As we engage in the hustle and bustle of Term 1, I am reminded of the importance of finding moments of reflection and renewal amidst our busy schedules. With Lent upon us, this season offers a timely opportunity to pause, recenter our focus, and cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and connection within our school community.

In the coming weeks, our students will be facing important academic milestones, including the NAPLAN for years 7 and 9, scheduled from Wednesday, 13 March to Friday, 15 March, and the Year 10 Allwell testing slated for Friday, 19 April. While these assessments are undoubtedly significant, it's essential to remember that success extends beyond test scores. As we prepare our students for these assessments, let us also emphasise the value of resilience, perseverance, and personal growth. Every challenge presents an opportunity for learning and development, and it's our collective responsibility to support and encourage our students along their journey.

In addition to academic assessments, we are also prioritising the holistic wellbeing of our students and staff. The upcoming Learner Mentor Student and Teacher Conferences, scheduled for the 5th and 6th of March, provide a valuable opportunity for building connections and fostering a supportive learning environment. These conferences offer a platform for students to engage in meaningful conversations with their teachers, reflecting on their academic progress, setting goals, and seeking guidance on their personal and academic aspirations. By nurturing these connections, we not only enhance student wellbeing but also empower them to thrive academically and emotionally.

Growth:

Embracing Growth Amidst Busy Times

As we navigate the demands of Term 1, let us draw inspiration from the spirit of Lent and the values it embodies—compassion, humility, and community. Whether it's through acts of kindness, moments of prayer and reflection, or simply extending a listening ear to those in need, each gesture of goodwill contributes to the fabric of our school community. Together, let us embrace this season of growth and renewal, reaffirming our commitment to excellence in both academic achievement and personal development.

I think it is fitting to end with a reflection on the words of Isaiah 40:31: "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." May these words serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration as we journey together through Lent and the remainder of Term 1.

Wishing you a blessed Lenten season filled with grace, growth, and meaningful connections.

Laura Ruddick

Dear Families,

It is hard to believe we are more than halfway through term one. Our Year 7 students have settled and are well engaged in learning. We had a wonderful social evening with their parents to build on relationships and offer further support for their young people. Students in Year 8 have commenced their camps, while our Year 12's are commencing assessment tasks in their various subject areas. Just some reminders for families as we navigate the year.

Absences and Family Travel

Some important reminders to parents and carers of your duty of care to inform the college if you son or daughter is going to be absent. It is a college requirement as a part of our registration to ensure unexplained absences are accounted for. This can be done via the parent portal on compass on the day, or in advance if you know. See below tutorials.

You can also call reception on 9296 5311 by 9am on the day. Families receive a text message at 10:30am if their child is away. Student Services will then follow up with a phone call following this if we still have unexplained absences for your child. Please support the college with this compliance and inform us of when your child is absent.

Compass Parent Tutorial and guide
Adding a note/approval: Parents are shown the process of adding a note to explain their child’s attendance after their child has been marked NP/U or L/U and also how to add a note in advance for a known upcoming absence.

Guide
https://www.compass.education/guide#section-attendance

Another reminder with regards to absences is family travel. If you are aware that you intend to take your child out of school for family travel, please ensure that their Year level coordinator needs to need informed. When planning family holidays, please consider the impact that this may have on your child’s education.

We are also offering support at the upcoming Learner Mentor Conference with a Compass Café to assist with any queries re the use of Compass.

Medical Information

If your child suffers from a medical condition short or long term. Please ensure that you have made the school aware. If your child is required to take medication whilst at school, you will need to complete a medical management plan and meet with relevant staff. If your child has a medical management plan, please ensure that we have an updated version. This all helps with compliance, as well as allowing us to give your child the best possible care.

Contact Details

Finally, can I ask that families check their address, emails and phone names on compass to ensure we have the most up to date information for being able to communicate with you. Again, this is important for a range of reasons, including medical, and keeping you in the loop with your child’s education.

Education is a three-way partnership between the school, the students, and families. The stronger the relationship the better the outcomes for all involved. Wishing you all well for the year ahead.

Child Safety

At Caroline Chisholm Catholic College we are committed to the care, safety and wellbeing of our students and see this as a central and fundamental responsibility of our college. Please see our commitment to Child Safety here.

God Bless

Stephanie Banks Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

As we commenced the year celebrating the results of our 2023 Year 12 students, we recognise our current Year 7 – 12 students are embarking on a new and exciting chapter in their academic journey.

Our 2024 students are halfway through their first term, and many are trying new subjects for the first time. The excitement through the corridors is obvious as students begin to develop new skills and investigate concepts they have not yet been exposed to.

Students and their parents/carers have been provided feedback on their progress thus far via the Term 1: Week 5 Progress Reports which were released on Friday, 1 March 2024. Families can access these reports via Compass and will have the opportunity to discuss these during the upcoming Learner Mentor and Subject Conferences which will be held on Tuesday, 5 March and Wednesday, 6 March.

Year 7 and 9 students will undergo NAPLAN testing from Wednesday, 13 March to Friday, 15 March. Students and parents/carers are encouraged to read the information available on Compass to ensure they are prepared for these tests.

I wish all of our Year 7 to 12 students all the best for this year as they learn, grow, and are challenged to be the best learners they are called to be.

- Lauren Markovic

05/02 and 06/03 - LM & Subject Conferences. Please refer to Compass for further details

11/03/2024 - Public holiday, school closed

12/03/2024 - Japanese Exchange Students Arrive

4C is excited to welcome new 10 Japanese exchange students and their teacher who will be arriving from Okinawa Catholic College, and staying for two weeks.

Please make sure to make these students feel welcome, if you see them around the school!

18/03/2024 - Cultural Diversity Week

To celebrate Cultural Diversity Week, which incorporates Harmony Day, a range of activities and events have been scheduled for the week of March 18th. 

We encourage all students to spend some time appreciating lunchtime performances on the 18th and 19th, and to wear traditional cultural clothing on Thursday the 21st, when there will be a lunchtime fashion parade!

22/03/2024 - College Athletics Day

Students will be attending the school athletics day on the Friday the 22nd. Many have been preparing in PE classes, and we look forward to seeing everyone in their house colours, competing for house points!

28/03/2024 - End of Term Assembly

Students are expected to attend the End of Term Assembly on Thursday the 28th. A reminder that students are expected to wear correct formal uniform for these events.

College Musical Auditions and Rehearsals

Congratulations to all our students who auditioned for the school musical. We're incredibly excited to see the show come together, and will keep you all updated as students continue to prepare.

Interhouse Volleyball

Congratulations to Ambrose, who took out the win in our recent Sacred Heart Interhouse Volleyball comp!

VCE Biomechanics 

Our VCE Students have been hard at work preparing for their upcoming SACS. Some students recently had to opportunity to complete a Biomechanics lab that gave them hands-on learning using high performance equipment to measure force, speed, and other Biomechanical principles that are likely to appear on their upcoming tests.  

Year 7 and 9 Big Sisters Program

Our Year 7 and 9 CTK students recently paired up in our Big Sisters program for 2024. The played Octopus, Board Games, Just Dance and a range of other activities aiming to build relationships  and help our Year 7 students settle into the school. 

Year 7 Parents and Carer Social Night

We were thrilled to welcome the families of our Year 7's to the Madeline Centre for our Social Night. It was fantastic to see so many teachers, parents and carers getting to know each other and bonding over a shared excitement about our Year 7's starting at 4C!

Preparing for Athletics Day

Our Year 7's have spent time in their PE classes preparing for athletics day, getting to try out some of the classic Athletics sports.

Year 7 SJ Reflection Day

Our Year 7 St Johns boys had their first reflection day on Thursday 29/03. Students visited a local Mosque, Catholic Centre and Buddhist Temple to hear about some of the religions of the world!

Year 9 Water Safety

Our Year 9 students have spent this last week completing Water Safety classes. Here in Australia we're incredibly lucky to have beautiful beaches, where many of us spend our vacations. Unfortunately, this last summer we've seen some of the highest drowning rates on record. This is why it's so incredibly important our students get the chance to learn about water safety and how to conduct themselves around the water, so that they can enjoy our beaches, rivers and lakes safely!

Year 11 Art Making Excursion to Heide

Some of our Year 11 students recently visited Heide gallery in Bulleen, on the banks of the Yarra. This historic site was turned into a modern art gallery by prominent Australians, Sunday and John Reed. Their original house still stands, and is where here Sidney Nolan painted his famous Ned Kelly paintings on the dining room table. 

The Stations of the Cross

On Fridays during Lent we pray the stations of the cross to remember and commemorate the passion of Jesus Christ. I encourage you to pray the stations of the cross with us this week. Have a blessed Lent.

First Station

Jesus Condemned to Death. O Jesus! so meek and uncomplaining, teach me resignation in trials.

Second Station

Jesus Carries His Cross. My Jesus, this Cross should be mine, not Thine; my sins crucified Thee.

Third Station

Our Lord Falls the First Time. O Jesus! by this first fall, never let me fall into mortal sin.

Fourth Station

Jesus Meets His Mother. O Jesus! may no human tie, however dear, keep me from following the road of the Cross.

Fifth Station

Simon the Cyrenean Helps Jesus Carry His Cross. Simon unwillingly assisted Thee; may I with patience suffer all for Thee.

Sixth Station

Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus. O Jesus! Thou didst imprint Thy sacred features upon Veronica’s veil; stamp them also indelibly upon my heart.

Seventh Station

The Second Fall of Jesus. By Thy second fall, preserve me, dear Lord, from relapse into sin.

Eighth Station

Jesus Consoles the Women of Jerusalem. My greatest consolation would be to hear Thee say: “Many sins are forgiven thee, because thou hast loved much.”

Ninth Station

Third Fall of Jesus. O Jesus! when weary upon life’s long journey, be Thou my strength and my perseverance.

Tenth Station

Jesus Stripped of His Garments. My soul has been robbed of its robe of innocence; clothe me, dear Jesus, with the garb of penance and contrition.

Eleventh Station

Jesus Nailed to the Cross. Thou didst forgive Thy enemies; my God, teach me to forgive injuries and FORGET them.

Twelfth Station

Jesus Dies on the Cross. Thou art dying, my Jesus, but Thy Sacred Heart still throbs with love for Thy sinful children.

Thirteenth Station

Jesus Taken Down from the Cross. Receive me into thy arms, O Sorrowful Mother; and obtain for me perfect contrition for my sins.

Fourteenth Station

Jesus Laid in the Sepulchre. When I receive Thee into my heart in Holy Communion, O Jesus, make it a fit abiding place for Thy adorable Body. Amen.

Source: https://peaceandallgood.org/short-way-of-the-cross/

Prayer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEIvGC1WsbM