This week marks the conclusion of HSC exams for our Year 12 students. On behalf of the Carroll College community, I congratulate Year 12 on the completion of their formal schooling and look forward to celebrating with them next Tuesday evening at their Graduation Dinner. We are very proud of their achievements as they have faced significant challenge throughout their senior years. I am confident that their perseverance and commitment to their studies will be well rewarded. Congratulations!

Catholic Leaders’ Day

Last week, leaders from across the Archdiocese gathered in Canberra for three days of meetings and leadership development. This annual event is highly collegial and sets the vision for the new year. It also provides colleagues the opportunity to celebrate together and farewell retiring Principals.

Catalyst was naturally high on the agenda as Director, Ros Fox provided an overview on the journey thus far. The infographic below clearly illustrates the positive uptake of participants across the Archdiocese.

Notable speakers included Pamela Snow, Professor of Cognitive Psychology in the School of Education, La Trobe University, and Lisa Paul AO PSM, Chair of Quality Initial Teacher Review Panel. Professor Snow presented compelling research on the Science of Reading.

Her presentation included:

• Why does reading matter?
• The science of reading
• The importance of theoretical models
• The Simple View of Reading
• The history of English and tiers of vocabulary
• Orthographic mapping
• Using evidence in education

Catalyst priorities continue to focus on the essential foundation of reading competencies.

Staffing Update

Mr Sean Mulally has accepted a permanent position at Clancy Catholic College at West Hoxton in the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. It is a PDHPE and Religious Education teaching position/ Assistant Year Coordinator role. Mr Mulally and his family are moving to be closer to family. On behalf of our college community, I congratulate Mr Mulally on his new appointment and wish him every success.

Mr Mulally has been actively involved in many extra-curricular initiatives and leadership roles during his time at Carroll College. I sincerely thank him for his commitment and passion for the college and college life. Mr Mulally has been teaching at Carroll since 2017. He has made many connections and will be missed by students and colleagues.

I will be able to announce Mr Mulally’s replacement within the next fortnight.

Orientation Day for Year 7 Students 2023

A reminder that our next year’s Year 7 students will be visiting the college on Friday 25 November for their orientation day. This will be an exciting day as students familiarise themselves with their new school and make new friends. More information will be emailed to families in the coming days.

K-12 Combined Schools’ Mass

The Combined Schools’ Mass has been postponed until Term 1 2023. We look forward to celebrating the beginning of the school year as a K-12 Pathway for Catholic Schools on the Coast. This will also be an opportunity to welcome the new Parish Priest of Batemans Bay.

NSW Term Dates

2022
Wednesday 14 December	Final day of Term 4 for students and staff
2023
Thursday 26 January	Australia Day Public Holiday
Friday 27 January	Staff Planning Day (Pupil Free Day)
Monday 30 January	Catalyst Conference in Canberra for all system staff
Tuesday 31 January	Staff Planning part day (Pupil Free Day)
Wednesday 1 February	Years 7,11 & 12 students commence Term 1
Thursday 2 February	Years 8-10 students commence Term 1

The Halloran Art Prize

Congratulations to Ms Lizette Richards who’s artwork titled, “The Connective Narratives of Science and Sea” has been selected for exhibition at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum. This award is a non-acquisitive award that engages with and responds to the Halloran Collection: Science & the Sea at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum & Gallery. The Collection is internationally significant and contains a diverse range of scientific and maritime instruments, artworks, and ephemera. The aim of this contemporary art prize is to overlay a contemporary lens and understanding of the Halloran Collection and to delve into its mysteries, which are often hidden from the viewer. Congratulation Lizette!

We have enjoyed a really productive week at the college this week. Present priorities include the recruitment of staff for 2023, the development of our 3-year Strategic Plan, the Annual Improvement Plan (AIP), and the 2023 Budget. We are supporting our senior students to select appropriate courses, and enrolment of new students across a range of year levels has been an enjoyable process.

Our students in Years 7-9 will soon be asked to nominate learning partners as we formulate classes for the new year. Of course, many variables come into play during this process.

Enjoy the weekend ahead.

Yours sincerely

Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal

"Treasure the power you have to influence other people positively. It's the greatest power you will ever have."   
                                                         Stephanie Dowrick