Dear Parents, Students and Friends

Congratulations to our 2023 Year 12 graduates! We have enjoyed a very special week of celebrations. A Year 12 Mass and Awards ceremony was held on Wednesday evening with family and friends. This was a beautiful and prayerful way to mark 13 years of formal schooling, and a reminder of the gift that these young people bring to our lives every day!

Presentations were made to each student followed by special awards recognising academic success, community involvement, and outstanding contribution to the college and broader community.

Congratulations to Special Award Recipients

Mr Jim Herford responded on behalf of Year 12 parents during the Awards Ceremony. An extract from his touching speech is below.

Some of you will be familiar with my daughter Raphi, who owned the stage as Willy Wonka in the school musical.  You’ll be relieved that I’m not quite as accomplished on the stage as her, and certainly won’t be breaking into song tonight.

But I was very pleased to be asked to offer this response, not because I enjoy public speaking, but because I really do think Carroll College, Jacqui, the teachers and the all support staff do such a fabulous job.

What I like about Carroll, and presume most of the parents would agree, is it’s inclusive, comprehensive and supportive – if you’re good in the arts they’ll work with you, if you’re into sport (any sport, even gridiron!) they’ll have a team, take a bus to the cross country in Canberra in the winter, you can join the cadets, volunteer with Vinnies, save souls with Youth Ministry, or save the planet (or at least Captain Oldrey Park) with the Rosellas, the Vocational Education and Training set up is par excellence and of course they work with every student to achieve their best academically. 

The Social Justice thread runs deep at Carroll.  That’s incredibly important as the world is becoming a vastly more complicated place.  Our kids deal with issues and threats that we never had to contemplate – cyber bullying, AI, the climate crisis.  It’s been heartening, especially from within the Community Council, to watch how Carroll addressees these – always aiming to advise and guide to what is best for each student and for everyone.

I think we all appreciate the effort you all make - I imagine attending doofs, variety nights and parent teacher evenings for the umpteenth time might be less than enticing, and I can only imagine the amount of dedication and sheer perseverance required to take 30 – 40 teenagers on a 3 day urban challenge and come back smiling.  But you do and you do it graciously and well.

I suppose most schools try and do these things, be inclusive, provide a rounded education.  I think the difference has been that we have always had a sense that the Carroll community have got our daughters back.  When we come to Parent Teacher interviews it’s always obvious that all her teachers know her and genuinely care about her.  They recognise her strengths and are able to provide guidance.  They actually get her!  And that’s a really big deal – it’s the difference between doing a job and a vocation.  Vocation might be a tad cliched, but I couldn’t think of another word which sums up that sense of doing something more.  And for that we’re grateful and we know we made the right choice.

So, I’m pleased to offer this response of thanks, on behalf of all the parents of the graduating class of 2023.  To Jacqui, all the teaching staff and all the supporting staff too - I think you’ve all helped the students, our children, grow and develop into better people.

Staffing News

Mr Paul Hamer has made the difficult decision to retire after 22 years of teaching at Carroll College. He and his wife, Ruth are relocating to Sydney to be closer to their adult children. Mr Hamer has enjoyed a long and rewarding career in education, touching many young lives with his nurturing and compassionate nature. He will be missed from our community and wish him health and happiness as he moves into this next stage of life.

Mr Tim Hodges has made the decision to trial Flexible Work Arrangements for Term 4. I have appointed Mrs Janette Soper to fill the Science Coordinator’s role for one day p/week next term in Mr Hodges’ absence. Mr Hodges will be taking Tuesdays off work for the 10 week period. He has no classes on his timetable on Tuesdays so no students will be affected. I’m sure you join me in wishing Mrs Soper every success in the role that she will share with Mr Hodges. Mrs Soper has actually held similar roles for many years in Canberra. I’m sure Mr Hodges will also enjoy a slightly slower pace working 4 days p/week.

In other news, Mrs Cathy Fryer has been appointed by Catholic Education to work one day p/week remotely as a VET Support Officer supporting Ms Karen Ruppert, Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Manager. This role complements Mrs Fryer’s position at the college.

Mrs Danielle Ciuffetelli will be returning to work next term for 4 days p/week following Maternity Leave. She will be roving relief and supporting in Pastoral. It will be lovely to welcome Danielle back to work.

Thank you to Mr Darcy Harding who has been working as a Classroom Support Assistant this term. Mr Harding is returning to Canberra, but we are hoping he’ll be back at Carroll in 2024. I wish him well and thank him for his commitment to the college in the important work he undertakes.

A reminder that Mrs Karen Lyttle, Xavier House Coordinator is taking leave for the first two weeks of Term 4. Mrs Kym Millikin will be Xavier House Coordinator (Acting) while Mrs Lyttle is away. Miss Emily Parrish will be teaching Mrs Lyttle’s classes.

We welcome Mr Greg McAteer back from leave next term.

Classroom Mastery
Next year, Catholic Education is introducing a behavioural /well-being program called ‘Classroom Mastery’ to selected schools to pilot the program for gradual implementation across the system.

Our three K-12 Catholic schools on the coast have been selected in the first wave of schools to participate in 2024.  Our three schools were chosen recognising the importance of a common approach for the K-12 Pathway.

Initial training is commencing next term with Dr Tim McDonald to upskill staff. To enable this to occur, an additional Pupil Free Day has been approved for Wednesday 25 October (Week 3). This training complements Catalyst initiatives, particularly High Impact Teaching Practices.

Our involvement in this program is exciting as it supports our continual promotion of high expectations for learning.

Follow the website link for further information.

https://www.classroommastery.com.au

I extend my thanks and appreciation to our tremendous staff for their work this term. I feel so blessed to work with such genuine and committed professionals.

I wish all our families a safe and enjoyable break. School resumes for students on Tuesday, 10 October. I ask that students return in full summer uniform. Please refer to Mrs Ibbett’s pastoral article for full details on uniform expectations.

Best wishes to Year 12 as they prepare for their exams.

With respect and encouragement to you.

Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal

“The fruit of love is service, which is compassion in action.” 

St Mother Teresa

Graduation Mass

Week 10 Term 3 is always a busy week and our most special event, the Graduation Mass, was held on Wednesday 20 September at St Bernard’s Parish Church, Batehaven.  

The Mass was co-celebrated by Fr Loi (St Bernards, Batehaven) and Fr George (Sacred Heart Moruya). The church was filled with students, families, staff and friends and was a wonderful celebration of our faith and school community.

The theme of the Mass was “Launch out into the Deep” which comes from the Gospel of Luke (5:1-11). The scripture passage is about trust and faith in God’s plan and in oneself. Fr Loi spoke in his homily about the myriad of options and futures students have in front of them but that if they “do their best, and let God do the rest” they can’t go wrong. 

The two prayer spaces at the front of the altar included symbols of our local area and school. Eight beaches spanning from North to South were included as well as College candles, a message stick and symbols of all teaching departments. 

Thank you to Mrs Belle Barling for her organisation of the Mass, the beautiful booklet and PowerPoint, and all her efforts to make the Mass a lovely experience for all. Thank you too to our wonderful musicians who sang and played so beautifully and who enlivened the celebration with their gifts.

Fr Loi Year 8 Religious Education Class Visits 

We have been very lucky this week to have Fr Loi visiting all Year 8 RE classes to talk about the sacrament of Baptism. Students in Year 8 have just completed the unit, “God’s People” where they have studied God’s covenant relationships throughout the Bible and initiation rites in Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Fr Loi’s visits to the classes were very informative about Baptism and students were able to ask him questions about the sacrament as well as other questions they had about all things religious. Thank you Fr Loi for spending this time with the students and sharing your knowledge and faith with them. 

I wish everyone a safe break and look forward to a busy Term 4 focussed on Advent and the coming of Jesus at Christmas. 

Erica Drewsen

RE Coordinator

Please keep the following families in your prayers, Mikayla Cairney (Year 9) and Will Grant (Year 10) on the passing of their Great-grandmother. 

Year 12 Farewell

Term 3, Week 10 is always a high point on the college calendar. This time is also known as Graduation week where the college community acknowledges the achievements of our Year 12 students and sadly farewells them. Across several events we hope that our Year 12 students are feeling affirmed and encouraged to continue to work hard in preparation for their HSC examinations. As they finish their time at Carroll College, we hope they take with them the example of strong Christian values that have been so much of their daily lives here at the college. Practising these values in their daily lives will assist with making the world a better place.

Breakfast BBQ

On Wednesday morning the Year 11 Skills for Work class supported by the new Student Leadership Team, cooked breakfast for Year 12 and the staff. It was a great opportunity on such a bright sunny morning to share breakfast with Year 12 who were relaxed and happy in casual clothes. Thank you to everyone involved in this early morning, inclusive event.

Graduation Awards ceremony

Collecting and collating the details for the Awards ceremony is a special task. Through the process you get to see the culmination of the effort, achievement and aspirations of our Year 12 students. This year we were pleased to launch a new look Graduation folder and certificate to celebrate this very special occasion. During the ceremony it was obvious that our students and their families were proud of the collective achievement of this cohort.

Year 12 Final Assembly

The College gathered to farewell the Year 12 students with an assembly on Thursday morning. We were very happy to welcome a large number of parents, families and friends to join the celebration. As Year 12 processed into the Hall they were greeted with continuous applause from the students, staff and guests. We heard speeches from the Captain’s on behalf of the Year 12 cohort that reflected so positively on what Carroll College has meant to them over the years and they offered encouragement for the students to continue to appreciate all that they have and make the most of their opportunities. The Chisholm House Captains were very proud when Chisholm were announced House of the Year! Our Year 12 Music students shared their talents one more time and we finished the assembly with a montage of images of the year group put together by William Nguyen.

A fitting farewell was the Guard of Honour formed by students, staff, parents and families as the students left the hall. Cheers, tears, hugs and smiles were clearly evident, a release of emotions that this important day had finally arrived and been shared with each other and their community.

Year 12 Luncheon

Finally, each year after the Farewell assembly members of the college executive and Pastoral House Leaders escort Year 12 students to lunch.  This year we enjoyed a wonderful meal at Smokey Dan's, Tomakin. Thank you to the staff at the venue for making us feel so welcome.

Change Agent

Carroll College was privileged to experience the Discovery Program from Young Change Agents for female students organised by our Wellbeing Coordinator Ms Boller.  Around 60 Year 8 and 9 students were able to participate. It was obvious that the students thoroughly engaged in team building, innovative thinking and design briefing activities.

The students were thrown straight into a challenge that required them to think about groups in our local community who needed attention. From there, they launched into designing a pitch that would solve a problem. It was really great to see that some groups focused on our College and others on issues they can see around the local area such as a lack of public transport for youth, lack of activities for youth, and the degree of homelessness.

Students that focused on our College, put together proposals such as ‘binamal’ which is a way to help students manage their lunch rubbish by designing a little round bin that would be attached to the outdoor chairs. Another group designed a way for the canteen to be more student-led with some great ideas.

Ms Boller and Mrs Smith were absolutely amazed and impressed with the high level of thought and innovation that the students produced. It is exciting to see what benefits their proposals could bring to the College and the Eurobodalla.

Well done to the team who won the overall challenge, of designing a bus system for the youth of our area! We look forward to inviting the boys in Years 8 and 9 into the program during Term 4.

R U Ok Day

On Thursday 14 September, the College recognised R U OK? Day. The mission of this day is to inspire and empower people to meaningfully connect with those in their world and lend support when they are struggling with life. By inspiring people to take the time to genuinely ask, 'are you OK?' and take time to listen, we can help people struggling with life to feel connected long before they are in crisis.

Thank you to the volunteers who made cupcakes to sell at AM break so the money could be donated to this cause and yellow/black ribbons for students and staff to wear to show their support. Our staff were encouraged to wear a yellow piece of clothing as a collective to raise the importance of mental wellbeing and a range of activities were held in the hub during AM break.

Bay Walk for Life

R U Ok? Day saw Headspace Batemans Bay organise a ‘Bay walk for Life’ to highlight mental health, suicide prevention, and overall well-being and invited schools to participate. A group of Student Representative Council members and friends accompanied Ms Kerryn Nicholson to represent the college at this special community event and enjoy some sensational weather as they walked along the Batemans Bay foreshore. Thank you to everyone involved and to Ms Boller for all of her organisation to ensure both events were so successful.

Shared thoughts of the day by Year 8 students, Amelia Hick and Cecilia Schofield.

On Thursday the 14th, we drove down to Batemans Bay to participate in Wellbeing Walk for Life Day. We set off on the 5km walk down the pathway with many others in our community. Laughing and chatting with new people, we made our way down the scenic pathway, meeting lots of friends on the way. When we arrived, there were so many fun activities to take part in they included pot painting, hula hooping, enjoying a sausage sizzle, and appreciating live music. The pot painting came with a succulent and a little cardboard holder, and the live music was hosted by a very fun and creative man who had written his own songs. The man singing was very spirited; he gave the day a fun twist. Altogether it was such an amazing experience and we would recommend partaking next year.

Uniform

Over the student break, students are advised to locate and organise their summer uniform. Particular focus needs to be on ensuring that dresses and skirts are the correct length. A copy of the Uniform Policy can be found in the link below. Parents and students are encouraged to be familiar with these expectations and use the holiday break to source correct uniform items.

To assist with the selection of the correct sports shoes, please carefully review the graphic included in the uniform policy above.

We look forward to seeing our students returning next term well-prepared with all their equipment for lessons, ready to learn and achieve their personal best.

Term 3 has been a very busy one, so I wish all our students, families, and staff a restful break.

Louise Ibbett

Assistant Principal - Pastoral

Dear Carroll Community,

We have finally arrived at the end of an incredibly busy, but productive third term. We celebrated the graduation of the class of 2023 this week and acknowledged their achievements and accomplishments. Below is a short extract from my introduction speech at the awards ceremony.

Year 12, I would like you to take a breath and be still. Look around you at our beautiful location and your family members who are with you this evening. Take in this moment, as it will be one you will remember for the rest of your lives. 

This graduation ceremony is a pivotal moment, a crossroads where the past meets the future. It is a day of reflection and anticipation, a day when we recognise the dedication, perseverance, and incredible potential that resides within each graduate seated before us.

As we look back on the years that have brought us to this moment, we cannot help but be struck by the growth, not only in height but in character and wisdom, displayed by our graduates. They entered Carroll College as curious and impressionable young minds, and today, they emerge as intelligent, compassionate, and resilient young adults ready to face the world's challenges head-on.

In the face of unprecedented circumstances that have shaped their final years of high school, this class has demonstrated remarkable adaptability, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to their goals. They have not allowed the challenges of the world to deter them from achieving their dreams, and that is a testament to their incredible spirit.

As we send off these graduates into the world, we are confident that they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to make a positive impact on society. They are not just the future; they are the present, and we eagerly anticipate the mark they will leave on the world.

Today is a day of celebration, not just for the graduates but for all of us who have had the privilege of being a part of their journey. It is a day to applaud their achievements, honour their hard work, and acknowledge the bright futures that await them.

Year 12 Reports

Year 12 reports are now available for viewing in the Sentral portal. The final semester report includes, HSC trial examination mark, final course rank, behaviour attributes, and course comments. Can I please encourage students to download a copy of their final report and reflect on the valuable feedback for each course.

Minimum Standards Test Update

The introduction of the Higher School Certificate (HSC) minimum standard policy by the NSW Education Standards Authority means students in NSW need to demonstrate a minimum standard of literacy and numeracy to receive their Higher School Certificate (HSC) credential. Students will sit the HSC minimum standard tests in the three domains of reading, writing and numeracy. Each online test is 45 minutes in length and is structured as follows:

• a multiple-choice test for reading
• a multiple-choice test for numeracy
• a test for writing (up to 500 words) based on a written or visual prompt.

Students need to achieve a Level 3 or 4 in all three testing domains to achieve the HSC minimum standard. This means that students who demonstrate the standard have the basic functional skills used in everyday life, for work and further study. Students have multiple opportunities each year to sit these online tests, from Year 10 until the end of Year 12. There are waiting periods between re-attempting each test of 10 weeks per test.

Students will be supported by the school to meet the HSC minimum standard. There are practice tests available at the college and demonstration questions online on the NESA website:https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/hsc-minimum-standard/online-tests

The college will be conducting the HSC minimum standards tests, each term for students that have not reached the benchmark. Please find attached the following resources to provide further assistance regarding the achievement standards:

• Using the Achievement Level Descriptions
• Identifying Borderline Characteristics

Please feel free to contact me if you wish to discuss any concerns.

Year 11 2024 Subject Selections 

Using the information collected from students from the online course selection process, the Year 11 lines for 2024 have now been finalised. In consultation with Mrs Heffernan and the KLA Coordinators, the lines have been devised to best meet the needs of the current Year 10 cohort and every effort has been made to cater to the requests of as many students as possible.

Many students have been placed in all the subjects they selected. Sometimes, a course the students may have selected is now running on the same line as another they chose. This means that these students now need to make additional choices for their program of study. If a student is missing a choice on a line, they now need to re-select a subject from those available on that line.

If you need to make a change, please print and return the slip (attached in my recent email) to Mr Kenneally or Mrs Harris at the front office, ASAP or by Wednesday 25 October. As I receive the forms, I will make class changes. If a course becomes full, no more students can enter that class, so it is essential that you return this form as soon as possible. If you would like to discuss individual courses, please contact the relevant KLA Coordinator, or Ms Kerryn Nicholson and Mrs Amy Dalgleish, the College Careers Advisors. 

Please remember, all students MUST be doing at least 12 units and have one Religious Education course and one English course as part of their package.

If students are not returning to the College in 2024, we request you return the form attached in today’s email indicating this and return it to the front office.

Spotlight on Student Achievement

Erin Drewsen of Year 10 recently wrote an article “A renewal of hope” for the Australian Catholics' magazine. A renewal for hope connects our local community with the tragic effects of climate change, and the urgent need to protect our beautiful landscape. Erin highlights the beauty of regrowth, and the Pentecost message to emphasise the need for genuine, truthful change and action to protect what matters most to us.

A renewal of hope

By Erin Drewsen 

What do 400 megatonnes of Carbon Dioxide, New Year's Eve of 2019, sprouting vegetation, the Holy Spirit and a high school student have in common? Surprisingly, a lot more than you might imagine.

Climate change became all too clear for my beloved community of the Eurobodalla (NSW) during the surreal Summer of 2019. I remember perching on Malua Bay Beach and scanned the familiar sky now marred by flicking embers. Travelling to school, it was confronting to observe the once lush green vista now looking ominous. Ash and blackness obscured the road. 

Experiencing this natural onslaught offered an epiphany: the importance of protecting our environment from destructive climate change is imperative.

The environmental carnage of the Black Summer bushfires was so close to my home. This trauma made me realise our ecology is fragile. The bush, the beach, the birds - they make regional areas feel like home. They influence people to move away from ‘The Big Smoke’. When this comforting, familiar greenery was stripped back, the town felt empty.

The world felt burnt. The world felt dark. The world felt scary and overwhelming.

The big question

Post-bushfires, the environmental devastation prompted me and my friends to ask big questions. What could we possibly do to stop this happening again? Can we make the big decisions? 

After the flames subsided, little green shoots began forcing their way through soil, hope returning. Each day the ground was a little greener. The sprouting vegetation unexpectedly unified the Eurobodalla community. We now appreciated the notion of renewal and realised the importance of how fortunate we are to be surrounded by such a diverse ecosystem. 

The emerging greenery prompted incidental yet positive conversations. Locals were taking comparison photos and eagerly showing their neighbours. People would beam at the sight of a joey kangaroo safe with its mother. The regrowth created hope.

Through shared experience, people found common ground. We knew how crucial it was to support one another. People began to perform random acts of kindness, leaving out food and water for the remaining wildlife, building birdhouses and offering generators to those without power. 

Regrowth

The regrowth helped us understand how the Australian bushland is such an integral part of our identity, particularly in regional areas. Australian forests have over eight types of ecosystems and are brilliantly diverse because of our remote location. Many species of animals, including koalas and platypus, exist only in this country. The Australian environment is unique.

The rebirth of the bush provided much needed hope and motivation to combat climate change. New shoots fuelled a burning need to protect our environment. 

Pentecost message

‘When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting, And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them’ (Acts 2:1-3).

After Jesus’ death, the disciples felt alone and afraid, unsure how to approach the world after losing their leader. But then, the Holy Spirit descended. ‘All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.’ (Acts 2:4)

The Holy Spirit and the Black Summer bushfires emphasised the need for genuine, truthful change and action to protect what matters most to us. 

Through the sorrow and loss our nation experienced in the Black Summer bushfires, we learned to understand the need to protect our unique environment.

Similarly, despite terrifying the disciples at first, the Holy Spirit taught them to appreciate the gifts and talents needed to instil change in their community, and in the lives of those who embraced the message of Christ.

By Erin Drewsen 

Andrew Kenneally
Assistant Principal - Curriculum, Learning and Innovation

Student Absences  

As we approach the end of the current term, I would like to remind parents about completing your child's absence reasons. Reports will be distributed in Term 4 and explained absences ensures your child’s attendance records are accurate and reported correctly.  

To complete your child's absence reports:  

1. Log in to your Sentral Parent Portal.  

1. On the main dashboard, navigate to the Absences section.  

1. Review your unexplained absences and provide a brief explanation for each.  

Parents can review their child’s attendance records by selecting their child's profile and navigating to Attendance.  

Compass Parent Portal – Important Changes Starting Term 4

Schools in the Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese have implemented Compass as their School Management System. Starting in Term 4, we are proceeding with Compass for streamlining College events. This transition marks the replacement of our existing permission and payment system - Qkr!.

Starting in Term 4, Compass will serve as the platform for providing permission and processing payments for College events. As we approach the launch date, parents would have received an email yesterday with their log in details and an attached step-by-step instruction sheet on how to access the Compass portal through the Internet or on the Compass App. I encourage all parents to log in as soon as possible.

We will use the Compass Portal for Term 4 events. Parents can view and complete permissions to attend an event through their Compass portal.

With the changeover to Compass for events, Sentral will be unavailable during the first week of the term break.

HSC Examinations  

As we approach the end of Term 3, I would like to extend my heartfelt wishes to our Year 12 students who begin their Higher School Certificate (HSC) examinations next term. The HSC exams represent the culmination of years of hard work, determination and dedication. In these final weeks leading up to the exams, I encourage Year 12 students to stay focused, maintain a balanced study routine and don’t forget to take breaks to rest and recharge your mind. Seek help when you need it and reach out for support. We are here to assist you every step of the way. I wish you all the best of luck in your upcoming HSC exams. May your hard work and dedication yield outstanding results.  

This weeks reminders 

• School resumes for Term 4 on Tuesday 10 October.  
• We will have a College assembly on Tuesday 10 October following the Alternate Bell Times (ABT).  
• HSC exams begin on Wednesday 11 October in G-block.  
• SLT training days will be held on Thursday 12 October and Friday 13 October.  
• On Monday 16 October, the Gurubangamba Mentoring Program will be held from 11.30am – 2.00pm.  
• The Year 7 Formation will take place on Tuesday 17 October at Broulee Surf Club.  
• Students attending the Music and Drama excursion in Sydney will depart at 7.00 am on Wednesday 18 October and return at 4.45pm on Thursday 19 October.  
• On Friday 21 October, the Year 11 Hospitality students are involved in the Muddy Puddles Garden Tea Fundraiser.  

Sandra Harris

Admin Coordinator

It has been a very busy two weeks in the Aboriginal Contact Centre, with lots of events taking place. 

On the 6th September, we held session two of the Gurubangamba Mentoring and Transition Program, where Indigenous students from our feeder primary schools, St Mary's, Moruya and St Bernard's, Batemans Bay came to the college to work with our mentors on a range of activities all based on the theme of ‘resilience’. It was a fun-filled day with a range of team-building activities, Dadirri Meditation and a Yarning Circle. I would like to acknowledge our Year 12 Mentors, Malaki, Charlee, Bailey, Tanesha and Isaac for being fantastic mentors during their time at the college. 

On the 13th September, twenty of our Indigenous students in years 7-10 joined with the students in Mrs Mullins’, Agriculture class, to be buddies for the Kindergarten students from St Bernard's as they visited Red Gate Farm. As part of this visit, Trisha Ellis took the students on a Bush Food Walk, imparting her extensive knowledge of traditional farming practices to those there. 

The ‘Today, Tomorrow, Forever Koori Tiddas’ program has also begun. This program, devised and facilitated by our Aboriginal Education Worker, Chelsea Laurie, has been designed for our Indigenous girls to provide them with an opportunity to connect with their culture and each other. The program will continue to run each Thursday for the remainder of the year and we thank Chelsea for her work with the girls. 

We have also farewelled our Year 12 students, who have graduated this week. These students have been fantastic role models for our younger Indigenous students and have worked tirelessly to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture is recognised and respected within our school community. We are so proud of them all. To thank the students and wish them well, our Indigenous students in Years 7-11 have created individualised message sticks for each of our six graduates. These sticks recognise their individual talents and strengths and demonstrate the impact that they have had on our school community. 

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Malaki, Charlee, Tanesha, Bailey, Issac and Makayla. We wish them well and know that they will continue to be fabulous leaders and advocates for their people and culture. 

Michelle Katuke

Contact Teacher for Aboriginal Education.

Year 10 2k23 Gridiron Day

The Fourth Annual 2k Flag Gridiron Showdown was held on Monday 18^th September. The weather forecast for the day was extreme, so our Year 10 came ready to look after themselves, by keeping cool, hydrated and sun safe. The morning started with teams donning their new playing shirts and team colours for team photos before taking the field. The competition was fierce from the start, with most pool games being decided by a touchdown. The enthusiasm and effort of the students were exceptional, and the standard of play was high. Just as energy levels were beginning to wane, we were treated to a fabulous lunch of cheeseburgers and ice cream sandwiches from the Year 11 Hospitality crew! After lunch, the finals commenced. Team Large took on Team Coates in the minor final. Team Large won by one touchdown. In the grand final, Team Brady was pitted against the quickly improving Team Fogarty. Team Brady were the victors of this entertaining game.

Congratulations to the following special award winners!

Combine Winners: Pypar McCarthy and Bailey Phillips.

Most Valuable Players: Max Colbourne and Kira Pendlebury.

Jon Brady

PDHPE Coordinator

Agriculture News

The Red Gate Farm students have been excitedly waiting for the arrival of our newest members, Gussy (black) and Boots (grey). The young goats will be used to teach animal husbandry skills to the students allowing them to have a hands on experience. Both goats are desexed and will become permanent members of our growing menagerie of small farm animals once they are a bit bigger. At present the goats move between the school during the day and Mrs Mullins property at night. The students have been teaching the goats to walk on a lead to enable them to move the animals safely around the school and provide the goats with some sensory stimulation when visiting other areas within our boundary. I will keep you updated with their progress over the coming term.

Emma Mullins

TAS Coordinator and Classroom Teacher

Experience Studying Business and Economics at ANU - School Holidays Program: Monday 25 - Tuesday 26 September

Visit the ANU campus and experience what the ANU College of Business and Economics has to offer.

Engage in interactive workshops in finance, economics, accounting, and business management with expert academic staff.

Meet current students and tour the vibrant ANU campus to get a taste of what it’s like to be a student at ANU!

Year 11 and 12 students who are interested in further study in the fields of business and economics are invited to attend this event.

See the links below for more information and how to register:

https://cbe.anu.edu.au/school-holiday-program

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/experience-business-and-economics-at-anu-cbe-school-holiday-program-tickets

Calling First Nations students with a passion for STEM!

Unlock the incredible world of engineering at the Indigenous Australian Engineering School (IAES) in January 2024.

The IAES offers First Nations high school students the opportunity to come to Sydney and explore study and work opportunities within various fields of engineering. All costs, including activities, accommodation, flights and meals, are fully funded by Engineering Aid Australia and the University of Sydney.

IAES offers:  

- A Fully sponsored week-long program

- Attendees can explore various engineering fields

- Site visits, cultural activities, and more

- Networking with industry professionals

- Recreational fun on Sydney Harbour

Eligibility: First Nations high school students in Years 10, 11 and 12 in 2024

Dates: 14-20 January 2024 

Location: University of Sydney Camperdown Campus and partnering engineering based organisations

Application closing date: 20 October 2023

Online Application: https://sydney.au1.qualtrics.com

ADF Gap Year

Choosing to spend a year in the Australian Defence Force after you finish school as part of the ADF Gap year program is a popular post-HSC option. The ADF Gap program offers the chance to experience life in the Navy, Army or Air Force, where you'll get paid for meaningful work while travelling around Australia, gaining skills for life, and making lifelong friends.

See the link below for more information:

https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/students-and-education/gap-year?

For more information about the opportunities listed above or for assistance completing applications etc, please pop into the Careers office at school, check the Year 12 Academic Care Google Classroom or contact Ms Nicholson kerryn.hopkins@cg.catholic.edu.au or Mrs Dalgleish amy.dalgleish@cg.catholic.edu.au