Dear Parents, Students and Friends 

On Wednesday we gathered as a school community to celebrate Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Church’s season of Lent. It is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Through prayer we come closer to God so that we are better able to realise the promises made for us at our baptism, 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.

Lent prepares us for the season of Easter, the most important time in the Church’s calendar. By praying, fasting, and giving alms, we are reminded of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus brought the promise of hope to all people so that we may have life and have it to the full (John 10:10). As we live into that fullness, may we also be challenged to act with love and hope, now and for all future generations.

CATALYST – What does Catalyst mean for us?

Catalyst is a program informed by the science of learning to help all schools realise our system’s bold goals.

1. Every student is a competent reader

2. High Impact Teaching Practice is visible in every classroom

Face-to-face workshops, coaching and online units are supporting improvement in teaching practices at Carroll College. Our thirteen teachers currently in training with Teach Well facilitators are learning teaching practices that are highly impactful for student engagement and outcomes. Teachers are becoming proficient in how to implement these teaching practices in their classrooms.

NSW CURRICULUM REFORM

The NSW Curriculum Reform strategy is underway with English and Mathematics curriculum to be the first in focus. Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn (CECG) has established a NSW secondary curriculum working party cluster. Yesterday, Mrs Karen Ashby, Leader of Mathematics and Mr Stephen Knight, Leader of English attended the first workshop at St Patrick’s Parish School, Cooma. These cluster meetings will achieve a consistent approach to planning and implementation.

ACADEMIC CARE

One period p/fortnight has been allocated this year as an Academic Care period in our timetable cycle. This occurs Day 7, Period 2. Ask your child/ren to show you their Academic Care Google Classroom. It’s full of helpful resources that are explicitly directed at setting students up for success. I was personally involved in teaching a Year 10 class on Tuesday this week and thoroughly enjoyed delivering the content. Goal setting was the focus and provided many practical examples to support time management, ease anxiety, logically unpack assessment requirements, and affirm good study practices. I hope it was an empowering session that enhanced student independence and confidence. I commend Mrs Louise Ibbett and the Pastoral and Curriculum Leadership Teams for introducing this model of support for our students.

ASSESSMENT BOOKLETS

All students received a hard copy of their grade level’s assessment booklet this week. This provides your child with an easy-to-read guide of their assessment schedule and requirements. It is recommended that this document is kept in an easily accessible location so it can be referred to regularly. If you have any questions regarding this documentation, please contact Mr Andrew Kenneally, Assistant Principal via email at Andrew.kenneally@cg.catholic.edu.au

MEET OUR CURRICULUM LEADERS

YEAR 7 & 11 PEER SUPPORT CAMP  

Meet Mr Andrew Kenneally
Assistant Principal Curriculum, Learning and Innovation

My career path to becoming an Assistant Principal at Carroll College has been a journey over the past two decades. I wasn’t quite sure at the beginning, but once I was in the classroom, I knew it was where I was supposed to be. Sometimes I think about other careers I may have chosen instead -  an Engineer? a builder? Sure, enough, Industrial Technology and education were my true calling and vocation.

I have now been teaching for 22 years, not feeling old at all! I have had experience in three secondary schools and a quick stint at the Catholic Education Office, Wollongong as an Educational Officer.

I love woodwork, I love teaching, I love learning, I love the relationships you build with students and most of all, I love seeing the many light bulb moments students have in class when they ‘get it’.

Technology has been my rock, the thing I could always count on! I enjoy the beauty of innovation and I enjoy the problem-solving side of project-based learning. I should have known that I would end up in an education career. If you have a passion for something it will always shine through.

When reflecting on my life, post high school I can see how the many facets of my experiences have led me to education. During my university studies, I have juggled a number of jobs including; hotel manager, Casino dealer (yes, I worked at Star City Casio as a roulette dealer for a year! – and the house always wins) and a Project Officer for Senior’s Card in Sydney. All these roles have developed my interpersonal, organisation and communication skills which I use every day in my teaching and leadership roles.

At the completion of my double degree in Bachelor Arts (Technology) and Teaching, I began my teaching career at John Therry Catholic High School, Rose Meadow (Sydney). During my eight years at the school, I was able to move into positions of Assistant Year Coordinator, Year Coordinator and Pastoral Care Coordinator. The early years of my career were heavily focused on the Pastoral Care domain, which has provided me with a wealth of experience and knowledge in building quality relationships and working with the greater community. Education is 100% relational, and working with students, staff and parents is paramount in order to build good, authentic relationships.

After eight amazing years at John Therry, I moved down the coast to Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Oak Flats. During this time, I married my lovely wife Amanda, and we commenced a life together down the south coast. We also worked together at Corpus, as Amanda is also a teacher (a very good one too).  The second part of my career moved into the curriculum space. I loved my time in Pastoral Care roles and felt it was the right time to move into learning and teaching. To complement my working experience, I continued to study in several courses; Master of Education (Educational Leadership), Master of Theology and just recently a Graduate Certificate (Highly Accomplished/Lead Teacher) studies. I’m a sucker for learning! I really love learning and expanding my understanding. My love for learning has increased as I have gotten older and love the opportunity to embark on new findings.  

After 13 years at Corpus Christ (which went really quickly), I was able to draw on all my experiences as a KLA leader and Leader of Curriculum to apply for the exciting role of Assistant Principal (Curriculum, Learning, and Innovation) at Carroll College. After meeting Jacqui and the school community I knew this was the school I wanted to work at. Carroll College is a college founded on quality relationships, where we all work with, and for each other. I am so excited to be part of this lovely community and I will strive each and every day to do my best to assist with the learning and teaching at the College. Thank you for welcoming me to your beautiful community.

Andrew Kenneally
Assistant Principal Curriculum, Learning and Innovation

This week the Church celebrated Ash Wednesday and the commencement of the Season of Lent.  Lent is a time of preparation for the most important time in the Church’s calendar, the Season of Easter.  During the six weeks of Lent, Catholics spend time focusing on ways that we can be true expressions of Christ’s love.  On Shrove Tuesday, our Social Justice Captains sold pancakes from the Canteen with proceeds going to our annual Lenten appeal, Project Compassion. Donations to Project Compassion allow Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. 

The theme of Project Compassion 2023 is ‘For All Future Generations’ and reminds us that the good we do today extends to impact the lives of generations to come. It invites us to make the world a better place by working together now and finding long-term solutions to global issues. We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through prayer, fasting and almsgiving in support of Project Compassion. Each Homeroom has received a Project Compassion box for student donations or families can donate online via our preferred payment method, Qkr!

Students will be learning about each project in Religious Education classes and seeing who their funds will support in 2023 and into the future. This year we will be supporting the projects below and aiming to help change the lives of people in these communities.

Erica Drewsen
Religious Education Coordinator

Year 7 and 11 Peer Support Camp 2023

Next week, Year 7 students, Peer Support leaders from Year 11, and staff will head to Bendalong for the annual camp. Ms Boller, our Pastoral Wellbeing Coordinator is leading this experience and has been communicating with all the students, families, and staff who are attending. The energy and excitement is building as the camp approaches and we hope everyone has a wonderful time meeting new people and building relationships.

Buses

Each day many of our students are moved to and from school by our two local bus companies, Prior’s of Batemans Bay and Marshall’s from Moruya. Both bus companies have been in touch with the college to pass on important information to students and their families.

All parents are encouraged to check to ensure that their child has applied for a bus pass and that the school listed on the Transport NSW register is Carroll College.  If you have changed address or your child has changed schools recently eg. Year 7 students or older students in Years 8-12, then the records will need to be updated. Otherwise, the bus pass will be sent to your child's previous school and it will be returned to the bus company. They will not know where to forward it to so it gets to your child.

To update your child’s information you can go to

Apply for a school travel pass or School Opal card | transportnsw.info 

It is advisable to use a computer rather than your phone.  Alternatively, you can call 131500.

Students who catch Prior's buses will begin receiving their 2023 bus passes very soon. 

When travelling on public transport it is important that students follow the Code of Conduct. Transport for NSW mandates that students must adhere to a code of conduct to use the bus. It is every student's responsibility to ensure the safety and comfort of other passengers and the driver. In addition to this, Marshall’s also reminds students that they are not allowed to bring surfboards, bicycles or other large and bulky items onto the bus eg. long fishing rods.

We ask that all parents please revisit this Code of Conduct with their child to ensure they are aware of the expectations. In addition, all students wearing the College uniform need to ensure that they are behaving in a way that brings credit to the College at all times.

Transport NSW student bus travel code of conduct

Correct Behaviour on the Bus:

o Follow directions from the driver

o Use appropriate language

o Do not bully or harass other passengers or the driver

o Do not touch other people or their property

o Do not photograph or record footage of others

o Avoid distracting the driver except in the case of emergency

o No spitting, feet on seats, throwing things in or from the bus

o Do not litter

o No eating or drinking, unless driver permission is given

o Remain in your seat. Do not move around the bus unnecessarily

o Wear the seat belt properly adjusted and fastened

o Keep bags and other items clear of the aisle

o Obey the law that bans smoking on buses. No vaping

o Ensure that buses are not vandalised and report any damage

o Wait for the bus in a quiet and orderly manner, including at bus interchanges

o Allow other passengers to leave the bus before stepping onto the bus

o Wait until the bus stops before moving to get on or off the bus at your designated stop

o Wait until the bus leaves the stop and you have a clear vision before crossing the road

o Cross the road where and when it is safe, use crossings where available.

If a student breaches the code of conduct, contact may be made with their guardians and school. Depending on the offense, students may be refused travel for a period determined by the operator. School principals may take additional action against a student under the school's policy.

For further information about the Code of Conduct for Students on Buses visit the following website: https://transportnsw.info/student-code-conduct

Eurobodalla Council Youth Committee

Each year we have student representatives who participate in the Eurobodalla Youth Committee. This is a wonderful opportunity to volunteer to be part of an active group making a difference in our region. Through active volunteering, students develop a wide range of skills that also enhance their connection to the community and their personal resume. Below is an excerpt from the Council’s information page. If your child is interested, please encourage them to come and see me or email me at louise.ibbett@cg.catholic.edu.au.

Help make our community a great place for young people to live and work and join Eurobodalla Council's Youth Committee. We are recruiting members for 2023, if you are aged 12-24 years, contact the youth team to find out more.

Youth Committee is a group of local young people who meet regularly 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.

We encourage membership from all five Eurobodalla high schools, as well as young people who attend TAFE and young people who have left school.

Committee members have opportunities to develop leadership skills, attend professional development, and grow networks and relationships across local schools and the community.

Members can actively participate in youth initiatives on a local, state, and federal level - membership also looks great on a CV. Transport assistance is available and a delicious lunch is provided at committee meetings.

If you're passionate about having your voice heard, complete the online application form:

• Sign up for Eurobodalla Council's Youth Committee

Reminder

If at any time you have any questions or you need to share some important information about your child to assist us with caring for them, then please contact the College on 44715600, email your child’s Pastoral House Coordinator, or contact me at louise.ibbett@cg.catholic.edu.au.

Louise Ibbett
Assistant Principal – Pastoral Care

Year 12 students travelled to Jindabyne last week for their Senior Retreat. Arriving on Wednesday morning, Year 12 were privileged to stay at the Alpine Adventist Village, situated in natural bushland overlooking Lake Jindabyne. During the three-day retreat, students participated in large and small group activities that focused on forging strong bonds with their peers, reflecting on events in their life that have helped to form the young adults they are becoming and providing knowledge and skills to support their future and the important decisions they will face. 

On Thursday students thoroughly enjoyed their day trip to Thredbo, where they went on the chairlift (a first experience for many) and then walked to the Kosciuszko Lookout. The weather was glorious and students enjoyed the spectacular views, taking the opportunity to take many photos with friends and explore the area. We were fortunate to have visited Thredbo during the annual Cannonball Festival, Australia’s biggest mountain biking event. Students were able to watch a number of different events that were taking place and enjoy the fabulous festival atmosphere during their lunch break.

An essential aspect of the Senior Retreat is participation in prayer. Mr Paul Hamer led a beautiful prayer on Wednesday evening where students were given a holding cross, a gift from the College. On Thursday night, Erica Drewsen led a poignant reflection on seeking out ‘landmarks’, people in the students’ lives who will help guide and direct them in their future. This prayer connected to the scripture Into the Hill Country from Luke’s gospel and students were encouraged to reflect on their own journey into the Kosciuszko hill country.

Another important event is the formal dinner that students enjoyed on Thursday night. This was a lovely celebration for students to share in. We are very grateful to Alpine Adventist Village for their wonderful hospitality and excellent food. Year 12 students were very well fed!

Senior Retreat was a wonderful experience for our Year 12 students and for staff also. Thank you to our dedicated team who helped to facilitate this important event, Erica Drewsen, Jacqui Heffernan, Andrew Kenneally, Paul Hamer, Erin Smith, Izabela Rudol, Ellisha Large, Jade Delaney, and Jeremy Harding. 

Belle Barling
Faith Formation Coordinator

Home Learning

Carroll College is a place of authentic learning where students find meaning and purpose in their life through the integration of faith and culture. Our Catholic community has a responsibility to ensure all students find meaning and purpose in their life through experiencing continual growth in faith and improvement in learning Home Learning at Carroll College is defined as all school related preparation, tasks and study with which students engage, and attempt to complete outside of normal learning lessons. Informed by current educational research, home learning that leads to learning is:

• Purposeful and relevant to student needs
• Appropriate to the capacity and phase of learning of the students
• Encouraging of student independence as learners
• Varied, challenging and clearly related to learning
• Both aware and allowing of students’ commitment to recreational, employment, family, religious and cultural activities

Objectives

Home learning has the potential to:

• Provide the opportunity to link knowledge and understanding through reinforcing learning experiences at both school and home
• Foster good study habits and promote lifelong learning
• Help develop self-discipline and concentration
• Provide training for students in research skills, planning and time management
• Help develop a range of skills in identifying and using information sources
• Provides parents/carers with the opportunity to see the progress of their child

There is also evidence to show that home learning completion can serve to improve the achievement of socially and educationally disadvantaged students as well as provides challenges and stimulus to gifted and talented students.

Types of Home Learning

At Carroll College, there are usually five types of home learning:

• Set work – completion of set home learning for the next learning session at school
• Formative/Summative Assessment Tasks – ongoing completion of, or preparation for, assessment tasks that are due or set which all count towards student reports (remember all work is assessable and everything counts)
• Study – revision and learning by way of such methods as re-reading and highlighting of keywords; executive summaries and/or note-making in forms such as mind-maps, study book, cluster diagrams; traditional headings/subheadings and related points; learning of work completed that day and/or in prior lessons; practicing of problem-solving, essay introductions/conclusions; correction and learning of correct spelling/glossary key concepts, punctuation and grammar; learning of theorems, equations, formulae and definitions
• Reading – additional research and/or individual interest
• A combination of two or more of the above

Recording and communicating Home Learning

• The student laptop is the primary means of recording and communicating about home learning. If there is no “Set Work” for the next lesson, students are still expected to enter the word “Study”. This is to remind them that there are probably other types of home learning for subjects that need to be addressed or completed.
• Students are expected to note the due or set date of any home learning, assessment task, class tests or examinations in the student's personal calendars. Communication with students and parents regarding summative assessment tasks and examinations is also by way of one or more of the following:
• Assessment Handbook for each Year group
• School Assessment Task Notification Form
• School Website
• School Newsletter

Time on Home Learning

An examination of international and national practices and many individual NSW school home learning policy statements reveal that there are some notional minimum and maximum hours most schools use as guidelines.

At Carroll College, suggested daily home learning hours reflect the research and are as follows:

Suggested home learning hours may fluctuate depending on such things as the nature of the courses being studied; pending examinations; and times when assignments and assessments tasks are set or due.

Various scenarios may require some hours to be assigned to the completion of home learning on weekends or school holidays.

A golden rule is that whether home learning has been formally set by the class teacher, there is always some other work that can be attempted, for at least some of the suggested time, from one of the other types of home learning outlined above (Types of Home Learning). Furthermore, as stated earlier, some home learning done at regular intervals is better than none at all

Home Learning and Time Management

The amount of time spent on any one specific type, or combination of types, of home learning may vary from one day to the next. This will be determined by a number of factors but does require effective time management.

Effective time management is a major challenge for most students throughout their school and post-school life. Students at all levels require regular, sometimes daily assistance from both teachers and parents/carers in the development of this skill.

Parental involvement in the completion of Home Learning

Research indicates that most parents expect schools to set home learning. Positive parental involvement in home learning is beneficial to students and is associated with higher levels of student achievement.

The nature of parental involvement in home learning may take a variety of forms that can have beneficial impacts on student achievement. Parents and carers can demonstrate positive involvement in home learning by:

• creating a home learning environment that provides appropriate conditions for learning and encouraging their children to complete home learning tasks
• adopting supportive approaches that help to improve students’ attitudes towards home learning and which reduce home learning-related family conflict
• taking an active interest in their child’s home learning - research shows that interactive approaches to homework completion, particularly in the early years of primary and secondary schooling, have a significant positive impact on student levels of achievement
• supporting their child in setting aside time each day for home learning
• providing a dedicated place for home learning and study if possible
• assisting teachers to monitor home learning by signing completed work if requested
• regularly observing home learning entries and teacher comments in Sentral
• being aware of the amount of home learning set and due dates
• communicating any concerns to teachers about the nature of home learning or their child’s approach to home learning
• encouraging their child to read and take an interest in current events
• alerting the school to any domestic circumstances or extra-curricular activities which may need to be taken into consideration when home learning is being set or marked.

References

Department of Education and the Arts (Queensland) (2004). Homework Literature Review. Summary of key research findings. Queensland: Author.

Department of Education and Training (NSW) (2009). Homework Policy. NSW: Author.

Foster, K. (1999). Homework: A Bridge Too Far? Paper presented to the Annual Conference of the AARE, Melbourne, Nov-Dec 1999.

Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED, U.K.) (1996). Purposes of homework.
As cited in Farrow, S., Tymms, P & Henderson, B. (1999) Homework and Attainment in Primary Schools, British Educational Research Journal, vol.25, no. 3, pp. 323-341.

Sydney Boys High School (2009). Homework Policy. Sydney Boys High: Author.

Andrew Kenneally
Assistant Principal Curriculum, Learning and Innovation

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 absences
• 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 log in details, please email Mrs Sandra Harris.

Years 7 and 9 NAPLAN tests

The NAPLAN tests will be held in Weeks 7 and 8. Below is a copy of the test timetable.

Important NAPLAN Information

• All students will complete the tests on their own devices in the Hall. Please 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.
• Students will need to be prepared for a lesson in Periods 2 and 4, which will start at the conclusion of the test in their normal classroom.

Next week's reminders …

Wednesday 1 March to Friday 3 March – Year 7 and 11 Peer Support camp

Wednesday 1 March – Year 12 UOW Future Me Program information session (AM Break in Hub)

Friday 3 March – Year 8 Maths Mogo Zoo fun day

Monday 6 March – Archdiocese Swimming carnival

Sandra Harris
Administration Coordinator

HSC Examination Disability Provisions

Year 12 HSC students with disability can apply to NESA for HSC Examination Disability Provisions.

There are a variety of Disability Provisions available. The most common Disability Provisions we apply for are Small Group Supervision and Rest Breaks.

There is a formal process for applying to NESA for HSC Examination Disability Provisions. It is usual that at least two forms are completed:

• Student declaration form (completed by the student applying)
• Medical form (completed by a qualified and treating medical professional)

Year 12 students who have disability as defined under the broad definition of disability in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, should see Mr Foster as soon as possible to discuss the process and collect the required forms.

It is desirable that the HSC Examination Disability Provisions application is completed by the Last Day of Term One.

For NESA information about HSC Examination Disability Provisions please see:

https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/disability-provisions/hsc-disability-provisions-guide-for-teachers-and-parents

Mr Wayne Foster
Leader of Inclusive Learning

UOW Discovery Day

A great day was had by 35 Year 12 students who spent the day at the University of Wollongong's Wollongong campus on Tuesday 14 February for the annual UOW Discovery Day. Students had the opportunity to participate in a range of sessions across the faculties including health, law, engineering, geography and education to gain a taste of what studying in these areas entails. As well as future degree study options, Discovery Day also gave students a glimpse into campus life and the university student experience. Current undergraduate students were mentors and guides for Year 12 students on the day and their enthusiasm and excitement helped make the day fun and memorable for all! 

Nursing and Health Careers workshop - Uni of Wollongong

24 students from Years 10, 11 and 12 visited the University of Wollongong's Batemans Bay campus on Tuesday 21 February to participate in a series of workshops about nursing and health. As well as the opportunity to speak with health professionals, students were involved in a range of hands-on activities in the nursing simulation labs. Plenty of questions and ideas were generated by students as they explored future career and study options available.  

Swimming Carnival Report

On Monday 10 February, Carroll College held its 28th annual swimming carnival. This year's carnival was held at Moruya Pool which allowed the students to get nice and close to all the action during the day. House spirit was a big focus for the day. Students cheered on members from their respective houses loudly as they made their way down the pool lanes. The senior students once again impressed with their enthusiasm, colourful outfits, and loud war cries. Students were given the task of dressing up in a particular theme which included Chisholm - Where’s Wally, Xavier - Aliens exist, and MacKillop - Under the Sea. There were some very impressive outfits constructed by both staff and students. I would have to say Chisholm held the mantle of best-dressed house on the day!

Congratulations to all the students who competed and also thanks to the staff that helped out on the day. An information note was sent home with students who are eligible to compete at the Archdiocesan Carnival in Queanbeyan on 6 March.

House Results 

Age Champions

12 Years:

Male – no competitors

Female – Laila Coppin

13 Years:

Male – Leo Halliday

Female – Amy Collins

14 Years:

Male – James Collins 

Female – Michaela Fitzpatrick

15 Years:

Male – Kodi Perkins

Female – Bronte Epplestun

16 Years:

Male – Will Sullivan

Female – Amy Brandenburger

17 Years + winner:

Male – Harry Barrington

Female – Claire Mass

Mr Charlton Fogarty
Sports Coordinator

Term 1 2023 fee statements have now been emailed to families.

Thank you to families who have already been making payments. All families are emailed a fee statement including those who make regular payments. This provides information on where your account and fees are up to at the dates indicated and provides the opportunity to check your account to make sure payments are sufficient to cover fees.

Receipting has been done up to 11 February 2023. Payments can be made through Direct debit, BPay, Qkr!, EFTPOS or Cash. Payments are due 27 March 2023.

Should you have any queries or are experiencing any financial difficulties, please contact our Business Manager, Dalys Whipp at finance.ccb@cg.catholic.edu.au or 44715600.

Dalys Whipp
Fees & Finance Officer