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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
In this week’s Gospel (Luke 16: 19-31) Jesus tells the story of the rich man who dies and goes to Hades. He then asks God to send a messenger (Lazarus) to earth to warn his brothers how their poor life will lead to damnation. Jesus clarifies that messengers have already been sent in the form of the prophets, so if the brothers will not listen to them, they will not listen to Lazarus. In this story, I am reminded of the message that I spoke to our students about at the last College Assembly. At this gathering, I showed the students some photos of my pilgrimage on the Camino in Spain and some of the tracks that I walked. On these tracks, there were sometimes forks where I needed to discern the correct path forward. In those photos, the way was unclear, but I then pointed out to the students that if they looked closely, there was a marker that showed the correct direction. Sometimes in life, we are required to look closely for the marker. Often, it is something very obvious when we take time to contemplate and discern. For Catholics, the marker is regularly provided by our faith in Jesus Christ and often right in front of us if we are open to looking. The Gospel message tells us that we have clear direction in the form of the teachings of Jesus, we just need to read and listen to them.
This week our Year 11 students began their Preliminary examinations. These are an important marker on their journey for senior studies and help them to make a judgement about how they are learning. Whilst we use these markers regularly, they are not the purpose for learning. Learning is for growth and I have regularly encouraged the students to reflect on this and use this as their motivation.
In the same way, our Year 12 students are coming to the end of their formal secondary education. Next Wednesday they will celebrate with a Mass in the morning officiated by Bishop Brian, with their graduation ceremony in the evening. After the holidays, they will then commence their Higher School Certificate examinations in week 1 of next term. I do not ever wish the students good luck, as this is not a factor. Excellence is achieved through planning and effort. I do however wish our students all the best in their preparation for their HSC and congratulate them on completing their senior studies.
Next week we begin the Term 3 holidays. I hope all have time to spend with families and take an opportunity to have a break from the normal routine. We will see you all in Term 4 in summer uniforms.
Ite in Veritate
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
UPCOMING DATES AND IMPORTANT EVENTS
YEAR 12 GRADUATION MASS AND ASSEMBLY
WEDNESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER
Next week marks a significant milestone for our Year 12 students as they commence their final preparations for graduating from Mount Carmel Catholic College. The first of these occasions is next week where Bishop Brian Mascord will be leading our Graduation Mass.
Our mass will be followed by our 2026 SRC Induction where our newly elected College Student Leaders will be blessed and inducted into their portfolios and roles.
With the formality of the occasion, all students in Years 7-11 are expected to be in FULL winter uniform – long sleeves, ties, and blazers. NO SPORTS UNIFORMS ARE TO BE WORN THIS DAY.
TERM FOUR COMMENCEMENT
MONDAY 13 OCTOBER
Students in Years 7-11 return to school on Monday 13 October in SUMMER ACADEMIC UNIFORM.
Please ensure that your young person returns in a manner that meets the college’s ongoing high expectations for grooming and presentation. Please refer HERE for guidelines for grooming and haircuts that are not acceptable.
2026 COLLEGE CALENDAR DATES
To assist in planning and preparation for 2026, please find below important dates for the College next year. The 2026 College Calendar will be available online during Term 4 after other remaining major year group events have been confirmed and finalised. Please note the change of the day of the week for Staff Development Days (pupil free days) in each term which is different to previous years.
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TERM ONE (10 weeks) |
· Wed 28 Jan: Year 7 only commence school (summer uniform) · Thurs 29 Jan: Year 8 – 12 returns to school (summer uniform) · Fri 13 Feb: Opening College Mass · Mon 16 Feb: Swimming Carnival (invitational) · Fri 27 Feb: Staff Development Day (pupil free day) · Wed 1 April: Easter Liturgy · Thurs 2 April: College Cross Country Carnival · Thurs 2 April: Last Day of Term One · Fri 3 April: Good Friday |
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TERM TWO (11 weeks) |
· Mon 20 April: Term Two commences (winter uniform) · Thurs 21 May: College Athletics Carnival · Mon 25 May: Staff Development Day (pupil free day) · Fri 5 June: Champagnat Day · Mon 8 June: King’s Birthday Public Holiday · Wed 10 June: College Photo Day · Fri 3 July: Last day of lessons for Term 2 |
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TERM THREE (10 weeks) |
· Mon 20 July: Term Three commences (winter uniform) · Fri 24 July: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Feast Day (40 Year Anniversary Celebration) · Mon 17 Aug: Staff Development Day (pupil free day) · Mon 21 Sep: Last Day of Lessons for Year 12 · Tues 22 Sep: Year 12 Graduation Rehearsal Day · Wed 23 Sep: Year 12 Graduation Mass, Assembly & Awards · Fri 25 Sep: Last Day of Term Three |
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TERM FOUR (10 weeks) |
· Mon 12 Oct: Term Four commences (summer uniform) · Tues 13 Oct: HSC Commences · Thurs 5 Nov: HSC Concludes · Thurs 19 Nov: Staff Development Day (pupil free day) · Fri 20 Nov: Staff Development Day (pupil free day) · Tues 15 Dec: End of Year College Mass and Awards · Tuesday 15 Dec: Last day of lessons for Years 7-11 |
Stay safe, keep well, go gently.
Ms Samantha Giles
Assistant Principal
Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
First Reading Amos 8:4-7
The Lord will forget nothing that the wicked do.
Second Reading 1 Timothy 2:1-8
Pray often, free of anger and dissension.
Gospel Luke 16:1-13
Parable of the wise manager.
Mrs Christine Merharg
Year 11 Preliminary Exams - Mon 15 Sept - Tues 23 Sept
These exams will conclude on Tuesday this week, with regular lessons resuming on Wednesday. A reminder that students must be at the College 30 mins prior to the start time of each exam. Regular lessons will resume on Wednesday 24 September.
HSC Examinations - Thursday 16 Oct - Fri 7 Nov
The College wishes Year 12 students all the best as they prepare for their HSC examination. Students are reminded to ensure that they are familiar with their personal exam timetable and are prepared with all their required equipment for each exam.
Year 12 HSC Spring Holiday Classes
Year 12 students again have some opportunities during the break to be supported by their teachers with their study and revision. Students are encouraged to take up as many opportunities as possible to work with their teachers and peers as they make their final preparations for their HSC examinations. The schedule of the sessions will be shared with students next week.
Year 7 -10 Term 3 Tracking Reports
The Year 7-10 Term 3 Tracking Reports will be available via Compass on Friday 26th September. These reports provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their progress in the second semester and may assist them in setting learning goals for Term 4.
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TERM 3 |
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| 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
CATHOLIC CARE PARENT EVENING
TEENS and SCREENS
On Wednesday, the 10 September, parents joined us for the Catholic Care parent evening on Teens and Screens, an informative and engaging session presented by Rita Maher from Catholic Care. The evening sparked excellent questions from parents who were eager to learn more about how they can best support their children in navigating technology and digital safety. A big thank you to Mr Teuma and Ms Armour for their support on the night and for the meaningful conversations they shared with parents.
STAYING SAFE AND HEALTHY THESE HOLIDAYS
As we head into the two-week holiday break, it’s important for students to find a balance between rest, fun, and healthy routines. The holidays are a great opportunity to recharge, but also a time to make choices that keep them safe and well.
Here are some simple ways to make the most of the break:
- Stay active - go for a walk, play sport, or spend time outdoors.
- Stay connected - spend time with family and friends, both in person and online safely.
- Be mindful online - think carefully about what you share, and take breaks from screens.
- Keep a routine - aim for regular sleep, healthy meals, and set aside some time for reading or revision.
- Try something new - a hobby, skill, or project can be a fun way to stay occupied.
By keeping active, connected, and safe, students will return refreshed and ready for the new term.
PCYC SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES (MUST REGISTER)
UNIFORM AND GROOMING EXPECTATIONS
At Mount Carmel, our uniform is an important part of our College identity. We transition from winter to summer uniform as of Term 4. We ask all students to wear it with pride and to meet the following expectations upon their return to Term 4: (Uniform and Grooming Policy can be found in full in the student diary)
Junior Girls’ Uniform
- Mount Carmel summer dress - (below the knee) or girls’ trousers.
- Summer short sleeve blouse
- Navy College issue ankle socks
- College vest or pullover (optional)
- polished black lace-up leather shoes (slightly raised heel)
Senior Girls’ Uniform
- Mount Carmel skirt (below the knee) or girls’ trousers
- Summer shirt worn over the skirt/trousers
- Navy ankle-length socks and polished black lace-up leather shoes (slightly raised heel)
- College vest or pullover (optional)
- polished black lace-up leather shoes (slightly raised heel)
Junior Boys’ Uniform
- Mount Carmel trousers or shorts.
- Summer short sleeve shirt worn over trousers or shorts
- Grey College issue ankle socks
- College vest or pullover (optional)
- Black belt with plain small buckle
- polished black lace-up leather shoes (slightly raised heel)
Senior Boys’ Uniform
- Mount Carmel senior summer shirt with charcoal trousers or shorts
- Black belt, grey ankle-length socks and polished black lace-up leather shoes (slightly raised heel)
- College vest or pullover (optional)
Hair & Grooming
- Hair must be tidy, natural in colour, and not extreme in cut or style
- Girls: Hair longer than collar length must be tied back with plain ribbons/scrunchies in red, navy, or white. No fancy clips or accessories.
- Boys: No steps, undercuts, ponytails, patterns, or shaved designs. Must be clean-shaven.
- No hair products (gels, mousse, sprays) or artificial colourings/extensions permitted.
Jewellery & Appearance
- Watches permitted; no wristbands or rings
- Girls: One set of small studs or thin sleepers in the lower lobe only.
- Boys: No piercings or earrings (including clear studs).
- Religious chains may be worn discreetly under the uniform.
- No makeup, nail polish, acrylic nails, false eyelashes, or visible body art.
- Additional underclothing must be plain white and not visible.
Mrs Theresa Moore & Mr Brendan Berkeley
Pastoral Care & Acting Wellbeing Coordinators
From Catholic Care Counsellors
Around the Grounds
Over the last few weeks there have been plenty of sporting opportunities. MISA teams played their final games in week 8. The 7-8 Girls MISA Netball team unfortunately lost their grand final, but congratulations on securing second place. MISA Term 4 trials began in Week 9 and attracted strong interest across the wide range of sports on offer. Trials will continue into Week 10 to finalise team selections.
The following athletes represented MCCC at NSWCCC Athletics Championship on Monday 15 September. You represented the College with pride and great sportsmanship, well done on your outstanding efforts and achievements!
Ethan Littlewood
Cale Grech - 3rd in 16 boys 110m hurdles
Lyla Grech - 3rd in 14yrs Javelin
Izach Saalea-Morgan 1st in 15 Boys Javelin
Ashton Taeiloa
Daneil Lill
Congratulations on the Diocesan Girls Cricket Team that competed at the championships on Thursday this week. The players demonstrated determination and teamwork throughout the day, representing our school with pride. Well done to all team members for their fantastic effort.
Additionally, trials for the Diocesan Basketball Championships will be taking place on Tuesday afternoon in week10 from 2:45 - 3:15pm for those students that registered.
Upcoming Events
Boys Basketball Championships (Term 4)
Girls Basketball Championships (Term 4)
Boys AFL Championships (Term 4)
Girls AFL Championships (Term 4)
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 |
Catholic Mission Launch
MULI SHANI !! (greeting in Bemba language - spoken in Zambia)
Lst Thursday, 11 September, the Wollongong Diocese marked the beginning of the Diocesan Catholic Mission Launch for 2025. We, Year 10 captains, Krisha and Chloe, were given the opportunity to attend a liturgy at Magdalene Catholic College with Mrs Macri, where we were reminded of our divine vocation and were called as “missionaries of hope, to lift others up”.
The annual theme, ‘Socktober’ by Catholic Mission, is a powerful initiative that has a special focus on supporting insufficient communities around the globe, including Zambia. Their goal is to educate students, increase awareness, and raise sufficient funds to ensure children in these communities have easier access to food and education, with the hopes of providing them with the chance to build a brighter future. This has been supported through the creative use of “sockballs” to play soccer, a common sport played globally, as a symbol of hope and peace.
Afterwards, over morning tea, we obtained the chance to interact with other students and teachers from various primary and secondary schools across the Wollongong Diocese – some of whom had travelled over an hour to be there.
From this insightful visit, we learnt that the Catholic Mission is not just about giving money, but about standing in solidarity with others and working together to create change. Additionally, the Youth Ministry Leaders at Magdalene also imparted attendees with bookmarks, as a constant reminder of the pivotal mission; that we may “carry out our missionary calling.” It was a deeply meaningful experience, and we are proud to have represented Mount Carmel Catholic College at this event.
We gained new perceptions on ways we can implement Catholic Mission into our school community and look forward to hosting a fundraising event that will allow our school to contribute to this important cause!
Written by Krisha Chand and Chloe Sujanto
12SiCT Reiby Activity
On 9 September, our Year 12 Studies in Catholic Thought students enjoyed a presentation from Lee Bromely, the Youth Chaplain at the Reiby Youth Justice Centre. The purpose of the presentation was to demonstrate the humanity of each person, linked to our studies of the Catholic Social Teachings on the dignity of the human person. Students gained a deeper understanding of the circumstances and challenges of the youth, which oftentimes led them to their incarceration, with the aims of fostering empathy.
Our students designed and wrote Christmas cards which will be distributed to those in the justice centre. It is our hope that each person feels loved and respected, irrespective of their circumstances. This was a valuable opportunity and experience for students to contribute to their wider community. We hope these are life long values instilled in our students who will continue to be positive and productive members of society.
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.
Please click on this link to purchase tickets.
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.
