A couple of weeks ago we farewelled the Class of 2023 with three beautiful ceremonies; the Valedictory Assembly, where we recognized all the students and made special mention of those students who excelled throughout the year, The Valedictory Mass where we were joined by the parents and each student received their graduation certificate and a gift from the College, and then we wrapped up proceedings at the Valedictory dinner. These events were a fitting way of saying goodbye to a group of students who had given so much and had left a lasting impact on this community. I share my Valedictory speech, which I delivered on the day, reminding the students that they will continue to have an impact and that they needed to decide what impact they wanted to have.

The students are now busily undertaking their final exams and we wish them well and we hope that their results reflect the students work and ability. Our Year Ten and Eleven students also entered their exam phase on Friday and we wish them all the best too.

Please enjoy my valedictory speech:

Staff, students, proud parents, and the graduating class of 2023,

Today, as you stand on the threshold of a new chapter in your lives. I am honoured to address you as the principal of this remarkable institution. Graduation is a momentous occasion, one that marks not just the end of a chapter, but also the beginning of a new journey. As you bid farewell to the familiarity of your school, you carry with you the memories, experiences, and friendships that have shaped you into the individuals you are today.

The theme I have chosen for this valedictory speech is simple, yet I believe profound: "Leaving a Positive Mark on Those Around You." Jane Goodall once said “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you must decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

The theme encapsulates the essence of your time here at this school. The legacy you have left and the legacy you should strive to create as you move forward. In life we leave our mark regardless of whether we choose to or not. Our actions, our words, and our demeanor all impact those around us.

Throughout your educational journey, you have learned much more than just facts and figures. You have learned about compassion, resilience, and the power of community. Hopefully you have discovered that a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand can leave a lasting impression on the lives of others. It is these moments of empathy and connection that truly define our legacy.

Each of you has had the privilege of being influenced by incredible teachers, mentors, and peers. They have not only imparted knowledge but also instilled in you the values of integrity, empathy, and kindness. Over the past six years it would have been impossible not to have been impacted by the care and concern your teachers have shown you. Nor would it be possible not to have been influenced by your peers. Now the examples I use are students that have impacted on me or that I have noticed impacting on others, there would be thousands more examples that other teachers have experienced or you yourselves have experienced so as I share my examples think of the people who have impacted on you over the past six years, those who have left an indelible mark on you.

Many of us have been wowed by the talents of Daniel Serpa, Anna-Marie or Thu. Or had our day brightened by the smiles of the likes of Ryan, Kaya, or Sarah. I’m sure some of you have watched on in awe, witnessing the dedication and hard work of students like Lilianna, Zoriana, Destiny, Samantha Sacco and co, or been moved by the speeches or marvelled at the leadership of your Captains, Uzonna and Izabella, or been amazed by the enthusiasm and exuberance of Grace; maybe some have felt a tinge of guilt as you witnessed the social awareness of students like Ivy, Chelsea and Max. Who will ever be able to forget the big personalities of the likes of Sebastian, Kingy, Eyobe and their crew and who will forget the sophistication of Thomas Tu. All these are but examples of students who have influenced and impacted on our community over the past six years yet I’m sure these students didn’t set out deliberately to impact those around them, and probably weren’t even aware of the impact they were having, however their actions, words, behaviours did have an impact in a positive way. Stephen Covey highlighted this when he said “What you do has far greater impact than what you say.”

As we step into the world beyond these walls, you must remember the importance of paying it forward. You must strive to be the source of inspiration, guidance, support and most importantly a source of joy for others, the people you encounter, known or unknown, just as your teachers and friends have been for you.

Leaving a positive mark on those around you doesn't require grand gestures or extraordinary acts. It can begin with the small, everyday choices we make. A smile, a greeting, an act of kindness. It can be about being a good friend, a caring neighbour, or being a responsible citizen. It might be about lending a hand to someone in need, listening to someone's troubles, or offering words of encouragement. It's about being present, being a beacon of positivity in a world crying out for good people.

As you embark on your respective paths, whether it be in further education, the workforce, or pursuing your passions, carry with you the conviction that you can make a difference. Remember that your actions, no matter how small, have the potential to ripple through the lives of others, creating a wave of positivity that can extend far beyond your own reach.

In conclusion, I want to congratulate each and every one of you for being sources of positivity in your time spent at the College and on the remarkable achievement of completing your secondary schooling but most importantly thank you and congratulate you for simply being you. To our award winners recognised today; a special congratulations and thank you for your dedication and the special contribution you made to the community.

As you say goodbye to your beloved school, don’t forget the lessons it has taught you and the people who have left an indelible mark on your hearts. Go forth with the intention of leaving a positive mark on those around you, knowing that by doing so, you can contribute to a brighter, kinder, and more compassionate world.

I share a quote from Anna Taylor that I believe provides something to aspire to. “Some people arrive and make such a beautiful impact on your life, you can barely remember what life was like without them.” Many of you have done that in this community but remember, all of you have the ability to impact your world in this way in the future.

So, to the Caroline Chisholm Catholic College Class of 23, Congratulations and thank you, may your journey ahead be filled with purpose, joy, and success and as you leave may you always pursue being a positive mark on the world.

Finally I leave you with these words of wisdom “Behind you, all your memories and experiences. Before you, your life and all your dreams. Around you, all who love you. Within you, all you need.”

Good luck and God bless.

This term we have launched our annual MacKillop Family Services Christmas Appeal. This heartfelt endeavour involves collecting gifts for children and young people in the care of MacKillop Family Services. We partner with this local organisation because they support families directly within our community.

This Christmas, their mission is to provide gifts to over 760 children and young people under their care. You can find more information about the MacKillop Family Services Christmas Appeal by visiting their website: https://www.mackillop.org.au/get-involved/donate/christmas-gift-appeal-2022.

We would like to take this opportunity to ask for your support and contributions. We are seeking gift donations which can be placed beneath the Christmas trees at either the 204 site or Christ the King campus. Students may drop-off gifts at any time.

In previous years we have also sought food donations, while this is not the focus of this appeal food donations are also accepted as we will distribute them to families within our community who need it most.

Other news from the Faith and Mission team is the ongoing good work being done in the name of sustainability and ecological justice. Every year September and October are times of particular focus on ecological justice as it is the Season of Creation. Minh Trinh, a student in year 9, has reflected on his own participation in the local Friends of Kororoit Creek eco-group and his recent contribution to the spirit of letting justice and peace flow during the recently concluded Season of Creation for 2023.

"Whether it be enjoying the breathtaking vistas, taking on the Aussie heat, or putting in back-breaking hours of work; During the course of Semester 2, I have had the opportunity to be graced by the wondrous landscape and waterways of the local Kororoit Creek with the assistance of a local eco group ‘Friends of Kororoit Creek’, and it has been fulfilling to say the least. The primary goal of ‘FOKC’ is the major rehabilitation of the creek from areas ranging from Ardeer all the way through to Altona and beyond, brimming its length with plants and respecting the Wurundjeri people as the traditional custodians. During my first few periods of volunteering, I was intimidated by the amount of dedication and other people that had volunteered their free time, but gradually I started to build a friendliness with their community which only increased my urge to continue volunteering.

But what makes the experience more harmonic, and rewarding is the support from the organisers themselves who work week in and week out striving to maintain the creek. I would like to take this brief moment in the newsletter to thank two people, Jessica Gerger for spearheading each session and my dad for making the whole experience a memorable one."

I’d like to wrap this feature of the newsletter with the purpose of ‘Faith in Action’. It is essentially an acknowledgement system for students and staff who volunteer their own time to serving local communities. I’d encourage all prospective members of the college to think about how they could get involved. However, I would like to stress that the recognition that comes from volunteering should not be at the forefront of beginning your service, it is the enjoyment and experience offered that should be embraced and prioritized. These acknowledgements are earned, not given.

Student Wellbeing Report

Students have returned to term 4 to embrace the final weeks of the year. Our senior students complete their final days last week, and our college community celebrating this week with graduation assembly, Mass and certificate ceremony, followed by graduation dinner with the students and families. Our Year 12’s should be very proud of all they have achieved in their time at the college.

Our Year 10 and 11 students are busy finishing off their courses before preparing to engage in exams at the end of this week, and then transition in preparation for the 2024 school year.

Our St John’s and Christ the King Campuses are completing camps, engaging in meaningful learning, and looking forward to celebrating their year later this term.

This week, the wellbeing team and other staff have put on an amazing range of activities and awareness across the college, highlighting the importance of mental health during mental health awareness and health and PE week. S

We look forward to hosting our incoming Year 7 cohort later in the term, as they attend the college for a day of transition.

There is much to celebrate before the year comes to an end, and I look forward to watching our students flourishing in the final weeks of the year.

Stephanie Banks Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

Uniform donations

Dear Families,

As we approach the end of the year and prepare to support families for next year, we call on donations of the College uniform.

If you have uniform items, you no longer need, that are still in good condition, they can be donated to students who need them.

Please bring any items to the College reception before the end of the school year.

Having a collection of items allows the College to provide items to other families.

Many thanks

The Family School Partnerships Team

An update from our Library Services

Write a Book in a Day

On Thursday, 9^th November The Write a Book in a Day 2023 winners will be announced. The YouTube link for the video announcement will be posted live at 1pm (AEDT). Additionally, the video will also be shared on the News and Stories page here. Wishing success to all writers and fundraisers! Every written book is currently available on the library's homepage here

You can check our library website as well. 

https://cccc.concordinfiniti.com/library/configure/portal

READ ALL THE COMICS!

Great news for all comic book readers. A new reading apps called Comics Plus has been launched at the library. All readers can access thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from a variety of library-friendly publishers at once with Comics Plus®. No holds or wait lists are necessary because every title is accessible whenever you need it on your computer, tablet, or phone, seven days a week. Visit the library website or get in touch with our friendly library staff to access Comics Plus. 

Optional Mass: All Soul's Day 02/11

This year we are offering a special mass to commemorate all those loved ones we know who have passed away in the last year. We invite you to bring along a photo or symbol of your loved one to place in the chapel for this special mass.

The mass details are:

• Thursday, 2nd of November
• Lunchtime (1:05pm - 1:45pm)
• Optional to all staff and students (CTK students will be bused up to the chapel at 12:50pm and returned for Period 7 as per their timetable)

There is no need to RSVP for the mass, however, Christ the King students will need to sign-up to ensure we can transport you at the right time on the day. Please use the form: https://forms.office.com/r/XSi4dvbYxm
Thank you.

Long weekend School Closure 06/11 and 07/11

Please note that the school is closed to students not attending exams on Monday the 6th of November, and to all staff and students on the 7th of November for the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday.

Afternoon of Excellence 23/11

Our Afternoon of Excellence will be taking place on the 23rd of November. All students are expected to attend in correct summer uniform.

Final day for St John's and CTK Students 01/12

Exams currently running

A reminder to all students that our senior students are currently completing their exams. Some spaces are therefore unavailable while exams are being sat. More information is available on Compass.

2024 Host Families Wanted

Dear Students, Parents and Caregivers,

Caroline Chisholm Catholic College is looking for students and their families to help provide our visiting Japanese students with a place to stay for 2 weeks, while these students are studying at our College.

Ten Japanese students will be visiting in March 2024, in week 8 and 9 of Term 1.

Host students and their families should have a keen interest in cultural exchange, proved a welcoming and English-speaking environment, and are willing to provide guidance and care to these students.

Host families must provide:

* a furnished bedroom with cooling, heating and lighting
* Internet access
* three meals a day -breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
* an English-speaking environment
* access to the College, not more than 40 minutes away by transport
* a Working with Children Check for anyone living at home over the age of 18. (Free application)
* be willing to take the student on day trips during the weekend

Host families will be remunerated ($200 a week) to assist with the costs of hosting a Japanese student.

If you believe you would be the perfect host family, please register you interest by filling in your details in the link below.

https://forms.office.com/r/3PCvxebBZa

If you have any questions, please email Mr Piperno or Ms Honzu.

End of school celebrations for our Year 12s

Congratulations to all of our Year 12 who have recently completed their high school careers!
We've had a range of activities - our Year 12 Celebration Day, our Year 12 Graduation and Mass Celebration and our final Assembly. 

IMAGINE Exhibition

The College recently held our annual IMAGINE Exhibition.,

The quality of work was incredible, and we had lot's of comments on how fantastic all the artwork and design was. Congratulations to everyone involved, and thank you to the incredible team of staff who worked so hard to present all the works so beautifully. 

2023 Australian Fashion Awards

Our very own Kathaleena Tram took home the award for best Costume (Fantasy) at the recent Australian Fashion Awards.

Amazing effort, Kathaleena, and to all the students who participated and teachers who helped our students create such fantastic work. 

Open Water Program by Life Saving Victoria

Our two Year 10 Outdoor Environment classes completed the Open Water Program by Life Saving Victoria. This was held at Altona beach. Due to the rain and poor water quality we did some workstations on dry land, but students still did a fantastic job!

Students covered First Aid and Water Safety, and learnt some valuable information about staying safe around the water.

Year 11 Outdoor Recreation Snorkeling Excursion

Earlier in the term we had a number of students from our Year 11 Outdoor Recreation class go snorkeling. The students had an incredible time, and saw so much that we usually miss when we go to the beach!

FAM Prayer – Christmas Appeal themed

Lord, during this wonderful time we pause to remember the needy people of this world whom Jesus came to save. May the light of his star touch every dark place, Lord.

As we meet in fellowship and goodwill, we pray for the end of war and terrorism in your torn world, especially in the most recent plights of Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, Ethiopia, Myanmar and others. Bring them your compassion 'and justice, Lord.

As we enjoy being relaxed and happy, we remember the sick, the lonely, the frightened, the anxious and the sorrowing: Bring them your comfort and peace, Lord.

As we pass other churches and places of worship, we remember other Christian denominations and faith traditions. Fill us with Christmas joy and generosity to reach out and connect with love, Lord.

O Jess, the Word made flesh, give us the will and capacity to embody our prayers in compassionate and courageous deeds: Fill us with the joy of service.

Amen.