It is with mixed emotions that I write my last newsletter at Carroll College.  As Mrs Heffernan communicated to the College Community this week, I have been invited to join All Saint’s College Maitland to lead Pastoral Care within their College.  The decision has not been an easy one, Carroll College is a fantastic school and my decision to depart is brought by the desire to bring my family closer to Grandparents, Aunties and Cousins who are located near Newcastle.

The Carroll College community is enormously supportive.  There have been times where we have laughed, cried, forgiven and stood firm together through some very difficult times and last summer showed the resilience and spirit of the College and wider community when we were together pushed to breaking point.

I have been very fortunate enough to meet and get to know many students and their families since moving here from Victoria four years ago and form close friendships with some of these families on a personal level outside of school through sport and other community organisations.  I will miss these connections enormously.

The staff at Carroll do a fantastic job in ensuring that as a Regional College our students have access to as many opportunities and programs that students in cities have.  Carroll students, in my opinion, have the edge through the beautiful natural surroundings and lifestyle that living outside of a city brings as well as the great programs and opportunities on offer.

I must thank the teams I work particularly close with for their support during my time here.  The Pastoral Team do an outstanding job in ensuring that our students are cared for, have firm boundaries, and can access appropriate resources to support their personal growth and wellbeing.  They are an amazing team and families must continue to engage their expertise to help support the students in our care.

The College Executive worked very hard to ensure that the College runs smoothly and is future-facing.  We have been through many changes since I joined and the College is very well placed going into the years ahead.  I must particularly thank Mrs Heffernan and Mr O’Neill for the challenges they have put to me as a leader in Pastoral Care to ensure our students are cared for and safe.

Thank you all once again, enjoy the Christmas break, keep safe and good luck to all in the future.

Nathan Mansfield

Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care