Dear Parents, Students and Friends

I begin this week by congratulating our Year 12 students on the completion of their Higher School Certificate. A fabulous achievement that culminates thirteen years of formal schooling. The staff and I are very proud of these young people who are leaving the college with confidence and a sense of anticipation for what’s ahead. It’s indeed exciting for them as they launch into this next chapter of their lives. There is so much for them to experience as they move into career paths and further learning. I congratulate their parents on raising such beautiful children. From all at Carroll, we wish them every success! 

University Offers 2024

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who are very well positioned with options for next year. The students listed below are those to date who have indicated their offers and pathways for 2024. We are thrilled to see the diversity of university offers and career opportunities.

Charles Sturt University (CSU)

University of Canberra (UC)

Macquarie University

Australian National University (ANU)

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

Western Sydney University

National Art School

Apprenticeships/Traineeships

TAFE

University of Tasmania

University of NSW

University of Sydney

University of Newcastle

La Trobe University

Bond University

University of the Sunshine Coast

Torrens University

University of Wollongong

NATIONALLY RECOGNISED VET QUALIFICATIONS

In addition to students leaving with their Higher School Certificate, the following students have attained industry qualifications in the following areas. I congratulate them on their successful completion of these courses over the past two years.

STAFFING NEWS

APPOINTMENT OF ANNA SMART TO ACTING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COORDINATOR

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Anna Smart to the position of Acting Religious Education Coordinator of Carroll College, Broulee for the period 30 January 2024 to 24 January 2025.

Anna has been an educator for over eighteen years and for over 10 years with Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn, most recently as Classroom Teacher and Humanities Coordinator at Carroll College, Broulee. Prior to Carroll College, Anna was a teacher at Narooma High School and Hillston Central School.

Anna holds the tertiary qualifications of Graduate Certificate of Religious Education from Charles Sturt University, Bachelor of Arts (English/History) from University of Wollongong and Diploma of Education (Secondary) from Charles Sturt University. On behalf of our community and that of the Archdiocese, I congratulate Anna on her appointment.

As previously communicated, Mrs Erica Drewsen is taking leave next year but will be maintaining one executive day per week as Catalyst Lead, working closely with Mr Andrew Kenneally.

CLASSROOM SUPPORT TEACHER

Following a panel selection process, I also congratulate Mrs Erin Blackman who has been appointed as Classroom Support Teacher permanently. Erin’s expertise in this area will be a great asset to the college. Erin holds the formal qualification of Bachelor of Education, Australian Catholic University, Strathfield and has commenced a Master of Education: Leadership and Welfare at Southern Cross University. Erin will work closely with Mr Wayne Foster, Leader of Inclusive Education, and the Learning Support team. I wish Erin every success in this role.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, PASTORAL CARE

Mrs Louise Ibbett, Assistant Principal Pastoral Care is taking long service leave from 8 – 24 November. I’m pleased to announce that Mrs Linda Dwyer will be stepping into the role of Assistant Principal, in Mrs Ibbett’s absence. The position of HSIE Coordinator (Acting) for this period will be held by Mrs Cassie Johnston. I congratulate both Linda and Cassie on their appointments and know they will be exceptional leaders.

HUB OFFICER

We will farewell Mrs Krys Wise at the end of this year. Krys has resigned for personal reasons and we wish her all the very best for the future. Krys has been wonderfully committed to the students at Carroll and has worked tirelessly to support staff with resources to facilitate best practices. On behalf of the Carroll community, I thank her sincerely for her dedication.

ABORIGINAL EDUCATION

Miss Chelsea Laurie, Aboriginal Education Worker had planned to finish at Carroll at the end of this year to resume her university studies in Sydney. Her plans have changed slightly, and she is now remaining on staff until the end of Term 1, 2024 which is great news!

The position of AEW will be advertised shortly. The successful applicant will commence at the start of the new school year so a handover and induction period can occur.

CELEBRATION

You will see an invitation further on in this newsletter to mark Mrs Marg Croese's tremendous career at St Mary's Primary School in Moruya. Although Mrs Croese is retiring from her previous role at St Mary's she will be remaining at Carroll College two days p/week next year which is wonderful news. Families are invited to this special occasion.

CLASSROOM MASTERY

Last Wednesday, senior teachers participated in a Masterclass for Leaders in Classroom Mastery. This was outstanding professional learning led by Dr Tim McDonald, Chief Executive Officer, The YMCA WA. We learnt why it is necessary to teach behaviour. Dr McDonald suggests that behaviour must be taught as a curriculum. His input resonated among colleagues and our three Catholic schools plan to adopt this intervention in 2024. All staff will be trained on 30 January 2024 so implementation can begin from the start of Term 1 next year. We are very optimistic about the positive changes to come.

SCHOOL COMMUNITY COUNCIL

You may recall that a review of School Boards, Community Councils and P&Fs across the Archdiocese has been undertaken over the past 18 months. The review has now concluded and in line with the recommendations made, our Community Council will be transitioning to a new School Community Council over the next few months. Our Carroll College Community Council Executive members are working with the Catholic Education Office on aspects of the change, meeting on 16 November to learn more and plan for this transition with the support of Mr Tim Smith, Performance and Improvement Leader at Catholic Education. I will provide you with more information in the weeks ahead.

We hold many families in our prayers at the moment. A number of families have lost loved ones and others are struggling with serious health concerns. Please know our prayers and support are with you.

I hope the weekend ahead is a restful and enjoyable one.

Yours sincerely

Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal

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

St Mother Teresa