CRC Melton Prospectus

CATHOLIC REGIONAL COLLEGE MELTON

VALUING GODNURTURING THE INDIVIDUALEXCELLING IN EDUCATION

Catholic Regional College, Melton

is a Catholic, Co-educational,

Secondary College, situated in

Bulmans Road, Melton. In 2012

it will welcome its first Year 12

cohort. It provides education for

the Parishes of St Bernard’s Bacchus

Marsh, St Dominic’s Melton and

St Anthony’s Melton South. The

College is part of the Catholic

Regional College Federation, which

includes campuses at Caroline

Springs, North Keilor, St Albans

and Sydenham.

The College is administered by

the Catholic Regional College

Council, with Father John O’Reilly

as Chairperson, and Mr Mark

Sheehan as the Principals’

Representative.

The College was officially opened

in 1980 with Sister Helen Reed as

Principal. Sister Reed was from the

order of the Sisters of St Joseph of

the Scared Heart.

This order of sisters was founded

by Mary MacKillop who was a

passionate believer in education

for all. Reflecting the Orders habit,

our College uniform was initially

chocolate brown. In 1990 the new

uniform of maroon, gold and navy

was gradually phased in.

In March 1980, the College

relocated from its temporary

location at St Dominic’s Parish Hall

to its permanent site in Bulmans

Road, Melton. In 1982 another

junior campus at North Keilor was

opened as was the campus at

Sydenham.

At the end of 1984, Sister Helen

Reed completed her term as

Principal. In 1985, Mr Frank

Fitzgerald began his term as

Principal until 1995. In 1996,

Mr Paul Daffey commenced in

what eventuated as a 13 year

period of service. In 2009

Mr Mark Sheehan began his

term as Principal.

Overview

Catholic Regional College Melton 1

Principal's Message

Welcome to Catholic Regional College, Melton.

Warm greetings to all families who may be considering CRC Melton as a secondary school for their child.

CRC Melton, which was established in 1980, is a welcoming, friendly community where all staff, students and

parents are valued and their spirituality nurtured.

The College provides a broad curriculum, designed to engage students in a way that promotes excellence and builds

self-esteem. Our Pastoral Care program is based on Gospel values and has been recognised in the wider community

for developing resilience in our students as they progress through their secondary schooling.

After three decades as a Year 7-10 Campus, CRC Melton embarks on its new journey as a Year 7-12 school in its

own right. We are nourished by our rich heritage of providing quality Catholic education in the Melton and Bacchus

Marsh region. We look forward to our new journey as a VCE and VCAL provider with many pathways for students

with diverse talents and abilities. We will continue to embrace new technologies and demonstrate contemporary

learning pedagogies in the classroom. Our teaching and learning strategies are complemented by the school’s

building program, which has seen five major projects completed in recent years.

Catholic Regional College, Melton will continue to strive in providing the best quality education for families in the

Parishes of St Bernard’s Bacchus Marsh, St Dominic’s Melton and St Anthony’s Melton South.

I look forward to meeting your family as you embark on the journey to Catholic secondary education.

Mark Sheehan

College Principal

Catholic Regional College Melton2

Mission Statement

Catholic Regional College, Melton,

is a Catholic school serving the

Parishes of Bacchus Marsh, Melton

and Melton South.

The mission of the College is to

nurture the personal, spiritual and

academic growth of each individual

in this community in an atmosphere

of FAITH, CARE, SUPPORT and

ENCOURAGEMENT.

We aim to foster the growth of

personal worth and to develop the

gifts of each individual through

the pursuit of prayer, knowledge,

communication and service to

each other.

While respecting individual

differences, we challenge each

other to use our talents in the best

way possible.

We encourage personal excellence,

self-discipline, and a sense of

responsibility, which is displayed

in our respect and concern for the

wellbeing of all.

Through this community of

purpose, Catholic Regional College -

the students, parents and staff - will

be a sign of God’s presence in the

local community.

Educational Goals

In this Catholic College, our

goals are:

Catholic Values

To provide an environment that

nurtures and encourages

Catholic Values.

Community Responsibility

To lead students to see that

they have a responsibility to

the broader community and

so encourage them to become

members of society who are:

• active

• worthwhile

• effective


Lifelong Education

To recognise that while at CRC

Melton, students are receiving only

one part of their lifelong education

which began at home with their

families and involves primary,

secondary and further education.

Critical Thinking

To encourage in students the will

and capacity to:

• develop a sense of responsibility

for their own learning

• to think independently

• to analyse critically

• to make choices that are informed

Learning through Experience

To acknowledge that effective

learning takes place both within

the classroom as well as through

significant activities outside formal

classes, so that the students are

provided with opportunities to

express their creativity and to

explore options in order to apply

their knowledge and learn through

experience.

Relevance of Programs

To enrich learning, teaching and

school experience by making

the curriculum:

• challenging

• relevant

• varied

• accessible

To take students beyond the

boundaries of the known to a

broader range of knowledge

and skills.

Building Self Esteem

To develop in the student a sense of:

• personal worth

• achievement

• self confidence

This will enable them to express

their individuality in appropriate

ways, and to explore and participate

comfortably on their own or within

a group.

To provide a supportive

environment where students are

challenged and inspired to recognise

and maximise their potential:

• spiritually

• academically

• creatively

• socially

• physically


Student Information

We expect students in a Catholic

College will be characterised by the

respect they show for others, and

for the property of others.

The students at this College are

expected to act with courtesy,

with concern for their own and

for others’ safety, and with

common sense.

To live this out in practice, the

following is expected of students:

1. That they have a serious attitude

to study.

2. That they care for the College

and its surroundings.

3. That they show care and courtesy

when travelling.

4. That they are punctual.

5. That they remain inside the

College boundaries during

the day.

6. That they bring a note from

parents to explain absences or

parents contact the College on

the day students are absent.

7. That they wear the uniform

correctly.

8. That they participate in

celebration days, reflection

days and sports carnivals.

In 2011 the College revised its

Welfare and Discipline Policy so

that student expectations inside

and outside the classroom are

clearly defined. This policy has

been adopted by the whole College

community and is enforced by

all staff.

Behaviour of Students

Secondary School students are at a

stage of rapid physical development

and mental change.

From time to time, a great deal

of guidance is needed, and on

some occasions, corrective action is

necessary. Parents are encouraged

to support the College’s advice

and decision in any discussion with

their children. The College Welfare

Policy has been implemented to

encourage students to conduct

themselves in accordance with the

goals of the College.


Parent Information

The College tries to establish very

close links with parents as the

educational process is developed.

Meetings are held to discuss the

educational program and review

the students’ progress. The College

would also like to provide faith

development experiences for

parents. Parents are invited to our

Eucharistic Liturgies and whole

College Masses.

Efforts are made to inform

parents of events via written

communication, or direct contact.

Parent Involvement Program

The Executive Committee of the

Parents and Friends Association

consists of those parents who wish

to act in a leadership function in

the Parent Involvement Program.

While there is no set number of

positions in this group, elections

will be held for the key positions

as the need arises.

All parents are asked to participate

in the life of the school by means of

the Parent Involvement Program.

One, or either of the parents will

therefore be expected to register as

a participant in one of the following

activities:

• Canteen

• Grounds and Maintenance

• Executive or Committee of Parents

and Friends

• Sport Support - especially at our

Sporting Carnivals

• Working Bee

• School Production and Cabaret

• Uniform Shop

Staff involvement in one of these

areas is strongly encouraged, as it

provides an excellent opportunity

for informal and helpful mixing

with the parents.

Working Bees

Each year the parents and staff

join together to clean, repair, paint

and maintain the College. Your

involvement in this activity is highly

encouraged.

Records are kept of Parental

Involvement, so that the College

is kept informed of the active

participation by many families.

The College is very appreciative

of the work done by parents.


Curriculum

Overview

Catholic Regional College aims to

provide a comprehensive curriculum

that caters for the individual needs

of all students. The Victorian

Essential Learning Standards (VELS)

is used to provide our curriculum

framework from Year 7-10. Over

the next two years we will phase

in the National Curriculum in

English, Mathematics, Humanities

and Science. There is a strong

emphasis on achievement and all

students are expected to complete

a range of assessment tasks in order

to demonstrate mastery of the

concepts taught. The College offers

an extensive range of VCE subjects

and VCAL.

Many aspects of the curriculum

reflect the College’s highly

developed sense of community.

The annual dramatic production

and cabaret provides an ideal

opportunity to showcase our

students’ talents as performing

artists, chefs and waiting staff to

the broader community.

Catering for Individual Needs

The College has developed a whole

school approach to literacy designed

to create individualised learning

for students. Students who are

more academically able are invited

to attend our MASP (More Able

Students Program).

This program aims to deepen

student understanding and skills

in areas such as problem solving,

collaborative learning and creativity.

The two curriculum areas targeted

by MASP are Mathematics and

Humanities. The program has

enjoyed considerable success over

the years with groups participating

in the finals of Future Problem

Solvers.

Students who have been identified

as having additional needs in

learning are assisted by the Student

Support Group in the case of

funded students and are invited

to attend Literacy classes in place

of LOTE.

The College has also adopted a

whole school approach to literacy

by focusing on subject specific

literacies. The text types used in

each subject are a focus so that

students are not only learning

about content but how to deliver

that content in appropriate ways.

A reading program is offered from

Years 7 to 9 for students requiring

additional support.

Religious Education

The Religious Education Program

is central to the life of students,

parents and teachers of the College.

Prayer is celebrated each morning

in homeroom and reminds us daily

how a community based on the

Catholic Ethos should live each day

endeavouring to model ‘Christ like’

behaviour.

Liturgy is celebrated at the College

each week in the chapel. Also there

are numerous other celebrations of

the Eucharist throughout the year,

including ‘Back to Parish’, Opening

School Year, Advent and Graduation

Masses. All parents are welcome to

attend and join in such important

celebrations.


Priests of the local parishes are an

integral part of our community,

providing much of their time to our

special celebrations and programs.

The College holds a Reflection Day,

generally off-campus, for each

year level. This is an opportunity

for our students to put their

studies aside and focus on some

of the big issues in their lives such

as family, relationships and their

future. The College also takes this

special opportunity to highlight

aspects of the spiritual side of life

for our youth within our Catholic

ethos. The Reflection Day program

culminates with an overnight

'Retreat' for our Year 12's early in

their final year.

Resources

The College is constantly updating

its resources. In 2011, we opened

the VCE centre which contains a

lecture theatre and facilities to vary

the learning environment. The Food

Technology wing was also opened.

New Year 7 facilities are currently

being built and will be open for the

beginning of the 2012 school year.

The ICT program at the College

includes iPads for senior students,

and up to date computer access for

all students.

In the area of sports, we have

modern grass basketball, tennis and

soccer facilities.

Assessment Policy

Reports are published at the end

of each term and followed up by

parent/student teacher interviews. In

addition, parents are free to contact

the College at any time to arrange

further interviews.

Extra Curricular Programs

The College is also strongly

committed to ensuring that

all students have ready access

to a variety of extra-curricular

sporting and outdoor activities.

The College is a member of the

Sports Association of Catholic

Co-educational Secondary Schools

and through this association we

compete in many events including

athletics and swimming carnivals,

cross country, volleyball, tennis,

netball, football, cricket and golf.

Premier League also allows students

to compete in a competition over a

longer period of time.

The annual production and

Cabaret allow students from Year

7-12 to demonstrate their artistic

and creative talents. Hospitality

students plan, cook and prepare the

evening’s four course meal.

Year 7

Students at Year Seven are offered

a diverse program that introduces

them to subjects across all the

domains. Whilst there is no choice

as to what students will study,

there is a strong recognition of

the individual needs of all students

and based on testing conducted

at the end of Year Six and teacher

recommendations, some students

will be offered places in Student

Support Group, Literacy or More

Able Students Program.

As part of the transition process,

only a small number of teachers

are assigned to work with each

class. Each class is assigned two

homeroom teachers, both of whom


Curriculum

also teach the class. The Year Seven

camp also assists with transition.

Finally the Octagon program

rewards students for positive

social behaviour.

Year 8

The Year Eight program continues

to offer range and scope across all

domains in recognition of individual

learning needs. The College

continues to limit the number of

teachers working with one class,

but not to the same extent as

Year Seven.

A number of programs designed

to cater to the emergent social

conscience of Year Eight students

are introduced. As part of Science,

students participate in a Water

Watch program. The Star program

focuses on rewarding positive social

behaviour. Students also explore

issues such as bullying and conflict

resolution.

Early in Term One, students attend

a surf camp.

Year 9

Our program acknowledges the

increasing need for independence

experienced in the Middle Years.

Hence the Year Nine program

gives students a range of choices

in the Arts, Technology and LOTE

Electives. This gives students a

chance to select studies according

to their interests, talents and needs,

whilst still providing them with

a comprehensive base on which

to build their Year Ten and VCE

programs. Thus Year Nine students

will have the opportunity to begin

developing pathways.

The program seeks to ensure

student engagement in a range of

academic and practical ways. For

example programs such as Child

Care and Sports and Leadership are

specifically designed to cater for the

needs of all students. Students will

also be given the opportunity to

experience TAFE tasters.

At Year Nine we endeavour to

connect students to their

community and develop self esteem

and resilience through participation

in whole day events such as the

Circus Day. Further, in recognition

of the fact Year Nine students will

shortly embark on senior studies,

there is a strong emphasis on career

and vocational education within the

Humanities curriculum.

Students can elect to attend

Mittagundi Camp. They are also

given the opportunity to attend

a snow camp.


Year 10

In order to cater for the individual

learning needs of all students, two

distinct pathways are offered at Year

Ten. One is an academic pathway

leading to the completion of the

VCE. The other is a vocational

pathway leading to the completion

of VCAL. This has a very practical

and hands on approach to learning.

The Year Ten academic program

has a firm focus on the fact that

students will soon enter the

post compulsory phase of their

schooling. Hence, whilst Religious

Education, English, Mathematics,

Science, Humanities and Physical

Education remain core subjects,

there are a large number of options

within this core to best cater for

individual learning needs and to

acknowledge the growing desire

for students to take control of

their own education. The Year Ten

curriculum is aligned with the VCE

curriculum to allow students to

complete accelerated subjects.

Students participate in programs

designed to introduce them to life

beyond school. These include the

Melbourne Experience which allows

students to explore the city of

Melbourne and Work Experience.

VCE/VCAL

The College offers a wide range of

VCE subjects designed to meet all

tertiary entry prerequisites whilst

at the same time catering for the

diverse needs of students.

For VCE students a small range of

VET subjects which are run at the

College are also offered. These

include; Office Administration,

Music and Furnishings. VCAL

students can select from over 30

VET options. Individual student

pathways are well catered for.

The College offers Program

Support for students requiring a

modified VCE program. The vertical

alignment of the curriculum from

Year Ten to Year Twelve means

that students have access to many

accelerated VCE subjects.

Pathways and transition programs

are a feature of the VCE/VCAL at

the College. Lots of work is done

by the Pathways team and the

Pastoral Welfare team to ensure

that students make fully informed

decisions.

Curriculum


Financial Matters

Tuition Fees for 2012 (no GST) Year 7-10 Year 11&12

Higher Annual Fee per student $4841 $5319

(only applies to families not contributing to Parish Sacrificial Campaign)

Normal Annual Fee per student $3041 $3519

(applies to families who contribute to Parish Sacrificial Campaign)

Parents and Friends Levies (per family, per year)

Parents and Friends Levy $15

Service Levy $100

(Families will be credited the Service Levy for the following year if they

have completed at least 5 hours of voluntary service during the year.)

Family Deduction Year 7-10 Year 11 & 12

Where there are two students from one family $268 $311

Where there are three students from one family $537 $622

Where there are four students from one family $805 $934


Enrolment

Enrolment Policy

The criteria for processing

applications for enrolment into

Year 7 at CRC Melton will be

as follows:

1. Catholics who live within the

Parish boundaries of Bacchus

Marsh, Melton and Melton South,

and who attend one of the

following Catholic primary schools;

St Bernard’s Bacchus Marsh, St

Dominic’s Melton, St Catherine’s

Melton and St Anthony of Padua,

Melton South.

2. Catholics who live within the

Parish boundaries of Bacchus

Marsh, Melton and Melton South,

and who attend Government

Primary schools.

3. Other students within the Parish

boundaries of Bacchus Marsh,

Melton and Melton South

for whom there are pastoral

considerations.

Enrolment Process

Enrolment for Year Seven students

begins in the November that the

students are in Grade Five. The

parents of students who seek

enrolment at CRC are requested to:

1. Attend an enrolment meeting

and complete an application

for enrolment form where an

enrolment fee of $50 is payable.

2. New families may be contacted

by the College to arrange an

interview with a senior staff

member. New families will also be

required to arrange an interview

with their Parish Priest during

February.

3. Applicants are notified by mail

during the first week in May of

the result of their application.

4. Families wishing to accept their

offer of a place are required

to confirm their acceptance by

completing the Enrolment form

and returning it to the College

with a $100 deposit which is

deducted from the first term fees.

This deposit is non-refundable.

Enrolment for students in other year

levels involves:

1. Completing an application

for enrolment form where an

enrolment fee of $50 is payable.

2. Return the application for

enrolment form with a copy of

the student’s most recent full

school report.

3. Attend an interview with the

Principal and local Parish priest

when contacted by the College.

Catholic Regional College Melton109 -141 Bulmans Road, Melton WestPh: 03 9743 6522 Fax: 03 9743 1190www.crcmelton.com.au

CRC Melton Prospectus

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