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2019 College Theme:
"Two are better than one...if either of them falls down, one can help the other up”. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Dear Parents
A very warm welcome to the 2019 school year. I am absolutely delighted to be Principal of Carroll College and look forward to many happy years ahead as the team and I look with optimism to the future. Our goal is to unite as a strong, cohesive and collegial team with renewed vigour and determination to provide an exceptional place of learning.
I am in the unique position of having worked closely with families from both local Catholic Primary contexts, and now look forward to leading Carroll College. My experience extends across three Dioceses (Townsville, Sydney, Canberra Goulburn), and I have been Principal within our Archdiocese for 15 years. These experiences have contributed to my personal style of leadership and belief in the importance of establishing positive school culture and coherence. This is achieved through deepening learning, cultivating collaborative cultures, and focusing direction on building strong relationships – between students and staff, families and staff, among staff as colleagues, students and their peers, and with the broader community.
Senior Leadership Team
I had the pleasure of being photographed with our senior leadership team on Tuesday. There is no doubt that Carroll College is blessed with students that truly exemplify our Catholic values. Their warmth, openness and self-confidence radiates as they engage in school life. Their support of each other is evident through their interactions and positive conversations. A credit to themselves and their families.
I have invited all Year 12 students to have lunch with me over the next few weeks. This will occur in small friendship groups. I would like to personally get to know each of them and learn of their future aspirations. They have my full support as they prepare for their Higher School Certificate over the coming months.
Welcome
It has been a pleasure to support our Year 7 students and families new to the College. The change and transition period can be a little overwhelming as students adapt to new structures and routines. Please know that the staff and I are supporting students at the point of need every day. It is wonderful to share in this journey.
I personally welcome the following new families that have a child commencing in Year 7 this year. Welcome to the Aitken, Barrington/Kreet, Beale, Bettridge, Brierley/Longbottom, Brown, Brown/Lawrence, Buttsworth, Quinn, Carpenter, Carrol, Claude, Collier, McQuillan/Coppin, Delves, Ellis, Elwes, Eppelstun/Ting, Follett, Freeman/Parsley, Friskin/Hewston, Furlan, Gill/Riches, Green, Henderson, Holzheimer, Hopman, Jelfs, Jenkins, Johnston, Keys, Leth, Love, Maxalmena/Love, McGann, Harding/Tyrrell, Tyrrell/Monck, Stjepanovic/Oudeman, Phelan, Riley, Roberson, Schofield, Smart, Taylor, Vecchi/McKechnie, Walsh, Warren, Woolridge/Choice, Wright, and Ziino/Cremerius families.
A warm welcome also to families new to the College with children in Years 8-12. Welcome to the Fafie, Turner, Kennedy, Ellis/Weber, Losa, Cultrera/Capp, Hibbens/Flew, Druett/Miller, and Carter families.
Our Catholic College welcomes all who wish to contribute to our community.
Congratulations
As students move through the College, our aim is to prepare them for their chosen career. Numerous opportunities are provided to expose students to different career paths that may ignite a passion for future learning. As teachers, it is so rewarding to see students move into fields of interest and gain employment. I’m happy to report that;
- 19 students left the College in 2018 for full time employment, apprenticeships or traineeships, and
- Already in 2019 we have had 3 students sign out to pursue vocational training and employment.
Congratulations to Joshua Maher - Electrical Apprenticeship, Lachlan Fitzgerald - Carpentry Apprenticeship, and Caleb Reisima - Metal Fabrication Apprenticeship. On behalf of the College community, I wish you every success for the future.
Staffing
We have welcomed colleagues back this term who have been on leave. Mrs Victoria Nicholson returns part-time following Maternity Leave and Mr Charlton Fogarty re-joins the team after a 6 month break. Mrs Erica Drewson has also returned full-time as Religious Education Coordinator.
I extend our congratulations to Mrs Catherine Davis who was successful in gaining a permanent part-time position as Aboriginal Education Worker.
We also welcome returning temporary staff who are contracted for all or part of 2019. These staff include:
Glyn Bromige-Avery - Maintenance Assistant
Catriona Colalillo - Learning Support (relieving for Mrs Jenny Hopkins)
Jodie Colbourne - Canteen Assistant
Niall McPherson - Teacher (part-time)
Nicole Montgomery - Teacher (relieving for Mrs Kym Millikin)
Katherine Murphy - Canteen Assistant
Charlotte Nicoletti - Teacher and Faith Formation Coordinator (relieving for Mrs Belinda Barling)
Krystyna Wise - VET/Careers support until June (relieving for Mrs Elise Paull)
New Appointment
Following a Panel selection, I am pleased to announce that Mrs Dalys Whipp has been successful in gaining the position of Finance Officer at the College. Mrs Whipp is currently the NAB Bank Manager – Moruya Branch. She brings a high level of financial expertise to this role and I’m sure you’ll join with me in warmly welcoming her when she commences on 1 March 2019.
South Coast K-12 Catholic Pathway – Planning Regionally, Acting Locally
A meeting of the combined executive teams from our three schools (St Bernard’s, Batemans Bay and St Mary’s, Moruya) took place on Tuesday 22 January. Discussion centred around the purpose and direction of our K-12 Catholic Pathway. The primary objective of the K-12 pathway is to improve student outcomes and provide South Coast families with a contemporary and high quality Catholic education.
The following plans are in place for 2019:
- Data Analyst appointed in each school
- Year 6 enrichment learning opportunities
- Year 9 students to assist with building leadership among younger students
- Teddy Bears Picnic with Kindergarten and Year 11 students in Term 2
Sacramental Retreats, Concert Band performances, and the Carroll College Variety Night are some of our regularly scheduled events that occur annually to promote our connectivity.
Your K-12 Catholic School Pathway
Catholic Education has been developing a new logo for our K-12 Pathway. We are very pleased with the outcome. Consistent signature blocks have been rolled out for all staff across our 3 schools. You will notice this when receiving emails from staff.
The new branding is built on elements from each of the school’s logos, colours and the one unique and presiding element that connects all three – the sea.
Deconstructing the logo
The sea icon at the centre of the combined logo forms the cross section that connects all three schools. The lower thirds of the cross section houses symbols from both primary schools – highlighting that these are connected communities, yet maintaining their individuality. The Carroll College cross is sampled at the top, symbolic and affirming in its nature - our schools and communities are led by the light of Christ.
School Improvements
Preparation has been underway for the past few weeks in readiness for the new school year. I take this opportunity to thank Daryl Hanson and Glyn Bromige-Avery who have worked tirelessly in adapting their schedules to meet deadlines with school upgrades. For some time, I have been concerned with the street appeal of the College, front foyer area and overall presentation of ‘front of house’. Upgrades include new gardens, a fresh repaint of the office space, purchase of new furniture and internal décor to create a more modern and welcoming environment. We have also made significant investment in classroom technology with new interactive projectors being installed in 16 classrooms; a new screen and projector in the HUB, and a new projector and superior sound system in the Hall. We thank Matt O’Brien for his direction and advice on our sound equipment. I hope you like the improvements!
There is much to report as the school year gets underway. It has been an extremely positive start at the College and the atmosphere is happy and energetic. I will continue to keep you updated on College life. Effective and timely communication with families is our priority.
I look forward with great enthusiasm to the year ahead.
With respect and encouragement to you,
Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care Report
Welcome to 2019. It is lovely to sense the anticipation of a new school year, one filled with a vast range of opportunities for not only the students and staff but the wider school community. I would like to especially welcome not only the Year 7’s to the school, but the new students in Years 8-12 as well. I hope that you feel a sense of connectedness and belonging within the Carroll College community very soon.
At Carroll College, community, participation in College life and caring for each other is what we all work towards. We have a very strong focus on student and staff wellbeing, supported by a shared set of values and programs in order for everyone to feel safe, valued and well cared for throughout their school years and beyond. Being settled at school and feeling cared for has a direct impact on each student’s capacity for optimal learning. Equally, enjoying school and being engaged in learning influences a student’s wellbeing – in particular, their confidence and resilience. The relationship between wellbeing and learning, therefore, is critical to the development of the whole person.
This is why, at Carroll College, we focus on the social, emotional, psychological, spiritual, moral and intellectual development of our students. Our students are supported and motivated to develop their strengths, to grow and learn from challenges and complexities, and to develop positive relationships as their foundation for learning. A commitment to fostering growth and enabling students to flourish underpins Wellbeing at Carroll College. Teachers and the Pastoral Team work together to help students learn effectively and develop positive attitudes and behaviours.
To the families new to the school, I encourage you to make contact with your child’s Homeroom Teacher and Pastoral Coordinator. The key role of these people is to work alongside the students to ensure they can achieve positive learning outcomes. The contact details of the Pastoral Leaders are below:
Chisholm House - Melanie Price - mel.price@cg.catholic.edu.au
MacKillop House - Greg McAteer - greg.mcateer@cg.catholic.edu.au
Xavier House - Veronica Harrold-Carter - veronica.harrold-carter@cg.catholic.edu.au
Finally, many thanks go to Corrinne Dell on behalf of the College Community who has been the Acting Xavier Pastoral Leader since Term 2, 2018. Corrinne has worked very hard to give support and guidance to students under her care and has done an amazing job. Many thanks Corrinne!
Nathan Mansfield
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
IMPORTANTANT DATES FOR TERM 1
Tuesday 29 January – student pupil free day
Wednesday 30 January - first day for Year 7, 11, 12 students
Thursday 31 January - first day for Year 8, 9, 10 students
Thursday 7 February – Year 12 UOW Discovery day
Wednesday 13 February – College Photo Day
Thursday 14 February – Year 11 Peer Support Training
Friday 15 February – College Swimming Carnival
Friday 22 February – Combined Schools Mass
Tuesday 26 February – Year 7 Welcome evening
Tuesday 26 February – Year 11 information evening
Tuesday 26 February – Archdiocesan Swimming carnival
Wednesday 6 March – Ash Wednesday
Wednesday 6 to Friday 8 March – Year 7 and 11 peer support camp
Friday 8 March – Activities Day
Tuesday 12 March – Year 7 immunisations
Tuesday 12 March – Parent Teacher Interviews
Thursday 14 March – Parent Teacher Interviews
Thursday 21 March – Xavier House Day
Monday 1 April – Year 11 RYDA excursion
Friday 12 April – Easter Service
Friday 12 April – Term 1 ends
For more information on College events and other calendar dates please visit Sentral.
Dear Parents, if you are needing help with your login to the parent portal on the SENTRAL program please call the office and we will put you in touch with Kristy Ellis in the HUB who will help set this up for you.
As a reminder to parents if your child/ren are absent you may process the reason for their absence and the dates of absence on SENTRAL. Alternatively, you may send a hand written note or email the college messages.ccb@cg.catholic.edu.au and Louise Nott will record and approve these absences.
Dear Parents,
I would like to welcome all our returning families back to the College and extend a special welcome to families who are commencing their association with our school. I thank you for selecting a Catholic education for your child and we are proud to promote our dedication to the development of the whole person – mind, body, heart and soul.
Our College theme for 2019 comes from the Book of Ecclesiastes, a book of wisdom which speaks about the purpose and value of human life and about living our best life in order to honour our Creator. The theme is: ‘”Two are better than one … for if they fall, one will lift up the other.” (Ecc 4:9-10).
This theme will be evident in our prayers and liturgical celebrations throughout the year. It is a relevant theme for everyone in our community and reminds us of the need to work together, to support each other, to lift one another up, to protect one another so that everyone can feel safe and all can succeed.
Key Dates for Term One
Parents are most welcome at all our religious celebrations throughout the year.
- Combined Schools Mass – Friday 22 February 10:00 am
- Ash Wednesday House services – Wednesday 6 March 8:45 am
- Year 10 Formation Day – Friday 8 March 8:45 am
- Year 2 Reconciliation Retreat day hosted by Year 9 Youth Ministry class – Friday 15 March 9:30 am
- Easter Service – Friday 12 April 9:45 am
Erica Drewsen
Religious Education Coordinator
Faith Formation
Father,
You call us together at the beginning of this new school year.
We ask you to send your spirit upon us that,
as the days and terms unfold,
we may be always mindful of your presence
and alert to opportunities to see and serve you in those around us.
We pray that we may teach well by the example of our own lives,
by our knowledge and love of learning,
by our gentleness and care of the students entrusted to us.
In all that we do and say,
we pray that, in building up the community of our College,
we may contribute to the betterment of society
and to the Kingdom of your Son, Jesus Christ,
for your greater glory.
Amen
Dear Parents
I would like to extend a warm welcome to our families as we return to the routine of the 2019 school year. I am excited to come back to the College for my second year and look forward to working with and welcoming students, their families, staff and our wider Carroll College community in the varied faith formation opportunities that arise throughout the year.
The first Faith Formation event for 2019 is the Combined Schools' Mass. Mass will be celebrated in the College Hall on Friday 22 February at 10.00am. I extend an invitation to all families and friends to join us in our opening Mass.
St Bernard’s Parish, Batehaven has added an additional Mass to the Sunday schedule. In addition to the vigil and 9am, Mass is celebrated at 5pm Sunday afternoon. Although this Mass is aimed at families, all are warmly welcome to attend.
Lastly, this past weekend saw St Bernard’s begin the process of renewal for Parish Ministries. There is an old adage, which states “if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go with people”. Together, we can engage with community and go far, in the spirit of collaboration, co-responsibility and inter-dependence. As a pathway to engagement, all are invited to freely participate in the renewal process. Volunteers are encouraged to ‘sign-up’ on the forms available in the Church foyer.
When I first moved to the coast in July 2017, I did not know a sole, aside from my husband. As a practising Catholic, I soon found my local Parish and in my short time living on the coast, I have been welcomed and accepted into Parish community. I am a member of the ministries team and encourage students and their families to get involved.
I pray the year ahead is one of success, challenge and continues to strengthen a love for lifelong learning.
Fr. Francis Carroll … Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts … Forever
Mrs Charlotte Nicoletti
Faith Formation Coordinator
Starting secondary school: Advice to parents to assist this transition
Children often have mixed feelings about starting secondary school. They might be:
- excited about new friends, subjects and teachers
- nervous about learning new routines, making new friends or wearing a new uniform
- worried about handling the workload or not fitting in.
You might also worry about these issues, and about whether your child will have the confidence and skills to handle them.
These worries are all normal.
Relationships
Your child will need to meet new peers and make new friends, and establish or re-establish her position within a peer group. Carroll College has an integrated homeroom classes and mentoring programmes that will assist enormously.
Schoolwork
Your child will need to adapt to new teaching and assessment styles, cope with a wide range of subjects, adjust to having different teachers in different classrooms, become more responsible for his own learning, manage a heavier and more complicated study and homework load, and learn a new and more complex timetable.
Getting around
Your child will have to adjust to a new school campus, find her way around, get to class on time with the right books and materials, and possibly cope with new transport arrangements. Ask someone for help and keep timetables in an accessible place.
When children are making the move to secondary school, you have the biggest influence on how smooth the transition is. Your child’s friends do influence how your child feels about the move, but your support has stronger and longer-lasting effects.
Preparing to start secondary school
Feelings
Here are some ideas to deal with mixed feelings and worries:
- Talk with your child about what he’s most looking forward to and what he’s worried about. Really listen when your child shares his feelings and worries about secondary school. Reassure him that it’s normal to worry about going to secondary school.
- Encourage your child to look at the positive side of the move to secondary school. For example, you could highlight the new opportunities your child will have by talking about extracurricular activities your child could choose at the new school.
- Talk with your child about friendships. For example, you could ask what your child’s friends are saying about secondary school. You could also talk about how your child might keep in touch with old friends and make new friends at high school.
During the transition to secondary school
Practical issues
Here are some ideas to help with the practical side of the transition to high school:
- Try to arrange for a parent, grandparent or other close adult to be home before and after school for the first few weeks after your child starts secondary school.
- Find out the name of the teacher responsible for your child’s overall care, attendance and social and academic progress. At CCB this person is the Pastoral Leader for Mackillop, Xavier and Chisholm. Try to introduce yourself as early as possible.
- Try to make your home as comfortable for study time as possible. For example, make sure your child has a quiet place to study, away from distractions like the TV or a mobile phone. A piece of advice is to have allocated time for use of mobile devices.
Friends
These ideas might help with worries about getting to know people and making new friends at high school:
- Reassure your child that it’s normal to worry about making new friends.
- Find out whether there’s a buddy system at your child’s new school and encourage your child to be involved in it.
- Let your child know that new friends are welcome in your home. Encourage your child to invite new friends over, or be ready to transport your child to their houses.
- Help your child explore new opportunities. Learning a musical instrument, trying a new sport or joining a drama class are great ways for your child to meet new people and get involved in school activities.
Feelings
You could try these suggestions for handling emotional ups and downs:
- Be prepared for ups and downs. Adjusting to change takes time, but if things don’t stabilise after the first term, talk to your child’s home-room teacher in the first instance.
- Remind your child that it’s normal to feel nervous about starting something new – for example, you could share how nervous and excited you feel when starting a new job.
- Talk to other parents to check whether your child’s experiences and feelings are similar to those of others. Sporting and school events are good opportunities to meet other parents.
- Try to make sure your child eats well, gets plenty of physical activity and gets plenty of sleep. The change to secondary school is likely to make your child more tired at first.
- Stay calm. If you’re calm and reassuring you’ll give your child more confidence that she can get through the tough parts of starting high school.
Keep talking with your child about school.
Signs your child might be having difficulty at secondary school
If your child is struggling with the transition to secondary school, you might notice that he:
- doesn’t want to go to school, or refuses to go
- says he feels sick on Sunday nights
- doesn’t seem interested in schoolwork or new activities at the new school
- doesn’t talk with you about school or friends
- seems low on confidence or self-esteem – your child might say he’s not smart or nobody likes him
- is getting lower marks than he used to.
If your child is having trouble, don’t wait for things to improve on their own. Try to get your child talking about how she’s feeling, let her know that feeling worried is normal, and see whether you can work out some strategies together.
If things don’t improve within 2-3 weeks, consider speaking with your child’s teacher, Year Level Coordinator, Welfare Coordinator or GP.
If you’d like extra support or have concerns, you can talk with your child’s teacher, Mrs Heffernan, Mr Mansfield, Mr O’Neill or the Learning Support team.
I hope it is a happy and productive year for your child this year. I look forward to sharing ideas on adolescent isuues like health, literacy and social development throughout the year.
Paul Cullen
paul.cullen@cg.catholic.edu.au
Welcome to a new school year, especially the many new families that have joined us this year. We have an exciting time ahead of us, with lots of wonderful learning opportunities.
I would like to invite and encourage all of you to take a very active role in your child’s education here at Carroll College. The best student outcomes are achieved when there is an active partnership between the parents and the school, so ask your child about their day, check on what they have learned, ask what your child has for homework or assessments tasks coming up and be in contact with us as soon as any issues arise. That way we can ensure your child has a successful time in high school.
At the College Assembly last week, I told the students about my recent trip to Vietnam where I was fortunate enough to visit two schools. The experience was a real eye-opener. I told the assembly that one of the schools I visited had an average class size of 60-65 students, in smaller classrooms than ours. The students sat in threes at old fashioned benches, there was no carpet, let alone technology! Yet the Year 8 students in Vietnam all spoke to me in very good English! They told me that they valued their chance of education because they knew it would allow them to succeed in the world. I challenged our students to make the most of the wonderful opportunities provided to them here at Carroll so that they can make a difference in the world.
Year 7 & 11 parents are invited to an Information Evening coming up on Monday 26th February. Year 7 parents will learn about our Humanities program, assessment processes and other very important information. Year 11 parents will hear about the changes for senior years and expected study patterns for students, and senior assessment task requirements. Both groups will receive a copy of the Assessment Booklet that outlines the approximate dates of all the major assessment items throughout the year. It is very important that you attend so that you are hearing all this very important information. Please put the date in your diaries now.
John O’Neill
Assistant Principal
Curriculum and Achievement
During the recent school holidays, Year 12 student Tayliah Andy attended the Walanga Muru summer camp for Macquarie University in Sydney. Tayliah had an amazing few days in Sydney where she was able to meet other Indigenous students from around the country.
The camp gave Tayliah the opportunity to explore career pathways in the area of human sciences and assisted students with their future in tertiary education. Tayliah said that the program will help her realise her dreams of becoming a registered nurse for her community in the future. The program also allowed Tayliah to experience university life and she is excited about her future endeavours.
Private Music Lessons and Creative Kids Vouchers
Have you applied for the Creative Kids Voucher for your child yet? This exciting initiative gives each student $100 to spend towards music or other creative lessons or activities. This may be the perfect time for your son or daughter to begin private music lessons with one of our tutors that teach during school time. Most of our tutors are in the process of becoming Creative Kids Providers so that you can use your voucher to pay for $100 of lessons.
Creative Kids Vouchers can be applied for at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-creative-kids-voucher. Once you have received your voucher by email, you can forward it to the teacher of your choice for payment. You will need to ensure that the teacher is a Creative Kids Provider before you do this.
Some exciting changes are taking place for the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Sport in 2019. After a great response to setting up the Face Book page and Team App we also now have our own Website!
It has all of the information that you require to keep up to date with everything that is happening in sport including links to other relevant websites.
We have additionally moved to an online Expression of Interest for nominations for the students to trial for Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Representative teams.
Go to www.sport.cg.catholic.edu.au and check it out.
Working in the School canteen is an opportunity for you to make new friends.
Carolyn volunteered for 6 years and was a wonderful addition for our team of volunteers in the Canteen, she wanted to share her experience.
“Working in the school canteen is an opportunity for you to make new friends, learn new skills, get to know teachers and students, and be a part of your child’s school life. Well that is the experience I have had. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time cooking and serving healthy lunches to the students. So if you can, please spare a few days a term volunteering in the Carroll College canteen.”
Carolyn Harding
Contact Lyndall McCarthy if you are interested in Volunteering.
Canteen Summer Menu 2019
New Bucket Hat available to order on Qkr! and purchase at the Canteen: $8
As part of our reduction of waste initative the Rosellas along with Carroll College has introduced a Water Bottle that can be purchased via the following options.
- Qkr
- Canteen
The introduction of the water bottle is to reduce ongoing waste within the College. With the water refill station available and another to be installed these can be refilled and re-used.
This is a solid metal bottle with a dedicated area under the crest for the students name, for easy identification.
Please ensure their full name is on the bottle so these can be returned if misplaced.
Cost is $13
Finance Update
Please note that Term 1 Fees will now be due at the end of Week 6 – Friday 8 March as a result of a delay in generating Term 1, 2019 Family Fee Statements. Please find a link to our 2019 Fee Schedule below for your information.
Any Applications for Reduction of Fees are still being processed.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Fee Schedule
When you log in for 2019 you will see a notification to update the Year group and Class for your child/ren. Please ensure these are current for this year so any consents and payments reflect the students correct details. You cannot complete a payment without this update being completed.
Please also check the spelling and correct any shortened names on your account.
Qkr! Is our preferred payment option. If you need help using this please contact the Office.