Blessed are you who recognise the Lord in all whom you meet:

The light of truth shines in your life

for you have found true wisdom,

wonderful strength,

dizzying height

and graceful speed.

Over the past two weeks, we’ve had the opportunity to once again enjoy the Olympics, a feast of sports, both ancient like the Decathlon, and modern like BMX and Skateboarding. For the athletes, it is the culmination of many years of training, making mistakes, getting feedback, participating in competition, remaining focussed on their goals, making sacrifices and continually striving to do their personal best. 

Learning is no different to the training regime of an athlete. To do our personal best in all areas of the curriculum, we need to train, participate, get feedback, focus, make sacrifices and continually strive to improve.

Last week at our school assembly we recognised a number of students for learning excellence, and others for outstanding contributions to our school community. As is the case for all medal winners, these awards do not come easily, they are the result of hard work, dedication and focus. We congratulate each of them, and all students for whom Semester 1 was their best. 

The Olympic motto Citius, Altius, Fortius - Communiter translates to Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together. These words capture well the sense of striving to do your best. It is well worth keeping in mind during Semester 2.

Vale Charlie

Last week we were very sad to hear that Carmelo ‘Charlie’ Desira, a much-loved parishioner of Holy Eucharist has passed away. Charlie was a driving force behind the ‘Loaves and Fishes’ Foodbank which distributes hundreds of food packages each week. Our students and staff have been lucky to meet Charlie over the years, and to assist with fundraising and the foodbank.

Charlie’s generosity of spirit, humility, deep sense of optimism and service, and unfailing dedication to the community are an inspiration for us, and his story and example of living life to the full will always be part of our school community.

In the 2021 Australia Day Honours, Charlie received an OAM. There is no one more deserving.

We keep his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers, and in remembering Charlie we hold close the words of John 10:10 I have come that you have life, and have it abundantly.

Thank you, Charlie.

School Review

Leslie Tulloch, our reviewer, has completed the first two phases of the review. Over three days, she toured the school, visited classes and met with a range of students, staff and families to gain insights into our community and our work. Leslie will return in September to discuss her observations with the College Leadership Team, and to prepare her report for the community.

Thank you to everyone involved in the preparation for the review and all who met with Leslie. Your input has been much appreciated.

Student Led Conferences

Thank you to all families who attended the student led conferences over the past two weeks. They were a great opportunity for students to share their learning, achievements and reflections, and to identify goals for Semester 2. The support of families in this conversation is invaluable and very much appreciated.

Staff Professional Learning Day: Tuesday 13 August 2024

Tuesday 13 August will be a student free day. On this day, some staff will work with David Vinegrad on developing an understanding of Restorative Practices, and their place in building strong and healthy relationships with young people, and in constructively solving relational problems. Staff with leadership roles will work with Gavin Grift on further developing their leadership skills. 

Uniform Shop

Our uniform provider, Academy Uniforms, has moved from Derrimut to Niddrie. The new premises provide excellent changing facilities for uniform fittings and excellent parking. Families are asked to note the new details at the end of the newsletter.

Newsletter

The newsletter is published fortnightly and distributed to families electronically on Day 10. Students can access the newsletter via a link in the student bulletin on Monday morning.

Newsletter Days for Term 3 2024:            

Fridays:  23 August,  06 Sep,  20 Sep                              

The newsletter can also be accessed on Friday afternoon (Day 10) on the College website at http://www.crcstalbans.catholic.edu.au

Key Dates Term 3 2024

Visit from the Vinnies

In Year 10 Religious Education, students are investigating the six Catholic social teachings and how Catholic organisations respond to these issues. During Homelessness Week, the Year 10 students heard from a lay Catholic organisation that aspires to live the gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope, and joy, and to bring about a more just and compassionate society. This organisation is the St Vincent de Paul Society.

The Society aims to be recognized as a caring Catholic charity offering "a hand up" to people in need. They do this by respecting every person's human dignity, sharing hope and encouraging them to take control of their own destiny. The Year 10 students learned first-hand about some of the factors leading to homelessness. They heard about practical ways in which St Vincent de Paul responds to homelessness. Students were invited to support the work of the organisation. We would like to thank Rob from Vinnies Schools for his presentation.

Lord our God, 

You who so mysteriously calls upon us  to share in the sufferings of Christ, fill our hearts with compassion  for those who lack the warmth of a home. 

We commend to you in prayer this day  all men, women and children who suffer because they have no shelter; those who sleep in our streets and public spaces,  who have nowhere safe to lay their heads,  and who wander from place to place as a way of life. 

We pray for broken families who cannot pay the rent, for those who are the lost and abandoned, for those on the streets whose minds  have been touched by illness or whose bodies are sorely affected by disabilities. 

We ask that your merciful Grace be poured out upon those with addictions, those who have given up  in the face of enormous tribulations, and those driven into a homeless life  by crushing poverty. 

God of Compassion, your love for us is revealed in your beloved son Jesus, who was born into homelessness,  lived with nowhere to lay his head, and died for us in agony on the cross. Inspire us to act in justice, by all means at our disposal, to right the wrongs of people who are suffering the deprivations of homelessness, 

Let us have the commitment,  as people of the Gospel, to be ever mindful of our obligations we have  to the poor and marginalised, to work in your name, O God,  to turn sorrow into joy  and to bring all those who live in darkness into your own wonderful light. Amen

At CRC St Albans, EVERYONE has the right to learn and teach and the right to feel respected through a comfortable, safe and inclusive environment.

As such, this term the Year 7s will be running a homeroom challenge that focuses on the school value of Respect. 

We will celebrate acts of:

1. Respect through our uniform
2. Respectful words
3. Respectful actions
4. Respect for property
5. Respect for the school environment

Teachers will award points when they see these acts in the school and the homeroom with the most points wins. The competition will close on Week 8, 4/9 and the winning homeroom will receive a pizza party. 

- Andrew Bain-King, 7 Year Level Leader

French Tightrope Walker, Bongonga, courtesy CGTN

“One important key to success is self-confidence.

An important key to self-confidence is preparation.”

- Arthur Ashe

HIGH SCHOOL SUBJECT SELECTION

– TIPS FOR PARENTS

Subject selection is an exciting and stressful time and even students feeling confident about their options or future plans will experience the weight of their decisions. The best thing parents and carers can do to help is to be supportive while their child works through the options to make the best decision for themselves.

Decisions that DON’T bring good results in the long term are:

• Choosing subjects they think will be easy or give them a good ATAR score.
• Selecting subjects they think will look better on their resume.
• Avoiding subjects they love because they think they’re too easy or not linked to a career path that they are aware of.

Instead, focus on strengths and keep options open.

Year 10 students often need guidance and help to stay on track. You will be able to help them by encouraging them to use their strengths and to consider subjects that they enjoy, they’re interested in and that they’re really good at.

Don’t discourage them from studying subjects they’re passionate about, instead, research careers where their skills and qualifications might come into play. Talking openly and honestly with your child will be highly valuable and will help them to feel supported in their decisions.

 INTERESTED IN A CAREER

IN THE BOATING INDUSTRY?

Photo: Chesapeake Bay magazine

BOATING CAREERS INDUSTRY IMMERSION DAY

If you have a passion for the water and like working with your hands then perhaps the boating industry is for you. Come and check it out for yourself at the Boating Careers Industry Immersion Day!

WHERE?

Dandenong - August 9th

Williamstown - August 16th

Geelong - August 23rd

For more information and to apply, check out the link below:

https://boatingcareers.com.au/immersion

CAREER SPOTLIGHT

BECOME A FLIGHT ATTENDANT

Flight attendants, also known as cabin crew, are responsible for passengers’ comfort and safety while onboard an aircraft. The job includes a wide variety of responsibilities and tasks, from serving food and drink to providing first aid. You’ll be working in a fast-paced environment, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures. 

If you have great people skills and want a career that can take you all over the world, you might like to consider becoming a flight attendant. 

What skills do I need as a flight attendant?

• Excellent communicator
• Neat & presentable
• Can remain calm under pressure
• Organised & efficient
• Adaptable & flexible
• Polite & helpful
• Can work in teams & independently
• Reliable & trustworthy

What does the job involve?

• Prepare aircraft for passengers to board
• Check tickets & direct passengers to their seats
• Perform safety demonstrations & checks
• Serve food & drink mid-flight
• Assist passengers with special needs
• Help passengers stow luggage
• Keep passengers calm & comfortable
• Perform emergency procedures if necessary 

Check out the video below:

Live Your Best Life in Love...

A Marriage Encounter weekend is for you…

Every married couple deserves this very special weekend.

Time-out to nurture your most precious relationship away from daily distractions.  

The two of you will come away from your weekend feeling more deeply connected 

and with tools to help keep the passion alive.

No group sharing required.

The weekend is based around Catholic values. Couples of all faiths are welcome.

Please check our website for more details and to book your special weekend:

Our next weekend is: 4 - 6 October 2024 at St Paul's Retreat Centre, Wantirna South.

Starts Friday evening at 7pm and finishes Sunday afternoon around 4:30pm

Information/Bookings: Phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or

Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au    Website: wwme.org.au

Thank you to everyone who has come along to our Midwinter Christmas events this year. The students have had a lot of fun decorating the restaurant and making a Christmas feast for you all.