A Prayer for Pilgrims of Hope

O God, Source of all Life,

you created earth as our home

and us in your image, out of love.

Set our hearts astir with that same love,

that we might build a culture of encounter

and systems that justly serve

those living in homelessness

and mental ill-health.

Jesus, our Brother,

you noticed those living on the edge,

listened, healed and served them, out of love.

Move us from our embarrassment or discomfort

by those who show us your suffering face.

Instead, may we be taught by them,

offer our loving friendship

and share your good news together.

Holy Spirit, Source of all Hope,

you inspire our relationships

with transforming power, out of love.

Deepen our vision and enlarge our hearts

so that the fear and isolation

of homelessness and mental ill-health

may be countered by love’s warmth and certainty,

that we might walk together as pilgrims of hope.

Amen

(Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 2025 Social Justice Statement Prayer)

Yesterday Social Justice Sunday was marked in parishes across Australia. In the lead up to this day, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference releases a statement on a key issue impacting Australian society, and encourages us to discuss and reflect on this. The 2025 – 2026 statement, entitled Signs of Hope on the Edge, focuses on the experiences of people living with homelessness and mental ill-health.

In launching the statement, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, acknowledged that across Australia, homelessness and mental health services are stretched and under resourced, making it hard to support those in need. He asks that ‘instead of walking by and not noticing’, we ‘pay attention to them and their plight, listen to their stories, and to serve them with the love we learn from Jesus’.

During Term 3, Year 10 students explore the social teaching of the Church to develop an understanding of the Catholic Principles of Social Justice. A key experience in this unit is the Year 10 Reflection Day where students engage in practical experiences to better understand the issue of homelessness and those in need.

Signs of Hope on the Edge can by accessed via this link.

High School Musical Jnr

After months of rehearsals and preparation, ‘High School Musical Jnr’ premiered to a full house and much acclaim last week. The production had everything: high energy and action, an amazing band, superb singing, great dancing, and outstanding performances by the main cast and the ensemble.

A production like this is the work of many hands. Thank you to all the wonderful students who took part, both on stage and behind the scenes. There are just not enough superlatives to express how gifted and generous you are. The many hours you spent, before school, after school, during holidays and at weekends were well worth it. You are such incredibly talented young people. We are in awe of what you’ve achieved.

Thank you to all the staff involved but particularly Mr Clarence Marshall (Producer / Music Director), Ms Emma Baldacchino (Director), Ms Jennifer Comerford (Choreographer) and Ms Pauline Corson (Costumes and Props) for all your work. There would have been countless unseen hours of planning, preparation and worry in bringing the production together. We hope that you are all well pleased with what you’ve achieved. It was terrific.

Thank you to all the families who joined us. We hope that you enjoyed it as much as we did.

Faith In Action

In recognising students for service to our school community at our Term 3 assembly, Mr Tobin reflected on the words of Catherine McAuley, ‘it is for God that we serve the poor, and not for thanks’. In recent weeks, students and staff have very much been living the spirit of these words.

Year 10 classes have been fundraising for the Resurrection Vocational School in Uganda – there have been sausage sizzles, crepes, baked potatoes and much, much more. Last Monday, we had Pyjama Day for MacKillop Family Services to support young people in foster care, Year 9 students are all involved in community service as part of Trinity, and the Social Justice Team are leading a recycling project for Catholic EarthCare.

Each of these projects provides a rich learning experience. Planning, preparing and implementing these projects is a real world experience of project management, as well as developing students’ understanding of a world beyond themselves.

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 open on Monday 01 September and will run to Friday 19 September 2025. Parents / Carers will receive the survey link via email during the week.

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 these links.

Language links

MACS Vision for Engagement

In June, MACS released its Vision for Engagement. It complements the Vision for Instruction released in 2024 and currently being implemented across MACS schools. Student engagement encompasses attendance, behaviour, belonging, learning, mental health and wellbeing, and motivation. Engagement supports students to feel a sense of belonging and purpose as a learner.

A brief overview of the MACS Vision for Engagement can be found by following this link.

Newsletter Days for Term 3 2025:        

Fridays:   12 September

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

This Social Justice Sunday, the Bishops of Australia invite us to reflect on how we care for those in our community who are experiencing homelessness or struggling with their mental health. Jesus reminds us that true service is not just about offering practical help. It is about truly seeing people, learning their names, listening to their stories and treating them with dignity.

Our Year 10 students have already begun to live this call in action. Recently they listened to the stories of young people in foster care through MacKillop Family Services. On September 5th, during their Justice Day, they will also hear from The Big Issue, an organisation that supports people experiencing homelessness. These encounters challenge our students to open their hearts, to walk in solidarity with others and to consider how even small acts of compassion can make a real difference.

This Sunday’s Gospel, which will be proclaimed at our Social Justice Sunday Mass, reminds us of the importance of humility and generosity. Jesus tells us not to seek the most important seat at the table, but to be humble, trusting that God will lift us up. He also challenges us to invite not just our friends or those who can repay us, but to welcome and care for the poor, the sick and those in need — because God sees our kindness and rewards us for it.

Alongside these reflections, our school community has been busy living out our commitment to social justice:

Year 10 Fundraiser for Uganda

Our Year 10 classes have been working hard to raise money for the Resurrection School in Buyaga, Uganda.

• 10 Chisholm hosted a baked potato stall
  
  
• 10 O’Connell ran a sausage sizzle
  
  
• 10 MacKillop sold delicious crepes
  
  

Each class raised $120, enough to pay for one student’s school fees for 12 months. Together, they have helped change the lives of three young people in Uganda through the gift of education.

Social Justice Team Update

Our Year 7 Social Justice Team has also taken the lead in caring for creation. In their very first week, they successfully recycled 208 bottles and have been encouraging their peers to make use of the new classroom recycling boxes. Congratulations to our Year 7 students for setting such a strong example of environmental leadership.

At our recent school assembly, we recognised a number of students for their academic excellence in Semester One.  Their achievement is the result of hard work, dedication and a focus on learning both at school and through their homework and study routines at home.

Congratulations to each of the students and best wishes for a successful Semester Two.

Academic Excellence Awards

Year 10

Stella Mom

Teresa Marsom

Sophia Pham

Kassidy Lay

Jason Huynh

Year 9

Sam Cosmano

Vanessa Abba

Abrielle Fernando

Xavier Cham

Saifan Daddoo

Gabriel Hesa

Wendy Nguyen

Year 8

Shyam Ravva

Mandy Truong

Vivian Nguyen

Emily Luong

Emy Bui

Kimberly Nghiem

Meril Ayshoa

Year 7

Carmel Macandog

Nhi Nguyen

Kevin Phan

Catrin Ataallah

Ella Nguyen

Natasha Phan

Cloe Calenne

Rahaf Abada

At our recent school assembly, we recognised students who are on their way to achieving the McAuley Award and Pin at the end of the year. The McAuley Pin gold, silver, or bronze – acknowledges outstanding service to our school and the wider community, effort in studies, and a commitment to living out our values.

Every one of us is on the path towards this award. Each contribution matters – whether it’s an act of kindness, respecting others, keeping our environment clean, helping someone in need, putting others before ourselves, doing the little things well, or simply remembering to say thank you.

We remind our community that we don’t do these things for recognition or reward, but because it is right – and because these actions shape the kind of school and world we want to be part of.

Congratulations to the following students who were recognised at assembly. We also acknowledge the many others who are on the same path and encourage all students to continue their journey of service, respect, and learning.

Year 10

Nicolas Lay - Silver

Jade Nguyen - Silver

Theresa Nguyen - Bronze

Teresa Marsom - Bronze

Katya Qassab - Bronze

Kassidy Lay - Bronze

Year 9

Ataallah Hadil

Evie Almeida 

Anna Dinh      

Gideon Cangtak

Year 8

Caitlyn Nguyen - Bronze

Ravva Shyam - Bronze

Atallah Yoel - Bronze

Charlize Tapuala Unasa

Our Year 10 Social was a wonderful success, bringing students and teachers together for an enjoyable evening filled with fun, laughter and positive energy. The atmosphere was lively yet respectful, with everyone participating wholeheartedly and showing great consideration for one another. It was fantastic to see students engaging socially, building friendships and creating lasting memories in such a supportive and uplifting environment. The night was not only entertaining but also a
reflection of the maturity and respect our students display outside of their normal school environment.

Mr Ed Sammut, Year 10 Leader

High School Musical Jr

In 2024, Ms Baldacchino and I made the decision to obtain the rights to High School Musical Jr as our 2025 school musical. We made the decision because we felt that its storyline was still very relatable to young people today. We began rehearsals in March and spent every Thursday after school unpacking the incredible music, dance and dialogue. Every student worked hard to bring their characters to life and to ensure that we were ‘all in this together’. The musicians spent every Wednesday morning (7:30am to 8:30am) rehearsing the songs and creating parts for their instrument as we didn’t have a score to follow.

I truly believe that students deserve to be exposed to what the ‘professional theatre world’ has to offer. This is why we invested in professional sound, lighting, projection, costumes and props. It was such an honour to work with fellow staff and talented students to bring this musical to life. It takes many hands to create something this special and I would like to thank everyone involved in the process and on the nights of our performances. Every little act of kindness and support goes a long way.

The money raised from our ticket sales will be donated to both, the Holy Eucharist Food Bank and the Resurrection Parish Buyada School in Uganda.

Thanks to all the families and friends who came along to support and watch. We truly hope you loved the experience as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

Mr Clarence Marshall
Arts Leader

On Monday 18 August, 17 determined Year 7 and 8 students proudly represented our College at the SACCSS Junior Badminton Championships, competing across both the Boys and Girls divisions.

Our players have shown outstanding dedication in preparation for this event, training after school since March and even giving up time during the school holidays. Under the guidance of coach Mr Chuong Nguyen, their hard work and commitment certainly shone through on the day.

A special congratulations goes to Johnny, Joshua, Christian, Kevin, and Edison, who all claimed victory in their finals matches.

We are very proud of all our Badminton representatives for their effort, sportsmanship, and school spirit:

Joshua Bernal, Sienna Cham, Christian Deman, Sama Jalo, Sally Kim, Kim Thang Laithang, AJ Ni Ceu Lian, Cung Linmaung, Lucy Mai, Caitlyn Nguyen, Ella Nguyen, Ngoc Kim Thu Nguyen, Kevin Phan, Efraim Sang, Jessica Thai, Edison Le Tran, and Johnny Tran.

Pyjama Day @ CRC

On Monday 25 August, students and staff were encouraged to come to school in their pjamas, oodies and uggs to celebrate Pyjama Day. This fun and meaningful event is all about raise awareness and funds for children living in foster care.

All money raised will go directly to The Mackillop Family Services, which helps provide education services, resources and support for foster kids in need.

Every contribution makes a difference.

It was amazing to see everyone enjoy the cozy pyjama day and show how much our community cares!

9 Deakin is collecting items to support the Holy Eucharist Food Bank. Be the bigger person and lend a hand to those in need. Each Year Level is asked to donate tinned foods such as beans, meat, and fruit cups, as well as pasta and rice. If you can’t source these items locally, a gold coin donation for 9 Deakin to collect will be greatly appreciated. Your generosity will be remembered and will go toward a truly meaningful cause.

Just like on Feast Day, we hope to gather as many donations as possible—the more, the better. A total contribution of at least $300–$400 would provide families with two weeks or more of groceries. For those who participated in Loaves and Fishes in Year 8, you know firsthand the powerful impact this kind of support can have. Even helping one community creates ripples that reach much further than you may realise.

On 28 August, students from 9 Deakin visited classrooms to share the news, distributing flyers, posters, and collection boxes. This will continue weekly: for Years 9 and 10, a small group will visit during Trinity sessions on Tuesdays; for Years 7 and 8, another group will come around during Homeroom.

We hope to see boxes overflowing by the end of the semester! Despite challenges, please continue to support your local food banks wholeheartedly.

- Xavier C, Yr 9 Deakin