Filter Content
- Principal's Welcome
- A Message from our Religious Education Coordinator and Assistant Principal, Learning and Innovation
- A Message from our Assistant Principal, Pastoral Care
- A Message from our Assistant Principal, Learning and Improvement
- Inclusive Learning News
- Showcasing our VET staff
- VET News
- Science Matters!
- Sports News
- Agriculture News
- Career News
- CCB Honour Roll Recipients
- Senior Study
- 2022 Student Residential Address and other Information
- Finance News
- QKr! News
- Community News
Dear Parents, Students and Friends
I hope your family has adjusted well to the routines and structures of the new school year. With the first month of Term 1 now complete, students are well into their studies and settling back into regular college life. It is reassuring to know that the disruptions to learning caused by COVID-19 are relatively minimal now, with further easing of restrictions expected from next week.
Carroll College Honour Roll Recipients
As we know, the past two years have been difficult. Not only has many of our college celebrations been put on hold, but important presentations have also been delayed that recognise our outstanding alumni. At the end of last year, two very worthy recipients were selected by our College Council, and I take this opportunity to acknowledge their achievements.
Congratulations to Caroline Odgers (Nee Cook) - 2020 recipient
- Years of attendance at the College 1996-1999
Congratulations to Brendan Johnston - 2021 recipient
- Years of attendance at the College 2004-2009
Caroline and Brendan will be invited to a whole school assembly in the coming months to speak to the students about life beyond school.
Further information on Caroline and Brendan's work and achievements can be found by following the links further on in this newsletter.
Caroline Odgers is the regional NSW Manager for GIVIT – a local charity located in Canberra.
A bit about GIVIT
A smarter way to give
It was 2009 and Juliette Wright, the founder of GIVIT, was surprised at how difficult it was to find someone in genuine need of the high-quality baby clothes she no longer required after having her second child.
She discovered that while many local charities were over-loaded with unwanted or poor-quality goods, they were desperately seeking essential items such as sanitary products for women fleeing domestic violence or steel-capped boots for unemployed fathers securing work.
Juliette knew there had to be a smarter way to give and sat around the kitchen table, discussing ideas with friends.
A transformational model
Juliette saw a need to move away from the concept of donating clothes and household items by ‘getting rid’ of them to charity shops. Instead, how could people’s goodwill and best intentions be channelled towards meeting the exact needs of a charity? Juliette realised this vision would require charities to have a simple way to make potential donors aware of the items that would make the most difference to the lives of those they supported. And so, via an online platform, GIVIT was born (aka Juliette’s third baby!).
Caroline now works in this field. She has moved to the regional manager position. She has worked closely with our local area especially since the fires in 2019-2020 and now more recently with COVID.
Caroline’s father is one of the founding members of Carroll College and was instrumental in Carroll College’s establishment. Caroline is still instrumental in the direction of Carroll College, being involved last year in our Staff Development Day revisiting our Vision and Mission Statements. She was also to be heavily involved in our 25th Year Celebrations which were cancelled due to COVID.
Caroline continues to walk a life which is Christ-like by being involved in this wonderful charity. She has most definitely made substantial humanitarian contributions with her efforts within this non-for-profit charity organisation.
Brendan Johnston successful business owner and Australia’s mountain bike champion!
Brendan has demonstrated excellence in his chosen field (cycling) and is living out the Broulee ABC’s through his actions and achievements. He is an electrician, runs his own successful electrical and solar business and has excelled as a pro cyclist.
In Brendan’s HSC year, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and spent most of the academic year in hospital and having chemotherapy. He is 4 times Australia's Mountain Bike Champion and the 2020 National Road Series Champion. He has a long list of cycling victories and is sponsored by Giant. Brendan has an Instagram page Trekky91 with over 6000 followers.
As a cancer survivor, Brendan raises money for Canberra Hospital and has a very high profile in cycling circles nationally. He is well liked and respected in his field by his peers, his followers, and the media. His parents support him and attend all his races around the country. In 2019, he and his wife (who is from Laos, so he has learned her language and travelled there to visit her extended family) had a baby. Doctors had told him that because he had suffered testicular cancer in his late teens that he would probably never have children. To now have a child is a small miracle for them both.
Brendan has demonstrated immense resilience in the face of adversity. To survive his battle with cancer in his most formative year of school and in the midst of training for an important athletic competition, and to come back from it all and excel shows that he is both remarkable and humble.
Brendan has a huge message to deliver to the students of CCB about resilience and excelling at what you are most passionate about. Also, that not being able to sit your HSC is not the end of the world!
Catholic Leaders Day and Retreat 2022
The Catholic Leaders’ Day and Retreat is an annual event and will take place this year from Wednesday, 9 March to Friday, 11 March at the Gibraltar Hotel in Bowral. This is an opportunity for system leaders to gather and receive valuable input on system priorities. The Retreat component of the week allows for spiritual growth and personal development. It is always an enriching experience for all who attend. I will be out of the college from Tuesday to Friday of Week 6. Mrs Louise Ibbett will be Acting Principal in my absence.
Family Details
At the beginning of each new school year, student records are updated. The following two points outline information required by families at this present time.
2022 Student Residential Address Collection
Schools are requested to circulate the “Collection notice to parents”. Please refer to the flyer further on in this newsletter for more information.
Student Detail Forms
Parents are asked to check family details that the College has on file to ensure personal information is correct and up to date. Families will receive a form in the mail shortly to review, make any necessary changes, sign, and return to the college via their child’s Homeroom by 4 March 2022.
Creating Careers: National Careers Institute Funding
In 2021, The Employment Revolution team at Eurobodalla Shire Council were lucky enough to secure 18 months of grant funding to run a ‘Creating Careers’ program with students attending Eurobodalla high schools.
The Creating Careers project aims to provide additional advice on skills training and career guidance to students to encourage them to consider and prepare for local emerging industries. The project will include a range of customised career guidance programs to support school students in Year 7 to 10 and their influencers to create meaningful and realistic career pathways.
Activities that can deliver include:
- career campsites
- information sessions for students and their influencers, such as their parents
- career conversations between key industry guest speakers and students
- workplace visits.
ECS know we are already delivering amazing career supports, and they’d love to value-add!
Below is a general breakdown of what ESC are hoping to deliver over the four school terms in 2022.
Umbarra
Our 2021 College Yearbook was distributed to students today. I hope you enjoy the read! Special thanks to Mrs Emma Mullins who worked tirelessly to coordinate all aspects of the yearbook through to publication.
My Voice My Journey Aboriginal Youth Leadership Program
Four of our senior students have been identified as emerging leaders and invited to participate in the My Voice My Journey program. The program has just commenced this week and is a joint venture with several local agencies. The program will integrate culture and leadership in an exciting format that will also include the development of a documentary. Participants will learn how to tell a story through film and will learn various aspects of film making including being behind and in front of the cameras.
Todd Chatfield, Project Coordinator and one of our Carroll College parents, has launched the program this week with participants enjoying a week in Jindabyne experiencing cultural activities. Congratulations to Samantha Ellis, Kiearra Te-Kowhai, Tanesha Dennis, and Rhianna Brierley on being part of this exciting project.
Year 7 Parent Information Evening
We are looking forward to hosting our virtual parent information evening for Year 7 families next Monday 28 February via Teams. A Teams link has been emailed to all Year 7 parents and students, so they are able to join the session at 5.30pm. There’s great information to share!
Next week, Mrs Louise Ibbett and I are part of a School Registration panel for Trinity Catholic College Goulburn. We will be supporting the college through their review process which includes two components - Compliance and School Improvement. School Registration occurs every 5 years for all Archdiocesan schools. Mrs Erica Drewsen will be Acting Principal from Tuesday to Thursday next week in my absence.
Next week begins the liturgical season of Lent with Ash Wednesday on 2 March. The Lenten season is a chance to take stock of our lives and particularly our relationship with God. We are called to deepen our connection with Him through Prayer, to connect with others that may be less fortunate through Almsgiving, and to reconnect with ourselves and our blessings through Fasting. This season is one of preparation - working on ourselves to be ready for the joys of Easter.
Enjoy a lovely weekend ahead.
Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal
A Message from our Religious Education Coordinator and Assistant Principal, Learning and Innovation
The Writing Revolution
To date, the team undertaking The Writing Revolution (TWR) professional learning eight-week series have attended two sessions. The course is live streamed from New York City and the presenters are experts in their fields of education and the science of learning. Highlights so far have been how to help students break down the complexity of sentence writing and support student learning with targeted questioning.
A strategy for helping students to understand the role of conjunctions (words that join sentences or clauses) is to have students complete a sentence using ‘because’, ‘but’ and ‘so’. Your children are very likely to have come across this task already as the strategy has also been part of the Catalyst program.
Because, but, so
This is a powerful TWR tool to ensure students know how to use conjunctions properly. The students are learning how to change a simple sentence in to a complex sentence by accurately using a conjunction to add more meaning to the sentence. So instead of asking a student, “Why do seeds need light to grow?” the task would take the following form:
Seeds need light to grow because … (because = explanation)
Seeds need light to grow but … (but = change of direction)
Seeds need light to grow so … (so = cause and effect)
Whilst an activity such as this can seem simple, the rigor will come from the content and the complex idea presented in the stem of the sentence. I used this tool in a Year 11 Studies of Religion class today and students really had to think about how the different conjunctions altered their possible answers.
There have been many more techniques presented so far including identifying fragments, scrambled sentences, types of sentences (declarative, imperative, interrogative and exclamatory) and developing questions to name a few. The team are already implementing strategies and tools into Humanities classrooms and I am looking forward to presenting our learning to the wider staff in our regular meetings.
RE MATTERS
Next week the Church begins the Season of Lent. Lent is a time of preparation for the most important time in the Church’s calendar, the Season of Easter. During the six weeks of Lent, Catholics spend time focusing on ways that we can be true expressions of Christ’s love. On Shrove Tuesday we will be selling pancakes from the Canteen and proceeds will go to our annual Lenten appeal, Project Compassion. Caritas Australia runs Project Compassion each year and this initiative educates students on how their efforts, donations and prayers help to support people locally and internationally. This year’s theme for Project Compassion is “For All Future Generations” and funds raised will support people in Australia, Solomon Islands, India, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Students will be learning more about each project in Religious Education classes and seeing who their funds will support in 2022 and into the future.
Please support Project Compassion via school-based donations in Homeroom or via our online payment system Qkr!.
A Message from our Assistant Principal, Pastoral Care
At the end of Week 4, our students and staff have settled into their school routines successfully and everyone is really looking forward to the freedoms that are coming with the ability to mix more and relax the need to wear masks.
Musical Move to Class
A recent change to our daily routine occurred this week. To help everyone get ready for class we now look forward to listening to motivating songs in the last 5 minutes of each break. Rather than waiting for the bell, which actually indicates the beginning of class, when the music starts students and staff are encouraged to wrap up their games, go to lockers, toilets etc so when the bell rings everyone is ready to begin lessons and learning. Thank you to Matt O’Brien for organising the technology behind this initiative and as our resident DJ, our playlist!
Safety online
As people who live in the 21st century we all know the increasing role that social media can play in our everyday behaviour and relationships. As adults we are all aware of the difficulties and dangers this environment can pose for ourselves and our young people. Often this awareness is not fully realised and shared by the most vulnerable in our lives – our children. Here at the College we engage in raising student awareness of the risks and to support our parents, we encourage everyone to look at the useful resources found on the eSafety commissioner website Homepage | eSafety Commissioner
Australian Federal Police are keen to share more information with parents and carers about the latest glossary of terms, acronyms and emojis that can be used by child predators who engaged in sexualised communication online and via text to groom young people. Please take the time to read this article so we can all help our young people to stay safe.
Youth Activities
Last week four students from Year 11 and Year 12 joined with students from across the Eurobodalla Shire to attend the first Eurobodalla Youth Advisory Council meeting. Chelsea, Sam, Afton and Raphaella were actively engaged in the running of the meeting, offering well considered ideas and volunteering to help organise and run upcoming events. This weekend our youth have the opportunity to attend the Colour Run on Saturday 26 February and are encouraged to nominate for the Battle of the Bands which is a feature of the upcoming Youth Week celebrations. Last year’s winner of this was our own five piece pop band 'Singled Out' who won the Grand Prize of a day of recording at Sounds Like Studios!
The Currents Battle of the Bands details are:
Where: Riverside Park Amphitheatre, Moruya
When: Saturday, 9 April 2022
Time: 3 – 8.00pm
This years event will include:
- a battle of the bands competition with local high school bands/artists competing for glory!
- local support bands and local DJs!
- food trucks, market stalls and giveaways!
Band entry forms and nomination details can be found here: https://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/whats-on/Currents-live-music-battle-of-the-bands
Locker Agreement
We are very pleased with the way the Year 7 students are continuing to enjoy the use of their new lockers. In a recent email, all Year 7 parents were sent a copy of the College Locker and Lock policy. After reading this we would appreciate all the Year 7 parents going to Qkr! where they can sign the agreement indicating their understanding and agreement.
Please make sure that you reach out to the Pastoral Care team if you have any questions or concerns.
Louise Ibbett
Assistant Principal, Pastoral Care
A Message from our Assistant Principal, Learning and Improvement
Progressive Achievement Tests
This fortnight, Years 7 to 10 students have completed their Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) in Reading and Mathematics. The students impressed me by coming prepared with their own devices and making a genuine attempt during the tests. PAT is an integrated approach to improving learning as it measures students’ knowledge, skills, and understanding and helps pinpoint where they are in their learning journey. During Term 3, students will complete a PAT spelling test. We will complete the PAT Reading and Mathematics assessments again during Term 4 to assist the College in helping monitor progress.
Assessment Schedules
Students have several formal assessments throughout their schooling. To assist parents and students about how and when students will be assessed, we have prepared an assessment schedule for each year level. Year 12 students received their assessment schedule in Term 4 last year when they began their HSC course. Years 7 to 11 assessment schedules are now available in Sentral, under the Resources Tab and School Documents. Students have received a hard copy during year assemblies this week. If you have questions about an assessment, please speak to your child’s class teacher.
Year 11 students received their assessment schedule yesterday. During the assembly, I informed the students of the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) requirements. Below, I have listed a summary of the information shared.
To complete a course:
- Students must apply themselves with diligence and sustained effort to the set tasks and experiences provided in the course by the school.
- Students must make a genuine attempt at assessment tasks. It is expected that students complete all tasks.
- It is essential that all set work including homework and classwork, be completed by students in all subjects.
- A satisfactory attendance rate (80%) is considered essential if a student is to adequately meet course requirements.
- To ensure students have adequate time to prepare for an assessment task, they will be informed of specific details pertaining to each assessment task, usually a minimum of one week before its due date.
- All assessment tasks must be handed to the class teacher on or before the due date.
- If you know in advance and have a valid reason for being absent on the day of an assessment task, students must submit a ‘Request for Extension’ form.
- Students are required to submit/complete all assessment tasks on the day and by the time indicated by their class teacher. Failure to do so will result in the unsatisfactory completion of the task, and a Non-Completion (‘N’-Grade) Warning Letter being sent home and recorded.
- An ‘N’ Warning means a student is not meeting course outcomes and they may be in danger of not satisfactorily meeting course requirements.
Please refer to the Year 11 Assessment Booklet in Sentral for further information.
Parent-Teacher Evening
Our Parent-Teacher evenings will be held on Thursday 10 March, 3.30pm - 7.00pm and Thursday 17 March, 3.30pm - 6.30pm. Despite the easing of COVID restrictions, we will still be conducting the evenings via Microsoft Teams this term.
To make a booking for your child(ren), parents will need to log in to the Sentral Parent Portal. Parents can book interviews on either or both evenings. I will open the bookings early next week. We encourage students to attend the interview so that we can work in partnership to achieve the best outcomes for your child.
This week’s reminders…
- Students in Years 7 to 10 who missed a Progressive Achievement Reading or Maths test (PAT) will have a catch-up session organised. I ask students to check the Sentral Daily Notices for details on their catch-up session. Students will complete the PAT assessment in the Hub on their own device.
- The Year 7 virtual Welcome and Information session will be held on Monday 28 February at 5.30pm.
- The Year 11 virtual Welcome and Information session will be held on Monday 7 March at 5.30pm.
- Year 7 immunisations and Year 8 catch-up immunisations will take place on Tuesday 8 March. Students can wear their sports uniform to school. Please check the Sentral daily notices on the day for the running sheet.
- The first Parent-Teacher evening will be held on Thursday 10 March, 3.30-7.30pm. You can make a booking to meet your child’s class teachers via the Sentral Parent Portal.
Sandra Harris
Assistant Principal, Learning and Improvement
“If we get Inclusive Learning right, everything else will align.”
At Carroll College, we truly believe that Inclusive Learning is central to curriculum and wellbeing. Inclusive Learning is all about understanding, acceptance and belonging. Students that feel they are known, valued and cared for have a greater chance of academic and social success. The Inclusive Learning initiative aligns with our Catholic values. We want the best for every student and ‘know students and how they learn’ (AITSL Teaching Standard 1) is key. We work to the mantra of ‘constant quality improvement’. Our work in Inclusive Learning is never done.
Our Inclusive Learning team comprises Learning Support, the Aboriginal Contact Centre and our Reading Intervention programs. The team sits at the nexus of our Curriculum and Pastoral teams and we work fluidly between the two to fully understand student curriculum and pastoral challenges.
I would like to introduce the team:
Classroom Support Assistants - Belinda Whiteman, Jeremy Harding, Jade Delaney, Matt O’Brien, Mel Tiffen, Stacey Jones, Connie Aitken, Rita Cremerius, and Catriona Colalillo.
Classroom Support Assistants/Reading Intervention team - Julie Wiggins, Jodie Colbourne, Jenny Hopkins.
Aboriginal Contact Centre teachers - Michelle Katuke, Catherine Davis, Patricia Ellis (Dhurga language and Aboriginal culture)
Classroom Support Teacher - Cheryle King
Leader of Inclusive Learning - Wayne Foster
Wellbeing/Support Dog – Bindi
Our goal is to be recognised as the best and most innovative Inclusive Learning team in the Archdiocese. We are well on our way.
If you would like to get in touch with the Inclusive Learning team, please feel free to email me at Wayne.foster@cg.catholic.edu.au
Wayne Foster
Leader of Inclusive Learning
Naomi Gill - Business Services
What do you love about being involved in the VET department at CCB?
VET is relatable, current, and has transferable skills that link directly to employment and future pathways. The independent learning style can enable students to really learn at their pace.
What is your favourite piece of equipment in your course?
In Hospitality - a coffee machine/station or a beautifully balanced and sharp chef knife.
In Business – a cordless mouse
What is the most memorable success story about an ex-VET student?
The skills they learned in VET Hospitality made them the preferred candidate in a job interview in a pathway (not VET related) they were so excited about.
What's your favourite quote?
Edit your life frequently and ruthlessly. It is your masterpiece after all - Nathan W Morris
What advice you would give to a younger you?
Education (in any form) can change your life for the better. Being ignorant is easy but it does not change your life for the better.
Jason Szkwarek - Construction
What do you love about being involved in the VET department at CCB?
The opportunity to share my knowledge and skills and be part of student success.
What is your favourite piece of equipment in your course?
My favourite piece of equipment is the drop saw. It is used almost every day on-site and is one of the most valuable power tools.
What is the most memorable success story about an ex-VET student?
I’ve been teaching VET now for 14 years and have seen many success stories. One that comes to mind is a young builder who finished his trade after Year 12 and moved to Melbourne. He has bought a house in the city and runs a company with 8 employees. I’ve lost count of how many students I’ve taught who are now very successful tradespeople.
What's your favourite quote?
My favourite quote when starting a lesson is “sharp mind, sharp pencil”. My favourite quote whilst on an excursion in Melbourne was from a supervisor of a multi-million dollar company. He said the best advice for a young apprentice is to have your “mouth in neutral and your mind in first gear!”
What advice you would give to a younger you?
I was always very fussy (pedantic) when I was an apprentice and I strived to do my very best. I learned along the way that sometimes perfection is difficult to achieve. So, I would say to a younger me, “don’t be so hard on yourself”.
Emma Kenna- Hospitality
What do you love about being involved in the VET department at CCB?
I love the practical skills that the students acquire that can be transferrable to their future, be it in industry or simply in their daily lives.
What is your favourite piece of equipment in your course?
In a kitchen, you can’t complete any one task with simply one piece of equipment. I’d have to say that the possibilities are endless with a knife, an oven and gas!
What is the most memorable success story about an ex VET student?
That two of my ex-students have gone off and completed chef apprenticeships. As a teacher and former chef, that is so incredibly humbling. I also love that they continue to keep in touch and share their milestones with me.
What's your favourite quote?
Perseverance and a keen attitude will take you far.
What advice you would give to a younger you?
Failure is absolutely 100% ok. Failure means an attempt has been made and an attempt is better than nothing.
Jane Garland Hospitality
What do you love about being involved in the VET department at CCB?
VET is industry-based so students can slip into careers of their choice with ease. I love seeing the students gain experience through catering jobs at school and learn to use the kitchen tools, especially a knife correctly
What is your favourite piece of equipment in your course?
Always a spatula… you waste so much food without using one!
What is the most memorable success story about an ex-VET student?
Too many… from owning their own businesses to working in some of the best restaurants in the world.
What's your favourite quote?
I should say …….Turn the heat down if it's burning! It’s not rocket science as I say this so often. My other favourite is 'Food is good for your soul, especially when you share with family and friends'.
What advice you would give to a younger you?
Listen to what you are being taught, gather the knowledge and then make your own path…
Karen Lyttle- Sports Coaching
What do you love about being involved in the VET department at CCB?
I love the team I work with. I love the fact that the students begin to focus on their careers and that they learn real skills, knowledge and experiences that they can transfer to their future careers.
What is your favourite piece of equipment in your course?
My whistle! I like to be in control :) Plus all sporting equipment is great, but I’m especially fond of my netball gear.
What is the most memorable success story about an ex VET student?
I’ve had many because so many students go into their careers based on what they have learned in my class, especially those that go on to be a PE teacher. However, the times that students have been awarded 'VET Student of the Year' have been memorable.
What's your favourite quote?
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” Theodore Roosevelt
What advice you would give to a younger you?
To embrace change. To be more confident. To travel more. And because I’m a bit of a scaredy-cat at times to be braver and to take risks.
Cathy Bierman VET Coordinator and Hospitality
What do you love about being involved in the VET department at CCB?
I love that VET subjects give our students a “hands-on” approach to their learning, that students learn skills that directly relate to industry, and that the skills they learn can be used in their future.
What is your favourite piece of equipment in your course?
I love the Thermomix! Once students have developed the skills in Hospitality, they can then develop confidence in using technology that is used in industry
What is the most memorable success story about an ex-VET student?
There are a few - one of them is our own Emma Kenna who I taught in Hospitality - it’s awesome that I have contributed to a small part of Emma’s journey!
What's your favourite quote?
Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.
What advice you would give to a younger you?
It’s ok to not be ok, and it’s important to ask for help!
Success with VET
Welcome to a showcase of our past students.
I’d like to introduce you to Kayla “Bloss” McClelland!
Kayla studied Hospitality and remembers being involved in the McGrath Foundation Charity Dinner in 2011, making coffee for staff, and how fun Hospitality could be.
Her fondest memory of life as a Senior was the Senior Retreat and Kayla described it as “emotional and beautiful” and that this was the excursion that brought the year group together.
Kayla didn’t complete Year 12. She said she used to beat herself up about wanting to leave, but advice to her younger self is that school is not the end of the world. Kayla was quick to say that you never stop learning! And here’s a snapshot of what she means by that.
Kayla’s pathway from school included a Chef’s apprenticeship, beginning at “On the Pier” and completing her trade at “Lee and Me” in Wollongong.
Wollongong became home, and with Hospitality as her passion (or her “nerding” out about all aspects of the trade), she began to make her mark in the city. Kayla secured a job as a consultant for new hospitality establishments. Her proudest moment came when she was recognised for her work in the Health and Wellness aspect of her career- Drug and Alcohol support, setting up a Good Will Kitchen during winter in Wollongong, the proceeds of which went directly to Women’s Refuges and Homeless Shelters. Along the way, Kayla studied Viticulture at University.
Kayla returned to Batemans Bay after the fires, feeling a “pull” back to the area. She has continued to be involved in charity work including consulting during COVID lockdowns to Sydney and Melbourne Hospitality venues for free.
As the owner, Mami’s Bar is her inspiration! She loves teaching her staff, putting environmental sustainability into practice, and watching people enjoying her space. Kayla’s favourite aspect of her career is learning about new and exciting products and sharing them with her patrons!
It has been an exciting start to the 2022 academic year within the Science Department. Year 7 students have embarked on their introductory unit. This is skills-based and incorporates measurement and the safe use of lab equipment. Students have shown much excitement at gaining their CCB “Bunsen burner licenses”.
Year 8 students are getting to grips with the gruesome details of heart dissection and learning some of the intricacies relating to our body systems, whilst Year 9 has been investigating motion with trolleys and ramps.
Modelling the DNA molecule using marshmallows and liquorice and then extracting real DNA from strawberries has been a highlight in Year 10. Students are now investigating inheritance patterns and genetic disorders.
Year 10 Science students Jess, Charlotte and Macy extracting DNA from strawberries.
Meanwhile, some Year 11 Biology students demonstrated a staggering level of skill and accuracy, successfully measuring the size of human red blood cells to within 1 or 2 microns (1 micron = 1/1000th of a mm).
Year 11 Biology student Luka measuring the size of human blood cells... to within 2microns!
Year 11 Biology student Matt preparing a wet mount slide.
In Year 12, it is Depth Study time in Biology and Physics. The biologists are researching aspects of epidemiology including analysing and evaluating epidemiological studies relating to diseases such as skin cancer, COVID-19, AIDS, and lung cancer whilst the Physicists are investigating topics such as the effect of spin on the lift/flight of a handball.
We are all surrounded by science in our everyday lives and most of us will be well-aware of the massive contribution that scientists have made to the management of COVID-19 through the development of effective vaccines. Additionally, as we make the transitions needed to reduce emissions and climate change it is scientists who are collecting and analysing the data resulting in the development of new technologies. At the end of January, I bumped into a group of ex-students at an event in the community. I vividly remembered the students being in the same science class here at the College. They are all currently starting their 3rd or 4th year studies at university. I was delighted to see them to have a chat and a catch up. When I dug a little deeper, in amongst the laughs and stories, I learned that they were all now engaged in science one way or another: one is studying Biomedical Sciences and hopes to transfer to Medicine, one is studying Marine Biology, another Environmental and Biological Sciences, another Conservation Biology, one Sustainable Communities and the last Primary Education. It struck me that these young people, who all went through Carroll recently, have now flown the nest and are pursuing their passions to hopefully make a difference in our future world. I wished them all well and thought to myself as I said farewell “from little things big things grow”.
Tim Hodges
Science Coordinator
Carroll College Swimming Report 2022
On Friday 18 February, Carroll College held its 27th 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. 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 extravagant outfits and enthusiasm. Some highlights of the day were the dominant performances of students such as Michaela Fitzpatrick in the 13 years girls, Kai Canham and Phoebe Rankin in the senior divisions. We also held our fun specialty events namely the CCB Dolphin race which involved all the fastest swimmers in their age groups competing against each other in a staggered start. Congratulations to Kodi Perkins and Millie-Rose Thornton who took out top honours and a $10 canteen voucher. As usual, the staff also took out the 'Seniors V Teachers' relay. Better luck next year students! I would like to thank all the students who showed house spirit and competed on the day. Also a big thanks to the staff that helped out with the running of the carnival. An information note was sent home with students who are eligible to compete at the Archdiocesan Carnival in Queanbeyan on Monday 7 March. If those students could please register asap as entries close on the 25 February. Thank you.
House results –
House |
Points |
Place |
Chisholm |
2430 |
1 |
MacKillop |
2300 |
2 |
Xavier |
2032 |
3 |
Age Champions –
12 Years –
Male – Leo Halliday
Female – Millie-Rose Thornton
13 Years –
Male – Cameron Paull
Female – Michaela Fitzpatrick
14 Years –
Male – Kodi Perkins
Female – Annabelle Paull
15 Years –
Male – Will Dallas
Female – Kehlei Cowan
16 Years –
Male – Harry Barrington
Female – Erynn Carter
17 Years +
Male – Kai Canham
Female – Phoebe Rankin
Mr Fogarty
Years 9-10 Agriculture students have been working hard to get the Red Gate Farm back in tip-top condition over the past few weeks. They have been weeding and mulching and recently conducted a seed collection lesson. The aim of this lesson is to gather seeds from the different varieties of tomatoes that we have grown this year to ensure we are being sustainable in our vegetable marketing practices. Students learnt that both tomatoes and cucumbers need to ferment before their seeds are viable. Students will ferment, clean and package the seeds to be added to our seed back here at Carroll College which will eliminate the cost of buying seeds or seedlings in the future. Later in the year, students will sell seeds to staff to raise funds to buy a Pink Lady apple tree. They have set themselves a target and I am sure they will achieve it as they are a very hard working and motivated crew! I look forward to sharing more progress from the Red Gate Farm with you soon!
Emma Mullins
TAS Coordinator
Year 12 2021 Destination survey - let us know what you are up to!
If you were a Year 12 student last year or know of a Year 12 from 2021, please encourage them to complete the destination survey.
Future Me careers sessions
Year 10 are going to start Future Me careers sessions this week. These sessions will entail small groups of students working on their career pathway and transition planning with Ms Gill in the careers space. They will engage with exploration activities and research to gain a better understanding of themselves, their strengths, weaknesses and how these can link to careers and pathways. Students will engage in these activities on a scheduled basis across each year to be better informed about their pathway options to plan how to achieve their goals.
Medicine and Dentistry Students
Students interested in pursuing medicine and dentistry need to sit the UCAT test in July/August 2022. MedEntry is a government-accredited Registered Training Organisation specialising in UCAT preparation. MedEntry offers discounts of 40% for groups of two or more, and many other discounts, including for those nominated by their teacher. For more information, please visit www.MedEntry.edu.au
Career planning for students on the autism spectrum – a webinar for parents and carers | Wednesday 9 March | 4.00pm (AEDT)
For 20 years, myfuture has been a trusted source of career information within the Australian education community providing content that is practical, targeted and developed by experts. As well as supporting students, teachers and career practitioners, myfuture provides tools and resources to help parents and carers support their child’s career exploration, engage them in career conversations, and raise awareness of post-school options.
In this Insights webinar, Associate Professor Marina Ciccarelli from Curtin University, and Cheryl Mangan from Autism CRC will provide information about the myWAY Employability evidence-based resources available to assist young people on the autism spectrum in transition planning, to build their employability, and maximise their potential.
Join us as the team from myWAY Employability discuss such topics as:
- Starting challenging conversations about the future
- Identifying personal strengths, interests, and sensory preferences to guide career exploration and work experiences
- Providing a just right challenge
- Building self-determination.
Register now for this free event: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1366920972620471309
Caroline Odgers
Follow the news links below to see some of the amazing things that Caroline and Brendan have been involved in.
https://www.facebook.com/givit.org.au/videos/421257081831238
Brendan Johnston
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6633294/canberra-cyclist-claims-century-old-classic/
Quote:
As a Junior Brendan was informed that he had a paratesticular lump that needed to be removed, what followed was a series of operations and months of treatment that took its toll on Brendan and his family. All this occurred while Brendan was 2 weeks out from the UCI MTB World Championships in Canberra, he made it to the start line but didn’t go as well as he’d wanted. All things considered, making it to the start line was an achievement in itself. Brendan went on to overcome cancer and become the incredible athlete & humble human being that he is today.
Extract from a 2019 article below.
https://flowmountainbike.com/post-all/brendan-johnston-race-custom-giant-2019-cape-to-cape/
Term 1 fee statements were emailed on 11 February with a due date of Friday 11 March. Thank you to families who have made payments. Any recent payments will be receipted shortly.
2022 Fee Concession Application will be available shortly. Any families currently who have submitted a Fee Concession Application, your application process is currently underway.
Families assessed as having the capacity to pay fees are expected to pay their fees. Where families demonstrate an unwillingness to pay fees, the College will recover fees and this may involve referral to a debt collection agency. Additional costs incurred in the collection of fees are the responsibility of the debtor/parent/guardian.
Managing your Fees
The College recommends a regular payment approach to managing your school fees and to reduce the financial burden that delaying fee payments may cause. For example, a regular weekly or fortnightly payment through Direct Debit, BPay or Qkr! can assist in managing your school fees. 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 determining fee payment amounts in managing their school fee payments. If you are unable to pay off your school fees in full by the end of the year, you will need to setup a Fee Agreement with the College. A fee agreement assists both the College and families in managing school fees. Please contact our finance team via finance.ccb@cg.catholic.edu.au to obtain Fee Agreement Form.
Fee Assistance – Concession Application
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.
Change in Circumstances – Request for Split Billing
Where there has been a change to your family circumstances and you require split billing, this creates a variation to your school fee obligations from initial enrolment. Please request the Split Billing Request Form which needs to be signed and dated by both parents/guardians to take effect. Separate forms can be provided to each parent. This form requires parents to indicate the percentage split for fees and acknowledges your obligations relating to fees, levies, and charges incurred while your child is enrolled at the College. Please contact our finance team via finance.ccb@cg.catholic.edu.au to obtain a Split Billing Request Form.
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 & Natural Disaster Support
Given the challenges that 2020 and 2021 has presented, there are many avenues for support. These are listed below to provide some assistance.
The National Recovery and Resilience 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/
Bushfire & Natural Disaster Specific Assistance
Type |
Website |
Property Cleanup |
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/register-opt-nsw-bushfire-clean |
Recovery Support Officer (RSO) |
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.
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/covid19/covid-19-changes-government-assistance/
Emergency Financial Assistance
https://ndh.org.au/covid19/covid-19-changes-emergency-financial-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
Handy Hints
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.
Parents NSW Vouchers
The NSW Government has launched Parents NSW Vouchers to thank parents, guardians and carers who provided home learning to their school-enrolled children during 2021.
From 6th February 2022, one person from each eligible household can apply for 5 x $50 vouchers, worth $250 in total.
The 5 x $50 Parents NSW Vouchers can be used:
- 7 days a week, including public holidays
- at Discover NSW businesses for entertainment and recreation activities
- at Stay NSW businesses for accommodation bookings
- until 9 October 2022.
Parents, guardians and carers can apply through their Service NSW Account or by calling 13 77 88
For more information about Parents NSW Vouchers, eligibility and to apply online:
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-parents-nsw-vouchers
Renew Equine Academy offers a unique, evidence based and innovative approach to life skills development, based on the concept of Experiential Learning, where horses are the teachers. During each session participants need to learn to adjust their feelings and behaviours. This results in positive and lasting benefits when interacting with others that can be applied in everyday life. Horses make the activity engaging, fun, challenging, and truly memorable!
Programs are available for Teens, Young Adults, Adults, Couples and Families.
Our programs will help participants:
· develop relationships
· accept responsibility and accountability
· overcome barriers to find change
· be encouraged to be creative and innovative
· find opportunity in working together
· realise the benefits associated with effective communication
· Build resilience, self-confidence and self-awareness
· recognise the value of mutual trust, respect, and personal integrity
· Develop leadership skills
Programs are 1-1.5 hours long and run weekly in blocks of 4, 8 or 12 weeks. Groups are small with 2 -3 people working with 1 horse. Standard groups have a maximum of 2 horses and 6 people, however at risk and complex case participants are only a maximum of 3 people and 1 horse to ensure both a safe environment and best learning experience.