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)