The period from the 1st September to the 4th of October each year is now known as the Season of Creation. This is a worldwide ecumenical celebration of prayer and action to protect our environment. It is a time where we see with new eyes the interconnectedness of life and renew our efforts to care for our common home.

This year’s theme for the Season of Creation is Hope and Action. We may not have the answers to the many challenges facing our world today and this can feel overwhelming. Whilst this is true, each of can take small actions that collectively will make a difference. We can reduce waste, recycle and reuse where we can. We can plant trees, grow vegies or say ‘no’ to disposable fashion. Year 10 students are setting up bottle and can recycling next week. Each action builds hope. What will you do to make a difference in the 2024 Season for Creation?

It is fitting that our school community, this week, received our Level 2 Certification as a Catholic Earth Care School. This acknowledges the student led ecological change and action initiatives being undertaken at the school. I thank Ms Dykes, Mr Tobin and all the students involved in this work.

School Improvement Surveys

Each year the school invites feedback from students, staff and parents through the MACSSIS School Improvement surveys. These surveys are completed in Catholic primary and secondary schools across Melbourne. The data helps schools to identify what is going well, to measure the impact of new initiatives and to identify areas for further growth.

The surveys are completed online and are available in a number of languages. The MACSSIS survey opened earlier this week and will run to Friday 20 September. Parents / Carers will have received the survey link via email.

We encourage all families to contribute. For the data to be valid, we need as many families as possible to provide feedback. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Further information about the MACSSIS surveys is available by clicking this link.

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:  20 Sep                          

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

Forming Footprints for our Prayer Pilgrimage

On the 3rd of September, a group of students, along with Ms. Pettrucelli, had the opportunity to visit the Foundry, where we learned about the process of creating art from bronze. This opportunity was given to us because of a project our school is currently working on. The Prayer Pilgrimage, a walk through the school, is being carefully developed to commemorate significant parts of our school and celebrate our community. These special locations will be marked with bronze footprints placed at each site.

Each student chosen for this excursion had the chance to imprint their footprint in clay, which will be used to create a mould. From this mould, a bronze model will be cast and placed around various spots on campus. Bronze was chosen because of its durability and ability to highlight the unique patterns of each footprint.

We are very grateful for the opportunity to visit the Foundry and witness the process of creating bronze artworks firsthand. Teresa Marsom Yr 9

Season of Creation Month

Pope Francis has made September the Season of Creation Month. To celebrate this month we have been sharing prayers about the natural world  in the school bulletin. In addition the Social Justice Team has a bottle recycling project. The goal is to recycle 700 bottles before the end of term and the money we raise (10 cents per bottle) will go towards the Holy Eucharist Food Bank.

Catholic Earthcare School 

Congratulations to Catholic Regional College Catholic EarthCare group, who have achieved Level 2 Certification. We thank staff and students for their commitment to our school community garden and their work in reducing food waste in a our school.

On Friday, the 16th of August, some of the student leaders had the greatest opportunity to meet, welcome and speak with Natalie Suleyman, Minister of Youth, Veterans and Small Businesses, at CRC St Albans. In the morning, student representatives raised their concerns and inquiries for Suleyman to address and answer. This meeting with Natalie Suleyman broadened our minds and allowed us as students to learn more about issues regarding mental health, safety, violence, poverty, support and education amongst the youth in our local communities. 

We appreciate Natalie Suleyman taking the time out of her day to answer our questions and secure us with more information about our young community.

- Mia Ye, College Captain

Welcome to Self-care September!

As we step into this month of Spring, let’s embrace the importance of being kind to ourselves. Taking care of our own wellbeing helps us respond positively to life’s challenges and treat others with kindness too.

Please see the Self-Care September calendar, filled with inspiring actions to help you prioritise self-kindness. Please share it with students, family, and friends—let’s spread the message of self-care far and wide.

Mindful Moment: Try this now self-love meditation to cultivate compassion and inner peace.

Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. So, let's make time to care for ourselves this month so we can then show up more for others too.

volunteer.png

Extra-curricular Activities at CRC St Albans

Participating in extracurricular activities in secondary schools is important for students to grow both academically and personally. These activities offer students the opportunity to develop a range of skills, including leadership, teamwork, time management, and communication, which are essential for success in the future.

Extracurricular activities also provide students with a sense of belonging and the chance to pursue their passions and interests outside of the classroom. These experiences can lead to meaningful relationships, new perspectives, and opportunities for personal growth. Extracurricular activities are a central aspect of CRC St Albans education that provides students with a well-rounded experience, helping them to develop their full potential and achieve their goals.

Students who engage in extra-curricular activities will be recognised with a commendation and points will be allocated towards McAuley Award.

We have a vast range of activities for students to participate in during lunch-time or after-school. If you would like further information, please do not hesitate to speak to the supervising teacher identified below or check our daily bulletin for further information.

CRC St Albans warmly invites you to attend our Cultural Dance Fundraiser on Friday 25 October. In support of Ressurection Parish, Kings Park, we are raising funds for the Buyaga Secondary School in Uganda. It will be a great night full of music, dancing, performances and raffles. Please click on the link below to purchase tickets, or contact Laura via email: lcioccia@crcstalbans.com.au

Gather your friends and family and join us for a fun night of delicious food and trivia 

The menu for the evenings will be: 

Entree

Salt and pepper calamari, rocket, cherry tomatoes, aioli, lemon

Or 

Pork belly slider, hoisin sauce, herb salad, chilli and lime dressing

Main

Chicken parmigiana, chips, truffle mayo and garden salad

Dessert

Vanilla creme brulee and raspberry ice cream

Or 

Tiramisu, blueberry compote and hazelnuts

As always we have our full bar available, and our students have been honing their cocktail, mocktail and coffee skills to be ready for you! 

This menu is only $35pp. Bookings are available for 6.30pm on:

Thursday 12th of September (Trivia Night)

To RSVP for any of these evenings please email quatrefoils@crcs.vic.edu.au with:

Your name

The date you are booking for

Phone number

Number of guests who are attending

Any dietary requirements

Thank you for your ongoing support and we look forward to seeing you in the restaurant as our students build their skills and experience in the hospitality industry.

Richard McGuire   |   Quatrefoils Restaurant