Year 10 Pastoral Day

Our Year 10 students had a fabulous day on Friday. Thank you to Ms Boller for her creativity and coordination of the day. The students learned all about mental fitness and the importance of listening to what their bodies need and when to respond to the mental challenges. In preparation for the day Year 10 completed a google form about mental and physical health habits. Time was spent focussing on their own statistics and results along with learning how to change the habit of the mind.

In the middle session of the day students worked with two extraordinary guest speakers Glenn Cotter from RUOK and Lulu Henley from Soul Tribe Yoga to educate both the boys and girls on how to improve, enhance or change their mental capacities.

Thank you to Mrs Shilling, Mr Fogarty, Mrs Dell, Miss Large, Mrs Mahony and Mr Bissell for running workshops in the final periods for students to learn tools on how to overcome those inner challenges. A big thank you to Mrs Whiteman and Mrs Urbanik for feeding everyone a delicious lunch.

The Year 10s present were exceptional and we look forward to working with this year group in the future.

DOOF 2025

DOOF 2025 was a night of dress up, dancing and fun. The theme this year was 80’s disco. Students were entertained by our very talented college musicians and singers and our resident DJ Mr Matt O’Brien. To keep up the energy levels students enjoyed a light meal prepared and served by Mrs Whiteman, Mrs Dalgleish and Mrs Urbanik. Thank you to the Senior Leadership Team and Ms Boller for their organisation and a large number of staff who supervised the event.

Inaugural Mental Health Forum

Adolescent Mental Health is an important issue for our students. They are aware of the issues of concern and keen to support themselves and each other. Carroll College was invited to join with other schools across the region to attend the inaugural Mental Health Forum hosted by Narooma High. During the day students listened to information and actively participated in discussions and shared ideas on how to support and improve adolescent mental health. We look forward to engaging with some new ideas in this space. Thank you to Mrs Davis and the students who represented the college at this event.

Police Talks

On Tuesday Senior Constable Sinead Linton from the Police Youth Engagement Team visited the college to speak with our Year 7 and Year 8 students. The talks covered a range of important and relevant topics for the students. Online safety practices, recognising sexting, sextortion and responding correctly, along with expectations around polite language and legal consequences were all discussed. Our students listened attentively and engaged confidentially. At the end of the presentation there was even a question or two about how to join the Police force. We are always appreciative of the support the Youth engagement Team offer the college.

If parents need any support responding to issues around online behaviour the Police are more than happy to offer advice or you can contact the esafety commissioner for resources or to report concerns.

World Environment Day - Thursday 5 June 

College Vice Captain Erin Drewsen designed activities to recognise this important day. Together with the SRC Erin led a range of activities in the HUB. In addition to these activities, the canteen presented a meat-free menu and students and staff were encouraged to turn off non-essential lights in classrooms and spaces across the college. Thank you Erin for initiating and leading this important awareness raising event.

Urban Challenge

On Wednesday night the first meeting for the 2025 Year 10 Urban Challenge was held in the Hub. This will be the third year we have offered this amazing program.

Urban Challenge is a family-owned and operated company with a passion for providing young people with a genuine positive learning experience usually based in the outdoors. They have used this knowledge and experience to create a program that is unique, innovative and engages students in the urban environment – Sydney!

During the meeting parents were able to hear more details about the three-day, two night action packed adventure in Sydney which includes team challenges, exploration of the sites around Sydney, unique places to stay and opportunities to complete some community service - all in a supervised setting.

Thank you to everyone who attended to hear from Paul the Managing Director of Urban Challenge explain the experience. We are very excited to be able to offer this experience to our Year 10 students.

Academic Care

Our topics for Week 6 for each Year level are listed below. Parents are encouraged to talk about these topics with their children.

Year 7- Wellio Lesson ‘Healthy versus unhealthy relationships’

Year 8 - Wellio Lesson ‘Digital Footprint’ Sharing information Online

Year 9 - Wellio Lesson ‘Belonging and Inclusivity’

Year 10- Academic focus UAC Steps to Uni for Year 10 Students, Beyond Platform

Year 11- Academic focus Study Skills Handbook Lesson Managing Part-time Jobs

Year 12- Academic focus Study Skills Handbook Lesson Preparing for Exam Blocks

Families Week

Last week was Families Week (18-25 May). This year’s theme is ‘Lending a hand to thrive: supporting each other’.

National Families Week is an opportunity to think about how to keep your family going strong. Here are ideas:

· Praise and encourage each other. Positive attention creates a sense of warmth and care.

· Talk and listen to each other. Good communication strengthens your relationships.

· Set up family routines. Predictability in family life can help you cope with challenges.

· Try a new community group. Community connections are a great source of support.

And remember – support can keep your family bonds strong and help you thrive. Support can come from extended family, friends, community organisations and professionals. Your state or territory parenting helpline can be a great resource too.

Check the link for more tips on creating strong families: https://raisingchildren.net.au/grown-ups/family-life/routines-rituals-relationships/strong-families

Council of Catholic Schools Parents NSW

The CCSP are offering free webinars to support parents across a range of topics. For parents of our senior students you may find this one of interest.

SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD THROUGH THE HSC

HELP YOUR CHILD NAVIGATE THE PRESSURES OF THE HSC

For parents and carers of Years 11–12 students

Presented by Beyond

Wednesday 11 June 7pm – 8pm CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Parents are encouraged to contact The Pastoral Care Team or your child’s House Coordinator if you have any questions or concerns.

Kind regards

Mrs Louise Ibbett
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care