On the 18th of July, the Chess Team of CRC St Albans went to Thomas Carr College to compete against multiple schools for the SAACSS Chess Tournament. The event consisted of 6 full and intense rounds where students competed against other students from different colleges. The event had different leagues, Junior, Intermediate and Senior and winning a chess match resulted in a tougher and more equal opponent to verse. In conclusion, the day was very enjoyable and mentally challenging. CRC St Albans ended up coming 4th overall in the Intermediate league with one of our students, Marcus Nguyen, placing 3rd in the intermediate division.

- Tommy Pham, Yr 10

Our Rights and Responsibilities at CRC St Albans

It is important that all members of our school community have the right to learn, teach and work in a safe and orderly environment.

Therefore, we ask all members of our school community to please familiarise themselves with our 'Rights and Responsibilities' document attached (posters also up in each room).

What we collectively hope to achieve:

• • an understanding of the importance of the staff member and teacher as authority figures in the classroom and around the school.
  • to re-establish boundaries around learning and behaviour.
  • to use the language of our Rights and Responsibilities to maintain (or establish) order in classrooms.
  • for each student to clearly understand their role in ensuring a safe and orderly environment and are 'Ready to Learn'.

We will unpack our rights and responsibilities further within classes over the next few weeks.

Character Strength of the Week

Curiosity - Virtue of Wisdom

Definition: Is to explore and discover, to take an interest in ongoing experience for its own sake. A strong desire to know or learn something.

Explanation: I seek out situations where I gain new experiences without getting in my own or other people's way.

Synonyms: Questioning, mental acquisitiveness, inquiring mind.

Quote:  "The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size" (Albert Einstein).

"Critical thinking and curiosity are the key to creativity" (Amala Akkineni).

Further Information: Curiosity is often described as novelty-seeking and being open to experience, and it's associated with the natural desire to build knowledge. It is fulfilling to journey toward an answer, to engage in a new experience, or to learn a new fact.

How to ignite curiosity:

• How do you cultivate curiosity in yourself?
• How do you cultivate curiosity in others?
• How do you raise your curiosity level?

Jump Back Up July

Please see the Jump Back Up July calendar which is full of actions to help us be more resilient. Please share it and give others a boost too.

Remember; we can't change what happens, but we can choose our response. Happiness isn't about everything going well; it's about responding constructively, even in difficult times.

Parent Corner

As part of our Pastoral Care program our students’ complete activities from The Resilience Project resources in their school diaries. We also encourage our families to use this resource where you will learn about empathy by showing kindness and compassion towards others:

Wellbeing for Learning Around the School

Year 9

It has been another ‘hit the ground running’ start to the Term for Year 9, entering into the subject selection phase of the year. Students will attend a ‘Subject Expo’ next week in the Hall in which students get to experience each subject area exhibiting what their classes have to offer for next year. Please note: there is a Twilight Information Session at CRC Sydenham on Wednesday July 27th, in which you have the opportunity to explore the campus, take part in a presentation from the Leadership team at the school and participate in a Year 9 students only presentation where all your questions can be answered about your child completing a VCE/VET subject in Year 10 next year. Please see the table below for more information.  

Furthermore, there will be a Family Information Night for yourself and the students that will take place online on Tuesday August 2nd with a focus on both Subject Selection and Camp. You will be provided with a link Friday the 29th July.

There has also been an emphasis on wearing the correct school uniform. Although the weather has been exceedingly cold of late, it is really important that your child is not wearing puffa jackets and hoodies once they enter the school. Long sleeve collared shirts under a jumper and blazer with a college tie is mandatory. Please do not encourage beanies, hoodies or sports uniform (sports uniform is only permitted when students have PE).

Have a fantastic week!

- Christie Roberts, Year 9 Leader

COVID Safe Procedures

As we continue to ensure we are creating a safe and orderly environment for learning and teaching to take place, it is important that we maintain our COVID Safe Protocols.

These are simple steps we can all take this winter to reduce the transmission of any communicable disease and ensure our school is a safe and productive learning environment for all.

Face Masks:

• The Victorian Department of Health strongly recommends that face masks are worn in indoor settings. As a result, we are asking all students aged 8 and over and all staff in all schools across Victoria to wear masks when in class (except where removing a mask is necessary for clear communication) from now to the end of winter.
• Masks are not required to be worn outdoors, but can be worn when physical distancing is not possible. This expectation should not constrain student participation in the full range of school activities, including music, sport and performances.

Hand Sanitiser:

• Please ensure that we are practising good hygiene around hand washing and sanitising. This includes as we enter and leave each class.
• Note: Only staff members are responsible for handling sanitising bottles.