Resilience Project

You will have heard about the Resilience Project that Mr Blackley has introduced to the school this year.

It is based on the key concepts of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness, all of which contribute to building resilience.

There were plenty of examples of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness in the Commonwealth Games over the past two weeks.

Kurt Fearnley, a seasoned performer and Paralympian, displayed enormous gratitude after his performances in the 1500 metres (Silver medal) and the Marathon in which he won Gold.

Kurt praised his fantastic fans for how they had embraced all the para events at the Commonwealth Games, Fearnley also issued a passionate plea that people make disability rights and access a priority in their everyday lives. "I've been put in this amazing position of privilege that I'm extremely grateful for, and I've just got to say there's a lot of people with disabilities out there that haven't been given the privilege that I have"

It was terrific to see Kurt and all the disabled athletes competing at the same time/venue and getting their rightful attention.

And talking about empathy, the Aussie trio of Eloise Wellings, Madeline Hills and Celia Sullohern displayed great empathy and sportsmanship as they waited for Lineo Chaka to complete the 10km final. The exhausted Aussie women had every right to immediately leave the track with the rest of the competitors, but instead they opted to stay behind long after Uganda star Stelle Chesang won the event. Lineo Chaka of the little-known nation of Lesotho came in last place over five minutes behind the winner, and a further three minutes behind the runner in front of her. She was met at the finish line by the gracious Australian girls who waited to congratulate her on completion of one of the most physically demanding events at the Commonwealth Games. Celia Sullohern - who finished fifth - said she was proud of the moment and proud of her sport.

Sports Stadium

On the topic of sport, the new Sports Stadium is starting to take shape as the steel girders for the walls were installed last week.

It is anticipated that the project will be completed in time for on official opening in October this year.

Welcome back to Term 2. I hope you all had the opportunity to share Easter as a family, and students are all rested for the term ahead. Please note that staff will undertake class surveys over the next 2 weeks. These are now a regular feature of our teaching practice and are designed to provide feedback to staff on how their students are learning and can highlight areas of student affirmation and concern. Staff will then use this to adjust their teaching where necessary to improve learning across the class.

New Staff

We warmly welcome Lisa Hughes and Sarah Abbas to our staff. Mrs Hughes will be employed in our Student Support area and Ms Abbas will be our 2nd College Psychologist assisting our Counsellors in their work. We also have a number of Pre-Service Teachers working with us this term. I am sure our students will make them all feel welcome.

Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews

Parent-Student-Teacher interviews are now open to be booked through our Parent Access Module (PAM). Interviews will take place on 18th and 26th April.

This year we are trialling two afternoon/evening sessions:

· Wednesday, 18th April Interviews: 4pm to 8:30pm

· Thursday, 26th April Interviews: 4pm to 7pm

It is expected that students attend interviews with their parents/guardians.

To access P-S-T Bookings:

· Log in to PAM

· At the top you will see the Parent Interviews link (click to enter)

· Then select your child (if you have more than one, each will be listed separately)

· Select the subject

· Choose an available time with that teacher

· Repeat for each class and child as needed.

· Use the print icon to print off your interview times.

Bookings initially close on Wednesday, 17th April at 10am and will then reopen for the following Thursday at 9pm.

Athletics

A reminder that Tuesday, 24th April is our College Athletics Carnival. Students will either make their own way to the event or come to school as normal and then be bussed to the Melton Athletics track for the day, being dismissed there or returning in time for normal College dismissal time. Families will have received a CareMonkey notification of this and also asking parent/guardians to nominate their child’s method of going and returning on the day. Bacchus Marsh Coaches will alter their solo runs to drop off at the venue and then pick up here at school as normal.

Term 1 - School Spirit Awards

Congratulations to the following students for being announced as the School Spirit Award for Term 1.

Year 7

Arok Deng (7R)

Arok is always friendly, optimistic, helpful and studious. She has demonstrated a positive and mature approach to her first term at CRC. She works hard in all of her subjects to achieve her best and has met the challenges of Year 7 with diligence and a positive attitude. At Year 7 camp, Arok showed her caring nature and leadership skills with her kindness and willingness to help others.

Aydan Dear (7D)

Aydan has made a positive start to the school year through a conscientious and hard-working approach. He always exhibits a positive outlook and attitude and displays compassion, courtesy, respect and cooperation in all that he participates in. Aydan is a kind friend who is an excellent role model and valued member of his homeroom.

Year 8

Lana Sciberras (8R)

Lana is an extremely hard working member of the Year 8 cohort. Nominated by her teachers she is always willing to listen to feedback and strives to improve her work to achieve a higher standard. Lana participated in all aspects of camp with enthusiasm and also represented the Year 8 cohort at the recent St Patricks Day mass in the city.

Charlie McNab (8B)

Charlie is described by teachers as being very active in her learning whilst being committed to doing her best on every task across a range of subjects. Charlie relates very well to both her teachers and peers and models impeccable behavior at all times.

Year 9

Raheal Mengistu (9R)

Raheal is a very polite and conscientious student. She always wants to do her best, and will ask questions to clarify what is required of her so she can complete her work to a high standard. In her interactions with her peers, she is extremely friendly, and will help others without hesitation.

Kiowa Hilbert (9O)

Kiowa quietly goes about her days, supporting others in the class when needed, and ensuring her work is of a high standard. She wears her school uniform well and looks out for others. She is a quiet achiever who is worthy of recognition

Year 10

Cecilia Riak (10M)

Cecilia was an integral member of the Peer Support Program throughout Term 1 and has consistently shown dedication and enthusiasm towards the demands of this role. Her positive attitude and willingness to assist in the transition of the youngest members of the College serves as an example to her peers. Cecilia's subject teachers indicate the same levels of dedication and selflessness are also being demonstrated within their respective classrooms.

Jack Bacchin (10R)

Jack is a student who has demonstrated a great deal of character and integrity throughout the opening term. He embodies the College ethos through his interactions with both staff and students and his subject teachers attest to the positive influence he has within the classroom. Jack's diligent approach towards his studies has enabled him to achieve excellent results throughout the beginning of the school year.

Year 11

Irene Thour (11O)

Irene works extremely hard and is always up-to-date with tasks. She constantly seeks feedback and tries to improve on her learning. Irene is always kind, generous and willing to put herself out in order to help others. She has taken on the challenge of her VCE studies with maturity and integrity.

Christina Molnar (11O)

Christina has started the year off impeccably with a commitment to doing her best. Her focus and determination in completing all outcomes to the best of her ability has been outstanding this term. She is polite and works well with her peers. She meets all deadlines and demonstrates a mature approach to her TAFE and work placement commitments.

Year 12

Emily Flack (12O)

Emily was nominated by various staff members due to her diligent work ethic and active participation in College activities. She was an outstanding support at the College School swimming sports by encouraging all students to participate and assisted the House Captains with ensuring there were competitors in the pool. She also assisted to raise money for Caritas by selling icy poles for her homeroom, and attended a Human Rights seminar in her own time. Emily is demonstrating to all her teachers how hard she is working in Year 12. Finally, Emily has proven that she is an active and supportive member of her homeroom.

Rylie Maple (12C)

Rylie has a supporting and caring nature. He is always willing to participate in class discussions and ensure that what needs to be said is done so in a courteous manner. Rylie is very helpful in homeroom assisting with what is asked of him to do. Rylie’s friendly, approachable and caring nature has made him stand out amongst his cohort.

School Photos

Full school photos are scheduled for Thursday of this week 19th April. All students are to be in full winter uniform for the photos. Friday 20th April is a catch up day for those students absent on Thursday. All students will have their photo taken regardless of them ordering photos or not.

As was the case last year ordering of photos is done online, http://www.arphotos.com.au/ using the school code: 1804CR238.

Individual class and family photos will be taken on the day. Details as to how to order photos has been sent home with students and also attached with the newsletter.

A range of payment options are available online, including ZipPay, so you can order now and pay later!

If paying cash on the day of the photos, it must be the correct amount as the photographers or the school don’t provide change.

School Uniform – Term 2

All students now need to be in winter uniform, the Blazer is the external garment to be worn to and from school when in school uniform.

The PE uniform is only worn when the student has a timetabled PE or Drama/Dance class, or when otherwise specified by the College Leadership team. CRC sport socks are compulsory for all year levels

Students need to be neatly presented, i.e., for the boys clean shaven and girls not wearing makeup or nail polish. We look for your support in ensuring your son or daughter is wearing the College uniform correctly to and from school.

Young Minds Matter Youth Forum

A youth mental health forum is being held here Thursday 19th April 5-8.30pm, it is a free event and includes workshops with the Hopeful Institute and Jonny Shannon. Speakers include former AFL star Wayne Schwass, musician Clare Bowditch, headspace and beyondblue. Arrive at 5pm for dinner and the expo.

Tickets are still available and you can register online: https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=361913&

Silvana Nuspan and I were fortunate to spend Easter in Italy visiting our Sister School, Convitto Nazionale Paolo Diacono in Cividale, in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. We were invited to not only observe a number of classes in the Liceo Scientifico but we also taught classes in the middle school. It was very interesting observing the pedagogical methods in English, Mathematics and Italian. Mobile phones were never seen in class and students were very focussed. Homework was often set and completed promptly.

There was a diversity of cultures represented in the school including backgrounds from Slovenia, Bangladesh, India and various countries from all over Europe. Australian students have a very good reputation in the schools and it is the dream of many Italian students to visit our beautiful country. It is very evident that being bilingual and trilingual has many employment opportunities overseas and in all industries. Languages is certainly held in very high regard. Our overwhelming experience was also attending the Vatican and listening to the Easter Sunday Mass where we were blessed by Pope Francesco. We felt privileged being in Italy and we look forward to sharing our wonderful Italian journey with the students at CRC Melton.

Claudia Russo

Head of Languages

Last term the students were urged to donate to Project Compassion during Lent. Caritas which oversees this yearly collection supports some tremendous programs overseas with the funds raised.

The school community raised $1963 with some more to be added. A great effort.

Dear Students, Parents and Guardians,

Melton City Council would like to invite you to the Young Minds Matter - Youth Mental Health Forum for young people aged 12+ and the adults in their lives, to encourage families to talk about mental wellbeing at home.

The free forum on Thursday 19th April from 5:00-8:30pm will feature high profile guest speakers, workshops and local service providers, including former AFL star Wayne Schwass, musician Clare Bowditch, Headspace and Beyondblue.

There will also be dinner and an expo of local mental health services.

For more information please see the flyer or visit https://www.trybooking.com/UPJT to register.

Melton City Council