Mrs Carroll’s Musing

Today at SCC, we are celebrating World Gratitude Day, and it fills me with pride to see our SRC leading the way with this wonderful initiative. A special thank you goes to Mrs. Perre for mentoring the SRC students and guiding them in bringing their ideas and plans to life. Their leadership and teamwork remind us of the importance of gratitude in shaping our school community.

I am especially thankful because I know that gratitude is a powerful tool for building a positive and supportive environment at SCC. When we pause to express thanks for the people, moments and opportunities in our lives we develop a deeper sense of connection and belonging. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering an atmosphere of kindness, empathy and respect among students, staff, and families. Teaching our students the value of saying “thank you” not only strengthens our bonds but also equips them with vital social-emotional skills they will carry throughout their lives.

Showing and practising gratitude is also a way for us to uplift one another. In the busyness of school life it’s easy to overlook the daily acts of kindness and support that help our community thrive. When we acknowledge these efforts—whether it’s a classmate helping a friend, a teacher going the extra mile, or a parent supporting the school—we remind ourselves that we are part of something bigger. Gratitude fosters a culture of appreciation, where everyone feels seen, valued and encouraged to contribute to the vibrant spirit of our school. By modelling and teaching gratitude, we create a more harmonious, caring environment where everyone can flourish.

As I reflect on Term 3, I have so much to be thankful for. It’s been another jam-packed 10 weeks full of learning, exciting excursions and sporting events. But without a doubt, the highlight from the library was Book Week. The week filled me with immense joy as I witnessed our community come together, united through fun and learning. Our staff embraced their playful side, surprising and delighting students along the way. Our students showcased their literary creativity in the Book Week Parade, and we all had fun learning some gross facts during our whole-school quiz!

I believe that Book Week planted a seed in our students, showing them that stepping outside their comfort zones can lead to incredible experiences. By pushing beyond familiar limits, our staff modelled how embracing challenges (in this case, playful challenges!) helps us grow and our students discover how brightly they can shine. This was evident again in Tuesday’s Dance Through the Decades Showcase…

What an utterly amazing show it was! I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed a performance as much. Every minute was captivating and the joy in the room was palpable—not just from the performers but from everyone in attendance. Mrs. Lattimore is nothing short of a creative genius. Her ability to see and understand each of our students made the performance truly inclusive. Many students who are typically shy or hesitant came alive on that stage and it was an absolute pleasure to witness. For those who were able to attend, I hope you enjoyed the show as much as I did. 

Finally, I want to take a moment to explain why I feel compelled to write these “musings” in our newsletter. It’s simple: I love our community. I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of it and I believe that connecting with you in this way is a small gesture I can offer to show my gratitude to all. Sharing these thoughts and experiences is my way of celebrating the wonderful moments that make our school so special and I hope that in doing so, I can help strengthen the bonds that unite us as a community.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support. I look forward to sharing more with you as we journey through Term 4.

I hope you all enjoy a sensational (someone had to say it!) school holiday break.

Until next time from the library, best wishes to you all - 

Katrina Carroll

SSO/Library Administrator

A Journey of Faith

This term, I’ve been on an incredible journey—a journey of faith. I joined an Alpha group at the parish of St Therese, West Wollongong, and it has truly been a transformative experience.

Have you heard of Alpha?

Alpha is a Christian program designed to introduce the basics of the Christian faith in an open, friendly and welcoming environment. It’s gaining popularity across our diocese because it provides a space for meaningful conversations about life, faith and the deeper questions of existence. What does it mean to know God? How does faith shape our lives? Alpha offers the chance to explore these big questions and discover what Christianity might have to offer in response.

For a while, I’d been searching for someone to discuss my faith with—someone who could share in thought-provoking conversations, challenge my perspective and exchange ideas about life and spirituality. I’ve always loved hearing other people’s viewpoints and I had this deep yearning for faith-filled discussions. Now, thanks to Alpha, I’ve found exactly that.

The beauty of Alpha is that it’s not just a course—it’s an experience. It brings together people from all walks of life, no matter where they are on their faith journey. Whether you’re an atheist, an agnostic, or a lifelong believer, everyone is welcome. Alpha encourages open dialogue, inviting participants to share their thoughts and questions without pressure or judgement.

The format is simple yet powerful: each week, we gather over a meal, listen to a talk, and then break into small groups to discuss. The conversations that follow are always meaningful, as we dive deep into Christianity’s teachings and reflect on their significance in our personal lives.

For me, hearing about the Alpha group at St Therese felt like a message from God. Earlier this year, I prayed for opportunities to grow, to challenge myself and to work on areas of my life that needed improvement. God answered my prayer in many ways but Alpha has been an extraordinary gift. It has given me strength, understanding, connection and deep friendships. It’s also provided a space where I can open up and wrestle with my faith in a way I haven’t done before.

Our group started with 12 people and while some weren’t able to continue the 8 of us who remained have formed an incredible bond. These are people I wouldn’t have known if it hadn’t been for Alpha and now they’re people I feel blessed to share this journey with. We’ve decided to keep meeting, to continue these faith-filled conversations and to support each other in our ongoing faith journeys.

Together, we’ve shared deeply personal thoughts, challenged one another and created an environment free of judgement. I’ve been able to voice my struggles with parts of the Bible, my hesitations about attending church regularly and other personal aspects of my faith. The group’s understanding and support have brought me an overwhelming sense of peace and fulfilment.

I can’t recommend Alpha enough for anyone curious about Christianity, looking to deepen their faith, or seeking connection with others in a beautifully supportive environment.

For more information about Alpha in the Wollongong diocese, visit: https://www.dow.org.au/media-resources/alpha/

The West Wollongong and Unanderra Alpha Team invite you to join them for a Celebration Night on Wednesday, 23rd October at 7pm. This event is not only for those who have completed the initial Alpha program but also for anyone interested in learning more about what Alpha is all about. I know they would love for you to come along and experience it firsthand. For more information, please email the team at alphawwu@gmail.com or you can email me at CarrollK03@dow.catholic.edu.au as I'd be very happy to talk with you further about Alpha.

I hope you’ll take the opportunity to join an Alpha group. There’s a reason why over 30 million people around the world have taken part in this incredible program!

Best wishes - Katrina