Dear Parents, Students and Friends

It was with great joy and gratitude that I began our Patrons’ Day celebrations on Wednesday with my address to students and staff - a day that holds deep meaning for our college community. The day began with a beautiful liturgy where we took a moment to reflect on the values, mission, and inspiration given to us by our patron saints: Caroline Chisholm, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, and St Francis Xavier.

But this year, Patrons’ Day carried even greater significance, as it also marked the official launch of our 30th-year celebrations! For three decades, our college has stood as a place of learning, faith, and service, guided by the example of our patrons. This milestone is not just about looking back at how far we have come, but also looking forward - to how we will continue to grow, inspire, and make a difference in the years ahead.

You may be wondering why we celebrate Patrons’ Day?
It is more than just a tradition. It is an opportunity to honour the legacy of these remarkable figures who continue to shape our college’s identity. Our patrons were people of courage, faith, and service, and they remind us that we, too, are called to make a difference in the world.

We had a most memorable day that was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Take a look at our Facebook photos. They certainly tell the story!

Appointment of new Executive Director

On 14 February 2025 the Board of Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Education Limited appointed Mr David de Carvalho as the Executive Director of Catholic Education.

Please refer to the Media Release below for full details.

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CEchat PILOT

Introducing CEchat – A New Chapter in Catholic Education
I am excited to share that our school has been selected as a Phase One test school for CEchat, a groundbreaking AI assistant tool designed exclusively for Catholic education. This is an incredible opportunity for all staff and students to be at the forefront of innovation, shaping the way technology enhances our schools.
What is CEchat?
CEchat is a powerful AI tool that supports educators and administrators by:

1. Simplifying access to create curriculum resources and lesson plans.
2. Assisting with administrative tasks like drafting communications or organising schedules.
3. Aligning with Catholic values, ensuring all interactions are ethical, inclusive, and pastoral.
4. Supporting data sovereignty, with all information securely stored and processed in Australia.

How Can CEchat Be Used?
Here are just a few ways CEchat can streamline core processes and empower staff:

1. Curriculum Assistance: Quickly design curriculum content or create resources aligned with learning outcomes.
2. Lesson Planning: Generate lesson ideas, scaffold activities, or suggest differentiated teaching strategies.
3. Administration Support: Draft emails, manage schedules, or create templates for routine tasks.
4. Student Interaction: Support inquiry-based learning by helping students ask better questions or organise projects.

The CEnet Commitment!
As a Phase One test school, we’ll receive personalised support from the team at CEnet to make the most of this exciting initiative:

1. Training and Onboarding: All staff will have access to hands-on training sessions, user guides, and step-by-step materials to ensure confidence in using CEchat.
2. Dedicated Support: Our team will be on hand to address questions, troubleshoot issues, and provide guidance throughout the testing phase.
3. Feedback Opportunities: Your input is vital. CEnet will gather regular feedback from staff and students to refine CEchat and ensure it meets the needs of Catholic schools.

Why this is exciting for our School?
Being a Phase One test school means our community plays a vital role in shaping the future of CEchat. We’ll

not only benefit from the immediate advantages of the tool but also contribute directly to its development, ensuring it supports the unique workflows and values of Catholic education.

 

More information will follow during Term 1. Mr Jason Szkwarek will be taking the lead with this initiative for our college. I thank Mr Szkwarek for his interest in this project.

 

Bus Wrap
We are so impressed with the outcome of our bus wrap. We have been wanting to finalise a design for some time, and I am sure you will agree - it looks fabulous! Special thanks to Lindsay Pepper, Milc Design who assisted us with this project.

Umbarra
Our Umbarra publication 2024 was distributed to students yesterday. This is our college magazine capturing the events of last year. Our current Year 7 students do not receive a copy as they will feature in this year’s edition. We are very proud of this publication and I extend my thanks and appreciation to Mrs Elise Paull and Mrs Nadine Cooper who coordinated Umbarra last year.

Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of the Church’s season of Lent. Staff and students will gather for a liturgy to reflect on this most important time in the Church’s calendar. Praying as a community at this time supports students’ understanding of the Catholic Tradition and the significance of this liturgical season. The marking of the Ashes on our foreheads is a public expression of our faith and repentance.

Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Through prayer we come closer to God so that we are better able to realise our baptismal promise to live justly as Jesus teaches us. Fasting joins us in solidarity with people experiencing poverty who often have no choice but to go without the basic human needs. Sharing what we have, or ‘almsgiving’, is a sign of our commitment to justice and our thanks for all that God has given us.
 

FAST THIS LENT
In the words of Pope Francis

Fast from hurting words and say kind words.

Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.

Fast from anger and be filled with patience.

Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.

Fast from worries and have trust in God.

Fast from complaints; contemplate simplicity.

Fast from pressures and be prayerful.

Fast from bitterness; fill your hearts with joy.

Fast from selfishness and be compassionate.

Fast from grudges and be reconciled.

Fast from words; be silent and listen.

Prayer for Pope Francis

As you would be aware the health of Pope Francis continues to decline, and we hold him in our prayers.

Almighty and Eternal God,
you are the everlasting health of
those who believe in you.
Hear our prayers for your sick servant Francis
for whom we implore the aid of your tender mercy,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Lady of Lourdes, Health of the Sick, pray for him.

Catholic Leaders’ Retreat
All Principals from across the Archdiocese will be attending the Catholic Leaders’ Retreat next week from Tuesday 4 – 7 March in Bowral. Mrs Louise Ibbett will be Principal (Acting) in my absence. Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Ibbett if the need arises. Her email address is E: Louise.ibbett@cg.catholic.edu.au

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)

The Year 12 Senior Retreat was a resounding success, providing our students with a meaningful opportunity to reflect, connect, and grow in their faith. An enormous thank you must go to Mrs Barling for her meticulous organisation, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for all involved. Further details and photos from this special event have been included separately in this edition of the College newsletter.

As we celebrate the success of our seniors, we also look ahead with excitement to the journey of our 2025 Youth Ministry group. Next Friday, they will engage with our Pathways schools for the Journey with Jesus retreat, guiding Year 6 students through a faith-filled experience designed to deepen their understanding and connection with Christ. This marks the beginning of their ministry journey, and we wish them the very best as they step into this important role. 

In the spirit of service and social justice, our fundraising efforts for Project Compassion have officially begun. This initiative, which supports vulnerable communities worldwide, was launched with our traditional coin line on House Patrons' Day. Over the coming weeks, Caritas boxes will be placed in Homerooms, encouraging students to contribute spare change towards this worthy cause. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. 

Mrs Anna Smart
Religious Education Coordinator

PATRONS’ DAY 2025

The House system at Carroll College is fundamental to the support structures that focus on student wellbeing and school spirit is thriving. Each House is named after a significant person who has lived an exemplary life: Caroline Chisholm, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, St Francis Xavier. The values of care, love, faith, courage and advocacy for the most vulnerable in society displayed by these individuals are a legacy that inspires the Carroll college community.

Our inaugural Patrons’ Day provided an action packed program of fun and activities. Beginning in Homeroom with several House activities and the coin challenge which launched our fundraising, we then moved to the Hall for our Smoking Ceremony and Liturgy. The Liturgy focused on the lives and values of our Patrons who offer great inspiration for us all.

Following the Liturgy, the whole school were treated to an early lunch and time to prepare for the Colour Run, games, face painting and hair braiding. During PM break food stalls were available to refresh and replenish us and contribute to our fundraising efforts. In the afternoon session the students and staff moved to the oval for our drone photo of the House letters and a ‘30’ to acknowledge our anniversary year. To cap of the day Homerooms participated in The Great Patrons Race and trivia.

Thank you to the dedicated staff of the college who worked together to organise this event. It is days like this that are a wonderful reminder of the strong sense of community and school spirit that we share here at Carroll College.

Our Patron’s

Caroline Chisholm was a woman of extraordinary compassion and determination. At a time when migrants, particularly women and children, faced hardship and uncertainty, she dedicated her life to providing them with shelter, support, and opportunities for a better future. Her commitment to social justice and education teaches us the importance of looking beyond ourselves and caring for those in need.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop “Never see a need without doing something about it.”

Mary understood human frailty and the need to reach out and support those less fortunate.

At just 24, Mary established a school for children of the poor and less privileged in Penola, South Australia. She was also the co-founder of the Josephites, the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

Mary and her Sisters would establish orphanages and homes for the destitute as well as establishing refuges for ex-inmates of Australia’s grim nineteenth century prisons.

Often met with opposition and acting contrary to many societal norms, Mary’s strong faith, courage and dignity helped her face these most daunting of challenges, including excommunication. She was a trailblazer of her time who truly carried out the work of Jesus.

St Francis Xavier, a devoted missionary and one of the founding members of the Jesuit order, dedicated his life to spreading the message of faith across the world. His unwavering commitment, compassion, and service to others serve as a profound inspiration to Xavier. Through his work, he taught us the importance of perseverance, generosity, and selfless love—values that continue to guide us today.

Academic Care Week 4

The focus of the Academic care lesson for each Year level for Term 1 Week 4 are listed below.  Parents and carers are encouraged to have a conversation with their child about what they have learned.

Year 7 – Peer Support session with Year 11

Year 8 – Wellio ‘Phones and Sleep’

Year 9 – Wellio ‘Overpower mob mentality’

Year 10 – Wellio ‘The limitless interne’t

Year 11 - Peer Support session with Year 7

 Year 12 - Wellio  ‘Positive Habits Hacks’

Eurobodalla Youth Committee

Each year students from Carroll College participate in the Eurobodalla Youth Committee. The Youth Committee is a group of local young people who meet during school terms to:

• give their views on Council's plans and operations
• plan activities and projects for other local young people
• volunteer and participate in community events
• build cooperation and leadership skills through the committee's activities.

Our 2025 representatives are Marguerite James, Erica Shalders , Elsie Hanns , Amelia Hicks, and Ruby Hodgetts

If you would like to find out more about this committee, or think your child might be interested in joining, then please check out the details at Youth Committee | Eurobodalla Council

Kind regards

Mrs Louise Ibbett
Assistant Principal – Pastoral Care

Dear Carroll Community,

It is hard to believe we are entering the fourth week of this term. It’s been a hive activity in the learning and teaching space. I have been working closely with students in Years 9,10 and 11 to fine tune their subject selections. As we move into Week 4, all changes are coming to an end, and students are locking in their well selected subjects for the academic year. We now start to shift our focus towards building quality learning patterns. Students now have access to the 2025 assessment schedules at the Assessment @ Carroll website and I encourage all students to review their schedules and plan ahead for all summative assessments.

This week’s feature article focuses on “four reasons why you should start working on your assignments immediately” and the importance of “homework”.

GET YOUR BRAIN THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC

Even if your assignment is not due for weeks, start thinking about it immediately. At the very least, ensure you review and understand the requirements the day you get your assignment. Even if you are not thinking about it directly, your subconscious will be hard at work.

FIND LIBRARY & ONLINE RESOURCES
Although the school or local library may not be your main source of reference, you should drop in. Reference books can sometimes be a useful general overview for an assignment and they help clarify a direction as you begin to immerse yourself into the assignment topic. Mrs Mahony can also guide you to online journals or databases that may be useful.

STARTING EARLY MEANS MORE TIME TO EXPLORE & ASK FOR HELP IF NEEDED
If you do some initial research on the assignment, you could find yourself needing more direction with your next steps. For example: Perhaps there isn’t enough information, or perhaps you find you don’t understand important concepts, or perhaps you need to speak to your teacher to get further clarity. If you find this out early, you will still have plenty of time to plan, research, write and present your assignment. Imagine if you didn’t start your assignment for a week or so, and then discovered you needed more guidance. You could easily run out of time. Starting early also gives you a longer time to think through and develop your ideas.

CREATE A SAFETY NET
Starting your assignment immediately will give you a safety net in case you get sick or something unexpected happens. Assignments are usually given over a period of time because they require more time; students must plan a strategy or schedule to ensure they are completed. You should always have a schedule that allows for the unexpected.

Why do we need to do Home Learning?
Homework, or Home Learning as some schools now prefer to call it, serves many purposes. It may be to consolidate or check or extend the learning from the day, or prepare for the learning to come in subsequent days. It could be to do with longer term work such as assignments or preparing for tests and examinations. Ultimately, it comes back to what school is all about – learning. And learning not just about content, but learning and developing skills. At times students feel that the work they are doing at school is not relevant to their lives, however sometimes we need to look beyond the content to the purpose of the learning exercise.

At times the content will be a vehicle to teach particular skills. Much of what we learn in Mathematics develops the problem solving circuits in our brain. When you are analysing Shakespeare you are learning not just about Shakespeare, but to think critically and expand your point of view and broaden your experience of the world through examination of different lives, emotions and experiences. The message is that everything you learn at school has purpose and value, even if you can’t always quite see it at the time.

There is much debate in the media as to the value of homework. In Primary school, it has been shown that only a small amount of students actually benefit from doing homework in terms of academic achievement. The exception to this is reading at home – every student benefits from this. However, other benefits can’t be discounted: developing independent working skills, establishing study routines necessary for learning in later years, helping students master things they are struggling with and allowing parental involvement.

In secondary school, homework has been proven to be an essential component of academic success in the senior years. The reality of Year 11 and 12 is that a large component of independent learning needs to be undertaken at home. One of the biggest problems for students transitioning to the senior years is that they have not learnt to work effectively and efficiently in the home environment. This is why developing good habits and learning to do at least a solid hour a day of home study is essential in Years 7-10. It is also about developing the qualities of discipline and perseverance, both essential for senior studies. Students will not like every subject equally, so students need to learn how to make themselves do the work even for their least favourite subjects. 

What can you do this year to manage your homework effectively? Try these top tips:

1. GET ORGANISED STRAIGHT AWAY: As soon as you get home unpack your bag before you have a break and something to eat. Lay out all the work first. It is easier to get started if you have everything ready to go.
   
   
2. PRIORITISE AND PLAN: Before you start work, write a list of what needs to be done and decide what order you will do it. Focus on what is most important, not just what subject you like best! Also, write down how long you think each task will take to do.
   
   
3. DEVELOP THINKING PATHWAYS: Keep in your mind that it is all about learning. Try and look beyond the actual content to what type of skill this homework might be developing in you – analysing, critical thinking, writing skills, or problem-solving skills for example.
   
   
4. CHUNK TIME INTO FOCUSED BLOCKS: Do your work in 20-30 minute blocks with no distractions during that time. So switch off the TV, turn off your phone for that 20-30 minutes. When you just focus on the work that needs to be done you’ll be amazed at how much work you complete. Of course, if you are on a roll, you can keep going past the 30 minutes.
   
   
5. ALTERNATE AND CHIP AWAY: If there is a task you really don’t want to do then alternate this with a task you enjoy doing. For example, 15 minutes on the homework you like, 5 minutes on the homework you don’t like. When you chip away at it you will be surprised how quickly you get through the work.
   
   

Best wishes

Mr Andrew Kenneally
Assistant Principal - Curriculum, Learning and Innovation

Please keep the following student and his family in your prayers. Jamian Glen (Year 7) on the passing of his Grandmother.

 Sentral

Carroll College uses Sentral as our School Management System. A School Management System connects our staff, students, and parents to every facet of our school including:

• Staying up to date with your child’s progress and awards
• Explaining absence reasons
• Tracking your child’s attendance
• Viewing the College and Assessment calendars 
• Booking parent-teacher interviews 
• Viewing end of semester reports
• Viewing school daily notices 

College Daily Notices are an important part of school life as they help students and parents know what is going on at the College. It is important students are reading the Daily Notices each day to ensure they do not miss out on any important notices or information regarding upcoming events.

We are confident that you will see the benefits of the Parent and Student Portal. Should you require login details, please email Mrs Sandra Harris.

Years 7 and 9 NAPLAN tests

The NAPLAN tests will be held in Weeks 6 and 7. Below is a copy of the test timetable.

Catch-up sessions will be held throughout the fortnight for students who are absent.

Important NAPLAN Information

• All students will complete the tests on their own devices in the Hall. Students will move to the Hall at the start of the scheduled test period.
• All students are required to bring their own plug-in headphones.
• Students will need a pen during the numeracy test. We will supply working out paper.
• Students with Chromebooks will complete the test in C3 on a school desktop.

School Photos

School photos will be held on Tuesday 11 March. Photo envelopes were distributed to each student this week. Family photo envelopes can be collected from the front office.

Students will need to bring their photo envelope to school on photo day.

All students need to be dressed in full school uniform. We will take all photos in the Hall.

Photo day Schedule

Period 1 - Year 10

Period 2 - Year 9

AM break - family photos and Indigenous group photo

Period 3 - Year 7

Period 4 - Year 12 (includes SLT photo and fun photo)

Period 5 - Year 8

Period 6 - Year 11

 

Blue Pack $64.00

Red Pack $61.00

Green Pack $59.00

Group only $46.00

Portrait only $40.00

Drink bottle $21.00

Mug $22.00

Keyring $10.00

Magnet $11.00

Gift pack $9.00 

 

 

 

 

Year 10 Immunisations 

Each year, NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school vaccination program.

NSW Health will be at the College to administer the vaccinations to Year 10 students on Wednesday 19 March.

Consent forms were handed out to students last week. Students can collect a consent form from the office if they missed out. Parents/carers will need to consent to their child's vaccination by completing either the paper form or the online form. Please note that only students with parental consent will receive the vaccination.

If you have questions regarding the school immunisation program, please contact the Public Health Unit.

Upcoming Reminders …

Monday 3 March - First Aid Training is taking place for VET students

Tuesday 4 March – Archdiocese Swimming Carnival will be held in Queanbeyan

Wednesday 5 March – Ash Wednesday

Wednesday 5 March to Friday 7 March – Year 7 and 11 Peer support camp will be held at Lake Tabourie Holiday Haven.

Wednesday afternoons - School musical rehearsals are taking place in the Drama room.

Monday 10 March – Year 8 Maths Day at Mogo Zoo

Tuesday 11 March – College Photo Day

Tuesday 11 March – School Community Council Executive Meeting at 5.30pm in E1

Wednesday 12 March – Year 7 and 9 NAPLAN tests begin.

 

Mrs Sandra Harris
Administration Coordinator

 

Tell us about your experiences as a Catholic school parent and what you'd like to know more about

We value every parent's thoughts and opinions!

CCSP would like to know how involved/engaged you feel you are in your child's learning at a NSW/ACT Catholic school, how connected you feel in your child's school, and your thoughts on how schools could enhance family-school partnerships.

This data informs our parent learning program and provides us with valuable information about how our dioceses and schools are engaging with families.

Thank you so much for taking time out to give us your feedback.

Please click the link to go to the survey:

https://ccsp.schoolzineplus.com/survey/71

Hello! I’m Archie, one of your Vice Captains for 2025!

For the past (almost) 6 years, I have loved every second I have spent at this school, including last minute cramming and the fear and suspense of getting an assessment handed back face down. This is what inspired me to go for a role in the SLT, it drives my devotion and makes me want to do whatever I can to make this school a better place for everybody in it. I believe that every student is capable of great things, and my goal is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to find that greatness within themselves. My advice for any year of schooling is to stick to a study routine and make sure all of your assignments are handed in on time after submitting at the very least one draft, which is rather hypocritical of me as I am writing this at 9.00pm on the day it’s due!

If you’re interested in me:

• My favourite movies are anything directed by Edgar Wright or Dead Poets Society
• My favourite song is Horses by Jesse Welles (fantastic artist).                               

Archie

Hey, it’s Erin! You’re Vice Captain, an overthinking legend, and someone who will absolutely judge you if you prefer Coke over Pepsi! I’m kidding of course! 

Why Did I want this leadership Role?

Honestly? Because I wanted to be the person I needed when I was younger. Someone who actually listens, cares, and isn’t just a fancy badge and a performative speech. I want to help create initiatives that make school more enjoyable, more supportive, and, let’s be real, a little less school-ish.

Some facts about me you didn’t ask for but I’m going to tell you anyway!

• I’m a super creative person - I love filmmaking, acting, writing, painting, crafting, and even making up weirdly specific recipes.
• When I finish school, I want to travel the world, live somewhere new, and speak another language fluently (or at least well enough to order food without embarrassing myself).
• Tomato sauce is gross in all forms. I will not be taking questions at this time. 

Things I think you should watch instead of doing your homework!

• If you want to cry: We Live in Time (Prepare for emotional damage).
• If you want to laugh: Beavis and Butthead SNL skit (Because sometimes dumb humour is the best humour).
• If you want to change your life: Good Will Hunting?
• If you want to find your new favourite show: Yellowjackets (Plane crash, survival, mystery, new season out now - this show has everything).

News Flash 

A man in Canada built a full-sized, fully functional rollercoaster in his backyard… because why not? His neighbours now live in constant fear, but honestly, that’s the kind of commitment fun we should all strive for.

Joke of the Week

Q: Why did the scarecrow win an award?

A: Because he was outstanding in his field.
 

That’s all for now - see you around school! And remember, Pepsi is superior.

Erin 

    Welcome to 2025!

                       What are words worth? Everything!

      Our English team look forward to a productive and fun 2025.

     As events approach, such as the Mayor’s Writing Competition,

     public speaking opportunities and visiting performers, you will

     be notified through college communication platforms and your 

     teachers. Be assured, we are here to help you to develop the best

     communication and literacy skills you can achieve.

     …and seniors, don’t forget Senior Study every Monday

     and Wednesday from 3.20 – 4.20pm in the HUB!

     Here’s the team for 2025:

Mr Stephen Knight	Miss Montana Price	Mrs Erin Smith	Ms Sonia Pope
Mrs Corrinne Dell	Mrs Michelle Katuke	Mrs Anna Voysey-McManus

In Week 3, our Year 12 students embarked on their Senior Retreat to Jindabyne, arriving at the picturesque Alpine Adventist Village on Wednesday morning. Nestled in natural bushland overlooking Lake Jindabyne, this serene setting provided the perfect backdrop for a transformative three-day experience.

The retreat was designed to foster strong bonds among peers, encourage reflection on formative life experiences, and equip students with essential knowledge and skills to navigate their future and the significant decisions that lie ahead. Through a mix of large and small group activities, students engaged in meaningful interactions that deepened their connections and personal growth.

On Thursday, the group ventured to Thredbo Village, where many students enjoyed their first chairlift ride. The breathtaking views from the Kosciuszko Lookout were a highlight, with students capturing memories through photos and exploring the area under sunny skies. Students and staff also enjoyed testing out Thredbo’s new Alpine Coaster!

An integral part of the Senior Retreat was the participation in prayer. Andrew Kenneally led a heartfelt prayer session on Wednesday evening, during which students received a holding cross—a thoughtful gift from the College. The following evening, Anna Smart guided a poignant reflection based on Luke's gospel, "Into the Hill Country," which recounts Mary's journey to seek advice and comfort from her cousin Elizabeth. As students reflected on their own journey that day, they were encouraged to consider the people in their lives who will provide guidance and support in their future endeavors.

A cherished tradition of the retreat was the formal dinner held on Thursday night. Students relished the opportunity to dress up and share in this special celebration, capturing countless memories through photos with friends and peers. We extend our gratitude to the Alpine Adventist Village for their warm hospitality and exceptional cuisine, ensuring our students were well cared for throughout their stay.

The Senior Retreat was a truly enriching experience for both students and staff. We appreciate the maturity and respect shown by our Year 12 students throughout this significant event. Special thanks go to our dedicated staff members who played a crucial role in facilitating this retreat: Anna Smart, Andrew Kenneally, Erin Smith, Catherine Davis, Sandra Harris, Montana Price, and Jeremy Harding. Their efforts made this experience truly unforgettable.

Mrs Belle Barling
Faith Formation Coordinator

This year, Year 11 students have been given the exciting opportunity to engage in the newly introduced Sport, Lifestyle, and Recreation (SLR) course. Designed to blend physical activity with theoretical knowledge, this course provides students with hands-on experiences that foster skills, fitness, and a deeper understanding of the role of recreation in a healthy lifestyle.

The year has commenced with the Aquatics module, immersing students in various water-based activities that develop their confidence and competence in aquatic environments. The highlight so far has been an unforgettable kayaking session on the Tomaga River, where students explored the surrounding wetlands, engaged with the aquatic ecosystem, and honed their paddling techniques. See photos.

Beyond kayaking, students have been participating in their OSSA (Ocean Safety Surfer Award) training. This program equips them with essential safe surfing skills, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate ocean conditions responsibly. The certification obtained through OSSA is valid for 12 months, providing a valuable credential for any student looking to continue their engagement with water sports beyond the classroom.

As the term progresses, students will dive into an array of exciting activities, including surfing, snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing. These activities not only provide exhilarating experiences but also enhance their physical fitness, coordination, and teamwork skills.

The SLR course is structured to integrate theory with practical application. Classroom lessons reinforce the skills and knowledge gained during practical sessions. This approach ensures students develop a well-rounded understanding of sports and recreation while actively engaging in activities that promote lifelong well-being.

With such a diverse and engaging curriculum, the Sport, Lifestyle, and Recreation course is proving to be a fantastic addition to Year 11 studies. Students are embracing the opportunity to challenge themselves, build new skills, and enjoy the outdoors, making for a dynamic and rewarding learning experience.

Mr Paul Graziani and Mr Joel Coates
SLR Teachers