Holy Mary, Mother of God,

Pray for us.

All holy angels and archangels,

Pray for us.

All disciples, apostles and evangelists,

Pray for us.

All holy priests and religious persons,

Pray for us.

All holy martyrs,

Pray for us.

All holy men and women,

Pray for us.

St Mary of the Cross,

Pray for us.

St Patrick, patron of our Archdiocese,

Pray for us.

St Alban

Pray for us.

St Oscar Romero and St Pope Paul VI, newly canonised,

Pray for us. 

May we be inspired by the words of great saints.

May we be inspired by the actions of great saints.

May we aspire to be modern-day saints.

Amen.

Today is the Feast of All Saints. Up until yesterday, the signs of Halloween were everywhere in our supermarkets and shopping centres. However, Halloween actually has little to do with monsters, pumpkins or spider webs. It is a shortening of the words, All Hallows-Evening, the night before All Saints Day (or All Hallows Day).

The feasts of All Saints (1 November) and All Souls (2 November) are important feasts in the life of the Church. The days remind us that the Church is a community – a communion – of all the faithful, both in this world and beyond. All Saints and All Souls invites us to remember those who have walked before us; all the holy men and women, acclaimed and anonymous, who have truly lived the gospel, in their time and place, and are now at peace in heaven.

Saints are an interesting bunch. Some of their stories are gory and grisly, especially those of the early martyrs. Others are known for their patience and persistence, for quiet heroism and for ordinary lives lived well. There are saints who have founded great religious orders whilst others simply cooked for their community all their lives. There are saints who went to war and those who died for peace. There are saints who challenged the Church and others who have been thinkers and theologians. There are saints who were hermits and others who, like St Teresa of Kolkata are known across the world for their good works. Some are named but many are unknown. They could be people we have known.

On All Saints Day we pray for all saints

and thank God for the lives they have lived

and the example they provide for us.

On All Souls Day and throughout November,

we remember our loved ones who have died.

(With acknowledgment to Anne Rennie)

CRC takes wicking beds to the world.

A group of very talented, enthusiastic and imaginative Year 7 students represented the College at the Melbourne Water ‘Kids teaching Kids’ conference and at the CEM STEM showcase. The team researched, designed and made a wicking bed prototype. A wicking bed has been described as a ‘self-watering pot on steroids’. It’s an ingenious system for the effective watering of raised garden beds and efficient use of water.

I was very lucky to see our students in action at the STEM showcase which involved participants setting up a stall and ‘selling’ their products to a range of visitors and other exhibitors. It was an impressive presentation. The students were confident, articulate and showed great understanding of their product and the sustainability issues it was designed to address.

We were delighted when their work was acknowledged with the Archbishop’s award for Social Justice.

The students are now leading the design and making of wicking beds in Year 7 STEM classes.

Thank you to Hayden O’Doherty for his time and hard work in mentoring the group and congratulations to Genevieve Durand Deslongrais, Tien Nguyen, Victoria Olatunbosun, Reuben Rock, Alessio Singarella, Martina Tran and Tri Truong who represented our school so well.

Young Researchers in Action

Some of our student leaders have been involved in the City of Brimbank Young Researchers project. With leaders from a number of schools in the local area, they had the opportunity to work with Molly Jones from Brimbank Youth Services and Dr.Monica Thielking from Swinburne University, to design and implement a research project. The research reports were presented to the Mayor of Brimbank, Margaret Giudice, a number of councillors and school representatives last week.

The presentations from all schools were of a very high quality and confirmed the importance of involving young people by providing them with the opportunity to present their views and opinions to Council, and to influence decisions which affect them. Brimbank hopes to establish a Youth Council in the not too distant future.

Our team researched the understanding of harmony within our community and developed a number of recommendations on how this might be enhanced. It was an impressive piece of work that developed some very good recommendations. The team will now present their project and findings to staff.

Thank you to Emma van Wees for all she has done to support this initiative at our school. Congratulations to Dennis Truong, Jasmine-Jade Bui, Rhanel Hao, Hayley Nguyen, Danika Alwyn and Awer Makuach.

40^th Anniversary Celebration

Last Sunday we welcomed back former students and staff to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the College. Laughter, reminiscing over memorabilia and many, many stories (some embellished) were the order of the day. The old brown uniform, Gavaghan’s yard, the original toilet block, the day Shirl’s Neighbourhood came to the school and the best places to play downball were all topics that were trending well on the afternoon. Many spoke of the positive impact that the College has had on their lives, and that returning felt like coming home.

On behalf of the whole community, I would like to thank Ms Laura Cioccia for all her work in leading the organisation of the 40^th anniversary celebrations. Her deep sense of hospitality and the ability to create a space for people to mingle at ease is a gift, and has contributed much to our celebrations throughout the year. Thank you to Sr. Sylvia Williams and Mr. Brian O’Loughlin (former Principals), Fr John O’Reilly, and Michael Gerada, Carol Borg and Margaret O’Neill (former students) for sharing their memories in the Q and A panel.

Lastly, thank you to Ms Angie Robinson for her tireless work in gathering and exhibiting the memorabilia collected over the years, to the choir and student leaders who were gracious and welcoming hosts, and to all the staff and students who helped set up for the day. All your work was very much appreciated.

SHAPE Week

Last week we enjoyed Health and PE week at the College. The week focussed on getting us moving more and raised awareness of the importance of living an active and healthy life. From skipping ropes to staff vs students volleyball, from 3 on 3 Basketball to sports trivia it has been a great week. Thank you to Mr. Dale Marshall and the Sport, PE and Health staff for their enthusiasm, energy and hard work.

Year 12 Graduation CRC Sydenham

On Friday 19 October, the Year 12 students finished classes and in the evening celebrated the conclusion of their secondary education with mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. As a school community we can be very proud of these young people and all they’ve achieved throughout their time at CRC. Their first day in Year 7 seems only yesterday. Thank you to all the staff, both here and at Sydenham, who’ve worked with them and supported them to this point.

The students are now fully focussed on preparing for their final exams which began with English yesterday. I ask that you keep them and their teachers in your thoughts and prayers at this very important time.

Images 2018

Families are reminded that Images exhibition opens from 6.30pm tonight (Thursday 1 November). Please come and view students’ work in the Arts and Technology.

Cup Weekend

Families are reminded that there are no classes on Monday 5 or Tuesday 6 November.

The break provides students with the opportunity to prepare for the final weeks of Term 4. It is a good time to catch up on work and to do some exam revision.

Ready, Set, Go…..

Inter house Athletics - Tomorrow - Friday 2 November

Permissions slips are back, training is complete, all the equipment is ready for loading on to buses and we are ready for tomorrow’s Inter-house Athletics carnival. Best wishes to everyone who is competing for their House.

Hopefully it will be fine but should it be raining it will be a normal school day, Day 10 of the timetable.

Families are very welcome to join us for part, or all of the day. The Keilor Athletics track is located near the Keilor Basketball Stadium.

Keilor Athletics Track

Stadium Drive

Keilor Park  3042

Since our last newsletter…..

Over and above the day to day activities of the school since our last newsletter students, families and staff have participated in the following:

• Year 8 Premier League
• Sport, Health and PE week
• Guelen Week
• Melbourne Water Kids teaching Kids conference
• Catholic Education Melbourne STEM Showcase
• Music Production workshops
• Brimbank Young Researchers project

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.

Term 4 Uniform

From next Wednesday, 7 November, all students will need to be in full summer uniform.

CRC St Albans re-enrolment forms are due tomorrow

Friday 2 November, 2018

Year 11 2020 - Enrolment information evening

Date:

Monday 26 November 2018

Location:

Catholic Regional College Sydenham

380 Sydenham Road, SYDENHAM 3037

Tours of the College

6.00pm, 6.15pm and 6.30pm

Multipurpose Hall
                
Information Session for all families

7.00pm 

If you have any queries please contact Gina Zumbo,

Principal’s Secretary at the College on 9361 0000.

A reminder to families that all school fees should be paid in full before 7 December 2018. 

School Fees can be paid directly into our School Bank Account: Catholic Regional College St Albans.  BSB: 083-347 Account number: 6909 17667 along with your Account Code as Reference (SEE THE ILLUSTRATION BELOW).

Families are encouraged to contact the office to set up arrangements for 2019 School Fees and the (CSEF) Camps Sports and Excursions Fund 2019.

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 (29 January 2019) or term two (23 April 2019).

If you have any concerns regarding School Fees

please contact Ms Ross on 93662544.

Newsletter Days for Term 4 2018 are due on the following dates:

Friday 16 November

Thursday 29 November

Wednesday 19 December (mailed home)

The newsletter can also be accessed on Friday mornings (Day 10) on the College website at http://www.crcstalbans.catholic.edu.au

Last week our school community celebrated Sport, Health and PE Week with students and staff getting actively involved in a variety of activities during class, recess, lunch-time and after school.

As always it was the efforts of many hands working together to ensure a fun filled week. On behalf of the school leadership team, I would like to thank the Health and PE Team and a special mention to Emma Van Wees and our House Captains for assisting with the many activities and ensuring a positive and active atmosphere.

Congratulations to all students and staff who participated in the activities and well done to our 2018 SHAPE Week Winners. Can all winners please see Mr. D Marshall to collect your prize.

Sport Trivia Winners

• Isabel Jankovic – 8 Edison
• Delvana Dorbor - 9 Hughes
• John Abuan – 10 Little

Jump Rope Winners

• Year 7 and 8 – Rejoyce Modi = 175 jumps
• Year 9 and 10 – Tammy Le = 109 jumps
• Staff – Mr Quinn = 130 jumps

3-on-3 Basketball Winners

• Majok Majok
• Deng Dout
• Yogan Jerue

A massive week for STEM students!

Last Tuesday October 23^rd, the Year 9 and 10 SRC members attended Brimbank City Council to present a research report that they worked on throughout the duration of this year. These Year 9 and 10 SRC members have been participating in the 2018 Brimbank Young Researchers Program ran by Brimbank Young Services. Held over one day each term, the SRC members learnt about the concept of action research and research ethics, and completed their own research project called ‘Harmony in our School’. If you would like to read the report, copies are available from the school office.

The Brimbank Young Researchers Program was truly an unforgettable and educational experience. The sessions we took part in taught me skills such as ways to effectively collect data and writing a report. This program also exposed me to the broader Brimbank Council Community and allowed me to work with others and form meaningful relationships. Overall, I hope to potentially be involved in a variety of programs just like this in the future. – Hayley Nguyen

I enjoyed this program because it showed me a new style of transcribing and collecting data. It taught me new skills I hope to use in the future. I gained a lot of knowledge about the Brimbank Council and how they work around youths and the community. I hope to join the Sydenham Youth Council program in the future. – Awer Makuach

Above: Year 10 SRC Member’s Awer, Hayley and Danika creating the projects research questions.

Above: CRC St Albans Year 9 and 10 SRC member’s Dennis Truong, Jasmine-Jade Bui, Rhanel Hao, Hayley Nguyen, Danika Alwyn and Awer Makuach with Brimbank Council Mayor Margaret Giudice.

November 1 is all Saints Day and we take some time out to remember someone who recently acquired the title of Sainthood; Oscar Romero.

Oscar Romero was the Archbishop of San Salvador from 1977 until he was assassinated in 1980. He became increasingly outspoken about human rights violations in El Salvador – particularly after the murder of his close friend Father Rutilio Grande in March 1977.

During his three years as archbishop, Romero repeatedly denounced violence and spoke out on behalf of the victims of the civil war. In a time of heavy press censorship, his weekly radio broadcasts which were supported by Caritas organisations were often the only way people could find out the truth about the atrocities that were happening in their country. Caritas organisations helped rebuild the station when it was blown up. 

“Let my blood be a seed of freedom."

- Oscar Romero

Archbishop Romero was shot dead on 24 March 1980, aged 62, while celebrating Mass. In the ensuing decade, some 70,000 Salvadorans were killed in the civil war. 

Romero is an inspirational figure to hundreds of millions of Catholics around the world. He didn’t simply talk about the need to love your neighbour, but courageously named the injustices that plagued his country. He reminded us that Christ is found in people living in poverty, and that we cannot ignore the suffering of our brothers and sisters in need.

READERS CUP CHALLENGE

Congratulations to 10 McAuley for moving up one place on the Cup Ladder.

All other placings remain the same.

. . . KEEP READING

NEW READS . . .

The Bogan Mondrian

 By Steven Herrick 

‘There are worse things than school.’
Luke sleepwalks through his days wagging school, swimming at the reservoir and eating takeaway pizza.  That is until Charlotte shows up.
Rumour is she got expelled from her city school and her family moved to the Blue Mountains for a fresh start.
But when Luke’s invited to her house, he discovers there’s a lot more going on than meets the eye.

CRC 40th CELEBRATION LIBRARY DISPLAYS

Come along and join in the festivities at our annual "CRC CELEBRATES!"

Includes the Opening Night of our annual Images art exhibition. On the night the coveted Brian O'Louglin Award will be awarded to students for their outstanding work in The Arts. EXHIBITION OPENING: 6.30PM in the College Hall.

Key Dates Term 4 2018

Thursday 1 November:

Opening night Images 2018 Art Exhibition

Friday 2 November:

Inter-house Athletic Carnival

5 & 6 November:

Cup Weekend Break (Students are not required at school.)

21/11 – 28/11:

Year 9 and 10 exams

Wednesday 28 November:

Year 10 final day of classes / picnic

Thursday 29 November:

Year 10 Graduation mass

Friday 30 November:

Correction Day

3/12 – 7/12:

Year 11 Orientation Program – CRC Sydenham

Thursday 6 December:

Year 7 & 8 Ball Sports / Year 9 Trinity

Friday 7 December:

Final day for Years 7 – 9 students

Wednesday 19 December:

School office closes.