Dear Parents, Students and Friends

Welcome to Term 3!

NAIDOC celebrations have been a prominent focus to start the term. As part of the Catholic Education Regional Mass hosted by St Bernard’s last Friday, Leadership Awards were presented to three of our senior Indigenous Captains (pictured L-R below). I congratulate Samantha Ellis, Sarmaya Te-Kowhai and Rhianna Brierley for their outstanding contributions to college life and broader community initiatives. Our young Aboriginal leaders are very proud of their culture and recognise the importance of using their voice to advocate for their people. They have worked tirelessly this year to spread awareness of the issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our community and encourage school community members to learn more about Aboriginal Histories and cultures. Learning the local Aboriginal language, Dhurga, has been a focus for the girls as they recognise the significance of keeping the language alive. Furthermore, the girls have been outstanding mentors in the Gurubangamba-ga Mentoring and Transition Program. Congratulations Sam, Sarmaya and Rhianna!

2024 NAIDOC THEME
This year’s theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.  

 The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.

“Blak, loud and proud” encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, empowering us to stand tall in our heritage and assert our place in the modern world. This theme calls for a reclamation of narratives, an amplification of voices, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality. It invites all Australians to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a society where the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous peoples are fully valued and respected.

Through our collective efforts, we can forge a future where the stories, traditions, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are cherished and celebrated, enriching the fabric of the nation with the oldest living culture in the world.

Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn, 2024

For the past three days, I have been accompanying our Aboriginal students on a cultural immersion experience in Sydney with Brinja Yuin Elder OA, Ms Patricia Ellis, Mrs Michelle Katuke, Mr Malaki Moreton and Mr Jon Brady. What a fabulous experience! …More details to follow next newsletter!

Semester One Achievements

As we move into Semester Two, I think it is always worthwhile to reflect on our successes of the previous semester. We often underestimate what has been achieved, and Semester One certainly has seen some significant developments that have moved us forward as a college. I sincerely thank the staff for their commitment to these improvements.

• New student mobile phone practices
• Classroom Mastery implementation
• New finance system
• Move to Compass Lite/Sentral Cloud
• ‘Teach Well’ High Impact Teaching Practices – 35 teachers completed/completing Teach Well course
• Audits – NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian Child Safe Audit, Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) Audit, School Registration Compliance Review, Buildings and Facilities Audit
• 115 Student Personalised Plans updated with parent input
• Wellio implementation
• Student Care Overview – focus Tiers 1-3
• Development of a Data Action Plan
• Summative Assessment tasks – ongoing improvements
• Staff Learning & Teaching Hub/Assessment @ Carroll websites – ongoing additions.

8 Big Ideas of Learning

Informed by the Science of Learning and Research, evidence and insights from global experts in education, including the work of ED Hirsch Jr, Barack Rosenshine, Dylan Wiliam and Emeritus Professor John Sweller and more, Catholic Education has defined 8 Big Ideas of Learning, encompassing:

Our Staff Professional Learning Day last week centred on this learning as we continue to upskill on our Catalyst journey and our commitment to ongoing pedagogical improvements.

2024 South Coast Schools Excellence in Vocational Education and Training Awards

 

 

Carroll College students were recognised for their outstanding achievements and Rhianna Brierley was awarded the 2024 Outstanding VET Student of the Year - School Based Apprentice (SBAT).

 

Rhianna is completing a SBAT - Statement of Attainment towards Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy with seibella Batemans Bay and RTO TAFE NSW - Moruya. Congratulations Rhianna!

  

 

 

 

    

 

 

Nathan was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for his School Based Traineeship - Certificate II Supply Chain Operations with Reece Plumbing Batemans Bay and RTO Murray Mallee Training Company. 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Charlotte was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for Business Services. Charlotte completes this course at Carroll College.

She was also awarded a Certificate of Excellence for her School Based Traineeship - Certificate III Real Estate Practice with LJ Hooker Moruya, RTO The Real Estate Institute of NSW. 

 

 

  

 

 

Tahlia was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for her School Based Traineeship - Certificate III in Business Services with DCJ, based at Batemans Bay Courthouse and completes her Business Services course at Carroll College.

With respect and encouragement to you.

Mrs Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal

‘Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’               (John 8:12)