Lord,

Help me to live simply,

to give my life and all that I am into your hands.

Help me to unclutter my closet,

for I have too much stuff

that takes me away from your presence.

Help me to unclutter my calendar,

for I am often too busy

to focus my attention on you.

Help me to unclutter my mind,

for I have too many

unguided thoughts that distract me from your instructions.

Help me to live simply,

to give my life and all that I am into your hands.

Amen

Last week I received a package of old photos for our school archives. They were from a teacher who had left the College 18 years ago and had been re-discovered during a lockdown decluttering project. Decluttering always gives us the space to breathe and to focus on living a simpler life.

This is not too dissimilar from the spirit of Lent. As reflected in our opening prayer, Lent invites us to live more simply, to make more space for God in our lives, and to reflect on how we might ‘be more, rather than always striving to have more’.

“Lent lasts for forty days and ends at Easter. It is a time for more simple living, thoughtful self-denial, reconciliation with God and others and a focus on the basics of our lives. It is a period for taking stock and, with that, an opportunity for a garage sale of the heart. Getting rid of the clutter leaves a bit of room in the soul to celebrate once again the death and resurrection of Jesus. The soul is a bit like the palate. It needs freshening up now and again so it can enjoy the different flavours life has to offer. Otherwise it becomes jaded and another Easter can come and go with nothing but the taste of chocolate.”

(Michael McGirr, Finding Go’s Traces)

Thank You

Much can happen in two weeks! Since our last newsletter, we have navigated the five day lockdown, a brief return to remote and flexible learning, and a successful return to school.

I’d like to thank staff, students and families for all that each of you did to ensure that learning continued seamlessly, as we once again transitioned between onsite and offsite learning. Your humour, resilience, adaptability and ability to remain positive in uncertain times is remarkable.

Congratulations to all our Year 7 students. Despite being only in their third week at the College, they showed great skills in adapting to learning from home. I know that their teachers were thrilled with their responsibility, independence and maturity.

Unfortunately, the lockdown and changed COVID restrictions has seen the postponement of the Year 7 Activity Day, School Photos, our Opening Mass and the Year 7 Family Nights. All will be re-scheduled once restrictions are eased on Friday.

Inter-house Swimming Carnival

Arrangements have been finalised for the 2021 Inter-house swimming carnival which will be held at the Sunshine Pool on Thursday 05 March, 2021. Families are asked to ensure that they have read the excursion letter and completed the permission form on PAM.

Students will be travelling to and from the pool by bus. School will start and finish at the normal times.

Farewell

Earlier this week we farewelled Mr Jeremy Ly who has worked at the College for three years as a Learning Support Officer and Sports Assistant whilst completing his teaching qualification. Jeremy contributed much to the life of our school community, especially in his work with the House Captains, in organising both lunchtime and afterschool activities, and in the support he gave to students in class.

Whilst we are sad that Jeremy is leaving, we are delighted that he will be taking up a teaching position at CRC Melton, and wish him well as he begins his new career.

School ‘drop off’ and ‘pick up’

As is the case with most schools, the streets around the College and Sacred Heart primary school are congested at these times. Our first concern is always everyone’s safety and we ask families to take care when collecting or dropping off students.

Please ensure that your child uses the school crossings and that you do not double park or park in no standing places. Council officers regularly blitz the area around the school. At times, parents parked on the west side of Theodore Street call their children to just cross the road, rather than using the crossing. This is unsafe.

We would advise families to drop off and pick up on Arthur Street rather than Theodore Street as it is less congested.

Since our last newsletter…..

One of the real positives over the last few weeks has been the return of clubs, lunchtime and afterschool activities. Sadly, these were missing from our school experience for much of last year due to COVID restrictions.

• Auditions for the school production (Little Shop of Horrors)
• Choir Practice
• Badminton Club
• Volleyball Club
• Soccer Club
• Basketball Club
• Otaku Club
• Year 7 & 8 Dodgeball Competition
• Interschool Swimming Tryouts
• Community Garden
• Design a T shirt competition

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.

Christina Utri, Principal

Be More - Introduction to our CRC St Albans Lent Campaign

Pope Francis says, "Indifference to our neighbour and to God also represents a real temptation for us as Christians. Usually, when we are healthy and comfortable, we forget about others (something God the Father never does): we become unconcerned with their problems, their sufferings and the injustices they endure... As long as I am relatively healthy and comfortable, I don't think about those less well off because I don't ever feel like they do. Today, this selfishness by many has become the globalization of indifference. It is a problem Christians like us need to confront." (Lenten Message 2015)

Over the next five weeks Catholic Regional College St Albans will be participating in the  Lenten Project Compassion Campaign. Through our PC time we are exploring stories of hope in Bangladesh, the Solomon Islands, Tanzania and Indonesia. The PC time will focus on how we can BE MORE in enriching our connectedness as a global community- particularly during a time of global pandemic and social isolation. This year as a school we will travel the Lenten Journey together as we aspire to be more during this time of Lent. 

Each day will have a particular focus to help us come closer to God and to take time to Listen to the Cry of the Poor.

Be More Monday..Monday is an opportunity for each student to reflect on how they challenge themselves to be more Lent.

Tuesday We Listen to the Cry of the Poor - On Tuesday as a school community we will learn about communities around the world who have the greatest needs, through watching the Caritas Clips. After we hear these stories we can discuss questions related to each clip.

Wednesday Prayer - Traditionally Christians pray for themselves and others during this time of Lent. On Wednesday CRC St Albans will join in prayer for the people and communities you encounter through the Caritas stories about the poorest of the poor.

Thursday Almsgiving - Almsgiving is a sign of our care for others and an expression of our gratitude for all that God has given us. Caring for others is part of many faiths. Almsgiving by Christians is illustrated in the Bible, in Acts 4:33--37. During Project Compassion you might reflect on the many ways in which we are privileged. Let's be courageous enough to make changes and go without during each week of Lent? Perhaps it's forgoing a few snacks, coffees... the many small luxuries we consume each week. We can place the money saved in our Project Compassion boxes.Your commitment to Project Compassion is your response to the call to BE MORE for social justice.

Friday Fasting - Fasting is one of the most ancient practices linked to Lent. It can be an aid to prayer, as the pangs of hunger remind us of our hunger for God. Fasting can be linked to our concern for those who are forced to fast by their poverty, those who suffer from the injustices of our economic and political structures, and those who are in need for any reason. Abstaining from meat traditionally also linked us to the poor, who could seldom afford meat for their meals. On Fridays as a school community we will choose other ways to 'fast' such as social media.

Student Leader Initiatives

The first initiative undertaken by our Student Leaders, was an Ash Wednesday reflection which was then shared during online Pastoral Care. 

Traditionally on Shrove Tuesday the Social Justice Team commence their fundraising for Caritas by selling Pancakes. As a result of lockdown this event changed to the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Challenge. Students and staff were invited to share images of the pancakes they created at home using ingredients in their cupboards. 

The Social Justice group raised funds for the St Paul's Catholic Church Childcare Centre in Damascus Syria, by selling roses on Valentines day. Students raised $104 dollars.

Ash Wednesday Prayer

Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

God of hope and compassion,

You remind us of the need to turn away from our own desires, and to care for our global family, particularly at a time that has seen great loss and suffering.

We pray that during this time of Lent, we may grow in understanding of the challenges faced by those who are marginalised and vulnerable in our world as we make a home for them in our hearts.

And as we see the challenges of others, may we too be challenged to 'Be More' as people who act when there is a need.

Be with us as we walk in solidarity with our brothers and sisters.

We ask this in Jesus' name.

Amen

Jacinta Dykes, Faith Leader

YEAR 9 TRINITY PROGRAM

During our online Trinity lesson, 9 Barton were asked to go outside capture specific images and write a small reflection. I would like to share some of these with our community. 

Mr Younan.

Students were asked to create a 'poster of hope' and leave it in a spot where many people will pass by and see their message. 

They then collect interesting flowers, and other items from nature.

While sitting in their backyard, students were asked to close their eyes for one minute and identify what they could smell, hear, feel and think...

I am sitting on a metal park bench. The rays of the sun shining down on the top of my head. I can feel my body warnimg up and it's definitely irritating. I can hear the birds chirping behind me as I close my eyes. To squawk and sound almost like a ringtone. I can feel my shoulders dropping as I start to relax. Funny moments from school are popping into my head and all I can think about is the thought of going back. The air is clean as I breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth. I start to think of what tomorrow will bring. Will it be a good day? Will I get work done? Different thoughts pass through my mind like cars speeding down a highway. The sun continues to glare at me, urging me to leave. 

I can smell the garden of grass and plants in my yard. I can also smell trees in my neighbourhood. I can hear the birds around me and wind blowing leaves, blowing plants in my garden as well. I can feel the wind as it blows around me with air. I also can feel the concrete beneath me, where I am sitting. I am thinking about the music that I frequently hear every night and morning on my audio player whenever I fall sleep and wake up. 

HEALTHY EATING

EAT THE RAINBOW to keep healthy everyday!

Much like a rainbow, vegetables come in a range of beautiful vibrant colours.

These colours are created by all the different vitamins, phytochemicals and other nutrients that are in vegetables. These wonderful colours are nutrients that keep us healthy and disease free.

Dark-green colours as found in spinach and broccoli are rich in chlorophyll, which purifies the blood and balances your metabolism.                                              

The yellow-orange colour in vegetables comes from beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, xanthophyll, cryptoxanthin and related carotenoids; carotenoids are helpful for protecting vision and combating cellular damage, which may reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular events and eye disease. 

Richly coloured purple foods are everywhere: purple carrots, red cabbage, red onion, eggplant (aubergine), purple corn, purple potatoes, purple broccoli and purple cauliflower. Purple foods harbour some of the most amazing nutritional benefits possible. They are high in anthocyanin – for instance, purple carrots have up to 28 times more anthocyanins than orange carrots. 

In contrast, beetroot’s deep purple colour comes from plant chemicals called betalains. Like anthocyanins, betalains have antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Beetroots that are especially rich in them, are considered to be powerful antioxidants that guard the body’s fragile cells from the destructive effects of free radicals that cause certain cancers. These should all be included in your 5-a-day diet to protect against chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration and certain cancers. They also reduce your risk of Diabetes Type 2 and obesity.

So always try to eat a rainbow of colourful vegetables – greens, yellows, oranges, purples and reds. This ensures you get a wide variety of different nutrients.

The Student Leaders will be introducing themselves to the CRC St Albans community, through the next few issues of the College newsletter. 

This week, the House Captains would like to say hello....

This issue features our House Captains

Hi my name is Aiden Dang and I am one of your 2021 O’Reilly House Captain. The primary school I went to was St Mary Mackillop in Keilor Downs. I have represented Victoria in Inline Hockey Nationals and I am the youngest player on my men's ice hockey team. I also play volleyball with some friends so I would consider myself pretty sporty.

My hopes and dreams for 2021 is to make this year more fun and exciting for all year levels as well as make up for all that we lost last year due to COVID-19. I hope to be a role model for the younger year levels and possibly run some sporting events with the other CRC campuses.

To all the new year 7s who started this year, every student was once in your shoes and we all know how nerve racking it is to start high school. My advice is to work hard and make as many memories as possible because in a blink of an eye it will come to an end. I am always around the school or playing volleyball after school on Mondays, so feel free to come and say hello or you can email me at (aidend@crcstalbans.com.au) I'm always open to have a chat and interact with you all! 

Hi my name is Angela Tu and I am the O'Reilly House Captain. I attended Resurrection Primary School and Overnewton.  I have a small maltese/jack russell cross dog named Milo.

My hopes and dreams for 2021, are to enjoy my last year of high school while it lasts. I aspire to be a good role model to others, especially younger year levels.

As a year 10 that has experienced year 7, some advice I would like to give to the year 7s is to make sure you surround yourself with the right people and to not be scared to seek advice or help from teachers or even any of the students in older year levels. If anyone would like to introduce themselves/seek advice/chat etc please feel free to come talk to me anytime you see me around the school, or email me at angelat@crcstalbans.com. Please stay covid safe and always have fun. :)

Hello my name is Bawi Boi and I am the Corbett House Captain. The primary school I attended was Sacred Heart Primary School, and I am decent at all sports.

My hopes and dreams for 2021 is to make every student happy while having to focus on their team collaboration and effort in many different activities.

My advice for the new yr 7s is that you should never give up even when times are hard, because if you put in time you can get it done. You can find me in the school yard, or just email me - bawib@crcstalbans.com.au. I would like to let the community know that I will try my best to be a good House Captain who supports everyone.

Hello my name is Nadeen Franso, and I am one of the Corbett House Captains. Like Baw, I also attended Sacred Heart Primary School. My hopes for 2021 are to encourage all students to do their best and to make the school a better place for everyone. I also would like to help the year 7s feel welcome by encouraging them to try their best with school work, try communicating with others and look on the bright side. You can find me at the yard or you can email me at nadeenf@crcstalbans.com.au . Enjoy what you're doing now and be brave.

My name is Chloe Lefebure and I am the Guelen House Captain. I went to Sacred Heart Primary School then in year 3 moved to Emmaus Primary School. I am an active person, my favorite activities/hobbies are playing soccer, being creative and working with my parents. 

My hopes for the future of 2021 is to inspire younger year levels to grow and achieve great things at school, in everyday life and to just be a good role model to those around them. I would like to also create an ID board in the front office for new students to get to know some of the school leaders.

As a year 10 my advice to year 7s is to stay organised which will help you stay on top of school work, always ask questions if you do need help (even if it's after class) and develop good friendships with the teachers and students around you.

The best way to contact me is via email, or in 10 mackillop (room 39) chloel@crcstalbans.com.au

My name is Felix Tejo and I am the Guelen House Captain. I attended Sacred Heart Primary School and I enjoy playing soccer, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.

My name is Chrisitan Tapauala-Unasa and I am the Reis House Captain. I attended Resurrection Primary School and  I play guitar, drums and volleyball

Hoping lockdown won't come back this year because I already have missed out on all sorts of activities last year. My dreams for this school  is a community of Friendly, Understanding, Committed and Kind students…and that Reis is not at the bottom of the ladder.

My advice for year 7's is to ask your friends for assistance as it is probably the best thing to do, in my opinion. If you wish to talk, contact me via email: christiant@crcstalbans.com.au Or come by the Year 10 Building with the words ‘Italian’ and ‘Chinese’ printed on the windows, I’ll be there.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. 

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.

 It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Hi, my name is Gabriel Montes de Oca and I am the 2021 Reis House Captain. I attended St Mary Mackillop Primary School and I spend most of my time listening to music or gaming.

One of my main hopes or dreams for 2021 is to inspire the younger year levels and to be able to leave a mark here at CRC St Albans. I hope to be seen as a role model to all students as well as hopefully teach the students from my experience. 

As a former year 7 student it may seem overwhelming at first, but once you have gotten used to it, organisation will be key for upcoming years. Don’t feel scared or shy to ask the teachers or older students for help because they are also there for support. Any student can feel free to contact me, by email is the best option (josem@crcstalbans.com.au)  or if you see me out in the yard don’t be afraid to have a chat or ask questions. 

2021_Student_Residential_Address_and_Other_Information_Collection_Notice.pdf

2021_Student_Residential_Address_and_Other_Information_Collection_Notice _pdf 249.02 KB

Have you installed SimonEverywhere

on your phone?

SimonEverywhere allows parents to quickly access PAM, and receive notifications when online permission forms need attention.

SimonEverywhere can be downloaded from the App Store (iphone) or Google Play (android). 

The following video explains how to download SimonEverywhere and access PAM.

The same video can be viewed in Vietnamese or Dinka on the College website:

https://www.crcstalbans.catholic.edu.au/parents/

NEW DATE FOR PHOTO DAY: Monday 26th April

Please order online or complete the envelope that has been sent home.  If completing the envelope, insert exact cash and student to bring on Photo Day to give to photographer.

School Fees

All families should receive their school fees early next week.  If you have not received your statement by next week please contact the office immediately.

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 (27 January 2021) or term two (19 April 2021).

If you have acurrent card please bring it in to the office ASAP.

Fees that are paid before 25^th June 2021 will be entitled to a $100 discount per family.

Emotions

What are emotions?

Emotions are noticeable responses to significant events that involve distinctive feelings, bodily changes, and reactions.

Emotions are a normal and essential part of our lives and impossible to avoid.

There are manifold emotions, commonly organised in generic blocks: Joy, trust, fear, surprise, sadness, disgust, anger, and anticipation.

Emotions of the same block share several features but differ in intensity, e.g. apprehension, fear, and terror.

Moreover, emotions in different blocks can be combined to create more complex ones, e.g. ecstasy/happiness and admiration can combine to create love.

Independently of their valence, emotions are not to be labelled as good or bad. All of them serve a purpose, helping us to survive, thrive, and interact with others.  

For example:

• Fear keeps us away from danger
• Admiration promotes self-development

 

What are the issues with emotions?

Emotions originate in the limbic system, a section in the midbrain that humans share with mammals, from a rapid information processing system that competes with rational thinking. That is why emotions may compromise our ability to make unbiased, sound decisions.

Under normal circumstances, emotions fade over time once that the situation that triggered them lapses.

For example:

• Regret after missing a goal in a ball match will disappear once we get involved in a different activity
• Apprehension about a semestral test will ease after test completion

However, if the trigger repeats overtime or we keep overthinking about or recalling the trigger, we may get stuck with the associated emotion, which will hinder our rational mental processes in the long term.

 

How to handle emotions?

1. Be aware of how you feel. Identify the changes in your body and mind associated with specific emotions.
2. Accept your emotions, even unpleasant ones, as natural and purposeful.
3. Connect emotions with triggers. Reflect on the happenings and how they affect you.
4. Feel free to express your emotions. Sharing your emotions is the only genuine way to interact with others.
5. Learn to let go of your emotions. Clinging to specific emotions blocks your ability to adapt to life changes.
6. Get help with difficult emotions. If you find yourself stuck with unhelpful emotions for more than a couple of weeks or strong emotions impair your normal functioning, you may need extra support.

Improving your ability to recognise and manage your own emotions will help you stay in control of your life, empathise with others, and communicate effectively.

Students, parents, and carers can contact the Psychology Service via email.

psychologist@crcstalbans.com.au

WELCOME TO CRC LIBRARY

The Library is a space in the school were you can read, study, do your homework or play quiet games in a relaxing atmosphere. Staff are available to assist you in selecting a novel to read or help you with homework after school.

Come and talk to one of the Library staff if you need help with finding books to read or logging into the Library ePlatform to try one of the ebooks.

If you would like, we can teach you to read a book and listen to the story at the same time.

BOOK REVIEWS

You Have a Match: A Novel - Author Emma Lord, Narrated by Eva Kiminsky

* audio book

When Abby signs up for a DNA service, it's mainly to give her friend and secret love interest, Leo, a nudge. After all, she knows who she is already: Avid photographer. Injuryprone tree climber. Best friend to Leo and Connie…although ever since the B.E.I. (Big Embarrassing Incident) with Leo, things have been awkward on that front but she didn't know she's a younger sister. When the DNA service reveals Abby has a secret sister, shimmery-haired Instagram star Savannah Tully, it's hard to believe they're from the same planet, never mind the same parents  especially considering Savannah, queen of green smoothies, is only a year and a half older than Abby herself. The logical course of action? Meet up at summer camp (obviously) and figure out why Abby's parents gave Savvy up for adoption. But there are complications: Savvy is a rigid rule-follower and total narc. Leo is the camp's co-chef, putting Abby's growing feelings for him on blast. Her parents have a secret that threatens to unravel everything, but part of life is showing up, leaning in, and learning to fit all your awkward pieces together. Sometimes, the hardest things can also be the best ones.

The Guinevere Deception - Author Kierten White, Narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden

* audio book

A new fantasy series set in the world of Camelot that best-selling author Christina Lauren calls "brilliant", reimagining the Arthurian legend...where nothing is as magical and terrifying as a girl. Princess Guinevere has come to Camelot to wed a stranger: the charismatic King Arthur. With magic clawing at the kingdom's borders, the great wizard Merlin conjured a solution...send in Guinevere to be Arthur's wife...and his protector from those who want to see the young king's idyllic city fail. The catch? Guinevere's real name, and her true identity, is a secret. She is a changeling, a girl who has given up everything to protect Camelot. To keep Arthur safe, Guinevere must navigate a court in which the old, including Arthur's own family, demand things continue as they have been, and the new, those drawn by the dream of Camelot, fight for a better way to live. And always, in the green hearts of forests and the black depths of lakes, magic lies in wait to reclaim the land. Deadly jousts, duplicitous knights, and forbidden romances are nothing compared to the greatest threat of all: the girl with the long black hair, riding on horseback through the dark woods toward Arthur. Because when your whole existence is a lie, how can you trust even yourself?

 

The Island, by C.L. Taylor

Lost meets The Hunger Games in the thrilling new young adult novel from C.L. Taylor, the Sunday Times and million-copy bestselling author.

Welcome to The Island. Where your worst fears are about to come true…It was supposed to be the perfect holiday: a week-long trip for six teenage friends on a remote tropical island. But when their guide dies of a stroke leaving them stranded, the trip of a lifetime quickly turns into a nightmare. Because someone on the island knows each of the group’s worst fears. And one by one, they’re coming true. Seven days in paradise. A deadly secret. Who will make it off the island alive?         

The Glimme, by Emily Rodda and illustrated by Marc McBride

Lone Annie sees dragons in your future. She sees giants. She sees fire and water. She sees death.

Finn's life in the village of Wichant is hard. Only his drawings of the wild coastline, with its dragon shaped clouds and headlands that look like giants, make him happy.

Then the strange housekeeper from a mysterious clifftop mansion sees his talent and buys him a handful of gold and then reveals to him seven extraordinary paintings. Finn thinks the paintings must be pure fantasy: such amazing scenes and creatures cannot be real!

He is wrong. Soon he is going to slip through the veil between worlds and plunge into the wonders and perils of The Glimme.                                                            

KEEP READING!