Student Leadership Commissioning

On Monday, the College community came together to express gratitude to our outgoing Year 12 Student Leadership Team for their dedication and service, and to formally commission the incoming leaders.

We extend our sincere thanks to Fr Josh for blessing the new badges and offering a thoughtful reflection on Jesus Christ as the model of servant leadership.

The assembly was an inspiring occasion, with students, staff, and special guests uplifted by the messages shared. Each speaker reminded us of the importance of using our gifts and talents to strengthen and enrich the Carroll College community.

College Captain Annabelle Paull	College Captain George Gilbo
College Vice Captain Aimee Harris	College Vice Captain Lukas Muir
Chisholm House Captain Bronte Eppelstun	Chisholm House Captain Georgia Lovegrove
MacKillop House Captain Millie Harpley	MacKillop House Captain Sophee McFadyen
Xavier House Captain Matilda Bell	Xavier House Captain Kobi Buechner
Indigenous Captain Olivia Johnson-Pepper	Indigenous Captain Mia Lasscock
Social Justice Captain Max Ivanoff	Social Justice Captain Minny Holland
Social Justice Captain Sophie Barling

30 Years of Carroll College

Thank you to everyone involved in organising the special celebration of the college on Saturday night. It was wonderful to see people reconnecting and sharing their experiences and memories of being part of the Carroll College community. Below are two reflections shared on the night followed by some images.

Speech by Karen Lyttle

Former and current Principals, teachers, students, parents, and families of Carroll College came together on Saturday evening for a very special celebration marking 30 years of Carroll College. A cocktail party held at the Oaks Ranch.

The formalities began with a welcome from Principal Jacqui Heffernan and Father Josh, before guests heard from a number of speakers who hold a unique place in the story of Carroll College — in its foundation, its history, and its future.

We were delighted to welcome back our second Principal, Michael Mitchell, as well as John Hogan, one of the few staff members present on the very first day Carroll College opened.

Another highlight of the evening was hearing from Caroline Odgers, daughter of Noel Cook. The Cook family holds a special place in the heart of Carroll College; Noel’s conversations in the mid-1980s planted the seed for a Catholic high school on the South Coast. Caroline attended the celebration with her mother, Maureen, and shared reflections on her father’s vision.

We also took time to acknowledge some of the College’s earliest families. The Beashel and Hamer families, among others, were instrumental in establishing Carroll College in its formative years. Without their determination, generosity, and the support of local parishes, the College may never have found its footing. While times have certainly changed, the dedication and spirit of those early days remain a guiding light.

That legacy continues today. We are especially proud that some of our first students have returned as teachers — Anna Smart, Belle Barling, and Louisa McAsh. Their journey from our very first Year 7 class to shaping the lives of today’s students is a testament to the enduring strength of our community. Anna and Belle also shared their experiences as students, teachers, and now parents at Carroll College.

Long-serving staff members Karen Lyttle, who has taught at Carroll College for 30 years, and Debbie Enfield, for 29 years, concluded the speeches with moving reflections on their many years at the College. They paid tribute to those who have come and gone, those who left their legacy, and those who continue to be an integral part of our community. Special mention was given to Bill Reid, the Foundation Principal, as well as the many staff members who, like Anna, Belle, and Louisa, began their Carroll journey as students.

Bill Reid, Noel Cook, Fr Henry Byrne, and Archbishop Francis Carroll would no doubt be immensely proud of where we stand today. The evening was filled with warmth, gratitude, and joy as former and current staff, students, and families came together to share memories, stories, and laughter in celebration of Carroll College’s 30-year journey.

Speech by Anna Smart and Belle Barling

Good evening everyone,

It’s pretty special for us, as past students, to be standing here celebrating 30 years of Carroll College. When you look around this room, you see not just faces from different graduating years, but three decades of stories, friendships, and memories that all started right here in Broulee.

When Carroll opened its doors back in 1995, it was a handful of staff, some portable classrooms, and a big vision. Those first teachers, people like John Hogan, Karen Lyttle, Debbie Enfield and Graeme Campbell, weren’t just teaching subjects; they were helping to build a community from the ground up. Many of us still remember the early musicals, the first Year 7 camps, held outside the ‘resource centre’ now “The Hub” and even the butcher's paper for whiteboards and having to sit on floors in our first week as we awaited the arrival of chairs.

For all of us who came through the gates, Carroll was more than a school. It was where we learned resilience, respect, and what it meant to be part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s where we met friends for life, had teachers who pushed us (even when we didn’t always thank them for it at the time!), and where we grew into the people we are today.

We can look back now and see how much those experiences shaped us and made us laugh; whether it was performing in A Chorus Line, running in the athletics carnival, or auctioning off staff members' children on our Year 12 muck up day. Those moments didn’t just fill the calendar, they helped give us values we’ve carried into our families, our work, and our communities.

We’re proud to be teachers at our school and we love those little reminders of our own high school days, like when you open an old textbook and see your name from 1995 still written inside the front cover. Those touches remind us that we’re part of a continuing story.

Thirty years on, Carroll has grown so much; new buildings, bigger teams, more opportunities, but that same spirit is still here. Faith, community, and hope are the threads that tie all of us together, past and present.

And now, as parents of Carroll kids ourselves, we’re especially proud to have chosen this journey for our own children; knowing first-hand the great opportunities this college provides, and feeling so grateful to continue sharing in what makes this place so special.

So tonight, as ex-students, and current staff members, we celebrate not just what Carroll was for us, but what it continues to be for the students walking the grounds today. And we look forward to the next chapter of this story we all share.

Thank you for being here to celebrate Carroll’s 30 years.

Father’s Day Breakfast

On Thursday morning our fathers were treated to breakfast with their children to celebrate Father’s Day 2025. The Senior Courtyard was humming with conversation and laughter as everyone enjoyed a delicious cooked breakfast and hot drinks made by our baristas. Thank you to Mrs Harris for her coordination of the breakfast and to everyone who was able to attend.

Thank you to our staff who prepared, cooked and distributed the food. We hope you had a great day.

Legacy Day

Connecting with our wider community is highly valued by Carroll College. On Friday 5 September members of our new Student Leadership Team together with Mr Bissell and Miss Johnston participated in the annual Legacy Day.

For several hours our students were selling Legacy badges in the Batemans Bay shopping precinct to help this worthy cause. Thank you for your community service.

R U Ok Day Thursday 11 September 2025 - is a national day of action and a reminder that everyday is a day to start a meaningful conversation.

R U OK? Day began in 2009. The purpose of the day is to remind us all to check in with friends, family members, co-workers, neighbours and others with the purpose of promoting community cohesiveness and helping to battle issues with mental health. Making connection within communities can make a huge impact on the lives of all of the people in it, particularly those who are at risk. So ask the question, “are you okay?” and then listen to hear the answer.

This year the Student Representative Council with the assistance of Ms Boller organised for period one classes to discuss a Google slide showing the importance of asking each other about being OK. During AM break the SRC organised a fabulous bake sale and invited participants to write a positive affirmation on a hand that was posted to make a wall mural of positivity in the shape of a tree for everyone to see and benefit from. Thank you to everyone involved.

Year 8 Pastoral Day report from Karen Lyttle – A Day Full of Hope

Year 8 students and pastoral staff recently gathered for our annual Pastoral Day, which centred on the theme of Hope. Throughout the day, students explored the importance of resilience in the face of challenges such as friendship difficulties, bullying, and adversity.

The morning began with an inspiring presentation from guest speaker Brett Murray from the Life Choices Foundation.

“The Life Choices Foundation programs provide information, education and a voice of reason that equips, strengthens and provides hope for a brighter future.”

Brett’s passion and real-life experience brought valuable insights for our students. He helped them to better understand the difference between bullying and unkind behaviour, while also emphasising resilience. Students left his session with greater confidence about how to respond when faced with difficult situations.

The theme of uniqueness was a strong focus for the day. Through a “Privilege Walk” activity, students were challenged to step into the shoes of others, developing empathy and understanding for the challenges people may face when coming to school each day.

Before lunch, representatives from St Vincent de Paul visited to raise awareness about homelessness both across Australia and in our local community. Students gained a deeper appreciation of the vital work St Vinnie’s does to support those in need and the ways they can contribute to positive change.

In the afternoon, students split into groups to focus on wellbeing. The boys participated in team-building and Rock and Water activities in the Hall with Mr Bissell and Mr McAteer, while the girls enjoyed a calming yoga session in the HUB.

The day was an enriching experience that encouraged Year 8 to reflect on hope, resilience, and the importance of community.

We extend our thanks to Mr Bissell, Mrs Lyttle, Ms Boller, Mrs Dell, and Mr McAteer for their organisation and support in making this day possible.

Academic Care Week 10

This week students from each year group focused on the following topics;

Year 7 – Wellio lesson  ‘Managing unhealthy and toxic relationships

Year 8 – Wellio lesson focused on R.E.S.P.E.C.T

Year 9 - Wellio lesson Gender Based Discrimination

Year 10 - Urban Challenge

Year 11 – Preliminary examination arrangements. 

Year 12 – Wellio lesson ‘Lifelong Growth Mindset’

We wish all our Year 11 student all the best during their examinations. Families are reminded that if your child requires any assistance during the examination period please contact their Pastoral Care Coordinator at the college.

Kind regards

Mrs Louise Ibbett
Principal (Acting)