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A Reflection for Families
The parent was chatting with God.
“Lord,” began the parent, “I thank you for the gift of children.”
God smiled.
“What have you learnt about raising them?” inquired the Lord.
“Oh that’s easy!” replied the parent. “I’ve kept notes!”
And so the parent shared parenting wisdom with God.
- Don’t work so hard to give them ‘stuff’. The ‘stuff’ that matters is your time and attention.
- Don’t worry so much about ‘things’. The ‘thing’ that matters is your time and attention.
- Don’t fret so much about organising regimented ‘plans’. The ‘plan’ that matters is your time and attention.
God was impressed.
God knew that the secret to parenting had finally been discovered!
In the end, the parent’s real teacher on how to raise children was…time, or in other words – unconditional love.
THOUGHTS:
- Parenting is not always easy.
- Some days are filled with guilt.
- Don’t get trapped in guilt; make peace with it.
- Other days are seamless, joy-filled experience
- Celebrate them as blessing
- No matter the parenting-style, God is a support in it all when done with love.
- Trust.
PRAYER:
God, we thank you for all the different lessons we learn in life.
Continue to teach us what we need to learn.
Continue to inspire us to keep learning.
Amen.
(Rachelle and Gabby Tullio)
The past two weeks have been busy with our two Opening Masses, the Commissioning of our School Leaders, the Inter-house Swimming Carnival and lots of activity around the school production with the finalisation of the cast and rehearsals starting. The before school, after school and lunchtime clubs are in full swing, catering to diverse interests with everything from knitting to badminton and all in between.
Thank you to Fr. Maurie (Sacred Heart Emmaus) and Fr. Vincent (Holy Eucharist) for leading the celebration of our liturgies, and to the students and staff involved in preparing and leading the liturgy. Thank you also to the families who were able to join us.
Our 2021 College theme is Listen to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. During Lent this is being lived in a very practical way through our support of Project Compassion. The work of Caritas through Project Compassion is three-fold: awareness raising, solidarity and fund raising. I thank all students and staff for their generosity and readiness to take up the call to engage and to hear the cry of the poor in this way.
Family Nights
Young people learn in many different contexts, in the home, at school and in the community. Families are the first educators of their children and as children grow, families invite others to share the responsibility of nurturing and educating their child. It is a privilege to work in partnership with families in this.
Getting to know and engaging with families, enables teachers to better do their work. To this end, we have Family Nights at each level early in the year. Unfortunately, the unexpected lockdown in mid-February disrupted these plans, however, look forward to meeting all families over the next few weeks, either onsite or virtually.
Although the format has changed at most levels, we hope that the nights are still an opportunity for families and staff to get to know each other, to share insights and to learn a little more about the focus at each year level.
Catholic Education Week
Next week marks Catholic Education Week which is usually held in the week of St Patrick’s Day (Wednesday); the feast day of the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
Whilst events such as the St Patrick’s Day Mass for schools won’t be taking place this year, the week still provides a chance to reflect on and to celebrate the fine work being done across our schools. Our fortnightly newsletter gives families a window into the many great things happening in our own school. None of this can be achieved without the great commitment of staff, the support of families and the energy, interest and involvement of our students. We are blessed in all areas. Thank you.
| Friday 26 March | Term 1 Immersion Day |
| Tuesday 30 March | SACCSS Interschool Swimming |
| Thursday 01 April | Final Day Term 1 (Holy Thursday) |
Opening School Mass
Over the last two weeks Catholic Regional College St Albans have had two opening school masses. These masses were an opportunity to reflect on our theme `Listen to the cry of the poor, Listen to the cry of the earth'. Both Fr Vincent and Fr Maurie discussed with the students how during this time in lent we are on a journey with all those who struggle in our local and global community. The student leaders were inducted and received their badges in the mass. The following was the refrain used in the mass organised by Mr Marshall, Ms Petrucelli and our school choir.
Refrain: Listen, listen to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth
Listen.
Listen to the cry,
Listen to the cry of the poor.
I was hungry, you bought me food.
I was thirsty, you gave me a drink.
Refrain: Listen, listen to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth
Listen.
Listen to the cry,
Listen to the cry of the poor.
I was worried, you comforted me.
I was alone, you included me.
Refrain: Listen, listen to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth
Listen.
Listen to the cry,
Listen to the cry of the poor.
I had nothing, you provided for me.
I was sick, you took care of me.
Refrain: Listen, listen to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth
Year 7’s meet our Principal Ms Utri
The tradition at CRC St Albans, in Term 1, is for Ms Utri to visit every Year 7 classroom during the religious education classes. This visit is an opportunity to discuss the vision of the school and learn more about the history of CRC St Albans. The Year 7 students developed a series of questions for Ms Utri, they ranged from what are the building plans for the school, to inquiring on her thoughts on leadership. The feedback from Year 7 students and Ms Utri was very positive.
Homework and the Curve of Retention
Now that we have well and truly settled into the new school year, students should be in the practice of completing regular homework.
Homework helps students by complementing and reinforcing classroom learning, fostering good lifelong learning and study habits, and providing an opportunity for students to be responsible for their own learning.
Homework may comprise of preparatory work, practice exercises or extension tasks. Tackling work independently enables students to determine how much they have understood and areas in which they need to seek further assistance.
By sticking to a study routine, students become better at planning and monitoring their learning. Newly acquired skills and knowledge can be quickly forgotten if not revisited, practised and reinforced. (Refer to the Curve of Retention on page 17 of the Student Diary).
The following guidelines are taken from the College Homework Policy:
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Year 7 At Year 7, students should be doing between 45 and 60 minutes per night, including Friday night or over the weekend. Year 7 students should also be reading for a minimum of 20 minutes each night. Up to 45 minutes if the student has no other homework. Students are encouraged to read a range of materials and to see reading as an enjoyable pursuit. |
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Years 8 & 9 At Years 8 & 9 students should be doing between 60 and 90 minutes of homework per night, including Friday night or over the weekend. Students should also be reading for a minimum of 30 minutes per night. Up to 60 minutes if the student has no other homework. Students should spend a minimum of 30 minutes a week reading or viewing current affairs. |
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Year 10 At Year 10 students should be doing between 1.5 - 2 hours of homework per night, including Friday night or over the weekend. This should continue to include wider reading, reading and viewing of current affairs texts and specific time set aside for revision. Developing a balance between the competing demands of homework, part time work, recreation activities and also managing effective study time is important. Students can expect that the reading of extended class texts and other tasks will be completed outside of class, including over the holiday breaks. |
Further information on homework and advice for parents can be found at https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/learning/Pages/homework.aspx#link3
Ms Grace Cini - Deputy Principal of Learning and Teaching
Keeping Connected
This week, the Student Representative Council (SRC) would like to introduce themselves and say hello to the CRC St Albans community.
Charlotte GeradaLeadership role: Year 8 SRC Primary school you attended: St Peter Chanel Primary School One interesting fact about yourself: I am a twin What are your hopes/dreams for 2021: In 2021 I hope to make a difference. I’d like to influence others and maybe change someone's perspective on situations in which they are involved in. I’d also hope to be involved in the schools events/occasions. And overall making our school a safer place for others (mentally). Advice for the new year 7's as they begin their journey into secondary school My one piece of advice is relax. Highschool isn't as big and scary as many make it seem. It's a safe place. Make this year enjoyable. You can reach me at charlotteg@crcstalbans.com.au for any questions/inquiries. Anything else you would like the community to know? I believe in each and every one of your voices and I will strive to do whatever I can in making your voice heard this year in 2021. |
Monica LeLeadership role: Year 8 SRC Primary school you attended: Holy Eucharist Primary School One interesting fact about yourself: I like jamming to music :) What are your hopes/dreams for 2021: My hopes for 2021 is making our school community an environment where people are excited to experience a new day of learning. A place where people feel supported and encouraged to do their best with the help of staff members and student leaders. Advice for the new year 7's as they begin their journey into secondary school: My advice for Year 7’s would be to have fun and make the most of it while you can. This means engaging with new people and staying out of drama to keep a positive environment around everyone. It is important to never give up on your dreams as at the end of the day, it is the small steps that count. How they can find you if they'd like to introduce themselves/chat etc. As Year 7’s and 8’s will be having lunch and snack together, I tend to hang around the school canteen or stage area outside. However, you can contact me using my school email: monical@crcstalbans.com.au Anything else you would like the community to know? Remember that making mistakes is an opportunity to learn and grow. As things are quite uncertain during this time, it is important to keep a healthy and positive mind-set. |
Jimmy TranPrimary school you attended: St Paul's Kealba Catholic School One interesting fact about yourself: I play volleyball. What are your hopes/dreams for 2021: Making the school a better place, to help everyone have a wonderful experience, and to use their talents for opportunities. I also intend to learn from my peers to be a more efficient leader, and to be a better role model. Advice for the new Year 7's as they begin their journey into secondary school: My advice would be to take risks and opportunities when there is one, and to always be yourself and to come out of your comfort zones to try new things. Whether you succeed or fail, don’t give up but keep trying! Year 7 goes by really fast so make sure to cherish every moment. How they can find you if they'd like to introduce themselves/chat etc. Around the first 10 minutes of lunch or recess I will normally be near the front stage. If I’m not there I’m around the pond or near the basketball courts. Also feel free to email me if you can’t seem to find me! My email is jimmyt1@crcstalbans.com.au Anything else you would like the community to know? Have a great day! And feel free to talk to me if you need anything! |
Kayden LuzarPrimary school you attended: St Peter Chanel Primary School What are your hopes/dreams for 2021:My hopes for this year is to be able to achieve the goals I have set for myself this year and to be able to help anyone who needs it Advice for the new Year 7's as they begin their journey into secondary school: My advice for the new Year 7's is that although you may feel uneasy about doing things out of your comfort zone by participating in things you may not normally participate in, I advise that you do because time goes fast and before you know it, you will be done with school. So you should make the most of all the opportunities available to you How they can find you if they'd like to introduce themselves/chat etc. My homeroom is 8 Orifici or I usually am in front of the stage or in that general area. |
My NguyenLeadership role: SRC Primary school you attended: Sacred Heart Primary School One interesting fact about yourself: I play basketball and like to listen to R&B music. What are your hopes/dreams for 2021: My hopes and dreams for 2021 are to ensure that everyone in our school community feels a sense of belonging and purpose at CRC St Albans as well as making sure that student’s voices are heard. Advice for the new Year 7's as they begin their journey into secondary school: Don’t take this time for granted! Whether you realise it or not high school goes by quickly so spend that time doing the best in everything you do. Be true to yourself and do the things that make you happy because this time only goes by once. How they can find you if they'd like to introduce themselves/chat etc. Feel free to talk to me in the mornings but during recess and lunch I tend to hang around the grassy area behind the canteen or near the basketball courts. You can also email me at myn@crcstalbans.com Anything else you would like the community to know? I wish everyone a great 2021 and that we all can make the most of it! |
Caelen KhooLeadership role: Year 9 SRC Primary school you attended: Cairnlea Park Primary School One interesting fact about yourself: I love to play basketball and make new friends!!!! What are your hopes/dreams for 2021: My hopes and dreams for 2021 is to build a positive school community where we bond as a family, to build off and lean on one another. To grow as a school and as individuals in our CRC St Albans community, we can achieve this by living out the school values and motto “To love one another as I have loved you”. Advice for the new Year 7's as they begin their journey into secondary school: As you start your year in high school it may seem scary or nerve-racking but come out of your comfort zone and make positive relationships with your peers and teachers. Make the most out of your time in year 7 because I can assure you that it does go by really fast, so put aside all the negativity that comes your way and focus on working on yourself mentally and physically as you start high school. How they can find you if they'd like to introduce themselves/chat etc. You can always email me anytime at Caelen Khoo and we could chat before or after school about anything, if you have questions about our school, or simply would like to chat. Anything else you would like the community to know? Always strive for better in life because I can guarantee you that it will all be worth it in the end. |
Hoang-Quan TranLeadership role: Year 9 SRC Primary school you attended: Resurrection Primary School One interesting fact about yourself: I get mad easily when I play games. What are your hopes/dreams for 2021: Making CRC St Albans a warm and welcoming place for others and to be a positive role model to others. Advice for the new Year 7's as they begin their journey into secondary school: To take every opportunity you can and to have fun in school. Make friends and you will be happy. Year 7 and 8 goes pretty fast so make the best of it. How they can find you if they'd like to introduce themselves/chat etc. You can find me in the yard playing volleyball or you can email me at hoangquant@crcstalbans.com. Instagram: h_quantran Anything else you would like the community to know? Have fun at school and stay safe. |
Ana MarkicLeadership role: Year 9 SRC Primary school you attended: Holy Eucharist Primary School One interesting fact about yourself: I love listening to music and singing. What are your hopes/dreams for 2021: My hopes and dreams for 2021 are to make our school a more loving place and to incorporate more ideas for the year levels and make them happen. Advice for the new Year 7's as they begin their journey into secondary school: Go for all the opportunities you can and have fun. Try your best in school and pay attention. How they can find you if they'd like to introduce themselves/chat etc. I’m usually just walking around the yard, near the stage/canteen. You can also email me at anam@crcstalbans.com.au Anything else you would like the community to know? Have a wonderful year :) |
Roaa AluokaLeadership role: SRC. Primary school you attended: Sacred Heart Primary School. One interesting fact about yourself: I do diamond painting. What are your hopes/dreams for 2021: My hopes for 2021 are to help make CRC a better and more welcoming place and also help people deal with mental health. Advice for the new Year 7's as they begin their journey into secondary school: Always look on the positive side, work hard toward what they are aiming to achieve, and never give up, and most importantly enjoy Year 7 before it’s too late. How they can find you if they'd like to introduce themselves/chat etc: You can always email me at roaaa@crcstalbans.com.au or you can also find me around the Year 10 area or the canteen. Anything else you would like the community to know? Family is Power |
Maryam JabretaLeadership role: SRC The primary school you attended: WELS One interesting fact about yourself: I talk a lot. What are your hopes/dreams for 2021: My hopes and dreams for 2021 are to make the school community a better and more welcoming place. I hope that everyone has a great year (2021). Advice for the new Year 7's as they begin their journey into secondary school. Always do your best and take it easy and never give up. Try to communicate with others and be nice :) How they can find you if they'd like to introduce themselves/chat etc. You can email me at maryamj@crcstalbans.com.au or you can find me near the Year 10 area. |
Julie Le PhamLeadership role: Year 10 SRC Primary school you attended: Resurrection Catholic Primary School One interesting fact about yourself: I may have a slight addiction to boba milk tea. What are your hopes/dreams for 2021: My hopes and dreams for 2021 are to make our school community feel warm and welcoming, a place where people feel comfortable, safe, happy and a sense of belonging. I would also like to work towards creating a better but also a safer study environment for everyone. For myself, I hope to step out of my comfort zone more often, develop new skills, continue to have a growth mindset and to be more confident in what I do. Advice for the new Year 7's as they begin their journey into secondary school: Always stay persistent even when things feel as if they aren’t achievable. At the end of the day, you tried your best and that’s all that really matters. Look forward to the future ahead of you and have fun! Who knows when you’ll ever have that experience again :) How they can find you if they'd like to introduce themselves/chat etc: I’m always around somewhere (most likely near the canteen or stage) or you can always email me at juliep2@crcstalbans.com.au Anything else you would like the community to know? Stay positive and stay strong. Remember that you’re never alone :) |
Thomas LeLeadership role: Year 10 SRC Primary school you attended: St. Paul’s Kealba Catholic School One interesting fact about yourself: I play tennis competitively. What are your hopes/dreams for 2021: To leave 2020 behind us and by building on what the school has learnt through that tough year by making our school a better and more welcoming place where no one feels uncomfortable to open and express themselves, where people are always motivated and are comfortable to come to school with a positive attitude ready to learn. A place where students are supported by all peers and staff and always striving to improve and do their absolute best and having fun. I also hope to improve personally not only academically but socially as well. Advice for the new Year 7's as they begin their journey into secondary school: My advice to Year 7's as they begin their journey into secondary school is to not be afraid to take up the opportunities that come your way. Although it may be tempting and difficult to talk to new people, always try to get to know as many people as possible. Always try to socialise and get to know others from different schools so that you are able to break free from your comfort zone and be comfortable around them. Always try your absolute best and don’t let anybody put negative energy on you and put you down because with the right mindset and environment you can achieve anything. Also make sure to have fun because time will fly. How they can find you if they'd like to introduce themselves/chat etc. You can find me at my email thomasl@crcstalbans.com.au and at the stage at both lunch and recess. Anything else you would like the community to know? Stay positive and make sure to not give up no matter what difficulties you’re going through because you will get through it. |
Swimming Carnival
Last Thursday we held our whole school Swimming Carnival at the Sunshine Leisure Center. This was a new venue for us and the students loved it because the outdoor pool was heated! It was also the first time we have been able to come together as a whole school in 12 months which everyone enjoyed.
This year we had our normal swimming events which we run every year but we also included some land based events which were very popular with the students. This included table tennis and volleyball as well as many more.
Below are the overall winners, individual winners will be announced at year level assemblies.
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Overall Aggregate |
Boys Aggregate |
Girls Aggregate |
|
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1st |
Corbett 326 pts |
Corbett 183 pts |
O’Reilly 185 pts |
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2nd |
O’Reilly 292 pts |
Guelen 145 pts |
Corbett 133 pts |
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3rd |
Guelen 201 pts |
O’Reilly 101 pts |
Reis 87 pts |
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4th |
Reis 175 pts |
Reis 80 pts |
Guelen 49 pts |
From the House Captains...
The Swimming Carnival was a success for all people to have fun and participate in. The House Captains have tried hard and have added many other outdoor sports to keep it more entertaining so people wouldn’t be left out. It was a tough competition between all Houses and everyone did a very good job to try to win. Good job to Corbett House for winning. May God be with you all. Thank You!
Bawi Boi - Corbett House Captain
The Swimming Carnival was so fun this year, after all this time and after everything we went through in 2020, we finally did something as a whole school for the first time since the pandemic started. There were a lot of fun activities that a lot of students enjoyed throughout the day. It was one of the best days in our school, especially for Corbett House students. Corbett House really worked hard this day and won.
Nadeen Franso - Corbett house captain
Swimming Carnival Gallery:
Year 7 Premier League
Training will begin on Wednesday 24th March from 3:15-4:00 pm at school. All students who are in a team are expected to attend training. The first game will be held at the beginning of Term 2 on Wednesday 21st April. Year 7 students, please make sure you have filled out your sport selection by the end of this week.
SACCSS Swimming Training and Competition
Students have started training for the SACCSS inter school swimming competition which will be held on Tuesday 31st March at MSAC. Good luck to the students taking part in the competition, I am sure it will be a great day for all.
Mrs Jurcec - Sports Co-ordinator
Stress
What is stress?
It is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.
Everyone experiences stress and this is not necessarily a bad thing. It is the way our body responds to and gets you ready to face challenges with extra attention, energy and strength. Stress gets us ready for action and gives us the motivation to get things done.
But stress can cause problems when it reaches high levels for extended periods. This happens either when we take on multiple social or self-imposed exigencies without a sensible plan to tackle them.
What are the symptoms of stress?
Long-term stress means that our mind is focused on the many challenges around and our body is in a permanent alert mode which results in considerable physical, emotional and behavioural symptoms.
Physical symptoms may include:
- Aches and pains.
- Chest pain or a feeling like your heart is racing.
- Exhaustion or trouble sleeping.
- Headaches, dizziness or shaking.
- High blood pressure.
- Muscle tension or jaw clenching.
- Stomach or digestive problems.
- Weak immune system.
Emotional responses associated with stress involve:
- Irritability
- Apprehension
- Lack of motivation.
- Sadness
- Panic attacks.
Behavioural changes to cope with stress comprise:
- Using alcohol and other drugs.
- Developing an eating disorder.
- Compulsive behaviour e.g. gaming, shopping, internet browsing.
- Self-isolation.
How to reduce stress?
- Recognise problematic stress and identify its triggers.
- Set realistic goals and expectations to feel more in control of the moment and long-term tasks
- Take a moment to recognise your accomplishments.
- Stay positive and practice gratitude, acknowledging the good parts of your day and life.
- Accept that you can’t control everything. Let go the worry about situations you cannot change.
- Learn to say “no” to additional commitments when you are not in a position to meet them.
- Take good care of your physical health, observing healthy habits e.g. eating right, exercising and getting enough sleep.
- Stay connected with people who make you happy, provide emotional support and help you with practical things.
- Try relaxation activities, such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and muscle relaxation.
- Consider talking to a therapist about your worries.
Students, parents, and carers can contact the Psychology Service via email: psychologist@crcstalbans.com.au
Sacraments
Are you interested in receiving a Sacrament this year? Did you miss receiving your Confirmation due to COVID?
Mother of God parish will be running their Confirmation on the 24th April. If you are a member of the Parish and would like to be Confirmed please email Ms Dykes jdykes@crcstalbans.com.au
Other students interested in receiving the Sacraments in 2021 please contact Ms Dykes on jdykes@crcstalbans.com.au
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.
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
HENRY WEAVER IS MISSING - Three months ago, thirteen-year-old Henry disappeared from The Shallows during a violent storm, leaving behind his muddy mountain bike at the train station. MASON WEAVER IS TRAPPED - While Mason doesn't know who he is or what he's capable of, he knows the one thing binding him to this suffocating small town is his younger brother, Henry. CHLOE BAXTER WANTS ANSWERS - Why would Henry run away without telling her? One of Chloe's friends knows something and she's determined to find out the truth. As Chloe wades into dangerous waters and Mason's past emerges, a chilling question ripples to the surface: how far would you go to keep a secret?
Tell Me Why by Archie Roach
‘There are many Australian stories, and mine is just one about what happened to me and other First Peoples of this country. It’s important for me to tell my story because it’s not just part of my healing but of this country’s as well. We all have a story and as you read this book I would like you to think of your own story, what that means and who is also a part of your story.’
In his inspirational, highly acclaimed memoir, and including reflections from First Nations Elders and young people, Archie Roach tells the story of his life and his music. Only two when he was forcibly removed from his family, and brought up by a series of foster parents until his early teens, Archie’s world imploded when he received a letter that spoke of a life he had no memory of. It took him almost a lifetime to find out who he really was. Tell Me Why is an unforgettable story of resilience, strength of spirit and hope.
READERS' CUP LADDER
Top readers this year so far are:
