Dear Carroll Community,

As we approach the fifth Sunday of Lent and look forward to Easter, I was deeply moved by the homily at my local Mass last Sunday. Gai Delaverve, Kiama Lead Catechist, eloquently emphasised the significance of making a lasting impact on the lives of young people. This message resonated profoundly with me, as I firmly believe that Catholic schools are truly the face of the Church in the 21st century. The gift of teaching our students to pray and nurturing their relationship with Jesus and the Church is invaluable, providing them with direction, purpose and hope.

As Catholic educators at Carroll, we are entrusted with the sacred responsibility of sowing the seeds of faith in all our students. This mission is at the heart of everything we do, guiding us to create an environment where our students can grow spiritually, intellectually and emotionally.

As we conclude a busy yet productive first term, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all staff members for their professionalism and dedication to creating engaging, high-quality learning experiences every day. To our students, I commend your active participation in learning and your consistent display of respect for yourselves, others, and the learning process. These attributes will serve you well as we move into the next term.

EASTER PRAYER

O God of the Last Supper
God of the Cross
And God of the Empty Tomb
We come before you now and we pause.

Holy Week has passed. 
But how we long to live by
the marvellous story we have heard.

Let us remain ever beside you at the table of the Last Supper. 
Show us who is hungry. 
And give us the courage to offer them bread from your table. 
Show us who is thirsty. 
And give us the strength to lift up the cup of your love.

Most of all, show us how to linger at the table, serving others
Doing ALL that we do
In remembrance of You,
And the way You were when You walked this earth.

We lift these simple, limited words
Up to you, O God.  Amen

Enhancing Teaching Practices through Professional Learning Teams

This year, our college has successfully implemented Professional Learning Teams (PLTs), harnessing the collective expertise of our staff to drive educational excellence. The core objective of PLTs at our college is to foster collaborative groups of teachers who work together to refine teaching practices and enhance student outcomes.

Our focus areas for the year include:

• Collaboration and Shared Responsibility: Encouraging a culture where teachers collectively own the success of their students.
• Evidence-Based Decision Making: Using data and research to inform teaching strategies and assess their effectiveness.
• Ongoing Professional Development: Engaging in continuous learning to stay updated with best practices.
• Inquiry-Based Approach: Adopting a systematic method to identify areas for improvement and evaluate the impact of new strategies.

Over a short period, our PLTs have already achieved significant milestones. Staff have successfully designed, developed and implemented guided notes to reduce cognitive load and improve teaching outcomes. During our third meeting, staff reflected on their work and shared their experiences with colleagues, showcasing the power of collaboration and shared learning.

This initiative not only highlights the dedication of our staff but also underscores our commitment to providing the best possible education for our students. We look forward to continuing this journey of improvement and innovation.

Staffing   Announcements

I would like to share some important news regarding our teaching staff. Nick Collins has made the decision to resign from his position, with his final teaching day scheduled for April 11. During his tenure at Carroll College, Nick has been an invaluable member of our community, embracing innovative teaching methods and demonstrating significant professional and personal growth. His contributions to our college have been deeply appreciated, and we are grateful for the positive impact he has had on our students and staff.

As Nick moves on to a new opportunity at Moruya High School next term, we wish him all the best in his future endeavours. We will officially bid farewell to Nick at the end of this term.

In preparation for the transition, I am pleased to announce that Mr. Barnett will be joining our team as a new beginning technology teacher, commencing in Term 2. We extend a warm welcome to Mr. Barnett and look forward to the fresh perspectives and expertise he will bring to our community.

BGA TAS BUILDING

Exciting News: BGA Project Commencement

We are thrilled to announce that our 4-stage BGA project will officially begin on Monday, April 14, during the school holidays. This exciting project includes the development of a new student car park, a state-of-the-art TAS learning facility and modifications to the existing TAS block. Construction is expected to last approximately 12 months, subject to weather conditions.

Key Project Details:

• New Student Car Park: Designed to enhance parking facilities for students.
• TAS Learning Facility: A modern space tailored to support innovative teaching and learning in Technology and Applied Studies.
• Existing TAS Block Modifications: Upgrades to ensure seamless integration with the new facilities.

Important Notes:

• Construction Zone Access: The building site will be a controlled area managed by Edwards Constructions. Please note that there will be strictly no access for staff and students in these zones during construction.
• Parking and Access Changes: There will be several changes to student and staff parking arrangements throughout the project. Detailed information regarding these changes, as well as access to the agricultural farm and student parking, will be communicated at the beginning of Term 2.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we embark on this exciting journey to enhance our college facilities.

ANZAC DAY

I invite all students to participate in ANZAC Day services across the region. ANZAC Day falls in the second week of the school holidays on Thursday 25 April. Carroll College will be represented at eight locations from Batemans Bay to Narooma. Students are asked to present in full summer uniform. Specific details outlining meeting times, location and staff contacts for each venue has been forwarded to families.

I congratulate all students on the way they have engaged in their learning this term. Classroom Mastery has created consistently productive, safe and calm classroom environments and it is wonderful to see students responding to the new routines and expectations and seeing the benefits.

This will be the final newsletter for Term 1. Our final day of term is Friday, 11 April.
The college resumes for Term 2 for all students on Tuesday 29 April. I wish all families a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Warn Regards

Mr Andrew Kenneally
Principal (Acting)