Cardinal George Pell

It’s been an extraordinary week of media for the Catholic Church in Melbourne with substantial print, electronic and social media coverage. My focus is towards the survivors of sexual abuse in the Church. Here is my prayer for them.

The following text for prayer was sent to Archbishop Diarmuid Martin by a person who suffered abuse so that it could be shared in parishes.

Lord, we are so sorry
for what some of us did to your children:
treated them so cruelly,
especially in their hour of need.
We have left them with a lifelong suffering.
This was not your plan for them or us.
Please help us to help them.
Guide us, Lord, Amen.

This was written by a survivor of sexual abuse in Ireland . This prayer was inscribed on the healing stone which was unveiled at the 50th International Eucharistic Congress 2012 and now has its permanent home at Lough Derg, Co Donegal.

Evacuation Drill

As part of the College’s Emergency Management Plan, we will run on Evacuation Drill on the afternoon of Thursday 7th March. Please note that during the drill, access to the College will be restricted and students are not permitted to leave the grounds.

Labour Day Holiday

Next Monday, March 11 is Labour Day holiday.

End of Term Dates

Classes will finish on Thursday, April 4 at 3.20pm. The second evening of Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews will run that evening. Friday April 5th is a Staff Professional Learning Day.

Bacchus Marsh Coaches

Students catching most Bacchus Marsh Coaches are required to have and use a valid Myki card. Not only does Myki data provide information to the Victorian Transport Commission on bus usage, but the buses are not free. Non-use will result in 2 things:

1. Buses will be reduced in number as it appears they are not used or required

2. Bus drivers will refuse travel to students who do not have a valid Myki card.

We would expect all students to have and use a valid Myki. If not, they will need to find an alternate method to get to school.

Make plans this Lent to grow closer to God, strengthen your faith and begin your day with the Light of the World. Beginning on Ash Wednesday 6th March, Mass will be offered in the CRC Chapel at 8am on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. All families are welcome. The Chapel is located in the centre of campus with convenient parking nearby.

Sister Mary Sarah

Mallee Boys by Charlie Archbold

Sometimes I feel like I'm neither one thing nor another. I live in the Mallee but I don't like the desert. I live on a farm but I get hay fever and I'm scared of goats. I like school but my best mates don't. I'm stuck between stuff. It's like I'm not meant to be here but I am.

Sandy Douglas knows that life at fifteen is hard, but it's even harder when your mother died a year ago and nothing's gone right since. His brother Red, on the other hand, is eighteen now and working the farm. He's amped up on rage and always looking for a fight. And then there's their dad Tom. He does his best, but - really - he doesn't have a clue.

As Sandy and Red deal with girls, dirt biking, footy and friendship, both boys have to work out who they want to be, without their mum around. The Mallee, where they live, may seem like the middle of nowhere, but it turns out this is going to be one hell of a year.

The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs

Lewis Barnavelt doesn't have time on his side. When Lewis Barnavelt, an orphan, comes to stay with his uncle Jonathan, he expects to meet an ordinary person. But he is wrong. Uncle Jonathan and his next-door neighbour, Mrs Zimmermann, are both witches! Lewis couldn't be happier. What's not to like about seeing his uncle practise spells and eating Mrs Zimmermann's delicious cookies? At first, watching magic is enough. Then Lewis experiments with magic himself and unknowingly resurrects the former owner of the house: a woman named Selenna Izard. It seems that evil Selenna and her husband built a timepiece into the walls - a clock that could obliterate humankind.

As the clock can be heard ticking away in the house all the time, sometimes louder, sometimes quieter, sometimes faster, sometimes slower, it is up to the Barnavelts to find where it is hidden in the walls - and stop it. A true race against time...

Belinda Brown

Library Technician

Last week, the Year 9 students went on camp as part of the Rite Journey program. Female students went to Halls Gap, and male students went to Rose’s Gap. The focus of the camps was for students to forge and develop friendships, learn new skills and to face some challenges in order to bond as a Rite Journey group. Below are some student recounts from their time at camp:

Year 9 camp in 2019 is not one you would want to miss. It involves three days filled with petrifying and exhilarating activities that push your limits. Abseiling was one activity that contained terrifying heights, but I have to admit that it was definitely worth the climb to see the spectacular view of the Grampians. Before facing the challenge to walk backwards off a very large rock, not only were we pushed mentally as individuals but also as a group. We took the initiative course where we all worked together to solve impossible challenges, tempers were on the urge of blowing and red heads were ready to pop out. But once we conquered the activities, there was no greater feeling to know that we didn’t give up. Even though the activities will not be forgotten anytime soon, the highlight was the bond that we formed as a Rite Journey group, not just during events but throughout the camp.

Abby Timms

What I enjoyed about camp was the raft building and the canoeing and then going in for a swim afterwards. I also liked the hiking and the giant swing because the hike was enjoyable and the giant swing had a nice view. Most of the food was good, we loved the lasagna and the wraps were pretty good as well.

As the point of this camp was to learn about the people in our Rite Journey group we switched cabins on the second night so that way we got to know the people in the other cabins. Another point of the camp was to challenge us, and try new things for example the giant swing, or the abseiling.

Another way we got to know our groups on the first night was we completed activities to work together to solve a problem in less than five minutes. On the second night we had a trivia night, so we would spend more time with our groups and work together and listen to others to work out the answers. Mr Gavran’s group won but everyone else tried and did well. Overall this camp was a success and we got to know and learn about the people in our group.

Jayden Tabone

Information Evening

For families who have a student or students attending the 2019 Tour, there will be a final information evening on Thursday 7th of March at 7:00pm in the PAC.

If you have any questions you would like addressed for the group, please contact Carissa Lock (clock@sfcc.vic.edu.au) or Paul Iannazzo (piannazzo@sfcc.vic.edu.au).

Vacancy

There is one position available for the European Tour which will run from 4th April - 27th April, 2019 touring Poland and Italy.

The position is available to students who are currently in Years 9-12. The cost of the Tour is $6,900 which includes flights, transfers, accommodation, breakfasts and some dinners, activities, museum and other site entries, guides and insurance.

Please contact Paul Iannazzo (piannazzo@sfcc.vic.edu.au) if you would like more information. Applications will be treated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Paul Iannazzo

Tour Coordinator

It’s Ash Wednesday this week so there will be no meat foods sold on Wednesday.

We have included other food options so you will still have plenty of food to choose from, only available this Wednesday. Options include:

• Margarita Pizza
• Fish Burger – crumbed fish with lettuce and tartare sauce
• Potato wedges with sour cream and sweet chilli sauce
• Fish bites
• Cheese sticks

You can order these items online by searching ‘Ash Wed’ in the menu and then selecting your preference.

Our regular vegetarian options are, of course, still available so you can choose from pastizzis, hash browns, veggie burger, rice paper rolls, dip packs, salads and sandwiches.

Our full menu is now available on the CRC website under your PAM account.

The College is welcoming donations for our local Melton community food bank. The following items are in demand; tinned spaghetti, tinned vegies, jam, peanut butter etc., baked beans, tinned fruit, pasta sauce, tomato sauce, longlife milk. They do not need the following as they have lots of stock - pasta, rice, 2 min noodles, oats and drinks.

Please leave items at front reception if you would like to make a donation.

Individual grants up to $500 are available for 12-25 year olds in support of the following categories:

• Arts
• Sports
• Social Civic Responsibilities
• Leadership & Environment
• Sustainability Issues

Please see attached flyer for more information.

Katriona Gauci

City of Melton

The Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) now has an office in Melton with a number of great opportunities for youth and their families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Community Support Group (CSG) offers support for families from South Sudanese background and has a range of services on offer including: school holiday programs, skills training, sports and recreation, volunteering, youth mentoring and leadership. Please contact Program Coordinator Elizabeth Majok for more details. Email: emajok@cmy.net.au

Elizabeth Majok

Program Coordinator

Linking Melton South and Festival For Healthy Living are currently planning for another free Dream Big family friendly event in the Mt Carberry Reserve in Melton South on the 29th of March. The event aims to celebrate art, culture and diversity in our local community.

Also attached is the Expression of Interest Form to get involved in the event – including running an activity, a stall, volunteering on the day, music and performance.

See attached flyers for more information.

Benjamin Taylor

Health Promotion Officer, Djerriwarrh Health Services

Our new and growing club are looking for children of all ages to join our teams to encourage physical activity, health and wellbeing while making friends and belonging to an inclusive club.

Contact Angela on 0421 793 390 if you are interested in joining.

Angela Berry

Eynesbury Eagles Football Netball Club