Dear Parents, Students and Friends

I begin this week by congratulating our Year 12 students on the completion of their Higher School Certificate. A fabulous achievement that culminates thirteen years of formal schooling. The staff and I are very proud of these young people who are leaving the college with confidence and a sense of anticipation for what’s ahead. It’s indeed exciting for them as they launch into this next chapter of their lives. There is so much for them to experience as they move into career paths and further learning. I congratulate their parents on raising such beautiful children. From all at Carroll, we wish them every success! 

University Offers 2024

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who are very well positioned with options for next year. The students listed below are those to date who have indicated their offers and pathways for 2024. We are thrilled to see the diversity of university offers and career opportunities.

Charles Sturt University (CSU)

University of Canberra (UC)

Macquarie University

Australian National University (ANU)

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

Western Sydney University

National Art School

Apprenticeships/Traineeships

TAFE

University of Tasmania

University of NSW

University of Sydney

University of Newcastle

La Trobe University

Bond University

University of the Sunshine Coast

Torrens University

University of Wollongong

NATIONALLY RECOGNISED VET QUALIFICATIONS

In addition to students leaving with their Higher School Certificate, the following students have attained industry qualifications in the following areas. I congratulate them on their successful completion of these courses over the past two years.

STAFFING NEWS

APPOINTMENT OF ANNA SMART TO ACTING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COORDINATOR

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Anna Smart to the position of Acting Religious Education Coordinator of Carroll College, Broulee for the period 30 January 2024 to 24 January 2025.

Anna has been an educator for over eighteen years and for over 10 years with Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn, most recently as Classroom Teacher and Humanities Coordinator at Carroll College, Broulee. Prior to Carroll College, Anna was a teacher at Narooma High School and Hillston Central School.

Anna holds the tertiary qualifications of Graduate Certificate of Religious Education from Charles Sturt University, Bachelor of Arts (English/History) from University of Wollongong and Diploma of Education (Secondary) from Charles Sturt University. On behalf of our community and that of the Archdiocese, I congratulate Anna on her appointment.

As previously communicated, Mrs Erica Drewsen is taking leave next year but will be maintaining one executive day per week as Catalyst Lead, working closely with Mr Andrew Kenneally.

CLASSROOM SUPPORT TEACHER

Following a panel selection process, I also congratulate Mrs Erin Blackman who has been appointed as Classroom Support Teacher permanently. Erin’s expertise in this area will be a great asset to the college. Erin holds the formal qualification of Bachelor of Education, Australian Catholic University, Strathfield and has commenced a Master of Education: Leadership and Welfare at Southern Cross University. Erin will work closely with Mr Wayne Foster, Leader of Inclusive Education, and the Learning Support team. I wish Erin every success in this role.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, PASTORAL CARE

Mrs Louise Ibbett, Assistant Principal Pastoral Care is taking long service leave from 8 – 24 November. I’m pleased to announce that Mrs Linda Dwyer will be stepping into the role of Assistant Principal, in Mrs Ibbett’s absence. The position of HSIE Coordinator (Acting) for this period will be held by Mrs Cassie Johnston. I congratulate both Linda and Cassie on their appointments and know they will be exceptional leaders.

HUB OFFICER

We will farewell Mrs Krys Wise at the end of this year. Krys has resigned for personal reasons and we wish her all the very best for the future. Krys has been wonderfully committed to the students at Carroll and has worked tirelessly to support staff with resources to facilitate best practices. On behalf of the Carroll community, I thank her sincerely for her dedication.

ABORIGINAL EDUCATION

Miss Chelsea Laurie, Aboriginal Education Worker had planned to finish at Carroll at the end of this year to resume her university studies in Sydney. Her plans have changed slightly, and she is now remaining on staff until the end of Term 1, 2024 which is great news!

The position of AEW will be advertised shortly. The successful applicant will commence at the start of the new school year so a handover and induction period can occur.

CELEBRATION

You will see an invitation further on in this newsletter to mark Mrs Marg Croese's tremendous career at St Mary's Primary School in Moruya. Although Mrs Croese is retiring from her previous role at St Mary's she will be remaining at Carroll College two days p/week next year which is wonderful news. Families are invited to this special occasion.

CLASSROOM MASTERY

Last Wednesday, senior teachers participated in a Masterclass for Leaders in Classroom Mastery. This was outstanding professional learning led by Dr Tim McDonald, Chief Executive Officer, The YMCA WA. We learnt why it is necessary to teach behaviour. Dr McDonald suggests that behaviour must be taught as a curriculum. His input resonated among colleagues and our three Catholic schools plan to adopt this intervention in 2024. All staff will be trained on 30 January 2024 so implementation can begin from the start of Term 1 next year. We are very optimistic about the positive changes to come.

SCHOOL COMMUNITY COUNCIL

You may recall that a review of School Boards, Community Councils and P&Fs across the Archdiocese has been undertaken over the past 18 months. The review has now concluded and in line with the recommendations made, our Community Council will be transitioning to a new School Community Council over the next few months. Our Carroll College Community Council Executive members are working with the Catholic Education Office on aspects of the change, meeting on 16 November to learn more and plan for this transition with the support of Mr Tim Smith, Performance and Improvement Leader at Catholic Education. I will provide you with more information in the weeks ahead.

We hold many families in our prayers at the moment. A number of families have lost loved ones and others are struggling with serious health concerns. Please know our prayers and support are with you.

I hope the weekend ahead is a restful and enjoyable one.

Yours sincerely

Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal

“The fruit of love is service, which is compassion in action.” 

St Mother Teresa

All Saints and All Souls Days

This week our school has recognised two important feasts in the Catholic tradition. All Saints (1 November) and Commemoration of the All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day, 2 November). These feasts honour and celebrate the lives of the Saints, those who have been recognised as being especially close to God, and the lives of all those who have died. The whole month of November is dedicated to honouring the dead and a list of the names of the dead is usually placed in the church so that the community can remember them in prayer.

At Carroll College, we pray each day and in this prayer, we ask for St Francis Xavier and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop to pray for us - to be part of our lives. All Saints Day is a special time to consider the example saints offer us and to reflect on how we can imitate their lives. St Francis Xavier and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop are two saints who lived totally different lives in different times and places. Their common bond is their unwavering commitment to and love of Christ. They were both determined in their faith and goal to make Jesus known and loved. These qualities and attributes are what we hope for in our students and staff and so we remember them and pray to them for guidance in our own lives. 

On 2 November, Mrs Karen Ashby’s Homeroom led the school in prayer. They read this beautiful prayer for all those who have died. The prayer came from Catholic Relief Services and was especially dedicated to those who have lost their lives to war or as refugees seeking safety in foreign lands. With the recent, tragic events in the Holy Land, the prayer was very fitting. I have included the prayer below. 

We are very blessed to be in a community that turns its hearts, minds and bodies to prayer each day. These few minutes still us, and remind us that we are not alone and that God is with us in all we face each day. Our prayer also encourages us to think about the needs of others and to look with compassion at the world.

All Souls Day Prayer

Merciful Father,

On this day, we are called to remember those who have died,

Particularly those who have died in the past year,

And pray for their joyful reunion with you, their loving creator.

As your son taught us to call the stranger 

neighbour, our fallen are many—

Names we will never know,

Voices we have never heard,

In lands we may never visit,

Yet brothers and sisters all.

And so we pray.

For victims of war, caught in the crossfires of

conflicts we could not quell,

for soldiers and civilians,

adults and children, we pray …

Grant eternal rest, O Lord.

For those migrants who have died seeking a

haven where they hoped to find safety

and opportunity for themselves and for their families, we pray …

Grant eternal rest, O Lord.

Erica Drewsen
RE Coordinator

Please keep the following families in your prayers. Lukas Muir (Year 9) on the passing of his Grandfather. Seth Middleton (Year 10) on the passing of his Grandmother. Isaac Buttsworth (Year 9), Claudia and Laylah Bettridge (Year 9) on the passing of their Great Grandmother. Nicholas Wain (Year 8) on the passing of his Grandfather.

World Teachers Day

Many of us can recall a teacher who had a positive impact on our lives and helped to form the people we are. To acknowledge the role teachers play in the lives of our students and how much this is valued by the students at Carroll College, our Student Leadership Team organised a lovely morning tea for the staff to enjoy on Thursday 27 October. The students wanted to acknowledge how much they appreciate the hard work and dedication shown by the staff each day. The SLT decorated the Staff Centre and presented an amazing array of delicious treats to be enjoyed. On behalf of the staff, I would like to thank the SLT. This thoughtful gesture was much appreciated.

Student Leadership Team Planning

Carroll College has a new group of amazing leaders who are benefitting from the example of students that preceded them. This year we offered a new format starting with a twilight session followed by a full day of interactive and reflective activities. The planning for 2024 was led by Ms Boller and Mrs Ibbett. By students spending time looking at their personal qualities and ideas of good leadership, the team bonded as a group. By the end of the planning day, each leadership portfolio had developed some key activities and new initiatives to enhance the school experience for the younger years. Thank you to Moruya Jockey Club for allowing us to use their facilities for the day.

Well done SLT 2024!

Academic Care Program planning

Today the Pastoral leaders spent a full day focused on the planning and programming of the Academic Care program that will be delivered for Years 7-12 in 2024. The program will have a holistic approach and is aimed at enhancing the protective and connective role Carroll College plays in the lives of our students. Thank you very much to Mr Greg McAteer, Mrs Karen Lyttle, Mrs Corrinne Dell, Ms Elle Boller, Mrs Erin Smith and Mrs Danielle Ciuffetelli for their commitment to this program.

Next Wednesday 8 November our 2023 Year 12 students, families and staff will gather to enjoy the 2023 Graduation Dinner at the Bay Pavilions. We hope an enjoyable and memorable evening is had by all.

Louise Ibbett
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

How much sleep?

My focus for this newsletter is on how much sleep our learners require to be successful in their learning at Carroll College. We all know that sleep is important for general health, growth and development, and for emotional wellbeing. However, you may not know that important memory processes take place while you are sleeping, ensuring you retain what you are learning and studying.

Perhaps you have heard that teenagers need between nine to ten hours of sleep per night. But where does this come from and how valid is this claim? In 1980, Mary Carskadon of Stanford sequestered a group of adolescents in the university's sleep laboratory for several days, letting them sleep for as long as they wanted, up to 10 hours. She found that the teenagers slept just over nine hours, with very little variation. This single "naturalistic" study is the primary basis for the adolescent sleep recommendation. However, some researchers argue that just because teenagers slept nine hours when left alone does not mean that this is the best thing for them, just like letting people eat whatever they want is not necessarily the best thing for their health. So there is no definitive answer at this point in time.

The amount of sleep needed by teenagers is most likely very individual, just like it is for adults. It is probably safe to assume that adolescents need more sleep than adults and that the average for most people is at least 8 hours of sleep per night. Pay attention to the signs and have children listen to their body. If they lie down in bed and fall asleep instantly, this is a sign they are not getting enough sleep for their body. It should take at least 15 minutes to fall asleep. If they wake up in the morning and are feeling exhausted, then check all lifestyle factors: are they getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and getting enough exercise?

If teenagers are sleeping in for many hours on a weekend, unfortunately, this does not mean they are “catching up” on their sleep. According to University of Texas Southwestern sleep specialist Dr. Gregory Carter, when we think we're catching up on sleep, what we're really doing is messing with our circadian cycle -- the body's internal clock which dictates sleep patterns. Excessive sleeping in is in fact a signal that during the week students need to go to bed earlier. The aim is to work out the optimum bedtime so that the need to catch up on large amounts of sleep on the weekend is eliminated.

There is nothing wrong with having a power nap in the afternoon when students get home from school, as long as the nap is no longer than 40 minutes. A short nap can help students regain their energy levels and allow them to focus on the work they have to do that evening.

2024 Higher School Certificate – Rules and Procedures

Academic Care this week for Year 11 students focused on the 2024 HSC rules and procedures, pertaining to the HSC year. I encouraged all students to share the “2024 Higher School Certificate – Rules and Procedures” booklet with their parents. Please take the time to ensure you have a good grasp of the HSC, particularly if this is your first child completing the HSC. You can also locate the booklet at the following link: 2024 Higher School Certificate – Rules and Procedures

Year 11 Reports

Year 11 reports are now available for viewing on the Sentral portal. We made one new change to these reports this semester. You will find that the main outcomes studied in Semester Two are included in this reporting period. This new inclusion will assist in providing a greater picture of your child’s learning, alongside learning behaviours, comments, and final grade for the preliminary year. Please feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any concerns regarding their learning.

Andrew Kenneally
Assistant Principal - Curriculum, Learning and Innovation

Sentral and Compass

Sentral remains our main Student Management System for attendance explanations, parent-teacher interview bookings, accessing reports, timetables, and daily notices.

We will only use Compass for excursions, permission, and payments.

Qkr! remains available for purchasing school uniforms, EVET payments, and calculators until further notice.

School Fees and Billing System Changes

Carroll College in partnership with Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn (CECG), has now migrated to a new finance system to generate efficiencies that work alongside the Compass parent portal and Compass mobile application, giving parents and guardians visibility of their financial transactions within Compass.

Additionally, changes will affect the way you pay student tuition fees, levies, and other payments.

School Fee Statement Changes

School fee statements will have a new look. A new Customer Reference Number (CRN) has been created and payment methods have been updated. A statement will be sent out shortly that will contain an updated BPAY Biller Code and CRN that will need to be utilised going forward.

Statements will be emailed to financially responsible account holders each month, so it is necessary to ensure that your information is updated in the Compass parent portal, including your address and current email address.

Payment Methods

To support the changes in the school finance system, BPAY is now the preferred payment method. 

You will receive your new statement shortly, which will contain the new BPAY Biller code and your new CRN. Utilising these new unique codes will ensure that any payments made will be accurately assigned to your account. 

BPAY payment scheduling is supported by most financial institutions. Please contact your bank for further details if required. If you already have scheduled BPAY payments in place, it is important that you ensure these details are updated to use the new BPAY Biller Code and CRN. 

Payments can be made through Compass, but this does cost the school transactional fees, reducing the funds available to support the school. Where possible, please pay school fees via BPAY or directly at the school office via cash or EFTPOS.

Year 7 – 10 Progressive Assessment Tests (PAT)

Years 7 to 10 students will be completing their online Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) for Reading and Mathematics in Week 5 and 6.

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 the year. The tests are online, multiple choice and each test will take approximately 40 minutes. I encourage all students to do their best during these tests as the data will be used by their class teachers.

Year 10 PAT dates

Wednesday 8 November - Period 1 PAT Reading

Friday 10 November - Period 4 PAT Maths

Years 7 – 9 PAT dates

This week's reminders

• The Year 12 Graduation Dinner will be held on Wednesday 8 November starting at 5.45pm at the Pavilions.
• Good luck to the Touch Football teams travelling to Cootamundra on Thursday for the CECG Touch Football Championships on Friday 10 November.
• On Wednesday 15 November, Year 9 students will be participating in their Pastoral day.
• Year 11 Hospitality students will be participating in training by Maverick Coffee on Thursday 16 November.

Sandra Harris
Admin Coordinator

Year 9-11 Music and Drama students had an amazing two days in Sydney where students participated in a range of activities. It is easy to underestimate the value of an opportunity like this, as there were amazing moments of inspiration and realisation for our students. 

Day 1

Our first stop was UOW, where students were given a guided tour of the university to see the amazing facilities, such as studios and performance spaces. The students were able to learn about some of the tertiary options for Music and Drama students and ask questions of some of the lecturers at the university. Our students were so surprised to learn that the university is like a village with shops and food outlets. Our visit ended with an interesting drama performance followed by a tour to see their swimming pool. A lot of our students end up studying at UOW, and it is wonderful for students to see the amazing facilities and what university life is like. 

We then travelled to our accommodation at The Village in Glebe, and students had approximately 90 mins to shower and get ready for the theatre. Onno, our wonderful bus driver, took us to the Star City Casino, where the students bought dinner in preparation for the musical, ‘Wicked’. The students were in awe of this amazing musical, and it was the highlight of the trip! It is such a treat for our students to see live, professional theatre. After returning to our accommodation, it took a while for the students to wind down as a result of their experience. 

Day 2

We had an early start on Thursday morning as the students needed to be awake at 6.30 am, packed and ready for breakfast at 7.15 am. Drama and Music students headed in different directions to have rich experiences at tertiary institutions and theatre companies. 

The Drama students were lucky to be involved in a fun Drama workshop run by Monkey Baa Theatre, followed by a tour through the Australian Film, Television & Radio School (AFTRS). Students had the opportunity to speak with some of the film industry’s professionals while visiting the film studios, workshops, editing suites, costume and prop rooms, and sound effects studios. 

The Music students visited the Australian Institute of Music (AIM), which was inspirational. We were taken on a guided tour to see their amazing facilities, including classrooms, performance spaces, and recording studios. The students participated in a vocal workshop, songwriting workshop, and performance workshop, which were informative and gave the students an insight into tertiary-style music education. Our students are now more aware of the different course options at AIM and know that a degree in the music industry is within their reach.

A massive thank you to Mr Harding and Mr McCann who accompanied Mrs Lomax and I on this trip. With marking rolls, night supervision and early door knocks to ensure the students were awake and packed up for our 7.15 am breakfast, the trip was action-packed and busy. Thanks also to Ms Julie Davis for her organisation behind the scenes, as well as the staff who taught our classes while we were away. 

Ros Maher
CAPA Coordinator

Carroll College students attained some tremendous results in this year’s Mayor’s Writing Competition. The competition had a record number of participants who were required to compose a creative response on the topic of “Change”.

Stage Four Student Awards:

Neve Smart – Special Mention, Katalin Patyus – Encouragement Award, and Michaela Fitzpatrick – Runner-up.

Stage Five Student Awards:

Bronte Eppelstun – Runner-up, Charli Alvey – Encouragement Award, Reis Gaspari-Nicholls – Special Mention, Richard Allen – Special Mention.

Stage Six Awards:

Katie Tegel – Winner, Sophie Eppelstun – Runner-up, Joshua Smart – Encouragement Award

Congratulations to these students on their imaginative writing exploits.

Stephen Knight
English Coordinator

Scholarship Opportunity: Jenny Liney $5000 Scholarship awarded to Eurobdalla student studying natural sciences

The Jenny Liney scholarship is valued at $5000 and is awarded to a student from the Eurobodalla Shire intending to commence or continue studies in a field related to the natural sciences (eg biology, environmental science, conservation, horticulture etc), either at TAFE or university, by the Friends of the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden.

See the link below for more information and how to apply. Applications close on Friday 17 November, 2023.

https://www.erbg.org.au/learn/jenny-liney-scholarship

$6000 Gallipoli scholarship for eligible first year Uni and TAFE students

The Gallipoli Scholarship has $6000 scholarships available for first-year University and TAFE students living in Australia. 

The scholarships are open to direct descendants of an Australian or New Zealand serviceman or woman who has served in any conflict or peacekeeping operation from the First World War to the present day.

Applications open 1 January 2024 and close 28 February 2024.

See the website below for more information.

https://gallipolischolarship.com.au/

Year 10 Work Experience - Weeks 8 and 9 this term

Year 10 students have the opportunity to participate in Work Experience in Weeks 8 and 9 this term (27 November - 8 December). Work Experience (WEX) is a valuable opportunity to gain an insight into real-world work contexts and helps students to plan future study, training and career pathways. WEX is also a great opportunity to build networks for future employment opportunities. Students are urged to start identifying potential workplaces for WEX and contact employers. For assistance, advice and the necessary application forms, call into see Mrs Dalgleish or Ms Nicholson in the Careers office.

ADF Gap Year

Choosing to spend a year in the Australian Defence Force after you finish school as part of the ADF Gap year program is a popular post-HSC option. The ADF Gap program offers the chance to experience life in the Navy, Army or Air Force, where 

you'll get paid for meaningful work while travelling around Australia, gaining skills for life, and making lifelong friends.

See the link below for more information:

https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/students-and-education/gap-year?

For more information about the opportunities listed above or for assistance completing applications etc, please pop into the Careers office at school, check Academic Care Google Classrooms or contact Ms Nicholson kerryn.hopkins@cg.catholic.edu.au or Mrs Dalgleish amy.dalgleish@cg.catholic.edu.au