Weekly Reflection

On Thursday, the final group of Year 12 students from Catholic Regional College Melton will celebrate their graduation.

This unique group will be the final cohort under that school name as 2023 heralds the renaming of our College.

Our thoughts, best wishes and prayers go with the Year 12 students in all their future endeavours, particularly those who will grapple in the weeks ahead with final examinations.

Prayer

Today we join with heaven as we celebrate and give thanks for our Year 12 students.

Thank you Lord that each one is unique and brimming with potential.

Thank you for leading them in their learning, for keeping them safe as they studied, and for watching over them in their final exams.

We pray that they may all feel proud on their graduation day and enjoy sharing their achievements with family and friends.

May they hold memories that burn bright within them as they embark on life’s great adventure.

Amen.

Shaun Coates

Director of Catholic Identity

From the Principal

This week we farewell our Year 12 2022 College graduates.

This cohort experienced years 10 and 11 mainly in distance learning mode, so it is wonderful that 2023 has seen a return to face-to-face instruction for their final year of schooling.

According to their year-level coordinator Rebecca Cassar, who has journeyed with this cohort since Year 10, they have experienced considerable growth (no doubt the collage above of some of our graduates today and at the beginning of their secondary school journey will bring back many memories).

I’m sure for parents and guardians, it seems like only yesterday that these students were nervous Year 7s starting their high school adventure 

In the blink of an eye, they have grown to be mature and responsible young adults who now face the exciting challenge of a life beyond the school gates.

Our College Mission states that we want students to come to understand that they are deeply loved by God.

As they graduate this week, I hope our Year 12 students have experienced this love of Christ at the College through the care of their teachers and the companionship of their friends.

Our mission goes on to state that we will equip students with the skills and disposition that will allow them to flourish and make a meaningful contribution to our local and global society.

Having come to know a number of students in the Year 12 cohort through various leadership opportunities, I feel confident that this cohort will especially represent our College in the future with enthusiasm and distinction.

They are a talented and passionate group and I look forward to hearing about their accomplishments and pathways at the 10-year reunion.

I feel confident that as they leave our gates, they will continue to live out their College motto and that in all things God will be glorified.

Marlene Jorgensen

Principal

Looking Ahead

Dates to remember
Wednesday 12 October2023 Student Leadership Investiture
Final day of classes for Year 12 students
Thursday 13 OctoberYear 12 Graduation Mass
Tuesday 18 October VET Dance Performance Night
Wednesday 19 OctoberYear 7 Immunisations
Thursday 20 October & Friday 21 OctoberVCE Folio Exhibition and Junior Art Exhibition
Monday 31 OctoberStudent Work from Home Day
Tuesday 1 NovemberMelbourne Cup public holiday
Wednesday 9 NovemberYear 9 exams (English and Maths)
Year 10 and 11 exams begin
Wednesday 16 November Year 10 and 11 exams conclude
Friday 18 November

Student Work from Home Day

Monday 21 NovemberJump Start program begins
Thursday 1 DecemberTerm 4 concludes for Year 10 and 11 students
Friday 2 December

Junior Awards Ceremony

Term 4 concludes for Year 7-9 students


Annual Art Exhibition Returns

We are excited to invite families to our annual VCE Folio Exhibition, which opens in our Performing Arts Centre on Thursday 20 October.

The exhibition makes a welcome return after being presented online for two years due to COVID restrictions.

Finally, parents, guardians and friends will be able to walk through our exhibition and appreciate the talents of our senior students. The work has been produced to meet the VCE study design requirements for the subjects of Media Studies, Studio Art and Visual Communication Design.

To make the night even more interesting, we will combine the VCE Folio Exhibition with our annual Junior Art Exhibition, which has also been sidelined for the last two years.

Student work from 2020, 2021 and 2022 will be on display. All work was produced during Art and Visual Communication Design classes and lunchtime art clubs and drawing classes.

The exhibition can be viewed from 9am to 3pm on Thursday 20 October followed by an opening night celebration from 6.30pm. Awards will be presented at 7pm. Visitors are also welcome to view the exhibition on Friday 21 October between 9am and midday.

Amy Rowley

Volleyball coach

VET Dance 2022 Performance Night

Students from our inaugural VET Dance class will perform their solo routines and two class dances to an audience for the first time on Tuesday 18 October. 

Families are encouraged to join us in the Performing Arts Centre from 6.30pm to 7.30pm to support our students and enjoy an evening of dance.

Annika Miesen

Dance teacher

From the Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching

Red Earth Immersion

Last term I was privileged to attend an Indigenous immersion with Red Earth to Mildura and Cape York in Far North Queensland.

This took me to Maaramaka at Hope Vale and Daarba Station at Starcke in Guguu Yimithirr lands. I then visited Kuku Yalangi country and before returning to Culpra Milli in Barkindji country, near Mildura.

Traditional landowners own these homelands. Our Indigenous hosts welcomed the group with cultural ceremonies. We learnt about culture, history, medicinal plants, bush tucker, indigenous tools and musical instruments and life in harmony with the land.

The experience allowed us to reflect on life, past events and the future. Our Indigenous people have a higher incidence of diabetes and kidney failure, and we reflected on the difficulty they experience accessing dialysis in remote communities. They often have to travel hundreds of kilometres and live away from family and home during treatment.

I look forward to sharing my experiences with students and staff at the College. We have a group of students participating in a Red Earth Immersion in 2023, and I know they will find this a memorable life opportunity.


Year 12

We wish the Year 12 students all the best as they finish the year.

Some students will go onto full-time employment while others begin their study time as they prepare for the upcoming VCAA written exams, starting with English on Friday 28 October. Congratulations to the Unit 3 and 4 Drama students who completed their VCAA solo performances last week.

Timed Assessment Tasks and exams

On Tuesday 8 November, Year 7 and 8 students will sit a Timed Assessment Task (TAT). This provides a structured whole-year-level assessment experience in preparation for exams.

Year 9 students will complete English and Mathematics exams this semester on Wednesday 9 November.

Year 10 and 11 students will complete their exams in all subjects from 9 to 16 November. Students can prepare by consolidating topics they have covered.

The upcoming Melbourne Cup student break is also valuable for exam revision.

Year 11 students can access past practice exams to begin their revision and teachers can advise students where to find these.

History Month

October is History Month and students are learning about various historical events. A big thank you to the History team for the range of interesting and fun activities they have organised to highlight various historical events.

You can read the latest submissions to our Armed Forces Visual Story in this edition of the newsletter.

Joanne Holmes

Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching

From the Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

Recent statistics show that vaping or e-cigarette use is on the rise. Unfortunately, our young people are influenced by this risk-taking behaviour.

Evidence indicates a rise in young people vaping over the past two years and this has a strong link to smoking tobacco cigarettes in the future.

As highlighted by Quit Victoria on their website (quit.org.au) a survey by the Cancer Council of Victoria found that 14 per cent of students aged 12 - 17 years had used an e-cigarette and just under half of the students who vaped had never smoked tobacco before trying an e-cigarette.

It was also reported that those young people who had used e-cigarettes later tried tobacco cigarettes.

Obtaining vapes is relatively easy for most young people, contributing to rising numbers. The Cancer Council article below illustrates that although it is illegal for young people to use vapes, it is happening in the community daily.

New research finds Aussie teens find illegal vapes easy to access

Vaping among young people is a growing concern - our young people need guidance to make the right choice for their growing, developing bodies and not be influenced by the media and those around them.

Some resources are available below if you would like more information to initiate a conversation to support and guide your child.

Quit Victoria - The Dangers of Teen Vaping

E-cigarette Fact Sheet for Parents and Guardians

Vaping and Your Health - A Fact Sheet for Teens

Cheryl Bullen

Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing - Melton Campus

Enlightening our Year 8 Girls

An uplifting, entertaining and thought-provoking presentation to our Year 8 girls by Danni Miller of Enlighten Education was a wonderful way to begin the final term of 2022.

Enlighten education’s award-winning school programs and workshops encourage teenage girls to decode the mixed messages they receive and help them develop self-worth and resilience.

Danni gave the girls practical skills to help them cope with conflict in their friendship groups, overcome bullying and understand and deal with issues involved with domestic violence.

These often tricky conversations were delivered in a safe and nurturing environment.

Along with her presentation, Danni guided students through activities and group discussions before leaving them with a goodie bag full of gratitude cards and a badge.

While the girls were participating in this presentation, Year 8 Coordinator Nathan-Hunter Gerber ran an alternative program for Year 8 boys that focused on bullying and team-building exercises.

Below are some reflections from students on the Enlighten Education presentation.

The workshop that the Year 8 girls completed was about self-love, friendships, and relationships. We learned how to handle situations involving others with maturity and love and appreciate everyone in our life. This workshop was really useful and taught us a lot about ourselves and how we shouldn’t change for others. We are all very grateful the school was able to provide this opportunity, as the entire day was so much fun. Abbey V, 8J

During last week’s presentation, Danni told us about the challenges of her upbringing, beginning when she was only two years old. She told us the good, the bad and the ugly of her teenage life (including boys) and the mindset that got her through it.

Along with this, we were told about a more pressing issue that is a part of the world that we live in, which is relationship abuse. Relationship abuse comes in many forms, and we may not even know that we are in an abusive relationship until it starts to take a toll on our physical and mental health.

Although there are well-known types of abuse, such as physical and verbal, we learned about the less talked about types, such as social isolation, digital abuse, and sociocultural abuse and where we can reach out to get help.

Danni passed her wisdom in quote cards for us to carry. She also gave us a pin in the shape of a butterfly. This represents the metamorphosis from a small, insecure little caterpillar into a beautiful and new butterfly. Many Year 8 students are wearing it on their uniform with pride.

The presentation covered the information we need to become strong, independent young women equipped with the knowledge to deal with whatever situation may arise, whether it be with our self-image, confidence and relationships. It was a very moving presentation for all of us that renewed our confidence, brought us closer to each other and helped us understand ourselves and others on a deeper level. Nicole B, 8B

The presentation for Year 8 girls was led by an incredible instructor named Danni. We learned about relationships and how to strengthen them, how to solve problems, and most importantly, how to accept ourselves for who we are. Through a variety of activities, this experience helped deepen the connection between all of the girls. We even shared happy tears after we completed a task in which we wrote about what we loved or admired about each other. Overall, this was an incredible experience, and Danni was such a wonderful soul who made everyone in the room feel welcomed, loved and accepted. Sneha S, 8B

I found the talk very inspiring. We learned about relationships with others, supporting each other and loving ourselves for who we are. It is important to remember this because we often get caught up in comparing ourselves to each other instead of being grateful for what we have been blessed with. Selena H, 8J

The presentation from Enlighten Education covered topics like body image, self-respect, the respect of others, consent and how to recognise unhealthy and healthy friendships and romantic relationships. We answered questions and had open discussions on each topic. We were given affirmation cards throughout the presentation that included many positive statements. We also received butterfly pins, part of a 21-day challenge to be kind to ourselves. Danni, our presenter and founder of Enlighten Education, shared some of her stories and those from other survivors of domestic violence. This presentation was not only ‘enlightening’ but educational, engaging and topical. I gained communication skills, learned about self-respect, respecting others and strategies for de-escalating a situation if I come across it one in the yard and outside school. Erin J, 8B

Danni explained various techniques for preventing conflict; without this, some girls would not have been aware of the multiple techniques for solving a disagreement. Danni also described the various types of abuse, including financial and physical assault. She explained that there are methods to keep these people out of your life and ways to escape abuse and progress in life. My favourite part of the presentation was the mindful reflection. I took this exercise seriously because I wanted my group to understand how I felt about them. I would recommend Danni to girls all over the world so that they can experience the same inspiration that I and the other girls did. Mongboe J, 8J

Kath Jones

Year 8 Coordinator

Year 11 Biology

Year 11 Biology classes visited Ecolinc in Bacchus Marsh last week to learn more about adaptation and its prevalence in the environment.

We started by identifying the three types of adaptation in organisms and their importance for living things. During the day, we explored two ecosystems and habitats on the Ecolinc grounds: grasslands and wetlands and animals such as frogs and birds of prey.

We learned about the importance of the food web in the environment and the effects of small changes in agriculture that can affect a large part of the environment.

Throughout the day, we were all able to strengthen our understanding of adaptation and will be using the information in our next SAC.

Ashok Yel

Year 11 Biology student

VCAL students visit Werribee Zoo

A group of Year 12 VCAL and Year 10 Vincit students gained insight into zoo careers and safety during a visit to Werribee Open Range Zoo last week.

Under the expert guidance of a zookeeper, students took part in the Fighting Extinction program, during which they learnt about the skills required to complete a complex work-related activity similar to those used to select successful candidates for zookeeper roles.

The students also learnt more about animal welfare and work safety awareness. During their classes this year, they investigated Zoos Victoria’s mission to fight extinction, and how they could contribute, raising money via face painting day.

VINCIT student Annalise B is keen to pursue a career in professional photography and was offered the opportunity to document the day. Her photography skills are evident in the wonderful images she produced (see above and below).

“It was a great day enjoyed by the VCAL and Vincit students at the Werribee open range Zoo. A perfect day to get the camera out and practice different shots to capture some of the animals up close in their enclosures,“ Annelise said.

Belinda Brown

Teacher

Introducing our 2023 College Captains

Our College Captains for 2023 were announced at the end of last term and we congratulate Jessica Hodge and Ashok Yel on their success!

This week, we asked our new captains to tell us a little more about themselves and their hopes for the year ahead.

Ashok Yel

Tell us about yourself – what subjects are you studying, what are your career plans beyond Year 12, what extracurricular activities have you been involved in during your time at the College and what are some of your hobbies or interests?

In Year 12, I will be studying Biology, Psychology and Allied Health as my electives and I hope to pursue further education in these areas in the future. For the last two years, I have been in the Student Leadership Team - as a student representative and Deputy Social Justice Captain. During my time at the College, I have participated in various social justice events, including fundraisers, NAIDOC Week and the Winter Sleepout. At the moment, outside of school, my time is used preparing myself for Year 12 and 2023, life beyond high school and discovering which route I would like to take.

What motivated you to apply for the role of College Captain? Is it a role you have aspired to?

I was inspired to apply for College Captain in Year 7 by my Health and Homeroom teachers, who suggested it to me. I was determined to strengthen my leadership skills over the years and aimed to gain the position in Year 12. I have always enjoyed working with other students and staff to make a positive difference for all students.

What does 2023 look like for you? What are you most looking forward to as College Captain and what will be your biggest challenge?

Next year, I aim to inspire as many students as possible to join the Student Leadership Team and work towards making the school better environment for them and their peers. I look forward to working with and leading the next group of student leaders, and I hope to establish a strong and clear foundation for the school and the next generation of students. In 2023, I aim to help students identify social issues within the school and local community and find ways to deal with them by raising awareness and creating real and positive change.

What are three of the best things about CRC Melton?

The three best things about CRC Melton are the student body and the diversity of students at the school, the variety of clubs and groups that help students master new skills or develop existing ones, and the sense of community built between students, staff and the wider community.

What would your message to the student body of 2023 be?

To the student body of 2023, my message would be that failures are the learning steps to success. Always believe in your inner strength. Keep up your spirits and continue to study hard. I am sure you will achieve success.

I have always enjoyed working with other students and staff to make a positive difference for all.

Jessica Hodge

Tell us about yourself – what subjects are you studying, what are your career plans beyond Year 12, what extracurricular activities have you been involved in during your time at the College and what are some of your hobbies or interests?

This year I am studying Health and Human Development, Physical Education, Psychology, Legal Studies, Mathematics, English and Religion. Beyond Year 12 I’m not entirely sure of the exact path I would like to follow, but I plan on seeking higher education. During my time at the College, I’ve participated in many of the school’s extracurricular activities such as the swimming and athletics events, SACCSS Athletics and Cross Country, netball and mixed netball, girls AFL, and the Winter Sleepout and other fundraiser events. My main hobby is playing netball (outside of school) and also spending time with my friends when I get the chance.

What motivated you to apply for the role of College Captain? Is it a role you have aspired to?

Since Year 7, I have aspired to take on the leadership role of College Captain. I really enjoy being a role model for my peers, implementing ideas, working in a team and learning new things. I am passionate about making a contribution and a positive impact on the College in my final year. I have always thought it would be such an honour to lead the school and I am incredibly grateful to be granted this opportunity. I’ve also enjoyed watching the other leaders grow and succeed over the years, which has only made me want to do it more and to continue what they started.

What does 2023 look like for you? What are you most looking forward to as College Captain and what will be your biggest challenge?

Next year I look forward to continuing to participate in all aspects of College life including sporting opportunities, focusing on my schoolwork and embarking on new opportunities as College Captain. I am also excited to work with the leadership team of 2023, and I believe we will have a progressive and positive impact on the College. I really hope our Student Leadership Team can rekindle the community spirit after the tough years we have experienced. I’d love to see some more extracurricular activities and fundraisers that bring the school community together. I think our biggest challenge will be fitting in all of the awesome activities and goals we want to achieve by the end of the year!

What are three of the best things about CRC Melton?

The three best things about CRC Melton are the range of opportunities and extracurricular activities offered to students, the friendships I have formed and will forever value, and the constant support of staff and students.

What would your message to the student body of 2023 be?

My message to the student body of 2023 would be to make your high school experience one to remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. Take the risk, go out of you comfort zone and try new things, make new friends, and take on new opportunities that might scare you, the things you will regret the most are the things you didn’t have the courage to do.

I am passionate about making a contribution and a positive impact on the College in my final year.

Year 11 English Literature

Year 11 English Literature students have been exploring relationships between literary texts. In particular, they have considered the ideas and political context of the play The Crucible and the film On the Waterfront.

Last week students got into character by making puritan hats for their reading of the play, helping them to understand the context of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692.

Emma van Wees

English Literature teacher

Armed Forces Visual Story - History Month

The College is celebrating History Month during October and we are collecting stories and photos for an Armed Forces Visual Story to display the diverse history of our community.

Has one of your family members served in the armed forces or is currently doing so, either in Australia or internationally?

If you would like to contribute a portrait of a family member who has served or a picture of a significant item with a short blurb of their story, please email me ahughes@sfcc.vic.edu.au

All contributions will be displayed in late October at front reception.

This week our Year 9 Coordinator David Arthurson shared this story about his grandfather (Pa) Lex Arthurson.

Year 9 student Alanis Furtado also shared this story about her great-grandfather Lionel Nunes.

Ashlee Hughes

Humanities teacher

Sports Update

Last Thursday, our Year 8 premier league teams played their first round back after the school holidays.

The teams headed to six locations across Melbourne and notched up a clean sweep of the round! Congratulations to all the students and we commend them on the respect they showed to their opponents. The results are as follows:

Girls Basketball: CRC def MCC (Marymede Catholic College) 42-22

Boys Basketball: CRC def MCC 92-38

Cricket: CRC def PCC (Penola Catholic College) 105 – 68

Netball: CRC def PCC 34 – 29

Girls Volleyball: CRC def MCC 3-0

Boys Volleyball: CRC def MCC 3-0

Girls Soccer: CRC def PCC 1 – 0

Boys Soccer: CRC def PCC 4 – 1

Ella Higgins

Sports Assistant

Staying safe online

This week’s ThinkUKnow fact sheet provides information on staying safe in our online interactions. By being aware of the negative interactions that can occur online, we can also learn what steps we can take to prevent them and help our friends and family.

Fact sheet - Staying safe (English)

Fact sheet - Staying safe (Arabic)

Fact sheet - Staying safe (Chinese)

Fact sheet - Staying safe (Vietnamese)

ThinkUKnow is an education program for parents, students and school staff, designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.

The information is researched and delivered across Australia by the Australian Federal Police, collaborating with various tech industry partners such as the Commonwealth Bank, Datacom, Microsoft and the state and territory police.

Further information can found at https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/

The program is pro-technology and encourages people to understand the technology they are using. Where possible, versions of the program sheets are provided in languages other than English.

Paul Iannazzo

eLearning Coordinator

Community Notices

Girls football clinic


Footy 4 Fun


Tips for supervising a learner driver


Self defence workshop


Western Bulldogs Youth Leadership Project

Useful Links

Keep up to date with College events, procedures, resources and information via the links below.

PAM – Parent Portal

Subject Selection Guide 2023

What's new in 2023

Parent Handbook

Enrolment

Cobblebank Campus

Facebook

Instagram

Policies

Uniform

Library

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