Dear Parents, Students and Friends

As Term 2 draws to a close this week, it is my pleasure to share some of the highlights that have shaped our learning environment. Our students are a testament to the rich and diverse opportunities that exist at the College. I am very impressed by the two young ladies I feature in this week’s newsletter.

Congratulations to Madeleine Handley for being awarded first place in the Year 9 Science Research Project. The Year 9 Independent Student Research Project is a requirement of the NESA Stage 5 Science Syllabus and provides the opportunity for students to show mastery of Working Scientifically skills. Students develop their own Inquiry Question to scientifically research and they are required to design an experiment, conduct a first-hand investigation, collect data, analyse data, make conclusions and write a scientific report. Students conduct the work of real scientists working for scientific institutions. The Student Research Project is an authentic Science learning experience that is an introduction to more complex and deeper Science research in Stage 6 Sciences, particularly Stage 6 Depth Studies. The best Year 9 Student Research projects were entered into the Carroll College Science Fair last week. The Science Fair is a Science extra-curricular competition in which the student projects are judged, and the students are interviewed about their work and the results of their studies. The Science department encourages students to see that Science applies to all aspects of everyday life and encourages students to further their interest in Science. Scientific thinking is at the core of twenty first century thinking and skills, and equips students for future opportunities. A most impressive exhibition of creative minds at work! Well done to all. More details follow further on in this newsletter edition.

Year 11 student, Bea Losa has been on Exchange at Carroll College for the past five months. During this time, we have experienced her talent and warmth. Bea’s creative and academic performances have been outstanding. Tomorrow is Bea’s final day at the College before returning home but not before her performance at tonight’s Variety Concert! I asked Bea to share a little of her experiences for inclusion in this week’s newsletter. Bea writes…

Dear Carroll College,

I am Beatrice Losa, an exchange student from Italy. I can say just one thing to you: thank you. When I came here, five months ago, I was scared, worried, and insecure. I had so many concerns and questions about how my life would have been here, and questions about myself. Now that I am about to leave, I can say without any doubt that my experience could never have been as great without you. Dear Carroll, I thank you because you have offered me an environment where students and teachers get on so well, they help each other, and they are so welcoming. Everyone has accepted me, everyone has given me love and become my friend, some people have become like a second family. Even though my host family is amazing and fantastic, I have spent a lot of time at school and it was important to fit in well here. Carroll, you gave me all of this and more. I have changed so much, I have become stronger, more confident, I still have questions about myself, but I feel like I know myself a bit better now. The exchange experience is definitely the most beautiful experience of my life.

However, leaving Australia will be hard. It will be hard to leave this school, my amazing teachers, who have taught not only academic, but life skills, and especially my friends. That’s probably the hardest thing about the whole experience: creating such amazing relationships and having to leave them behind. But I know I will come back. I will come back because this has become my home. Italy has a special place in my heart, it will always have, but now it shares it with Australia, with Batemans Bay and Carroll College.

I had so many amazing experiences: I’ve been to Sydney multiple times, to Canberra, to Melbourne; I took part in the activities of Carroll, the Swimming Carnival, Cross Country, Carroll Day, the Battle of the Bands, the School Play and, last but not least, the Variety Night. I have embraced the Australian culture, from food to slang. I still can’t believe that I like vegemite and that I have started saying ‘yeah, nah’ and ‘mate’!

I am talking to everyone: if you ever get the chance, go on exchange. You will be afraid, you will have moments of sadness, but you will be happy as never before, you will experience that kind of happiness that makes you fulfilled. I will never be thankful enough to my parents, for letting me come here, to my host family, for accepting me and being so amazing, to Carroll, for giving me the best environment I could have asked for, and to my friends, for being the best people I have ever met.

Someone told me not to be sad because it’s over, but to smile because it happened. I am embracing that, because I will never forget all of this, and I will always smile, thinking back to these months.

I just want to say goodbye to everyone… or maybe better, catch ya later! Because I will see you again, eventually. I can feel it in my heart. This is over, but now a new chapter is beginning, and Australia will be part of it.

Lots of love,

Bea

On behalf of the Carroll College community, I wish Bea every happiness and success for the future. I am certain she will treasure her fond memories of her time with us. Bea has been an asset to our school and a special friend to many. Italy awaits…

Building Project
It has been an exciting week at the College this week with the much anticipated handover of our new staff facilities and four new classrooms. The space is beautifully designed with contemporary layout and facilities. This completes a three-year project at a cost of approximately $4M. In total, we have received 10 new classrooms (D & E Block), new Staff Centre, Refurbished Kitchen classroom, and new Pastoral Care Office. The funds have largely come from a Government block grant, with Catholic Education also contributing to the overall costs.

We are most grateful to receive such support in upgrading the College. These spaces will be enjoyed for many years to come.

Variety Concert Tonight!
I warmly invite you to our Variety Night this evening. I have been privy to some rehearsals over the past couple of days and I can assure you it is an event not to be missed! It is our absolute pleasure to showcase the talent and passion of our musicians. I know the evening will be extremely enjoyable. Please come along. There is no entry fee. An easy dinner for families we be available at a small cost - homemade soup/bread rolls and sausage sizzle. This will be available from 5.15 - 6.00pm. The Concert commences at 6.00pm sharp. It is a wonderful way to complete a terrific term.

I take this opportunity to thank Mrs Ros Maher and Mrs Teagan Lomax for their musical direction. Claire Reid - sound and lighting, Matt O'Brien - sound and lighting, Peter Rich - preparing songs and accompanying students, Barny Barnbrook - Concert Band, Paul Baker – accompaniment, and Mr Paul Cullen – Master of Ceremonies. I also specifically thank the Carroll College team for all the support they have provided behind the scenes to bring this evening together. Well done to all!

Student Academic Reports
I have had the pleasure of reading Student Reports this week and I commend students on their progress throughout Semester One. Student reports will be uploaded to the Sentral Parent Portal tomorrow. An email notification will be sent to parents to advise when Reports are accessible in the portal. Please take this opportunity to celebrate with your child/ren. Their growth and progress at this time is highly important. Students deserve acknowledgement for their fine efforts this semester. It was a pleasure to read the affirming comments made by teachers.

Athletics Carnival
Thank you to Mr Fogarty and the staff for coordinating such a well run carnival last Friday. The atmosphere was relaxed yet upbeat. It is rewarding to see the students supporting each other and genuinely encouraging effort. A testament really to the culture we are all working hard to achieve each day. Congratulations to our athletes who will be moving on to the next level of competition.

There are a number of school jackets in lost property in the front office. I understand that some students misplaced their jacket at the carnival. Please encourage your children to check that they have the correct jacket and have not picked up another child’s by mistake.

Enjoy the school holidays. Take time to relax and enjoy a slower pace as a family. I thank you for your ongoing support of the College. We have experienced a particularly productive term. The staff are excited to be relocating into their new office space when we return for Term 3.

School resumes on Tuesday 23 July for all students.

Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal