Dear Parents, Students and Friends,

I hope you have enjoyed a pleasant week.

Mrs Heffernan has been attending the Southern Region Principals’ Meeting in Bega this week, so it is my pleasure to begin this fortnight's newsletter in her absence.

In the coming weeks, the Sacred Heart Parish of Moruya will farewell Parish Priest, Fr George Azhakath. Fr George is moving to Narooma as Parish Priest. I take this opportunity to thank Fr George for his work within our community and wish him well in his ministry at Narooma.

Carroll College and the Broulee community are part of the Sacred Heart Parish so we too will be welcoming a new Parish Priest to the college. Fr Josh Scott commences on 4 July and is very much looking forward to working with our students and staff. 

Introducting Fr Josh – A Journey of Faith and Service:

Fr Josh comes from the country town of Young, NSW, where he grew up as the eldest of three siblings. A true country boy at heart, he’s known for his down-to-earth nature, his approachable personality, and his genuine love for people. He is passionate about helping others explore life’s big questions, and discover a sense of purpose and meaning.

Unlike many priests, Fr Josh didn’t grow up in a religious household. His family lived as atheists or agnostics, and faith wasn’t part of daily life. However, as a teenager, he found himself searching for something more—asking questions about existence, truth, and what it all means. This journey led him to explore Christianity, and in 2005, he made the personal decision to become Catholic.

After his conversion, Fr Josh became active in his local parish, serving at Mass, visiting the sick, and helping out with projects in his local community. In recognition of his service, he was named Young Citizen of the Year for his hometown in 2007.

Before becoming a priest, Fr Josh worked with students with special needs, and later in worked in tourism, public  economic development. Still, he sensed God calling him to serve in a deeper way. In 2010, he entered the Seminary of the Good Shepherd in Sydney to study for the priesthood, preparing to serve in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn.

During his formation, Fr Josh ministered in a variety of settings—working with young people and in aged care, with migrant and indigenous communities, the homeless, and the dying. He was ordained a priest in 2017 and has since served in schools and parishes across the ACT and NSW.

One of the most profound chapters of his ministry came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he served as Senior Chaplain at Calvary Hospital in Canberra. As one of the only priests allowed in hospitals at the time, he supported patients, families, and exhausted healthcare workers with prayer, a listening ear and mentos.

Fr Josh also spent seven years as Archdiocesan Youth Chaplain, working closely with teens and young adults through retreats, events and one-on-one ministry. Most recently, he served as Interim Administrator of St Christopher’s Cathedral in Canberra.

Outside of ministry, Fr Josh enjoys rugby league (especially the Sydney Roosters), Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, music, philosophy and politics.

Fr Josh brings heart, honesty, and a strong sense of mission to everything he does. He is excited to serve the community of Sacred Heart Parish in Moruya and looks forward to journeying together in faith, service and friendship.

Police Talks

Keeping our students safe in the online environment is very important. Last week we invited our Police Youth Engagement Officers Senior Constables Donna Clarke and Sinead Linton to speak with Year 9 and 10 students. During their presentation students were reminded about correct online behaviour, consequences for poor behaviour and what to do if they have any concerns. All parents are encouraged to continue to monitor how their children are using their phones and devices. The e- safety Commission website offers a wide range of support materials and a place to report problems and concerns. Issues can also be reported to the local police.  Students in Years 7 and 8 will have their opportunity to attend this police talk on 3 June.

Parent Support

Parenting is a very rewarding experience but at times it can be challenging. Parent Line NSW is a free counselling service for parents and carers of children aged between 0-18 years. Parent Line link below provides confidential and non-judgemental advice, and support for parents and carers seven days a week. The service can be useful if you are needing support, or if you just want to talk through a parenting issue.

https://www.parentline.org.au/

Urban Challenge 2025 meeting

An important information meeting for all parents and carers of our Year 10 students will be held on Wednesday 4 June 2025 in the HUB starting at 6.00 pm

Paul from Urban Challenge will be providing details about the experience our students will have and answer any questions from families. A huge part of the Urban Challenge experience for students are the surprises along the way. To facilitate this, we ask that students from the college not attend the evening.  They will have opportunities throughout the year to find out more and begin to prepare for their adventure.

Last year the Urban Challenge was a wonderful experience for the students and staff. We are very pleased to be able to offer it again in 2025. See you at the meeting.

https://www.theurbanchallenge.com.au/

Teddy Bears' Picnic

The Student Representative Council, (which is made up of students from Years 7-12), and Vice Captain, Archie Cockram, assisted with the running of the 2025 Teddy Bears' Picnic for St Bernard’s and St Mary’s students. Our students were engaged all day, running fun activities for the students.  Thank you very much to Ms Boller for her organisation which was ably supported by Mrs Marge Croese.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

In our community we have many individuals and families who have been touched by cancer. We know that scientists here and around the world are constantly seeking treatments and cures.

To support this vital work and to help raise funds for the Cancer Council we recognized Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea on Tuesday 20 May. Thank you to Mrs Deanne Armaya for her wonderful coordination of this fundraising event supported by our barista, Mrs Dalgliesh, Ms Boller, the SLT and our staff.

Eurobodalla Youth Committee

Our Youth Committee members have been out and about this week supported by Mrs Croese. The focus of the meeting will be the planning of the very popular Winter Solstice event held at the end of June along with some other exciting activities for our local community. We look forward to hearing the details.

Academic Care Lessons in Week 4

This week our students from Years 7 to 12 completed the following topics during their Academic Care Lesson. Parents are encouraged to have a conversation with their child about these topics.

Year 7- Wellio Lesson on communication styles

Year 8 - Library Lesson - SORA/World Book online – Thank you to Mrs Karen Mahony

Year 9 - Wellio Lesson  on informed drug and alcohol choices

Year 10- Presentation on assessment and NESA confirmation of entry checking followed by Minimum Standards Test practice

Year 11- Wellio Lesson -Ethical dilemmas and moral reasoning /NESA confirmation of entry checking

Year 12 –Study Skills Handbook Lesson – ‘Live Your Best Life’ and NESA Confirmation of entry checking.

Reminders

• Uniform

All students are reminded that everyone needs to be wearing their winter uniform starting from the beginning of Week 5, Monday 26 May.  The weather has turned quite chilly. All students are reminded that the winter uniform includes warm options such as long pants, tights, woollen jumpers, tracksuits, jackets and blazers. Hoodies and long sleeve skivvies under shirts are not part of the college uniform.

For your convenience the  College Uniform Policy for Yrs 7-12 is below.

• The College DOOF will be held on Wednesday 28 May in the college hall from 6.00 to 9.00 pm
• Year 10 will be having their Pastoral Day on Friday 30 May.

Inauguration of Pope Leo XIV
As we welcome Pope Leo as the 267^th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, we pray that he be strengthened in his ministry. May he continue building bridges that connect us to one another. May he be an example of faith, hope and love. Amen.

This fortnight our featured Staff in the Spotlight is Mrs Dalys Whipp, the college's Business Manager!

Thank you for the ongoing support from our families.

Kind regards

Mrs Louise Ibbett
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care