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Phone: (03) 8099 6000
Email:info@sfcc.vic.edu.au
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The long weekend we just celebrated across Victoria came about due to a protest by a group of Melbourne stonemasons back in 1856. They marched off the job at Melbourne University and headed with colleagues to a Fitzroy pub for a long lunch. In talks shortly after, they won an agreement to work eight hours for the same wage as they previously were paid for 10 hours.
This win for workers is commemorated with a statue in the city near the corner of Russell and Victoria Streets.
Over the years, leaders of the Catholic Church have focussed on the dignity of the worker. The economy must serve people, not the other way around. This concept now embedded in Catholic social teaching has been borne out over the years in numerous writings of Popes:
(The state) “has also the duty to protect the rights of all its people, and particularly of its weaker members, the workers, women and children. It can never be right for the State to shirk its obligation of working actively for the betterment of the condition of the workingman.” John XXIII (Mater et Magistra)
(Jesus became) “like us in all things, devoted most of the years of his life on earth to manual work at the carpenter’s bench.” Saint John Paul II (Laborem Exercens)
“I would like to remind everyone, especially governments engaged in boosting the world’s economic and social assets, that the primary capital to be safeguarded and valued is man, the human person in his or her integrity: man is the source, the focus and the aim of all economic and social life.” Pope Benedict XVI, (Caritas in Veritate).
“Helping the poor financially must always be a provisional solution in the face of pressing needs. The broader objective should always be to allow them a dignified life through work.” Pope Francis (Laudato Si).
Throughout scripture the dignity of work is upheld in many places.
All workers should be paid a just and living wage. (Matthew 20:1-16)
Woe to him who treats his workers unjustly. (Jeremiah 22:13)
The Sabbath is for everyone - all are allowed to rest from their work. (Deuteronomy 5:13-15)
God settles man in the garden of Eden to cultivate and care for it. (Genesis 2:15)
So, if the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected - the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, membership of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative.
If COVID-19 has shown us anything it is that many workers in affluent Australia are underemployed, are in poor paying yet important jobs, such as aged care, cleaning, childcare and food delivery.
Today, do we not have a responsibility to speak up on behalf of these workers who have their dignity trampled on? Surely, we can call out the messages from the scripture, from our popes and our Melbourne stonemasons.
Dear Lord,
We pray for all employers that they recognise in their actions and practices the dignity of all workers. May they be wise and caring regarding those they employ, that they always treat their workers fairly and with compassion. May they be guided by the scriptures and words of our Church leaders.
Amen.
International Women’s Day
On Monday 8 March, the world celebrated International Women’s Day.
In Australia, instead of celebrating women’s achievements, the main narrative seemed to be the toxic culture that has been allowed to develop in Canberra – our nation’s capital.
This national conversation about appropriate conduct amongst our political leaders opens an opportunity for us to have a conversation with our young people.
The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.
One of the great advantages of a coeducational school is the opportunity for our students to develop respectful relationships while they are at school. Our Year 9 Rite journey program, in particular, looks at the media stereotypes of men and women and allows students to discuss the pressures they face as they develop into young adults.
In last Sunday’s gospel, we heard of Jesus talking to not only a Samaritan but a woman at the well. Ín fact, the Samaritans in the time of Jesus were considered less than the Jews and most Jews did not associate with the Samaritans who were considered foreigners. In this clear example of right relationships, Jesus sets aside not only racism but sexism. He offers the woman “living water”.
“Jesus answered her and said: If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ perhaps you might have asked him and he would have given you living water.” John 4:10.
The Samaritan woman begins her encounter with Christ in ignorance but, through conversation, comes to understand who the stranger is that asks for water. This week then, as we reflect on International Women’s Day, let us take the opportunity to discuss with our students, right relationships, the meaning of consent, bystander behaviour and the culture of sexual assault.
Let us as adults continue the dialogue with our young people so that insidious behaviours do not remain unchallenged.
| Dates to remember | |
| Thursday 11 March | Year 12 Information Evening (online) |
| Monday 15 March -Tuesday 16 March | Year 7 camp – Homerooms 7C, 7R, 7D |
| Tuesday 16 March - Wednesday 17 March | Year 7 camp - Homerooms 7A, 7F, 7M |
| Wednesday 17 March - Thursday 18 March | Year 7 camp - Homerooms 7O, 7B, 7J |
| Thursday 18 March | Year 9 Rite Journey Calling and Departure ceremonies (girls and boys) |
| Tuesday 30 March & Wednesday 31 March | Parent Student Teacher Interviews |
| Wednesday 31 March | Final day of Term 1 for students |
View the full College Calendar
Last month, the College farewelled Dan Kelly, who took up a position at St Columba’s College in Essendon. Dan was part of the College community for more than 10 years and will be missed. We wish him well as he starts a new phase of his career.
The College has appointed Jeremy Ly as a Health and Physical Education teacher. Jeremy worked at CRC St Albans as a Learning Support Officer, and this year at Melton Secondary College as a Health and Physical Education teacher. We welcome him to our College community.
Last Thursday (4 March), members of the Leadership Team and Year Level Coordinators acknowledged more 2020 award winners during year level assemblies.
Two students in each homeroom received a Consistent Effort Award for their work during 2020. All were presented with a certificate and a medallion.
The criteria include:
The award winners managed their studies in a particularly challenging year, with many lessons in distance learning mode. Unfortunately, due to time and COVID restraints, we could not present these at our formal assembly in February.
Excellence Certificates were also presented during last week’s assemblies to students who achieved an average of 85% or above in a Semester 2, 2020 subject.
Many students reached this across a range of subjects in last year’s challenging times. This highlights the dedication the students showed towards achievement in their studies.
We congratulate all recipients of our final 2020 Awards.
A Resilience Project webinar to provide you with ways to support your child’s mental health and wellbeing will be held online this evening, Wednesday 10 March, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
The founder of The Resilience Project, Hugh van Cuylenburg, will share his experiences with CRC Melton parents and guardians and combine them with practical strategies that can be implemented every day to improve overall wellbeing.
The Resilience Project delivers emotionally engaging programs to schools, sports clubs and businesses and provides them with evidence-based, practical strategies to build resilience and happiness.
It has delivered programs to more than 1000 Australian schools and worked with many elite sporting teams, including Australian cricket, netball, soccer, NRL and AFL clubs. Through presentations, wellbeing journals, a school’s curriculum, teacher diaries and their App, The Resilience Project seeks to help all Australians become mentally healthy.
Programs offered by The Resilience Project are based on the following strategies:
Gratitude - Appreciating what you have, not begrudging what you don’t.
Empathy - Thinking of the needs of others/kindness.
Mindfulness - Being present in the moment, not becoming distracted by unhelpful or negative thoughts.
The Resilience Project strategies are implemented across all year levels at the College. We invite you to take advantage of tomorrow night’s webinar to support you and your family’s wellbeing.
Follow this Zoom link to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89749581955?pwd=UFdqTUJRb1ljckVzUWVQbTJoK1ZNZz09
Click here to find out more about The Resilience Project.
All Year 7 parents were emailed last week asking them to indicate if their child had begun preparing for their Confirmation in 2020 through Melton Parish.
If your child was preparing for their Confirmation at St Dominic’s Primary School, St Catherine’s Primary School or through the St Luke’s program in 2020 please complete the form below by next Wednesday 24 March.
To ensure students complete their preparation and are ready for the Confirmation day scheduled for Saturday 31 July, the Parish and College need to know if you still plan to have your child confirmed.
If you do not respond, we will understand you plan not to have your child from Melton Parish confirmed this year.
The addition of Cobblebank Campus to Catholic Regional College Melton will see our school separate from the Federation of Catholic Regional Colleges and take on a new name.
Continued population growth in the western suburbs has placed consistent pressure on enrolments at CRC Melton. To cater for the increasing number of families seeking a Catholic education for their children, land for a new educational facility has been purchased in nearby Cobblebank. The new campus will welcome approximately 150 Year 7 students in 2023 and grow to accommodate 1500 Year 7 to 12 students by 2028.
A consultation process to select an appropriate name for our two-campus College will begin shortly. Members of the College community, including parents and guardians, students, staff and parish priests, are invited to help formulate a shortlist to be considered by Archbishop Peter Comensoli, who will choose the name.
Guiding criteria for names
To begin the naming process, I invite input from parents and guardians via the next Parents and Friends Association meeting on 24 March or to me directly via email scoates@sfcc.vic.edu.au.
At the Parents and Friends meeting, the group will nominate two parents to join the CRC Melton Naming Steering Committee, which will consider all suggested names at two meetings in July and August.
The steering committee will formulate recommendations to our Principal, Marlene Jorgensen and her Leadership Team.
During Lent, CRC staff and students, along with millions of Australians who want to end poverty and injustice in our world, have the opportunity to donate to Project Compassion.
Students can donate by putting their spare change in the Project Compassion box in their homerooms or supporting school events like our Caritas Sausage Sizzle which was held last Thursday 4 March.
This event raised almost $200 for Caritas and will help support its initiatives worldwide to help those less fortunate than us.
A big thank you to Ms Belinda Brown, Mr Nathan Belcher and Vincit V for cooking the BBQ.
On Monday 1 March the College successfully held its annual Swimming and Multisport Carnival.
In its second year, the Multisport Carnival allowed Year 8, 9, 10 and 11 students to choose between swimming, basketball, netball, volleyball or esports. A Year 8 soccer competition was a late addition to the day and Year 7 and 12 students attended Melton Waves for the Swimming Carnival.
Students competed for their house and worked with others from across year levels. They represented our College with pride and were commended by officials and staff for their excellent behaviour.
Congratulations to Glasheen who were the overall winners in the annual College Swimming Carnival.
Held at Melton Waves, the carnival saw students compete in a wide variety of swimming events including fun games in the novelty pool to earn house points.
As is tradition, Year 12 students dressed in great costumes reflecting their house colours while Year 7 students took part in competitive swimming and novelty events throughout the day.
Reed won the synchronised swimming event, made memorable once again by the Year 12 students. Everyone did a fantastic job and it was great to see so many involved.
Solomon Miesen, Sports Captain
College basketballers took part in an exciting competition at Sheehan Stadium during the Multisport Carnival.
All teams demonstrated excellent commitment and sportsmanship with our officials commending the students on their behaviour throughout the day.
One of the day’s highlights came from Year 9 student Jacinth Tung who scored nine three-pointers in a row! Well done Jacinth!
The grand final winners on the day were: Boys competitive basketball: Reed defeated Daffey. Girls competitive basketball: Glasheen defeated Reed. Social competition: Fitzgerald.
There were games galore to engage and challenge students who took part in the esports tournament.
The events tested the skills of more serious students who had an interest in gaming. The winners on the day were the team from Daffey who earned the most points and took out the grand final.
The competition was no less fierce among students who played board and card games that challenged their minds and promoted teamwork and conversation.
The carnival allowed many students to interact and cooperate between the year levels and they showed just as much spirit and enthusiasm as their sporting peers.
Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions this year, we could not have all of our Year 8 students at the Swimming Carnival. Instead, they were invited to participate in the Multisport Carnival, which led to a soccer competition being added to the day’s events.
Hailed a success by staff and students alike, all of the mixed teams put in a great effort and there was some healthy competition on the field.
Reed came out on top, winning the tournament overall.
Students had a wonderful day of volleyball at Eagle Stadium in Werribee.
The teamwork, support, cooperation and sportsmanship among the players from mixed year levels were outstanding and made for a great competition.
The games were fierce, with some houses forming multiple team entries. At the end of the day, Daffey were champions in both the boys and girls competitions.
Netball was another huge success this year with high levels of participation and competitive performances. Students competed for their house in either a social or competitive tournament.
Teams from all houses played back to back games to secure positions in finals. Our students showed great endeavour and effort on the court despite this. It was wonderful to see students who are not regular netballers display some hidden talent as well.
Reed were champions of the social tournament. Fitzgerald were crowned the 2021 winners in the competitive tournament after defeating Daffey in a well-played grand final. Impressively, Fitzgerald were undefeated on the day.
Congratulations to all netballers for their cooperation, house spirit and consistent effort throughout the day.
On Monday 1 March our Senior SACCSS Golf Team represented the College at Werribee Golf Club. Our Sports Assistant Daniella Isabella Ahmet was one of the competitors on the day.
Although COVID-19 prevented Daniella from playing golf last year she was still keen to join the team.
“The day ran smoothly, the atmosphere was great, and the sportsmanship was very good from the other schools who competed,” Daniella said.
Pleased to be back on the course, Daniella said she was happy with how she played on the day and would continue her golf lessons this year.
“I’ll also get in a few golf days with my dad to improve my game.”
Our Junior SACCSS Golf Team headed to Melbourne Airport Golf Club in Tullamarine on the same day where new friendships were made with many competitors from other schools.
Although they didn’t manage to record a winning score, the team proudly represented the College and enjoyed the tournament.
Our Year 9 Art students have created some interesting relief sculptures using clay as a mould and plaster to cast.
They collected flowers and vegetation and pressed them into the clay before filling it with plaster. The plaster was left to set then the clay was peeled off. The students will use watercolour to paint the vegetation.
Don’t miss our Junior Art Exhibition in August this year where you will see the final artwork.
Bunsen burners. Variables. Beakers. Flasks. Aims. Hypotheses.
All of these words have become newly acquired vocabulary for Year 7 Science students. In the first half of Term 1, students from Year 7 to 12 are becoming reacquainted with scientific terminology and how to write practical reports.
Both students and teachers are eager to increase experiential learning by completing demonstrations and experiments.
Below is a summary of the topics students are studying in Year 7 to 9:
Year 7: Consolidating lab safety and equipment knowledge before starting the next unit on Separating Mixtures.
Year 8: Practising lab skills while investigating States of Matter. The next unit will be Body Systems.
Year 9s: Consolidating knowledge on Coordination and Control followed by the next topic on the Nervous and Endocrine System.
I look forward to updating the College community on developments in our Science curriculum as the year continues.
Applications close this weekend for the City of Melton’s annual Youth Grants and Awards.
Individual grants of up to $500 are now available for all young people aged 12-25. The categories include Arts, Sports, Social Civic Responsibility, Leadership and Environmental Sustainability.
Project grants of up to $5000 are available for community groups and organisations that address issues faced by young people.
The City of Melton Youth Awards celebrate and recognise the positive contribution and achievements of local young citizens. Entries can be submitted under the following categories:
Being Connected, Being Heard, Being Inclusive, Being all you can be, Being happy and healthy.
For more information, and to obtain a copy of the guidelines, visit the Melton City Council website.
Grants submissions and awards nominations close on Sunday 14 March.
The On Track School Holiday Music Program run by the Mushroom Group will be held during the second week of the Term 1 school holidays from Monday 12 April to Friday 16 April.
ON TRACK 12 features a big schedule of activities including:
As always, ON TRACK is free, includes lunch, snacks, prizes and all of the familiar good stuff.
More information and a registration form are available below.
Keep up to date with College events, procedures, resources and information via the links below.
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