idea or who reaches out to help others in a significant way.

Centauri Proxima is a small star, significant but too faint to see without a telescope, in the constellation of stars known as Centaurus. Through this award, students hope to shine light on those individuals who quietly, and often behind the scenes, do so much to build a caring community.

Congratulations to all award winners. The names are included later in the newsletter.

Professional Practice Day (Wednesday 18 August)

On this day students are not required at school as staff are involved in a range of professional learning and planning tasks.

COVID restrictions permitting, students involved in the School Production will have rehearsals on this day and are required at school.

Year 10 students taking a VCE or VET class will need to attend classes at CRC Sydenham as normal.

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS)

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) began its governance responsibilities for parish and diocesan schools in the Archdiocese on 1 January 2021, when 290 schools transferred to MACS, including our school. 

In line with this change in Governance, a range of previously local policies have transitioned to become MACS policies. Families can locate these new MACS policies on the College website.

Annual Report 2020

Our 2020 Annual Report is now available to families on the College website at www.crcstalbans.catholic.edu.au Hard copies are also available from the school office.

MACSSIS Surveys (Formerly CEMSIS surveys)

In 2021, our school is participating in Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS). MACSSIS is an annual process whereby schools listen to the thoughts and feelings students, families and staff have about how their school can improve. These surveys help inform the ongoing improvement of schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

One of the main goals of the family survey is to identify the strengths and areas for improvement in our school. MACSSIS data benefits everyone within our school and provides valuable community insights on areas that each school can focus on. Our school believes it is important to encourage families to have a voice and contribute to shaping the ongoing improvement of the school.

A letter with survey access details and pin will be sent home to all families in Week 7. The survey is available online, can be accessed from Monday 30 August and needs to be completed by Friday 17 September 2021.

Newsletter

The newsletter is published fortnightly on Day 10 (Friday Week 2).

Newsletter Days for Term 3 2021:             

Fridays:    20 August,     03 September,     17 September

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