An important aspect of Pastoral Care here at the College is to be proactive in how we respond to the wellbeing needs of our students. Together with the teachers, both homeroom and class, we monitor the presenting student issues and offer guidance and support. At times we will access external resources to ensure that our students are receiving information from specialised guest speakers.

This week, we invited Senior Constable Donna-Marie Clarke School Liaison Officer from the Youth & Crime Prevention Command South Coast PD to speak with Years 7 and 8 about a range of topics. Each Year group spent a lesson covering issues surrounding transport, social media use, smoking/vaping and negative behaviour which can lead to bullying. If you have a child in these Year groups, please have a conversation with them about the information that was shared and how they related to this. In future weeks the older years will also be able to access this information.

Headspace is an Australian non-profit organisation for youth mental health established by the Australian Government in 2006. Currently, there are 100 offices around Australia and by the middle of 2021 this will expand to 150. Our local community is lucky enough to have a new office that has opened in Batemans Bay. Over two days staff from Headspace presented a 90-minute presentation to all year groups. Students are now fully aware of the services that are offered and they have an increased awareness of the importance of monitoring their own mental health and well-being and how to support their friends and family. Here at the College students also have access to our Counsellor, Naomi Bee. If parents and students would like to access this valuable service, please contact the College for more details.

Eurobodalla Council continues to provide the youth of the region with a range of activities for them to develop their skills and have social activities to enjoy. At the recent Youth Advisory meeting, we were informed about the ‘Headspace on Tour’ event sponsored by St Vincent de Paul. Details about this event on Saturday 20 March can be found on the social media page @ headspace_batemansbay.

Youth Week preparations are in full swing especially for the event on Saturday 24 April at Riverside Park in Moruya. Carroll College students have entered the Battle of the Bands and our Youth representatives have volunteered to help run this free event for all ages. If families would like to attend then bookings can be made via Eventbrite.com.au

Eurobodalla Employment Revolution is a job creation project funded by two Departments of the Australian Government. The aim is to connect businesses with young job seekers looking for training, apprenticeships, and jobs.  A visit to the Council website would be worth a look.

Another innovative program aimed to assist young people to obtain their driver's license is available. This program also offers interested experienced drivers an opportunity to be a driving mentor in one of the Council provided cars. Y drive is the program which has extended funding till 2026. If you have any disadvantaged people struggling to do the necessary 120hours to obtain their Provisional Licence, go straight to the Council website to complete an online form.

Y drive learner driver program | Eurobodalla Shire Council (nsw.gov.au) Council is also developing a program to support participants to get their L’s. If you have any people needing support in this area please register your interest at the same website link.

Every year Council needs Mentors to help our Learners so if you have family or friends who are able to volunteer their time of 2-4hrs per week and love driving, please direct them to Y drive learner driver program | Eurobodalla Shire Council (nsw.gov.au)

Chisholm – corrinne.dell@cg.catholic.edu.au

MacKillop – Greg.mcateer@cg.catholic.edu.au

Xavier – karen.lyttle@cg.catholic.edu.au

Assistant Principal - Pastoral - louise.ibbett@cg.catholic.edu.au

Louise Ibbett
Assistant Principal- Pastoral