Dear Carroll Community,

I would like to warmly welcome our community to the Week 8 newsletter. Jacqui Heffernan is currently enjoying a well-deserved break with her husband, Steve, as they head to Queensland for some sun and relaxation. During her absence, I will be stepping in as Acting Principal for the remainder of the term. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Linda Dwyer, who is filling the role of Acting Assistant Principal – Curriculum, Learning, and Innovation, and to Catherine Davis, who is stepping in for Linda Dwyer as the Acting HSIE Coordinator. We are grateful for their dedication and support during this time.

Mr Andrew Kenneally Principal (Acting)	Ms Linda Dwyer Assistant Principal Curriculum, Learning and Innovation (Acting)	Mrs Catherine Davis HSIE Coordinator (Acting)

Celebrating Lent

As we enter the season of Lent, our Carroll College community is invited to reflect on the significance of this time in the Catholic Church calendar. Lent is a period of 40 days that calls for personal growth, spiritual renewal, and a deeper connection with God. It is a time when we are encouraged to embrace practices of prayer, and fasting all aimed at preparing our hearts for the celebration of Easter. 

Giving something up is a simple way to combine the three Lenten pillars of fasting, prayer and almsgiving into one charitable activity. Some of the things that students can give up during Lent include:

• Junk food
• Coffee
• Chocolate
• Single-use plastic
• Social media
• Watching TV

Through these acts of reflection and sacrifice, we are reminded of the journey Jesus took into the wilderness, showing us the power of resilience and faith.

At Carroll College, we encourage our students to use this Lenten season to not only reflect on their own lives but also to consider the needs of others in our community. By supporting charitable initiatives such as Cartias, taking part in prayer services, and participating in meaningful classroom discussions, our students can truly experience the transformative power of Lent. As we journey through these 40 days together, let us continue to strengthen our faith, practice kindness, and prepare ourselves to celebrate the hope and renewal that Easter brings.

Combined Schools' Mass

On Tuesday 1 April, we celebrate our combined School’s mass with Fr George and our Catholic primary schools, St Bernard’s and St Mary’s. The theme of the mass is:  

Anchored in Hope: 

Celebrating 30 Years of Guiding Minds 

and Shaping Futures

This mass will provide the opportunity to celebrate 30 years of education at Carroll College, Broulee. This is a significant milestone for the college, reflecting three decades of nurturing academic excellence, fostering spiritual growth, and building a strong sense of community. It is a moment to honor the dedicated staff, students, and families who have contributed to the college's rich history and to look forward to the continued success and growth of Carroll College in the years to come. Parents and friends are welcome to join the service on Tuesday, April 1, 10:30 am (Carroll College Hall).

Professional Experience Students

This week we are excited to welcome the next wave of educators into the college. Students will notice five new practicuum teachers in the classroom, who will be learning from our experienced and dedicated teachers at Carroll. We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our current teaching staff, whose commitment and passion for education create an inspiring and supportive learning environment for both our students and practicuum students. Their ongoing dedication to student success plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our new educators, and we thank them for their hard work and mentorship.

Destination Students (2024 Year 12 Cohort)

University - 57%

Work/Gap Year - 28%

Apprenticeship/Traineeship - 5%

TAFE - 4%

ADF - 4%

College - 2%

As we look ahead to the future of our Year 12 students, I am pleased to share the impressive post-school destinations for the Class of 2024. A remarkable 57% of our graduates have successfully secured places at universities, showcasing their hard work and dedication throughout their schooling journey. This is a testament to the high level of academic achievement and the growing diversity of career pathways that Carroll College continues to nurture. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.

In addition to those heading to university, a substantial portion of our Year 12 cohort, 28%, is taking the next step in their personal and professional development by entering a work or gap year. This reflects a growing trend among students seeking real-world experiences, whether it be through travel, volunteer work, or gaining industry experience before pursuing further studies. Meanwhile, 5% of our students have chosen apprenticeships or traineeships, showing their commitment to gaining practical skills and making a head start in their chosen trade or vocation.

Furthermore, a number of our graduates are exploring alternative pathways, with 4% opting for TAFE studies, 4% joining the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and 2% continuing their education at a college. Each of these choices reflect the diversity of aspirations within our college community, and we are proud to support every student in their pursuit of success. These statistics not only highlight the incredible range of opportunities available to our students but also underscore the spirit of ambition and perseverance that defines the Class of 2024. We wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.

Staffing Announcement

It is with mixed emotions that I inform you of Mr Wayne Foster's decision to retire from his teaching position at Carroll College. After 24 years of dedicated service to secondary education, Wayne has made a tremendous contribution to our school, shaping the lives of many students and inspiring his colleagues along the way.

For the remainder of the term, Mr Todd Dubois will cover all of Mr Foster's classes. I'm pleased to announce that Mrs Nicole Jamieson is the successful candidate to replace Mr Foster from the start of Term 2 for the remainder of the school year.

Please join me in extending our best wishes to Mr Wayne Foster as he embarks on this exciting new chapter of his life. We are incredibly grateful for his years of dedication and his positive influence on us all.

Congratulations to Miss Kate Blackmore who graduated from the University of Canberra on Tuesday with a Bachelor of Secondary Education (Mathematics and PDHPE).

It’s so wonderful to be supporting new graduates at Carroll College. I have featured Kate further in the newsletter as this week's 'Staff in the Spotlight'.

In conclusion, as we reflect on the highlights of this week, we celebrate the many accomplishments of our community — welcoming new educators to the college, embracing the significance of the Lenten season, and enjoying opportunities for spiritual reflection and growth. We are deeply grateful for the dedication of our staff, the commitment of our students, and the unwavering support of our families. As we continue this journey together, let us embrace the spirit of hope and renewal, both within our college and in the broader community. Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to the exciting events and opportunities that await us in the final weeks of this term.

Mr Andrew Kenneally
Principal (Acting)