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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
This Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 14:25 – 33), as always, sends a message that can be relevant to us in many different ways. Jesus asks if anyone would “intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and work out the cost to see if he had enough to complete it” and “what king marching to war…would not first sit down and consider whether… he could stand up to the other”. His message was about planning and preparation. Whilst this obviously directly refers to how we live our lives with a focus on God and eternity, the message is a simple one for our everyday decisions. For our Year 12 students who are heading into their final few weeks, how has their preparation and planning placed them into a good position for their final exams. The beauty is that there is time for reflection and improvement. We can use this as a broader message in our lives to ensure that we are conscious that we are heading in the right direction with a focus on God’s Kingdom.
On Wednesday evening, the College hosted our annual Major Works presentation. This year it focussed on Music, Industrial Technology – Timber and Society and Culture. The students develop these projects throughout Year 12 and are rightfully proud of their accomplishments. It was a small but lovely evening, and all involved are to be congratulated.
On Thursday evening, I attended the Bishop’s Excellence Awards held in Wollongong. Each year one Year 12 student from each diocesan school receives this award which recognises their often quiet but extremely valuable contribution to their college community. This year, we were proud to nominate Azura Pereira for this award. Her commitment across a range of fields made her a worthy recipient. Congratulations Azura.
On Thursday, our 2026 SRC students attended a Leadership Day where they discussed in detail what it means to be badged leaders at Mount Carmel. The day is very productive and ensures that students are able to consider leadership in all its forms and with all its responsibilities. Congratulations to these students for their input and efforts. The specific roles within the SRC will be announced early next week.
In the last few weeks of this term, we have a number of events that finish our year 12 students’ involvement in the broader college. Our College Captains and Vice Captains will attend a Mass and Lunch with the Bishop, the Principals and the Year 12 Coordinators from each of our schools. This is a recognition of the work they have completed and is one last opportunity for the Bishop to touch base with these students, their thoughts and aspirations.
On Wednesday Sept 10, our Year 12 students will have their final Parent/Teacher/Student meeting at the College. This meeting is the last opportunity to get formal feedback on their performance and areas for improvement before the HSC exams commence. I encourage all parents and students to take this opportunity for feedback to ensure they get the best outcomes in their final exams.
On Monday we will be hosting our annual Father’s Day Breakfast. We hold these on the Monday to remove any possible conflict with events at primary schools (which are often held on the Friday before). I welcome fathers and grandfathers to this breakfast and short liturgy and wish all fathers a happy day on Sunday.
Ite in Veritate
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
The Power of Presence: Prioritising Attendance and Punctuality
At Mount Carmel Catholic College, we believe that every school day counts — not just academically, but in forming the whole person, in line with our Catholic values of commitment, responsibility and community.
Regular attendance and punctuality are critical to student success and wellbeing. As outlined by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), students are expected to attend school regularly to meet the learning outcomes required for course completion, including eligibility for the Record of School Achievement (RoSA) and the HSC.
Why Attendance Matters:
- Each day of learning builds upon the last — frequent absences can cause gaps that are difficult to recover.
- Students who attend regularly are more likely to form strong peer relationships, experience a greater sense of belonging, and develop consistent study habits.
- According to NESA guidelines, students must maintain satisfactory attendance to meet course requirements and remain on track for senior certification.
Why Punctuality Counts:
- Arriving on time sets a positive tone for the day and reinforces discipline and respect for others.
- Late arrivals disrupt class routines and compromise learning time — for the individual and their peers.
We ask families to support their children by:
- Ensuring students arrive by 8:40am each day.
- Avoiding unnecessary absences and scheduling appointments outside school hours where possible.
- Communicating promptly with the school regarding absences through the appropriate channels.
Let’s work together to make every minute matter. As a faith-centred learning community, we are called to value the gift of time and the shared responsibility of helping our students grow into confident, capable, and compassionate young adults.
If you have any concerns about your child’s attendance or punctuality, please don’t hesitate to contact your young person’s relevant Year Coordinator.
Together, let’s honour our commitment to excellence — one school day at a time.
Stay safe, keep well, go gently.
Ms Samantha Giles
Assistant Principal
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Twenty-thirdSunday in Ordinary Time Year C
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The Exaltation of ther Holy Cross Mass of the Feast with Lectionary & Missal tests of Exaltation of the Holy Cross
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 First Reading
Wisdom 9:13-18 Who can know the will of God? Second Reading
Philemon 12-17:Phlm 9-10, 12-17 Paul sends Onesimus, formerly a slave, back to Philemon as a brother. Gospel
Luke 14:25-33
Disciples must renouce all possessions.
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 First Reading
Numbers 21:4-9
The Israelites are delivered from the fiery serpents.
Second Reading
Philippians 2:6-11
Paul acknowledges Jesus as Lord.
Gospel
John 3:13-17
The Son of Man must be lifted up to gain eternal life.
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It's said that if we laid out, end-to-end, all the parts of the True Cross found throughout Europe today, the line would stretch from Rome to Jerusalem! Today's feast has its roots in such piety, and is an extraordinary story.
In 326 the Emperor Constantine's mother, Helena, at the grand age of eighty set sail for Jerusalem to find the cross of Jesus and his tomb. To her satisfaction she found the site of the Holy Sepulchre and established a church on the site, which is venerated as such to this day.
The true cross was more elusive. It was claimed that the leaders of the Jews had hidden the cross in a Jerusalem well. One of the Jewish leaders told the Empress Helena in which well to look. The story goes that they dug for days and found three crosses. They weren't sure which one was the true cross, so the Bishop of Jerusalem, the later Saint Macarius, sent the crosses off to the bedside of a dying woman. She touched the first two crosses to no effect, but on touching the third cross she immediately recovered. St Helena had found the True Cross.
The True Cross remained in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem until the early 7th Century when the entire city was looted by the Persian king, Chosroes II who took the cross back to Persia. In 628 Emperor Heraclius II overthrew the regime in Persia and carried the cross, firstly to Constantinople, his capital city, and then in the spring of 629, to Jerusalem. Today's feast, the Triumph or the Exaltation of the Cross, commemorates this triumphant return of the Holy Cross to Jerusalem.
On the one hand it's a rather ghoulish tradition which pays so much attention to the instrument of torture used to kill Jesus. The only modern equivalent we might have is the pilgrimage people make to the ovens of Auschwitz and Dachau. No one goes there to gloat. These are places at which we remember past evils so that it might never happen again.
In a similar way this is what today's feast calls us to focus on. The triumph of Jesus' cross is that in it, through it, and beyond it, he has shown us how to let go of the evil that can trap us in the most destructive of behaviours, and embrace a life that is loving, just and good. We see in the Cross the price to be paid for living our humanity to the full, for sacrificial and saving love, and for confronting evil head-on. To the degree that we do these things, we share in the Cross as well, and in the final and never-ending triumph of Christ's resurrection.
Whatever jokes might be made about how far the fragments of the True Cross might reach today, the love between Father, Son and Spirit for all people around the world who suffer, reveals the degree to which our God wants us to know his solidarity with our lot.
The Cross stands as the sign that God does not condemn us, nor want us to perish, but that the Son came to us, and suffered, died and was raised so that we might know the way which leads to love and eternal life.
Yr12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduation Mass
On Tuesday 2 September, Ms Oldfield and Mr Whicker were able to share, with Bishop Brian, the achievement of the young Indigenous women and men in Yr 12 from across our Diocese who were celebrated with a Mass at the Cathedral in Wollongong. Bishop Brian expressed the significance of the personal, cultural and spiritual dimensions that mark the journey of the Yr 12 Graduands. The Mass was a celebration that integrated indigenous culture with the Light of Christ in our lives. Mount Carmel was represented ably by Eva Grados who was invited by Bishop Brian to assist in the blessing of the congregation. It was a very proud moment for Eva, her parents and ourselves on behalf of the College. We join in congratulating all of the Indigenous Yr12 Students from across the Diocese who bring so much to the diversity that shapes Catholic Education today and into the future.
Mrs Christine Merharg
Year 11 Preliminary Exams - Mon 15 Sept - Tues 23 Sept
Year 11 students are encouraged to make the most of the learning opportunities that this examination period can provide. This is an important time for them to exercise their focus on their learning goals and execute strategies to study and revise and work out what best works for them in preparing for examinations. Students are encouraged to continue to work with their teachers on revision, practise questions and to seek feedback.The Library is open on Tuesday afternoons between 3:00 -6:00pm, should students wish to utilise this space to study.
Students will be able to find their exam scheduled on the Compass timetable. A reminder that students must be at the College 30mins prior to the start time of each exam. Regular lessons will resume on Wednesday 24 September.
Year 12 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews - Wednesday 10 September
Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews provide an opportunity for parents, students and teachers to meet with their class teachers to review academic progress and discuss areas for growth. This conversation provides parents and students with valuable feedback and enables them to ask questions to support their child as they near the completion of their High School Certificate. Interviews for Year 12 are being held on Wednesday September 10 between 4pm and 8pm in S Block. Further to the upcoming interviews, please note that Academic Reports will be distributed at the Graduation Ceremony, and will be made available via Compass in Week 10. Bookings close on Tuesday 9 September at 3pm.
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TERM 3 |
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| Week 8 |
Year 11 09/09/2025 Ceramics (1 unit) 10/09/2025 English Studies 12/09/2025 VET: Construction 12/09/2025 VET: Hospitality Year 10 08/09/2025 PDHPE Year 8 See notification for date PDHPE |
| Week 9 |
Year 12 19/09/2025 VET: Hospitality 19/09/2025 VET: Construction Year 11 See Preliminary Examination Timetable Year 10 15/09/2025 English 17/09/2025 Science 18/09/2025 Music (100 & 200 Hours) 19/09/2025 Child Studies Year 9 See notification for date Child Studies See notification for date History Elective Year 8 17/09/2025 Catholic Studies |
| Week 10 |
Year 11 See Preliminary Examination Timetable Year 10 26/09/2025 PASS (200 Hours) |
Ms Chardy Miller & Mr Jay Hagan
Leader of Learning - Curriculum Pedagogy & Leader of Learning - Curriculum Administration
On Thursday, 11 September, our College community will join people across Australia in recognising R U OK? Day, a national day of action dedicated to reminding us all to check in with those around us.
The simple act of asking “R U OK?” can make a real difference in someone’s life. It encourages meaningful conversations, strengthens connections, and reminds us that none of us are alone in facing life’s challenges.
This year’s message is about the importance of being ready to listen, showing genuine care, and offering support if someone is struggling. We encourage our students and staff to look out for their peers, friends, and colleagues, and to take the time to start conversations that could change a life.
As a Catholic community, we are called to live with compassion, empathy, and kindness—values that sit at the heart of R U OK? Day.
We invite all students to wear a yellow ribbon or accessory on the day to show their support. Pastoral activities and reflection opportunities will be available, helping us to strengthen our culture of care and wellbeing at the College.
Let’s take this day as a reminder: every day is the right day to ask, listen, encourage, and check in with the people around us.
Together, we can make a difference—one conversation at a time.
Dear Parents
We’re excited to announce that Elevate Education will be hosting their next parent webinar on supporting your child during exams on September 17th.
Elevate works with our students, delivering high-impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series, you’ll learn how you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills they’re learning at school.
Sign up for the session below to learn how you can improve your child’s exam performance by helping them to establish a good routine in the run-up to an assessment.
Live Parent Webinar
How You Can Support Your Child During Exams
Wednesday 17th September 6:30-7:30pm (AEST)
Uniform and Attendance reminders
As we enter that time of the year where the weather becomes warmer, the College policy regarding uniform remains unchanged. Students are to remain in full winter uniform, including blazers, until the end of term. All students must wear their blazers or in the case of sports uniform, jackets, when arriving and departing the College. Students who do not comply with uniform regulations will be placed on an automatic recess detention for that day by their Pastoral Advisor.
Please also be reminded that absences from school must be explained through the Compass Portal or by some other written means. In the event that a student is off for an extended period, these must be supported by medical certificates, or in the event of non-medical reasons, by applying to Mr Lo Cascio for approval.
As always, thank you very much for your ongoing support. Should you require any assistance with your son or daughter's learning or wellbeing, please do not hesitate to contact the College or the appropriate Classroom Teacher, Pastoral Advisor or Year Coordinator.
Around the Grounds
Welcome to Week 7 of Sport
With the improved weather, there has been plenty of sporting action for MCCC. The final week of Term 3 MISA sport will see the 7–8 Girls Netball team competing in the Grand Final on Tuesday afternoon. The 9–10 Girls Netball team will contest the 3rd place playoff, as will the 10–12 Boys AFL team. For the remaining MISA teams, results will be decided on a first-past-the-post basis due to the weather disruptions earlier in the term.
The Diocesan Athletics Championships were held on Friday, 26 August, at the Campbelltown Athletics Track under rainy and gloomy conditions. However, the weather did not dampen the spirits of our athletes, who competed with determination and showcased their strong competitive drive throughout the day.
Congratulations to the following athletes who will represent MCCC at NSWCCC Athletics Championship on Monday 15 September (Week 9).
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Ethan Littlewood Cale Grech Lyla Grech |
Izach Saalea-Morgan Ashton Taeiloa Daneil Lill |
Adding to the excitement, MCCC had a highly successful day at the Diocesan Volleyball Championships on Wednesday 3 September, with both teams displaying outstanding performances throughout the day. Both sides advanced to their respective Grand Finals and came away with the championship titles. Congratulations to all players and coaches.
17 September; Boys Cricket Championships
18 September; Girls Cricket Championships
MISA
Round 5
| Sport | Result | MVP | Short Report |
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Softball 10-12 Girls HOBR |
Win 9-4 vs SBCC |
Lauren Lo | The MISA Softball Senior Girls team took on St Benedict’s Catholic College this week and came away with an impressive 9-4 victory. The girls played incredibly, with every player showing strong batting and fielding skills that truly showcased their talent. Their efforts even earned multiple compliments from the umpire, which was fantastic to hear. This week’s MVP went to Lauren Lo for an outstanding one-handed catch followed by a quick tag that saw two opponents out! |
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AFL 10-12 Girls ABRN |
Win 22-12 vs JTCC |
Makeliah Langi | This was our first game of the season due to the wet weather so the girls were keen to get out on the field and get their boots dusted. Makeilah was amazing from the start and was relentless in defence and attack. Tahlia and Miyah were also standouts and kept the pressure on the John Terry team that helped MCCC take the victory this week. Great game girls. Let’s hope for more sunshine our way next week when we meet our next rival |
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AFL 10-12 Boys TACR |
Win 59-12 vs BAC |
Samson Brcic Zak Leighton & Lenny D'orazio |
The AFL boys showcased outstanding skill and determination in their recent clash against BAC, coming away with an impressive 59–12 victory. From the outset, the team demonstrated excellent linking play, moving the ball cleanly from defence to attack with precision and confidence. Brilliant marks across the ground set the tone for a dominant performance, while relentless teamwork ensured every player contributed to the result. The boys’ grit and effort, both in contest and in defence, kept BAC under constant pressure and limited their scoring opportunities. |
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Netball 7-8 Girls PONT |
Loss 29-3 vs MAG |
Ella Persson Shyvonne Bulamu |
The girls were up against an experienced and structured Magdalene side. Despite being down on the scoreboard the girls gave it their all and challenged every pass and came forward for the ball. Ella and Shyvonne were a power house down the defence end getting rebounds, intercepts and crucial tips on the ball. A game that the girls learnt a lot from that will benefit them in their next challenge against St Pats. Proud of the girls! |
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Netball 9-10 Gilrs BELT |
Loss 30-7 vs MAG |
Sherilyn Ghimire | Round five against Magdalene was a tough game yet the team played with amazing spirit and determination. They never gave up and bounced back each quarter with great teamwork, especially in the defence and shooting circle. Proud to say Sherlyn is the MVP as she showcased great shooting in the circle. Well done girls for an awesome portrayal of resilience and effort!! |
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Rugby League U15's CAML |
Win 46-6 vs THAC |
Kobe Hutchinson Caleb Matamua Mike Mikaele |
After another wet week the boys were itching to get back on the field this week and redeem themselves after a disappointing second half against Magdalene. All 18 boys didn’t disappoint this week and were outstanding in their dominant victory over THAC. With some very impressive carries from our 2 bookends, Caleb & Mike, Kobe and Braxton were able to take advantage and put a number of players away for long range runaway tries. The team was very disciplined this week, completing at 100% in the first half and conceding zero penalties - a major improvement from our last game. The boys are already looking forward to next week as they come up against a fierce opponent in JTCC. |
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Football 7-9 Girls HEAS |
Draw 5-5 vs JTCC |
Charlie Sinclair | The match against JT ended in an exciting 5-5 draw, with both teams displaying plenty of attacking flair. Selena was outstanding up front, showing impressive skill and shot execution. At the other end, Samantha produced a series of brilliant saves in goal, ensuring her side held on for the thrilling result. Look forward to next week |
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Football 7-8 Boys SULJ |
Loss 3-0 Vs JTCC |
Liam Tax | The boys struggled with their performance this week. The very wet and bog-like conditions from the recent rain made it challenging for all players, especially with ball control and overall flow of the game. Unfortunately, individual errors cost MCCC. JTCC were clinical and pounced on the Mount Carmel errors, punishing us each time a defensive error was made. There were some decent individual performances, but unfortunately the overall team performance this week lacked a cutting edge and we struggled with the pace and skill of the JTCC boys. |
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Football 9-10 Boys BERB |
Win 2-0 vs JTCC |
Vincent Brancati | A much better performance from the team given the calibre of players. It’s the first game we have scored in, and it was even better because of the way that we did so. Honestly, it was like a different roster of players showed up to play. Everyone played their role extremely well and managed to exploit key areas of the opposition to dominate the game. It’s a shame we won’t have any more games to try and catch-up on points. Good effort to get the points over JT. |
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Indoor Cricket 10-12 Boys OCOB
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Loss 90-8 vs BAC |
The Whole Team | The boys needed a win to solidify their position in the semi finals. The BAC team batted well and posted a solid total of 90 runs. MCCC batted well but unfortunately were unable to get the elusive win. Congratulations to the boys for a solid season. Let’s regroup and regather for an even stronger championship run next year. |
Representative Pathways
As always, students are encouraged to sign up and trial for representative teams. Below you will find registration links for both our DIO and NSWCCC events. If you require any further information please visit the Diocese of Wollongong sports here.
| MISA Website | https:/wwwwmisaonlineeorgg.au/ |
| Diocesan Sport News | Updates and news on Wollongong Diocese sport events and trials can be viewed here |
| NSW CCC/CSNSW Sport News | Higher level CCC trials and events status can be monitored here. |
| School Sport Australia Sport News | More School Sport Australia information can be found here |
Child Protection Week
Year 7 Science Excursion – Western Sydney Zoo
On Thursday, 18 September 2025, our Year 7 students will embark on an exciting science excursion to the Western Sydney Zoo. This enriching experience will give students the opportunity to take part in a range of engaging activities and interactive workshops focused on Classification and Adaptations.
Students will also explore the zoo’s diverse animal enclosures, observing animals in their habitats and deepening their understanding of how different species are uniquely suited to their environments.
This excursion is always a highlight of the Year 7 calendar – an adventurous, valuable, and fulfilling day that inspires curiosity and strengthens students’ connection to the natural world.
Please complete the online permission note along with any medical conditions, allergies, dietary requirements, or specific concerns for your child through Compass by Friday, 5 September 2025.
Students are also required to bring a set of cabled headphones with a standard 3.5mm jack on the day to engage with zoo tours.
For any enquiries, please email Mrs Jeshmin Kumar at the email address below:
The Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) has announced that tickets to the 2025 CCSP Parents and Carers’ Conference on Saturday 25 October 2025 are now on sale.
This year’s conference celebrates 30 years of CCSP supporting and advocating for parents and carers of children in Catholic schools. It also marks the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee.
The 2025 conference theme is Supporting Families: Working Together in a Modern World.
Keynote speakers at the conference include:
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Dr Justin Coulson – one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts. He is the co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9’s Parental Guidance, and the founder of happyfamilies.com.au.
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Michelle Mitchell – author and speaker, sought after for her compassionate and grounded advice for parenting tweens and teens.
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Daniel Principe – passionate youth advocate and educator. Through his work, Daniel encourages young people to recognise and resist distorted attitudes towards bodies, relationships, and sex.
The conference, which is being held at the Novotel, 350 Church Street, Parramatta, is a one-day event and is only $30 to attend. It is a wonderful opportunity to hear and engage with some of Australia’s leading experts on raising young people in our complex society.
For further information about the conference, go to the CCSP conference website, click on the accompanying flyer, or contact Mark Rix at rixm02@dow.catholic.edu.au or via mobile on 0461 544 105.
It is a condition of the use of a School Opal card that students must tap on and tap off every trip at an Opal Card Reader, when they travel to and from school. Please refer to the Transport for NSW website for further details. We encourage you to talk to your child and remind them to comply with the Transport NSW requirements.
