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Dear Parents, Students and Friends
I begin this newsletter with some very exciting news to report! Mrs Cassie Johnston and husband, Hugh are expecting their first child. On behalf of the College community, I extend our warmest congratulations to them both as they prepare for this special time in their lives. Mrs Johnston will commence maternity leave from Term 2 next year.
Last week, I attended the annual Principals’ System Days with colleagues from across the Archdiocese. It is always an enjoyable few days as we collaborate and plan for the new school year. It is also an opportunity to farewell retiring colleagues and those moving on to new positions beyond our system. New system directions were explored and input from educational experts featured on The Science of Learning (Dr Lorraine Hammond) and The Science of Reading (Professor Pamela Snow). CATALYST was launched which explicitly outlines the System’s learning agenda for 2021.
“School can and must be a
catalyst, it must be a place of
encounter and convergence
of the entire educating
community…”
Instrumentum Laboris, “Educating Today and
Tomorrow: A Renewed Passion”
Pope Francis, 2014
Year 11 Camp
Our senior students and staff have braved the wet conditions this week while on camp at Bendalong. I am so pleased we have been able to organise camp for Years 7 & 11 this term, albeit separately. Each year, a large number of staff volunteer to attend and I thank them sincerely – Mr Tim Hodges, Mr Jon Brady, Mrs Deb Enfield, Ms Jane Garland, Mrs Cassie Johnson, Mr Nathan Mansfield, Mr Sean Mulally and Mrs Hailee Nugent. Their commitment and time away from their own families is truly appreciated. The Year 7 Camp is planned for Week 9.
SURVEY MY SCHOOL – Community Satisfaction Survey Results
We have recently received our Staff, Student and Parent Satisfaction Survey results. We are very pleased with these results. Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback. It is always welcomed and actioned where appropriate. I have included the Executive Summary of the Parent Survey results for your information. This parent satisfaction survey at Carroll College was undertaken in August 2020. 153 of the 291 parents completed the survey (53% completion rate is considered excellent). Parents were asked to express their satisfaction in response to a number of statements. Their responses were scored as follows:-
Future Plans
We are in the initial planning stages of a new building project. More information will follow in our next newsletter but at this stage, I can report that we are working towards a new student toilet block and new TAS/Science/Maker Space facility. It is very exciting to be moving forward with a Block Grant application so our vision for the next stage of development at the College can be realised.
From the age of 5, my mum would take me to visit her elderly friend Joyce. They would cook together in her tiny little kitchen and I would watch with wonderment and taste test everything I could get my little hands on. I was also lucky enough to spend lots of time with my Nan growing up and we would bake sweet and savoury things together. Growing up, I was very fortunate to have a Mum that cooked amazing food every night (exception of corned beef – Sorry Lu).
We would watch cooking shows most nights where mum would jot down recipes and would constantly try new dishes in the kitchen. It was here that I was introduced to a new show at aged 6 – The Naked Chef – and fell in love with the idea of becoming a Chef.
My first real job at aged 14 was working at the Batemans Bay Ice-creamery where I made waffle cones and scooped ice-creams. I then went on to work for my parents at their restaurant assisting with Mise en place and dishes – a quality all-rounder!
Throughout my schooling, I knew that becoming a Chef was the career path for me so I chose Food Technology and followed on to Hospitality in my senior years. I wouldn’t say I was a high achiever by any stretch of the imagination but I tried my best at school, albeit I was a talker, but I knew exactly what I needed to do to fulfil my career aspirations. Fast-forward to Year 11, for my mandatory Hospitality work-placement, I was placed at the Catalina Country Club. I instantly fell in love with the hustle and bustle of the kitchen – it felt like home!
I was offered a job on my 4th placement day and continued working hard until the end of Year 12. It was on the last day of Year 12 that I signed apprenticeship paperwork and commenced my 4 years on the job training to becoming a Chef. Working as a Chef is at times physically gruelling, challenging and the long 16 hour shifts over the summer break are what some would consider torturous, but for me, I thrived on the busyness of our local area and loved the heat of the kitchen.
Once my time was up, I stayed on for a few months and helped cater large functions and events which I thoroughly enjoyed but I wanted to do something for myself to help further my own career. After some time off to decide where next, I opened a small ‘hole in the wall’ café to use as a front for event catering. I ran my business for three years until my brother became extremely ill. We relocated out of the area to oversee him overcome a life-threatening illness which resulted in me being his bone marrow transplant donor.
I ended up settling in Wollongong/Shellharbour with my now husband and worked for a large-scale catering and events company ‘Gabby’s at Berry’ in Berry and Kiama for several years. I also worked for an incredibly skilled Egyptian husband and wife team at their busy café in Wollongong – ‘The Sandy Goodwich’ where we cooked an array of Middle Eastern fusion dishes, handmade pastries and the best gourmet sandwiches I have ever had in my life. We also did monthly communal dinners where we would use one animal from top to tail and create a banquet for 30 people.
In between all of this, I realised I missed the catering and being my own boss, hence ‘Coastal Bites Catering’ was born 6 years ago and is still going today. Slow to start as most new businesses are, I was craving something further but blissfully unaware of what exactly, I worked three jobs until I couldn’t any longer.
I decided to explore career options that correlated with my years of industry knowledge and applied to Charles Sturt University to complete a Bachelor of Education – Technology & Applied Studies – industry entry and, to my surprise, was accepted immediately. I worked hard studying 4 subjects each semester and did two summer sessions to complete the degree whilst working for a company called Bevinco at 4am many mornings a week to do beverage audits at premises between Western Sydney and Ulladulla. I dedicated my days to my degree and my nights to work.
Since attaining my degree, I have worked in a casual capacity at schools in Kiama, Lake Illawarra, Albion Park but then secured a 12-month maternity contract at Batemans Bay High school. From there, I saw an advertisement come up for a Hospitality position at my old stomping ground (taking over the continuing position of my own Hospitality teacher) of which I applied for and well, the rest is history! Marriage and family life have since set in and now we are settled here and enjoying all the new stages of our lives.
I never set out to be a teacher but I reached my goals and then continued setting new ones – and here I am! I love teaching but I especially love watching students get creative in the kitchen. I also love catering and events, so I think it’s safe to say that I have the best of both worlds!
Meet Pauline Siteaud
Year Completed Carroll College: 2016
Occupation: Executive Assistant
What are you currently doing?
Since graduating from the ANU, I’ve become an executive assistant to two Directors in Canberra. I also volunteer as an Events Director for a non-for-profit organisation, helping run workshops and events for young women around rural Australia.
What is a typical day like in your role?
A typical day would involve setting up meetings, contacting and liaising with internal and external stakeholders, arranging travel for the directors, organising papers and folders. I also work with the marketing team so I would often do some graphic designs, work on the newsletter and other forms of marketing materials.
What’s the best advice you can give someone who has just started their career?
Well, I’ve just started my career myself but I think it’s important to remember that any job no matter if it’s your dream job or not, is an experience where you’ll meet different people, gain new skills and learn from it. Always do the best that you can, there is no such thing as ‘trying too hard’ and be kind to everyone, you never know who knows who!
What energises you at work?
A great environment with colleagues who are as motivated as me, share common goals and are dedicated to achieving these! I also always love a challenge that makes my brain work hard!
What interests do you have outside of work?
Sports and exercising, socialising, and volunteering where and when I can!
What is your fondest memory of Carroll College?
So many, it’s hard to choose just one!!! (did not get paid to write this) In all seriousness, every athletics carnivals, Carroll Day(s), pranking the whole school myself and Adam May were dating. But most importantly; Graduation and Formal, ending school with our whole cohort singing and dancing to High School Musical’s ‘We’re all in this together’.
HSC Exams are almost finished for our Year 12 students. I congratulate them all on their efforts and commitment to persevere right to the end. I look forward to next Thursday evening when we will celebrate together at the Year 12 Formal. A wonderful achievement for a very special group of students!
Yours sincerely
Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal
Year 12 students are into the final round of exams, with all exams completed by next Wednesday. Students have been happy with how most of the exams have gone. HSC results are available to students on Friday 19 December at 6am. Those students who have completed an ATAR package will get their ATAR a little later the same day. We wish all our Year 12 students the best as they finish their 13 years of schooling.
Year 10 students have finished most of the end of year exams and now have the annual Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) in Reading and Maths. The College uses these tests to look at how our students have progressed from the previous year. This then informs our curriculum improvements for the next year. Years 7-9 will be completing end of year exams in the coming week, and the following week will also be sitting the PAT tests. Please encourage your child to do their best in these tests.
John O’Neill
Assistant Principal
Curriculum and Achievement
Year 7 – 10 Exam Timetable
Year 7 to 10 students will be completing their exams in Term 4. A copy of the exam schedule for each year group is available below. Following the exams, the students will be completing their online Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) for Reading and Mathematics.
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.
The College has been most fortunate in recent weeks to have Fr Martins Aloga, Parish Priest of St Bernard’s, Batehaven visiting Year 9 and Year 10 Religious Education classes.
Students in Year 9 are currently studying our new unit, “Healing Habits” which investigates the importance of healing within the Catholic tradition and the need for positive and affirming relationships. Fr Martins has met with all Year 9 RE classes to explain the Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. The presentation to students has been very well received and allowed classes to have a deep understanding of the role and impact of these sacraments on the Catholic community and individuals.
Year 10 RE classes commenced class Masses, celebrated by Fr Martins, this week. It has been a goal of the College, and of Fr Martins, to celebrate class Masses across the school. With students in Year 10 studying the new unit, “The Body of Christ” it is fitting that these class Masses begin with Year 10 at this point in their studies. Fr Martins will be breaking open the Mass in a direct and personal way with the students and giving them greater insight into the beauty of the sacrament and the meaning behind its many rituals and symbols.
Thank you to Fr Martins for taking the time to help our students with their understanding of these Sacraments and for his role in the development of our students’ appreciation for the role of faith in an adherents’ life.
Erica Drewsen
Religious Education Coordinator
Little Sellers Art Prize Winners
The annual “Little Sellers” Eurobodalla student art prize winners have been announced and Carroll College has achieved an impressive result.
The talented Courtni Whittaker was the Overall Prize winner, receiving $200 from art collector, patron and philanthropist Mr. Basil Sellers AM.
The Eurobodalla Youth Award went to Makadde Ethell.
Kody Jeffery won the 16 – 18 year old category and Catalina Gomez was runner up.
Raphaella Herford gained a Runners Up prize for her beautiful Imagery of trees after the fire.
The prize is being presented as an online exhibition this year due to COVID restrictions. Please visit https://thebas.com.au/basil-sellers-art-prize/little-sellers-art-prize-2020/ to see all the finalists.
We would like to thank Mylene and Fitzroy Boulting for the generous donation of cuttings of Warrigal Greens and Lemon Merrill for the Ag farm. The agriculture students are very excited to start growing more Indigenous plants in the future and these cuttings, along with the new Finger Lime are just the beginning of this journey. Thank you Mylene and Fitzroy.
Hospitality coffee window
Year 11 Hospitality students will be running the coffee window at AM break each Tuesday and Thursday until the end of term. The coffee window is available to all staff and senior students. We have phased out all single use items so please BYO clean cups. We will be taking orders for reusable cups for students to purchase at $10 each. Orders can be placed during Cafe times.
Baked goods may be available to purchase on various days.
Cash and EFTPOS facilities will be available.
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Term 4 fee statements were emailed on Monday 26 October with a due date of Friday 20 November. Thank you to families who have made payments. Any recent payments will be receipted shortly.
If you have been impacted by COVID-19, please contact Rhonda Forner, Business Manager by email at Rhonda.Forner@cg.catholic.edu.au to request a COVID-19 Fee Assistance Request Form.
If you require financial assistance due to any other hardship not related to COVID-19, please contact Rhonda Forner, Business Manager by email at Rhonda.Forner@cg.catholic.edu.au
All information is treated and maintained confidentially.
2020
Given the challenges that 2020 has presented, there are many avenues for support. These are listed below to provide some assistance.
Bushfire Support
The National Bushfire Recovery Agency is able to provide assistance to individuals and families, businesses, not for profits, primary producers – everyone in our community. Their website address is: https://www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au/
Information for individuals and families:
https://www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au/
For support – relating to Bushfires, drought, flood and/or Covid-19 for individuals and families:
https://www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au/recovery-assistance/combined-individuals-and-families
For small business and not for profits support relating to Bushfires, drought, flood and/or Covid-19:
https://www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au/recovery-assistance/combined-small-business
For well-being and mental health support:
https://www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au/recovery-assistance/families-individuals/mental-health
Bushfire Specific Assistance
Type |
Website |
Closes |
Useful Contacts |
https://www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au/key-contacts
|
|
Recovery Support Officer |
https://www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au/find-recovery-support-officer or email |
Ongoing |
Property Cleanup |
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/register-opt-nsw-bushfire-clean |
Ongoing |
Primary Producer |
https://www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au/recovery-assistance/small-business/primary-producer-factsheet |
Ongoing |
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/
Recent changes to Jobkeeper can be found at:
https://www.ato.gov.au/general/jobkeeper-payment/
Information on Jobseeker can be found at:
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/jobseeker-payment
Changes to Government Assistance:
https://ndh.org.au/debt-solutions/covid-19-changes-government-assistance/
Financial Institution Support during Covid19
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/deferrals.
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
ING Bank
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
Life Line
Please choose the correct excursion for your child’s Year Group and also the correct child attending that event to avoid the consent note being completed in the wrong child’s name.
Qkr! is our preferred payment option. If you need assistance with using Qkr, please contact the Office.