Dear Parents, Students and Friends

Our college community pays tribute to the late Fr Francis Carroll following his passing last week. Yesterday, Mrs Karen Lyttle and I were invited with student representatives to attend the Pontifical Requiem Mass at St Christopher’s Cathedral, Canberra. Mrs Lyttle was one of the first teachers to commence work at Carroll College in its inception in 1995 under the then Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn, Francis Patrick Carroll.

At the time of establishing Carroll College, the members of the parish communities said “…in bearing the name of their Archbishop, the members of the Carroll College community, in effect accept a challenge to embrace the qualities personified in his life and work” (Cook, 1999, p.13).

We are honoured to continue Fr Francis Carroll’s vision for Catholic Education, particularly within the context of Carroll College. “He envisaged a college of hope-filled young people who would be signs of hope for the future” (Cook, 1999, p.47).

I share the following article published in the Catholic Voice 14 March 2024

Death of Archbishop Francis Patrick Carroll

Archbishop Francis Carroll, who served as Bishop of Wagga Wagga and Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn during almost 70 years of distinguished priestly service has died today in Wagga Wagga at the age of 93.

Born on 9 September 1930 in Ganmain, New South Wales, he was the second of seven children of Patrick and Rose Carroll.

He attended the local Ganmain School before transferring to Sydney and completed his secondary education with the De La Salle Brothers in Marrickville. His seminary studies were conducted at St Columba’s Seminary, Springwood and St Patrick’s Seminary, Manly. He was ordained a priest at Ganmain by Bishop Francis Augustine Henschke, Bishop of Wagga Wagga.

He has always been regarded as profoundly pastoral and humble in his long service to the Church.

Frank Carroll succeeded Bishop Henschke as bishop of Wagga Wagga in 1968

In 1983, he was appointed Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn until 2006.

He was President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference from 2000 to 2006.

In 2006, he retired and returned to Wagga Wagga.

In recent times, Archbishop Carroll has suffered from indifferent health and has been resident at Loreto Home of Compassion in Wagga Wagga.

“Archbishop Francis always retained the personal charm of his rural family background. So many loved him as a Catholic leader of immense stature. Simply called Father Francis by friends and parishioners over the years, he was always approachable. His humble and prayerful manner will be remembered by so many”, said Archbishop Christopher Prowse of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn.

Hear with favour our prayers, which we humbly offer, O Lord, for the salvation of the soul of Francis Carroll, your servant and priest, that he, who devoted a faithful ministry to your name, may rejoice in the perpetual company of your Saints. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Child Safe Monitoring Assessment
Recently, Carroll College underwent a Child Safe Assessment. During the course of the Assessment, the Office of the Children’s Guardian Auditors assessed our compliance with Part 3A of the Children’s Guardian Act 2019. Based on the findings, one recommendation has highlighted the need to publish the Archdiocese’s Child Safeguarding Commitment in ways everyone can see and understand it. The Statement of Commitment is as follows:

Safeguarding our students

The safeguarding of our students is the top priority of our schools and the Catholic Education Office.

Safeguarding is a term used to describe the protection of and human rights of vulnerable people. This may be due to their age, culture or trauma background, or they may be at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Catholic Education Canberra and Goulburn is committed to complying with Child Safe Standards. We have been working with our schools to meet these requirements.

Our commitment to every student

Catholic Education Canberra and Goulburn is committed to keeping children safe in all schools. We have adopted the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Child Safeguarding Commitment, which states:

Our safeguarding approach

Our approach to child safeguarding is outlined in our Child Safety Policy. This policy includes the CECG Commitment Statement, the many aspects of child safety, how we ensure young people are safe, and our compliance with the Child Safe Standards.

Our approach to child safety may be visualised as a ‘web’ or curriculum, with many aspects linking together to contribute to its strength. As a child safe organisation, we strive to understand and follow our legal obligations, use contemporary safeguarding practices and involve all stakeholders – particularly children and families – in safeguarding functions.

For further information please follow the link: https://cg.catholic.edu.au/safeguarding-our-students/

NAPLAN
I was directly involved with the administration of NAPLAN this year. I was most impressed by the application of Year 7 and Year 9 students as they engaged in the testing over four days. This year, a team of five administrators were responsible for overseeing the rollout of assessments. Our systems worked extremely well to achieve consistency in delivery and establishing high expectations for our students. I wish to thank Elise Paull (NAPLAN Coordinator), Nadine Cooper, Karen Mahony, Erica Drewsen, Andrew Kenneally, and Technical Support Officer, Emma Jeffrey. Well done Years 7 and 9 students for trying so hard!

Next week marks Holy Thursday and the start of the Easter Triduum. This year's Easter Reflection will be held at 10:10am in the hall on Thursday 28 March. Our Youth Ministry students have prepared a social media style reflection that they will present on the day. This reflection focuses on modern day issues based on Easter themes and then connects these to Jesus' teachings. Fr Loi will join us for this reflection and offer his Easter message to our community. Parents are very welcome to join us as we enter this sacred time.

THANK YOU AND FAREWELL

The college wishes to farewell and celebrate Mrs Jenny Hopkins.

After 21 years of dedicated service to Carroll College, Mrs Hopkins is retiring. She will focus on spending more quality time with her family and enjoying her good health.

We wish her every happiness for the future.

With respect and encouragement to you.

Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal