15th August, 2017 Reflection Each day as I step further into my future Loving God, each day as I step further into my future, give me the courage, knowledge and patience that I need. Remind me that you always journey with me and that you will never lead me into anything that you won't lead me through. Thank you for the gift of my life. May the way I live be my gift back to you - with your love and guidance In Jesus' name, Amen.
Dear Parents and Students, The Feast of the Assumption On this feast of the Assumption, it is fitting to reflect on Mary’s attitude to life. Unmarried and pregnant, she was able to praise her God. ‘The Mighty One has done great things for me’ was her response to this particular crisis in her life. It was not, ‘This is too much - I can’t take any more’, or some such sentiment. Of course, we don’t know if Mary had any initial fears of what lay ahead. Whatever emotions she may have felt, she was still able to maintain a positive outlook. In our own lives, there are always circumstances when we feel justified in displaying bitterness, crankiness or other negative attitudes. If we reflect daily on our responses to events, then we can emulate Mary’s attitude. After all, we don’t have to do it alone - we have Mary walking with us! Vinnies Sleep out Well done to the group of 30 staff and students who participated in the Vinnies Winter Sleep out last Friday night. The group raised $2545.30 and also awareness of those people in our area and across Melbourne who are sleeping rough. Bring Your Own Device for Years 10-12 There has been a lot of research and discussion here at school, about our future directions with the iPad program across Years 7-12. We established a three-year cycle whereby parents paid $700 over 3 years to subsides the cost of the device, including warranty and insurance. That cycle has ended and the question was ‘does the iPad meet the learning demands of a senior school student? A consultation process took place including students, parents and staff. Other secondary school Principals were also consulted, and the decision was made to go BYOD for Years 1012. Points to note in deciding on a BYOD program for Years 10-12 in 2018: - Students in the senior school produce ‘lengthy’ pieces of work which are easier to type using a keyboard. - Students in the senior school may require sophisticated programs that the iPad can’t run, like photoshop. - Some parents/students have a device at home that would meet College requirements but were being asked to purchase an iPad regardless. - Gives students and parents choice - you choose the device best suited to the learning of your student based on your budget. - The College will provide you with a list of minimum requirements for your device. - Devices that do not meet the requirements will not be allowed to connect to the College network. School Improvement Surveys 2017 - Have your say We are seeking your participation in school improvement surveys to help shape the ongoing improvement of our school for the students in our care. The survey will be available from Monday 21st August, 2017. Our School Improvement Report is an invaluable resource in our ongoing pursuit of improvement. This helps us to identify what is going well and not so well and the ways in which we can improve and further develop our school. We would therefore greatly appreciate your continued support by completing the survey this year. If you are willing to complete the survey please email: kmatthews@crcmelton.com.au to receive the survey information. Mark Sheehan Principal