Opportunities for student leadership abound at Carroll College. This week we thanked our 2023 Student Leadership Team for their contribution and commissioned the new team for 2024. During the ceremony, our new College Captains, Liam and Macy gave their first address to the students, staff, parents and friends that were present. The text of their speech is below and I am sure you will agree that they represent a bright future for leadership at the college.

Good morning and welcome Mrs Heffernan, staff, students, parents, carers, and guests. 

Each time we gather to commission the new Student Leadership Team, we bear witness to the remarkable potential within our school community. We celebrate the unique talents, aspirations, and commitments that each and every member brings. We stand together, in the hope of creating a school environment that not only benefits us today but also paves the way for a brighter future for every student to come.

The students sitting before you are the 16 members of your incoming 2024 Student Leadership Team. Over the past 5 years, we have had the opportunity to attend assemblies, sports carnivals and extracurricular events that have exposed us to the responsibilities and challenges that come with being a part of the SLT. We have been inspired and encouraged by the Year 12 cohort to step into these roles with confidence and initiative. 

To Will, Tanesha, members of the outgoing SLT and Year 12 - The graduating class of 2023; High school has taken you on a wild ride and yet you have continued to uphold a great level of support, kindness and encouragement to all within our college community. On behalf of Year 11, I would like to thank you for the leadership and friendship you have shown us as school representatives since we embarked on our high school journey. You have taught me many things. I particularly recall advice from our captains on the Year 11 information night encouraging us to find a balance in the busyness for the year to come. I’d like to highlight the significant focus you have had around cultural engagement. This was evident in the NAIDOC week celebration. You have set such a good example when welcoming special guests to the College and taking part in community events such as ANZAC Day and the Bridge Walk. So, it's important that you don’t forget to take a step back and reflect on what you have accomplished in your time here and get excited for what the future holds.

If there’s been one thing I’ve learned from being a student at this school, and now a leader, is that without teamwork, leadership is, plain and simply, unachievable. While individuals may hold leadership positions, the true essence of leadership lies in collaboration and the ability to inspire and guide others toward a common goal. A true leader recognises the unique talents and strengths of their teammates, creating an environment of confidence. In doing so they create an effective team that overcomes challenges, inspires others, and achieves remarkable results. That is what we as school captains will achieve, we won’t just be leaders, but collaborators and teammates, working hand in hand with our peers, the staff, and the students of this college.

I’d like to take the opportunity to say a special thanks to the people involved in this year’s election process. Mrs Heffernan, Mrs Ibbett, the pastoral team, Year 11 and staff - thank you for granting us with this amazing privilege and honour. A key theme that was evident throughout the election process was that our year group has a strong belief that every idea is valued, and we encourage you to share YOUR visions and goals for our school. Whether they are big or small.  

We might have the title of ‘School Captain’ but I look into the crowd today and I see, Leaders. Leaders that are not defined by badges but by their dedication, their kindness, and their unwavering compassion for their peers and this school. We all have the power to lead, to influence positive change and to contribute to the betterment of our school. So, as we embark on this long promising journey through the next year, let us work together to ensure that every voice is heard, where inclusivity reigns, and where our actions speak louder than our words. Because it is on this day, in this ceremony, at this defining moment that we will continue the legacy of our past leaders.

Thank you.

Batemans Bay Youth Foundation

Attention All Year 12 students, if you intend to study at a University, TAFE, a Tertiary Institution or take up an Apprenticeship or Traineeship in 2024, you need to consider a Bateman Bay Youth Foundation Grant.

Grants of up to $3,500 are available to help you with the cost of commencing your tertiary studies.

Details about how to apply will shortly be available at bbyf.org.au attached.

Applications close on 30 November 2024.

If you have a Year 12 child, please encourage them to submit an application.

For many years Carroll College has had student representatives on the Youth Committee advocating and assisting to plan and run activities for the youth of the Eurobodalla. As part of this newsletter, there are flyers advertising the activities planned for the next school holidays. Parents and students are encouraged to have a look and get engaged with the fun activities on offer. The committee is always looking for new members. Joining the committee is a great way to learn new skills, build leadership capabilities, and have fun. If you think your child would enjoy this opportunity then please encourage them to see Mrs Ibbett for details.  

Raphaella Herford of Year 12 has been an active member of the Youth Council for several years. We would like to thank her for her service. I know that the team from the Council will miss her great ideas and active participation in a wide range of events. 

Academic Care

This week our Year 7 students started with a meeting to reflect on how each student can make the best contribution to their learning environment through their organisation and participation in class. Years 8 and 9 had the opportunity to enjoy some team building, and fun activities that allowed them to mix as a cohort beyond their usual academic and Homeroom groupings. Year 10 gathered in the HUB for a guest speaker organised by our Careers advisor, Mrs Dalgleish. Amy Kovacs is the Employment Project Officer at Eurobodalla Shire Council. Her presentation included the benefits of working at ESC, application writing tips/tricks, work experience at ESC, and potential employment or traineeships that are coming up. It was great for the students to have insight into pathway opportunities for one of the largest employers in our area.

Year 11 students have commenced their Preliminary examinations. Year 12 were able to meet the NESA HSC Presiding Officer to become more familiar with the procedures in place for their final examination period. They also had the opportunity to hear about the ways they can improve the management of their personal data by adjusting the settings on their personal devices.

The Pastoral Care Team is always ready to assist our students and families. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child, please reach out to your child's Pastoral Coordinator. We are only too happy to speak with you or direct your concern to the most appropriate person.

Please be aware that Mr Greg McAteer, Pastoral Coordinator of MacKillop House is taking some leave for the last two weeks of Term 3. Mrs Kym Millikin will be Acting in his place and is keen to support the students in her care.

Louise Ibbett

Assistant Principal – Pastoral Care