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Dear Parents, Students and Friends
Welcome to Term 2
I began last term’s newsletter by saying… The start of this year has been like no other. Little did we know then that not only were we facing the aftermath of the bushfires but also Covid-19 was tightening its grip on the world. Again, I would like to express my deep appreciation to every family for their support and loyalty to the school during this challenging time. I also commend the Carroll College Staff for the way they have faced this challenge together, providing hope and stability for our students and families whilst supporting and trusting one another.
Belong. Believe. Become.
‘Encouraging and inspiring us to a better, more beautiful life.’ Pope Francis (Christus Vivit, 138).
We celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2020 this week. Pope Francis reminds us to embrace what is beautiful. If there is a positive to come from the current Covid-19 crisis, it has been the opportunity for stillness and reflection. Isolation has enabled a ‘reconnection’ for families; shared meals, conversation, quality time – all of which we can take for granted in the busyness of day-to-day life. There is a level of spirituality in our connectedness as we fully appreciate what it means to be truly present. Similarly, Catholic Schools Week provides an opportunity to reflect on why Catholic schools are special places. They are places of wonder, hope and joy, supporting every child to find meaning and purpose in life. I hope your children have a newfound appreciation for the importance of our College community. There is a unique spirit of unity that inspires and moves us in new and exciting directions. A community with endless potential!
Congratulations
Congratulations to Mrs Mel Price and husband Luke on the arrival of their baby boy last week, Ridge Michael Price. Siblings, Jake, Felicity and Matilda are very happy! Ridge was born on 30 April at 8.45am at a healthy 8 pounds, 6 ounces and 53cms. Congratulations from the Carroll College community!
Enrolments 2021
If you have a child starting at the College in Year 7 next year, or know of friends or family members wishing to enrol their children in any grade level, our enrolment period has commenced. Please complete the online enrolment form by clicking on this link https://www.ccb.nsw.edu.au/enrolment/how-to-enrol or call Nadine Cooper, Principal’s Executive Assistant at the College for more details.
P: 44715600 or E: Nadine.cooper@cg.catholic.edu.au
Safe Return to School – Reducing the Risk of Covid-19
One way to slow the spread of viruses, such as coronavirus, is physical distancing (also called social distancing). The more space between people, the harder it is for the virus to spread. Physical distancing and spacing is not a requirement among school students - that the 4 square metre rule, and the 1.5 metre distancing between students during classroom activities is not required, as released on 24th April 2020.
As we transition to more students attending school next week, there are few key messages that will assist in keeping everyone safe.
Message for parents: if your child is sick, they must not go to school. You must keep them at home and away from others. Remember to maintain physical distancing from other parents and teachers when attending school, including when dropping off and picking up your children.
Message for children: tell your parent, guardian or teacher if you are feeling sick.
Message for all adults: the greatest risk of transmission in the school environment is between adults. It is of utmost importance that teachers and parents alike maintain physical distancing between themselves and each other at school.
A reminder that Year 12 students return full time (5 days a week) beginning next week, Monday 11 May (Week 3). This is in line with the NSW Premier’s request to return to face-to-face teaching from Week 3.
Students in Years 7 – 11 will attend the College one day p/week from Monday 11 May. Students have been organised alphabetically in family groups to ensure siblings can come to school on the same day. The table below outlines the organisation of students based on family names with their allocated day. Years 7-11 students have also received a confirmation email detailing their day. A remote learning platform for curriculum delivery will remain in place for Years 7-11. If for any reason there is an increase in the safety concerns for the students and staff before the 11 May, this decision will be reviewed.
Term 2 - Week 3 2020 |
||||
Mon 11 May |
Tues 12 May |
Wed 13 May |
Thurs 14 May |
Fri 15 May |
Student Surname Years 7-11 |
Student Surname Years 7-11 |
Student Surname Years 7-11 |
Student Surname Years 7-11 |
Student Surname Years 7-11 |
Ada - Cox |
Cra - Hat |
Hau - McF |
McG - Sam |
Sca - Zut |
YEAR 12 Everyday |
If circumstances improve considerably, we will be reviewing arrangements weekly, and a return to full-time face to face teaching for all students will be brought forward.
As we prepare to have the children return to school for face-to-face teaching, it is essential that measures relating to personal hygiene and the health and safety of all members of our community are known and understood.
Below is some clear information on the arrangements and measures based on the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) guidelines, which aim to establish, where reasonably possible, best practice in relation to health and hygiene at schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The full document can be found here:
School Fees
Information will be communicated to families next week regarding Term 2 fees. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss your personal circumstances. We appreciate how difficult this year has been and there is support in place for families requiring financial assistance.
We are very much looking forward to students returning. More information will be communicated next week outlining plans for Week 4.
Enjoy a lovely Mother's Day this Sunday!
Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal
Assistant Principal's Pastoral Care Report
With remote working and social isolation from family, friends and colleagues, our mental health is of vital importance. Whilst we always encourage a reduction in screen time, the recent moves to remote learning has seen a significant increase in the amount of time that students and families spend in front of their devices.
Looking after our mental health requires the same amount of focus and attention that we would play to our physical health.
Below are some tips from the Blackdog Institute to help support our balance of work/leisure/screen time and manage our mental health and wellbeing.
Working from home: A checklist to support your mental health during Coronavirus
It may have started as a bit of a novelty, but working from home for long periods of time can start to affect our mental health. Just as it is important to look after physical health during the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus, it’s also important to keep on top of how you are feeling.
Some common feelings you might be experiencing are:
Feeling isolated, lonely, or disconnected from other people – socially and professionally.
Being unable to ‘switch off from work’.
Having difficulty staying motivated.
Having difficulty prioritising your workload.
Feeling uncertain about your progress, and whether you’re performing ok.
Insomnia and sleep problems.
To help combat this, here are some tips to protect your mental health when learning from home.
Set up routine and structure for your workday — create boundaries between ‘work time’ and ‘home time’
Set a routine as if you are going into the office and school, with a regular start time, and finish time, and a structure for your day, with breaks and exercise scheduled in. This will help you maintain a strong boundary between work and home life, minimise the possibility of work intruding into your family time, and help you switch off from work at the end of the day. Creating cues, such as getting changed into your school uniform at the start of the day, and out at the end, can help with this.
Create a specific place in your home where you work (avoid your bedroom)
Studies show that working from home can interfere with sleep, especially for people who find it difficult to switch off from school. Avoid working in your bedroom if possible. It will then become associated with being alert, awake and switched on.
Stay connected with your teachers
Staying connected with others will help to reduce stress levels, help you feel less isolated, and stay productive. It also helps you communicate with your manager or employees to keep them informed of what you’re working on.
Try a digital detox in the evenings
Technology makes it easier to stay connected 24-7, but the downside is that it can make it difficult to switch off, and separate school and home life. Try a digital detox to help you switch off from work, so you can spend quality time with your family, or do the things you want to do.
Try and get outside at least once a day
If you’re not stuck in self-isolation, try to get outside at least once a day. Go for a walk, get some fresh air, and sunshine. If you are in isolation, go outside, walk up and down your driveway and enjoy fresh air.
Don’t forget the other helpful actions for maintaining positive mental health
These include:
- Exercising, getting a good night’s sleep and eating well
- Doing activities you enjoy
- Staying connected with social supports
- Managing stress through problem solving, relaxation or meditation
- Thinking in helpful ways
Remember the Pastoral Team, Counsellor and Homeroom teachers are here to offer support to families and students. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need extra support or help. We look forward to welcoming you back at the College very soon.
Nathan Mansfield
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
It is pleasing to be able to report on the excellent uptake of our Remote Learning timetable by all involved. I thank students and parents for their efforts in ensuring the continuity of education in these difficult times. I must also thank the staff here at Carroll College for the tremendous amount of work that has gone on behind the scenes to ensure the smoothest transition to remote learning as possible. Most students have engaged with their teachers for every lesson, which has been fantastic. We are still problem-solving some minor technical issues as we go, so thank you for your patience. By the time we have everything running like clockwork, we will be back to full-time face to face teaching and learning!
Next week we will be transitioning to students attending for one rostered day at school. It is important to note that while at school students in Years 7-11 will still be accessing their classes remotely, i.e. there will NOT be face to face teaching occurring. Students must bring their devices and headphones to school on their rostered day and they will be supervised and assisted by teachers and classroom support staff. Please ensure your child is correctly equipped on their day at school.
Your child’s rostered day is as follows;
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Surnames from A to Cox |
Surnames from Cra to Hat |
Surnames from Hau to McF |
Surnames from McG to Sam |
Surnames from Sca to Zut |
If you wish to keep your child at home on their rostered day and they continue to engage with their teachers, their attendance will not be affected. Similarly, if you are an essential worker, your child can continue to access school when needed.
Year 12 students will return 5 days a week from Monday 11 May. They will continue to follow the Remote Learning Timetable but will be taught face to face for their timetabled classes. NESA has advised that all HSC written exams will continue as planned, but there have been minor changes to practical exams and student projects and body of works. Staff will inform their classes of these changes when students return. For the latest updates from NESA please follow this link:
https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/about/news/novel-coronavirus
We are trying to maintain as many of the normal routines as possible, including the scheduling of assessment tasks. NESA has allowed schools to adjust Assessment schedules as they see fit, so parents and students will be notified of any changes that are to take place.
It is envisioned that school will return to normal by the end of May/ beginning of June. Thank you for your patience as we navigate these unprecedented upheavals. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Thank you
John O’Neill
Assistant Principal
Curriculum and Achievement
Welcome to Term Two! I trust you all had a happy and holy Easter, albeit different from what we are accustomed. I hope the holidays provided some opportunity for rest and family connection.
2020 has certainly been an atypical year. As we stayed home for the holiday period, for the health of our country and the common good, I found myself reflecting on the things in life, which until recently, I have taken for granted. Attending Mass, spending Easter Sunday with my extended family, a visit from a friend, having students attend school, Friday night football, playing sport, shopping for non-essential items to name a few. In the midst of missing these things, I was aimlessly scrolling through Facebook; laughing at the multitude of home-schooling memes; I came across a post with a photo attached. The photo was of a sign outside a Catholic Parish and it read, “Churches are not being closed, but buildings are. You are the Church! You are to remain reopen”.
Such a pertinent comment, as Holy Week celebrations and Easter Sunday Mass occurred online from the crypt in St Christopher’s Cathedral. In addition, throughout Term 1, Year 11 Studies of Religion students have been learning about dynamic, living religions and at present, we certainly are living it. Priests, religious and laity just in our own diocese have risen to the challenge set by His Grace, Archbishop Christopher when he called for new ways for parishioners to feel “the closeness and caress of God”. They have devised new ways of delivering Mass, set up YouTube channels, developed “Park and Pray” sessions and at a local level, Fr Martins offered drive-through reconciliation, and local parishioners alongside Seminarian Eden developed home prayer kits.
Many things in life are ephemeral, yet our belief in God is unwavering and endures all things, inclusive of pandemics. Recently I read an article by Dr Craig Wattam; his article was about a webinar hosted by Dr John Tickell. I would like to share Wattam’s summation of the webinar:
Tickell suggested that in order to lead a better, healthier life we need robust support systems and these come in the form of the “Four F’s”: family, faith, fun and friendships. All of these relate to friendships. The best support we can muster comes from those with whom we spend most time and are closest to us. Our family is irreplaceable. Our faith sustains and provides nourishment for our lives, and our other human relationships with friends and community members help us make meaning from our existence. Throw in a healthy dose of fun and especially laughter and we have a good recipe for a positive, meaningful life… Just like any skill has to be practised in order to sustain and improve it, so it is true I think in our relationship with both God and others. If the relationship is not reinforced, it will not endure, or else it will not be as life giving as it could be. If we seek to embrace and invest in our relationships, we concentrate on what matters and we are doubly blest: we bless the other and in turn, we are blessed.
Our families matter more than ever right now, and so do our friends. May your week also be filled with some fun and laughter. The difficult times will pass, but our faith and our families will endure. As the Gospel of Matthew implores, seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. (Mt 6:33) ”
Please keep Mr Paul Cullen and his family in your prayers after the death of his mother, Joyce Cullen. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.
Fr Francis Carroll … Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts … Forever
Charlotte Nicoletti
Coordinator of Religious Education and Faith Formation
Covid-19 Hand Sanitiser Stations - Thank You
Duncan and Sue MacKinnon from Bega Valley Medical Practice kindly travelled to Carroll College on Sunday 26 April to deliver five Covid-19 Hand Sanitiser Stations which have been built and donated by Rotary Bega. Three sanitiser stations have been provided to Carroll College and one each for St Bernard’s and St Mary’s Primary Schools. Additional stations have been ordered.
These hand sanitiser stations will assist the College in promoting good hygiene for students and staff as part of our Covid-19 measures and will be located in key areas across the College along with hand sanitiser in teaching spaces. We thank Duncan and Sue MacKinnon and Rotary Bega.
Learning at home: Adolescent fiction on Anxiety and Perseverance
"There is no more pleasing picture than that of a child peering into a book: the past and future entrancing one another”.
Students have and will have a welter of Google Classroom notifications about classwork. It is important to keep a routine of learning experiences. However, there will be times when your child will need exercise and other activities that refresh the mind. Reading fiction is one such vital activity.
Parents have a critical role here even in the teenage years. In our world, reading is more important than ever.
What you can do at home
- Involve children in everyday conversations with you. Shared conversation on your favourite book as a child.
- Read aloud with them. Shared reading used to be common. My children were nearly 16 when one of them said, “OK, dad, that’s enough”.
- Ensure that there is a wide range of reading material at home, both fiction and non-fiction.
- Try not to let Netflix, TV intrude on quality reading time. Find a place to read away from distractions.
- Give books as treats and presents. Why not? It could be the book that sets them on a lifetime journey of enjoyment.
Hints for listening to your child read
- Before reading, talk about the cover, the blurb or illustrations to discuss what the book might be about. It could open an avenue of conversation.
- Some prediction exercises. What might happen next in the story?
- Take turns to read. It helps build up confidence for school.
- When you come across an unfamiliar word pause to give your child time to work out the meaning.
- Prompt with a sound or first letter. Ask, “Does this make sense?”
- Praise your child for trying even if they stumble over some words.
What to read and Do
- Tell and re-tell stories of all kinds. Fairy tales, movie plots, news, and particularly, family history.
- Let your child see you enjoy reading.
- During this time of remote learning, there are virtual libraries with huge catalogues.
- Order a recommended book online.
Some suggestions for adolescent fiction on Anxiety and dealing with problems
Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick
The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughtear
We are Liars by E. Lockhart
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness
Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella
It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
Find reviews of these novels on Google and choose something that interests your child.
These have been difficult times. I believe that not only is fiction a great escape from the stresses of our present predicament but it also allows us to see, as readers, that others out there have doubts, fears, apprehensions. CS Lewis, the author of the Narnia series once wrote:
“We read to know that we are not alone.” He is right.
If you have any comments or suggestions, I would appreciate your feedback.
Paul Cullen
Paul.cullen@cg.catholic.edu.au
During the past two weeks, a few Year 10 students that have been on site have been using their AM and PM breaks to construct Insect Hotels. This has been a great stress reliever while also providing them with problem-solving tasks that they have worked collaboratively on. Their Insect Hotel is not yet complete but I will share the masterpiece when it is!
Emma Mullins
TAS Coordinator
Hospitality students cooking up a storm in COVID times…
The hospitality students have been busy cooking meals at home for their families. They have made some delicious treats such as homemade stocks, Three Cheese Risotto, Roasted Pumpkin Soup to name a few.
This week’s lessons via zoom included a very lovely Italian Pork and Fennel Sausage Pasta. The recipe is enough to feed at least 4 people and doesn’t take too long to prepare. I have attached the recipe for you to try at home. I hope some of you try the dish on your family. If you cannot get pork and fennel sausages at your supermarket or butcher any good quality flavoursome ones will do.
Happy Cooking from us here at Carroll College.
Chef Jane & Chef Amy
Italian Pork and Fennel Sausage Spaghetti
SERVES: 4
PREPARATION: 10 minutes
COOKING: 30 minutes
Skill level: EASY
Ingredients
- 750 ml (3 cups) passata- HOME MADE!
Sauce ingredients:
2 onions- brunoise
2 crushed garlic cloves
1 tablespoon of tomato paste or 100ml tomato puree
2 x 400gm canned diced tomatoes
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 500 g Italian pork and fennel sausages
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1onion, finely diced
- 2garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tsp oregano leaves, finely chopped, plus extra, to serve
- ½ cup Ligurian olives(good quality black olives) omit if you don’t like Olives
- salt flakes and black pepper, to taste
- 300gm spaghetti
- Parmesan to serve
Instructions for sauce
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan, add the onions and cook on a low heat until soft. Add the garlic and tomato purée. Cook for a few minutes then add the chopped tomatoes and oregano. Season generously and simmer for 20 mins, then allow to cool.
Store in sterilised jars in the fridge for up to 1 week, or transfer to a container and freeze for up to 2 months
Instructions for Pasta sauce
- Squeeze sausage meat from casings and break up. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic for 5 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Increase heat and add sausage meat. Cook for 8-10 minutes until sausage meat is browned.
- Stir in passata (Home-made tomato sauce), oregano and olives. Season with salt flakes and black pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until sauce has thickened (you may need to add a little water... or red wine.
- Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain.
- Divide spaghetti between serving warm plates and top with sauce. Garnish with extra oregano and crumbled parmesan. Sprinkle with dried chilli flakes if you like chilli.
“As part of their remote learning program, students in Year 8 Visual Arts had to create a sculpture in their backyard or nearby location using natural materials in the style of sculptor, Andy Goldsworthy.”
Miriam Shilling
Visual Arts Teacher
Term 2 Fee Statements will be emailed out in Week 4.
Further information will be provided shortly about COVID-19 Fee relief.
COVID-19 Financial Survival Guide
Please be aware that you are not alone and there are resources available to assist you and your family at this time. Listed below are some of those resources for information.
https://ndh.org.au/debt-problems/covid19/
Financial Institution Support during Covid-19
Financial Institutions are also offering a range of assistance to account holders, homeowners and businesses. Please enquire with your financial institution to access financial support such as:
- Suspending payments on credit cards and personal loans
- Reduce interest rates on home loans/suspending or deferring home loan repayments/loan variations/reducing loan interest rates
- Loans and support for small business
- Loan extensions etc
Westpac
https://www.westpac.com.au/help/disaster-relief/coronavirus/?pid=iwc:sr:support_2003:covid:
NAB
https://www.nab.com.au/personal/customer-support/covid19-help?own_cid=MH20012
St George
ME Bank
https://www.mebank.com.au/support/coronavirus-information/
ANZ
https://www.anz.com.au/promo/covid-19/
Commonwealth Bank
https://www.commbank.com.au/latest/support-for-home-loan-customers.html?ei=pers_HL
Teachers Mutual Bank
https://www.tmbank.com.au/about/member-news/2020/coronavirus?icn=corona2020&icd=hpnews2
Scams during Coronavirus
Please be aware that there are some financial scams relating to Coronavirus. These may be in the form of text messages, emails or phone calls. The best approach is to not provide any of your financial information. If you suspect you have been contacted as part of a scam, you can report it to scamwatch – scamwatch.com.au/report-a-scam and the police.
For additional support, other services available include:
Beyond Blue
LifeLine
The new style shorts are out of stock. An order is delayed in shipping due to COVID-19.
Orders can still be made via Qkr! These will be distributed to students, along with any previous orders outstanding as soon as they arrive.
Lyndall McCarthy
Business Administration Officer
I'm running 50km to leave MS behind...
Throughout this month, I will be participating in the May 50k challenge in an effort to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis. The challenge is to run 50kms in May. Any of your donations will be greatly appreciated. I will be donating $1 for every km that I run over 50kms.
Click below to view my fundraising page: https://www.themay50k.org/fundraisers/rhysvoysey Your donation will support the work of MS Research Australia and fund research into MS to develop better treatments and find a cure for this cruel disease.
Thank you
Rhys Voysey
Former College House Captain