Good and loving God,

We thank you for the completion of another academic year, and for giving us the opportunity, short though it may have been, to play a part in the lives of our students and our new graduates. We are grateful for your guidance and love as we shared in this important work.

Please bless and guide our graduates as they reach this end, and as they chart new beginnings. May what they have learned by being here with us allow them to truly be women and men for others. May what we have learned from them enable us to be the same.

Please help them to use all that they have learned here to make the world a better place - to serve others in true solidarity and kinship - to seek ways to help the poor, the marginalised, and those who are suffering - and to always seek the greater good.

We know that some of them will experience pain and hardship, and we know that some of them already have, and we ask you to grant them solace and strength.

Finally, Father, we thank you for giving us the opportunity to build our community with these young men and women while they are here. Though they are leaving our campus, we know that they will always be with us as part of the Carroll College family, and we ask that the bonds that have been created here remain strong despite any distance.

We ask all of this in your name, and in the name of your Son. Amen.

Dear Parents, Students and Friends 

This week has focused on our Year 12 students who graduated on Wednesday. A Year 12 Mass and Awards ceremony was celebrated on Tuesday evening with family and friends. This was a beautiful and prayerful way to mark 13 years of formal schooling for our graduating class. Our Catholic tradition reminds us of the many blessings that shape our lives and that of the young adults graduating. They each have so much to offer, and their journey is just beginning.  

Our prayers have been offered to them this week as they begin a new chapter in their lives. Our ever-changing world needs their compassion, optimism, and creativity. I encouraged them to always be true to themselves, respond to others with an open heart, be fully present, and be the voice for those less fortunate; always listening to their inner voice and staying alert to where life was leading them. As they continue to persevere to achieve their goals, I am confident that in doing so, they will leave the world a better place.

A number of our families will be leaving our community this year, having their youngest child finishing Year 12. I especially thank these families for their contribution and support of the College. It certainly takes a village to raise a child – and it has been a privilege for us at Carroll to be the extension of their family as we have educated and cared for their children. I thank all families for placing their trust in us. We farewell 27 families in total and these families are as follows: Bath, Camp, Canham, Du Field, Ethell, Fafie, Goodliffe, Harris, Hill, Jeffery, Jones, Kefalas, Kew, Lole-Ngarima, McCarthy, Mitchell, Moses, Motyka, Norman, Norris, Rankin, Reid, Stanley, Tilbrook, Turner, Usher, and Whittaker families.

Major Award Recipients Year 12 Graduation 2022

On behalf of the staff, I congratulate Year 12 on their graduation. They are such an impressive group of young people. Their zest for life, passion for what is right, sense of fun, openness to learn, and the support they have shown one another has been a joy for the staff and I to witness. We wish them well in their future endeavours. Our Year 12 Graduation Dinner is being held on 8 November following HSC Exams at Bay Pavilions.

Enjoy a restful holiday period. Students return for Term 4 on Tuesday 11 October.

Yours sincerely

Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal

On Tuesday 20 September we celebrated the Graduation Mass at St Bernard’s Parish, Batehaven. The Mass was celebrated by Fr Eden Langlands who was ordained earlier this year and we are sure this is the first of many Graduation Masses that he will celebrate during his career.

The theme of the Mass was from the words of the Prophet Isaiah, “The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” (Is 58:11) Students processed into the church with either candles or small potted plants to symbolise the light of Christ in their lives and the knowledge that God’s love for them is life-giving and will sustain them into their futures.

The Mass was enlivened by wonderful Music Ministry and I thank Mrs Ros Maher, Mr Matt O’Brien for their leadership of the Year 12 music students who shared their talents with the congregation: Samuel Bath, Kobi Briggs, Jacob Hill, Charlotte Jones and Charlotte Quick.

Thank you to all the students who read, were involved in the Offertory Procession and the Reflection. Your willingness to play your part in making the Mass a memorable night was very much appreciated.

Thank you to Ms Emma Mullins who made the crosses and name tags and to Mrs Krys Wise for her decoration of the pews. Their efforts and finishing touches made all the difference. 

Finally, thank you to Mrs Belle Barling for her vision and creativity in crafting a Mass that was inclusive and welcoming. It was a beautiful celebration of our Catholic faith and it was fitting to end what for many students is 13 years of Catholic education with a Mass, the source and summit of our faith.

Erica Drewsen

Assistant Principal, Learning and Innovation
Religious Education Coordinator

Year 12 Farewell

Graduation week has allowed the college community several opportunities to acknowledge our Year 12 students. On each of these occasions, we hope that our Year 12 students were feeling affirmed and encouraged to continue to work hard in preparation for their examinations. As they move closer to leaving, we hope they take with them and practice the example of strong Christian values that have been so much of their daily lives here at the college.

Breakfast BBQ

The Staff cooked breakfast for our Year 12 students on Tuesday morning. On such a bright sunny morning, it was lovely to be able to gather in the Senior courtyard to share breakfast. Thank you to all the staff who helped to organise this event and arrived early to prepare the food and share this time with the students.

Year 12 Final Assembly

The College gathered to farewell the Year 12 students with an assembly. With the lifting of Covid restrictions, we were very happy to welcome our parents to join the celebration. As Year 12 processed into the Hall, they were greeted with continuous applause from the students, staff and parents. We heard speeches from the Captains and Vice Captains that reflected so positively what Carroll College has meant to them over the years and they offered encouragement for the students to continue to appreciate all that they have and make the most of their opportunities. The assembly finished with a farewell presentation created by Makayla Cowan.

The parents, students and staff formed a Guard of Honour to escort the Year 12 students out of the College accompanied by cheers and tears.

Year 12 Luncheon

Each year after the Farewell assembly the college leadership take Year 12 students to lunch.  This year we enjoyed a wonderful meal at Moruya Golf Club. Thank you to the staff at the club for making us feel so welcome.

Year 11 Student Leadership Team Commissioning

On Wednesday 21 September we farewelled the 2022 Student Leadership Team, in front of students, staff, parents, and commissioned and welcomed the 2023 team. During the ceremony symbols of leadership, stoles, blessed badges and reflection journals from previous leaders, were handed over from each outgoing leader to the new leader. Ruby Harrington and Jake Brogan shared their reflections of their time as College Captains followed by Tanesha Dennis and William Nguyen, our new College Captains, offering an insight to the vision of the incoming team. A highlight of the ceremony was the reflection on Jesus as the ultimate role model of Christian leadership offered by Mrs Drewsen.

We wish the 2023 Student Leadership Team every success as they take up their new positions.

Uniform

Throughout Week 10 all year groups have met with Mrs Heffernan and myself so we could present the uniform expectations for both boys and girls so all students are ready for the beginning of Term 4.  We have clearly outlined the college expectations which are published in the college uniform policy. We look forward to seeing our students returning next term following the uniform expectations, well prepared with all their equipment for lessons, ready to learn and achieve their personal best.

Term 3 has been a very busy one, so I wish all our students, families, and staff a restful break.

Louise Ibbett
Assistant Principal - Pastoral

Year 12 Academic Excellence Award Winners

This week we acknowledged our Year 12 students at their Graduation Awards Assembly. After completing a year of assessments and exams, students who ranked first in a Year 12 course received an Academic Excellence Award. Congratulations to the following students:

Chisholm House

MacKillop House

Xavier House

I wish our Year 12 students all the best as they prepare for their upcoming HSC exams beginning in Week 1.

ICAS Assessments

ICAS is an online academic competition that is designed to assess students’ higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee and Digital Technologies. This year we had several students from Year 7 and 8 participate in the competition.

I would like to congratulate the achievement of our ICAS students. Certificates will be handed out at the next College assembly.

Digital Technologies

Lara Dalzell, Year 7, Participation Award

Mathematics

Lara Dalzell, Year 7, Participation Award

Michaela Fitzpatrick, Year 7, Credit

Cooper Smith, Year 7, Participation Award

Chelsea Clugston, Year 8, Participation Award

Millicent Harpley, Year 8, Participation Award

English

Lara Dalzell, Year 7, Participation Award

Michaela Fitzpatrick, Year 7, High Distinction

Cooper Smith, Year 7, Merit

Chelsea Clugston, Year 8, Merit

Science

Bianca Brooke, Year 7, Participation Award

Michaela Fitzpatrick, Year 7, Credit  

Chelsea Clugston, Year 8, Participation Award

Spelling Bee

Michaela Fitzpatrick, Year 7, Credit

Cooper Smith, Year 7, Participation Award

NAPLAN

Years 7 and 9 parents have received an individual NAPLAN report on their child’s results for the tests they completed in May. These tests in key areas of literacy and numeracy provide parents and schools with a snapshot of how students are progressing - individually, as part of our school community and nationally.

Parent Report

The large double-sided report shows your child’s results in Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation and Numeracy, measured against national benchmarks. The smaller document explains how your child’s achievements can be interpreted and provides background information to the NAPLAN process and assessments, to further assist parents with understanding the whole program. There is an information table which details a summary of the skills assessed by the NAPLAN testing program.

What is important to note is: “NAPLAN results enable parents to see how students are progressing, not just within their class, but also against national standards that have been agreed upon by all state and territory governments.”

How are NAPLAN test results used at Carroll College?

The results can be a useful tool for schools as we reflect on areas that we might focus our learning on. The NAPLAN results showed a number of positive results for many students in the 3 main disciplines of reading, writing and numeracy. We will be using the results to inform our planning and address areas requiring improvement in the following ways:

• Our teachers will use the results to identify students who would benefit from greater challenges or extra support.
• Our school will use the results to identify strengths and areas to improve in teaching programs, and to set goals in literacy and numeracy.
• Our system will use the results to review programs and support our College.

In 2020 the NAPLAN tests did not run, and student growth cannot be calculated for 2022. However, our students have achieved very pleasing results. In Year 9, students performed above similar schools in Grammar & Punctuation, Writing and Numeracy. This year, a larger percentage of students have achieved results in the top 2 and middle 2 bands in Grammar & Punctuation, Spelling and Writing when compared to previous years.

The testing for Year 7 students occurs after they have only been in the college for 12 weeks, a time of transition into secondary school. In Year 7, students performed above similar schools in Grammar & Punctuation, Reading, Spelling, and Writing. This year, a larger percentage of students have achieved results in the top 2 and middle 2 bands in all areas: Grammar & Punctuation, Numeracy, Reading, Spelling, and Writing when compared to previous years.

Well done to all our Year 7 and 9 students.

Term 4 reminders, weeks 1 and 2…

• School will resume on Tuesday 11 October, timetable Day 2, with Monday 10 October being a pupil-free day for a staff professional learning day.
• HSC exams begin on Tuesday 12 October.
• Immunisation catch up day will be held on Tuesday 18 October.
• The Year 10 Spring Soiree will take place on Wednesday 19 October.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you an enjoyable and relaxing holiday.

Sandra Harris
Assistant Principal Learning and Improvement

The Year 12 Drama class completed their HSC Practical exams for a team of HSC Markers in week 7 of this term. The performances included a selection of Monologues and two Group Performances, all of which were outstanding! The students also had the chance to perform their pieces for their families at the HSC Drama Showcase night. The night was enjoyed by a small parent audience and our students were able to show off their hard work and share their passion for Drama. We have been truly spoiled at Carroll College to have such an amazing group of young performers!

On Wednesday 7 September, Year 12 Music students performed their HSC pieces for their families and friends. This evening had an informal setting where the audience was seated at tables and a light supper was provided. I would like to thank Jane Garland for providing the refreshments on this occasion. This intimate concert was a wonderful opportunity for students to practice performing their HSC pieces for the examination which was on 15 September.

For the HSC Examinations for the Music 1 course, all students must perform one piece which is called ‘core performance’. There are three electives and students can choose between performance, composition, and musicology (10-minute conversation with the markers). Charlotte Q, Charlotte J, Jacob H and Saithong F chose ‘performance’ for each of their electives, meaning that they performed four pieces. Sam B chose compositions for two of his electives and musicology for the third.

All students performed confidently, and the students took turns in introducing the next student to perform. The students were supported in their performances by Archer C, Luke S, Kobi B, Matt O’B, Mrs Lomax and myself. Mrs Smart sang the beautiful vocal part for Sam B’s amazing composition called “Picture That!”.

All students have worked very hard to perform at their best for this examination and I am extremely proud of all of them.

Ros Maher
CAPA Coordinator

Another year of Industrial Technology Timber Products and Furniture Technologies and another amazing piece of furniture.

Benjamin Theodore started the course with very little experience working with timber but that did not hold him back in creating an exceptional Blackbutt, modern bedside table. Benjamin was faced with many challenges such as injury and illness which reduced the amount of time he was able to work on his project. He was also required to learn new skills to complete this piece, which he did with grace and patience. He is to be commended on the final piece, which is currently on display in the HUB, alongside the folio that documents his journey. Congratulations Benjamin!

Year 12, 2022 Design and Technology students.

Recreation is an important pastime for South Coast communities, and it was no surprise that this provided the inspiration for the Year 12 Major Projects this year.

Lexie Harris identified a need for a more efficient way for horse owners to care for their animals. Horse feed is often composed of fine grains, grasses and hay and can be difficult to clean from your car. Equipment can be bulky, can tangle easily and wastes precious time when getting ready for a ride. Gear can also be damaged when loading and unloading from the car. Lexie’s idea was to design and make an “Equine Trailer” that solves all the problems identified above. Lexie’s efficient, highly functional and durable design allows horse owners to tend to animals on agistment with minimal fuss. With everything at the riders’ fingertips including medicines and first aid equipment, this design is a sure winner!

Benjamin Theodore’s idea was to design and make a portable, ergonomic, and durable fish and game cleaning station for remote processing of fish and game. With Ben’s keen interest in the outdoors, boating, camping and fishing, he was able to draw upon this experience to make a practical and highly functional solution. Throughout the design cycle, Ben carried out research on a range of materials and processes. He used College machinery and equipment to make a number of prototypes and with teacher assistance, he completed the finished product using a food safe surface and durable, corrosion-resistant fittings. The project, also known as “The Tree Hugger,” is easy to set up and is fully adjustable to any height desired – you just need a suitable tree to attach it to!

Bethany Russell has been coming in all year on Wednesday mornings to “Caffeinate the staff” on her own time and today was her last coffee morning as Bethany will be preparing for her HSC.

We absolutely loved Bethany’s happy smile greeting us and fun conversations we had over the coffee window.

Thank you very much from the staff here at Carroll College.