Dear Parents, Students and Friends

As Term 2 draws to a close, I take this opportunity to thank all Carroll families and staff for their ongoing support and shared passion for the growth and development of our wonderful school community. Reflecting on the term passed, one only needs to scroll through our CCB Facebook page or read over the term’s newsletters to gain a true sense of the extraordinary and diverse opportunities offered to students at Carroll College. The level of talent, skills, and personal pursuits of our students never ceases to amaze me. I am in awe of their capacity as learners and inspired by their courage and determination to step beyond what is comfortable and be more! The staff and I experience many proud moments with students. It is a very privileged role we share with you as parents in raising our young people to be strong, wise, kind, and passionate individuals. I congratulate all students on a successful semester.

HSC Reform
An announcement was made earlier this week regarding future changes to the Higher School Certificate (HSC). I have included the media release below for your information. I am sure more information will follow in the coming months.

Media release

26 June 2022

NSW students will have stronger pathways from high school to their future careers as part of the NSW Government’s push to overhaul and modernise the HSC.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the next phase of our once in a generation curriculum reform is updating what students learn in their final years at school, as it has been more than 50 years since the HSC was introduced and 25 years since the last major review.

“A lot has changed in the past 25 years. We need to bring the HSC into the 21st Century and make sure senior students develop the skills and knowledge relevant for the jobs of today and the future,” Ms Mitchell said.

“In today’s economy we all need analytical, communication and collaboration skills to succeed, regardless of whether we are working as a retail manager, plumber, scientific researcher or politician.

“We must start valuing vocational and academic pathways equally, and recognise all students need the skills to thrive in modern workplaces.”

Changes underway to modernise HSC curriculum and assessment include:

• Abolishing the current system of classifying HSC courses as Category A or Category B Vocational Education and Training (VET) so more courses can contribute to a student’s ATAR from 2025.
• Piloting more HSC exams online, starting with the new Enterprise Computing and Software Engineering exams from 2025.
• Introduction of a learner profile to showcase a student’s extra-curricular achievements holistically, not just their exam results.
• Clearer course overviews that link skills and knowledge to careers so Year 10 students will have a greater understanding of the skills they will develop when they are selecting their HSC subjects.

The timeline has also been updated for the new senior secondary syllabuses, with all on track to be delivered by 2025.

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the Gonski-Shergold review of the VET sector identified current HSC and ATAR arrangements as a barrier to developing a pipeline of job-ready high school graduates.

“When young people complete VET subjects at school, they get real life skills that set them up for a brighter future when they leave the school gates,” Mr Henskens.

“These changes will significantly expand the education and employment pathways available to young people who want to get skilled while still at school and then further their education at a registered training provider or one of our world class universities.”

The NSW curriculum reform program is on track to see all K-10 syllabuses delivered by 2024, and all Year 11-12 syllabuses delivered by 2025. The new Year 11-12 Enterprise Computing and Software Engineering syllabuses will be published on the new digital curriculum platform in Term 3, 2022.

Staffing Update
Two of our temporary teaching staff finish contracts today. I sincerely thank Mrs Emily Pacey (TAS Teacher) and Mr Paul Hill (PDHPE Teacher) for their work and guidance of our students this semester. It has been a pleasure working with them and we hope they return to the college at some stage. Both are stepping away from their roles for personal reasons.

We welcome four new colleagues to Carroll College next term. Mr Geoffrey Riordan (preferred title) will be job-sharing with Mrs Cassie Johnston, teaching HSIE. Mr Riordan will be teaching 2.5 days per cycle. He is a Professor Emeritus and has held the position of Professor and Dean, Faculty of Education at the University of Canberra since 2011. He is currently an Education Consultant (RAND Australia), and Senior Research Fellow, Asia Pacific Centre for Leadership and Change (HKIE). We warmly welcome Geoffrey to the Carroll team.

Mr Andrew Hallett has been appointed as our new PDHPE teacher. Mr Hallett will be teaching four days p/week. Mr Hallett comes to us from Ulladulla High and holds a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education from the University of Wollongong, Certificate IV Training and Assessment, and Certificate III in Sport Coaching. This means Mr Hallett is a qualified VET Teacher as well as Classroom Teacher. Mr Hallett will be a wonderful addition to our PDHPE faculty and to our team as a whole.

We also welcome Mr Joel Coates as our new TAS teacher replacing Mrs Pacey for Semester 2. Mr Coates also teaches PDHPE and will be job-sharing five PDHPE classes with Mr Hallett. He holds a Bachelor of Education (Physical Education), Bachelor of Arts in Design Technology, Certificate III in Outdoor Recreation, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and Certificate II in Furniture Making. Mr Coates’ expertise will be appreciated in the TAS department, along with his capacity to also teach VET.

Following interviews today, we have appointed Mrs Loretta Parsley to the position of Aboriginal Education Worker. We are thrilled to be welcoming Loretta to Carroll College. Loretta is a Walbunja Elder, Cultural Advisor, Social & Emotional Wellbeing Support – Mental Health/Trauma, Cultural Knowledge Holder, and Advocate for First Nations Rights. Loretta holds a Diploma of Teaching, currently studying Diploma of Arts, Consultant for First Nations workshops, and Business Owner of Doolagarl Dreaming. Loretta will be working in the College two days per week on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I congratulate Loretta and look forward to learning from her.

The calibre of our new teachers to Carroll College is outstanding. I am thrilled with the abovementioned appointments and know these educators will be fully supported by our community as they begin in their new roles.

Variety Concert
I was so sorry to miss the Variety Concert last week. From all accounts, it was an exceptional showcase of talent and creative flair! Congratulations to all involved. I particularly thank our music teachers and technicians, hospitality team, and teaching and executive staff who supported this event. The coordination of an evening such as this requires an enormous level of teamwork, time, and commitment. The Carroll team is second to none! 

Thank you also to all parents and friends who attended to support our students. Always an outstanding concert!

Student Amenities
I met with the Monarch Construction team yesterday and Architect, Russell McFarland to be updated on the building developments of our new student toilet facilities. The project is coming together very well despite some initial delays with materials. Handover is anticipated mid to late August. The design, aesthetics and functionality of this project will be welcomed by all. I am confident it will exceed expectations!

Best wishes for a safe, happy and relaxing break.

Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal