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Dear Parents, Students and Friends
Welcome to Term 2!
It has been wonderful to return to work after taking leave last term. I feel refreshed and excited for the term ahead. We are off to a flying start with several major events taking place in this first fortnight. I am sure you will enjoy this newsletter edition as it captures the diverse range of activities and celebrations that make us Carroll College!
Carroll Day – Celebrating 30 Years!
It was my absolute pleasure to welcome special guests, students, parents and colleagues to our Prayer Service this morning that began our Carroll Day tradition. We welcomed Mrs Maureen Cook, wife of the late Noel Cook, who along with Fr Henry Byrne first floated the idea of a Catholic College on the South Coast, their daughter Mrs Caroline Odgers, one of our first students to commence at the college, and Mr Graham Campbell, Assistant Principal of the college from 1998-2016.
Carroll Day is one of our most celebrated days of the year! A day that holds deep meaning for our college community. To be celebrating 30 years is a tremendous milestone.
Today, we took a moment to reflect on the values, mission, and inspiration given to us by our founder Fr Francis Carroll. He took great pride in having our college named after him.
On the very first Carroll Day back in 1995, Fr Francis planted a red flowering gum tree to mark the occasion. Today, 30 years on, we did the same as we honour his legacy and remember his values and contributions to our community. The tree features in our senior courtyard.
Something that is very special about our college is the number of former students that return to Carroll as teachers! If this is not testament to an amazing school – I don’t know what is! Two of the first students that walked through the gates of Carroll College on their first day of Year 7 in 1995 shared their memories during prayer – Mrs Anna Smart and Mrs Belle Barling, along with reflections from Mrs Deb Enfield and Mrs Karen Lyttle. Very moving moments that fill us with pride and nostalgia. The fun activities that followed, shared lunch and anniversary cake, and Battle of the Bands, all combined to produce a brilliant 30th Carroll Day. It was also lovely to welcome senior St Mary’s and St Bernard’s students to the college to share in the fun!
My sincere thanks go to the staff for their support and involvement, particularly those who were integral in the planning and preparation. An extraordinary effort was made to make today a very special day for our community.
We have been part of the global community mourning the passing of Pope Francis - a deeply compassionate, visionary leader whose legacy has left an indelible mark on our world. His unwavering dedication to humility, inclusivity, and social justice not only inspired millions but also challenged each of us to lead with empathy, courage, and purpose.
US Cardinal elected as new Pope Leo XIV
Today we learnt of the appointment of a new Pope. White smoke emerged from the Vatican in the early hours of this morning signifying a new pope had been chosen. I am sure over the coming weeks and months we will discover more about the man who will follow Pope Francis. Following his announcement, Pope Leo said, “I would like to offer a greeting of peace to reach your families, all of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you.”
You may be interested in reading the process involved in electing a new Pope. I have included details below.
The process of selecting a new Pope
The process of selecting a new Pope is known as a conclave. Cardinals from around the world travel to the Vatican. Only Cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote.
The Cardinals participate in meetings called "General Congregations" to discuss the needs of the Church and the qualities needed in the next Pope.
The Cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel and are sequestered from the outside world until a new Pope is elected. The word "conclave" comes from the Latin "cum clave," meaning "with a key," signifying the locked nature of the proceedings.
The voting is conducted through secret ballots. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new Pope. If no candidate receives the necessary votes, the ballots are burned and black smoke is emitted from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, signalling that no Pope has been elected. The voting process is repeated up to four times a day until a new Pope is chosen.
Once a Cardinal receives the required two-thirds majority, the ballots are burned with chemicals that produce white smoke, signalling that a new Pope has been elected. The Dean of the College of Cardinals then asks the elected Cardinal if he accepts the election and by what name he will be known as Pope.
The new Pope is then introduced to the public from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the announcement: "Habemus Papam" (We have a Pope).
The new Pope gives his first blessing, known as "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world). This process is deeply rooted in tradition and reflects the Catholic Church’s commitment to maintaining continuity and leadership.
Enrolment Period 2026
Earlier this week, I was honoured to share my vision and commitment to Carroll College with prospective families looking to enrol their children in Year 7 for 2026. I work with exceptional educators, and together, we are dedicated to supporting young people to flourish. We know that young people will thrive and be successful when we focus on their wellbeing, emotional intelligence, and natural gifts and talents to the same extent as their academic results.
The next step in the enrolment process is for families to submit their application online to secure a place for their child in the Year 7, 2026 cohort. Enrolment is also open for all other year levels. I encourage families to act on this in a timely manner, as interviews will begin to be scheduled from next week. Mrs Nadine Cooper will be in contact to arrange a convenient time for parents. Your child also attends this meeting as it is a wonderful opportunity for me to connect with them and put them at ease with any questions they may have before beginning at Carroll College. I personally meet with every enrolling family.
Link to enrolment application - https://enrolments.ccb.nsw.edu.au/nsw-schools/start
Please share this link with family and friends who may not have been able to make it to the Information Evening on Monday.
Calendar Date:
Year 7, 2026 Orientation Day will be held on Friday 28 November 2025.
Congratulations to Beau Mullins, Year 12 student who has been selected as a Finalist for the 2025 NSW VET in Schools Student of the Year category in the Illawarra and South East NSW region. A remarkable achievement! The Winner of this category will be announced at the 2025 Illawarra and South East NSW Training Awards presentation event, which will take place on Friday, 13 June at Shellharbour Civic Centre Auditorium, Shellharbour. We wish Beau all the very in this final selection stage. Congratulations Beau!
Artificial Intelligence
"Technology is not neutral. From the moment of its creation, it has the potential to both enable and constrain us. The key is to use it in ways that enhance our humanity, not diminish it."
Pope Francis, World Communications Day 2024
Did you know Carroll College is leading the way in AI literacy, with explicit teaching of Artificial Intelligence so students can be responsible users of the technology? Our commitment to future readiness ensures that our students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
Important questions arise about the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence. Earlier this week, I was in discussion with Principal colleagues and the following questions were presented.
How do we model authentic Christian discipleship in increasingly digital learning environments?
In what ways might our digital practices either enhance or undermine our Catholic mission?
What digital boundaries are essential for maintaining human connection and spiritual development in our school community?
Further reading: Vatican Document on Digital Ethics, 2023
Mr Jason Szkwarek is our AI Lead at the college as part of the cechat pilot program. Follow the link below to read Jason’s published article in the Catholic Voice.
The link for our Catholic Voice article is here: https://www.catholicvoice.org.au/ai-in-education-balancing-innovation-and-ethics-in-australian-classrooms/
Important Update: Please note that some of the information previously shared in this article is now being reviewed due to the rapid advancements in AI technology, particularly in the area of student assessment. As the landscape continues to evolve, we are committed to providing updated guidance that reflects current best practices and innovations in education.
2025 Practicum Students at Carroll
It has been our pleasure to welcome several prac students to the college recently. These students have been visiting one day p/week (March 24, March 31, May 5, May 12 and May 19). They will commence two weeks full time from June 9 – June 20.
Miss Mateja Kostrica commenced full time in TAS at the beginning of this term. Miss Kostrica has another four weeks with us which is fantastic!
There is no better learning environment for these developing teachers than Carroll College. With best practice pedagogies based on the Science of Learning, and Classroom Mastery initiatives well embedded, we are a leading college in the Archdiocese and beyond.
|
NAME |
SUPERVISING TEACHER/S |
SUBJECT |
|
Julia Hill |
Mr Luke Fuller |
HSIE |
|
Katarina Culic |
Mr Stephen Knight |
English |
|
Timothy James |
Mrs Janette Soper, Mr Timothy Hodges |
Science |
|
Lucy Phillips |
Mrs Linda Dwyer |
HSIE |
|
Claudia Andrade – dates TBC |
Mrs Kym Millikin |
Maths |
|
Mateja Kostrica |
Mrs Emma Mullins |
TAS |
A Prayer for Mother’s Day
Heavenly Father,
Today, we thank You for the gift of motherhood and honour all the mothers among us. Bless them with strength, patience, and joy as they balance their many roles. May they feel appreciated and cherished for the love and care they give.
For those who are grieving or longing on this day, we ask for Your comfort and peace to surround them. Help us to support one another with kindness and gratitude as we celebrate the nurturing spirit that mothers bring to our lives.
In Your name, we pray.
Amen.
Thank you for joining us for our Mother’s Day breakfast, offered with our compliments in recognition of all mothers and individuals who fulfil the vital role of motherhood.
Take a look at our photos on the CCB Facebook page.
With respect and encouragement to you.
Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal
“The Holy Spirit reminds us first and foremost that we are children loved by God –
everyone equal in God’s love, and everyone different.” (Pope Francis)
Today, we were proud to celebrate a significant milestone in the life of our College; the 30th anniversary of Carroll College. To mark this special occasion, our entire school community came together for a Carroll Day Service at 9:30am, honouring three decades of faith, learning, and community. The service will be a time of reflection, gratitude, and celebration. Together, we looked back on our rich history, honoured the many individuals who have shaped our College, and gave thanks for the present while looking forward with hope. It was lovely to celebrate with parents, carers, alumni, and community members who joined us for this meaningful celebration.
In other news, our Year 11 and 12 Religious Education Excursions to Sydney are just around the corner. These excursions provide students with a valuable opportunity to engage with diverse faith traditions and deepen their understanding of religious life beyond the classroom. We look forward to the rich learning experiences these trips will offer.
We also encourage families to consider supporting Operation Christmas Child, a wonderful initiative that extends the spirit of giving to children around the world. An information session will be held this Saturday, 10th May, and all are welcome to attend. Further details can be found in the flyer attached to this newsletter
Mrs Anna Smart
Religious Education Coordinator
This week I travelled to Canberra to attend the Assistant Principals' Term 2 networking meeting. Together with Mr Andrew Kenneally and Mrs Sue Heffernan from St Mary’s Primary school, we participated in a presentation delivered by Jodie Davey, Director of Powerful Partnerships – Maximising the Performance of Your Team. Through exploring the content and participating in discussions we have a range of ideas and material that we can share with our colleagues to assist with developing us all in our roles that serve our communities.
This week, it was wonderful to be able to welcome our Year 6 students and their families to our Open House. Over the evening we shared with them the pastoral care structures and activities that we offer to support our students and develop their sense of wellbeing and resilience. We are looking forward to seeing them all again in November for their Orientation day.
National Families Week
From the website - Lending a hand to thrive: supporting each other is at the heart of strong families and connected communities. When families support one another through life’s challenges, they create a foundation for resilience and growth. Whether it’s parents guiding their children, siblings looking out for each other, or extended family stepping in during difficult times, these acts of care and encouragement strengthen family bonds. A helping hand whether emotional, financial, or simply being present can make all the difference in ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggles.
This year’s theme, Lending a hand to thrive: supporting each other, highlights the importance of connection, care, and resilience within families. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the strength of family bonds, reconnect with loved ones, and embrace activities that bring us together. No matter what family looks like for you, let’s celebrate the power of support and the difference we can make for each other.
Wellio
In the first session of the Staff Development Day at the beginning of the term, our Wellio School Engagement Officer presented some of the analytics collected in Term 1 which indicated that students are benefitting from the program. Our partnership with Wellio provides us with valuable resources for our parents. In this newsletter, I have included some information entitled Owning Your Role as a Parent. The information offers some guiding questions to consider when supporting your child.
When to step in; The three question test
- Is there immediate harm? If yes, step in. If not, it can wait.
- Is this a teachable moment? If yes, step back so they can learn. If not, maybe a gentle nudge is better.
- Will this grow confidence or dependence? If stepping in may lead to dependence, step back and play a supporting role.
How to step in; curiosity and collaboration
Approach with openness and investigation, not authority. Switch from “Do this!” to “What approach makes the most sense to you?"
View support as collaborators. Involve support people early, viewing them as partners, not last-resort fixes.
Example curiosity and collaboration phrases
“I’ve noticed X. What could your next step be?
“You said you want X goal. What support do you need?”
“Would it help to talk through some options together?”
Our recent Academic Care period presented the following content to our students.
Year 7- Study Skills Handbook; Home study environment
Year 8 – Wellio - Vaping; A global dilemma
Year 9 – Curriculum – Living History Incursion
Year 10 – Wellio – Organised and efficient
Year 11- Preparation for Carroll Day
Year 12- Study Skills Handbook; Managing stress
Over the next two weeks, our students have several opportunities to participate in a range of activities that help to build connection, school spirit and shared experiences with their peers. From Carroll Day, sporting events, and the annual DOOF all students are encouraged to get involved.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the special people in the lives of our students who show them love and care.
Kind regards
Mrs Louise Ibbett
Assistant Principal- Pastoral Care
Dear Carroll community,
Over the next fortnight, students in Years 7-10 will be sitting two Progressive Adaptive Tests: PAT adaptive reading and PAT adaptive Mathematics. So, what is PAT testing? The following article has been sourced from the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) to provide a greater insight into this amazing technology that we are embracing at Carroll College.
What is PAT testing?
From vision to reality: The journey of computer-adaptive testing
Sourced: PAT Insights (2023)
Almost 40 years ago, ACER’s concept of what assessment could achieve was far ahead of the technology as work began on computer-adaptive testing (CAT).
A November 1986 edition of the ACER Newsletter lauds the ‘the development of microcomputers and their introduction into schools’ as a great step forward for introducing CAT in the classroom.
The objective of ACER’s original CAT project was to develop a computer-based instrument that could more accurately assess a student’s achievement than a static paper-based assessment by individualising the test as the student enters their responses. Although students would experience a different question set, student outcomes could be plotted on a common scale. The results of each student’s assessment would therefore equip teachers with a far more precise idea of how well a student was doing and where to go from there. While the understanding of the theory was clearly present in the 1980s, it did take several decades for the technology and school readiness to catch up.
An illustration of pathways through an adaptive test.
The original work in the 1980s demonstrated an understanding that standardised testing doesn’t always provide teachers with an accurate enough picture of individual students’ knowledge and skills. With research showing students in the same year level can vary in achievement by the equivalent of up to 6 school years, it’s no surprise that in standardised testing, high-achieving students and students requiring support are under-served.
Released in 2021, ACER’s PAT Adaptive assessment is the successful realisation of an innovative project that was started back in the 1980s. It’s a fairer, more engaging, and accurate way to assess students’ progress and map out their personalised learning needs, so no one is overlooked.
The 1986 article notes the potential for time-saving innovation in the classroom, declaring that CAT ‘could free the teacher from having to administer tests to the class as a whole at the same time – individual students could take the test when they were ready to do so; students could then be provided with instant feedback by the computer about how well they were progressing in the course; the computer could automatically update information about students’ performance’ and deliver ‘tailored reports to teachers and school’.
PAT Adaptive has now achieved the 3 key aims outlined in the 1986 project, as we waited for technology to catch up to the idea:
- Create a CAT program that could be run on ‘portable computers’.
- Convert paper-based maths test to CAT.
- Assess the differences between paper tests and CAT, and the extent to which CAT improves test-taking performance.
It's fair to say that the changing technology landscape has meant ACER exceeded the original goal of providing CAT on ‘floppy diskettes’ that can ‘handle items with significant pictorial content’.
The key advantage of CAT is that it helps teachers identify a starting point on the learning journey that’s appropriate for each student. Adaptive testing establishes what a student understands and is able to demonstrate at a point in time. Armed with this more exact information, teachers can then more accurately identify the strengths and areas for improvement of each individual student; diagnose student needs; differentiate their teaching; and monitor individual progress over time.
Computers have become such an integral part of teaching and the classroom experience – and so quickly – that it’s hard to remember a time when students had to put pencil to paper and demonstrate their proficiency in one-size-fits-all models of assessment. But less than 40 years ago, ACER was at the cutting edge of computer-adaptive testing – steering the education sector away from inequitable testing models and pushing the technology to catch up to our vision.
Mr Andrew Kenneally
Assistant Principal – Curriculum, Learning and Innovation
Welcome to Term 2. I hope you had a relaxing break and could spend some quality time with your family. The Admin Updates section of the newsletter will provide families with important dates for the term and exam timetables.
NSW School Vaccination Program
The Year 7 vaccine date is rapidly approaching. NSW Health will be at the College to administer vaccinations to Year 7 students on Wednesday 28 May 2025.
Parents/carers will need to consent to their child's vaccination online or complete the paper consent form if they want their child to receive the immunisation.
If you have questions regarding the school immunisation program, please contact the Public Health Unit.
HSC Examination Timetable
The NSW Education Standards Authority released the HSC written exam timetable last week. I encourage all Year 12 students to check their Schools Online account to view their individual exam timetables. The HSC exams start on Thursday 16 October and finish on Friday 7 November.
Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT)
PAT Maths assessments will continue this week for all students in Years 7 to 10.
The PAT assessments provide objective, norm-referenced information to teachers about their students’ skills and understandings in a range of key areas. Each PAT has its own proficiency scale with descriptors outlining the content and skills students are consolidating at any given point on that scale. Each PAT assessment provides data on student performance, making PAT ideal for understanding students’ current strengths and weaknesses, informing teaching and learning, and monitoring progress over time. The tests are online, multiple choice and each test will take approximately 40 minutes.
Year 7 Mathematics - Tuesday 13 May, period 2
Year 9 Reading - Wednesday 14 May, period 4
Year 10 Reading - Monday 12 May, period 1
- 45 multiple-choice questions.
- Adaptive — meaning it tailors to a student's ability. Questions become harder or easier depending on whether a student is answering questions correctly or incorrectly.
- 45 multiple-choice questions.
- Adaptive — meaning it tailors to a student's ability. Questions become harder or easier depending on whether a student is answering questions correctly or incorrectly.
- An on-screen calculator will be provided for some questions.
- One question based on a visual or text prompt.
- Response of up to 500 words to be provided in the on-screen text box.
- Marked by trained markers according to the achievement level descriptions, relevance of writing to the topic, structure and sequence of ideas and control of language.
Next week’s reminders …
· All the best to our Bill Turner Soccer team playing at Captain Oldrey Park on Monday 12 May.
· Good luck to our netball teams on Tuesday 13 May. Students are representing the College at the Eurobodalla Schools Netball Cup.
· The Year 11 Religious Education excursion will take place in Sydney on Thursday, May 15th and 16th.
· All the best to our students representing the College at the Archdiocese Cross Country in Canberra on Friday 16 May.
· VET Work Placements will take place in Week 4.
· The University of Canberra Open Day will take place on Monday 19 May.
· Good luck to the girls competing at the Euro/Far South Coast Katrina Fanning Cup on Tuesday 20 May.
· The SRC students will be attending the Teddy Bears Picnic on Tuesday 20 May.
· Our Gurubangamba mentoring day will be held on Wednesday, May 21.
· The Eurobodalla Youth Committee meeting will take place on Thursday 22 May.
· The Year 12 Religious Education classes will visit Sydney on Thursday, May 22nd and 23rd.
Mrs Sandra Harris
Administration Coordinator
Our students benefit from a high-quality educational experience and a wide range of learning and co-curricular opportunities. We continue to see improvement in the academic achievement of students, particularly in literacy and numeracy. Our approach to high-impact teaching has been commended nationally and internationally. Our commitment to learning, combined with knowing each child, continues to nurture the growth and development of every child.
Your school fees are critical to support the delivery of high-quality education, the funding of all staff and the maintenance and improvement of facilities at our school.
Business Manager
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Year 8 are currently studying colonisation of Australia and the Pacific.
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Year 9 have just started their core study of Australian's at War: World Wars 1 and 2.
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Year 10 have begun their second Geography Topic: Human Wellbeing.
Embracing the Future: Responsible and Ethical Use of AI at Carroll College
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to share some wonderful news about our ongoing efforts to integrate responsible and ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) practices within our College community. This initiative aligns with our commitment to future readiness, ensuring that our students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
Update on cechat
Our College is proud to be at the forefront of AI in education within our Diocese. The AI pilot program, cechat, is a transformative tool for secondary school staff, including teachers, administrators, and support personnel. AI assistants streamline tasks, personalises education, and enhances operational efficiency, making it a valuable asset in our educational toolkit. We are also exploring many other tools and platforms in the AI space to ensure our learners and educators are at the forefront of the AI wave.
Key Highlights
· Support for Teachers: More of our teachers are exploring the use of AI teacher assistants to augment their classroom activities. These assistants help meet learner needs through targeted support, offering immediate feedback based on the NESA syllabus and aiding in exam preparation.
· Deployment in Senior Technology Classes: Our Technology faculty is leading the way in using AI assistants, and we are excited to announce that more faculties in the College are creating and utilising these assistants in their classes. The cechat assistants deployed in Senior Technology and VET Construction classes have proven to be excellent study tutors, significantly enhancing the learning experience for our students.
· Professional Development: We recognise the diverse range of AI competencies among our teaching staff. To support their professional growth, we are actively developing tailored training sessions to ensure all staff members are confident and proficient in using AI tools.
Leading the Way
I am also pleased to share that I, as the College AI leader, have been invited to speak about the use of AI in schools at the upcoming CEnet Future Forward conference in Campbelltown. This opportunity will allow us to further showcase our innovative practices and bring back more exciting uses for AI in our College.
Our commitment to AI literacy highlights our dedication to providing a future-ready education. We are excited to continue this journey with your support and look forward to the incredible opportunities that AI will bring to our students.
Warm regards
Jason Szkwarek
AI Leader
Wellbeing Coordinator
Welcome to Term Two, 2025. We have another big term ahead which will be showcasing a wide range of sporting opportunities for students at CCB. In the coming weeks, some of the events include - Round 2 of the Bill Turner Cup U/15 boys will be played next Monday 12 May against Trinity Catholic College. The boys will be playing at Captain Oldrey Park at 11am. So feel free to come and support CCB! Other events coming up this term include State Cup Touch Football, Eurobodalla Netball Schools Cup, Archdiocesan Cross Country, Rugby 7s and we have individuals attending individual trials for CCC AFL, soccer, rugby and netball.
Cross Country Results 2025
Our annual cross country was held on Friday 2 May at South Broulee. Congratulations to all the participants. Age champion medals will be presented at the next assembly. Students who finished in the top 6 in their respective age groups are eligible to compete in the Archdiocesan Carnival which will be held at Mt Stromlo, Canberra on 16 May. These students were given a representative note as they finished the race. Information will also be emailed out via Compass.
Results are as follows -
Age Champions:
|
Age |
Sex |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
|
12 |
M |
Tomas Carey |
Leo Smith |
Spencer Smith |
|
12 |
F |
Madison Cowley |
Elka Hampson |
Dusti-Rae Locklier |
|
13 |
M |
Mitchell Whipp |
Cooper Cassidy |
Ky Nelson |
|
13 |
F |
Lilliana Murphy |
Jessica Rofe |
Felicity Price |
|
14 |
M |
Darcy Fitzpatrick |
Jaxon Eke |
Cooper Hampson |
|
14 |
F |
Jessica Butler |
Torah Blewitt |
Emily Franklin |
|
15 |
M |
Jacob Borg |
Alec Paterson |
Sonny Cottington |
|
15 |
F |
Elyssa Welsh |
Jasmine Casagrande |
Tayla Colebrook |
|
16 |
M |
James Collins |
Luke Drewsen |
Bryce Thomson |
|
16 |
F |
Michaela Fitzpatrick |
Savannah Butler |
Armani Stjepanovic |
|
Open |
M |
Max Ivanoff |
Max Coleburn |
Jake Atree |
|
Open |
F |
Charlotte Welsh |
Piper Schuchmann |
Kehlei Cowan |
House Results:
Sport Coordinator
Featuring: Sophie Barling as Khashoggi
A fun, high-energy musical filled with Queen’s greatest hits and a story about fighting for freedom through music.
Featuring: Izzy Syne – Bass Guitarist
“It’s been amazingly produced by Mrs Lomax and her team—and, of course, the Queen music is killer!”
The best musical you’ll ever see.
