SILOAM

From blindness to sight to insight

Over the past couple of days I’ve had the privilege of being at St Clement's Retreat and Conference Centre in Galong with my secondary principal colleagues for Siloam. This is a time set aside each term for principal groups to gather for faith formation and professional development. This experience is named Siloam after the Pool of Siloam in Jerusalem. I was fortunate enough to visit this sacred place when visiting the Holy Land last year. The theme of Siloam this term was Truth, Goodness and Beauty and focused on the connectedness of Catholic social teachings in relation to our lived experiences. It is quite profound to have the time to reflect deeply on what spiritual truths we hold in our heart.

The pursuit of truth is a lifelong journey
that leads us closer to God.

Fr Timothy Radcliffe’s quote, “The pursuit of truth is a lifelong journey that leads us closer to God,” encapsulates the notion that seeking truth is not just a one-time endeavour, but a continual process that weaves through our entire lives. As we engage in the search for truth, whether it be in understanding the world around us or exploring our own inner selves, we are also opening ourselves up to a deeper connection with the divine. This pursuit demands humility, curiosity, and an open mind, as we unravel the mysteries of existence and seek to align ourselves with a higher purpose. In this ongoing journey towards truth, we not only expand our knowledge and understanding, but we also grow closer to the divine, experiencing a profound sense of connection and purpose in our lives.

National Sorry Day
NOW MORE THAN EVER

This Sunday marks National Sorry Day. The theme for 2024 is ‘Now More Than Ever’, encouraging all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation. National Sorry Day is an annual event in Australia on 26 May. It commemorates the Stolen Generations; the Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly separated from their families.

 
National Sorry Day begins National Reconciliation Week and next Wednesday our three Catholic schools will come together in prayer as a K-12 community for the annual Combined Schools’ Mass. Parents and parishioners are warmly welcome. Full details can be found further on in this newsletter.

Macquarie University Walanga Muru Rising Star Leadership Camp
Congratulations to eight of our Year 10 students, Dane Gillies, Allira Sullivan, Annaliese Nye-Smith, Isaac Chatfield, Tarlaya Te-Kowhai, Keayne Williams, Miah Chatfield and Mia Lasscock, who have been accepted into the Macquarie University Walanga Muru Rising Star Leadership Camp from 2-4 July.

Walanga Muru hosts a three-day leadership camp for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Year 10. Rising Stars Leadership Camp is an all-inclusive 3-day camp designed to further develop students' leadership skills, grow their cultural knowledge and encourage their future aspirations. The camp supports young leaders to consider career options and immerse themselves in university life. Special thanks to Mrs Elise Paull for her efforts in securing this opportunity for our students. Mrs Paull has developed a strong working relationship with Macquarie University and our connection as a college has enabled eight of our students to be selected. Congratulations to our 2024 participants.

PARTNERSHIP WITH LA TROBE UNIVERSITY – NEXUS PROGRAM

You can complete a Master of Teaching (Primary) while getting paid to work in a NSW school.

As an initiative of the CECG People Strategy, this partnership provides individuals who have previously completed an undergraduate degree, access to the program and the ability to pursue a Master of Teaching (Primary) while undertaking paid employment in eligible CECG schools. In addition to paid employment in CECG, and financial support offered by La Trobe, participants also benefit from the support of university and CECG school-based mentors.

HOW IT WORKS

• Year One - Students commence course work and meet their peers at face-to-face intensive classes and online lectures and tutorials. It is anticipated students will commence working in Term 4 of 2024 as a Classroom Support Assistant one (1) day a week and then two (2) days a week in the following two (2) terms.
• Year Two - Course work continues including a second Nexus intensive. Students move to a 0.8 teaching load as a Conditionally Accredited Teacher.
• Graduation - Students graduate and transition to provisional accreditation in NSW.

To assist with implementing this program, Director of Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn, Mr Ross Fox has asked Principals to release this information to their communities. Please refer to program details included in this newsletter. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone considering a teaching career in primary education.

Sculpture on Clyde Exhibition
Congratulations to our Visual Arts students who have been selected as finalists for the “Sculpture for Clyde” Exhibition. Students are Abbey Flavell, Abbie Morris, Amelia Edwards, Archer Schuchmann, Erin Rayment, Jamie Haynes, Jasmine Stewart, Jaz Salmon, Lily Walsh, Lizzie Barrington, Ruby Davis, Kate Patyus and Scarlett Pace.

The student's work will be on display in the Exhibition Marquee at the Batemans Bay foreshore from 25 May to 2 June, along with the indoor and outdoor sculptures.

It is well worth a visit to see students' work alongside world-class sculptures.

Next Thursday and Friday I will be attending the Southern Region Principals’ meeting in Cooma. Mr Andrew Kenneally will be Principal (Acting) in my absence.

A reminder to Year 10 families that an information session is being held on Monday 27 May at 6pm in the Hub for parents for Urban Challenge. Don’t miss this amazing experience for your child!

As we move into the weekend, I thank all families for their ongoing support. We are working hard to establish very clear expectations for student wellbeing so our young people can flourish as aspirational learners.

With respect and encouragement to you.

Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal

‘Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’          (John 8:12)

Along with the daily support that is offered to our students, the Pastoral Office is also the driving force for many exciting initiatives that create a sense of connection for our students and staff. 

Urban Challenge  

An important information meeting for all parents and carers of our Year 10 students will be held on Monday 27 May 2024 in the HUB starting at 6.00 pm.

Paul from Urban Challenge will be visiting the college to lead the information evening. During his presentation, Paul will provide details about the Urban Challenge experience our students will have, along with answering any questions. A huge part of the Urban Challenge experience for students is the surprises along the way. To facilitate this, we ask that students from the college not attend the evening.  They will have opportunities throughout the year to find out more and begin to prepare for their adventure.

Last year, the Urban Challenge was a wonderful experience for the students and the staff and we are very pleased to be able to offer it again in 2024. See you at the meeting.

https://www.theurbanchallenge.com.au/

YLead

Well done to all students who attended!

 

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In our community, we have many individuals and families that have been touched by cancer. We know that scientists here and around the world are constantly seeking treatments and cures. To support this vital work and to help raise funds for the Cancer Council we recognised Australia's Biggest Morning Tea on Wednesday 22 May. For several weeks, Mrs Ciuffetelli and the SRC have been preparing for this event through advertising, selling raffle tickets or working on the day.

Students and staff raised over $400. Mrs Whiteman and Mrs Dalgleish and the senior Hospitality students made a range of sweet and savoury treats. Members of the Senior Leadership Team, Bonnie Dalgleish and Mrs Fryer served food and drinks at 2494 Café window for staff. At the Canteen, SRC members sold marshmellow-filled Rocky Road which was both delicious and popular. The Staff raffle was won by Mrs Dell and hamper raffle was won by Mrs Davis. The guessing competition was won by Sophie McFayden. Thank you to all the staff and students who contributed in a variety of ways to the success of this important cause.

 

DOOF

On Wednesday night we all enjoyed the first DOOF of the year. The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) settled on the theme of 'Back to the 80s' which gave everyone the chance to break out the fluro, lycra and dust off their leg warmers. We all enjoyed watching a combination of live music from our very talented students along with music played by DJ Jet from Swell Records. 

  

Thank you to Ms Boller for leading the organisation of this event, the staff who helped to supervise, Mrs Dalgleish, Mrs Whiteman, Mrs Fryer and the senior Hospitality classes for organising the food and finally, Mrs Maher for assisting the bands with their performances, and Mr King and the Entertainment students for doing the lighting.

 

Academic Care lessons in Week 4

This week our students from Years 7 to 12 completed the following topics during their Academic Care. Parents are encouraged to have a conversation with their children about these topics.

Year 7 – Wellio Communication Styles

Year 8 – Wellio Asking for Help

Year 9 - Wellio Informed Drug and Alcohol Choices

Year 10 - Minimum Standards Presentation/ Urban Challenge Information

Year 11- Study Skills Managing Part-Time Jobs/ Carroll Day Preparations

Year 12 - Study Skills Live your Best Life

Thank you to all our parents for your support as we work together to care for our young people.  If you would like to speak to any of the Pastoral Care team, please contact the college on 44 715600.

Kind regards,

Mrs Louise Ibbett
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

Year 11 2025 Subject Selection Information Evening (Tuesday 11 June, 6pm)

The Subject Selection Information Evening for Year Eleven students 2025 will be held on Tuesday evening, 11 June at 6.00pm, in the Carroll College Hall. Attendance at this evening is compulsory as it will be the best opportunity for you and your child to hear about the specific requirements for Stage Six and the Higher School Certificate.  

The night will consist of a presentation by members of the school Leadership Team on the process for selecting subjects and demands of Stage Six study, followed by Leaders of each Key Learning Area and course teachers about their subjects, with an opportunity for parents and students to ask questions about each subject.  The evening will also include information about the requirements for the HSC and ATAR.  This is a valuable night for you to access information needed for your child to make an informed choice. 

Students, Parents and Carers will be emailed the 2025 Stage Six Course Information Booklet prior to the information evening. All parents and carers are advised to read the booklet carefully as it contains comprehensive course descriptions and detailed explanations of the School and NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) requirements for your child’s “Pattern of Study” in the Preliminary Year. Please find below the key dates and actions required for the 2025 Year 11 Subject Selection Process. All this information will be unpacked and discussed at the Subject Selection evening on the Tuesday 11 June (6pm).

Key Dates for Year 11 2025 Parents and Students

Students will select their subjects online and will be emailed an access code as per the key dates above. When completing the web preferences of subjects, students will need to take into consideration the following: 

• Their interests – what they enjoy learning
• Recommendation from Key Learning Area and Learning Advisors
• Information from the Subject Selection evening
• Their academic ability, based upon their performance in previous years
• Future career pathways 

Finally, please take the time to work slowly through the information and resources pertaining to the subject selection process. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the College. I am looking forward to continuing work in partnership with you and your child during the subject selection process.

HSC Minimum Standards

This week I provided an insight into the HSC Minimum Standards exams that our Year 10 cohort will be sitting early term 3.

What is the HSC Minimum Standards?

All students need to reach a minimum standard of functional literacy and numeracy to receive the HSC. Find out what skills are needed to meet the standard, how the tests work, and the resources available.

Meeting the HSC minimum standard

The HSC minimum standard is set at Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).

Students need to achieve Level 3 or 4 in short online numeracy, reading and writing tests of skills for everyday life to meet the HSC minimum standard.

This means that students who demonstrate the standard have the skills to do things like:

• follow safety instructions in equipment manuals
• understand a mobile phone plan
• write a job application
• create a personal weekly budget.
• Taking the minimum standard tests

To meet the HSC minimum standard, students need to achieve Level 3 or 4 in short online numeracy, reading and writing tests. Learn about how the tests work and how to prepare for the tests. 

Rules about taking the tests

The HSC minimum standard is set at Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).

Students can sit the numeracy, reading or writing test from Year 10 up until they reach the HSC minimum standard for that domain. The 3 domains are numeracy, reading and writing.

You can take each test:

• up to 6 times per year, if you are in Year 12
• up to 4 times per year, if you are in Year 10 or Year 11
• from Year 10 until up to 5 years after starting your first HSC course
• at least 30 calendar after your last attempt in a test in the same domain.

Your school:

• will help you decide when you are ready to take each test
• can arrange for you to sit practice tests
• may run a test for a group of students or an individual student.
• Leaving school before the HSC

If you plan to leave school before completing the HSC, you can speak to your school about taking the minimum standard tests to demonstrate your level of literacy and numeracy.

Sitting for the tests after the HSC

If you do not demonstrate the minimum standard before you leave school, you can apply to sit for one or more minimum standard online tests.

To be eligible, you need to have fulfilled all your HSC requirements except for the minimum standard of literacy and/or numeracy.

• You can sit for the tests up to 5 years after starting your first HSC course.
• There is no cost to sit for the tests.
• HSC minimum standard resources

The HSC minimum standard tests require students to show their skills in numeracy, reading and writing. Find available resources, including sample questions and answers, to prepare for the tests.

Learn more about the skills needed to meet the HSC minimum standard. Additional information, support and resources are available in Schools Online to help schools implement the HSC minimum standard and the associated tests.

Sample questions and demonstration tests

To help schools, parents and students understand the skills required to meet the HSC minimum standard, view the sample questions and demonstration tests.

The questions cover achievement from ACSF Level 2 to Level 4, as described in the achievement level descriptions.

These questions are similar to the types of questions students will be asked in the minimum standard tests. The demonstration tests help students understand the look and feel of the online tests.

Practice tests

Practice tests are available in numeracy, reading and writing. Schools must enrol students in these tests via Schools Online and they should be done at school under teacher supervision.

The 25-minute practice numeracy and reading tests each includes 25 multiple-choice questions and are adaptive. The 45-minute practice writing test requires students to write up to 500 words in response to a prompt.

90% of teachers surveyed by NESA said that students found the practice tests useful, particularly in identifying if they were ready to take the online tests. Students are encouraged to speak to their teachers if they would like to try one of the practice tests.

Year 10 will be undertaking practice tests this term to best prepare them for the HSC Minimum Standards exams in term 3.

Mr Andrew Kenneally
Assistant Principal – Curriculum, Learning and Innovation

Pentecost, often referred to as the ‘birthday of the Church,’ holds profound symbolism. The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in the form of tongues of fire, empowering them to spread the message of love, compassion and understanding to people of all nations and languages. This event underscores the inclusive nature of Christianity, where the barriers of language, culture and background are transcended in the pursuit of shared values and faith.

In his homily on Sunday, Fr Loi commented on his recent meeting with Catholic priests from the Archdiocese. He told the congregation about the many languages being spoken and noted the multicultural, diverse and inclusive nature of Australian clergy in the twenty-first century. This was the theme of the international conference ‘A Current of Grace’ this week, an event that myself, Belle Barling and Jennifer Smith (St Bernard’s REC) had the privilege to attend. We were fortunate enough to listen to keynote addresses from academics from around the world, including Barbara Coupar (Director of the Scottish Catholic Education Service) and Fr Friedrich Bechina (Undersecretary for the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education).

Barbara delivered a powerful speech, in which she emphasised the power of inclusivity and of meeting students where they are at in their faith formation journey. She elaborated by stating, that building relationships and providing role models to students is the first step towards encounter, discipleship and mission. Fr Friedrich further elaborated on this sentiment by quoting the Gospel of Mark, ‘Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.’ He discussed the importance of Catholic schools bearing witness in visible and tangible ways. At the Open Night last week, I noted our social justice initiatives, Faith Formation days and Youth Ministry Group. I can confidently say that we are striving to do our very best to ‘bear witness’ in accessible and engaging ways for our students at the College.

This was beautifully reflected in our annual Carroll Day Service on Friday 10 May. Students in our Youth Ministry Group, along with our Social Justice Captains, helped to facilitate a mass that paid tribute to Archbishop Francis Carroll. Karen Lyttle, who has been with the College since its first year, paid tribute to ‘Father Frank’ whilst reflecting on his humility and his emphasis on the importance of being welcoming and inclusive.

A copy of her speech is included here:

It is indeed an honour to speak about Archbishop Francis Carroll today.

My first encounter with Father Francis dates back to 1995. I vividly recall the moment, as a young teacher filled with anticipation and a touch of nervousness. He was introduced to me simply as "Father Frank". Reflecting upon it now, it's truly inspiring to consider that our esteemed College, now entering its 30th year, bears the name of such a modest individual.

Although Carroll Day was initially designated for September 5th, a date Father Francis himself chose, this particular week holds special significance in our history. Almost exactly 30 years ago, on May 7th, 1994, Father Francis Carroll stood upon these very grounds, then adorned with banksia and gum trees, and bestowed his blessings upon the site. Nearly 500 people gathered to witness the formal inauguration of the College, marked by the ceremonial blessing and the planting of a commemorative flowering gum tree. The very shovel displayed in our prayer space today bears witness to Father Frank's labour on that memorable occasion, engraved to immortalise the event.

Father Francis was initially taken aback by the notion of a school bearing his name. He famously remarked, "I confess to being rather embarrassed by the suggested name, Carroll College. Schools are usually named after a saint, not after a sinner." This sentiment epitomises Father Francis Carroll's humble disposition. There was never any grandeur or ostentation with Father Frank; he was rather reserved, preferring to spend his time engaging in conversations with students.

I consider myself fortunate to have dedicated the majority of my teaching career to Carroll College. I had the privilege of being present for the inaugural Carroll Day, alongside Mrs Smart and Mrs Barling, who, as some of the first students to enrol in 1995, share fond memories of those early years. Back then, our school was small, with fewer than 90 students and seven full-time staff. We lacked a proper hall and had barely an oval to speak of. Yet, Father Francis graced us with his presence during those formative years, joining in our Carroll Day festivities held in the senior courtyard. Those who remain from those early years fondly recall Father Francis participating in liturgies, games, and even our variety concerts, now known as the Battle of the Bands. He would sit among the students, tapping his foot to the music.

Father Francis would occasionally slip away, only to be found kicking around an AFL footy with the students on the oval, often sporting his beloved football scarf. His passion for AFL remained undiminished until his passing earlier this year.

Above all, Father Francis desired Carroll College to be a place where every student felt welcome and had the opportunity to pursue lifelong learning, excelling in their academic, athletic, and extracurricular pursuits. He envisioned our students leaving our doors ready to make meaningful contributions to society, understanding that not all who walked through our gates shared the Catholic faith, but hoping that they would benefit from the values instilled through a Catholic education.

Vale Father Francis

Mrs Anna Smart
Religious Education Coordinator

HSC Biology Excursion to Canberra Hospital and Mortuary

On Tuesday 21 May the HSC Biology class undertook an excursion to the Canberra Hospital to further their knowledge and witness the application of their coursework in disease.

Our students were treated to a presentation on the control of infectious disease by Dr Karina Kennedy, a tour of the mortuary and the opportunity to examine specimens in the ACT Pathology Museum.

This unique and valuable experience was greatly appreciated by the staff and students, and we extend our sincere thanks to Dr Kennedy (Director of Microbiology) and our hosts for the day, Jess Puniard (Mortuary Supervisor) and Belinda Brooker (Mortuary Assistant).

Janette Soper
Science Coordinator