Dear Parents, Students and Friends

I trust you have had an enjoyable week. It has certainly been productive at the college. The CCB team have numerous priorities at present, ranging from Year 12 HSC Trials to the completion of HSC major projects, staff recruitment, strategic planning, building projects, pastoral care initiatives, and rich teaching and learning through Catalyst deliverables, to name a few. It makes for an exciting learning community that benefits the students in every way.

This week we celebrated the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop (8 August). With grateful hearts we remember the power for goodness that Mary MacKillop is in our world. Her words of wisdom inspire us today as we develop our young people to live with purpose and integrity through our partnership as parents and educators.

Youth Empowerment
The Carroll College Community Council meeting was held this week and several interesting items were presented and discussed. Lockers for Year 7 students, 2023 have been purchased in readiness for next year, and a discussion followed regarding students and their use of mobile phones. Last year we decided to introduce lockers to the college for students commencing in Year 7 for two main reasons. These being so student bags could be stored all day without students carrying them from class to class, and secondly to provide a safe and secure place for students to store personal items and devices such as laptops and mobile phones.

Community Satisfaction Survey data over the past few years has indicated that parents were concerned with their children carrying their bags for the duration of the day. Our response to this has been a strategic approach of introducing lockers annually to each new cohort of Year 7 students. This is a cultural shift for the college and one that has been well received this year.

Mobile phone usage among teenagers is a concern for every parent. Our college policy is very clear. Our approach is one of trust. We trust all students to do the right thing and follow college expectations. If students choose to make the mistake of not doing what has been asked of them then the privilege of having a phone will be removed.

• For Year 7 students - mobile phones are to remain in lockers during lessons. Phones can be checked during AM and PM breaks, but students are not encouraged to be on phones for the duration of the breaks. Breaks are all about getting active, socialising with friends, and making connections with other peers throughout the college.
• For Years 8-12 students - mobile phones remain in school bags during lessons. This means NOT on your person (not in a pocket, a pencil case, or on a student’s desk). Regarding AM and PM Breaks, the same expectations apply as with Year 7. Students are encouraged to get active, socialise with friends, and make connections with other peers throughout the college. Students should not be on their devices for extended periods during break times.

We are a regional college and appreciate that it is important to students to have their mobile for contact with family and employers. Some students travel long distances to attend Carroll and the security of having their phone is necessary. We do not want to take this privilege away from any student, but we are teaching students to show maturity and responsibility. There is a time and place for mobile phones and under no circumstances should phones be seen or used in classrooms.

If phones are seen in classrooms, students can expect:

• to have their phone confiscated and it will be passed onto the Pastoral Team and kept secure for the day
• the incident will be recorded on their Sentral profile
• parents will be contacted

The message is simple... students need to be responsible users of technology. This takes time, guidance, and a measured approach.

Teenagers require a slow release of responsibility in all aspects of their development – learning, assessments, leadership, driving, use of equipment, technology, social experiences, going to parties, shopping, gaming, using social media, watching movies… the list is endless. What is important is nurturing within each of them a sense of consciousness for what is right and wrong. Their character building, moral compass, and integrity is what is important to us at the college as students’ grow to understand what is correct for their personal health and wellbeing. Students do not always get it right. This is where the safety net of parents in partnership with the school comes into play. Every child needs to know and understand their worthiness. My trust is in each of them. Consequences follow on an individual basis if boundaries are difficult for students. Our deep care for our students has profound outcomes in terms of their preparation into adulthood.

Reimaging Carroll College’s Vision and Mission

Last year, the staff embarked on the journey of re-writing the college’s Vision and Mission statements to better reflect the contemporary learning environment of Carroll College. Changes in staff, school culture, and educational direction has contributed to the decision to re-imagine our Vision and Mission. The statements below are still in draft form. I share these with the community for input. Please do not hesitate to email the Religious Education writing team with feedback.

                Erica.Drewsen@cg.catholic.edu.au

                Louise.Ibbett@cg.catholic.edu.au

                Karen.Lyttle@cg.catholic.edu.au

Vision

Carroll College is a Catholic learning community enriching the lives of young people through faith in action.

Mission Statement

At Carroll College, our core moral purpose is to celebrate being a Catholic school for all, that delivers a dynamic curriculum where students are empowered in their learning through contemporary educational practice. In partnership with families, we provide a safe and welcoming environment that is well resourced to prepare students to be people of integrity and service in the community.

The Gospel teachings are at the heart of our college. We value:

• being Christ-like and living out the Gospel through compassion, love, equity, justice, and respect
• prayer
• love of neighbour, especially the marginalised
• care of creation
• hospitality

VET Student of the Year

Congratulations to Makaylah Cowan who was presented with the 2022 Outstanding VET Student of the Year Award last week. Makaylah is pictured right with her parents, Jade and Sarah.

Workplace Learning South Coast Schools Excellence in Vocational Education and Training (VET) Awards were held at Moruya Golf Club. We are delighted that Carroll College took out the top award. Congratulations also to Kody Jeffery, Alyah Williams and Grace Reid of Carroll College on their nominations. We are very proud of their success and the VET pathways that are creating such opportunities for our students.

Enjoy a lovely weekend ahead. I hope everyone is keeping well. As always, please be in contact if you need support of any kind. My door is always open.

Yours sincerely

Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal