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Dear Parents, Students and Friends
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Church’s season of Lent. The staff gathered for prayer Wednesday morning to reflect on this most important time in the Church’s calendar. Prayer followed with students in Homerooms to support their understanding of the Catholic Tradition and the significance of this liturgical season. The marking of the Ashes on our foreheads is a public expression of our faith and repentance. During this time of Covid, ashes were distributed differently. Ashes were mixed in holy water and sprinkled on staff and students.
Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Through prayer we come closer to God so that we are better able to realise our baptismal promise to live justly as Jesus teaches us. Fasting joins us in solidarity with people experiencing poverty who often have no choice but to go without the basic human needs. Sharing what we have, or ‘almsgiving’, is a sign of our commitment to justice and our thanks for all that God has given us.
Lent prepares us for the season of Easter. By praying, fasting and giving alms, we are reminded of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus brought the promise of hope to all people so that we may “Have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). May we be encouraged to ‘Be More’ in our own lives, and in the lives of others.
Year 7 and Year 11 Information Evening
Next Monday evening, 22 February we welcome Year 7 and Year 11 parents to the College for an information session relevant to their child’s stage of learning. Students are also encouraged to attend.
Year 7 have embraced College life with enthusiasm and readily express their enjoyment of being at High School. It is heart-warming to see their level of engagement as they navigate their new learning environment. We respectfully request that only one parent of each student attends, so the College complies with Covid regulations. Information was emailed to parents of these grade levels yesterday with specific details. I look forward to welcoming families on Monday evening.
The commencement of senior years for Year 11 students is a significant step as they prepare for their Higher School Certificate (HSC). Learning Pathways and opportunities will be discussed to encourage students to be committed learners as they work towards their final year of schooling. Whether students are pursuing an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) for university entry or a Non-ATAR package, all students are supported to achieve their personal best. This can be an uncertain time for students and their families as they determine the most suitable career options. The most refreshing change in education today is that there are so many options and pathways to achieving success.
Did you know that Carroll College offers five VET Courses for Years 11 and 12. We have 78 student placements currently in 2021, meaning that many students are enrolled in one or more of our VET courses. Three students have opted to undertake three or more VET subjects in their pattern of study for Year 11 (Preliminary year). These offerings include:
- Business Services
- Information and Digital Technology
- Hospitality
- Sport Coaching
- Construction
We also have seven students currently enrolled in an EVET course (VET courses offered externally through TAFE). There is also the option for students to undertake a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT).
If you have specific questions regarding your child's career pathway, please contact our VET/Careers Coordinator, Naomi Gill and she will be very happy to assist. Naomi's level of experience in this area will be of great benefit to every student at the College.
Naomi.gill@cg.catholic.edu.au
A Future Full of Hope
Year 12 Senior Retreat
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Senior Retreat with Year 12 students in Jindabyne. It was simply a life-giving experience. We laughed and cried... the openness and vulnerability of our shared experiences have inspired and enriched each of us. We have an incredibly cohesive Year 12 group. I have the utmost respect for them, and it was most evident, they have this respect for one another too. There were many funny moments but most importantly the spiritual richness of the Retreat touched us all. It was truly my privilege to spend three days with Year 12 and the dedicated staff that accompanied them.
I take this opportunity to thank Belle Barling and Erica Drewsen for their coordination of Retreat. It was exceptional. Also, to Sean Mulally, Sonia Pope, Liarna Miller, Tim Hodges, and Karen Lyttle who made the Retreat so enjoyable. Their professionalism and commitment to the students is outstanding.
As part of the pastoral care program for students, Carroll College has access to a Student and Family Counselling service provided by CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn (CCG). CCG is contracted by Carroll College to provide counselling services to students and their families on-site. There is no fee to access this service.
The role of the counsellor is to focus on the emotional, social and educational well-being of the students. Counsellors welcome contact with students having difficulty with some part of their life, whether or not it affects their school work. The problem does not have to be a big one. It is better to seek help sooner than later. Some typical concerns that counsellors work with include anger, anxiety, behavioural problems, depression, eating problems, family breakdown and family conflict, grief and loss, learning and educational challenges, parenting challenges, peer and other social relationships, school avoidance, stress and study skills. As well as individual sessions with students, counsellors can run groups, do family work, consult with parents and teachers, and make referrals to other services and supports.
Student and Family Counsellors subscribe to a set of professional ethics that include duty of care and respect for the individual rights to privacy and confidentiality. The counsellors’ obligation is to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and confidentiality of the student they are working with. All counsellors are mandated to report any disclosure or sign of abuse or neglect to Child Protection Services. Outside of our mandated requirements, all counselling sessions are confidential, and the details will not be discussed with other parties unless written consent is given by the client.
2021 has seen some changes to the school counselling service. The biggest change relates to consent and permission. Parent consent is now required for all students under 14 years of age. Consent will be sought and provided via email. Referrals to the service can be made by contacting the pastoral team or speaking with the counsellor directly.
Carroll College's Student and Family Counsellor:
Naomi Bee - Social Worker Phone: 4471 5600.
Naomi is on-site on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday each week and is located at the end of B Block.
We have welcomed several new families to the College in recent weeks. I extend a warm welcome to our new students as they transition to the College. To all our families, please know my door is always open and I look forward to working in partnership as we support the wellbeing and educational goals of your children.
With blessings on your home this Lenten season.
Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care
At Carroll College, we value the relationships built between students and their teachers, teachers and parents and parents and their child/young person. Our common focus is creating an environment where young people can thrive and build the skills they will need to carry them forward in life.
To assist with this most important task, outlining clear expectations sets the framework for young people to use. Each day at the College the Homeroom and classroom teachers interact with the students and model behaviour that reflects Christian values, College expectations, and the development of a solid work ethic. Supporting this example are the conversations you, our parents, are having at home, encouraging your children to always 'do their best work’ and ‘be the best person they can be’.
There are several agencies in the community that can offer resources and a level of support to further assist families in guiding their children/young people. If you would like more information about these services, please contact the College or follow the link below.
This week a small group of our students have responded to the invitation from Eurobodalla Council to participate in Youth Committee. The committee works with Council representatives to plan youth activities, express the views of youth and build a positive image of young people as they contribute to the development of our local community. Participation is open for students from Years 9 to 12 so if you are interested please talk to your pastoral Coordinator.
Another opportunity is available for our students to engage with Government. Recruitment is now open for students to apply to be involved with the NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) 2021. To find out more, please follow the link below and complete the application form which closes Sunday 14 March 2021.
NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
In the last Newsletter, there were links to two driver programs offered to parents and young drivers. We have received information about another program. Participants in the driver quiz could lead to prize money. If you are interested follow the links below.
Louise Ibbett
Assistant Principal
Pastoral Care
Assistant Principal Curriculum & Achievement
Year 7 and 11 parents, please note the Information Evening being held on Monday 22nd February. At these sessions important information will be provided that all parents and students should be aware of, so please make an effort to attend. Year 11 students will hear information about College expectations of senior students as well as be issued with a copy of their Assessment Booklet. This booklet outlines all the approximate due dates for all the tasks throughout the year. The Year 7 students will be able to show their parents their Humanities classrooms and meet their teacher for the year. You will also hear about how the Humanities program operates, and how our Pastoral Care program operates. An outline of all Assessment Tasks and their approximate due dates for the year will also be handed out to Year 7 students. Please see the information below and note our COVID requirements to ensure a safe meeting.
Year 7 & 9 students will be having some practice for the NAPLAN tests in Week 9. Students in Year 7 will do this in their Humanities classes and Year 9 will do it in their English classes. The Practice tests simulate the real thing so that students can become familiar with the operation of the online environment. Please encourage your child to do their best in these practice sessions. The NAPLAN tests are conducted in Term 2, 11-21 May.
Since the start of the year many students have made subject changes to their electives in Year 9 & 10 and their subject choices in Year 11. The time for change is now over, and students will need to remain in their chosen courses for the rest of the year. This is essential so that they have the full year in the course to satisfy NESA requirements of the number of hours completed in each course, as well as to ensure they do not miss important content.
As I walk around the College it is very pleasing to see the majority of students fully engaged in their learning. The classrooms are well settled and productive. Please encourage your child to be using their class time to the best of their ability. Unfortunately, I am hearing that some students are not doing this. If students disrupt the learning of others they will be exited from their normal class and sent to the Hub to work under the supervision of a senior teacher for a minimum of three periods and a break. During this time they are asked to reflect on their behaviour so that we do not see a repeat of it.
If you have any concerns about your child’s learning, please make contact with the classroom teacher as soon as possible. If we know about issues we can do something about them. The best outcomes for your child occur when home and school are in partnership, so please do not hesitate to make contact.
John O’Neill
Assistant Principal
Curriculum and Achievement
Dear Parents and Students of Years 7 & 11
RE: YEAR 7 & 11 INFORMATION EVENING
MONDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2021
You are invited to attend a Welcome and Information Session to be held on Monday 22 February 2021 at the College.
- The Year 7 session will run from 5.30 pm until 6.15pm in the Hall
- The Year 11 session will run from 6.30 pm until 7.15 pm in the Hall
We hold these sessions on the same evening to make it more convenient for those parents who have students in both year groups.
The Year 7 session will feature a number of presentations by Senior staff about all matters relating to students in Year 7, followed by a chance for parents to meet their child's Humanities teacher and visit their classroom.
Due to current COVID restrictions, we are only able to invite one parent to attend with their child. We ask that parents sign in to the COVID app on arrival at the hall. Each Humanities classroom will be limited to 8 people at a time to allow for social distancing.
The Year 11 session will provide families with details about the patterns of study available in Years 11 and 12, the Record of School Achievement, Higher School Certificate, Vocational Education options and to outline expectations of senior students at Carroll College.
We hope to see you on Monday evening.
Monday 22 February – Year 7 Welcome Evening
Monday 22 February – Year 11 Information Evening
Thursday 25 February – Year 11 VET Induction Day
Tuesday 2 March – Archdiocesan Swimming Carnival
Wednesday 3 March to Friday 5 March – Year 7 and 11 Peer Support Camp
Friday 5 March – Activities Day
Tuesday 9 March – College Assembly
Wednesday 10 March – Community Council Meeting
Thursday 11 March – Parent Teacher Interviews
Thursday 11 March – Year 10 Immunisations and Year 8 catch up from 2020
Friday 12 March – Year 11 White Card course
Week 8 – Year 12 VET Work Placement
Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 March – Headspace Workshops Year 7 – 12
Tuesday 16 March – Parent-teacher Interviews
Thursday 18 March – Gurubangamba Mentoring Day
Thursday 18 March to Friday 19 March – Senior Art excursion to Sydney
Friday 19 March – Year 3 Reconciliation Retreat
Week 9 – NAPLAN Readiness Tests for Year 7 and 9
Friday 26 March – Xavier House Day
Tuesday 30 March – Year 7 Immunisations
Wednesday 31 March – Combined School Mass
Thursday 1 April – Last day Term 1
2021 College Theme
A warm welcome back to the 2021 school year. Each year the College selects a religious theme to frame our focus for the year ahead. In December 2020, some of our Captains from the Senior Leadership Team facilitated a discernment process with new student leaders from St Bernard’s and St Mary’s. After some fruitful discussion, the religious theme for 2021 was chosen: “Thus says the Lord, do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing.” (Isaiah 43:16, 18-19).
These words come from the prophet Isaiah and come from a time when the Israelites were in exile in Babylon. For the students, this quote encompassed the important message of always looking forward and not living in, or be defined by, the past.
Isaiah’s prophesy will be the basis of prayer in the College this year and will be a recurring theme for 2021. We will be reminded that it is important to know our past and remember, but we must keep our focus and attention on the future – a future full of hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
Project Compassion
As we do every year during Lent, the College will support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion Appeal. The theme this year is Be More and calls for us to “change lives” through our donations and also through our prayer for and understanding of others. Our Youth Minister, Liarna Miller, will be heavily involved in our fundraising and education efforts this year. For the rest of the term students will be learning about those assisted through Project Compassion in their RE classes and the Carroll College community will have the opportunity to be involved in a range of fundraising efforts. Further information will be communicated to families shortly.
Erica Drewsen
Religious Education Coordinator
Senior Retreat
Year 12 students travelled to Jindabyne last Wednesday to participate in their three-day Senior Retreat. The theme of this retreat, A Future Full of Hope, is based on the scripture passage “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13) With this as a focus, students took part in large and small group sessions throughout the retreat. Students also participated in prayer, and celebrated Mass with Father Martins on Thursday evening. Thank you to Father Martins for travelling all that way to celebrate with us.
Year 12 had a fantastic time away spending time with each other and the great team of staff that accompanied them. On Thursday they had the opportunity to see the sights of Jindabyne with students participating in various recreational activities including mountain biking, standup paddle boarding, kayaking, and abseiling. It was wonderful seeing Year 12 enjoy each other’s company and take some time away from studies, to be reflective and to also have fun.
A special thank you to Jacqui Heffernan, Erica Drewsen, Tim Hodges, Karen Lyttle, Sonia Pope, Sean Mulally and our Youth Minister Liarna Miller, who supported Year 12 on Retreat.
Belle Barling
Faith Formation Coordinator
On Monday 15 February, Carroll College held its 26th annual swimming carnival. This year's carnival was held at Moruya Pool which allowed the students to get nice and close to all the action during the day. House spirit was a big focus for the day. Students cheered on members from their respective houses loudly as they made their way down the pool lanes. The senior students once again impressed with their enthusiasm, colourful outfits and loud war cries. Congratulations to all the students who competed on the day, the parents who attended to help time keep and cheer on their children. Also a big thanks to the staff that helped out on the day. An information note was sent home with students who are eligible to compete at the Archdiocesan Carnival in Goulburn on Tuesday 2nd March.
House Results
House |
Points |
Place |
Chisholm |
2946 |
1 |
Xavier |
2192 |
2 |
MacKillop |
1918 |
3 |
Age Champions
12 Years
Male – Luke Drewson
Female – Chelsea Tyrrell
13 Years
Male – Kodi Perkins
Female – Annabelle Paul
14 Years
Male – Bill Epplestun
Female – Sky Wildman
15 Years
Male – Harry Barrington
Female – Sophie Eppelstun
16 Years
Male – Bailey Brady
Female – Felicity Lotze
17 Years + winner
Male – Kai Canham
Female – Phoebe Rankin
Charlton Fogarty
Sport Coordinator
Carroll College Careers' website is your family's one-stop spot for career information. Have you signed up to the calendars event email function to receive weekly emails on upcoming events in your chosen post-school education options? Year 11 students signed up to individual careers accounts in Week 3 and Year 12 will be doing this also in Week 5. I encourage you to explore https://www.careerscarrollcollege.com/
Australian National University - ANU
ANU will be presenting at Administration period on the 26 February in the Up Hub for interested Year 11 and 12 students. They will explain the application process that will start in March, explain courses and take questions. This application process is the main process to be considered by ANU for a course offer so don't miss this opportunity if you want ANU to consider you for Post School education.
Australian Defence Force - ADF Gap Year
Are you interested in an ADF career but want to try it out before committing? ADF Gap year might be for you! Applications open very early in March. To find out more about roles and options in this program, please refer to https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/students-and-education/gap-year
VET News:
All EVET students have started their TAFE study in courses including Animal Studies, Tourism (Events), Beauty, and Maritime Operations. We wish them well in their studies.
VET in school Induction Day
Vet Induction Day will occur on 25 February. Students will register for work placement and be issued with induction forms and manuals that need to be signed by parents and returned to the VET office.
Kind regards
Naomi Gill
Careers Adviser & VET Coordinator/ Hospitality & PDHPE Teacher
Attached is a flyer containing information about the Seasons for Growth Program.
Kind regards
Tania Chalker
Student Welfare Officer
Strictly Ballroom
Meet the Character - Fran
Played by - Madeleine Forner
What has been your favourite part about playing Fran and being involved in the school musical so far?
I think my favourite part about playing Fran and being in the school musical is all the fun times being spent in rehearsal. A lot of memories are made there, and that experience can be very fun and magical.
What can you tell us about Fran?
Fran starts off as a beginner dancer. Throughout the progression of the show her dance ability improves greatly. Something that I identify within her, is the feeling to dance. It’s such a unique way to express yourself.
Our College Musical, Strictly Ballroom is scheduled to show Week 10, Term 2.
Term 1 fee statements were emailed on Friday 12 February with a due date of Friday 5 March. Thank you to families who have made payments. Any recent payments will be receipted shortly.
The 2021 Fee Schedule is now available on the Carroll College website – Enrolment/Fees. In this section of the website, there is also a Fee Calculator to assist families in managing their school fee payments.
Currently enrolled families facing significant financial difficulty are able to apply for fee assistance. Fee assistance is income based and requires supporting documentation. You may be asked to meet to discuss aspects of your application and will be required to provide supporting documentation. Fee assistance can include:
- a payment plan (extends the payment period to 12 months and commits families to make ongoing payments to pay off school fees by the end of the school year)
- an extended payment plan (extends the payment period to greater than 12 months and commits families to make ongoing payments to pay off school fees over an approved, extended period of time)
- Fee Concession – partial reduction of fees and payment plan
- Fee Concession – full reduction of fees
Fee assistance is an annual application process based on your circumstances. In some situations, any reductions may be reviewed on a term by term basis, which would then require separate applications including supporting documentation at the start of each term. Where your circumstances improve during the school year, the College relies on families to get in touch, so that your fee assistance can be adjusted accordingly and the College is able to provide support to other families requiring assistance.
Government grants provide part of the funding required to operate the College. The balance of operating costs are funded through school fees. The ongoing operations of the College are dependent on parents paying the required level of fees. Every effort will be made by the College to recover fees from parents who are deemed to have the capacity to pay fees.
On the basis of the information provided in the Fee Assistance Form, the Fees Committee will determine an appropriate level of fee support based upon guidelines agreed to by Catholic Education Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn and Carroll College. The Fee Committee reviews fee assistance applications once per term, in the latter half of the term. Applicants will be then be advised of the outcome via email and letter. Please sign a copy of this letter and return via return envelope to the College. Following receipt of signed agreement letter, the concession will then be applied to your fees. Where you are granted a partial reduction in school fees with a payment plan, it is necessary that you commit to maintaining your payment plan. Where you are on a payment plan or extended payment plan, it is important to maintain those ongoing payments. If you need to change your payment plan arrangements, please get in touch with College as soon as practicable.
All information is treated and maintained confidentially.
If you require fee assistance, please contact Rhonda Forner, Business Manager by email at Rhonda.Forner@cg.catholic.edu.au
Access to Bushfire Support
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/
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
When finalising payments on Qkr, please make sure to finalise anything that is in the cart on the top right hand corner. If the cart is not empty and you do not have a receipt, this means the payment and consent has not been finalised. This includes any events or excursions that only require permission (eg. swimming consent notes). Once you have signed the permission note you will still need to ‘checkout’ at the end of the process to ensure the permission note is finalised. Thank you!
Qkr! Is our preferred payment option. If you need help using this app, please contact the Office on 44 715600.