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Social Justice Sunday Prayer
Lord,
You are faithful and trustworthy.
Make us instruments of your peace.
Help us to speak about others as our brothers and sisters.
May our words be seeds of goodness for the world:
where there is shouting, let us practise listening;
where there is confusion, let us inspire harmony;
where there is ambiguity, let us bring clarity;
where there is exclusion, let us offer solidarity;
where there is sensationalism, let us use sobriety;
where there is superficiality, let us raise real questions;
where there is prejudice, let us awaken trust;
where there is hostility, let us bring respect;
where there is falsehood, let us bring truth.
Amen
(Pope Francis, 2018, Message for 52nd World Communication Day)
Our opening reflection is from Making it Real: Genuine Human Encounter in our Digital World, the 2019 – 2020 Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) Social Justice Statement.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the World Wide Web and most of us can no longer remember or imagine a world without the internet. It has changed the way we communicate, work, learn, socialise and manage our lives, and has the potential for genuine human connection, encounter and solidarity. Yet, as we all know, the digital world can also bring social isolation, marginalisation and harm. We can easily get caught up in hoaxes, fake news, privacy breaches, data traded for profit, trolling and endless hours wasted in gaming or scrolling social media feeds.
Inspired by the story of the Good Samaritan, the statement calls us to love our neighbour, and challenges us to be active citizens who shape the digital world to be a positive place, a place where we make the love of God real in the lives of our online neighbours. The Bishops call every user (adult and young person) to:
- make your online presence one of dignity and respect
- be present to others in the real and the virtual world, and
- take care of ourselves and others online.
The 2019 – 2020 ACBC Social Justice Statement can be accessed online at https://www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au/publications/social-justice-statements
“The digital world is a public square, a meeting place where we can either encourage or demean one another, engage in meaningful discussion or unfair attacks…Access to digital networks entails a responsibility for our neighbour whom we do not see but who is nonetheless real and has a dignity which must be respected…The encounter between communication and mercy will be fruitful to the degree that it generates a closeness which cares, comforts, heals, accompanies and celebrates”
(Pope Francis)
Welcome Back
Welcome back to term 4. I hope that everyone had a good break and returns well rested, re-charged and ready for a big final term.
The next few weeks look very busy as we prepare for Image 2019, our annual Arts and Technology exhibition and the Inter-house Athletics carnival, both in Week 4.
As we move into the fourth quarter, I encourage students to remain focussed on their studies. It is important to keep on top of things and in the words of football coaches to do the ‘one percenters’ well: use your diary, use class time well, ask questions, set up a study group with friends, complete homework, don’t leave things to the last minute, organise your locker and your study space at home, start exam revision today, meet deadlines, come to class prepared………
African Cultural Night
This week we enjoyed an African Cultural Night. It was a colourful and joyous celebration of all things African. Delicious food and the unbelievable rhythm of the dancers and drummers was captivating, and made for a night that was lots of fun.
Nights such as this are the result of vision and much work. I thank the students involved in the planning, preparing and hosting; Mr Deng Alier and Ms Laura Cioccia for all their work in bringing the nights together; the families who brought food and everyone for your willingness to be involved.
Kwong Lee Dow Scholarships
Every year secondary schools across Victoria can nominate students to be considered for the Kwong Lee Dow Scholarships offered through Melbourne University. Applications are judged on academic achievement, school involvement and leadership skills. At the College we shortlist based on Semester 1 results and then look at involvement in school life and leadership to confirm the nominations.
I’d like to congratulate Hannah Nguyen, Samantha Smith, Rhanel Hao, Vivian Dang and Julia Cabaldon on being our nominees for the scholarship in 2019. Best wishes to these students. Each would be a worthy recipient of this award. We should hear by early December if they’ve been successful.
Year 9 Camp
On behalf of the Year 9 students I’d like to thank Mr. Taylor and all the staff who planned and attended the Year 9 camp. It was a terrific experience for everyone. Families will recognise that it is a huge responsibility taking away over 120 adolescents. I thank staff for their willingness to be part of challenging activities such as this, and students who were engaged, positive, mature and responsible in their approach to the camp. I know that the benefits of learning opportunities such as this are immeasurable.
Inter house Athletics Carnival: Friday 1 November
Preparations are under way as the Houses get ready for the Athletics Carnival in two weeks time. We ask that all families return the permission slips as soon as possible.
We hope for a fine day but should it be raining we will have a normal school day, Day 10 of the timetable.
Families are very welcome to join us for part, or all of the day. The Keilor Athletics track is located near the Keilor Basketball Stadium.
Keilor Athletics Track
Stadium Drive
Keilor Park 3042
Re-enrolment forms
Re-enrolment forms were sent home last week. In order to assist us with planning for 2020, families are asked to return these by Friday 1 November, 2019.
Term 4 Uniform
From Wednesday 6 November all students will need to be in full summer uniform.
Cup Weekend
Families are reminded that there are no classes on Monday 4 November or Tuesday 5 November.
The break provides students with the opportunity to prepare for the final weeks of Term 4. It is a good time to catch up on work and to do some exam revision.
Sun Smart
The College has recently completed a new Sun Protection policy. This is available on the website.
As we are now well into spring, forecasts of UV levels are predicted to reach 3 or higher during the period from now to the end of April. UV radiation is a major cause of skin cancer, and UV damage accumulated during childhood and adolescence is strongly associated with the risk of skin cancer later in life. We encourage families to speak with their child about ensuring they are Sun Smart during this time, including:
- wearing appropriate clothing
- wearing a broad brimmed, bucket or legionnaire hat while outside
- applying SPF30 or higher broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen approximately 20 minutes prior to going outside and re-applying every two hours while outside, or immediately after physical activity and swimming
- remaining in the shade during times when you are not involved in a specific outdoor activity, or if you are unable to follow the above recommendations
We also encourage all adults, including parents/carers, to adopt a SunSmart approach for themselves, not only to protect themselves from the dangers of UV radiation, but to also act as role models for our students.
For more information on sun protection please go to the SunSmart webiste: https://www.sunsmart.com.au/
Since our last newsletter…..
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 7 Visual Arts excursions
- Year 8 Premier League
- Motor Classica excursion
- Year 10 Outdoor Education 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.
In the final week of term 2, year 8 staff and students participated in a reflection day and the Year 9’s experienced a reflection on aboriginal spirituality on the Year 9 Camp.
Having an opportunity to encounter with faith is a key part of the religious program at CRC St Albans. The year 8’s began their reflection day exploring their journey in life to this point and reflecting on times they were both close and distant to God. It was also a time to look back and to critically reflect on relationships.
During the day, students reflected on what they wanted to take with them on their life journey and what they wanted to leave behind.
Overall the day was a lovely experience for all and many new relationships were formed in the process.
This year’s third edition of Catholic Education Today will be delivered to schools in the next couple of weeks.
The articles in this edition reflect a common focus on encouraging young people to care for what’s important: from understanding current social issues to protecting the environment for their future, from engaging with their faith to looking after their health and wellbeing. This edition highlights the vision of Catholic schools to provide an education in more than the academic, as well as including the regular celebration of events taking place ‘Around the Archdiocese’.
An online version can be accessed here:
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND
Invest in your most precious asset......Your Marriage!
Married couples, come and learn how to keep/rekindle the passion in your relationship and how to keep your love growing!
This weekend is based around Catholic values but couples of all faiths are welcome.
Next weekend date: 15-17 November 2019.
Starts 7pm on Friday. Ends 5pm Sunday. Accommodation and all meals provided.
Information/Bookings: Phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or
Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au Website: wwme.org.au
TO ASSIST US WITH PLANNING FOR 2020
FAMILIES ARE ASKED TO RETURN RE-ENROLMENT FORMS BY
FRIDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2019
STUDENTS ARE REMINDED TO CHECK THEIR EMAILS REGULARLY
The Library regularly sends out emails about your overdue books. If you think you have lost a book come and talk to one of the Library Staff
A Pizza Lunch was enjoyed by the Term 3 Winners of the Reader’s Cup.
Gregory Estepa, the current leader of the competition, enjoying his pizza.
READER’S CUP – You need to be in it to win it
Your final chance to WIN A PLACE in a lunch.
The competition begins again as everyone’s tally is set to zero. Our top readers this term will win a ‘SPECIAL’ lunch on Tuesday 26th November with our overall winner being presented with the Reader’s Cup trophy.
Current Readers’ Cup Leaders are:
1 Gregory Estepa
2 Vincent Truong
3 Toan Truong
4 Marsel Eshaq
5 Sadeem Alkateb
6 Milessa Ashaqo
7 Rita Baqtr
8 Ghandi Matti
9 Athraa Matt
10 Frans Hadad
Students are reminded to return or renew their overdue library books
Students visited Australiasia’s largest exhibition of classic and new prestige cars and motorcycles in the world heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building located in Melbourne. With more than 500 vehicles on display there was certainly plenty for the students to see.
As well as viewing the displays the students also participated in the Motorclassica Schools program along with many students from across the region. There were opportunities to watch and answer questions from current apprentices and qualified trades people in many of the disciplines such as coach building, spray painting, motor mechanics, car assembly and interiors. Students also explored Futurlab where education providers from the region used Virtual Reality to allow students to try their hand at welding and spray painting. Students had the opportunity to discuss available future career pathways from spray painting to boat building.
The students came away from the event with the realization that there are many career pathways within the motor industry. From the perception that the only career in the motor industry was fixing engines, our students now understand the different and highly skilled careers available to both our boys and girls.
Mark Johnston Technology Leader
The newsletter is published fortnightly and distributed on Day 10. Students will have a chance to read it before taking it home to families that evening.
Newsletter Days for Term 4 2019:
31 October (Thursday)
15 November (Friday)
29 November (Thursday)
18 December (mailed home)
The newsletter can also be accessed on Friday morning (Day 10) on the College website at http://www.crcstalbans.catholic.edu.au
Key Dates for Term 4 2019
Thursday 31st October:
Image 2019 Opening Night
Friday 1st November:
Inter-house Athletics Carnival
Mon 4th and Tues 5th November:
Cup Weekend (Students not required at school)
Wed 20th November – Wed 27th November:
Years 9 and 10 exams
Mon 25th November:
Year 11 2021 Enrolment Evening / School Tours CRC Sydenham
(current Year 9 families)
Wed 27th November:
Year 10 Picnic
Thurs 28th November:
Year 10 Graduation Mass
Fri 29th November:
Report Preparation Day (Students not required at school)
Mon 2nd December – Fri 6th December:
Year 11 2020 Orientation at CRC Sydenham
Thursday 5th December:
Years 7 & 8 Ball Sports Day / Final Trinity Day for Year 9.
Family Partnership meeting CRC Sydenham (Year 11 2020 families)
Friday 6th December:
Final Day for students in Years 7 - 9
Wed 18th December:
School office closes
Images Exhibition 2019
College Hall
