St Patrick’s Breastplate

God’s power to guide me, God’s might to uphold me,

God’s wisdom to teach me, God’s eyes to watch over me,

God’s ear to hear me, God’s word to give me speech,

God’s hand to guide me, God’s way to lie before me….

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,

Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

(Traditional)

Catholic Education Week

This week marks Catholic Education Week which is usually held in the week of St Patrick’s Day (Sunday); the feast day of the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Melbourne. The week provides a chance to reflect on and to celebrate the fine work being done across our schools. Our fortnightly newsletter gives families a window into the many great things happening in our own school. None of this can be achieved without the great commitment of staff, the support of families and the enthusiasm, interest and involvement of our students. We are blessed in all areas. Thank you.

Year 8 Camp

With much excitement and anticipation our Year 8 students and staff headed off to camp on Wednesday. For some this camp will mark a number of firsts; first time camping out in tents, the first time in the bush around Gembrook and three whole days without technology! I am looking forward to visiting the campers this evening and to hearing about their adventures.

On the behalf of Year 8 students and their families I’d like to thank Ms Alexopoulos (Year 8 Level Leader) for organising the camp, as well as all the staff who attended.

Launch of the Positive School-Wide Behaviour Expectations

In our school we believe that everyone has the right to learn, and to feel comfortable, included and safe. This brings with it certain responsibilities which can be summarised as respect for self, others and the environment, and engagement in learning.

These rights and responsibilities are outlined on page 6 of the student diary.

Since the beginning of the year we have been further unpacking these responsibilities to establish Positive School-Wide Behaviour Expectations.

The process for developing the expectations was led by our Student Leaders. They sought input from all students and staff, asking us to articulate what respect and learning looked like, felt like and sounded like in various settings across the school. The team then worked with this data: sorting and distilling responses; developing a draft; seeking feedback; finalising the document, and developing an implementation plan!

The final draft was presented to the College Leadership Team two weeks ago and has been endorsed. A copy is included with this newsletter for families. It would be interesting for families to have a look at what respect for self, others and the environment, and engagement in learning look like in the context of the home.

I’d like to thank everyone for their input into this document but particularly our student leaders who have done such terrific work in leading the project. It has been hard work but well worth it.

Enhancing Catholic School Identity Surveys

Every four years, in the year prior to the school review, students, staff and parents / guardians are asked to complete the Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) survey. The feedback provided through these surveys is invaluable in developing the next School Improvement Plan.

In the next few days families will receive a letter inviting parents / guardians to complete these surveys. I ask that you read through this information carefully and if at all possible, participate in this process. Our target is at least 59 families.

Inter-house Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to Corbett House on taking out the overall trophy at last week’s inter-house swimming carnival. In the closest result for many years Corbett won by a narrow margin over Reis and Guelen. After a number of lean years all in Corbett were delighted by the win.  Our swimmers were blessed with perfect ‘goldilocks’ weather, not too hot and not too cold. Congratulations to all the students who represented their House and who did their absolute best for their teams. There were some very good team and individual performances. Thank you to all the enthusiastic supporters who cheered for the swimmers all day.

Thank you to Ms Jurcec, Mr Ly, the House Captains and all who assisted them in organising a fine carnival and a very enjoyable day.

On Tuesday 26 March the College swim team will head off to the SACCSS Swimming Carnival at MSAC. We wish all competitors well and hope that each of them is able to achieve a personal best on the day.

Over and above the day to day activities of the school since our last newsletter students, families and staff have participated in the following:

• Year 8 Inter-house volleyball competition
• Ash Wednesday
• 7 Avoca, Kiewa and Snowy Family Nights
• Year 9 Family Night
• Year 7 Reflection Day
• Year 9 1,000 steps excursion
• Year 8 Camp

I am sure that students and their families are very appreciative of all these opportunities and the time and energy that staff put into organising and offering these experiences.

Brimbank Young Researchers 2019

On Tuesday the 12^th of March, SRC and Social Justice Council members meet with Molly and Mariah from Brimbank Youth Council for an introductory session to this year’s Brimbank Young Researchers Program. These students, throughout the remainder of the year, will research an issues present in our school and wider community. Research will be presented to the local council in Term 4.

Federal, state and territory education ministers have agreed that NAPLAN will move online over a two-three year period. This means moving NAPLAN from the current paper-based tests to computer-based assessments.

This year our school will be doing the online version. The NAPLAN Online assessment window starts on Tuesday 14 May and finishes on Friday 24 May 2019.

Further details regarding the schedule for our school will be published for parents in the newsletter early in term 2.

ANZCA (Australian and New Zealand Cultural Arts - Examination Board) Encouragement Award.

On Saturday 2nd March Olivia Barisic was presented with an encouragement award at the 2019 ANZCA Graduation Ceremony at Ladies Methodist College in Kew.

Olivia received this award for her outstanding effort and achievement in her Modern Vocal Performance Examination in 2018. Olivia received First Class Honours and a score of 99/100.

Congratulations Olivia.

1

Mark Johnston, Technology Learning Area Leader

Students from 7 Snowy supporting each other (literally) during their tour of the school. In Religious Education, students are learning about the origins and history of the Federation of Catholic Regional College.

Reader’s Cup

This year the Reader’s Cup will be awarded to the student who reads the most books.  The 25 students who read the most books in a term will win a pizza lunch.  Unlike previous years you will have 4 chances to win.

Current ladder leaders are:

1. MARSEL ESHAQ

2. ATHRAA MATTI

3. VENUS SARIO

4. PHILLIP NGUYEN

5. YOUSIF ALKATEB

DOWNLOAD THE PDF LINK HERE:

All Families should have received their School Fees for this year.  If you have any queries or concerns regarding School Fees, please contact Ms Ross on 93662544.

School Fees can be paid directly into our School Bank Account:

For concession card holders CSEF eligibility will be subject to the parent/legal guardian’s concession card being successfully validated with Centrelink on the first day of either term one (29 January 2019) or term two (23 April 2019).

The school swimming carnival was held on Thursday 7^th March at the St Albans Leisure Centre. It was an exciting day of competition with the overall lead changing numerous times throughout the day. Student participation played a big part in Corbett winning the carnival. The water polo was a hit with students and provided a fun activity away from the main pool.

Thank you to all of the students for their participation in the day and to the staff for all of their work in helping the carnival to run smoothly.

Congratulations to all of the winners!

SWIMMING CARNIVAL RESULTS:

CHAMPION SWIMMERS AWARDS:

GIRLS: