Holy Father, God of Love, You are the creator of this land and of all good things.

We acknowledge the pain and shame of our history and the sufferings of our peoples, and we ask your forgiveness. We thank you for the survival of indigenous cultures.

Our hope is in you because you gave your son Jesus to reconcile the world to you. We pray for your strength and grace to forgive, accept and love one another,

as you love us and forgive and accept us in the sacrifice of your son. Give us the courage to accept the realities of our history so that we may build a better future for our nation.

Teach us to respect all cultures. Teach us to care for our land and waters. Help us to share justly the resources of this land. Help us to bring about spiritual and social change to improve the quality of life for all groups in our communities,

especially the disadvantaged. Help young people to find true dignity and self-esteem by your Spirit.

May your power and love be the foundations on which we build our families, our communities and our nation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

29th May 2012

Reflection

Parents & Friends A reminder that the next Parents & Friends Meeting will be held on Wednesday 30th May. The meeting commences at 7.30pm in the Conference room. Mr Rob Blackley, Deputy Principal/Students will be in attendance at the meeting. All welcome.

Careers Expo Congratulations to Pauline Jakobovic for Thursday’s Careers Expo. I have only heard positive reports. It was well organised, had a wide range of presentations and was a positive experience for students. We had 25 different organisations presenting and student feedback was most positive.

Year 12 Information During this period of time, stress associated with the VCE is at a peak. Students are experiencing a flurry of SACs, which mark the end of areas of study. Some students too have begun intensive study periods for examinations, commencing in two weeks. As parents of VCE students there is the question “what can we do to help?”

The DEECD website (http://www.education.vic.gov.au/aboutschool/ participation/parentupdate/oct11/vce.htm, accessed 28th May) provides parents with some tips on helping your child during this time.

Ensure your child eats a healthy and balanced diet.

Encourage them to get adequate amounts of sleep.

Provide a quiet and comfortable place to study free from distraction.

Ensure they get physical and mental breaks as well as time to interact with their family by getting them to join you for their meals.

Encourage them to exercise regularly, especially outdoors, as this helps students cope with mental stress and allows them to recharge.

Ensure your child maintains some balance in their life, including helping them to factor in some relaxation time so they can pursue their hobbies or interest.

Provide plenty of encouragement and reassurance.

Try and stay as relaxed as possible as this will help your child to relax as well.

Laugh and share some relaxing time with your teenager; this will help clear cobwebs from their mind and create a positive mood.

Be careful not to set unrealistic expectations about exam results or their future study and career options.

Try to avoid arguments over minor matters, and reduce their workload around the house as their study requirements increase.

On the day of exams, we suggest you ensure your child:

Had a good night’s sleep.

Eats a healthy breakfast.

Arrive with sufficient time before their exam. You should check their examination timetable and make sure they know where they have to go prior to the actual exam day.

Thursday Afternoon Activities Thursday 31st May English SAC – Oral presentations – staggered finish time. Thursday 7th June Presentation: Elevate education – ace your exams (finish time 1.15pm) Psychology study session (finish time 3.20pm) Chantelle Gauci Year 12 Coordinator Athletics Carnival

On Friday 18th of May, Bulmans Road was awash with blue and white as over 13 coaches transported the entire College to Wyndham Athletics Centre for the 2012 Athletics Carnival. As clouds loomed we were tormented by memories of the previous disappointment that came from swimming carnival, however this day was not to be dampened. The sun broke through just in time for our students to test themselves and display their talents. Year 12 students provided some light entertainment with fantastic costumes while the house colours were on display across the rest of the competitors. All students, staff and parents in attendance, should be commended on a fantastic day for all. As for results, the suspense will continue as we look forward to the next full school assembly when age champions and the winning house will be announced. For now, please enjoy a few snapshots of the days events.

Nathan Guthridge PE & Outdoor Education Coordinator

Thursday, June 7

Friday, June 8

Tuesday, June 12

Year 10-12 Mid Year Exams Starting next Wednesday, June 6, our Mid-Year 10 – 12 Exam Period begins. Listed below is the exam schedule and relevant details relating to each year level. Students will be expected to wear full College uniform when present for exams. Year 12 Year 12 students have normal classes until Friday, June 8. They are not required at the College during the next week unless sitting a VCAA Exam. Monday, June 11 – Queens Birthday Public Holiday Tuesday, June 12

Wednesday, June 13

Thursday, June 14

Students need to be at the College at least 20 minutes before the published reading times to ensure smooth entry into the exam venues. Students will receive individual exam programs with venues listed, as well as information regarding exam entry and regulations. Unit 4 Studies begin on Monday, June 14. Year 10 & 11 Exams Students need to be at the College at least 15 minutes before the published starting times to ensure smooth entry into the exam venues. Writing & reading times are shown. All exams will take place in J-Block unless otherwise indicated. Wednesday, June 6 (Year 11s only)

9.00am – 10.45am Biology Chapel

11.45am – 1.30pm Physics Chapel

2.45pm – 4.30pm Accounting Chapel

9.00am – 10.45am

Psychology Chapel

11.45am – 1.30pm

Chemistry Chapel

10.00am – 1.15pm GAT J-Block & N177

9.00am – 10.15am (60 + 10)

11 Gen Maths (80) 11 Methods (34)

J-Block (114)

10.40am – 1.55pm (180 + 15)

11 English (108) J-Block (B1)

8.50am – 10.15am (75 + 10)

10 RE (139)

J-Block (B3)

10.40am – 12.55pm (120 + 15)

10 English (139)

J-Block (B4)

1.55pm – 3.20pm (75 +10)

11 Health & Human Devel (42) 11 Gen Maths Adv (5) 10 Body & Mind (44) 10 Italian (3)

J-Block (B12) (91) N178 (3)

8.50am – 10.15am (75 +10)

11 Gen Maths (80) 11 Methods (34) 10 Earth & Space (17) 10 Human Biology (20)

J-Block (B13) (151)

10.40am – 12.05pm (75 +10)

11 Accounting (8) 11 History (48) 10 People & Places (10) 10 Consumer Science (13) 10 Unit 1 Outdoor Ed (24) 11 Italian (Listening) (2)

J-Block (B8) (103) N178

1.55pm – 3.20pm (75 +10)

11 Chemistry (24) 11 Drama (11) 11 D&T – Food (9) 10 People & Past (38)

J-Block (82)

8.50am – 10.15am (75 +10)

11 Biology (45) 11 Media (10) 10 Maths Core Plus (64)

J-Block (119)

10.40am – 12.05pm (75 +10)

11 Psychology (47) 11 VCD (21) 10 People & Power (32)

J-Block (100)

1.55pm – 3.20pm (75 +10)

11 Geography (15) 11 Physical Ed (21) VCE Legal (31)

J-Block (67)

8.50am – 10.15am (75 +10)

11 Studio Arts (19) 11 Physics (14) 10 Maths Core (75)

J-Block (108)

10.40am – 12.55pm (120 + 15) 10.40am – 12.05pm (75 +10)

11 English Literature (21) Unit 1 IT (37) 11 Italian (2)

J-Block (61)

1.55pm – 3.20pm (75 +10)

11 Business Management (35) 11 Music (17) 10 Indonesian (8) 10 People & Profits (13) 10 General Science (21)

J-Block (94)

Wednesday, June 13

Thursday, June 14

Year 11 students undertaking a Unit 3 unit

Year 10 and Year 11 (non GAT students) will use this day as a ‘Catch Up’ day for any missed or clashing exams. Year 11 Normal classes for Year 11 finish on Tuesday, June 5. Students are then only required at the College for exams from Wednesday June 6 – Thursday June 14. Year 11 students undertaking Unit 3 studies should liaise with teachers about work during this time. Unit 2 studies begin Monday, June 18 (Day 6). Year 10 Normal classes for Year Ten finish on Wednesday, June 6. Students are then only required at the College for exams from Thursday, June 7 – Thursday, June 14. Year 10 students will then have one week of Semester One classes to finish off from Monday, June 18 – Friday, June 22 before going on their Melbourne Experience Week. Semester Two electives will begin in Term 3. Year 9 Normal Year 9 classes will operate over their exam period (June 6 – June 14). Exams will occur in English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities. These exams will either take place in J-Block or within normal classrooms. All Year 9 students will be advised of the finalised times and they will be published later. Report Writing Day Friday, June 15 is the College’s Report Writing Day. No

classes will operate on this day.

Parent Seminar Series 2012 A program for parents, carers and guardians of students in Catholic primary and secondary schools Topic: Positive Parenting - Understanding Mental Health Presenter: Terese Sheedy Ages: Primary and Secondary This seminar focuses on understanding child developmental stages, building optimistic thinking and using strengths to build self-efficiency and self-worth. Early experiences and modelling can highly influence a child’s development and sense of self. Good mental health is essential in preventing the onset of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Registration/further information:

shirley@stclaresthomastown.catholic.edu.au

Seminars cost $10 per person.

Year 8 CRC Premier League Results 24th May 2012 Soccer Boys CRC Melton - Lost 0-10 CRC Caroline Springs Girls CRC Melton - Lost 1-6 CRC Caroline Springs Netball Girls CRC Melton - Won 48-2 CRC Caroline Springs Basketball Girls CRC Melton - Won 26-2 CRC Caroline Springs Boys CRC Melton - Lost 13-22 Caroline Springs AFL CRC Melton - Lost 26- 52 CRC Caroline Springs Volleyball Girls Match to be rescheduled Boys CRC Melton - Lost 15- 25 CRC Caroline Springs

Date Time Location

Tuesday June 5 7pm - 9pm Christ the Priest – Caroline Springs (Ref. Mel. Map 358 G2)

10.00am – 1.15pm GAT J-Block & N177

Social Justice Day

On the 21st of May 2012, Alex Thurn, Irene Fernandes, Rheann Baker and myself accompanied by Mrs Harrington were fortunate to attend a Social Justice Day held for Catholics schools around Melbourne hosted by Australia Catholic University. Along with another 25 Catholic high schools we listened to many life changing stories about the injustices happening right here in Australia.

The husband and father of a woman and children held in the detention centre in Sydney spoke to us. He spoke about how unfairly his family was being treated and the ripple effects it has caused. There was not a dry eye in sight. Throughout the day each of us took part in workshops allowing us to gain more information into the injustices of the world and we learnt how we students can make a difference.

Remember to keep your eye out for further details on events and fundraisers the "Just Us" group will be running to make a difference and take a stance against injustices throughout society. The girls and I thank Mrs Harrington for taking us to such a life changing day.

Joanne Tissera - 11 Mackillop Member of Just Us

Year 10 Melbourne Experience The Melbourne Experience will allow all Year 10 students to experience a range of activities in the city of Melbourne during the week from 25th - 29th June, 2012. Students have selected activities for four days leaving Wednesday as University Tour day. The aim of the Melbourne Experience is to develop our student’s awareness of Melbourne, its resources, opportunities and to encourage independent decision making and a stronger connection to the Melbourne community. Students will meet each morning at St Francis Church on the corner of Elizabeth Street and Lonsdale Street. Students must arrive before 9.00am. Students will be dismissed from Southern Cross Station at 2.45pm. Please return the Permission Slip and Payment to the front Office By June 1st. Lydia Jovanovic Year 10 Coordinator

National Reconciliation Week Each year from 27th May to 3rd June, National Reconciliation Week celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. The week-long celebration is an ideal opportunity for all Australians to explore ways to join the national reconciliation effort. This year’s theme is Let’s Talk Recognition. May 27 and June 3 are important dates in Australia’s history. May 27 marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum when Australians voted to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The day before National Reconciliation Week, 26 May, is National Sorry Day, which was first held in Sydney in 1998 and is now commemorated nationally to remember and honour the Stolen Generations. June 3 marks the historic 1992 Mabo decision in which the High Court of Australia recognised native title. 2012 will mark the 20th anniversary of the Mabo decision and the 45th anniversary of the 1967 referendum. Throughout the week there will be a range of activities at the College. The Aboriginal flag will fly alongside the Australian Flag. The Rabbit Proof Fence will be shown in the Multimedia room over a couple of lunch hours. An acknowledgement and a talk about Reconciliation will occur at Year 7, 8 and 9 Assembly and an Indigenous Art activity will also be available for students to participate in. CRC Melton is a rich community of many different cultures and it is very important that we honour and acknowledge the past and look ahead to a future of equality and equanimity. Wendy Hine Indigenous Support Officer

2012 Term 2 May 30th P & F Meeting 31st Year 12 VCAL Excursion Year 12 English Oral Presentations Year 8 Premier League Round 5 June 4th SACCSS Intermediate Futsal 5th Year 8 MASP Excursion 6th Year 11 Examinations UNSW Science Competition 7th Year 8 Premier League Finals Year 7 MASP Excursion Year 9, 10 & 11 Examinations 8th Year 9, 10 & 11 Examinations 11th Queen’s Birthday holiday - No classes 12th VCE Unit 3 Examination Year 10 VCAL Work Experience Year 9, 10 & 11 Examination 13th VCE Unit 3 Examination Year 10 VCAL Work Experience Years 9, 10 & 11 Examinations 14th Year 10 VCAL Work Experience Years 9, 10 & 11 Examinations Year 8 Premier League Grand Final GAT Examination 15th Report Writing day - No classes Year 10 VCAL Work Experience State Theatre visit - Year 9 & 10 Dance

Calendar 2012 Term 2 May Wednesday 30th 1.00pm - 2.00pm M. Suttie D. Simpson June Wednesday 6th 6.30pm - 7.30pm D. Cutajar R. Mirabelli Wednesday 13th 1.00pm - 2.00pm M. Mizzi T. Davine L. Muscat

Uniform

St. Dominic’s Parish St Anthony’s Parish Parish Priest: Parish Priest: Fr. Michael Moody Fr. Fabian Smith Weekend Mass times: Weekend Mass times: Saturday: 6.00pm Saturday: 5.30pm Sunday: 9.00am & Sunday: 8.30am & 11.00am 10.30am St Bernard’s Parish Parish Priest: Fr. Brian Glasheen Weekend Mass times: Saturday: 6.30pm Sunday: 8.30am, 10.00am

Mass Times

2012 Term 2 May Wednesday 30th Christine Dennison Thursday 31st Tess Galea Amanda Horwood June Friday 1st Donna Robinson Tuesday 5th Linda Tomac Wednesday 6th Suzanne Smith Heather Harrison Thursday 7th Marie Suttie Tuesday 12th Libby Harrison Wednesday 13th Lisa Wilkie Thursday 14th Tess Galea

Canteen

Homework Club Term 2 starts Wednesday May 2nd until Wednesday June 27th Homework Club will be held every Wednesday in the Library from 3.30pm—4.30pm

Homework Club