Advent begins….

Lord, we are so often overwhelmed by

the busyness of this time of the year.

O come Emmanuel,

come into our hearts

and show us by your light

the beauty of your way of love.

We are your people, Lord,

and we are waiting for your return.

Come Lord Jesus.

Amen.

Sunday marks the beginning of Advent; the beginning of a new Church year and a time of anticipation and preparation. At this time of the year we are very familiar with the sense of waiting and preparing. We are waiting for the end of the school year and preparing for next year; we are waiting for the holidays and preparing for Christmas. We talk about Advent as a time of waiting and preparing for the coming of Jesus. However, another way of looking at Advent might be to see it as a time when God is waiting for us. As we rush around and worry about little things, God is actually close by, waiting for us to ‘wake up’ to the fact that we are not alone.

As our opening prayer reminds us, December can be overwhelmingly busy. We need to take care that the very busyness of this time does not distract us from living an Advent season that truly prepares us for Christmas; for the peace, joy and hope that this season brings. I pray that in the next few weeks, you will find time to simply sit and spend time with God who is waiting, and that you are blessed with the space to watch, wait and prepare for the birthday of Christ.

Catherine McAuley Pins

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

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

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

These words of Catherine McAuley capture well the spirit of our McAuley awards and the qualities we look for in the recipients. At CRC we encourage young people to be generous with their time and gifts; to look beyond themselves to the needs of others and to work for the common good. They are called to be responsible, compassionate and active citizens who know that they can make a difference, even if it is only one small step at a time. 

Throughout the year students have many opportunities to be involved in learning beyond the classroom and to contribute to the community. This happens through service, leadership, fundraising, sport, the Arts, extension programs and clubs.  I’d like to thank all students for the way they’ve participated and been involved in 2022.

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

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2022 Catherine McAuley pin. You are indeed people who make a difference and your willingness to lead, challenge, put in and to be part of things is very much appreciated. Thank you.

Recipients of this year’s pins are listed at the end of the newsletter.

Long Tan Leadership Award

Each year the Australian Defence Force (ADF) provides a scholarship to recognise a Year 10 student who demonstrates outstanding leadership and teamwork within the school and in the broader community. This student must also demonstrate strong values such as respect for others, always striving to do their best. Congratulations to Ana Markic who is this year’s recipient of the Long Tan Leadership Award.

Future Innovators Award

In recent years the ADF has introduced a second award to recognise students who achieve excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The award celebrates innovation, critical thinking and problem solving. Congratulations to Claretta Rock who is this year’s recipient of the Future Innovators award.

Ampol All Rounder Award

This award acknowledges a student at Year 7 or 8 for their all-round contribution to the school and the community. This year the award was given to Teresa Marsom (7 Yarra). As well as achieving outstanding academic results, Teresa has been involved in many different aspects of school life throughout the year. Congratulations Teresa. 

Loaves and Fishes Food Bank

A highlight of our final assembly was the presentation of a cheque for $2,600 to the ‘Loaves and Fishes Food Bank’ at Holy Eucharist. Led by Charlie, an amazing group of Food Bank volunteers collects, parcels and distributes 300+ food packages each week. Where possible, produce from our school garden is added or sold to raise funds to purchase food staples like rice.

Our fundraising efforts were led by our Student Leaders. Congratulations to all involved on an outstanding effort.

Year 7 Giving Tree Appeal

Continuing the theme of thinking of others – the Year 7 classes are collecting Christmas gifts to be distributed by St Vincent de Paul. All gifts are welcome. I encourage you to support this very worthwhile work and thank the Year 7 team for leading this initiative.

School Captains 2023

On behalf of the school community I would like to thank our 2022 School Captains: My Nguyen and Calen Khoo, and the Vice Captains: Ana Markic and Alejandro Aceiton for their great work as leaders in our school. Throughout the year they’ve contributed in a very real and practical way to making our school a great place and in ensuring that students ‘have a voice’ on many issues. I thank them for their time, generosity and willingness to serve our community.

It is with great pleasure that I can now announce that our School Captains for 2023 are Audrey Gerada and Roger Louis. Our Captains will be assisted in their role by Janelle Lawang and Evan Barisic who will be Vice Captains. They are a talented and impressive group of young people and I look forward to working with them next year.

Farewell Year 10 2022

At our final assembly and again last night at the Year 10 Graduation we were able to thank Year 10 students for all they have contributed to our community over the last four years.

For all of us, students, families and teachers, Year 10 Graduation always brings mixed emotions, sadness that it’s time to part, trepidation about the unknown future, but most importantly we all feel a deep sense of satisfaction at a job well done. We are farewelling an outstanding group of young people. It has been a real privilege to work with them.

Students begin the next stage of their educational journey at CRC Sydenham on Monday. We wish them well.

End of Year Arrangements for Years 7 - 9

Monday 28 November to Thursday 01 December are normal school days and students are expected to attend in full uniform, with the required books and prepared to finalise their work. Year 9 students will completing their exams during this time.

On Monday 05 December Years 7 and 8 students will enjoy an Activities Day. For Years 7 students it is the last chance to gain points towards the 2022 Williams Cup. Year 9 students will enjoy their final Trinity Day which includes a Race around Melbourne experience.

Details for each activity have been forwarded to families. We ask that families complete permission forms on PAM.

Students in Years 7 – 9 finish school on Tuesday 06 December. They are required to be at school by 8.40am (normal time) and will be dismissed at 12.15pm.

We hope that families will join us for the CRC Community Carols which will be held in the evening of the final day.

Report Preparation Day: Friday 02 December

Years 7 – 9 are not required at school on this day as staff will be marking exams and preparing reports.

Year 8 Premier League

Congratulations to the Year 8 Boys Volleyball team which made the Premier League Grand Final. Whilst they were defeated in the final by Kolbe, the boys showed great sportsmanship, commitment and school spirit throughout the tournament. We are very proud of each of them.

Enrolment for 2023

Enrolment at the College continues automatically from year to year. However, if a student in Years 7, 8 or 9 is not returning in 2023, we ask that families notify us as soon as possible. Please email echalmers@crcstalbans.com.au or ring Eileen Chalmers on 9366 2544 with this information.

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

Recipients of this year’s McAuley pins

Newsletter 

The newsletter is published fortnightly and available online on Day 10 (Friday Week 2).

Newsletter Days for Term 4 2022:           

Fridays:               16 December

New Ways November

Getting absorbed in a new activity is a great way to boost your wellbeing. And when facing challenges, it can really help to take a new perspective or find a new way forward.

Please see attached the New Ways November calendar, which is full of actions to help you keep learning and we encourage you to share it with family and friends.

The important thing is to take action, as small changes can bring significant benefits.

Student Wellbeing Support

Over the next few weeks, students will be completing assessment tasks, tests and exams as they begin to finalise the year. So, it is important that they remember and use the strategies required to help them achieve their best and be their best. Please see a link to Kidshelpline (which was shared with our Year 9’s during Community Homeroom), which provides some great information, strategies and resources to assist students and families during this busy and sometimes stressful time.

Kids Helpline Information

• Exam Stress
• What does exam stress look like?
• Why do people experience exam stress?
• Getting ready to study
• Tips to help while studying
• Ideas for exam day

This a reminder that if a student or family member needs support or has a question, please reach out to your child’s Pastoral Care Teacher or the Year Level Leader.

Top 5 Motivation Boosters

Do you have a PhD in Procrastination? We all struggle to get stuff done sometimes, but all it takes is 5 mins to get some motivation back. Our top 5 motivation tips will help you smash your goals and get back on track.

Please watch the video link for some healthy tips: Top 5 Motivation Boosters

1. Work out your 'why': if you know the benefit of getting the task done, you'll be more motivated to do it.
2. Put a timer on: set a timer for 20 mins and focus solely on the task at hand. Put your phone away and tell yourself you'll procrastinate later.
3. Celebrate the wins: make yourself a 'Ta-da' list where you write down your achievements, no matter how small.
4. Get moving: go for a short walk or do some stretches, it'll help you get inspired.
5. Play music: make a playlist of your fave upbeat songs and listen to them when you need an extra push.

Enrolment for 2023

Enrolment at the College continues automatically from year to year. However, if a student in Years 7, 8 or 9 is not returning in 2023, we ask that families notify us as soon as possible. Please email echalmers@crcstalbans.com.au or ring Eileen Chalmers on 9366 2544 with this information.

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