Dear Parents, Students and Friends

I hope the recent break provided an opportunity for quality family time and relaxation. Often, it’s the simple joys that restore our sense of balance - immersing ourselves in a good book, watching a movie, escaping for a few days away, being with family, or simply pausing to appreciate the beauty around us. These moments of reprieve help us to reset and refocus as we prepare for the term ahead. Our Year 12 students were certainly in a period of preparation during the break. HSC exams commenced last week, and we continue to support and pray for our students as they move through these exams.

As I write my first newsletter for Term 4, I am conscious of this being my final term as Principal at Carroll College. I am filled with mixed emotions, but what I do know is that change is healthy. It may unsettle us in the short term, but it paves the way for re-establishing a new norm that reenergises the soul and ignites a renewed sense of purpose, growth and motivation. This excites me. I am confident that the College is in a strong position for the next Principal. I anticipate that an announcement will be made in the coming fortnight.

CELEBRATING TWO STELLAR CAREERS

In our community, the gifts of dedication, wisdom, and service are profound blessings that inspire us all. I would like to honour two remarkable colleagues whose enduring contributions have left an indelible mark on our college. To Mrs Anna Voysey-McManus and Mr Tim Hodges – we say thank you! Yes, we are farewelling both Mrs McManus and Mr Hodges as they approach retirement at the end of 2025. Through their unwavering commitment, they have not only shaped the lives of countless students but also strengthened the bonds of our community. Their journey with us is a testament to the power of vocation, teamwork, and a shared mission grounded in faith and love.

Mrs Anna McManus has been teaching for 40 years. She began her teaching career in 1985 at Liverpool Boys' High School, teaching English, Drama and History. Anna commenced at Carroll in 2008. She has held numerous leadership roles. In the state system these included: Head Teacher Mentor, Professional Behaviour for Learning Coach, Year Advisor, Peer Support/Peer Mediation Trainer, Producer of Musicals and Dramatic Productions, Rock Eisteddfod choreographer, relieving English and CAPA Cos. At Carroll, Anna has held the roles of relieving Admin Co, relieving House Co, relieving English Co, relieving HSIE Co, shared English Co, Distance Education supervisor, musical costumes, and assisted with the planning of countless College events.

Anna’s extraordinary contributions, along with her expertise and presence at the college, will be sorely missed. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Anna on a truly remarkable career, and thank her for her commitment to excellence, deep care for others, and ability to inspire those around her. Anna has been a gift to our community. Congratulations, Anna!

Mr Tim Hodges began his teaching career in 1990 after graduating from St Luke’s College, Exeter University. He taught Science at Looe Community Academy in Cornwall, UK, where he became Science Coordinator in 1995 and joined the Executive Team as a Senior Teacher in 1997. Over more than two decades at the school, Tim’s passion for teaching extended well beyond the classroom. He led numerous school camps, overnight excursions, and snow trips across Europe.

In 2010, Tim and his family came to Carroll on a teaching exchange - a life changing experience that ultimately led them to return permanently in 2014, after a brief return to the UK. Since joining the Carroll community, Tim has served as Wellbeing Pastoral Coordinator, mentored many early career teachers, and most recently took on the role of Science Coordinator. Deeply committed to the life of the College, Tim has led camps, coached basketball teams, and contributed to college musicals. Congratulations, Tim!

As Tim and Anna enter this new chapter of retirement, we celebrate not only the incredible careers they have had but also the people they are – role models, mentors, friends. While their presence will be deeply missed at Carroll, their legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those they have guided and inspired.

FR JOSHUA SCOTT CELEBRATES 8 YEARS SINCE HIS ORDINATION

I share Fr Josh’s reflection with you below that he included in a recent Parish Bulletin.

GRATEFUL FOR THE JOURNEY, EXCITED FOR THE FUTURE

To my dear Parishioners,

On Monday (13 October), I celebrate eight years as a priest. As I reflect on this milestone, I am drawn to this weekend’s Gospel in which Jesus heals ten lepers, yet only one returns to give thanks. How often do we receive God’s blessings and forget to pause, to offer our gratitude? This Gospel is a gentle reminder that thanksgiving opens our hearts and deepens our connection with God and one another.

In reflection of my ministry, the past twelve months have been for me a time of noticing God’s presence in unexpected ways. From being laid low by a severe lung infection and needing two months of rest, to moving from Queanbeyan to the Cathedral, and now to Moruya as Parish Priest, it has been a year of challenges, healing, and profound grace. Through it all, God has carried me when I could not walk, let me stand when I was weary, and even allowed me to stumble — yet never once has He abandoned me. 
God is truly Faithful and I am truly grateful.

I have been blessed to have many people journey with me throughout my priesthood, whether they have been with me from the beginning or have just joined me – I am truly Blessed. Your friendship, encouragement, and prayers have sustained me more than words can express. One of the greatest
blessings that I have received is to be honoured to begin serving as the Parish Priest of Moruya — not only to the Catholic community but to all who live within the parish bounds. From the dairy and cattle farms of Bodalla to the opaque waters of Tuross, from the riverside town of Moruya to the blonde beaches of Broulee, this isn’t just our parish — it is our home and it is very quickly become my home as well.

Thank you for welcoming me so warmly, for your kindness, and for walking with me on this journey of faith.

I am excited and hopeful for what lies ahead and cannot wait to see what blessings and gifts God has in store for us as we journey together over the next six years in Moruya. Let us continue together, as brothers and sisters in the Lord, warmed and strengthened by the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. From the depths of my heart, thank you for the privilege of being your priest. Ad multos annos.

With every gratitude and blessing,
Father Josh

CONGRATULATIONS

Warmest congratulations to Ms Elle Boller and her husband, Will, on their recent marriage! Ms Boller has returned from leave and will be now known as Mrs Berry!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S VISIT

Executive Director, David De Carvalho will be visiting Carroll College on Monday 10 November from 10.00-3.00pm. We look forward to Mr De Carvalho’s first visit.

PRAYERS FOR OUR COMMUNITY
As a faith community, we continue to keep all our families who are in need of prayers in our hearts at this time. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Jokinen family as they mourn the loss of Emily Jokinen. Emily’s funeral was held today, and we pray that God's love may bring comfort and peace to her family and friends during this time of sorrow.

May perpetual light shine upon Emily, and may she rest in eternal peace.

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)

Pope Leo XIV and the Preferential Option for the Poor

In his recent Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te (“I have loved you”), Pope Leo XIV reminds us that Christ’s words from Revelation, “I have loved you”, are spoken personally to each one of us. Knowing we are loved by God calls us to love others, especially the poor and vulnerable, in real and practical ways. This truth has been powerfully visible in our community.

Our Operation Christmas Child Appeal was a tremendous success, thanks to the generosity of families and the leadership of both our outgoing and incoming Social Justice Captains. Under their guidance, students packed shoeboxes filled with small but precious gifts, each one a reminder to children across the world that they are loved and not forgotten.

That same spirit of love continues as we embrace Mission Month. This year, Catholic Mission invites us to support projects in Zambia that create sustainable infrastructure and empower local communities. Sophie, Minny and Max are already hard at work raising awareness, educating students, and leading opportunities to raise funds for this important cause. They will also guide us in supporting the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal, ensuring that families closer to home experience compassion and hope during a difficult season.

These initiatives show that our school’s faith is alive in action. As Pope Leo reminds us, “love for the Lord is one with love for the poor.” With the generosity of our community, we continue to weave a story of service, compassion and solidarity. May all who encounter our work hear Christ’s words for themselves: “I have loved you.”

Introducing our Social Justice Captains!  

Sophie Barling: I wanted to become a Social Justice Captain because I’m passionate about creating a safe, inclusive, and compassionate college community, while also raising awareness of global issues we don’t often discuss. This year, my focus is on encouraging vulnerability and empathy within our college, inspired by our Catholic Social Teachings. I’m so grateful to have been given this role and can’t wait to make a positive impact. 

Minny Holland: I’m excited to be stepping into the role of one of the Social Justice Captains in 2026. I’ve always known caring for others and making my community the best it can be was one of my greatest passions. Whether I got the role or not, I knew as a senior I wanted to do as much as I could to make students excited to come to the college everyday and feel like no matter the differences we all have, the college is a place we all belong. I hope through being in this role I can work to make everyone feel like they have a place at the college and hopefully have some new and exciting initiatives as well as make the existing ones even more fun!

Max Ivanoff: When I applied for Social Justice Captain I wanted to get the role so I could change our college environment to something more positive and supportive for all students. All students deserve a chance to prove themselves, and everyone has the right to be treated equally with fairness. I want to work to raise awareness about social issues, support initiatives that make a positive difference, and make sure every student has a voice that is heard. I aim to create a college community built on kindness, fairness, and understanding. 

Mrs Anna Smart
Religious Education Coordinator

Welcome back to Term 4. Like every other term this one is very busy with so many opportunities for our students to engage with, followed by the promise of the summer holidays at the end.

Student Leadership

Our new Student Leadership Team led their first college assembly last week. It was wonderful to see the team work on display from a group that has only recently formed. Our new SLT were able to speak with confidence and passion about their school and connect directly with the younger students.

On Thursday and Friday this week these new leaders had the opportunity to attend their Leadership Camp in Canberra. We look forward to hearing more of their ideas. 

The Student Leadership Team and the Student Representative Council (Years 7-11) participated in the YLead program last Friday. Thank you to Mrs Elle Berry for organising both these events and for her ongoing passion to develop the capacity of our young leaders.

Each year October is the month designated with a focus on Mental Health. World Mental Health Day was on October 10, this time shines a spotlight on the importance of mental wellbeing. It’s a moment to raise awareness, challenge stigma and advocate for stronger policies and services to support mental health for all. 

Thank you to our new Social Justice Captains Minny Holland, Max Ivanoff and Sophie Barling who have refreshed our posters informing students of how to access support if they need it.

 

  

Wellio delivers a webinar each term to assist parents. These webinars are developed by Wellio’s in-house team of educators and psychologists to give parents strategies to support their children’s wellbeing. Topics include managing technology at home and supporting children with stress and anxiety.

The upcoming webinar for this term is titled Social Media, Boundaries and Cyberbullying: Guiding Teens Through the Digital World. With teens spending more time online, this session will help you to:

• Set Clear Limits: creating guidelines for your family that balance independence with online safety.
• Spot Online Pressures: how to identify and address signs of cyberbullying or social stress.
• Supporting Digital Connections: strategies you can use to help teens develop safe, meaningful friendships in the digital space.

 

This 60-minute webinar is scheduled for Thursday 6 November, 6:30pm (AEDT). You can register at https://collections.humanitix.com/2025-parent-webinar-series 

If you can’t attend at this time, please feel free register anyway as a recording will be sent through after the event.

 

The Parent Pulse: Social Media and Our Children

From 10 December 2025, age-restricted social media platforms will have to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from creating or keeping an account.

Your voice matters. By completing this survey, you are helping Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) understand the real experiences, challenges, and hopes of families in our Catholic school communities. The insights gathered will directly shape our advocacy with Catholic Education authorities and Government, ensuring that the needs and perspectives of parents and carers are heard at the highest levels.

Your input will guide us in championing initiatives that strengthen learning, wellbeing, and partnership between home and school.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L65CL58

Navigating the social media changes

From 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms will not be allowed to let Australian children under 16 create or keep an account, giving them more time to develop important skills and maturity.

 Last week, eSafety launched new pages on the social media age restrictions hub, designed to support parents and carers, educators and young people, as we prepare for the restrictions to come into effect. Please visit the link below for more information.

Visit the hub

 

Last week was Children's Week! 

This year’s theme, “Everyone should know about Children’s Rights”, is based on Article 42 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In NSW there are more than 2.1 million children and young people aged 0–18, with around 1.4 million living in metropolitan Sydney and over 700,000 growing up in regional and rural areas. Each child deserves to feel seen, heard and valued, no matter where they live.

Children’s Week reminds us that every step we take to raise awareness of rights is a step towards making NSW a safer, fairer and more inclusive place for children and young people.

 

Council of Catholic School Parents

The CCSP invites parents to join the free webinars for Term 4 2025. By using the link below you can easily register for the webinars.

1. PRACTICAL STEPS FOR ACTION: EMPOWERING YOUR CHILD’S CAREER JOURNEY  

This session will show parents how Senior School sets the foundation for your child’s future. You’ll learn how to guide subject choices, foster transferable skills, and explore career pathways using the latest tools.

We’ll share practical tips on resumes, workplace exposure, and preparing for the final years of school, while keeping balance and wellbeing at the center of career planning.

Presented by Beyond

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 

2. THE CHANGING FACE OF CYBERBULLYING: HELP PROTECT YOUR CHILD ONLINE

Presented by the eSafety Commissioner

AI tools are evolving fast – and some are being misused in ways that can harm or exploit children and young people, including through the creation of deep fakes and digitally altered images. This 45-minute webinar covers how these technologies are being used, their impact and how to support and protect your child. It’s suitable for parents and carers of upper primary and high school students.

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 

Academic Care

This week in the Academic Care period the focus was on academic skills and learning. The topics covered are listed below so that parents and carers can continue to conversation at home.

Year 7 – Study Skills Handbook- Your Brain and Memory

Year 8 - Atomi – Task Memory and Learning

Year 9- Atomi: Memory and Learning and Assessment and Study techniques

Year 10 – Atomi -Study Plan with template and study for exams

Year 11- HSC Introduction and Yr 12 Mentors

 

Uniforms

Overall our students have made a smooth transition into their summer uniforms. We would appreciate support from our parents and carers to ensure that our older boys are clean shaven and for our girls that the uniform expectations around jewellery, make up, eye lashes and nail polish are adhered to. Any students with long hair below the collar need to have it fully tied back so they are compliant with safety expectations as well as the uniform policy.

A reminder our new skorts that will be included in the Junior Girls Summer Uniform will be available to purchase solely at the college from the beginning of November.

 

Safe and Welcoming environment

Part of the College Mission Statement refers to our partnership with families to build a safe and welcoming environment for our students.  Each day from how we speak and greet each other, how we move through the school and how we respond to people in need and address issues and concerns – we all have a role to play in creating this safe and welcoming environment. 

From the moment the students walk through the front gate they are surrounded by caring adults who focus on their wellbeing and academic success. Here at Carroll College our students can easily access their Homeroom teacher, class teachers, support staff, Pastoral Coordinators, Counsellor, and College leaders throughout the day. Students are encouraged to mention any concerns they have as soon as they arise so we can support student safety and wellbeing. This same invitation is extended to our parents and carers as we work together to support our young people.

 

 

Kind regards

 

Mrs Louise Ibbett
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care

 

Change, grief and loss

Everyone is affected by change and loss at some time in our lives.

Grief is the natural emotional response to the loss of someone close, such as a family member or friend. Grief is usually described in relation to the death of a loved one, but other types of major loss can also lead to feelings of grief. The more significant a loss, the more intense grief may be.

People may feel grief over:

• the death of a loved one
• divorce or separation
• the loss of a beloved pet
• giving up something that mattered
• work or school changes — for example, retirement or retrenchment, or moving schools
• the diagnosis of a terminal illness
• the loss of good health because of an illness, accident or disability
• moving away or separation from family or friends
• having an ‘empty nest’ when children leave home

Grief is a process or journey that affects everyone differently and has no set pattern. It is expressed differently across different cultures. It can be exhausting and emotionally draining. For some people, it can make it hard to do simple things or even leave the house, while other people cope by becoming more active. Some people like to be expressive and public with their emotions, while others like to keep their feelings private.

Grief often involves intense sadness, and sometimes feelings of shock and numbness, or even denial and anger. For most people, the intensity of grief eases over time and the episodes of grief become less frequent.

At Carroll College we recognise that when changes occur, such as separation, divorce, death, school transitions and natural disasters, children may benefit from learning the skills to manage these changes effectively. If you feel your child would benefit from further support around grief and loss through counselling at school, please contact their pastoral coordinator to discuss, or you can email the school counsellors directly:

Faith.costigan@mccg.org.au

Naomi.bee@mccg.org.au

As we begin the final term of the academic year, there is a wonderful sense of energy and purpose across the college. Our students are engaged in a range of important milestones from HSC exams and subject selections to preparing for senior studies, all reflecting growth, commitment and the ongoing pursuit of excellence in learning.

Celebrating Year 12 – Halfway Through the HSC Journey

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who have now entered the second week of their HSC examinations. The calm focus and commitment shown across the cohort has been outstanding. We continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers as they move through this important stage of their academic journey. Thank you also to our staff and families for their ongoing support during this time, it truly reflects the strength of our Carroll College community.

Stage 5 2026 Elective Choices Now Open

This week, students in Years 8 and 9 received information about the Stage 5 2026 elective courses. Students have had the opportunity to select two elective subjects that align with their interests, talents and future pathways. These choices are an exciting part of shaping their learning journey for the next two years. I encourage families to discuss these choices together and consider how each subject can help students grow in confidence, curiosity and purpose.

Preparing Year 11 for the HSC Year

Earlier this week, I met with our Year 11 students as they prepare to enter their HSC studies in 2026. During this session, we discussed NESA requirements, key assessment expectations, and school-based policies and procedures to ensure students are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Each student received a comprehensive handbook outlining these requirements. Families are encouraged to review this document together to support planning and organisation for the HSC year. The 2026 Year 12 Assessment Handbook will also be released later this week, providing a clear overview of assessment schedules and expectations to assist with forward planning.

2026 Year 11 Subject Selection Interviews

A friendly reminder that parent and student Pattern of Study interviews will be held next week on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 October in the school hall. These meetings provide an important opportunity to review and confirm each student’s Year 11 pattern of study for 2026.

During the interview, families will meet with our key learning advisors to discuss subject choices and ensure the final pattern of study reflects each student’s interests, abilities, and future goals. This is a valuable time to discern the best pathway for success and engagement in senior studies. An RSVP form will be emailed early next week to confirm your preferred time and attendance.

As we move through this busy and exciting time of term, I want to acknowledge the commitment of our students and the ongoing partnership of families in supporting learning at Carroll College.

From our Year 12 students completing their HSC, to our Stage 5 and Year 11 students preparing for the next phase of their learning journey, there is a strong sense of purpose and growth across the college. Thank you for the way you continue to encourage your children to embrace every opportunity, strive for their personal best, and use their gifts in the service of others.

Kind regards

Mr Andrew Kenneally
Assistant Principal Curriculum, Learning and Innovation

Stay Connected with Sentral and Compass

At Carroll College, we use two important student management systems to keep communication and administration smooth: Sentral and Compass. Here’s a quick reminder of how each one helps you stay informed and up to date.

Sentral is our main system, used for:

· Attendance explanations

· Parent-teacher interview bookings

· Accessing student reports, timetables, and daily notices

For everything related to student progress and daily updates, Sentral is your go-to tool.

Meanwhile, Compass is used specifically for:

· Excursions permission and payment.

From the start of Term 4, a new process has been implemented. All event consents must be completed through Compass by the due date, no later than one week before the event date. It is most important that families are up to date with what their children are involved in, as the event cut-off date is final. This means students will miss out on attending extra-curricular events if consent has not been provided within this timeframe.

Parents receive an email notification when an event their child is involved in becomes available in Compass. It is vital that this deadline is met. Having all consents submitted one week prior allows staff to finalise student numbers, confirm bookings, arrange transport, and organise catering. Late consents place significant pressure on the organising teachers and front office staff and may result in students missing out on valuable experiences.

Please note:

· Phone calls and emails cannot be accepted as consent, effective Term 4. Each event has specific questions to be answered, and these can only be completed in Compass.

· We encourage students to take on the responsibility of reminding their parents of any upcoming events to ensure consent is provided before the deadline.

Both Sentral and Compass can be downloaded from the App Store. If you need assistance with resetting your passwords or accessing the systems, feel free to contact me at the College via email.

Stay connected and engaged with our school community through Sentral and Compass!

Our New Student Management Portal for 2026

From next year, the College will be transitioning to Compass as our sole student management portal. This change is part of a system-wide move across all schools in the Catholic Education Archdiocese, ensuring greater consistency, efficiency, and improved financial management across our school community.

Compass will become the central platform for managing attendance, timetables, learning tasks, reports, and communication with parents and carers. The new system offers a streamlined and user-friendly experience, both for families and staff.

Further information will be shared later this term and early next year to help students and parents prepare for the transition. We look forward to introducing this new platform and continuing to strengthen our partnership between home and the college.

New Feature in Compass

In Compass, parents can now email their child’s teachers directly. After logging in to the Parent Portal, select “Send email to [student’s name]’s teachers.” A new tab will open displaying all of your child’s teachers. You can remove any teachers you do not wish to include in the email.

You can also add additional staff members by selecting “Add recipients” and typing in the staff member’s name.

Years 7 – 10 Exams

The Years 7 – 10 Examinations will be held in Weeks 4 and 5. Students should prepare for their examinations by revising the year/semester’s work and other study material set by their class teacher. If students have questions regarding their exams, they are encouraged to talk to their class teachers.

This weeks reminders

· HSC exams continue to take place during Weeks 3 and 4 · Gurubangamba mentoring day will be held on Monday 27 October.

· Year 10 Course Counselling sessions will take place on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 October.

· On Friday 31 October is 'Day for Daniel' and students and staff are encourage to wear red mufti and bring a gold coin donation.

· We celebrate World Teacher’s Day on Friday 31 October.

· 9.2 Geography class will be kayaking on Friday 31 October.

· 9.3 and 9.5 Geography classes will be kayaking on Monday 3 November.

· Year 10 exam will be held in Week 4

· Year 11 VET work placements take place in Week 4.

· 9.1 and 9.4 Geography classes will be kayaking on Thursday 6 November.

· On Thursday 6 November, some Years 7 and 8 students will be involved in the mountain biking excursion.

· The Year 7 Formation Day will take place at Broulee Surf Club on Friday 7 November.

· On Friday 7 November the Year 8 French Film Festival will be held at the Bay Pavillion.

A reminder that all upcoming dates are available on the Sentral calendar. For details about events your child is involved in, please check Compass for the most up-to-date information. 

Mrs Sandra Harris
Administration Coordinator

• We gather for extended homerooms, Carroll Day, and Patrons' Day
• We see friendly participation in carnivals and events
• We celebrate through bake sales, fundraisers, and Hub happenings
• We come together for morning prayer, school assemblies, and combined schools Mass
• We celebrate our successful athletes and enjoy beach days in Term 1 and 4, DOOF, and Urban Challenge
• We show respect — to each other, to our teachers, and to our environment
• We embrace opportunities for learning, inclusion, and celebration.

Annabelle: 

George:

Aimee:

Lukas:

• Week 6: Yr 10 Urban Challenge (Not to brag too much but my team won to
• Week 7: Yr 10 Soiree, Yr 9 Catch the Wave and Orientation Day
• Week 8: Taste of Tasmania Tour
• Week 9: Yr 10 Work Experience and Giving Mass
• Week 10: Yr 10 Peer Support Training, Awards Assembly and Final Week!

CAREERS

NSW WHITE CARD

We are holding a NSW White Card Course at the college on Wednesday 26th November (WK7). It will cover the basic WHS knowledge required prior to commencing work tasks within any of the building sectors. 

Cost: $110

Must be 14yo. 

If you are interested in joining the course, please see Mrs Dalgleish. 

Year 10 Work Experience - Term 4

Year 10 students have the opportunity to step into the world of work in Week 9 of Term 4 as part of our annual Work Experience Program. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore career interests, build confidence, and gain valuable real-world skills. Whether students are curious about trades, healthcare, hospitality, education, or something else entirely, now is the time to start thinking about where they’d like to go. Finding an employer early gives the best chance of securing a placement.

Tips to Get Started:

• Talk to family, friends, and neighbours – personal connections often lead to great opportunities.
• Visit local businesses and ask if they take work experience students.
• Think about what you enjoy and look for workplaces that match your interests.
• Don’t wait until the last minute – popular placements fill up fast!

Your teachers and careers advisor are here to support you with ideas, contacts, and paperwork.

NECA Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Shoutout to Our Future Sparkies!

This week NECA held a week long Pre-Apprenticeship Training to explore the ins and outs of the electrical trade. Well done to Luke Drewsen, Aidan Tyrell and Lachlan McRae, who showed curiosity, commitment, and a great attitude to complete 3 units of competency towards an electrical trade. 

Thanks to NECA for delivering the career-building experience right here in the Eurobodalla. 

ADF Work Experience - HMAS Albatross, Nowra

The Navy Familiarisation program is held over 3 days at HMAS Albatross and HMAS Creswell. Students may participate in the following activities:

• Naval Aviation Sea Survival Centre Drills / Wet Winching
• Visits to Squadrons, Seahawk Simulation and Warfare Centre and Helicopter Aircrew Training School (HATS) Simulators ADF Parachute School visit and Simulators
• Participate in the RAN Fitness Test – HMAS Creswell Gym Session / Team Building Exercises
• Fly the Naval Aviation Prospects Scheme (NAPS) Virtual Reality Simulators
• Visit the RAN School of Survivability and Ship Safety (RANSSSS) and participate in combat survivability training (Fire and Flooding Simulators)
• Visits to other Units and Sections that support operational flying at HMAS Albatross including Air Traffic Control (453 SQN), Meteorologists, Medical Centre and Boatswain’s Mate and Aviation Category.

The next dates are coming up in November. Link to apply . Students need to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements to and from HMAS Albatross, Nowra. 

Mrs Amy Dalgleish
VET and Careers Coordinator

Welcome back to Term 4! There are still some sporting opportunities coming up for our students this term and teams have been busy training/trialling for the Cootamundra Touch Carnival which will be in week 5 and the Downie Shield Cricket team which will be played next Friday.

Students will also be beginning recreational sport this term which will see students participate in a range of activities such as golf, bush walking, gymnastics, gym workouts and mountain biking (for year 10). 

Congratulations to our CCB students who competed in the NSW All Schools Athletics Carnival at the end of last term.These are:Kaylee Edmunds, Felix Poole, Luke Drewsen, Jacob Borg, Arthur Shakespeare-Dargan. A tremendous achievement by all to make it to such a high representative level in athletics. Our best result was Luke Drewsen who managed a 3rd place in the 16 years long jump. 

Mr Charlton Fogarty
Sport Coordinator

Last week, our Carroll College girls swapped classrooms for the great outdoors on an unforgettable Mountain Biking adventure at Mogo! The day was filled with laughter, teamwork, and plenty of dusty trails as the group explored the beautiful bushland surrounding the Mogo Bike Park.

 For many students, it was their first time tackling real mountain biking tracks — and they absolutely loved the challenge! With smiles all around, the girls showed incredible courage and enthusiasm as they conquered climbs, cruised through winding forest paths, and discovered the joy of riding in nature.

 A huge thank you to Ride Mogo Bike Shop for generously supplying all the bikes and helmets for the day. Their support and expert guidance helped make the experience safe, fun, and accessible for everyone.

 The excursion was not only a fantastic way to promote fitness and outdoor adventure but also a chance to build confidence and connection in a fun, supportive environment. It’s safe to say that this will be a day to remember — and we can’t wait for the next ride!

Mr Ryan Bissell

Sports and Physical Education Traineeship

Kickstart your career with a traineeship at Carroll College.

An exciting opportunity is available for a Sports and Physical Education Trainee to join the PDHPE team.

This is a great opportunity to get paid, gain hands-on experience and work towards a nationally recognised qualification – all while working in a supportive school environment.

If you’re eager to learn, work well in a team and have a good eye for detail, this traineeship could be the perfect opportunity!

Apply now via the AFL SportsReady Jobs Hub:
www.aflsportsready.com.au/career-pathways/

Maths Teacher

Full time Mathematics Teacher.

https://careers.cg.catholic.edu.au/jobs/mathematics-teacher-broulee-nsw-australia

Canteen Manager (job-share – 1 day per week) https://careers.cg.catholic.edu.au/jobs/canteen-manager-broulee-nsw-australia

Aboriginal Education Officer  

https://careers.cg.catholic.edu.au/jobs/aboriginal-education-officer-broulee-nsw-australia

Let’s be honest: teaching is messy. Students arrive with literacy and numeracy levels years apart, emotional and social challenges, and diverse learning needs. No AI, not even the smartest chatbot can automatically solve these realities.

The potential of AI chatbots is huge, but only if we design them for the real classroom:

         *   Real-time educator alerts: Teachers should know instantly if a student is off-task, misusing the AI, or struggling so interventions happen in the moment, not after the fact.

        *   Context-aware guidance: Chatbots should adapt not only to academic levels but also to social-emotional signals, recognising when students need support or encouragement.

        *   Built-in scaffolding: AI should guide learning rather than give answers, reinforcing reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

        *   Ethical and safe by design: Systems must embed guardrails to protect students and promote responsible use.


Reality: Chatbots are amplifiers, not replacements. They do NOT dominate lessons and are NOT used in every lesson! Teachers remain the mentors, facilitators, and human heart of learning. AI handles the personalisation, the adaptive support, and the repetitive tasks that eat into teaching time.

The classroom of the future is human + AI, designed for equity, real-world complexity, and deep learning. If we get this right, AI won’t just change schools, it will unlock every student’s potential.

For the remaining states of Australia. I share your caution about AI chatbots in schools, but let's be honest: bureaucracy and insufficient resources are what's really stifling progress, not genuine safety concerns. While NSW and South Australia have moved forward with secure platforms, other states remain paralysed. Meanwhile, students already use AI without guidance, and teachers struggle with workloads AI could reduce. We need to face reality; AI belongs in education and it's already there. We need controlled exploration, not blanket inhibition. Our students can't wait for perfect conditions. Let's allocate resources to do this properly rather than using their absence as justification for inaction.