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Palm Sunday Prayer
Lord, you set your face towards Jerusalem and walked alongside those who suffer.
Be our vision that we too may walk the way of the cross and extend a hand to those we meet.
You stopped to heal the sick, cure the lame and give sight to the blind.
Be our vision that we too may give time to others and respond to their needs.
You said, "The first shall be last and the last first."
Be our vision that we too may work towards your kingdom when the exalted will be brought low and the lowly exalted.
You ate with tax collectors and sinners and heard their stories.
Be our vision that we too may listen to the despised and rejected and value their lives.
You took time to pray and time to be silent.
Be our vision that through our prayers, fasting and almsgiving we too may draw closer to you and find your way.
Lord, you entered Jerusalem with peace in your heart.
Be our vision that we too may desire peace where others desire war.
Annabel Shilson-Thomas
“Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the period in which we commemorate the last days of Jesus, his final meal with his friends, his trial, his carrying of the cross, his death on Calvary and his rising from the dead. On Palm Sunday, branches are blessed as a reminder of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as a celebrity. His entry into the city was in stark contrast to the way he left on the following Friday.
The fact that Jesus was hailed as a king while he rode a donkey says a lot about Jesus’ attitude to power. The notice on his cross identified him as a king. Pilate’s words were meant to be ironic but Christians have come to understand that, for Jesus, power and authority are inseparable from humility and suffering. The branches blessed on Sunday are burnt to provide ashes for Ash Wednesday next year: the life a faith is a cycle. As we prepare to celebrate Easter, we are already thinking about the beginning of the next Lent. Lent and Easter, grief and joy, hard times and good times, walk hand in hand in every life of faith.”
Michael McGirr: Finding God’s Traces
Thank You
Whilst there is one week of term left, this is our final newsletter for Term 1. I’d like to thank students, staff and families for your support and hard work throughout what has been a very good but busy term. Many thanks for everything and I hope that you find time for rest, fun and time with family and friends during the upcoming holidays.
As we enter Holy week, may the blessings of this time and the joys of Easter be God’s gifts to each of you.
Harmony Day
On Friday we celebrated Harmony Day at the school. Thank you to Ms Liberatore and all the Student Leaders for organising a week that raised of awareness, helped to build community and was lots of fun.
A sense of the day was captured well by Cayden Aguila (School Captain) in his end of Harmony Day announcement.
In light of today’s Harmony Day celebration the student leadership team would like to make the following announcement.
Harmony day is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, and the harmonious integration of migrants from across all parts of the world into the community. It is a day full of inclusiveness, respect and to create a sense belonging for all to feel, regardless of cultural or linguistic background.
Our cultural diversity here at CRC St Albans is one of our greatest strengths and is at the heart of who we are. This is what makes our school and our country such a wonderful place to live. Here at CRC St. Albans we embrace many different cultures with fellow students from all across the world.
We embrace harmony through our school motto “Love one another as I have loved you'', our school song “Let us build a house where love can dwell” and the school theme for 2021 “Hear the cry of the poor, hear the cry of the earth” as they focus on the importance of accepting one another and especially those who are less fortunate than we are. We aspire to accept our differences to make others feel welcomed, loved and to have a sense of belonging.
Take the time over the weekend to look around your community. Be grateful for just how fortunate we are to be elevated by so many different cultures and be thankful for each and every person who surrounds.
With this we come to the conclusion that it is an honour to be a part of this school community and we wish you all a happy Harmony weekend.
Final Day: Term 1
The final for Term 1 is Thursday 01 April (Holy Thursday).
School will finish at the normal time of 3.10pm. As classes will have a number of assessments due, it is important that students are only absent if they are ill.
First Day: Term 2
Students return to school for the beginning of Term 2 on Monday 19 April 2021. This will be Day 6 of our timetable.
I ask that students make a note of this in their diaries and ensure they bring the appropriate materials for this day. There should be no excuses about incorrect books or uniform for the day.
Uniform
From the beginning of Term 2 all students will need to be in full winter uniform. This includes wearing the blazer to homeroom each morning, and the wearing of the school tie for both boys and girls. The uniform policy and requirements are in the Student Diary.
The holidays provide a good opportunity for families to check uniform items, to buy school shoes if these are needed, to let down hems if the kilt is too short, to mend PE uniforms that have been worn etc… There’s really no excuse for students not being in full uniform at the beginning of term. I ask the support of families in this matter.
Term 1 2021
| Tuesday 30 March | SACCSS Interschool Swimming |
| Thursday 01 April | Final Day Term 1 (Holy Thursday) |
Term 2 2021
| Monday 19 April | First day Term 2 (Day 6 Timetable) |
| Thursday 22 April | Student Parent Teacher meetings (online) |
| Monday 26 April | School Photos (re-scheduled from earlier in the year) |
| Wednesday 28 April | Year 7 Premier League starts |
| Tuesday 04 May | SACCSS Interschool Cross Country |
| Monday 10 May | Staff Planning Day (no classes) |
| 11 May – 21 May | NAPLAN online testing |
| 13 May – 14 May | Outdoor Education Camp |
| Thursday 20 May | Immersion Day (Years 8 and 10) |
| Friday 28 May | Feast Day |
| Monday 14 June | Queen’s Birthday Holiday (No Classes) |
| 07 June – 15 June | Years 9 and 10 exams |
| Wednesday 16 June | Correction Day / Report Preparation (No Classes) |
| Friday 25 June | Final Day Term 2 |
Reflections on Yr 7& Yr 8 School Mass
On the 10th March we held our Opening School Mass for Year 7 and Year 8 students. For our Year 7 students it was the first time they had participated in a Catholic Regional College St Albans Mass, and for many the experience had quite an impact.
Here are some of their reflections.
CRC St Albans school mass helps me learn more about faith and to come in solidarity to praise God.
Aurelius Yr 7
My personal experiences with the school liturgy so far has been pretty positive as I have learnt how we should listen to the cry of the poor which I wouldn’t have learned otherwise which has made me a better person.
Steven Yr 7
At CRC St Albans the use of drama, art, music, dance, movement, and symbols are used to enhance prayer.
Amish Yr 7
The experience was interesting and entertaining as it was the first time going to the mass,since we started high school. It was also an amazing event in my high school life.
Anshi Yr 7
Year 7 Reflection Day
This Friday our Year 7 students will be taking some time out to reflect on what it means to be peaceful people. The students will be working in small groups and exploring how Jesus found and promoted peace.
Interim Reports and Student/Parent/Teacher Interviews
Interim Reports will be accessible through the Parent Access Module (PAM) on Wednesday 21st April.
Student/Parent/Teacher interviews will be conducted online, running from 10:00 am – 7:30pm on Thursday 22nd April. Students will not be required at school and classes will not run to enable all students and families to connect with their Pastoral Care teachers.
Families are asked to complete an online booking through the Parent Access Module by Sunday 18th April. The booking system will be available from Monday 29th March through the College website or the SIMON Everywhere App.
We look forward to meeting with all our families and students to discuss their academic progress, achievement and goals.
Year 11 2022 at CRC SYDENHAM
Academic Testing compulsory for all Year 10 2021 students.
Date: Saturday 24 April 2021
Venue: Catholic Regional College Sydenham
Time: 8.30am until 12.30pm
SHAPE Corner
Health Club
Our CRC St Albans Health Club program is back for 2021. We have had students from Year 9 and 10 taking part in fitness sessions under the expert guidance of Matt Cini and Sharon Smith both Personal Trainers based at CRC Fit.
Students have spent the first few sessions working on establishing a base fitness and will continue to participate in the program every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm.
If students or families have any questions about the CRC St Albans Health Club Program, please do not hesitate to speak to Mr. Dale Marshall.
Year 10 Outdoor Education Snorkelling Excursion to Queenscliff
As part of outdoor education my class went snorkelling at Port Phillip Bay, just off Queenscliff. Our activities included snorkelling at ‘Popes Eye’ and with the seals at ‘Chinamans Hat’. We also participated in a ‘crab walk’ along the shore of a conservation reserve. It was incredible to be able to be up close and see the giant stingrays (about 1.5 metres wide) and seals in their natural environment instead of an artificial habitat in a tank. It was also amazing to be able to see the plants up close and see how large they are. It felt amazing to be able to see the marine life up close and be able to swim with them. It was terrifying when I first jumped into the water, because I didn’t know what to expect, however the wetsuits kept me afloat and I could enjoy my time in the water. It was also scary seeing the giant stingrays moving across the bottom of the ocean floor, but it was an amazing sight to see. This trip has taught me that it’s good to give things a go, so you don’t regret doing it later. If I had let my fear of the ocean get the best of me, then I wouldn’t have gotten to see the marine animals up close or see the beautiful things the ocean has to offer.
Written by Michelle D'Rozario
SHAPE Word of the Week - LEADERSHIP
Definition: Having vision, organising and leading people.
For example: A student raised their hand up (showing initiative) to lead the class in a warm-up activity.
Synonyms: guidance, direction, initiative, influence.
Food for thought: How are you developing your leadership skills?
Volleyball Tournament Champions
On Sunday 21st of March 2021, six Year 10 students and a former CRC St Albans student competed in the U15s Summer Lightning Volleyball Championship held at Maribyrnong College.
These students were also the SACCS Year 8 Boys Volleyball Champions of 2019. Schools and clubs around Melbourne such as Heidelberg, Maribyrnong and Daylesford participated in the tournament which consisted of 3 regular games, a semi-final and finals. All teams played very well with some close calls, but it was with the guidance of coach (Damien Le) that led the boys to finishing with a perfect 5 straight wins without losing a set.
We would like to congratulate them on their hard work and efforts that they put towards the sport and we wish them all the best for future tournaments.
Congratulations to: Damien Le: Coach (past student), Leo Thinh, Ryan Tran & Aiden Dang (10 Chisholm), Christian Tapuala-Unasa & Leon Truong (10 O'Connell), Gabriel Montes De Oca (10 Mackillop), Matthew Le (Suzanne Cory High school).
Written by Aiden Dang
My name is Christian Tapuala-Unasa and I am a Sports Captain for Reis House.
Volleyball Tournament
The Sports Captains have been organising events during lunch time for students to participate in, particularly sport related. We have been hosting a Volleyball tournament for the Year 9s and Year 7s to compete in to gain points for their House. Next term will be Year 8s and Yr 10s playing Volleyball.
SACCSS Interschool Swimming Carnival
The SACCSS Interschool Swimming Carnival is being held on Tuesday 30th of March for students who have signed up for this event.
SACCSS Cross Country
Cross-Country is underway with training happening every Thursday after school.
Yr 7 Premier League
The best of luck to all the Year 7s who will be competing in Premier League from Term 2, Week 2. Training starts next week on Wednesday 31st March.
William’s House Cup points update
Current points tally is:
| 1. Corbett (52) | 2. O'Reilly (29) | 3. Guelen (20) | 4. Reis (19) |
Thank you to all the students who have participated to earn points for their House. Special thanks to Mr Quinn who helped us organise the Volleyball tournaments as well as Miss Jurcec and Miss Liberatore for keeping us updated and always on the ball.
Stay safe and clean.
Announcing the Cast of Little Shop of Horrors…
Lead Actors
Audrey – Ana Markic
Seymour:
Act One - Caelen Khoo
Act Two - John Santiago
Ronette – Sacreana Ulugia Sa’ena
Crystal - Dayanara Nuez
Chiffon - Danielle Villamor
Dentist (Orin) - Evan Barisic
Mr Mushnik - Theodore Gatt
Audrey II – Voice - Christian Tapuala-Unasa
Ensemble
Tri Truong
Sammy Zogheib – Student Director
Sasha Bangit
Claretta Rock
Ruby Nguyen
Kathleen Nguyen
Liev Limit
Liam Lim-It
Laeisha Catayong
Izabella Abdulahad
Amadeus Wejak
Phillip Nguyen
Jamie Fernando
Ethan Doan
Hoang-Quan Tran
Liam Micallef
Tommy Pham
Audrey Gerada
Violet Lutar
Maya Pion
Jayden Attard
Jenny Pham
Vy Trinh
Melisa Nguyen
Jasmine Grech
Macdalene Kaiser
Dancers
Arwen Godino
Anass Zaki
Sara Ajang
Maddison Mavrogenis
Vicky Huynh
Charlotte Gerada
Aluel Ajak
Alual Aweng
Shareen Dhillon
Mia Michael
Mia Callanan
Tiffany Georgiou
Kaitlyn Ragland
Backstage Crew
Dustin Nguyen
Kevin Pham
Aurelius Catayong
Lihnah Pham
Corey Dang
Jessica Tran
Band Members
Roger Louis – Keyboard 2
Congratulations to all students! We have begun the rehearsal process and the show is already shaping up to be an amazing performance for all.
This week, the Social Justice Team would like to introduce themselves and say hello to the CRC St Albans community.
Audrey GeradaYear 8 Social Justice leaderPrimary school you attended: St Peter Chanel Primary School One interesting fact about yourself: I love to do a variety of sports and I’m a twin, which creates healthy competition. What are your hopes/dreams for 2021: I hope that I can bring a positive approach towards the year. I hope to encourage others through their learning and work hard on my role as a Social Justice leader. I also want to be as helpful as I can be and have a strong work ethic when bringing my ideas forward. I want to be a role model for younger students and I want to help their voices be heard. Advice for the new year 7's as they begin their journey into secondary school: Coming from a very different Year 7, being online for half of the year, I suggest you take in each moment and put your hand up for as many opportunities as you can. Year 7 goes by fast so enjoy and savor every moment of it. It really was amazing for the few months I spent at school and one of the most important things is to create friendships and stay out of trouble because it’s not worth it. How they can find you if they'd like to introduce themselves/chat etc: You can find me at the tables and chairs near the pond at breaks, you can also find me near the stage. Plus I am also a red head so that nails it down a bit but please come and find me if you have any questions, ideas or if you just want someone to talk to. Anything else you would like the community to know? I am always here to help with anything and if you do need help please come and find me. I am pretty good with advice and I’m happy to talk. |
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Name: Amadeus Wejak Year Level: Year 9 Leadership role: Social Justice Captain Primary school you attended: Sacred Heart Primary School One interesting fact about yourself: This is my second time being a Social Justice Captain. What are your hopes/dreams for 2021: I hope to benefit the community around CRC St Albans through the social justice council. Advice for the new year 7's as they begin their journey into secondary school: My advice is to build a strong work ethic, and to feel comfortable to build the foundation for your studies in the years to come. How they can find you if they'd like to introduce themselves/chat etc. I will always be around to help if need be. |
Name: Reuben Ambrose Rock Year Level: 10 O’Connell Leadership role: Social Justice Captain Primary school you attended: St. Paul’s Kealba Catholic Primary School One interesting fact about yourself: I like creating stuff. What are your hopes/dreams for 2021: My hopes and dreams for 2021 are to create an impact in the school and hopefully in the wider community. I want to encourage students to care for the people and the environment around them. As a social justice leader, I am required to be a pioneer for the voiceless and for those who need it the most. I wish not only to be a problem seeker but also a problem solver and try to better the community and school. Advice for the new year 7's as they begin their journey into secondary school: My advice to the Year 7's is to be brave and take challenges and don’t be scared. You have to make what you do now count because the future is unknown, so seize the moment before it's too late because it may never rise again. And if you are scared it's fine, it happens to everyone but just know that you will have your friends the teachers support in whatever decision you make. (Also you can get a cool pin to put on your blazer). How they can find you if they'd like to introduce themselves/chat etc. You can find me at my email reubenr@crcstalbans.com.au and at the stage at both lunch and recess. Anything else you would like the community to know? Hopefully this year will be better than 2020. Deuteronomy 31:6, Feel free to contact me. |
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Name: Yania Saleem Year Level: 10 O’Connell Leadership role: Social Justice Captain Primary school you attended: St. Matthews Primary School One interesting fact about yourself: I speak 3 different languages. What are your hopes/dreams for 2021: My hopes and dreams for 2021 are to make sure the school is a safe environment for everyone. I want to influence and inspire people to be involved in more activities. I want to help the poor and those in need as much as I can. Advice for the new year 7's as they begin their journey into secondary school: My advice to the Year 7's is to make a lot of friends, study hard and enjoy every moment of being a Year 7. It might seem like one year is a lot of time but time goes by so fast and before you know it you'll be in Year 10 writing some advice for the future Year 7s. Make sure to involve yourself in a lot of activities, and keep pushing yourself. Have a great time, be kind, and create the best memories in CRC St Albans. How they can find you if they'd like to introduce themselves/chat etc. If you have any questions or anything you can contact me on: Email: yanias@crcstalbans.com.au instagram : yania_saleem Anything else you would like the community to know? Don't focus on what people think of you, focus on what you think of yourself. |
THE MENTAL HEALTH CORNER
Mind Power
Mind power is the strongest and most useful power we possess. Mind power comprises our attention, mental images, and thoughts. This power can create success or failure, happiness or unhappiness, opportunities or obstacles. The thoughts that occupy our minds are responsible for almost everything that happens in our lives.
Our thoughts shape our lives.
However, not all thoughts are the same. Weak thoughts that we use once or twice do not represent much. In contrast, powerful thoughts that we repeat multiple times become engrained in our minds and influence our behaviour and attitude, defining our actions and reactions, and shaping our reality.
Our attention, interest, and associated emotions make thoughts powerful.
The problem is that most of us go through life taking little notice of our thinking processes, failing to notice that our brains tend to focus on the negative side of life to the detriment of the positive.
For example:
It is quite common that when we face challenging times, struggle to achieve our goals, and make mistakes, we tend to play back the most detrimental experiences of our lives.
The automatic narrative in our heads immediately jump to ideas like: “I have no chance.” “I can’t achieve that.” “I am not good enough.” Why should I even try?” “I am a failure.”
If we decide to pay much attention to those thoughts, they will trigger intense unpleasant emotions (e.g. sadness, anger, frustration, distress) and awkward mental images (e.g. humiliating and disastrous scenarios) that in turn will reinforce the negative ideas.
Consequently, we get trapped in the negative loop wasting our precious time and energy dramatizing our problems and miseries rather than looking for solutions.
Changing our mind.
How different our lives would be if instead of focusing on our flaws, we turn our attention to the qualities that make us better human beings. We need to learn to recall those moments when we excelled and succeeded. So, we can visualise how to do it again.
With positive images in our mind, we will be certain that even when we experience struggles and problems, they will not define us or our lives.
Students, parents, and carers can contact the Psychology Service via email.
psychologist@crcstalbans.com.au
Reference: https://www.uspm.com/practice-the-power-of-positive-thinkinguite common that when we face challenging times, struggle to achieve our goals, and make mistakes, we tend to play back the most detrimental experiences of our lives.
The automatic narrative in our heads immediately jump to ideas like: “I have no chance.” “I can’t achieve that.” “I am not good enough.” Why should I even try?” “I am a failure.”
If we decide to pay much attention to those thoughts, they will trigger intense unpleasant emotions (e.g. sadness, anger, frustration, distress) and awkward mental images (e.g. humiliating and disastrous scenarios) that in turn will reinforce the negative ideas.
Consequently, we get trapped in the negative loop wasting our precious time and energy dramatizing our problems and miseries rather than looking for solutions.
Changing our mind.
How different our lives would be if instead of focusing on our flaws, we turn our attention to the qualities that make us better human beings. We need to learn to recall those moments when we excelled and succeeded. So, we can visualise how to do it again.
With positive images in our mind, we will be certain that even when we experience struggles and problems, they will not define us or our lives.
Students, parents, and carers can contact
the Psychology Service via email:
psychologist@crcstalbans.com.au
Reference: https://www.uspm.com/practice-the-power-of-positive-thinking
SCHOOL FEES
All families would have received their school fee statements by now. If you have not received your statement please contact the office immediately.
School Fees can be paid directly into our School Bank Account:
Catholic Regional College St Albans.
BSB: 083-347
A/c. No. 6909 17667 along with your Account Code as Reference. Eg: 151021
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 an eligible card please bring in your card to the office as soon as possible.
If total fees are paid before 25th June 2021 you will be entitled to a $100 discount per family.
Reminder to families that Term 1 fees are due before the end of this term (Thursday 1st April 2021).
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
Crossed Spaces - Short Stories in Other Worlds by Lynne Stringer and R.A. Stephens
A handsome clockmaker fixes a broken time machine to help a cursed lady. A young scientist betrays his people to protect an alien species. A girl bonds with her new technological helper and sees in him a personality and a soul. A boy finds his whole life changing when his best friend writes in a mysterious notebook. A crew aboard a settlement spaceship discover that sleeping passengers have gone missing.
Come on a journey of exploration with aliens, spacecrafts, bewildering technology and even ghosts. There’s friendship, strong families and romance. In these seventeen stories humanity is pushed to its limit and forced to question what is most important in life.
Please Don't Hug Me by Kay Kerr
A funny-serious own-voices story about what happens when you stop trying to be the person other people expect you to be and give yourself a go.
Erin is looking forward to Schoolies, at least she thinks she is. But things are not going to plan. Life is getting messy, and for Erin, who is autistic, that's a big problem. She's lost her job at Surf Zone after an incident that clearly was not her fault. Her driving test went badly even though she followed the instructions perfectly. Her boyfriend is not turning out to be the romantic type. And she's missing her brother, Rudy, who left almost a year ago.
But now that she's writing letters to him, some things are beginning to make just a tiny bit of sense.
All Library books borrowed between now and the holidays, can be returned after after the holidays.
READERS' CUP LADDER
