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St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Bless those who live in crowded suburbs, isolated towns,
in derelict housing or on the street, in boarding houses and brick veneer homes.
Bless those alone in crowds and overlooked in busy communities,
those who need the love of fierce compassion
and the intervention of practical aid to improve their lives.
Bless us as we respond to your prophetic maxim:
‘There where you are, you will find God’.
Let us find God and do good for all those Australians who struggle.
Let us continue your saintly work in our own lives.
Amen
Tomorrow marks the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross. Throughout her life, Mary faced much hardship and many challenges with courage, hope and a deep sense that God was always with her. Her deep conviction that ‘There where you are, you will find God’, may bring some comfort as we face six weeks of Level 4 restrictions.
As the numbers of COVID-19 cases across Melbourne increases, more and more students, families and staff are directly or indirectly impacted. I ask that you hold all who have passed away, the sick and their families; our health professionals, all essential workers and our leaders in your thoughts and prayers.
Today we also remember the people of Beirut and Lebanon whose lives have been torn apart by the tragic explosion at the port. A number of families in our community will be worried about family and friends who live in this area. Our prayers are with you.
Virtual Student Parent Teacher meetings
It continues to be a year of firsts. Yesterday we had our first online student led Parent, Teacher and Student conferences. Thank you to all the families who joined us, to the students for leading and preparing for the interview, and to all the staff who were once again ‘swimming well outside their comfort zone’.
We hope that is was a positive experience for students and families, and that the process of reflection provides a sound base for a fruitful second semester. For Years 9 and 10 students, the conferences were an important step in course planning for 2021.
Thank you to all staff for their work on the day and their preparation in the lead up to the meetings. A particular thanks to all staff involved in setting up the meetings, ensuring that all families have booked, that the right link is sent students and families, and that interpreters are allocated as needed. Quite a logistical achievement.
School Assembly
Thank you to everyone involved in bringing together last week’s virtual whole school assembly. It was an amazing experience of community and being connected, even though we are all apart.
Thank you to all our student leaders, Ms Liberatore, Mr Quinn and Mr Ly for your creativity, ideas and bringing it all together. We are incredibly grateful, not only for planning and bringing together the assembly but for your messages of hope at the beginning, and all that you are doing for us at this time.
Congratulations to all the award recipients. Your achievements are particularly remarkable, in that they have been attained at such a challenging time. Seeing the wonderful photos of you with your very proud families was just a delight.
Lastly, thank you to the families who were able to join us for the virtual assembly. The very positive feedback has been much appreciated.
Newsletter
In term 3 the newsletter will continue to be published online only. Families will receive a SMS with a link to the newsletter, and students will receive the newsletter by email.
Newsletter Days for Term 3 2020:
Fridays: 21 August 04 September 18 September
The newsletter can always be accessed on the College website at http://www.crcstalbans.catholic.edu.au
Assembly Reflection
Last Friday was the feast day of St Ignatious who is most famous for saying `Find God in all things’. In our Assembly on Friday we reflected on this challenge ‘to find God in this time of COVID-19’. COVID-19 is a hardship that our school has gone through together. Although each of the students and staff were in their own homes for our Assembly that was put together as a video link, the school came together to pray to God as one community. Thanks to all the student leaders that were involved and made the assembly so special.
Australian Catholic Bishop Conference Social Justice Statement
This year Social Justice Sunday will be celebrated on 30 August 2020.
The Australian Catholic Bishop Conference release their Social justice statement. This year's statement is titled, To Live Life to the Full: Mental health in Australia today. The statement encourages faith communities, governments and each one of us to make mental health a priority. It is a timely message in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic is affecting many members of our parishes, schools and communities.
Understanding mental health will help us to be aware of those who need our support. The Statement encourages us all to reject stigmatisation, to work for the transformation of social determinants of mental ill-health and to call for policies and service provision that meets the needs of the poorest and most marginalised members of our community.
To read the document in full follow this link
Each year the Australian Catholic Bishop Statement is accompanied by a prayer.
This year's prayer has a focus on mental health.
Jesus, you invite us all into the fullness of life.
May we support one another to flourish in body, mind and spirit.
Strengthen our commitment to ensure that nobody falls through gaps in our systems of care.
People called you mad.
Help us to recognise you in those who suffer mental ill-health today.
Show us how to eliminate stigmatisation of mental
Ill-health from our parishes, schools, communities and organisations.
You drew near to those who were suffering in body or mind.
May we too feel your nearness when we struggle with ment
al health challenges.
May we be one as members of Your Body.
You invite us to share in your ministry of love and true compassion.
May we be empowered by your Spirit to reach out to all people in need.
May we build communities of welcome and inclusion.
Amen
1000 paper cranes
Sadako Sasaki was 2 years old when a nuclear bomb was dropped on her city Hiroshima, towards the end of the Second World War. In the years that followed, the children of her age would be called the 'ragged class' for the people and families who had been lost and homes destroyed.
Sadako herself would develop Leukemia at 12 years old and in an act of hope and defiance, began making paper cranes in her hospital bed so that she may be granted a wish once she had made 1000. In Japanese folklore the crane is a mythical being who lives for 1000 years, thus a 1000 cranes will give you good health/grant you 1 wish.
While Sadako sadly lost her battle with Leukemia, her courage and hope inspired a global movement that advocates for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons, with the Peace Park in Hiroshima receiving more than 10 million cranes were made by children from across the world every year.
This year Catholic Regional College St Albans students and staff have made 1000 paper cranes as a community, in our own time of challenge and adversity. While we do not for a second compare Sadako's time and experience with our own, we have never the less created a symbol of unity and hope in times of trouble.
Students and staff are currently responding to 2 questions,
What is one thing that always gives you hope?
What is your one wish for the world?
The responses will be added to our own peace shrine at school. It will stand as a visual record of our hope for the future and dreams of a better tomorrow.
Some of our students' responses so far:
What is one thing that always gives you hope?
- My family and friends
- When I see the sun especially when we have had grey skies for a long time
- The goodness and kindness of young people
- My faith and belief
- When I listen to music, I always feel better
- When I know that others are helping me and I know I have a team behind backing me up
- My students
- 1 thing that gives me hope is all the teachers doing their best to educate each and every student, it gives me hope because I see that everyone is still trying their best to get through this pandemic
- The positivity of the student leaders at CRC St Albans
- The memories and people that led me here
- One thing that always gives me hope is the thought of the future. I always believe that no matter what happens, the future will still be ahead and that everything that is happening right now will be over eventually
What is your one wish for the world?
- One wish that I have for the world is equality especially with times like this, it is very important to appreciate and accept people for who they are and give the same trust to everyone
- Peace
- That there may be peace and unity and that all mankind be humble, that there may no longer be greed, selfishness, pride and violence
- All I wish for is everyone to be safe and have a good life
- For the world to have peace
- That COVID-19 can be stopped
- That people learn positive things from COVID-19 and that the positivity stays with them post COVID-19
- I wish that everyone, no matter the gender, race or sexuality, can all get along and make the world peaceful
- True equality
- That every person believes in the common good.
- Peace and love
SCHOOL ASSEMBLY AND AWARD WINNERS
Our school assembly, organised by the student leaders, was held online last Friday. Congratulations to all involved, it was a great success.
Here is a link:
Congratulations to all the award recipients:
Recognition of Academic Excellence |
Recognition of significant involvement in the life of the College Community |
|
YEAR 7 |
Janelle Lawang Quynh Anh Tran Audrey Gerada Kayla Lay Tran Chau Emily Quach |
Jimmy Tran Evan Barisic Charlotte Gerada Maya Pion Roger Louis Vy Trinh Mariam Maroka |
YEAR 8 |
Jesica Lam Amadeus Wejak Laeisha Catayong John Bryton Santiago Hoang-Quan Tran My Nguyen Tommy Phan |
Sonel Inaya Caelen Khoo Ana Markic |
YEAR 9 |
Leo Thinh Jana Mikela Jacob Bahnam Habash Nawfal Momika Hilary Ho Vincent Nguyen Tony Le
|
Benedict D'Rozario Leo Thinh Yohana Nyok Christian Tapula-Unasa Precious Ohanekwu Amor Daw Martina Tran Nikola Markic Debra Stevens Gerardo Castro |
YEAR 10 |
Khristyl Love Aguila Katie Vu Joseph Phan Alessia Lo Guarro Sonany Istaifo
|
Jonoel Jeremy Nerpio Dilan Denha Spence Page Deng Thiep Olivia Barisic Emily Gerada Rejoice Modi Sonany Istaifo |
50 Ways to Take A Break
During these times of disengagement, our self-esteem could be affected. Perhaps, doubts about your ability to stay up to date with school work could creep in leaving you feeling disheartened. It is important to remember that you are doing the best you can; not compare yourself to others and know that your teachers are always there to help!
Miss Sharika
CRC Sydenham Welcome Video:
The CRC Sydenham welcome video has been uploaded to the Class of 2022 webpage. Please click the link above and spend some time watching this 20min clip with your parents and guardians.
Upcoming Q&A Information Webinars presented by CRC Sydenham (online):
CRC Sydenham Leadership Team members with Learning Area Convenors will present and answer questions. Please email questions to classof2022@crcsydenham.net prior to the evening. Click on the links below on the day and time specified to join in the webinar and find out more about what CRC Sydenham has to offer.
Monday 10 August 7-8pm:
Visual & Performing Arts and Technology Learning Area Information
Tuesday 11 August 7-8pm:
Personal Development and Humanities Learning Area Information
Wednesday 12 August 7-8pm:
Completed Webinar Videos
RE and Languages (including English)
Mathematics and Science Learning Area Information
VTAC Prerequisites for 2023 Guide:
https://www.vtac.edu.au/files/pdf/publications/prerequisites_for_2023.pdf
The VTAC prerequisites for 2023 guide provides current Year 10 students with the pre-requisite subjects universities have set for their course requirements in the year 2023. For any career pathways you are thinking of pursuing in the future it is worth viewing the subjects you require to meet your career goals and if you have included these subjects in your VCE course.
CRC Sydenham have set up a web page with all information about subject selection on their college website. Please click on the following link to find:
- Transition brochure
- 2021 Handbook
- Subject selection forms (VCE and VCAL), including information about choosing a Maths and English subject.
- Fees and levies
Class of 2022 homepage link:
https://crcsydenham.net/join-our-community/class-of-2022/
If you have not received an email with a copy of the Transition brochure and subject selection information, please contact CRC Sydenham via email -- classof2022@crcsydenham.net advising of your correct email address so you can be included in any future updates and reminders.
If you have any questions please feel free to email Mr OrsinI: corsini@crcstalbans.com.au
Students are encouraged to complete a minimum of 5 activities each week. Those who meet the challenge guidelines, will receive a Subway voucher electronically, thanks to the generosity of Subway Delahey. Students will also gain House points towards the Williams Cup for successfully participating in the SHAPE Challenge each week.
SHAPE Challenge update
Well done to the following students who successfully completed at least 5 of the CRC SHAPE Challenge 2.0 activities in weeks 2 and 3 of this term. A special well done to the Year 7’s who are taking the lead with this challenge.
WEEK 2:
YEAR 7 |
YEAR 8 |
YEAR 9 |
YEAR 10 |
Diana Doan Nyankuer Fadiet Abbe Maggs Avril San Jose Sierra Lynch Jack Lowe Alual Aweng Rame Dawood Matthew Tran Wilsin Ghpreta Adau Jerry Emy Laithang JoJo Nguyen Emily Quach Jenny Pham Matti Najjar Siena Singarella Caleb TapualaUnasa Trsitan Wolfe Kayla Lay Frank Hanona Charlie Ferdinand Isaac Chiol Sandra Al Nissan Noor Alouka Jayden Attard Evan Barisic Mallak Daabool Christopher Dang Liam Lim-It Kayden Luzar Ruby Nguyen Audrey Gerada Maya Pion Ngun Losang Kayla Lu Vicky Huynh Jeesika Al Quasspitrus |
Amadeus Wejak Anghel Baris Avery Gonzaga Yafet Iyassu Caelen Khoo Ricky Le Amber Nguyen John Nguyen Theressa Nguyen Saveena Sakarya John Bryton Santiago Anastasija Djordjevic Isam Shakoori My Nguyen Liam Micaleff Veronica Le Fadi Makdessijarjis Majok Mabior Abuil Awier Eleanore Durand Deslongrais Emily Kio Catherine McIntyre Jake Pham Laticia Nguyen |
Precious Ohanekwu Reuben Rock Loard Al Shabee Akuet Kuol Roaa Aluoka Hinh Ho Julie Pham Sarah Pham Martina Tran |
Marsel Eshaq |
WEEK 3:
YEAR 7 |
YEAR 8 |
YEAR 9 |
YEAR 10 |
Vicky Huynh Audrey Gerada Jeesika Al Quasspitrus Ngun Losang Diana Doan Nyankuer Fadiet Abbe Maggs Avril San Jose Janelle Lawang Jimmy Tran Aniseto Aniseto Charlie Ferdinand Rame Dawood JoJo Nguyen Emily Quach Jenny Pham Matti Najjar Sandra Al Nissan Caleb TapualaUnasa |
Brandan Radolovic Laticia Nguyen Katie Cagoroski Rania Ollo Phillip Nguyen Hoang Quan Tran Thanh Nguyen Abuil Awier Caelen Khoo John Bryton Santiago Veronica Le Anghel Baris Amber Nguyen Isam Shakoori Yafet Iyassu My Nguyen Anastasija Djordjevic Fadi Makdessijarjis |
Jesse Renda Gyan Valenton Tommy Flasza Roaa Aluoka Akuet Kuol Hinh Ho Simon Le Julie Pham Sarah Pham Hilary Ho Reuben Rock Precious Ohanekwu Narmin Atallah Maryam Jabreta Alessandra Pagaduan |
Nhi Nguyen |
The points tally for the SHAPE Challenge are below:
CORBETT - 35 pts | GUELEN - 30 pts | O'REILLY - 30 pts | REIS - 30 pts |
William’s Cup update
This year’s William’s Cup is a close race, Corbett is in the lead by only 5 points! Well done to all the students who have taken part in activities in Term 1 and 2 to contribute points to the House tallies. There are a number of activities coming up in this term that you can take part in to boost House points. Keep your eye on the student bulletin for more details on these activities.
1. Corbett: 100 2. Reis: 95 3. O'Reilly: 92 4. Guelen: 83 |
SACCSS Community Running Challenge
For more information please see Ms Jurcec, Mr Marshall or Jeremy.
CRC-SA PODCAST - EPISODE 2
Episode 2 of the CRC-SA Podcast is up on Spotify ready for you to tune in!
A special thank you to Jude and Olivia who hosted this episode and put in countless hours of work and time.
What an achievement!
Boy Giant: Son of Gulliver
by Michael Morpurgo and illustrator Michael Foreman
A stunning new story of hope, humanity and high-seas adventure for children and adults from Sir Michael Morpurgo bestselling author of WAR HORSE.
“We were the truth of our own story.
Me, and the two tiny people on my shoulder, in the middle of the sea…”
War has forced Omar and his mother to leave their home in Afghanistan and venture across the sea to Europe. When their boat sinks, and Omar finds himself alone, with no hope of rescue, it seems as if his story has come to an end.
But it is only just beginning.
Because in the end, a little hope makes a big difference…
A gripping modern narrative of rescue and refuge. A book about breaking down walls, at a time when many are trying to build them. And a timeless reminder of humanity’s infinite capacity for good… even when those humans are very small indeed.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49953681-boy-giant?
Can you guess the staff in these photos?
Answers to last week's 'Guess Who' photos:
READERS' CUP LADDER
Placings on the ladder are calculated from the borrowing of books from the eplatform.
PARENTS CORNER
tips & tricks for remote learning
Create a reading nook:
Quiet
Warm [add a blanket]
Comfortable seat or cushions
Away from high traffic areas of your home