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- Principal's Letter
- Carroll Day 2021
- Assistant Principal Pastoral Care Report
- RE Matters!
- Year 12 Past Carroll Day Letters
- Important Dates for Term 2
- Mother's Day Breakfast
- ANZAC Day 2021
- Honour our Fallen
- Year 11 PDHPE Camp
- VET and Career News
- Musical News
- Canteen News
- Finance News
- Qkr! News
- Senior Study
- Community News
CELEBRATING CARROLL DAY!
Proud to be part of the Carroll College community…
Dear Parents, Students and Friends
We have enjoyed a very special Carroll Day today! We have carried this tradition since the College’s opening in 1995 and it’s a day all students look forward to with great enthusiasm. Our Year 11 students take the lead in organising the day’s activities and each year there’s much anticipation for what lay in store for the rest of the College! From prayer and reflection to laughter and music – there is something for every student to enjoy!
Importantly, we acknowledge our patron Fr Francis Carroll. A man of great wisdom and humility, Fr Francis now aged 91, continues to empower a generation to Be More.
All schools have a fundamental place in society. To educate the young is always a privileged and even sacred task. That importance and sacredness take on the added dimension of Christian faith when the task is undertaken in a Catholic school. “Learning for Life” is an appropriate motto for any school. Its particular relevance for Carroll College becomes clear in light of the faith vision which has inspired the College and shines through…”
+Francis P. Carroll (1998)
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
Catholic Schools Week will launch on 3 May. The theme this year is 'Faith and Hope in the Future'.
The theme highlights the faith-based nature of our System schools while emphasising our hope for the future.
During Catholic Schools’ Week, our students will be involved in the following:
· Years 5 & 6 students from our feeder Catholic schools attended Carroll Day celebrations today.
· Year 7 2022 Information Evening – Monday 3 May in the College Hall commencing at 4.30pm. Information Session presented by College leaders begins 5.30pm – 6.00pm.
· Year 9 students will attend the ‘Kinder Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ at St Mary’s on Wednesday 5 May.
Did you know?
The first Catholic school in Australia opened in Parramatta in October 1820 and was founded by Irish Catholic priest, Father John Therry. St Bede’s Primary School, Braidwood, was the first school established in the Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan and has continuously educated students since it opened its doors in 1859.
30 Years of Dedicated Service
After many years of teaching service and membership of the Independent Education Union, our Classroom Support Teacher, Mrs Cheryle King was presented with her 30 years of membership certificate and badge at a Chapter meeting yesterday. We congratulate Cheryle on her dedication to the teaching profession and her many years of supporting her colleagues.
INTENSIVE LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAM
Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese has funds available to be expended on an Intensive Learning Support program across 18 of our Archdiocesan NSW schools. Carroll College has been identified for the program. Schools have been selected by the number/proportion of disadvantaged students in Socio-Educational Advantage Level 1 (ICSEA) as determined by the NSW Department of Education (DoE).
Catholic Education is proposing the Catalyst Bold Goal 1: that every student is a competent reader provide the focus of learning support. The evidence collected on the importance of reading competence to a young learner’s ability to access curriculum knowledge and therefore to their wellbeing is well known.
RESOURCES FOR THE INTERVENTION
The intervention resources will be sourced from the MultiLit suite programs:
• Tier 2 Intervention:
o MacqLit - Years 3 - 10
• Tier 3 intervention:
o Reading Tutor Program Years 2 - 10
Each intervention session is recommended to take up to one hour.
DELIVERY OF INTERVENTION
The program will be delivered by small group tuition (approx. 2-5 students at a time) in an intensive learning mode, conducted over three sessions per week. Mrs Jodie Colbourne, Mrs Julie Wiggins, Mrs Catriona Colalillo and Mrs Cheryle King will undertake the training. Two will be trained in MacqLit and two in the Reading Tutor Program. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for the whole system to be working together. Increased competency levels in reading will ensure all students are more fully engaged in their learning. Parents will be contacted if their child is identified as being best supported through this intervention.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Mrs Cassie Johnston and her husband, Hugh on the safe arrival of their baby girl Josie Johnston born yesterday morning at 8.35am, weighing in at 3.6 kilos. Wonderful news!
We have enjoyed a very positive start to Term 2. I look forward our formal enrolment period for 2022 commencing next week with our Parent Information session on Monday evening (flyer included in this newsletter). Please pass on this information to family and friends wishing to enrol their child in Year 7 for the 2022 academic year.
Best wishes for the coming term. Please always know that the staff and I have your children at the forefront of our considerations as we continue to improve our offerings at Carroll College. There are great teaching and learning initiatives underway and exciting plans for facility upgrades.
Blessings on your family this Carroll Day.
Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care Report
Term 2 has seen some planned changes become a reality in the Pastoral Care areas available for our students. Adjacent to the Pastoral office we have a new space for students to access especially at lunchtimes. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays if students would like to play board games they are welcome to drop in. This space is also available for student groups to meet, for students to work with Mrs Tania Chalker our College Welfare Officer or just to have some time out. Over the coming weeks, we will invite students to contribute to the artwork on display in this space through a competition. Our College Counsellor Naomi Bee has also relocated to a new office space that we hope will be more convenient for our students to access.
At the end of last term, with the assistance of the Senior Leadership Team, students were invited to participate in the Snapshot 2021 survey. This survey was part of our recognition of the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. The data from this survey has been collated and the results are very encouraging. Our students indicated a strong knowledge of what bullying is and an understanding of the College policy. The majority of students feel safe here at the College and are comfortable speaking to our staff if they have concerns. Through the questions asked we have been offered suggestions on areas for improvement which we will take on board as we continue to educate and assist our students in their interactions with each other.
The College has a policy outlining the expectations of senior student drivers who opt to drive to school. It is very important that student drivers complete the required permission paperwork. If students intend on taking passengers, not only do the driver's parents have to give permission, but also the parents of each student passenger. Students need to visit the Front Office to collect and submit these forms. All parents are strongly advised to ensure that this happens.
Headspace Batemans Bay officially opened its office on Thursday 22 April. As members of the youth advisory committee Damia O’Laughlin, Madeline Handley and Makadde Ethell were present to help cut the ribbon. In front of the CEO for Headspace Australia, local health service providers and politicians, Damia spoke eloquently to the audience about what this service will mean to the youth of the Eurobodalla.
Last weekend saw students involved in community events across the region. On Saturday many of our students participated in the Youth week celebrations in Moruya and enjoyed the Battle of the Bands. Through their participation in the Eurobodalla Youth Advisory Committee, some students assisted the Council in the organisation whilst others performed on stage or enjoyed the event as an audience member. On Sunday, together with our staff, students represented the College at Anzac Services from Batemans Bay to Narooma from Dawn to Marches or the Dusk Service in the afternoon. Thank you to everyone involved.
Finally, please add 24 May to your calendars. We have organised an information session on Cyber safety here at the College from 5.30 to 6.30 pm. Students and parents from St Mary’s and St Bernard’s as well as Carroll College are encouraged to attend to hear the latest on this important topic from our guest speakers.
As always if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the College either by phone or email.
Louse Ibbett
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care
The College celebrated a reflective and very reverent ANZAC assembly on Friday 23 April. Mr Jason Szkwarek from the TAS Department spoke to the community about his personal and lived experience of service in the Army. Jason’s message of striving to be people with a sense of purpose, a commitment to being responsible, compassionate and selfless is one that closely reflects our Catholic values. It was a wonderful contribution to our service and a speech that the students and staff gained a lot from hearing.
At the assembly I had the opportunity to speak about some professional learning that the staff at the College are undertaking related to the science of learning. I spoke about the need to transfer new ideas and knowledge from one’s working memory to long-term memory. To cement learning into our long-term memory takes practice and lots of it. Transfer into long-term memory takes anywhere between 11 and 72 times. I encouraged the students to keep working at their learning and to not give up when it is difficult. Learning is tough and it takes a great deal of effort for that learning to become embedded and automatic. As staff, we are learning how best to help students with this process of transfer, and we are looking forward to introducing new strategies in our classrooms throughout the year.
The Year of St Joseph
This year has been declared by Pope Francis to be the Year of St Joseph. Joseph was the husband of Mary and father to Jesus. As a way to celebrate Joseph, the father of the Church, St Bernard’s Parish is holding a community soup night on the first Friday of the month in the Parish meeting room. There is a brief prayer reflection on the life of St Joseph at 6:00 pm with soup and socialising following the reflection. Everyone is most welcome.
Erica Drewsen
RE Coordinator/Assistant Principal
Monday 3 May – Open House and Information Evening
Wednesday 5 May – College Doof
Wednesday 5 May – Year 9 attend Teddy Bears picnic at St Mary’s
Wednesday 5 May – Netball NSW Cup
Thursday 6 May – Mother’s Day Breakfast 7.30am
Friday 7 May – Year 11/12 RYDA excursion
Monday 10 May – College Cross Country carnival
Tuesday 11 May to Thursday 20 May – NAPLAN
Wednesday 12 May – Year 10 Careers Expedition (Canberra)
Tuesday 18 May – Year 8 Medieval Show
Wednesday 19 May – Eurobodalla Youth Committee meeting
Monday 24 May – Cyber Information Session for parents (5.30pm)
Tuesday 25 May – Archdiocese Cross Country
Friday 4 June – Year 6 Confirmation retreat
Wednesday 9 June – College assembly
Monday 14 June – Queen’s Birthday public holiday
Tuesday 15 June - Gurubangamba mentoring day
Wednesday 16 June – Eurobodalla Youth Committee meeting
Thursday 17 June – Athletics throwing events
Friday 18 June – Athletics carnival
Monday 21 June – Musical dress rehearsal
Tuesday 22 June – Musical matinee performance
Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 June – Musical night performances
Friday 25 June – last day Term 2
The Carroll College community would like to warmly invite all mothers, guardians and grandmothers to attend our annual Mother’s Day Breakfast on Thursday 6 May from 7.30 am to 8.30 am. Croissants, tea and coffee will be available. This will be held in the Hub.
We hope you can join us for this special celebration. We acknowledge the multifaceted role that mothers undertake on a daily basis, and this is our opportunity to say, Thank you!
On Friday the 23 April, Mr McAteer and four Year 11 students travelled to the nearby Broulee Memorial Gardens for the annual Honour Our Fallen service. This service is performed in communities Australia-wide, and was introduced in 2018 as a way to commemorate the bravery of the deceased men and women who have served their country in the Australian Army, Navy, or Air Force. Mr McAteer and the students arrived at the Memorial Gardens around midmorning and were met by Rob and Sandy, two ex-sailors of the Royal Australian Navy, who explained the event and its importance to the legacies of those who had served Australia. The students then split into two groups and proceeded to quietly make their way through the Gardens, locating the memorials of returned and fallen service-men and women. At each memorial plaque was placed an Australian flag, in order to honour and thank the men and women who undertook serious risks to protect their country and families. The Honour Our Fallen service is a beautiful way to ensure that the legacies of Australia’s fallen and returned troops are properly commemorated on ANZAC Day. The students involved spoke of the event in high regard and appreciated the opportunity to pay their respects to Australia’s heroes.
Lest we forget.
Ryles Walters
On the 21 April, Mr Fogarty’s PDHPE class departed for a two night excursion into the Budawang Ranges, west of Milton. The plan was to scale the mighty “Castle” or Cooyoyo (traditional Indigenous name) Mountain. Cooyoyo is widely known as one of the best and most challenging hikes in all of Australia.
The students were keen to depart the college after carefully packing their hiking packs with all the essentials that they would need over the 2 days. Students would be carrying all their equipment on their backs so packing lightly was the key. With Mr Mulally behind the wheel of the CCB Bus, the students were loaded up and eager for the 2 hour journey out into the wilderness. After a rough ride, we finally arrived at our campsite at Longully Flat at the base of the Cooyoyo. Students were quick to set up camp and get the campfire raging. After a gourmet dinner, we settled in for some campfire games, bonding activities and roasting marshmallows. The group turned in reasonably early in their cosy tents as they knew they would need the rest for tomorrow's big hike.
After a reasonably good night sleep (some more than others!) we arose bright and early to have breakfast, pack up camp and get ready for the day ahead. Many were very nervous as they were unsure of what was ahead of them. Our guide Chris arrived and after a quick safety brief we were off and walking. Many students got an early shock when they were told they had to take their shoes off and wade across the icy yet refreshing waters of Yadboro Creek before we barely had even started the hike.
From there we made our way slowly through the lush undergrowth as the track started to increase in gradient. Many students were starting to wish they had packed a bit lighter as their packs felt heavier and heavier with each step.
After a couple of hours of setting a slow but steady pace, we stopped for morning tea on a beautiful rocky ledge that gave us a great view of how far we had come and the valley below. Many students were in awe and more than a few jaws dropped when our guide said “That’s where we will be this time tomorrow” as we all craned our necks to look straight up at Cooyoyo’s summit.
After a bit of complaining and a few negative vibes, the group soldiered on towards our goal of reaching the Cooyoyo Creek Campsite where we would set up camp for the evening. The group really lifted each other up, providing supportive comments to those struggling to cope and we really worked as a team.
Just after midday, we finally reached our goal of the saddle at Cooyoyo where we would finally get to lay our packs down and do a bit of exploring. The group got to walk into Monolith Valley and marvel at majestic peaks such as the Shrouded Gods which surround Cooyoyo. Ms Hopkins decided to take some of the group down to the campsite who had had enough hiking for the day and Ms Hancock, Mr Mulally and I decided to walk on and explore more of the amazing scenery in the Monolith Valley under the guidance of Chris who has many years of exploring this region under his belt. Entering the “Green Room” was a trip highlight. We could have walked straight into a Lord of the Rings movie and many expected Gollum to pop his head out as we rounded the next bend. What a treat!
After a bit of exploring we called it a day and headed back to the campsite. When we arrived the others had started a campfire and we sat down for a cuppa and a much needed rest. We relaxed by the campfire and enjoyed another gourmet meal whilst we played 50 questions with Mr Mulally, charades, heads up and many other entertaining activities by the campfire. Slowly students started to take themselves off to bed (some as early as 7:30pm) as most were totally exhausted and we had a big day to come tomorrow. The only person reluctant to go to sleep was myself as I knew I would be in for a long night due to a disappearing sleeping bag which never made it onto the bus. Let's just say I didn’t get much sleep that night as overnight temperatures were a chilly 7 degrees with a howling wind.
We rose bright and early to catch the sunrise. Cooyoyo Creek Campsite would have to offer one of the best sunset views we have ever seen. Students sat stunned as the bright orange sun rose over the mountains, reflecting the sunlight off the walls of Cooyoyo mountain. It was surely a sight to behold! After breakfast we packed up and loaded up our packs for the final challenge of our trip - The summit of Cooyoyo!
Things started off fine as we traversed across the base of the summit. Things started to get interesting as we came to the first set of ropes that we had to climb as our ascent truly began. Many students experienced a wide range of emotions at once like fear, excitement and anxiety. All the students dug deep and supported each other as we made it up one by one. Chris’ extensive climbing experience paid off as many students required belaying up the steep rock face for extra safety and peace of mind.
It was slow going up the mountain as we had many small spaces to navigate and squeeze through. There were a number of difficult rope climbs that required belaying and steady hands and feet. Some students really faced their fears head on and with support of the group we all made it to the tadpoles tail of Cooyoyo for a quick rest. We were so close now!! Some students were physically and emotionally exhausted by this stage but they all dug deep and we progressed to the very top of Cooyoyo as a group. What an achievement!!
The look of relief on the students faces was evident when they had just realised what they had achieved. We had a rest, took in the amazing views, snapped some selfies and basked in the glorious midday sun. That sense of achievement was short lived as many students realised they had to get back down (which is often as daunting as climbing up). Once again the group stuck together and supported each other through the difficult sections of the climb and after around 3 1/2 hours we had finally arrived back at the saddle. After a nice break and a bite to eat, the hard part was done as we started the final descent back to Long Gully Flat and the safety of the CCB Bus.
Spirits were high as we made our way down and as we finally hit the Yadboro Creek we were able to wash it all off in the pristine waters that flowed through the forest.
We collapsed on the bus totally spent and prepared for the long trip back.
All in all it was an amazing experience that we will not forget for a very long time. The group was a pleasure to take away, they showed resilience, empathy and the ability to achieve something special when you work together as a group.
A big thanks to all the students who participated also Ms Hancock, Mr Mulally and Ms Hopkins for accompanying us on the trip. Their efforts were truly appreciated by everyone.
Mr Fogarty
White Card Course
Twenty students went through the White Card course training on the 23 April. Students had to demonstrate knowledge of hazards and risk and their control. They wore personal protective equipment to show their understanding of its purpose and requirements depending on the industry you work in. All students did a great job at being focused across the 6-hour course and are to be congratulated on achieving their White Card.
Strictly Ballroom
Meet Bree McFadyen
Could you tell us what has been your favourite part about being the assistant director for the College musical?
I have enjoyed being able to assist Mrs Smart and participating in a role which is rather new to me. I love drama and this side of the production, so I have really enjoyed being so heavily involved with it.
What does your role entail?
Being assistant director has allowed me to make a number of contributions to rehearsals such as blocking, movements and working with small groups of the cast to help them with certain aspects of their roles.
What can you tell us about the part you play in the musical?
I play Pam Short, a small character who is present at the beginning of the musical as the reigning champion of the ballroom world.
Our College Musical, Strictly Ballroom is scheduled to show Week 10, Term 2.
Term 2 fee statements will be emailed shortly with a due date of Friday 21 May. Thank you to families who have made payments. Any recent payments will be receipted shortly.
The 2021 Fee Schedule is 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 Fee 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 the envelope provided 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
Rhonda Forner
Business Manager
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.
After a trial period Renew Equine Academy are very excited to announce we are now offering private one-on-one sessions to clients.
We have found these to be very successful and allows us to focus on the specific needs of individual clients. We still work with the evidence based programs seen in our group sessions, so the results are guaranteed and very effective. These private sessions are also a good stepping stone for clients to work towards being a part of a group program.
Times can be tailored throughout the week and we have openings available most days. Sessions run for 1.5 hours and are also covered under the NDIS.
Please contact me for more information and to book. For your convenience I have also included a referral form.
MAYOR'S WRITING COMPETITION
Entries for the annual Mayor's Writing Competition are now open
Each year, young authors between 5 and 18 can submit an original work in any style of creative writing.
Find out more information or how to enter on the Mayor's Writing Competition page.
Again this year, to encourage creative and original work, there is no set theme, which gives entrants the freedom to write about any topic of their choosing. We encourage the addition of drawings and illustrations to complement these creative works.