Dear Parents, Students and Friends

I hope this week’s newsletter finds you well. It has certainly been an adjustment for everyone at the College as the busyness returns! I’m sure all families are in a similar situation as school routines and weekend sporting commitments begin again, among the many other family activities. The importance of routine and structure has become very apparent as students readjust to their learning environment at the College. High expectations around readiness for learning, uniform, and behaviour have been revisited with all year levels. It has been really pleasing to see that most students are compliant and are thoroughly enjoying being back at school with their friends. I also thank students for wearing their masks as required.

YEAR 12 HSC EXAMS COMMENCE

Year 12 students across NSW commenced their HSC exams on Tuesday. These exams are conducted over three weeks. Our students are well prepared, and I wish them every success for this final stage of their schooling. I am confident they will do well. Our support and prayers are with them at this time.

2022 ENROLMENTS
We are experiencing a high intake of new enrolments at present. Our Year 7 cohort for 2022 has gone beyond 100 students and we have now moved to 5 classes for Year 7 next year. We have a waiting list now for Year 8, and there are very few places remaining in Years 9 and 10, 2022. Our classes are limited to 25 students. There are currently positions still available in Years 11 & 12.

STAFFING UPDATE
Mr John O’Neill is still recovering from his recent health scare. To support his full recovery, he has decided not to return at the beginning of next year. To accommodate Mr O’Neill’s leave, Mrs Erica Drewsen and Mrs Sandra Harris will both maintain their current roles as Assistant Principal. This will mean that the College will operate with three Assistant Principals into 2022, and until such time that Mr O’Neill feels well enough to return.

There will be changes to roles and responsibilities as we continue to merge our Pastoral and Curriculum focus. Mrs Drewsen will maintain her Religious Education Coordinator’s role as Catholic identity remains a priority with the development of our new Vision and Mission statements and 3-year Strategic Plan. Mrs Drewsen will also have oversight of Catalyst and Humanities. Mrs Harris will relinquish some of her administrative duties to focus more on supporting teachers with data analysis, student achievement/extension, and working closely with Mr Wayne Foster, our new Inclusive Education Coordinator. Mrs Harris will take carriage of the COMPASS rollout and focus on whole school improvement practices. More information will follow on Compass.  This is a new school management system being introduced across all Archdiocesan schools.

Mrs Drewsen and Mrs Harris will be working closely together across many facets of whole school leadership. Our goal is to improve practices, curriculum offerings, and delivery of key system and school initiatives in a highly coordinated and supportive way. It is an exciting time of growth and renewal for the College.

VET COORDINATOR

We welcome Ms Cathy Bierman to the role of Vocational Education and Training (VET) Coordinator in 2022. Ms Bierman is a highly experienced teacher and VET Coordinator with 32 years experience. Ms Bierman is no stranger to Carroll College, having taught in the area of TAS, Hospitality, Business Services and Religious Education. Cathy’s level of expertise will be an asset to the College.

CATALYST - HIGH IMPACT TEACHING PRACTICES (HITP)  

Carroll College has been very active in the implementation of HITP In Action, having 11 participants across the KLA areas of English, HSIE, Religious Education and TAS involved this year. We are now nominating a new group of teachers to be involved in the 2022 program.

HITP in Action aims to support teachers to improve their practice through practical professional learning based on Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction and follow-up coaching. HITP in Action will enable Catholic Education to achieve the System bold goals:

• Improve their understanding of the latest developments in the Science of Learning and be supported to implement evidence-based teaching strategies into their practice, in their own classroom.
• Receive richer feedback about student learning, as they’re teaching, so that they can make decisions on what to teach next, using information from every student.
• Improve student participation and engagement, such that every student achieves at least a year’s worth of progress, masters concepts, and retains learning.

Moruya Business Chamber has invited the College to be part of Moruya River Lights - Celebrating 90 Years since the Sydney Harbour Bridge opened. 

INVITATION

As we come out of Covid and two years of stalled events, we seek to hold a community celebration to enliven the spirit and create a feel-good event for our area.

On 19 March 2022 the Sydney Harbour Bridge reaches a milestone 90 years – one of the most iconic and treasured symbols of Sydney. A very important part of the construction was the granite taken from the Moruya quarry. This beautiful stone is clearly visible in the pylons at both ends of the Bridge.

We would like to bring this important part of our history to light in the Eurobodalla Shire by holding a commemorative celebration – River Lights featuring illuminated floats on the Moruya River. We are seeking participation from Schools through entry of a float focussing on the history we are celebrating. To assist in the making of floats we are planning a meeting for interested schools with Robbie Cruise and Christine Greig to discuss design and construction of the floats. This year the design is planned to be simple to assist entries with painting of the floats being the major artwork. 

Further, we intend to organise premade flotation bases for each float which would carry the illuminated display. We can assist with towing the floats for the display along the river.  Floats can be built on one base or more up to 4 maximum in length.  We can organise transport from your place of construction / storage to the riverbank. Floats would need to be completed by 2 March 22 to enable testing and would then be safely stored. 

River Lights would take place just after dark and would be the culmination of a day of celebration. There will be a Street parade which all Schools are also invited to participate in and re-enactment of the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Vulcan Street. We are planning for Market stalls and music in the Riverside Park to make the day a real celebration.

Please consider being a part of this important event and commemorate our important contribution to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

A great local event to look forward to and one the College will be happy to support!

Parent/Teacher Interviews
Parent/Teacher interviews took place last night and are organised again for next Tuesday afternoon via Teams. I really encourage families to engage in these meetings. These opportunities enhance relationships between parents and teachers and assist teachers to gain a better understanding of the needs of their students. Open communication is essential between home and school.

Principals’ Mass and Dinner
Director of Catholic Education, Mr Ross Fox has invited all Principals to Canberra today to attend Mass and Dinner together. There are several Principals retiring and this evening’s event will provide the opportunity to recognise and farewell colleagues who have worked in our system for many years. It is nice to finally be able to socialise again!

As we move into Week 7 next week, Term 4 is drawing to a close very quickly. Supporting students in their return to face-to-face learning has been a priority. We are currently forming classes for next year, developing our 2022 college timetable, employing staff, enrolling students, and finalising end of year events. The final day of Term 4 is Wednesday 15 December.

Enjoy a pleasant weekend. Please do not hesitate to be in contact if you have any questions or concerns in the coming weeks.

Best regards

Jacqui Heffernan
Principal