Reflecting on our faith …

Reflecting on our faith …
Issue No. 16: 17 October 2014
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Ps 96:1,3,4-5,7-8,9-10; 1st Reading: Is 45:1,4-6; 2nd Reading: 1 Thes 1:1-5b; Gospel: Mt 22:15-21
This week’s readings show us that the friction between the Pharisees and Jesus is building up. The
Pharisees try to trick Jesus with a question that will either implicate Him on religious grounds or, if not,
on political grounds. However, Jesus replies by sidestepping the trap with a response, “Give to Caesar’s
what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s.”
Today, we can sometimes feel trapped. We can be faced with the dilemma of how to be a good Christian
in a secular world where the laws may often be unchristian. However, true Christians will strive to be
good citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven and that way we will neither fail in our duty to God nor in our
duty to our fellow human beings.
Adapted from Daily Gospel 2014, Fr J A Bitoy, MCF; Fr A J Chupungco, OSB
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
With a fortnight now gone the holidays are very much a distant memory for most of us. Nonetheless I hope
they provided everyone with an opportunity to relax and recharge their ‘batteries’ for the final term of 2014.
Term 4 always seems to go quickly, possibly because it has such a busy calendar. Often we can be lulled into
a false sense of security and convince ourselves that the year is all but over, turning our attention to things
like Christmas and the next lot of holidays. If we fall into this trap, however, we run the very real risk of
missing out on the great opportunities that the intervening months can provide. Such an attitude can cause
us to not give our best to the job at hand.
For us here at the College that means that our core business – teaching and learning – is very likely to suffer.
The fact is that at this point we have approximately 20 per cent of the school year remaining and the next
two months can make the difference between 2014 being a successful or unsuccessful one for us.
What sort of a year will 2014 be for you? For many of us that decision needs to be made NOW!
Major Projects continue to progress well
On my return I was very heartened to see the progress made on the various projects happening at the
College at the moment. I thank everyone for their patience, understanding and effort in preparing the
Administration Building for the next phase of the ICT Project. This was a major part of the project and thanks
to the long hours put in by Mark Juric and his team at Cabling Services it has been successfully completed.
The building project continues at pace and the framework for the new Food Technology space has now been
put into place. The work on the decking/verandas for the portables is close to completion and we are now in
a position where we can soon finalise the landscaping plans which will complement this part of the project.
Left:
Principal, Greg Wade, and
Acting ICT Manager, Nathan
Tomic, cutting the cables to
the old IT system in the
Administration Block Server
Room.
Right:
Construction continues at
pace on the new Food
Technology Building.
RIP – Danielle La Macchia
The return to Term 4 was tinged with the sad news of the sudden death of one of our ex-students Danielle La
Macchia. Danielle had successfully completed Year 12 and was in her first year of a tertiary Fashion Design
course. She had received numerous awards as recognition of her obvious talent in this area. Our deepest
sympathy is extended to the La Macchia Family – please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Anyone experiencing personal problems can contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or the Child and Adolescent
Mental Health Service on 1800 445 511, or Lifeline telephone counselling on 13 11 14.
Please also pray for …
The Murone Family – Alyssia Murone’s (8N) grandfather, Antonio Murone, passed away recently.
Channel 7 News Report – Monday, 6 October
I trust that by now you have all received my correspondence (via email) regarding the news report which
featured on the 6.00pm bulletin of Channel 7 News on Monday 6 October. I also hope that my comments in that
letter put in perspective the incident (where a student brought a Taser to school) which caused our College to
be named in that report.
For those who may not have read the letter I repeat the main points:


It is against school rules for students to bring any dangerous items to the College
The College places the highest of priority on student safety and wellbeing, and has appropriate processes,
protocols and support mechanisms in place to ensure this.
I repeat here my conclusion to that letter:
Can I once again reassure all in our community that Catholic Regional College North Keilor is a safe and
supportive environment in which to learn and work. And, while in my personal opinion very much over
dramatised and alarmist, I have included a link to the Seven News story.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/25193977/pupils-found-with-knives-tasers-and-knuckledusters-in-victoriasschools/
As always if any parent wishes to discuss this or any other matter I can be contacted at the College at any time
on 9361 5900.
CRCNK Newsletter No. 16: 17 October 2014
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World Teachers Day
Friday, 31 October is World Teachers Day. This is an opportunity to recognise the important role teachers play in
the development of our students. As for our staff I can vouch for the fact that there are many occasions when
they go above and beyond the call of duty to assist and encourage students to achieve their goals. We will
acknowledge this at this College in an appropriate way on the day.
College Calendar – Term 4
As I indicated above, the Term 4 calendar is very tight. Please familiarise yourself with the details as published
later in this newsletter (See ‘Important Dates and Information’ on page 7).
Important Information for Year 10 students and Parents:
The Year 10 Graduation Mass is being held at Emmaus Church, Sydenham Road, Sydenham on Thursday, 27
November, commencing at 7.30pm. More details about this important occasion for the Year 10 students and
their families will be provided during the course of the term, however in the meantime parents of Year 10
students should also note that there will be no classes for Year 10 students on the following day: Friday, 28
November.
The next formal commitment that the Year 10 students will have is when they are required to attend CRC
Sydenham on Monday, 1 December to Friday, 5 December (inclusive) for their Year 11 transition.
Working Bee – Tomorrow: Please consider!
We have a number of jobs planned for the Working Bee tomorrow (18 October starting at 9.00am) and would
be most appreciative of any assistance you could give. Please consider coming along to lend a hand even if it is
for only an hour or so. As usual we will conclude the day with refreshments and the customary barbecue lunch
at around 12.30pm. I hope to see you there.
Arts Week: 28 October – 1 November
I remind all in our community that Arts Week is coming up soon. Much planning has already been done to
ensure that it will continue to be one of the most exciting events on our College calendar. I urge everyone at the
College to get involved in whatever way they can to make it a success. Highlights of the week will include a
Dance Performance Evening on Wednesday, 29 October at ‘The Crate’ Theatre at CRC Sydenham from
7.00pm, as well as Arts Night beginning at 7.30pm on Thursday, 30 October. See more details under ‘What’s
Happening In and Out of the Classroom’ later in this newsletter.
SACCSS Athletics Success
Congratulations to the Athletics Team Members, Keith Whaley (Sports Coordinator) and the staff who
supported the team, on winning the Junior Girls, Junior Boys and overall Junior Aggregate competition, as well
as finishing second in the Intermediate Aggregate competition at the SACCSS Division 2 Athletics Championships
on the last Tuesday of Term 3. We believe this may have been the first time the College has collected both the
Junior and Intermediate pennants in the Athletics competition. A great effort – well done to all who played a
part.
Thanks
Finally, I would like to acknowledge and thank John Coshan and Eryn O’Mahony for the leadership they
provided, along with everyone else who contributed to the smooth running of the College, in my absence in the
last week of Term 3 – in schools, it is always, a team effort.
Mr Greg Wade, Principal
CRCNK Newsletter No. 16: 17 October 2014
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FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL, STUDENT WELLBEING
Sunsmart has come into effect
A reminder that the Sunsmart Policy has come into effect this term, meaning students must wear protective
hats that shade the face in outdoor activities during PE, Sport, Camps and Excursions, as well as at recess and
lunchtimes. Students who are not wearing their hat will be required to stay indoors for the duration of recess or
lunchtime, under teacher supervision.
Skin and Sun Talks
On Thursday, 9 October, students from Years 8 and 10 had a presentation on ‘Skin & Sun Care’. Jennifer Ashley
from Fresh Ed talked to the students about the importance of looking after their skin through cleansing and
moisturising, coping with skin problems and the importance of preventing skin damage through UV exposure.
The presentation about sun exposure and the damage it can cause to young skin was very pertinent as Term 4
requires all students to be Sunsmart. A statistic that was of great concern was that students aged 15-25 are at
the highest risk of melanoma. Jennifer emphasised that taking responsibility and care of their skin was the most
important thing they can do to prevent skin cancer as they get older.
Mr John Coshan, Deputy Principal – Student Wellbeing
FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL, TEACHING & LEARNING
Year 10, 2015 Bring Your Own iPad
An explanatory letter and associated information has been sent home with current Year 9 students regarding
the option of (Year 10, 2015) students bringing their own iPad to school to use as a learning tool. Please note
students will also have the option of borrowing an iPad from the College on an extended loan.
Parents/Guardians, please read this information very carefully and return the required paperwork by Friday, 24
October.
Parent Portal – Assessment Update
Please make some time each week to monitor the Parent Portal as you will be able to identify where your child
is succeeding and where they require further support. Teachers will also indicate via the Portal when work is
overdue and when additional work needs to be completed
Subject Selection for Year 10, 2015
Subject Selection for 2015 is now finalised. CRC Sydenham will contact families directly regarding enrolment
forms and holding deposits. There will be a half day Orientation at Sydenham for all students studying a VCE or
VET subject in 2015. This will occur on 3 December. Excursion letters will be distributed later in the term.
CRCNK Newsletter No. 16: 17 October 2014
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Examinations are fast approaching
It is five weeks to Semester 2 Examinations so students should begin their study program now. Their first task is
to collect all the relevant notes and assessment tasks into one folder. They should then read through these
notes, highlighting key points and making overall summary notes.
Year 10 Examinations will be conducted from Monday, 24 November to Wednesday, 26 November and Year 9
Examinations will be conducted from Wednesday, 26 November to Friday, 28 November in the College Hall.
There are many distractions at this time of year so it is essential that students take this process very seriously.
The examinations not only provide feedback to parents, students and teachers as to how well students can
perform under pressure but importantly also provide students with immediate feedback as to how they best
study and prepare for these examinations. These study and organisational skills are absolutely crucial as the
students make the transition to VCE, where external examinations are a major component of their assessment.
This year students will have a designated study day prior to the examinations. This is an opportunity to study at
home and managing this independent study is an important component of the examination process. Year 9
Study Day is Tuesday, 25 November and Year 10 Study Day is Friday, 21 November.
Ms Eryn O’Mahony, Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning
FROM THE FAITH DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Ignite Conference 2014
During the September holidays, Miss Phoebe Maluyo, Miss Tara Ciantar and I took 15 of our students to
Brisbane to experience the Ignite Conference. And what a wonderful experience it was! The students (and the
staff) had an amazing time celebrating our Faith alongside 1300 other young people from all across Australia.
Read for yourself what some of our young people had to say about the Conference and have a look at the two
poster pages attached to this newsletter for photographic highlights:
Ignite was an amazing experience and one I won't forget! You learn so much about the Catholic faith, God and
how people have encountered Him in their lives. One of my favourite parts of the conference was when my
small group leader Joanna shared her experience with God during the Rally and how she had many material
things in her life and still felt incomplete because she didn't have God as a key importance. Through
reconciliation she was able to deepen her relationship with God and find happiness and joy in her life. Her talk
was really inspiring and one that made me reflect on what's really important.
Geraldine Vytilingam, 9N
During the Term 3 holidays 15 students and three teachers from CRC North Keilor had the opportunity to attend
the Ignite conference held in Brisbane. Teachers and students all had the opportunity to experience God in
depth and hear inspirational people talk about their own experiences with their Faith and The Trinity.
Throughout the entire event we had the opportunity to attended keynotes, workshops, rallies, Masses,
performances by other students, as well as listen to talks by various people, and adoration. We also witnessed
interviews by four of the students from North Keilor (Anuki E, Geraldine W, Alexandra W, Maggie D) with people
attending the conference that had experienced Christ and delivered the word in a strong and passionate
manner. Likewise these people and many of the other speakers have touched many people by their experiences
and work.
The entire experience left each and every one of us feeling vibrant, refreshed and in deeper connection with the
Catholic faith.
Magdalena Dolic, 9M
CRCNK Newsletter No. 16: 17 October 2014
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One – Awake My Soul Rally on Sunday, 26 October
As a follow up to Ignite, we have arranged to attend the One – Awake My Soul Rally which is being organised by
the Archdiocesan Office for Youth. In fact, our students will be one of the groups presenting a drama at this
event.
I would like to take this opportunity to invite Year 9 and 10 students who would be interested to come along.
There will be a bus leaving the College at 3:15pm on the 26th and returning at approximately 8:45pm following
this event. If you would like to book a spot on the bus, please see Mrs Stephenson.
Homebase Masses for Term 4
The Homebase Masses continue during this term and our celebrant this term is Fr O’Reilly. If you would like to
come along to any of these Masses, you would be most welcome. There is a slight change to the schedule this
term so please see the table below. We also had a change in celebrant this week and it was delightful to
welcome Fr Tom Cleary to the College for his first time.
Date
Class
Lesson/Time
9 October
9 October
15 October
15 October
22 October
22 October
23 October
30 October
30 October
9G
9 O’R
9L
8D
7N
9N
9M
8G
8L
Period 3 (11.00)
Period 4 (11:50)
Period 3 (11.00)
Period 4 (11:50)
Period 3 (11.00)
Period 4 (11:50)
Period 3 (11.00)
Period 3 (11.00)
Period 4 (11:50)
Mrs Theresa Stephenson, Faith Development Coordinator
CRCNK Newsletter No. 16: 17 October 2014
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PARENTS & FRIENDS NEWS
Christmas is just around the corner …
In fact, it’s only 68 days!
Save the Date – End of Year P&F dinner
All are warmly invited the P&F end of year dinner; to be celebrated this year on 19 November at Galli Winery. The
cost of the meal, which includes 3 courses and a glass of wine is $30 per head. Please RSVP to the College Office
on 9361 5900 or via email to [email protected] no later than 12 November.
P&F Christmas Raffle
A call out to anyone who is able to donate items for the P&F Christmas Raffle. Also, if
you have any suggestions regarding organisations we might be able to approach to
seek donations, please provide contact details to the College Office.
All donations and ideas will be gratefully received.
Mrs Joanne Pegoraro, President
IMPORTANT DATES AND INFORMATION
17 October:
20 – 21 October:
23 October:
27 – 31 October:
28 October:
30 October:
3 November:
4 November:
Year 10 Reflection Day
NITOR Trip to Sydney
College Tour: 9.00am
Arts Week
Dance Performance at CRC Sydenham: 6.45pm for 7.00pm (part of Arts Week)
Arts Night at CRC North Keilor (starts at 6.30pm)
School Council Holiday
Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Homework Club to continue in Term 4
These supervised after-school sessions are held on a Wednesday from 3.20 – 4.20pm and the
Learning Centre and aim to provide students experiencing difficulty with their homework
with teacher assistance. Students may also use this opportunity to catch up on work missed
through absence. Please note: These homework sessions are optional. The next two sessions
are:
Wednesday, 22 October:
Wednesday, 30 October:
PE and Health; Maths
Science; Maths
Mrs Nella Sharp
Domain Leader – Mathematics
College Fees (voucher) due dates for 2014
Remaining Voucher due date for 2014 is 7 November.
Would it be easier for you to pay your account online? At the bottom of the school statement parents receive
each month are the College’s bank account details should you wish to pay accounts using your Internet banking
facility. Alternatively, you can contact Cathy Smith (Monday – Wednesday) or Pam McLaughlin (Wednesday –
Friday) on 9361 5900 to obtain further information.
CRCNK Newsletter No. 16: 17 October 2014
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Overdue accounts for Year 7, 8 and 9 Laptops
Parents of Year 7, 8 and 9 students who have not yet paid their account, could you please
do so as soon as you can; they were due by 18 September. Thank you.
Ms Cathy Smith, College Bursar
Canteen Roster
20 October:
21 October:
22 October:
23 October:
24 October:
27 October:
28 October:
Rita Cassar
Neda Jurjevic
Angela Carbone
* Vacant
Anna Toncic
Lina Difalco
* Vacant
29 October:
30 October:
31 October:
3 November:
4 November:
5 November:
6 November:
Linda Miceli
* Vacant
Linda Miceli
Student-free day
Melbourne Cup Day
Christine Buttigieg
* Vacant
Start time is 10.30am. Please sign in at the College Office upon arrival.
If you can spare a couple of hours and would like to help out in the Canteen, please contact Marree or Randa on
9361 5900. Thanks!
Mrs Marree McSweeney, Canteen Manager
Monday, 27 October kicks off CRC North Keilor’s annual Arts Week!
Wednesday, 29 October, will be an evening of high quality, high energy DANCE! This year, Arts Week is
changing it up a little, with a night dedicated to showcasing both Year 9 and VET DANCE class students who
bring forth and entertain you with their hard work and talents at our Dance Performance evening. Doors will
open at 6.45pm, with a gold coin donation on entry very much appreciated, with the show beginning at 7.00pm
sharp.
Family and friends are all encouraged and welcome to attend, allowing you the opportunity to see what your
child has been working so hard towards. We look very much forward to seeing you there for what will be a
wonderful and entertaining evening.
Location:
Crate Theatre
Catholic Regional College Sydenham
370 Sydenham Road, Sydenham
Doors open:
6.45pm
Show time:
7.00pm – 8.00pm
On Thursday, 30 October CRC North Keilor will present an exhibition of student work in the Hall. The
exhibition will open at 6.30pm, with awards announced at 7.00pm. Refreshments will be served by Year 10
hospitality students, along with some background music provided by instrumental students.
You are invited to view the wonderful work of our creative and talented students. During Arts Week students
will be able to participate in a range of workshops and activities. Sign-up sheets will be posted around the
College soon.
Ms Helen Smith, Domain Leader – The Arts
Mrs Michelle Falzon, Dance Teacher
CRCNK Newsletter No. 16: 17 October 2014
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Royal Melbourne Show success for our students
Congratulations to the following students who won prizes in the show – a fantastic effort all round!
Year 7 - Choc Chip Cookies
3rd place – James Vavassori
Commended –Jack Patterson
Year 9/10 – Decorated Cupcakes
3rd place – Chloe Seychell
Very Highly Commended – Michaela Barilla
Year 8 – Gingerbread
3rd place- Shania Ly
Very Highly Commended – Eshika Parekh
Year 9/10-Chocolates/Sweets
1st place – Olivia Giacotta
2nd place – Kaitlin Panzarino
Ms Sue Coyle, Food Technology Teacher
Year 7 Italian Performance – ‘Mission Gnocchi’
On Wednesday, 22 October all Year 7 Italian students will attend the performance ‘Mission
Gnocchi’ – a crazy Italian/Australian comedy cooking show. It is a fast paced show full of
Italian humour, comedy, slapstick, surprises and audience participation.
Year 8 Italian Excursion – 27 and 28 October
As part of their Italian studies, Year 8 Italian students (including Skills Plus students) will
be attending an excursion to the Veneto Club in Bulleen on Monday, 27 and Tuesday, 28
October. Here they will participate in the rotation activities of soccer, bocce and cooking.
They will also enjoy a delicious pizza, pasta and gelato lunch!
The excursion is all day and students will travel to the Veneto Club via bus. We will leave at 9.00am and return in
time for afternoon dismissal.
CRCNK Newsletter No. 16: 17 October 2014
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Students are to wear full PE uniform with the appropriate runners. They should also bring a snack/drink for
morning tea. They can bring a bag but it is suggested that it only be small, to carry their snack.
Group 1 comprises 8D, 8N and Skills Plus students on Monday, 27 October.
Group 2 comprises 8G, 8O and the 8L/8M mixed Italian group on Tuesday, 28 October.
Ms Maria Michieli, Domain Leader – LOTE
More tips on safety from the Year 10 Traffic Safety Education students …
Continuing with the theme of showcasing student work whilst also imparting an important safety message, you
will find Daniel Radic’s (10L) poster prepared as part of the Traffic Safety Education elective attached to this
newsletter.
Mrs Carolyn Harrington, Teacher – Traffic Safety Education
Book sale raises funds for Indigenous literacy
At the end of last term the Learning Centre had a sale of teacher reference books and old novels that are soon
to be deleted from our system. We raised close to $100, which has been donated to the Indigenous Literacy
Foundation, which provides books and literacy resources for Indigenous kids and families in remote
communities. Thanks to everyone who bought a book!
Lunchtime learning is fun …
This term a new lunchtime activity has been introduced – cross stitch.
Mrs Joan Marantelli and Mrs Sharon Perry
Sr Veronica Learning Centre
CRCNK Newsletter No. 16: 17 October 2014
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Year 8 Premier League
Upcoming schedule
Sport
Cricket
Netball
Basketball
Volleyball
KCC vs CRCNK: 23 October
Highgate Oval
Craigieburn Leisure Centre
Craigieburn Leisure Centre
Kolbe Catholic College
Football/Soccer
DISC “Darebin” Sports Centre
CRCNK vs Marymeade: 30 October
Keilor Park Oval
Coburg Basketball Stadium
B&G: Caroline Springs Leisure Centre
Leisure City Epping
B: CRC North Keilor
G: Keilor Park Synthetic
Mr Keith Whaley
Sports Coordinator
DO YOU HAVE JAM JARS YOU’D LIKE TO
RECYCLE?
Our Food Technology students are learning how to make jam so if anyone has
glass jars with metal screw lids – small to medium in size, we will gladly have
them.
Please leave them at the College Office for Jocelyn Peach.
Thank you!
CRCNK Newsletter No. 16: 17 October 2014
11
CATHOLIC REGIONAL COLLEGE
NORTH KEILOR
Year 7, 2016
Information Evening
Wednesday 15 October
at 7.30pm
Parents of current
Grade 5 students
seeking to enrol their
child for Year 7 in 2016
are invited to attend
this meeting.
Please note that this
meeting is a parent
only event.
COLLEGE TOURS
Experience life as a student at
CRC North Keilor. Bring your
child along to:



Meet the Principal
Visit classes in action
Chat to students and staff
Tours commence at 9:00am
and run for approximately 1
hour. Your tour will begin with
an introduction in the Chapel
followed by a tour of the
College’s grounds, buildings
and facilities.
TERM 4 TOUR DATES
Tuesday 14 October
Thursday 23 October
Wednesday 29 October
Tuesday 11 November
Wednesday 19 November
For bookings contact the College
Office on 9361 5900 or email
[email protected]