A Message from our Assistant Principal, Pastoral Care
In 2022 the theme for the Assistant Principal’s Retreat was mercy. Last week, Andrew Kenneally and I attended the 2023 Retreat at St Clement’s Retreat Centre in Galong and the theme for 2023 was Justice – the key to Christian Leadership. Spending time to reflect on the relationship between both these social teaching values and the important role they play in authentic Christian leadership in Catholic schools was very enriching. At Carroll College, we endeavour to live out these teachings in our policies, structures and processes and practices. To seek and act with justice is foundational for discipleship and mission in Christian leadership.
Evidence of this practice can be seen in our restorative justice where we seek solutions that promote, reconcile and rebuild the right relationships with one another and with God.
Below I have shared with you an outline of the program that was covered over the two days.
- Developing an understanding of justice
- Examining a theological understanding of justice and its connection to mercy
- Exploring justice as the restoration of right relationships with God, creation, others and self
- Recognising the role of some Prophets in the Old Testament in calling people to the right relationships with God, others and creation
- Exploring Jesus as God’s love and justice as told in the Scriptures and enacted in the world
- Analysing justice as the foundation for Discipleship and mission in Christian Leadership
- Reflecting on leadership in Catholic Education in seeking justice for all of creation
The guiding principle of justice is:
Front Office and Student Administration
It is very important that all students arrive at school by 8.30 am so they are on time for Homeroom. If your child is unwell during the day, they need to go to the Front Office for assistance. From there students are cared for, and if required parents/carers will be contacted to collect their child by signing them out through the Front Office. By following this process, the college can closely monitor attendance which is very important for our legal compliance and accountability in the event of an emergency evacuation. If your child needs to be collected for pre-arranged appointments, the Front Office needs to be informed at the beginning of the school day either via a note to the office at Homeroom time or parents can email the college. At the moment we have many occasions when students and parents are arriving at the Front Office for a collection without following this process.
We understand that incidents can occur unexpectedly, and information may need to be passed to students during the school day. To assist families, we ask that the Front Office is contacted so we can ensure that students are collected from class. If the news has the potential to be distressing to the student, then a space can be found to ensure privacy and support.
Safe Driver Course
At the beginning of Term 2, a group of students participated in Modules 1 and 2 of the PCYC Safe Driver Course. All the students involved found the experience to be rewarding. We have received advice that another Safe Driver Program is available for our students in Term 3. Participating in this course is a wonderful way to gain more driving information and experience. Please read the attached flyer and let me know via email if you would like your child to participate in this sponsored course.
Uniform and Learning Equipment
With the holidays about the start, families have another opportunity to check that their child has the correct materials for class and everything is in good working order. We ask that uniforms are checked to ensure that they comply with the College uniform expectations. During the holidays, some students may have haircuts or get their nails coloured etc. We understand that this is their holiday time from school but by the end of the break, students need to be ready to start the term compliant with College expectations.
As the semester draws to a close, I would like to thank all our Homeroom teachers, class teachers, and Pastoral and Subject Coordinators for their outstanding effort throughout the semester. Every day this dedicated team of professionals devote their energy to ensuring that our students are striving to do their best in an environment that fosters their well-being and that our families are supported. We wish everyone a relaxing break, so we return refreshed for Semester 2.
Louise Ibbett
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care