4th December, 2012 Reflection The Meaning of Christmas Christmas is more than a time of music, merriment and mirth; it is a season of meditation, mangers and miracles. Christmas is more than a time of gaiety, greenery and gifts; it is a season of wonder, worship and wise men. Christmas is more than a time of tinsel, trees and toys; it is a season of preparation, prayers and peace. Christmas is more than a time of festivities, family and friends; it is a season of generosity, gladness and gratitude. Christmas is more than a time of carols, cards and chocolate; it is a season of dedication, direction and decision. Christmas is more than Santa, stockings and surprises; it is Christ, care and concern.
December in Australia
Awards Night
Families are trying to deal with so much ‘stuff’ in the month of December in Australia. As Catholics we think about the ‘the spiritual stuff’ - we are in the season of Advent, preparing the way for the Lord. We try to focus on the deeper meaning of Christmas, notions of light and darkness, good and evil and the wonder of the coming of the Christ Child. And then we are confronted with ‘retail stuff’, which entails getting a car park at Highpoint, battling crowds and queues, buying presents, and advising your children on these matters so they don’t get out of control. Which brings me to ‘family stuff’ – preparing for Christmas can be an emotional roller coaster ride with joy and hope, jostling with grief and anxiety as the prevailing emotions at any one point in time. And finally, ‘school stuff’, as in this part of the world we decided to end the school year at Christmas! Which again brings a mix of demands and emotions to the fore- how did you (your children) go this year at school? Are we prepared for the 2013 school year- for VCE, for Year 7 or whatever…
I look forward to seeing many families on Wednesday night, 12th December, for our Annual Awards Night. The night starts at 7.30pm in the hall.
I hope that families can find time for the important ‘stuff’ this Christmas.
VCE Results December 17 is a day marked in every Unit 3 & 4 students and teachers mind, VCE results are released. We wish our students well. They are welcome to contact the College for advice and assistance.
Building works You may notice a new Year 10 building arriving next week. It’s a KLM Modular building, to be sited adjacent to the VCE Building and it will house seven classrooms and a staff office. Look out for it arriving in ‘bits and pieces’ along Bulmans Rd next Monday. Mark Sheehan Principal
Education Maintenance Allowance - Information for Parents currently receiving EMA
End of Year Year 11 students finish their Jumpstart program this Wednesday at the end of Period 3. Students will have received home holiday tasks to complete for the start of next year. As explained to the students, it is essential that these tasks are done otherwise our students will be behind other Year 12s in the state and put extra pressure on themselves at the start of the year. Year 10 students finished their Jumpstart program today and will also have VCE tasks to complete over the break. Year 7 – 9 students will finish the year on Friday. There will be activities run at each year level on the day with a normal finish time of 3.20pm.
Changes to the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for 2013: In 2013 the annual EMA payment for families with children in Secondary School (Year 8 up until the age of 16) will receive an annual payment of $250. Children in Year 7 will receive an EMA payment of $300. The School Start Bonus has been discontinued. Eligibility: To be eligible for the EMA in 2013, you must:
2012 Reports All Semester 2 reports will be mailed home at the end of next week. Included in this mail out will also be student certificates. John Christie Deputy Principal (Staff) End of Year Arrangements Friday 7 November This Friday is a normal school day and all Year 7-9 students are expected at school to celebrate the finishing of the school year with their teachers and friends. School hours are as normal with a finish at 3.20pm. Students are required to wear PE uniform. Activity and Venues: Year 7 Waterworld Norlane-Geelong Years 8-9 - Rampfest Braybrook/Sunshine, Iceworld Docklands, Bowling/Pictures Watergarden, Funzone Braybrook/Sunshine Key dates for 2013 Please find below dates for 2013. January 22nd 26th 29th 31st
College office opens Australia Day Teaching staff return Year 12 Retreat
February 1st 4th
Year 12 Retreat Year 7 start Year 11 Induction day All students return
Be either a parent or guardian of a primary or secondary student up to the age of sixteen; and
Be an eligible beneficiary of a Centrelink pension, allowance or benefit with the meaning of the State Concessions Act 2004* or be a Veterans Affairs (TPI) pensioner or be a temporary foster parent. * i.e. – the parent/guardian must be the holder of a valid Health Care Card or valid Pension Card.
Payment Amounts 2013: The eligibility criteria must be met as at 29 January 2013 (Instalment One) and 15 July 2013 (Instalment Two).
Instalment One
Year 7 $210
Year 8 – Age 16 $175
Instalment Two
$90
$75
Annual Total
$300
$250
Contact: School Office for an EMA application form and to lodge your application. A copy of your current Health Care Card is required. The closing date for EMA application forms to be submitted to the school is 28 February 2012. Please note that late applications cannot be processed.
World Youth Day
End of Year details
Congratulations to Sarah Spiteri, who will be representing the College in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil next year for World Youth Day.
Tuesday 11th of December - Orientation Day
Year 9 Dance Last week 12 students from Year 9 performed their group ensembles for an audience of 80 students. The three performances were graded as part of their dance course and the students should be very proud of themselves for the commitment they have shown this term. They had given up lunchtimes and organised after school rehearsals to perfect their dances. Congratulations girls. Ashlee Hughes Dance Teacher
On this day, we welcome all the Grade Six students who will be attending our College next year. Year Nine Peer Support Leaders will work with these students during the afternoon. Wednesday 12th of December - Awards Night at 7.30pm This is a very formal occasion where we recognise excellence in our students. Hence, all students are to be in full school uniform including the blazer. Students will not be allowed into the ceremony unless formally dressed. Please avoid any embarrassment by ensuring that your child is in the correct uniform. In the past, parents have become agitated when their child has not been allowed in the hall as a result of not following instructions. Student News Congratulations to Nick Benca for completing the Triple Challenge, that is, Run for the Kids, Puffing Billy and City to Surf. An outstanding effort. Notice to Year 7 Parents/Guardians - Year 8 Camp 2013 The Year 8 camp will take place in Week 3 of Term 1, 2013 (week beginning Monday 11th February). It involves an overnight stay and two days of activities. The cost of the camp will be $180. This will cover transport, dinner, breakfast and snacks as well as the cost of the camp activities. No student will be excluded from this camp due to cost. If you have any concerns about financing please contact the College as soon as possible to arrange a suitable payment plan. More specific information about the camp will be distributed in early 2013. Please feel free to contact me regarding any issues you may have. Dean Henneman Year 8 Coordinator
Year 9 Giovanni Gianino - 9 Anthony
School Spirit Awards Year 7 Ethan McIntosh - 7 Dominic Ethan is a quiet achiever. He wears his uniform correctly and with pride. Ethan treats both staff and students with utmost respect. He has a great sense of humour and is always ready to assist others and is a great asset to the 7 Dominic homeroom.
Giovanni is a hard working and industrious young man. He willingly volunteers his time and effort to help and assist others in his homeroom and year level. Giovanni is hard working and applies himself. Congratulations Giovanni. Jamie Salmon - 9 O’Reilly
Ruby Wilkie - 7 Dominic Ruby is a wonderful example of a respected and liked member of CRC Melton. She always acts in the utmost appropriate manner and has a wonderful demeanor. Ruby's work ethic is outstanding, she works exceptionally hard on all subject areas. Recently Ruby contributed to the Yr 7 Premier League- Netball who won the Grand Final. Congratulations Ruby.
Jamie performs to her maximum potential, she is hard working and sets a positive example for other students in the year level. Jamie involves herself in all activities at the College. Congratulations Jamie. John McCann Year 9 Coordinator
Tania Kremers Year 7 Coordinator
Calendar 2012
Year 8 Bethany Rogers - 8 Catherine
Term 4
Bethany is a very polite and courteous student. She sets an example for other students, has a good sense of humour and works cooperatively with others. Bethany has had very impressive reports this year, which all indicate an excellent work ethic and behaviour in all of her classes. She is always willing to assist when asked. Congratulations to Bethany Rogers of 8 Catherine!
5th 6th 7th 11th 12th
Year 9 Exams Jump Start 2013 Jump Start 2013 Term 4 Classes conclude Year 7 - 9 Activities day Year 7 2013 Orientation day Awards Night - 7.30pm
2013
Dean Henneman Year 8 Coordinator 2012 Term 4 December
December
Term 1
Uniform
Wednesday 5th
1.00pm - 2.00pm
J. Barbara
L. Fawcett
22nd 29th 31st
J. Johnson D. Day
12.00 - 2.00pm
S. Theuma M. Suttie
College office opens Teaching staff return Year 12 Retreat
February
Tuesday 11th ORIENTATION DAY 10.00AM - 12.00
January
1st A. Watson C. Arthur T. Davine
4th 7th
Year 12 Retreat Year 7 Day Year 11 Induction day All students begin Term 1 College Opening Mass