Dear Parents, Students and Friends

Welcome to our final term for 2023! We have much to look forward to as the ten weeks unfold. There are excellent opportunities planned for students to engage with and celebrations to look forward to as Christmas approaches.

The staff and I began last week with whole staff spirituality input. The session provided an opportunity to think deeply about what is important and how connections in our life impact us. Work is a huge part of who we are and how we see the world. We are very lucky that our values align with our everyday work at Carroll as we support the young people and families in our care. The more we can be in touch with the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of what we do, the more effective we will be in our roles. The spiritual input created the space and time to reflect and share insights with one another. It was also an opportunity to revisit our college Vision and Mission statements that were reimagined and finalised last year.

Each staff member was presented with a holding cross blessed by Fr Loi to symbolise a tangible connection to our faith and what we stand for as a Catholic community.

Significance of the Holding Cross 

Notice the simplicity of The Holding Cross: the wood, the shape, the feel. Place The Holding Cross in the palm of your hand and wrap your fingers around the uneven cut and rounded edges. Your hand will naturally cradle the cross. The Holding Cross gently fits itself inside. The Holding Cross is a personal process. Through your sense of touch and reflection, you may find yourself saying a familiar prayer, such as the Lord's Prayer, or meditating with the word ‘Maranatha’ (Come Lord). No words are needed. Simply holding your cross silently during quiet meditation is prayer. Many just fall asleep at the end of the day with their Holding Cross in their hand. Carrying The Holding Cross in your pocket, bag or keeping it in your car is a subtle reminder of who you are.  It can be carried everywhere confidentially and confidently. Left on a coffee table, kitchen bench or desk, the Holding Cross presents an open invitation of prayer any time of the day. Holding your cross can also be a useful tool when praying for others, especially for those who are suffering or in need. Using a hand-held cross is an ancient tradition that has been used throughout the world for centuries.  Since the early church, being identified with the cross has been a universal acknowledgement of being a Christian. Today, the Holding Cross is used in hospitals, nursing homes and hospice care. Young or old, in sickness or in health, in good times and trying times, the gift of The Holding Cross is a gift of love from one hand to another.

CATALYST

Classroom Mastery – Pupil Free Day for Initial Training - Wednesday 25 October (Week 3)
As previously communicated, next year, Catholic Education is introducing a behavioural /well-being program called ‘Classroom Mastery’ to selected schools to pilot the program for gradual implementation across the system.

Our three K-12 Catholic schools on the coast have been selected in the first wave of schools to participate in 2024. Our three schools were chosen recognising the importance of a common approach for the K-12 Pathway.

Initial training is commencing next week with Dr Tim McDonald to upskill staff. To enable this to occur, an additional Pupil Free Day has been approved for Wednesday 25 October (Week 3). This training complements Catalyst initiatives, particularly High Impact Teaching Practices.

Our involvement in this program is exciting as it supports our continual promotion of high expectations for learning.

https://www.classroommastery.com.au

The Classroom Mastery Leaders Masterclass on Wednesday 25 October involves school executive staff (primary) and Executive/Curriculum Leadership Team/Pastoral staff (secondary).

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM

College Captains - Liam Walsh and Macy Follet, College Vice Captains - Michael Aitken and Alyssa Harajli, Social Justice Captains - Angelina, Sophie Billett and Chloe Tyrrell, Indigenous Captains - Sarmaya Te-Kowhai, Rhianna Brierley and Samantha Ellis, Chisholm House Captains - Evie Theodore and Shelby Henderson, MacKillop House Captains - Ashlianne Sharp and Finn Love and Xavier House Captains - Maxine Leth and Luke Gallen.

STAFFING NEWS

We welcome Mrs Danielle Ciuffetelli back to work following Maternity Leave. Mrs Ciuffetelli will be working 4 days p/week which is fantastic news!

We welcome Mr Greg McAteer back this term following leave last term. Mrs Karen Lyttle also returns from leave next Monday. I thank Mrs Kym Millikin for stepping into the pastoral role for the past month to allow colleagues to take long service leave.

Mrs Julie Wiggins has also returned for Term 4 following a break last term.

We welcome Mrs Izabela Rudol back following her time away in Canada with her family. Our prayers and support have been with Mrs Rudol during this difficult time with her father being unwell.

Mrs Marg Croese is currently on long service leave from 11 October to 9 November. Her initial plans to travel to Israel have obviously changed. She is currently in Assisi and thoroughly enjoying the experience.

Mrs Rhonda Forner has decided to move onto other endeavours and no longer works for Carroll College.  I wish her well for the future. The position of Business Manager will be advertised next week.

A reminder that Mr Tim Hodges is trialling Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) for Term 4. Mrs Janette Soper will step into the Science Coordinator’s role for one day p/week in Mr Hodges’ absence. Mr Hodges is taking Tuesdays off work for the 10 week period. He has no classes on his timetable on Tuesdays so no students will be affected. I wish to both Mrs Soper and Mr Hodges all the best as they trial this new structure.

Mrs Cathy Fryer has been appointed by Catholic Education to work one day p/week remotely as a VET Support Officer supporting Ms Karen Ruppert, Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Manager. This role complements Mrs Fryer’s position at the college.

BUILDING PROJECTS

Our plans for the TAS refurbishment and upgrade of facilities are in at council. I will keep you updated on the progress of these.

Construction has started on the awning outside B Block in readiness for the next round of lockers to be installed. This awning will provide protection from the elements.

Another awning is also being installed off the side of the girls’ toilets which wasn’t completed at the time of the refurbishment.

New college signage has been installed this week which looks fantastic! You can see a snapshot below!

We continue to keep our Year 12 students in our prayers as they undertake their HSC exams.

Enjoy a restful weekend.

Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal

“The fruit of love is service, which is compassion in action.” 

                St Mother Teresa