On Monday we celebrate the Feast of All Saints. The feasts of All Saints (01 November) and All Souls (02 November) are important feasts in the life the Church. The days remind us that the Church is a community – a communion – of all the faithful, both in this world and beyond. All Saints and All Souls invites us to remember those who have walked before us; all the holy men and women, acclaimed and anonymous, who have truly lived the gospel, in their time and place, and are now at peace in heaven.

Saints are an interesting bunch. Some of their stories are gory and grisly, especially those of the early martyrs. Others are known for their patience and persistence, for quiet heroism and for ordinary lives lived well. There are saints who have founded great religious orders whilst others simply cooked for their community all their lives. There are saints who went to war and those who died for peace. There are saints who challenged the Church and others who have been thinkers and theologians. There are saints who were hermits and others who, like St Teresa of Kolkata are known across the world for their good works. Some are named but many are unknown. They could be people we know or have known.

On All Saints Day we pray for all saints and thank God for the lives they have lived and the example they provide for us. On All Souls Day and throughout November, we remember our loved ones who have died.

(With acknowledgment to Anne Rennie)

Return to Onsite Learning

Thank you to students, staff and families for what has been a very smooth return to onsite learning. Compliance with all our safety protocols, especially mask wearing has been excellent.  As you move through the school, it is great to see the smiling eyes, to hear the excited chatter and to feel the joy around the return to school. We are all just so glad to back.

In line with the easing of restrictions, the following changes will be made to our COVID safe practices from Wednesday:

• The canteen will be open for normal service. Students will have access to microwaves and hot water.
• Masks will need to be worn indoors, including corridors, but are no longer mandated outdoors. It is important that students have a mask with them at all times.

All other practices continue as outlined in the Return to School Guide.

Staying home if unwell

With the return to onsite learning and the number of COVID cases in the community, there is an increased possibility of a COVID positive person being onsite. To mitigate the risk:

• Students need to stay home if they are unwell and get a test if they have COVID symptoms.
• If a student or a member of the household tests positive, please notify the school soon as possible.

World Teachers’ Day

Today is World Teachers’ Day across Australian schools. It is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge our teachers and to thank them for all that they do.

At CRC we’re fortunate to have dedicated, talented and enthusiastic teachers who work hard to ensure that students have every opportunity to be the best they can be. Their skill, openness to further learning, ideas, generosity of spirit, care for students and commitment to the St Albans community are inspiring. On your behalf, I thank each of them for all they give to our community.

Thank you to the student leaders who led staff briefing with a prayer for teachers, a heartfelt acknowledgement of their work and have written to each teacher individually to thank them. Their kindness and thoughtfulness is much appreciated.

SHAPE Week

This week we have enjoyed SHAPE Week at the College. The week focussed on fun and awareness raising through a series of activities, including the Push Up Challenge, Hula Hoops, Tunnel Ball, Jump Rope, Quizzes and tips for eating well and living a healthy life.

Thank you to Mr. Dale Marshall, Mr Damien Marshall and the Sport, PE and Health staff for their enthusiasm, energy and hard work.

MACSSIS Surveys

Thank you to all the families who took the time to complete these surveys. The feedback will be important as we plan for 2022 and beyond.

Enrolment for 2022

Enrolment at the College continues automatically from year to year. However, if a student in Years 7, 8 or 9 is not returning in 2022, we ask that families notify us as soon as possible. Please email echalmers@crcstalbans.com.au or ring Eileen Chalmers on 9366 2544 with this information.

Your assistance with this is much appreciated as we have a waiting list at some levels and would like to let these families know sooner, rather than later.

Term 4 Uniform

From Wednesday 03 November, all students will need to be in full summer uniform.

Cup Weekend

Families are reminded that there are no classes on Monday 01 November or Tuesday 02 November due to the Cup weekend. 

Fee Relief

The financial impact of lockdown varies from family to family. Some continue to work and are unaffected; however, other parents / carers have been stood down or had their work hours reduced.

We are keen to support families as much as we can. Fee relief is available to all affected families. Please contact our Bursar, Anne Ross so that adjustments can be made. Her contact details are as follows:

PH:   0427 036 925               Email:  aross@crcstalbans.com.au

Newsletter

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

Newsletter Days for Term 4 2021:           

Fridays:    12 November,     16 November,    30 November

The newsletter is available on the College website at http://www.crcstalbans.catholic.edu.au