I extend a heartfelt welcome back to all students and their families within the Caroline Chisholm Catholic College community as we embark on the 2024 School Year. A warm greeting is particularly extended to our new students and their families, including approximately 300 Year 7 students and 30 individuals across other year levels, as they commence their educational journey at CCCC. I trust that all students enjoyed a restful break and are now ready to embrace the challenges that the upcoming school year holds.

Over the break, we shared the news that our Principal, Robert Brennan, is presently on leave, undergoing treatment for Cancer. During this time, he has remained in our collective thoughts and prayers as we wish him strength for his recovery. In his absence, the college community stands united, ready to support one another and maintain the positive and nurturing environment that defines our College.

Despite the challenges posed by Mr. Brennan's absence, as Acting Principal, I am committed to ensuring the seamless continuation of our academic and extracurricular activities. Caroline Chisholm Catholic College remains steadfast in its dedication to providing the highest quality education to allow students to reach their full potential. As we navigate this period, let us draw inspiration from the enduring values of the Catholic Sacred Heart charism, emphasising compassion, love, and resilience.

As we embark on the new year, I would like to take a moment to briefly reflect on and celebrate the VCE results of 2023. While we will officially recognise the class of 2023, especially the accomplished students, during our Top 20 Assembly on Thursday, February 15th, it is important to highlight some particularly pleasing aspects of the past academic year. Isabella Mancewicz emerged as the Dux for the year, securing an outstanding score of 97.3, while Quan Cao earned the title of Proxime Accessit with an impressive score of 97.25. Notably, the elevation of our median study score from 29 to 30 marks the third consecutive year of improvement, a milestone that fills us with pride.

The college extends sincere congratulations to all our students for their remarkable results and wishes them success as they transition to the next stage of their lives. Additionally, we commend all schools, particularly our fellow Catholic institutions, for their noteworthy achievements and outstanding efforts in guiding their students toward success.

Today, the College will celebrate the opening school mass, formally welcoming in the new school year. Our celebrations will include the welcoming ceremony for new staff and students, with the presentation of a College and house badge to all Year 7 students. We will also induct the 2023 College leaders. It will be a wonderful gathering full of pomp and ceremony, reflecting the strength and unity of our college community. As we embrace this new academic year, let us carry forward the spirit of the Catholic Sacred Heart charism, ensuring that it will be "business as usual" at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College.

Term 1 Important Dates

We have a lot coming up in Term 1 at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College!

This morning at the Commissioning Mass and Assembly we welcomed our new teachers and student leadership.

More details about each event will be available to students involved on Compass as the event gets closer.

Monday 5th February
Commissioning Mass

Friday 9th February
College Photo Day

Wednesday 14th February
Ash Wednesday

Thursday 15th February
Top 20 Assembly

Monday 26th February 
Year 9 Water Safety Course begins

Wednesday 28th February
Year 7 Parent/Carer Social Gathering

Thursday 29th February
Year 7 SJ Reflection Day

Thursday 29th February
Photo Catch Up Day

Friday 1st March
Progress Reports due

Monday 4th March
Year 7 CTK Reflection Day

Monday 4th March
Year 7 SJ & Year 10 SH Immunisations

Tuesday 5th March
Year 7 CTK Immunisations

Tuesday 5th March
LM & Subject Conferences onsite

Wednesday 6th March
LM & Subject Conferences onsite

Wednesday 13th March
NAPLAN begins

Friday 22nd March
College Athletics Day

Thursday 28th March
College Assembly (Last day of Term 1) – Students finish 1pm.

Open Day 2024

If any community members have a coffee van please contact Jessica Eng at J.Eng-Forbes@cccc.vic.edu.au. We are looking for suppliers for our Open Day on the 19th of May.

Our theme for 2024 is Let love flow from the heart as living water. This theme is drawn from the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well in John’s gospel. From this theme and narrative we may consider:

Growth and nourishment – every person here begins this year afresh. Just like last year when we reflected on growing from small seeds to big trees, all growth requires life-giving water. We should embrace the relationships, experiences, lessons and mentors that nourish us to grow to our full potential.

A thirst for love – our theme speaks of how everyone experiences thirst. Jesus provides a living water, a way to quench our thirst that never ends. This is based on love.

Flowing water is alive – Living water refers to how this love is alive! When we believe in God’s love for us there is a joyful, life-giving source of strength and hope which will never run out.

With these in mind we pray:

Loving God,

Inspire us to let love flow from our hearts like living water, just as Jesus did at the well.

May this love break down barriers, inspire authenticity, and cultivate joy and community among us.

Grant us the courage to overcome prejudice and embrace others with genuine care.

May our lives be a testament to the transformative power of your love.

Amen