Principal's Report

Dear Families,

It has been a difficult start to the year with the sad passing of one of our Year 12 students Christian Veneziano. Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Veneziano family, may they be strengthened in the knowledge that our heartfelt prayers are with them.

Christian was at school on Monday. On Tuesday morning we received a call to inform us that he had been admitted to hospital with a blood clot. That afternoon we received a call to inform us that Christian had passed away. It was a terrible shock to our community. Informing our students who were not aware of what had occurred was heartbreaking as many had been to school with Christian at Catholic Regional College North Keilor in previous years.

Christian was a MacKillop Cluster student in Year 12 VCAL with VET Business as his VET study. He was also a foundation member of the SydTV Team, the group of students who live broadcast our assemblies and Masses each time they are held.  He was a student who got on with his work, was positive, friendly, well behaved, happy and well liked. Christian’s twin sister, Olivia, is in Bradman undertaking Year 12 VCE, we extend our sympathies to Olivia and hope to welcome her back to school as soon as she is ready. 

The VCAL cohort are a close knit group. All students though have been impacted by this tragedy. For some it is the first time that they will have experienced the death of someone their own age. For many, death is something they have associated with an older generation, not their own age. The passing of a fellow student and friend calls into question their own mortality for them and this can have a profound impact on individuals.

Families are encouraged to communicate with Cluster Coordinators any concerns they may have with regards how their son or daughter is coping with Christian’s passing. The stages of grief and loss will be different for every person. Some will need support in order to process various aspects of the emotions they are encountering. This support is available and can be provided by the College should this be needed. We have two skilled Psychologists on staff who know our students and who work with our students every day. The key is communication. If families notice anything out of the ordinary in regards to behaviour over the next few months, please do not hesitate to call the College. If you think it is unusual then making the call so that the College can work in partnership with you and your family could help resolve a whole range of issues much earlier.

The VCAL students were invited to help prepare a prayer service on the day students and many staff heard about Christian. The service was  for the College community. We were joined by the Principals of North Keilor, St Albans and Caroline Springs as well as Father Maurie. It was a comfort for all of us to see their faces and know that they were supporting us in grief. The experience of the service for all of us was both emotional and powerful as we shared our sorrow and turned to our faith. The hope that Jesus death and resurrection provides us as people of the Eucharist helps us cope in times such as these. Knowing that Christian had been called by God, to where there is no suffering and welcomed by Jesus, Mary and all of the Saints provides comfort to those of us left to carry on. We continue to pray for Christian’s soul and for his family.

Public Transport

Students have traditionally had to obtain a PTV ID card to be eligible for a concession travel ticket on all public transport. The rules have changed. Students may now have the Catholic Regional College Sydenham ID card printed with a PTV logo and some other specific details that the PTV require so as the Catholic Regional College Sydenham ID card can be used on all public transport. The College will provide students with an updated card if requested. Sadly the information came into the College after we had already printed the cards for 2019. There is a significant cost in printing all students cards again but we will provide an updated card to those students who require a card that meets the PTV criteria so as it can be used for a concession ticket. Please see student reception for details.

Australian Government Data Collection

The Federal Government has agreed to fund Catholic Schools in a different manner which means that what was tipped to be a significant increase in school fees under the old model will not need to occur. The reason is that the Education Department will collect family address data from schools to match against the records held by the Federal Tax Office. This will provide a more detailed analysis of a school’s enrolment each year and indicate the level of needs based funding any one school may require as recurrent funding. I believe that Catholic Regional College Sydenham will be better off under this model. Having journeyed with our families for a number of years, we know that many are finding it tough to make ends meet. I have always assured every family that we will support families where we can and that when we know and are able to sit and talk, we take action to provide whatever support we are able. This will always be the case and I assure families that this will not change. What we hope will change is the level of funding per student. Over the next week, the College is required to send the data set of family addresses for students enrolled in 2019 to the Federal Government so that this work may be completed. Any family who has a concern about this data transfer of information should call the College and ask to speak with me directly. I am more than willing to provide more details and to answer any questions families may have. Catholic education worked hard to obtain a fair and equitable funding model for Catholic Schools which we will now start to see occur. The model does require the sharing of data and this is your data which you have every right to provide direction on how and with whom it is shared. As Principal, I can answer questions and assist with explaining what we are being asked to share. If there are families who do not wish for this to occur then it is my obligation to ensure that this also occurs. Once again, please contact me directly at the College should you wish to discuss this. 

Brendan J Watson OAM

Principal