Principal's News
Dear Parents, Students and Friends
Bullying No Way: National week of action is a bullying prevention initiative, connecting schools and communities to find workable solutions to bullying and violence. Raising awareness aims to assist students to develop a shared responsibility around ensuring Carroll College is a safe and inclusive space for all. There have been activities happening in Homerooms each day this week, and today everyone was encouraged to wear a ‘splash of purple’ to help recognise and raise awareness of this important issue. The Gospel teachings are at the heart of our college. We value being Christ-like and living out the Gospel through compassion, love, equity, justice, and respect. These values are expressed through our daily interactions and support a safe and welcoming college environment.
Safeguarding our students
Installation of new Parish Priest to Sacred Heart Catholic Parish MORUYA,
Fr Joshua Scott
Last Sunday, at the 10am Mass in Moruya, Fr Joshua (Josh) Scott was officially installed as the twentieth Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Catholic Parish by Archbishop Christopher Prowse.
On behalf of our college community, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Fr Josh on his appointment as our Parish Priest. We pray that his time with us is filled with joy, fulfilment, and blessings.
Fr Josh has already begun making a positive impact within our college community. Each Tuesday, from 9:30am to 1:30pm, he visits the college, fostering meaningful connections with both students and staff. His presence and dedication are greatly enriching the religious and pastoral life of the college.
We are truly grateful to Fr Josh for generously giving his time to be part of our community and for his commitment to supporting our shared faith journey. May he continue to inspire and guide us with his leadership and pastoral care.
Clergy, Principal and Religious Education Leaders’ Day
On Friday, Mrs Anna Smart, Mrs Belle Barling and I attended the annual Clergy, Principal and Religious Education Leaders’ Day with leaders from across our Archdiocese. A highlight of the day was certainly the address from our new Executive Director, David de Carvalho. I have included a summary of David’s speech below (appearing on LinkedIn) written by Fr Simon Falk.
Faithfulness over success: A call to Catholic Educators
(L-R) Executive Director David de Carvalho, Erin Marmont, Principal St Anthony’s Primary School, Wanniassa and Mary-Jane Carroll-Fajarda, Performance and Improvement Leader at Catholic Education.
At the annual Clergy Principal and Religious Education Leaders Day, newly appointed Executive Director, Mr David de Carvalho, delivered an address urging Catholic educators to reflect on the true measure of their mission.
He emphasised that faithfulness to the Gospel, rather than conventional notions of success, should serve as the guiding principle for all Catholic educational efforts.
Drawing inspiration from Mother Teresa’s words, “We’re not called to be successful. We’re called to be faithful,” Mr de Carvalho challenged attendees to evaluate their purpose through a Gospel-centred perspective.
He noted that when measured by worldly standards, even the life of Jesus might be viewed as a failure, yet His unwavering fidelity to His mission is the true model for all Christians.
The address also acknowledged the changing demographics within Catholic schools, with only approximately half of students now coming from Catholic families, and even fewer regularly attending Mass.
The Executive Director described this reality as both a challenge and an opportunity to witness to the faith with renewed conviction.
He reiterated that Catholic schools are Christ-centred communities, committed to educational excellence and grounded in a vision that proposes, rather than imposes, Catholic values.
Catholic Education’s Executive Director, Mr David de Carvalho, during his keynote address at the Clergy, Principal and REC Day.
He addressed the essential role of staff formation, recognising that many educators themselves are navigating a secularised society and need ongoing evangelisation and support in living out Catholic values.
During his address, Mr de Carvalho outlined four key indicators for evaluating faithfulness within Catholic education: increased investment in staff formation and evangelisation; greater accessibility for disadvantaged students; improved outcomes for those in the lowest academic categories; and the development and delivery of authentically Catholic curricula.
He emphasised the importance of integrating a Catholic worldview across all subjects, so that students not only learn the Church’s teachings but also understand the reasoning and purpose behind them.
Concluding his address, Mr de Carvalho cited Archbishop Oscar Romero, reminding attendees that their work is part of a greater mission—one whose outcomes may not always be visible.
“We plant seeds that one day will grow. We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are the workers, not master builders, ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own.”
Mr de Carvalho emphasised a renewed commitment to nurturing minds, hearts, and souls, highlighting that true success in Catholic education lies in faithfulness to the Gospel and service to the community—a guiding vision for navigating the challenges of modern society.
Senior Snow Trip
From all accounts, our students have had a brilliant time at the snow. Staff attending have commented on the outstanding behaviour and manners of our students. I’m sure we’ll have some exhausted young people (and staff) by the time they arrive home tonight. Special thanks to Mr Coates, Mr Fogarty, Mrs McAsh, Miss Wignall, Mrs Enfield, Mrs Jamieson and Mr Nebelung for accompanying our students.
The Little Sellers Art Prize 2025
The judging of the Little Sellers Art Prize 2025 recently concluded, and I am pleased to advise that Annabelle Whitty and Gabriel Cruz from Carroll College are finalists. Finalists and their families and staff are invited to join the Mayor for morning tea at the exhibition opening on Monday 8 September where the announcement of the competition winners and the recipient of the Little Sellers Arts Scholarship of $2000 will be made. Congratulations to Annabelle and Gabriel.
Our Year 12 students have done very well this week in their commitment to their studies and application with HSC Trial examinations. Exams run through until Tuesday of next week.
Enjoy the weekend.
With respect and encouragement to you.
Mrs Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal
“The Holy Spirit reminds us first and foremost that we are children loved by God –
everyone equal in God’s love, and everyone different.” (Pope Francis)