23rd April, 2013 Reflection It seems appropriate to write about our new Pope this week for two reasons: Firstly our Italian Trip students attended Pope Francis’ weekly audience just two weeks ago at the Vatican, and secondly our Kenya Immersion team returned recently after working with the abject poor, yet hope-filled community of Brother Beausang’s school. Pope Francis has spoken eloquently about the need to treat poor people as “subjects” and not mere “objects” of the state or the economy. In a presentation in September 2009 titled Las Deudas Sociales (Social Debts / Obligations), as Cardinal Bergoglio he said: “We cannot truly respond to the challenge of eradicating exclusion and poverty if the poor continue to be objects, targets of action by the state and other organizations in a paternalistic and aid-based sense, instead of subjects, in an environment, where the state and society create social conditions that promote and safeguard their rights and allow them to build their own destiny.” Here he identifies a core insight in how we should engage with the poor — as partners always remembering that they are the protagonists of their own development.
Parent Teacher Communication With Parent/Teacher interviews on this week, it may be timely to consider how best to communicate with your child’s teacher during the school year. We know that parents who are involved in their child’s education is a positive factor, but just how often should you contact the teacher, and what questions should you ask? And when do a parent’s questions or behavior tip from appropriate to meddlesome? Jerry L. Park is a teacher and the author of Help! My Child Is Starting Middle School! A Survival Handbook for Parents. What differences do you notice in students with involved parents? “Parents who take an active interest in their child’s work and school well-being are one of the biggest contributors to my students’ success,” Parks says. Children of involved parents typically have higher self-esteem and have fewer behavior problems in school. And students’ grades usually improve when their parents become involved. How can parents stay informed about their child’s school performance? If your school posts grades online, be sure to check them often. Emailing the teacher is also a good way to get a quick status report. “Email has been a godsend,” he says, because it is “less intrusive for the teacher and less threatening for the parent.”
What are some questions parents should ask about their children? Ask the teacher whether she thinks your child is giving his best effort in class and whether she has noticed any significant changes in your child’s behavior or grades, Parks suggests. It’s also a good idea to find out whether the teacher has concerns about the friends your child has chosen. Make sure you understand the teacher’s policy for making up missed work, and don’t forget to ask about the best way to keep in touch throughout the year. What should parents do if they feel the teacher assigns an excessive amount of homework? First, try to find out whether the amount of work really is excessive. If the level of homework does seem like too much, think about whether it happens often or only once in a while: “Some units and projects simply require more homework,” he says. How should a parent approach the teacher about this? Don’t go in with the attitude that the teacher is wrong. Instead, ask for advice on how you can help your child deal with the excessive homework. “Allowing the teacher to suggest solutions is far more effective than challenging their wisdom,” says Parks.
How should a parent address a grade that the student feels he or she did not deserve? Instead of being confrontational, calmly explain that your child is upset or confused about the grade. Ask the teacher how your child’s grade compared with the rest of the class or the overall grade level. “This will give the parent the information they really want to know without making the teacher feel threatened,” Parks says. It may also help the teacher realize whether the assignment was too difficult for all students. Some parents are just not comfortable approaching teachers. How should they get started? Keep in mind that teachers may also be nervous about talking to parents, Parks says. Break the ice by sending the teacher an email or personal note at the start of the school year, and be sure to attend your school’s information nights to meet the teacher. If the teacher has done something that made a difference for your child, pass on your thanks. Finally, Parks suggests, join the school Parents and Friends Association. “There is security in numbers!” Top 5 ways parents can help their children succeed in school 1.
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Make sure your child is at school every day possible. “Missed work is generally more of a loss than made-up work is a gain,” Parks says. “There is no substitute for attendance.” Designate a time and place for your child to do homework. If he does not have homework, have him use the time to read. “Routine is the essence of a child’s life,” he says.
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Keep in touch with teachers, but don’t overdo it. “Most teachers appreciate parents caring enough to keep in touch a few times a term but do not appreciate parents expecting contact on a weekly basis.”
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Teach your child character it “will improve social and academic skills more than anything else,” Parks says. “Some things are simply wrong, and the world your child will grow up in, misdemeanors will be punished, so give your child a head start.”
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Make time every day to talk with your child about the day’s activities. “Let them know you care, and really listen to what they have to say.”
Mark Sheehan Principal
Kenya Immersion Experience Recently, the Catholic Regional College Melton (CRCM) Immersion team, consisting of two staff members and seven senior students returned from Kenya. The two week Immersion experience involved learning about life in an impoverished Kenyan community, as well as working with staff and students at Br. Beausang’s Catholic Education Centre in Embulbul, Kenya. Catholic Regional College Melton successfully raised $6000 for playground equipment at Br. Beausang’s School and additional funds enabled us to provide some financial assistance to the students undertaking the immersion experience. The generosity of families in the CRCM community meant that we were also able to offer the school substantial stationery supplies and some sporting equipment which was greatly appreciated. The team participated in a range of activities including visiting the homes of families where unfortunate personal and social circumstances had resulted in incredible poverty and desperate living conditions. They helped tutor students at the school, assisted teachers with various classes, delivered presentations, became involved with cleaning, the preparation of lunchtime meals for the students, and engaged in sporting and playtime experiences. Travelling to Kenya and the opportunity to be part of a Kenyan community was an amazing experience. We are incredibly proud of the success of this program and the emotional and spiritual growth that was evident in each and every CRCM student that participated in the immersion experience. Well done Team Kenya! Pauline Jakobovic Kenya Immersion Team Leader (2013)
Winter Uniform Term 2
Parent Information Evening for Year 11 & 12
The two-week transition period before the wearing of the winter uniform in Term 2 is over at the end of the week. All students are required from Monday April 29 to wear the winter uniform. The requirements are set out in the student diary and below. It is clearly stated the College Blazer is the external garment to be worn to and from school. Excuses of leaving the blazer at home or in the locker will not be accepted.
There are many challenges facing you as parent/s or guardians of VCE students, especially if it is a first time experience. Questions you may be asking yourself, do I go hard or do I back off putting pressure on my son or daughter, what can I do and how can I help them? To help with some of these questions we are offering a parent program delivered by motivational speaker and success coach Darren Pereira. His program has been specifically geared for parents with teenagers and concentrates on how you as a parent can:
Girls Blazer Winter Kilt Shirt
Jumper Tie
Tights Socks Shoes Scarf Boys Blazer Trousers Shirt
Jumper Tie
Tights Socks Shoes Belt
Compulsory - It is the required external garment worn to and from school CRC Tartan - length to knees White long sleeve shirt with CRC monogram. The shirt must have the top button done up and tucked in Can only be worn to and from the College if under the Blazer The College tie is compulsory and is to be done up to the shirt and worn correctly Navy Blue Long Navy Blue Black leather lace up school shoes Navy
Compulsory - It is the required external garment worn to and from school Navy Blue with CRC monogram White long sleeve shirt with CRC monogram. The shirt must have the top button done up and tucked in Can only be worn to and from the College if under the Blazer The College tie is compulsory and is to be done up to the shirt and worn correctly Navy Blue Navy Blue Black leather lace up school shoes Plain Black with traditional plain silver or gold buckle
The PE uniform is only worn when the student has a timetabled PE or Drama class, or when otherwise specified by the College Leadership team. The winter PE uniform is tracksuit pants and rugby top. Students are only permitted to wear one plain silver or gold stud or small sleeper in the ear. No facial piercing is allowed. We look for your support in ensuring your son or daughter is wearing the College uniform correctly to and from school.
build your child’s self confidence so that they reach their fullest potential motivate your child to achieve both academically and in life communicate effectively so that you can understand your child and develop a close, positive relationship discover and develop your child’s talents toward a meaningful pathway
Darren presented workshops to our Year 10 and Year 12 students last year with great success and he will be working with our Year 12 students next Thursday. A parent evening is being offered Thursday May 2, 7pm in the VCE Building and is relevant to both Year 11 and 12 parents. You will find the evening enlightening, inspiring and practical. A letter of invitation with a reply slip has been given to each Year 11 and 12 student to take home. If you are intending to attend please return the reply slip to your child’s Homeroom teachers. Robert Blackley Deputy Principal (Students) Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews Thanks to all families who have made appointments for our Term 2 Parent-Student-Teacher interviews Tuesday April 23 (after school) & Wednesday, April 24 (afternoon/ evening). If were not able to attend, please feel free to contact the College to request a phone call / meeting. If you wish to follow up on any issues, please contact the relevant teacher or Year Level Coordinator to make an appointment. Staff email addresses are available through our Web site and are often the best way to contact staff. John Christie Deputy Principal (Staff)
Year 11 Drama Ensemble Performances The Year 11 drama class will be presenting ‘Outcome 2’, a presentation of their ensemble performances on Wednesday 15th May, at 7.00pm in the Drama Studio. In accordance with VCAA rules, the ensemble performances are to be performed to an external audience. All parents, family members and friends of the cast are welcome, as are members of the College community. ‘Outcome 2’ may also provide an opportunity for any students in lower years, who think they may choose Drama as a VCE subject, to witness the performance work of our current Year 11s. As the students performing will be assessed on this same evening, it is imperative that standard theatre etiquette is observed. In line with this, it would be advisable that babies or small children do not attend. Please phone Samantha Frazzetto in the College Office to RSVP, prior to the performance evening. The Year 12 drama class will be performing their ensemble performance the following evening on Thursday 16th May, at 7.00pm at Westbourne Grammar School. It would be wonderful to see as many faces from CRC there to support our students. Audience must RSVP to me personally via email to confirm a seat. Again, students shall be assessed on this evening, so the same guidelines apply. Clare O'Sullivan VCE Drama cosullivan@crcmelton.com.au
Melbourne Theatre Company Young Ambassador Program Each year The Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) selects 25 Year 11 students from across the state of Victoria, to be a representative for their school in the Young Ambassador Program. The Performing Arts Department would like to congratulate Sophie Martin of Year 11, who was successful in her application to be a Young Ambassador. Sophie will have the opportunity to meet with theatre professionals, tour the MTC, attend a variety of theatre performances and see first-hand the workings of a professional theatre company on a monthly basis. Sophie’s selection by the MTC is a reflection of the calibre of the senior drama students at CRC and a credit to Sophie herself. We look forward to Sophie’s review of the program and the professional performances that she will be attending. Clare O'Sullivan Performance Co-ordinator Mothers’ Night @ CRC
This year the school is celebrating the Mum's of our school community with a special night here at CRC Melton, just prior to Mothers’ Day. On Thursday evening 9th May at 7pm, there will be a movie screened (chosen by the Mums, see below) in J Block. Prior to the movie, cheese and biscuits and a glass of champagne will be served by some of our senior students and staff. If you are a Mum, you qualify! If you wish to attend please email me with your name and your choice of movie. (scoates@crcmelton.com.au) What movie? You choose, but some possibilities include: Sleepless in Seattle, The Notebook, Pretty Woman, When Harry Met Sally, Quantum of Solace, Texas Chainsaw Massacre... We will decide the movie based on your responses and will let you know ahead of time in upcoming Newsletters. Shaun Coates
Sports Report Thursday 18th of April The Senior Netball and Football teams dominated the visiting rival Antonine Catholic College on home soil. At Reserve Road the boys kept Antonine to 1 goal while booting 8 themselves with a finishing score 52-8. While the girls netball controlled the entire game winning 59-7 Friday 19th April The Annual Athletics Carnival went off with a bang with the largest Carnival in school history. Once again victory went to Blue House continuing their reign. The secret to success was winning the team events, as last place in the relays was equivalent to winning first place in single events. The Year 12 involvement in participation in the Fashions on the Field was exceptional with Joanne Tissera winning the ladies fashion as a life sized grape and Connor Farrugia as Braveheart was victor over Mr T (Josh Tejedor). All athletes competed to their best ability and I'd like to thank all teachers that made the day possible. Joshua Seymour, Hannah Taylor Sports Captains
Uniform
Calendar 2013
2013
Term 2
Term 2
April
April
23rd 24th 25th 26th
Parent/Student/Teacher interviews Parent/Student/Teacher interviews - No Classes ANZAC day - No Classes VCE Studio Arts Excursion Year 7 & 8 Cross Country Trials 29th Year 7 Anthony, Bernard & Catherine Camp 30th Year 7 Anthony, Bernard & Catherine Camp SACCSS Cross Country May 1st 2nd 3rd
Year 7 Camp - All classes Year 10—12 Drama Excursion Year 7 Dominic, Mackillop, O’Reilly & Reed Camp SACCSS Senior AFL/Netball Round 2 Year 10 Keys Please Program Year 7 Dominic, Mackillop, O’Reilly & Reed Camp Unit 3 Legal Studies Excursion Year 10 Careers Expo VCE Drama Excursion
Wednesday 24th 6.30pm—7.30pm D. Shalders May Wednesday 1st
1.00pm—2.00pm
T. Davine
P. Searle
Wednesday 8th
6.30pm - 7.30pm
S. Woods
M. Salvatore
Wednesday 15th 1.00pm - 2.00pm D. Simpson
St Bernard’s Parish Parish Priest: Fr. Brian Glasheen Weekend Mass times: Saturday: 6.30pm Sunday: 8.30am, 10.00am
St Anthony’s Parish Parish Priest: Fr. Fabian Smith Weekend Mass times: Saturday: 5.30pm Sunday: 8.30am & 10.30am
L. Muscat
Wednesday 22nd 6.30pm - 7.30pm N. Woods
Mass Times St. Dominic’s Parish Parish Priest: Fr. Michael Moody Weekend Mass times: Saturday: 6.00pm Sunday: 9.00am & 11.00am
T. Agius
J. Harvey
Canteen 2013 Term 2 April Monday 29th Tuesday 30th
Julie Harkin Heather Breich
May Wednesday 1st Thursday 2nd Friday 3rd
Suzanne Smith Lisa Trethowan Cynthia Amor
Tuesday 7th Thursday 9th Friday 10th
Leanne Mugridge Amanda Deabel Debbie Winzar