Come, Lord Jesus!

Come and visit your people.

We await your coming.

Come, O Lord

Sunday marks the beginning of Advent; the beginning of a new Church year and a time of anticipation and preparation.

Now that lockdown restrictions have eased, we are all looking forward to the holidays, Christmas and time with family and friends. Once again, we feel that sense of anticipation, of good things to come. However, as our world opens up, expectations return and the ‘to do list’ grows. Christmas catch ups, present buying, traffic frenzy, holiday planning, people to remember and so much more. Lockdown resolutions of a quieter, gentler life are a distant memory.

My hope for you in Advent 2020 is that amid the hype, you find time to experience the quiet anticipation and peaceful wonder of the season, and the space to reflect on how you might make Jesus present in our world. May there be silent moments and calm days. As you pray during Advent this year, may the season draw you closer to God.

Catherine McAuley Pins

In the College library we have a plaque from 1978 which recognises the contribution of the Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of St Joseph in establishing primary and secondary education in the St Albans area. It is fitting that our College pins for Community Involvement (McAuley) and Academic Excellence (MacKillop) are named after the founders of the two orders.

The quote from Catherine McAuley on the plaque reads as follows:

It is not for us to bestow gifts like benevolent people in the world but rather to bestow ourselves (1778 – 1841)

These words of Catherine McAuley capture well the spirit of our McAuley awards and the qualities we look for in the recipients. At CRC we encourage young people to be generous with their time and gifts; to look beyond themselves to the needs of others and to work for the common good.

Each year we recognise students who’ve made an outstanding contribution to the school and broader community with a Catherine McAuley pin. Points towards this award are accumulated throughout the year and about 10 students at each level receive a pin at the final school assembly.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients – they are an outstanding group of young people. In a year like no other, they have taken up and sought out opportunities to live a full life, despite the restrictions of COVID, given much to the school and broader community, and have kept us connected. Their kindness, thoughtfulness, care, commitment, involvement and school spirit has been outstanding.

Recipients of the Catherine McAuley Pin for 2020 are……

Year 7:

Audrey Gerada

Kayden Luzar

Liam Sid Lim-It

Charlotte Gerada

Evan Barisic

Maya Pion

Roger Louis

Sierra Lynch

Vicky Huynh

Kayla Lay

Year 8: 

Jessica Lam

John Bryton Santiago

Caelen Khoo

My Nguyen

Fadi Makdessijarjis

Andy Bui

Adenline Tran 

Ana Markic

Tommy Pham

Eleanore Durand Deslongrais

Year 9:

Sacreana Ulugia-Sa'ena

Melisa Nguyen

Tri Truong

Christian Tapauala-Unasa

Jana Mikela Jacob

Arasema Teshome

Hilary Ho

Dustin Nguyen

Nikoa Markic

Aiden Dang

Debra Stevens

Year 10:

Rhaven Hao

Angel Catayong

Emily Gerada

Olivia Barisic

Alessia Lo Guarro

Nhi Nguyen

Sonanay Istaifo

Megan Flores

Rejoyce Modi

Marsel Eshaq

Long Tan Leadership Award

Each year the Australian Defence Force provides a scholarship to recognise a Year 10 student who demonstrates outstanding leadership and teamwork within the school and in the broader community. This student must also demonstrate strong values such as respect for others, always striving to do their best and the best characteristics of mateship.

Congratulations to Cindy (Nhi) Nguyen (10 O’Connell) who is this year’s recipient of the Long Tan Leadership Award. Cindy is an excellent role model, an outstanding leader and is always ready to give her time, has initiative and the ability to get things done. Well done Cindy.

Caltex All Rounder Award

This award acknowledges a student at Year 7 or 8 for their all-round contribution to the school and the community. This year the award was given to Tommy Pham (8 Orifici). Congratulations Tommy.

School Captains 2021

On behalf of the school community I would like to thank our 2020 School Captains: Sonany Istaifo and Jude Sef, and the Vice Captains: Cindy Nguyen and Loang Aweng for their great work as leaders in our school. Throughout the year they’ve contributed in a very real and practical way to keeping the community connected through remote learning and in ensuring that students ‘have a voice’ on many issues. I thank them for their time, generosity and willingness to serve our community.

It is with great pleasure that I can now announce that our School Captains for 2021 are Sacreana Ulugia-Sa’ena and Cayden Aguila. Our Captains will be assisted in their role by Alexandra Chau and Tri Truong who will be Vice Captains. They are a talented and impressive group of young people and I look forward to working with them next year.

We were privileged to have a fine field of candidates for these roles and the final decision was a difficult one. Thank you to all who applied for this important leadership role and to Jesse Renda, Anna-Maria Borlace, Sonany Istaifo and Jude Sef for all their work as members of the selection panel.

Farewell Year 10 2020

At our final assembly our Year 10 2020 students were farewelled by our 2021 School Captains. Thank you to Sacreana and Cayden who spoke so well about the contributions the Year 10 students have made over the past four years. They highlighted the leadership, hospitality and school spirit the Year 10 students have shown, and the way they have kept the community connected throughout this difficult year.

Jude and Sonany responded on behalf of the Year 10 students, thanking staff, students and families for their support and reflecting on their time at the College; the many terrific experiences they’ve had and how these have helped shape who they are today.

As I write this newsletter, preparations are under way for tonight’s Graduation. For all of us, students, families and teachers, Year 10 Graduation always brings mixed emotions, sadness that it’s time to part, trepidation about the unknown future, but most importantly we all feel a deep sense of satisfaction at a job well done. Tonight will be no different. We are farewelling an outstanding group of young people. It has been a real privilege to work with them.

End of Year Arrangements for Years 7 - 9

Monday 30 November to Wednesday 2 December are normal school days and students are expected to attend in full uniform, with the required books and be prepared to finalise their work.

On Thursday 3 December Years 7 - 9 students will enjoy level based offsite activities days.

Students in Years 7 – 9 finish school on Friday 4 December. They are required to be at school by 8.40am (normal time) and will be dismissed at 12.15pm.

Enrolment for 2021

If a student in Years 7, 8 or 9 is not continuing at the College in 2021, we ask that their family notifies us as soon as possible. Please email echalmers@crcstalbans.com.au or ring Eileen Chalmers on 9366 2544 with this information.

Your assistance with this is much appreciated as we have a waiting list at some levels and would like to let these families know sooner, rather than later.

Newsletter

In Term 4 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 4 2020:         

Fridays:             18 December

The newsletter can always be accessed on the College website at http://www.crcstalbans.catholic.edu.au

30 November  – 4 December: Year 11 2021 Orientation at CRC Sydenham

Thursday 3 December:  Years 7 – 9 Activities Day

Friday 4 December:    Final Day for students in Years 7 - 9       

Friday 18 December:  School office closes

The theme for the Year 10 Graduation this year was Faith, Hope, Truth: God’s love reveals. In many ways God was revealed in unexpected ways during this COVID year.  The Year 10s had to re-think the traditional ways of building community.  They did this by utilising technology like no Year 10 students had done previously, they developed videos and podcasts and created new ways of staying connected. Learning presented new challenges, studying online and persisting with goals in a new set of circumstances, this demonstrated the Year 10s ability to draw from the strength within themselves.  Each Year 10 student was given a sapling to commemorate their growth this year and for many years to come.  We are very thankful to the Class of 2020, for revealing God's love to us through faith, hope, truth and love.

The following is an excerpt from Cindy Nguyen's speech reflecting on 2020 from a student's perspective.

This year we take away the most important value, growth: we are like trees and each and every one of us are growing in our own unique way. 

Back in Year 7, we were the seeds, and we were welcomed into CRC St Albans as our parents planted us in rich soil. Like all saplings we were unsure, full of life and potential but easily blown in all directions. We needed constant care and nurturing.

Today we stand taller, stronger and more confident of our own unique beauty. The last four years have seen us shed many layers of bark to discover and value who we are. We’re thankful to all who helped prune, shape and cultivate us during this time. Our roots are deep and solid. They connect us to what is important in life; to family, friends and our faith. 

Our branches now reach far and wide. We reach beyond ourselves, to give shelter and support to others. Filled with hope we’re ready to leave the rich soil of CRC St Albans for our new school and the future. We dream of making our world a better place and know that the hard work of our families and the school community; your nurturing and support will bear much fruit.

Graduation is not the end, nor is it goodbye: graduation is the beginning, it’s the start of a new dream for all of us.

SCHOOL CAPTAIN SPEECHES

Jude Sef, College Captain 2020

I would like to begin by saying 2020 has been one of the most unpredictable years. There is absolutely no doubt that we’ve been through so much over the past few months. However, here we are. After months of separation, we’re reunited again. After months of lockdown, we’re free again. After months of uncertainty and confusion, our vision is clear again. So there’s always, always light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes, we have to go through the worst to get to the best. But through our hard work and determination, we’ve made it. We’ve reached the light, but we are about to enter another tunnel. So buckle up because this tunnel has a lot of mysteries and possibilities, but also fears and obstacles. But the good thing is: it’s your choice! You either choose to see obstacles as barriers that stop you from reaching the light, or as valuable opportunities for you to explore and change yourself for the better.

So let’s take a moment to reflect on what we have accomplished on a personal level and as a school community. Let’s hold on to what is good - the resilience we’ve built, the relationships we’ve formed, the things we’ve learnt - and let go of what is bad. Because there is a lot to be grateful for!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge my fellow student leaders who I formed an unbreakable bond with. A bond that connected all of us as one family.

And on behalf of the students, I would also like to thank all teachers and staff members for being incredibly supportive throughout this journey. We owe you a debt of gratitude for everything you’ve done for us. 

I know I will miss every single detail of this school. The school that has welcomed me with open arms and helped me grow as a person and a leader. I never thought that I would be standing here delivering a speech that the whole school is watching. So to all students and the new student leaders, do not doubt your worth! You were given this life because you deserve it and you are strong enough to live it. Trust your abilities and grow through your weaknesses. You’re important, you’re loved and you belong.

Finally, we trust that you will continue to serve our school community with love and passion. Let your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more and work hard for their dreams.

Sonany Istaifo, College Captain 2020

For better or worse, I would say that 2020 has changed each of us. And now, looking back, I can say that I’ve developed and learnt about the importance of health, resilience, community, and not taking anything granted. It has been such a year of the unknown. Hugs and kisses became our weapons, not visiting family and friends became an act of love and using technology has never been more important to stay connected. Suddenly we realised that power, beauty and money are worthless, and can't get us the oxygen we’re fighting for. 

With that being said, there are two attitudes that you could have had this year, one-blaming the world and the pandemic for your failures or two-doing things differently.

If you had the second mentality and wanted to thrive and be better despite all the chaos, you’ve won. If you had the first mentality, I’ve got a few questions for you.

What if you got the opportunity to start over? To go back to the start of 2020. To learn from every mistake, to learn from every lesson, and start with a clean state. What would you do differently? What if you had another opportunity, to do better, to be better… would you take it? Well, you get that opportunity every day. We all get that opportunity every day. It’s called WAKING UP. Every day that you wake up is a blessing and you should never take that blessing for granted.

Which means you let GO and FOCUS on NOW. What are you going to do right NOW to create a better FUTURE for yourself? What PLANS are you going to make NOW, for today and in the future to ensure this NEW VERSION of you is better than the last? Will your TOMORROW-SELF be proud of the work you do TODAY, by the PERSON you are today?

Every morning that you wake up, remind yourself that you have another opportunity to experience your GREATEST day. Another opportunity to push yourself. Another opportunity to set an example. Another opportunity to LEARN something that will make YOU BETTER. Another opportunity to ENJOY the day, to enjoy other people… to enjoy life. You are blessed to get the opportunity of LIFE… so work hard, have fun and make the most of it.

And now for the Year 10s, we might not be having our typical graduation and ending for this year. We might not have had our formal  or taking pictures with family on graduation night. But we’re still graduating. Right now, you might feel uncertain. You might feel lost and upset but mark these words, things will improve and as they do, you will too. 

So, as graduation peeks around the corner I’m encouraging you to focus on the good times. I’m encouraging you to focus on your accomplishments. I’m encouraging you to celebrate with friends.

You see, graduation isn’t defined by a sheet of paper, a stage or a mass. Graduation is defined by your courage. Your courage to move forward in your life. Your courage to take the next step. So, what does graduation mean to you? Because the meaning isn’t gone… are you going to Sydenham to do VCE, are you to join the military, are you moving to a new school? Or are you going to start an entirely new life? 

To my fellow year 10s, whatever graduation means to you, I believe in you. Don’t lose your belief in yourself. Now go! Celebrate, and use your gifts and talents wherever it may be. As the school motto comes and goes, "Love one another as I have loved you".

Chess club in the garden

Since being back at school the Chess Club has moved from online to the garden. Students are enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of playing chess in the garden and there have been some exciting games played. Year 7 students are invited to come and play chess on a Tuesday at lunch time under the gum tree and Year 8 students on Wednesday at lunch time in the Jubilee Garden. 

SACCSS Community Chess Tournament

Last Wednesday, fourteen of our students took part in the first ever SACCSS online Chess Tournament. The students loved the competition and found the experience challenging and rewarding. Congratulations to Tu Tran from Year 10 who was our top player for the tournament.

Sports Awards

Congratulations to Megan Flores and Alex Rafoo for being awarded the Sports Award Winner at our College and the John Landy Award from SACCSS. These students have shown leadership, sportsmanship and initiative over their 4 years at the College. We wish them well in their sporting endeavors at CRC Sydenham.

SACCSS Awards 

This week we would normally be travelling to another school to celebrate the SACCSS Awards Lunch. However, it has not been possible for us to come together and celebrate the sporting year, so the SACCSS Executive Officers have put together a video montage of the sporting events that have taken place over the last few years. I have included the link below for families to view the video.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HrulqLKnUA9iB3874G9UtjzfKF4XILUx/view?usp=sharing

Thank you to our House Captains for their work this year to keep our students engaged as a College community while learning from home.

Gallery 

Messages from our families....

The recording of the Year 10 Graduation Liturgy can be viewed via the following link:

Yr 10 Graduation Liturgy