Principal's Letter
Dear Parents, Students and Friends
In preparing to write the newsletter this week, I have found myself engrossed in reading the book Learning For Life, The Story of Carroll College. Author, Noel Cook was instrumental in the development of Carroll College. He was Director of Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn for 17 years and Senior Lecturer in Education in Ballarat for 11 years. From initial planning that began in 1989 of establishing the first Catholic Secondary College on the South Coast, to the College opening in 1995, a dream was realised. Those of us involved in the College today and those who will come in the future are indebted to the vision of Fr Henry Byrne and Noel Cook. We are certainly blessed to have such a beautiful Catholic College in Broulee, and together we will continue to shape a rich learning community that lives Jesus’ spirit well into the future.
Did you know…
- Mrs Karen Lyttle was a foundation staff member. She began teaching at Carroll College in 1995.
- Miss Louisa Bonner, Mrs Belle Barling and Mrs Anna Smart began as Year 7 students in 1995 and were among the first year group to graduate Year 12 in 2000.
- Mrs Emma Kenna, Mrs Hailee Nugent, Miss Rebecca Douglas and Mr Simon Blue are all members of the teaching team that are past students of the College.
We are very fortunate that they all chose Carroll College to pursue their career paths! - We have had a number of families that have two generations enrol in Year 7 and graduate in their final years.
Meet Mr Szkwarek
I moved to the coast in 2019 from Victoria where I held the position of VCAL Learning Leader and Trades Skills Centre Manager at Lavalla Catholic College.
As a lifelong learner, my broad skill set has been shaped by my educational and vocational experiences. I have passion for design, fishing and the outdoors and as a young teenager, I aspired to become a Fisheries Officer.
After leaving school I joined the Australian Defence Force and served for 8 years as a Combat Engineer and obtained my Carpentry and Joinery Trade Certificate working on Military and Civilian construction sites. Upon leaving the Defence Force, I studied Certificate IV in Information Technology and whilst I received excellent grades, construction was what I enjoyed most.
I spent a few years in the building trade, enjoying mentoring and working with apprentices. I then decided to take on an Industry Supervisor/Teaching position at TAFE, which had me based in a Correctional Facility where I upgraded my qualifications with a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. This was a challenging environment which taught me a lot about dealing with people from diverse backgrounds.
A few years later, I was presented with the opportunity to teach in a Senior Secondary College which meant committing to University studies at the age of 36 obtaining my Graduate Diploma in Technology Education.
Teaching allows me to engage in a diverse range of activities that allow my creative and critical skill set to shine. I’m passionate about fostering the art of learning and developing independent learners and I’m a strong advocate for Inquiry Based Learning and Project Based Learning pedagogy.
Now, as a teacher for 13 years I have finally found my ultimate career.
Technical and Applied Studies Teacher
I look forward to Term 3. I wish all families a safe and enjoyable winter break - coming shortly!
Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal