8th September, 2015 Reflection FOOTPRINTS ….A Variation Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road together. For much of the way, the Lord's footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace. But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures and returns. For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord's, soon paralleling His consistently. You and Jesus are walking as true friends! This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: Your footprints, that once etched the sand next to Jesus', are now walking precisely in His steps. Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones, safely you and Jesus are becoming one. This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change. The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger. Eventually they disappear altogether. There is only one set of footprints; they have become one. This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back. This time it seems even worse! Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts. Deep gashes in the sand. A disordered canvas on the sand, as both sets of footprints go every which direction. You are amazed and shocked. Your dream ends. Now you pray: "Lord, I understand the first scene with zigzags and fits. I was a new Christian; I was just learning. But you walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with you." "That is correct.... and when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning to walk in Your steps; followed you very closely." "Very good. You have understood everything so far." "... when the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours, I suppose that I was becoming like you in every way." "Precisely." "So, Lord, was there a regression or something? The footprints separated, and this time it was worse than at first." There is a pause as the Lord answers with a smile in his voice. "You didn't know? That was when we danced." ________________ "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to weep, a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance..." -Ecclesiastes 3:1,4
Gala Last weeks Gala was a celebration of The Arts - both performing and visual and hospitality. The evening commenced with delicious hors d’oeuvres and the opportunity to view student art work. During intermission scrumptious sweets were served. The performance, with the theme Around the World, included high quality singing, a great band and exciting dance performances. It was a fabulous performance in our new Performing Arts Centre in front of a full house of 270 patrons on opening night. The back stage crew, visual and audio students also did a fantastic job enabling the audience to have a great night. Special thanks to the team who worked tirelessly towards these performances and displays, Clare O’ Sullivan, Michelle Moeser, Ashley Hughes, Karina Dunne, Gemma Feben, Emma Brown, Maria Dance, Daniel Askew and James Villinger. Thanks also to our Hospitality staff - Yvonne Wood, Nerida Thurn, Sandra Hill, Monica Bloetz and Sharon Grass. Mark Sheehan Principal
Term 3 Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews
MindMatters Survey Results
Just a reminder that Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews take place next week of Term 3. Bookings for these interviews open on Thursday when interim reports are available.
Over 200 parents and 300 students completed the MindMatters survey sent our earlier this term. One of the most stand out results was the link parents and students made between good mental health and student learning and achievement. 88.6% of parents completely agreed and 88% of students made the link. The data from the results will be invaluable to the College in developing and providing mental health and wellbeing programs. Areas identified for us were we can do more and be more effective, is communicate within our community services that are available if experiencing mental health difficulties and make parents aware of programs that are offered in the school. Both parents and students saw the importance of teaching young people how to cope with stress and be resilient. Available on the College's intranet SIMON are links to a number of organisations that provide support and advice to young people and adults, for example, Headspace, Reach Out and Beyond Blue. Next Monday Headspace and DAS Youth Services will be working with all Year 8 students in a series of workshops exploring mental health, drugs and alcohol.
Interviews take place on Thursday, September 17 from 4pm – 7pm and Friday, September 18 from 9am to 12.40pm. End of Term 3 The last day of Term 3 classes is Thursday, September 17. No classes will operate on Friday, September 18 as interviews will take place in the morning. John Christie Deputy Principal (Staff) Italy and France Student Study Tour 2017 CRC Melton is proposing a great opportunity for travel and study for its students in March/April 2017. The tour of Italy and France will focus on religion, culture, language, history and art. All students currently in Years 7-10 are welcome to apply to be part of this great trip, visiting amazing landmarks, holy sites and all the while experiencing the language and culture of Italy and France. A ‘Launch’ evening will be held in the Performing Arts Centre on Tuesday 13 October at 7.00pm. On this evening the itinerary will be outlined as will the likely costs and duration. Trekset Tours, which partnered the school in an earlier successful trip to Italy in 2013, will send a representative to answer all your questions. Please come along, it is a great opportunity for your children. The meeting will last approximately one hour. If you are unable to attend the evening but wish to know more please email me.
RUOK Throughout this week the student leaders have organised and offered a range of activities to promote RUOK day as a means of promoting positive mental health. Tips have been offered on the daily student bulletin, useful apps to download have been promoted and students have been offered the opportunity to meditate in the Chapel. On Thursday, some of the leaders will be working with other student leaders from neighbouring secondary colleges manning a information stall at Woodgrove shopping centre promoting RUOK day. RUOK's goal is to inspire people to take the time to ask "are you ok?" and listen. We can help people struggling with life feel connected. It all comes down to regular, face-to-face, meaningful conversations about life. And asking “are you ok?” is a great place to start. Rob Blackley Deputy Principal (Students) Re-enrolment Reminder
Shaun Coates scoates@crcmelton.com.au Religious Education and Faith Development Coordinator
A reminder to parents that a response for re-enrolement is due by this Friday, 11th September. Re-enrolment was sent via CareMonkey this year.
SACCSS Athletics Congratulations to Matthew Horan of Year 10 on breaking the 16 year old boys long jump record at the SACCSS athletics carnival last Monday at Lakeside Stadium. Matthew jumped 6.08m breaking the previous record of 5.92m set in 2000. He also holds the under 14s long jump record which he broke in 2013. Well done to Matt, we hope to see you back representing the College again next year. Emma Brown College Sport & Carnivals Coordinator St Bernard's Fathers' Day Breakfast Thankyou to the following students who volunteered to assist Fr Glasheen with this annual event in Bacchus Marsh. Isabella Williamson, Kershena Duffy, Erin Salmon, Ken Dumandan, Imalsha Silva and Evana Miesen. Intermediate VCAL On Thursday the 27th of August as part of Intermediate VCAL we had Sergeant Ken Anderson and Constable Stephanie Casey from the Melton Domestic Violence unit come and talk to the Intermediate and Foundation VCAL students about domestic violence. During the session the VCAL students were taught what domestic violence is and how we can prevent it. We were also taught where we could go for help if we experienced domestic violence and whom we could talk to. A big thankyou to Ken and Stephanie for giving up their time. Mitchell, Joshua and Julian Intermediate VCAL
Melton Shire and Melton library Community Book launch On Monday 31 August Melton Library and Learning hub held the launch of a community book project. Eleven contributors from Melton and Caroline Springs worked with author Allyse Near, each writing a chapter of the book ‘Changeling’. Year 8 students Sinali Ratnayake, Thanuri Meemaduma and Lakmie Meemaduma of Year 9, have been involved in this year long process which started in August 2014. Congratulations to the girls on their efforts, being an inspiration to others and having their combined work with Allyse published. Sinali, Thanuri and Lakmie were recognised by the author at the launch and Cr Bob Turner, who was also present during the proceedings. To appreciate the talents and different styles of our young people a copy of the book is available at Melton library or through the school library. Congratulations! Kathy Sayers Homeroom teacher
Performing Arts Gala The Performing Arts Gala was a successful showcase of the talents of not only the Music and Dance departments within the College, but also of the talents of the Food Technology and Hospitality staff and students and the Arts department. It is also timely to acknowledge the support of St Catherine’s staff and students who comprised our matinee audience prior to opening night. Clare O'Sullivan Performance Coordinator Assistant Year 8 Level Coordinator
Calendar
Uniform
2015
2015
Term 3
Term 3
September
September
10th SACCSS Tennis 12th Year 12 Drama Excursion 14th VINCIT Work Experience VCAL Excursion 15th VINCIT Work Experience Year 9 Premier League Grand Final 16th VINCIT Work Experience SACCSS Athletics Presentation 17th Parent/Student/Teacher interviews VINCIT Work Experience Year 8 Premier League Round 1 18th Parent/Student/Teacher interviews VINCIT Work Experience Term 3 concludes
Wednesday 9th L. Eagle Wednesday 16th
October Wednesday 7th
October
Wednesday 14th
5th 7th
A. Salmon
23rd
1.00pm - 2.00pm
Term 4
R. McDonald
9th 15th 16th 20th 21st 22nd
S. Jakeman
K. Vella
Term 4
Term 4 commences Year 9 Outdoor Education camp Year 8 Premier League Round 2 Year 9 Outdoor Education camp Year 8 Premier League Round 3 Food Van visit Year 12 Graduation Mass Year 11 Biology Excursion Year 8 Premier League Round 4 VCE Arts Exhibition VCE Arts Exhibition
6.30pm - 7.30pm
1.00pm - 2.00pm
6.30pm - 7.30pm
Mass Times
Homework Club
Homework Club for this term concludes this week. Homework Club will be held in the Library between 3.30pm and 4.30pm.
Parish of Melton Parish Priest : Fr Michael Moody Weekend Mass times: St Catherine of Siena Church Bulmans Rd, Melton West Saturday: 6.00pm Sunday: 9.00am & 11.00am St Dominic’s Church Sunday: 5.00pm 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