Welcome to Term 3!

I hope your family is well and you enjoyed the winter break.

The Covid pandemic and flu season continues to impact families and schools with Covid cases on the increase throughout NSW and the ACT. We will continue to take a risk-averse approach and work together to prioritise the safety and welfare of students and staff. Fortunately, we have very few Covid cases at the college at present.

Heartfelt Condolences

It is with great sadness that we begin a new term without one of our valued team members. As communicated during the break, Ms Sue Nash passed away very unexpectedly. Sue had worked at Carroll College since 2002 and held various support roles. For many years, Sue was part of the CaPA KLA team supporting Miriam Shilling and Lizette Richards in Visual Arts. She has also worked in the Canteen, supported in Hospitality, and guided our students as a Classroom Support Assistant. Sue’s children, Jarrah, Maddy and Daniel all attended Carroll College. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.

I share this blessing with you that I shared with staff following Sue’s passing. Too often we take life for granted, our work, and the people who contribute to our happiness and wellbeing every day. As we reflect on life’s most treasured moments, it is the people we connect with that leave lasting impressions. At Sue’s farewell, we were reminded to take time to smell the roses. Sue’s love for gardening was central in her life. How important it is to consciously slow the pace, tell our loved ones how much they mean to us, and be truly present.

The term ahead…

As we focus on a new term ahead, it is wonderful to be welcoming four new staff members to the College. Again, a warm welcome and congratulations to Loretta Parsley (Aboriginal Education), Geoff Riordan (HSIE), Andrew Hallett (PDHPE) and Joel Coates (TAS/PDHPE).

Staffing

Mrs Deb Enfield is currently on long service leave for the first 4 weeks of term. I congratulate Mrs Anna Smart on her successful appointment to HSIE Coordinator (Acting) in Mrs Enfield’s absence. Mrs Judy Smith is relieving for Mrs Enfield and is also covering some of Mrs Smart’s classes.

Mrs Erica Drewsen has returned to school today following long service leave.

Mrs Cathie Cahill is also on leave at present. Mrs Janet Munyard is replacing Mrs Cahill until she returns from overseas.

Mrs Izabela Rudol will remain off work until the end of Week 4. Mr Brendan Ashby is relieving for Mrs Rudol. 

NAIDOC WEEK

Carroll College celebrated NAIDOC Week this week with a NAIDOC service yesterday. It was simply beautiful. The leadership shown by our Aboriginal students is inspiring. They stand tall and lead our school community to a deeper understanding of our cultural richness. 

Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! with us to amplify our voices and narrow the gap between aspiration and reality, good intent and outcome. Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! https://www.naidoc.org.au/awards/current-theme

We are very proud of our students. Their pride and connection to culture is valued and supported at the college. We have much to learn from our First Peoples.

Additional Pupil Free Days

As communicated at the end of last term, Catholic Education is expanding on the support offered to schools to facilitate professional learning due to the pandemic. Director Ross Fox is again providing each school with an additional two days of Professional Learning as was offered in Term 2. The dates of the additional days are as follows:

• Monday 22 August (Week 6)
• Friday 23 September (Week 10)

CHANGES FOR NAPLAN 2023 – IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOLS

Education Ministers have approved changes to the National Assessment Program from 2023. NAPLAN Reforms 2023 contains the latest information on the implications of these changes for schools. Please find details of the reforms further on in this newsletter edition. 

CSPA - Parent Survey on Student Wellbeing and Learning

Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) are conducting a survey of Catholic School parents on student Wellbeing and Learning.  The survey results will be used to report to the Federal Government and Catholic Education.  The survey is open until 31 August 2022.

I encourage your participation in the survey using the CSPA 2022 Parent Survey Flyer

I sincerely thank you for your ongoing support of our staff as we work together to navigate another challenging term. Please know your children are at the forefront of our planning and decision making as we continue to manage the pandemic and influenza. Please reach out if you have concerns or your child needs additional support in any aspect of their learning and development. These are difficult times, and we must support each other as best we can to maintain a positive outlook. We certainly do not need to look too far for inspiration. Our whole school assembly this week showcased so many aspects of student achievement and extra-curricular involvement. I feel truly blessed to be working in an environment where staff are united in nurturing young people to thrive.

I wish our Year 12 students all the very best for their HSC Trials starting next week.

Stay well and be in touch if we can be of assistance.

Yours sincerely 

Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal