Embracing the Power of Choice

As we make our way through the middle of this term, it’s an ideal time to reflect on a theme that is pivotal to our development and success - choice. The ability to make choices is a powerful tool that shapes our experiences and growth.

We hosted our Senior Pathways Evening last week and it was exceptionally well attended by families. One of the most significant decisions students make is selecting subjects throughout their schooling. This choice not only influences their academic journey but also their future career paths. Remember, the subjects you choose should not only align with your academic strengths but also with your personal interests and long-term aspirations. However, keep in mind that every choice has consequences. Choosing subjects that challenge you may lead to a more demanding workload, but also greater rewards in terms of knowledge and skills gained.

Our daily choices in behaviour significantly impact our school environment and personal development. Here are a few reminders about the importance of behavioural choices:

- Respect and Kindness: Choose to treat everyone with respect and kindness. These actions create a positive and inclusive school culture.

- Responsibility and Integrity: Be responsible for your actions and uphold integrity. Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, builds trust and character.

- Positive Mindset: Opt for a positive mindset. Challenges are opportunities in disguise, and your attitude towards them can make all the difference.

It’s essential to remember that every behavioural choice has consequences. Positive choices lead to a supportive and nurturing environment, while negative actions can harm relationships and your own reputation.

We began our junior exams this week so it is a good time to remember how important it is to manage our wellbeing. Here are some strategies to help you make positive choices for your mental and physical health:

- Time Management: Prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively to reduce stress. Break down your work into manageable chunks and take regular breaks.

- Healthy Habits: Choose nutritious foods, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep. These habits enhance your energy levels and overall health.

- Device Free time: Allocate time each day to unplug from devices. This helps reduce eye strain, improve sleep quality, and allows for more meaningful face to face interactions.

The choices you make regarding your wellbeing also come with consequences. Neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and health issues, while prioritising it can result in a more productive and joyful life.

As a Catholic school community, our faith also guides our choices. The Catholic faith teaches us the value of free will and the moral responsibility that accompanies it. Making choices that align with our faith can provide a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. Embracing our faith in decision-making encourages us to act with compassion, seek justice, and live out the values of love and service.

In summary, the choices we make every day—whether in our studies, behaviour, personal care, or faith—have profound effects on our lives and the community around us. As we approach the end of this term, I encourage each of you to reflect on the choices you have made and the ones you will make moving forward. Embrace the power of choice, understand the consequences, and use this understanding to steer your life towards success and fulfillment.

Thank you for being a part of our wonderful school community. Together, let's continue to make choices that inspire and uplift us all.

Laura Ruddick

Acting Principal

“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live" - Deuteronomy 30:19

The power of feedback

Feedback in schools plays a vital role in enhancing student learning, motivation, and development. It supports teachers in improving their instructional practices and fosters a positive and collaborative learning environment. In Term 2, the College has focused on implementing effective feedback practices in an attempt to impact the educational outcomes and personal growth of our students.

The College is excited to share that we have engaged with Pivot, a tool which gives students the opportunity to provide feedback to their teachers on their teaching practice. All teachers have provided their classes with a brief survey, asking students to comment on the classroom environment, lesson instruction, relationships and student voice. Teachers are now using this feedback to alter their classroom practices. The College aims to continue this practice throughout the year, where students are given opportunities to shape how learning occurs in their classrooms.

Our Years 7 – 11 students are about to embark on a season of feedback as they complete their Semester 1 examinations. Students in Years 7 – 9 have concluded their examinations, with feedback sessions running over the next two weeks. Year 10 and 11 students commenced their examinations yesterday, and will have a day dedicated to examination feedback on Tuesday, 11 June. These examination feedback sessions, aim to celebrate areas of success, whilst giving specific advice on how to improve on areas for growth.

The 2025 Subject Selection process has commenced for our Years 9 – 11 students. Students are encouraged access and read the 2025 Years 10 – 12 Course Guide whilst making their subject choices for next year, however they are also encouraged to have conversations with their subject teachers and seek feedback on subjects they should look to pursue in 2025. Classroom teachers can provide valuable insight into how well-suited a subject is for a student, reflecting on a student’s areas of strength and interest.

Finally, 2024 Semester 1 reports will be released to families on Tuesday, 11 June. Whilst the College adopts a continuous reporting approach, with bi-termly Progress reports distributed and Learning Tasks available on Compass for parents/carers to view, the Semester 1 reports provide a succinct summary on how each student has performed for the Semester. Feedback from these reports should be used by students to set goals for their Semester 2 classes.

The College aims to foster a culture of feedback in as many ways as possible. We hope that students continue to ‘be the best they are called to be’ using feedback as a means to get there.

Lauren Markovic

Acting Deputy Principal, Learning & Teaching

As our year begins to reach its turning point, we are called to reflect on the profound journey we share, guided by our shared faith. Our community thrives on the values of service, compassion, and the upholding of each person’s dignity and spiritual flourishing, as seen through our various initiatives and programs.

One of the highlights of this term is the Vinnies Winter Appeal. Every year, our Vinnies Social Justice Committee raises awareness on critical issues like homelessness, poverty, and food insecurity. This year, we are collecting non-perishable food items, blankets, warm clothing, and cash donations to support those in need. We encourage you to contribute generously to this appeal, bringing your donations to the drop-off zones at reception. Your compassion and generosity can make a significant difference to the lives of many in our local community. The appeal will reach its highpoint at the Vinnies Winter Sleepout towards the end of the term.

We also invite you to join our Sacrament Preparation Program for 2024, open to all students from years 7 to 12. This program offers students the opportunity to complete their Catholic sacraments, including Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation, with the support of the college. Parents and carers can register their children by completing the registration form by Friday, June 7th which may be found through Compass. This journey of faith will deepen students' spiritual understanding and connection to the Catholic community.

Additionally, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. This feast has a long history at our college and honours the boundless love and mercy of Jesus Christ. The feast serves as a reminder of God's unwavering love for humanity, and I invite you all to join our community in prayer as we prepare for this significant feast day. Let us embrace this celebration, reflecting on how we can embody Jesus's love and compassion in our daily lives.

Our collective efforts in community service, sacramental preparation, and faith celebrations reinforce the core values that define our college. Let us continue to support and uplift each other, guided by the teachings of the Gospel and the love of Christ. Thank you for your dedication and participation in our mission.

Tristan O'Brien

Deputy Principal, Faith and Mission

As we come to the end of the seventh week of term, it is wonderful to see the level of engagement that so many students are putting into their learning. Many are thriving in this space. It has also been lovely to see the students socialising in the yard, participating in various activities, sport, and excursions. Please take some time to speak with your child/ren about how they are going with their learning, friends, and activities at school. We have also had a really positive start to exams across all year levels.

I take this opportunity to note some reminders, and thank you for your support on:

• All students have access to our counselling services at eth College. Students generally have six sessions available to them, depending on needs, as well as ensuring all students have the opportunity if there is a need. Given the size of the school and counselling ratio, we do not provide ongoing counselling. We look to help assist with external supports where needed.
• Students were also reminded this week of their use of headphones and AirPods. They were reminded that they must be removed on entry to the college. Students are not to use AirPods or headphones on the school grounds. If a teacher requests a student use earplugs or headphones for learning and teaching purposes, they must be wired through their laptop. If Year 12’s wants to listen to music when studying, they can through their laptops using wired headphones. Not through their phone. We are also in the process of rolling out an updated mobile phone policy. More information to be communicated shortly.

What’s been happening in the Wellbeing, Student Support and Family Partnerships Space

Last week we had a record number of families and students attend the pathways expo for students to learn about different subject choices as they plan for 2025. An interpreted session was run to support our families navigate this information.

Candice, one of our counsellors, has run some workshops around understanding the teenage brain. This has been helpful for families in learning how to best support their children with their learning. We hope to hold more workshops that will provide tools and strategies for our families in the future.

This week some of our Indigenous students commenced a program with the Western Bulldogs called the Nalli Jeering Program. The program supports our students to engage with like students and explore their own person story.

Another group of students have been involved in the Leaders of the Pack Program with the Western Bulldogs, and have been learning more about themselves and about leadership.

Well done to all our students and families for their participation in the various areas that supports their own growth and learning.

We look forward to the end of term celebrations in the final week, with our Academic Assembly on Thursday 27^th June, followed by our Sacred Heart Day Mass, fair and talent quest on Friday 28^th June. Students will finish at around 2:15pm on this day.

Finally, in week two of term two learning, we will run our second round of Learner Mentor meeting with families, students and learner mentors to review and celebrate the goals that were set in term one. More information will come out via compass before the end of term.

Thank you for your ongoing support. When we work together to understand the hopes and dreams of our students, they in turn engage in their learning and together we inspire their love of learning.

God Bless

Stephanie Banks

Deputy Principal, Student Wellbeing

Community Programs

With school holidays coming up, there are a number of community programs being offered in our local area. Our wellbeing team will continue to keep an eye out for other upcoming programs available to our students or parents.

Prospective Parent Information Night - Tuesday, 4 June

If you or your friends are considering enrolling students at 4C's, our upcoming Parent Information Night is perfect for any prospective parents! You can find out more here: https://www.cccc.vic.edu.au/ne...

Winter Music Concert - Tuesday, 11 June

Our annual Winter Music Concert is fast approaching! 
The students have been busily rehearsing, and tickets are more than half gone, so if you're wanting to come along, get your free ticket here: https://events.humanitix.com/w...

Full College Assembly - Thursday, 27 June

Sacred Heart Day and end of Term 2 - Friday, 28 June

Students return to school - Tuesday, 16 July

Western Bulldog Leaders of the Pack Program - Youth Leadership Development and Connections

The Leaders of the Pack Program is delivered through Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, within the pillar of youth engagement programs. This program offers opportunities for young women to become future leaders and community advocates by increasing their social awareness, self-awareness, and community impact knowledge through weekly leadership development workshops. Our students have been participating for a few weeks now, and are really enjoying what they're learning.

The program offers young people opportunity to build resilience, cultural awareness, and competence to self-discover, lead, and develop problem solving while engaging in a team-building skills.

It's a 10-week leadership program, with fun and engaging workshops which incorporate educational and employment pathways, aiming to inspire young people who are participating in the program to make positive change in their community and leadership opportunities through regular roundtable discussions with influential mentors such as AFLW players.

There are three schools currently participating in the program, including 4Cs. Our students have been working with other students from Footscray High School and the Western English Language School.

Our students have been enjoying the experience, as evidenced by their testimonies:

“My experience at the western bulldogs leadership program was very good as I learnt more skills on how to become a good leader and to work well with others ” 
- Gianella Torres-Solis

“I enjoy this leaders program as it helps us connect with other students from different school and learn more about each other."
- Nyandeng Mayen

“My experience with the leaders of the pack program has been so fun because it isn't all sitting in a room and we get to play sports and develop better teamwork skills”
- Poppy Laidlaw

Chinese Excursion to the Golden Dragon Museum

Our Year 9 Chinese class attended the Golden Dragon Museum in Bendigo on 21^st May. Students learned about the firsthand struggles of Chinese immigrants at a museum dedicated to their stories. They also explored the culture and history of Chinese Australians, particularly in the Bendigo region. The museum's precinct, which includes the historical site of one of Bendigo's Chinatowns, features Chinese Gardens and a temple dedicated to Kuan Yin.. Students had lunch served at a local Chinese restaurant. Students practised Chinese eating etiquette and experienced Chinese food culture.

Year 7 Food Tech Class

Some of our Year 7 students at CTK have been busy cooking up some delicious food in their food tech classes!

NEST Program continues

The OzHarvest NEST program continues to thrive in our school, with students continuing to create delicious, healthy meals. 

Memorare to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Remember, O most kind Jesus, that none who have had recourse to Your Sacred Heart, implored its assistance, or called for mercy, have ever been abandoned.

Filled, and animated by this same confidence, O divine Heart, Ruler of all hearts, I fly to You, and oppressed beneath the weight of my faults, I place myself before You.

Despise not Your child, but grant me, I pray, an entrance into Your Sacred Heart.

Sustain me in all my trials and be with me now, and at all times, but especially in the hour of my death.

O gracious Jesus!

O amiable Jesus!

O loving Jesus!

Amen.