Filter Content
Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
Tomorrow is All Saints’ Day. Over the past few years, our society has become increasingly interested in Halloween (traditionally All Hallows Eve), but for Catholics, the next day (All Saints’ Day) is one of our important feasts. All Saints’ Day encourages us to remember and value those who have died but have shown exceptional faith and actions whilst they were alive. For some of us, saints such as St Marcellin Champagnat (founder of the Marist Brothers) and St Teresa of Avila (Discalced Carmelites) play a role in helping us understand our focus and charism. We must be careful to understand that we don’t assume these are the only people in heaven. Heaven is attainable for all of us, but these people have given us examples of how we might get there. It is also a misconception by some people that we pray to saints. As Catholics, we do not pray to saints but we do pray through them, asking for intercession. There is only One God in three persons (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), and our focus and prayers always go to that Trinity.
This week our Year 11 students have participated in their Senior Retreat. I visited two groups at Katoomba and asked them how the experience was for them. All reports were very positive with students suggesting it was not what they expected or was much better than expected. The retreats are an opportunity for the students to take a break from their studies and consider where they are headed in life. In a military sense, a retreat is used by an army that is often under pressure to withdraw to a safe place and evaluate what is happening and how they might move forward. In a school sense, we use this to help the students to see the broader picture. It has a clear spiritual focus but is also about relationships and perspective. Many students return from the retreat experience with a newfound calmness and clearer direction. A reconnector is then held toward the end of year 12 (after their trial HSC exams) to once again help them to reframe where they are heading. I thank the staff for the organisation but especially those who have given up days and nights away form their own families to help our students have this experience.
Today our diocese celebrated World Teachers’ Day. This is a recognition of the wonderful work that teachers (and support staff) complete to ensure that your children have the best possible outcomes for their learning and their overall development. I can confirm that our staff work exceptionally hard, and I am very proud of the community that they have built. It goes without saying that their efforts are substantially more effective because of the support and encouragement that comes for parents. Our ability to support you and your children is enhanced when we have a combined approach. On behalf of the community, I thank and congratulate all our staff but especially the teachers on their contribution. Happy World Teachers’ Day.
Wednesday next week we are hosting the Year 12 commencement evening at the College. This is where we explain the requirements of the final year of the student’s study for the HSC and reinforce what we are expecting for success. I look forward to this meeting with our Year 12 students and parents.
On Tuesday Nov 11 (week 5) we will be holding the final Parents and Friends meeting for the year. As always, this will be in I3 at 7 pm. I encourage parents to attend this meeting and listen to what is happening at the College.
Finally, I will be taking a short LSL break over the next two weeks to spend some time with my family. Ms Giles will be available as the Acting Principal during this time. Please feel free to continue contact with her during this period and I thank her for stepping into this role.
Ite in Veritate
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
UPCOMING DATES AND IMPORTANT EVENTS
As the end of the year approaches, staff begin to prepare for the upcoming 2026 school year. These preparations manifest in various ways from organising excursions and calendar dates for the new school year through to undertaking professional learning on new course syllabuses from NESA to continue to deliver high-quality instruction and content to our students.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS
To facilitate this preparation for 2026, staff will be participating in two staff development days on Friday 14 November (Week 5) and Monday 17 November (Week 6). The focus of these two days is programming and development of course materials for new course syllabi for implementation from Term One. Students are not required to attend the college on these two days.
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.
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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
 |
All Souls 2 November 2025
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls' Day) First Reading: 2 Maccabees 12:42-45 Sacrifice for the Dead Second Reading: Philippians 3:20 -21 Christ will transfigure our bodies into copies of his glorious body. |
 |
9 November 2025 The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica First Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-2. 8-9. 12 The water from the temple brings life. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:9-11. 16-17 You are God’s temple. Gospel: John 2:13-22 Jesus drives the money-changers from the temple. |
Mrs Christine Meharg
REC Coord/Environmental
HSC Examinations - Thursday 16 Oct - Fri 7 Nov
HSC examinations conclude this week. Congratulations to our Year 12 students for their dedication and perseverance during these exams. We look forward to celebrating their successes in December when results are released.
PAT and AGAT - Years 9 & 10 - Wednesday 5 Nov to Friday 7 Nov
Students of Years 9 & 10 will be undergoing the ACER General Ability Test (AGAT) and Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) in Week 4. These tests add to the data sets that are used by the College to make informed class grouping decisions, and identify students that may be in need of adjustment, both for support and extension. A schedule has been shared with students, and further instructions are to come.
Year 11 Academic Reports and End of Course Awards Assembly
Year 11 will receive their Academic Reports via Compass on Friday 31 October. At the next College Assembly on 10 November, we will celebrate the academic, sporting and cultural achievements of Year 11.
HSC 2026 Commencement Evening - Wednesday 5 Nov - 7pm
Information regarding the commencement of the 2026 HSC will be presented in the Champagnat Centre on the evening of Wednesday 5 November at 7pm. The purpose of this evening is to provide students and their parents with information on the structure of the HSC, Assessment Policies and Procedures, NESA requirements, as well as strategies for HSC success. Year 11 students are expected to attend in their College uniform with a parent/guardian. If unable to attend, please contact Mr Berkeley, Year 11 Coordinator.
HSC 2026 First HSC Assessments - Week 6 - 10, Term 4
Year 11 (Yr 12 2026) will begin their first HSC school based assessments in Week 6. Students are reminded to be making their best effort to ensure that they maximise their learning opportunities in these first assessment tasks. Following the College Assessment Policies and Procedures is also vital. Senior Afterschool Study continues to be available on Tuesdays 3-6pm this term. This provides a focused learning environment for Senior students to study individually or collaboratively.
Years 7-10 - Preparing for learning in 2026
Year 10 are encouraged in their final weeks of Stage 5 to focus on working with their class teachers to ensure that they are continuing the development of their skills that will be carried into Stage 6. Now that they have received their confirmation of Year 11 course, they should be focusing on what they can be doing now to be prepared for Year 11.
Students in Year 7-9 are also encouraged to maximise their opportunities over the coming weeks to ensure that they are prepared for the next year or stage of their learning in 2026. Students in Years 8 and 9 have received their confirmation of electives for next year, so can be preparing for their new chosen courses.
|
TERM 4 |
|
| Week 4 |
Year 7 Geography Year 9 Geography |
| Week 5 |
Year 7 PDHPE Year 9 Catholic Studies Year 9 Music |
| Week 6 |
Year 7 Music Year 8 Visual Arts Year 9 Mathematics Year 9 Visual Arts |
Ms Chardy Miller & Mr Jay Hagan
Leader of Learning - Curriculum Pedagogy & Leader of Learning - Curriculum Administration
A BIG WEEK for Year 12 2026
The focus of our Pastoral Care and Wellbeing program this past week has centred on supporting the transition of Year 11 students into their final year of schooling. On Tuesday a presentation from Elevate Education, which explored key strategies for organisation, study skills, and time management was presented to the cohort in preparation for the HSC. On Wednesday morning, the grade left the college for their Year 12 Retreat, with groups travelling to either Katoomba Christian Conference Centres at KCC and CMS, or Tallong Santa Sabina Retreat Centre.
The Senior Retreat provided students with valuable opportunities to connect with their Pastoral Class, their peers, teachers, and themself through a range of reflective and goal-setting activities, designed to help them pause, refocus, and prepare for the year ahead. A sincere thank you to all staff and students for their organisation, supervision, teamwork, and enthusiasm throughout the week.
KCC Katoomba
A reminder to all Year 11 students and their parents, the Year 12 2026 Commencement Evening will be taking place next Wednesday 5 November in the Champagnat Hall. We look forward to seeing you in attendance for this very informative evening about your HSC Year.
Pastoral assemblies and activities this week
This week, all year groups engaged in a focused exploration of anti-bullying, respectful relationships, and gratitude. Through a series of presentations and meaningful conversations, students were encouraged to reflect on how they can uphold the dignity of every person as individuals created in the image of Christ.
In the spirit of gratitude, students also took the opportunity to express their appreciation for staff in recognition of World Teachers’ Day, celebrated this year on 31 October. Many staff members were humbled to receive heartfelt notes of thanks from students, acknowledging their care, support, and the commitment they bring each day to creating engaging and enriching learning experiences across the College.
College Hats
Please be reminded that College Caps are to be worn by all students who are not in an undercover area during Recess, Lunchtime, Sport and PDHPE Lessons. This expectation means that any student on the Ovals, Courts and any uncovered area (eg the lawn area adjacent to the Chapel or the hill beside the ovals) as well as students walking around the top car park and the area near Oval 1 and the courts are required to wear a cap during these times. Those not complying with this rule will be asked to move to their respective covered area by staff on duty.
The Cancer Council recommends a range of strategies to minimise the risk of UV damage to our skin, which can lead to long term effects including Melanoma and other forms of Skin Cancer. When the UV Index is 3 or above, it's important to take extra care to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation. In our case, this includes the wearing of the College Cap during these designated times.
Your anticipated support of this important safety measure and College regulation is appreciated. Remember, No College Cap = No use of uncovered areas. College Caps are available at the Uniform Shop for those who have misplaced them.
Social media age restrictions webinars:
eSafety Website
From 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms won’t be allowed to let Australian children under 16 create or keep an account.
Join our information sessions for parents and carers; educators and youth-serving professionals to understand the changes, their purpose and implications.
Parents and carers
The 30-minute webinar will help parents and carers understand the upcoming changes to social media access for children under 16.
Join our information session to:
- understand the purpose of the new age restrictions and how they aim to protect young Australians
- understand which platforms will require users to be 16+ and what platforms they can still access
- get tips and resources to support your child’s online safety and wellbeing through the transition.
Parents and carers will gain:
- a clear understanding of the new rules and their implications
- confidence in guiding their child through these changes
- access to trusted resources to support safe and positive online engagement.
|
Friday 14 November, 1:00pm (AEDT) |
Wednesday 19 November, 7:00pm (AEDT) |
|
Tuesday 2 December, 7:00pm (AEDT) |
Monday 8 December, 3:30pm (AEDT) |
|
Monday 15 December, 1:00pm(AEDT) |
Thursday 20 November, 12:30pm (AEDT) |
Thank you for your continued support of your children and the College.
Mr Simon Huntly and Mrs Theresa Moore
Pastoral Care & Wellbeing Coordinators
Elevate Education
Around the Grounds
Back Up and Running for Term 4!
It’s been a fast start to Term 4, with plenty of sporting action across the College — including the start of MISA, the Diocesan Basketball Championships, and the Diocesan AFL Championships. There were mixed results, but plenty of excellence and school spirit on display!
Girls Diocesan AFL Championships
On Friday 17 October, our Diocesan Girls AFL Team competed at Bob Prenter Oval, Macquarie Fields, showing incredible teamwork and determination in warm, challenging conditions. The girls finished 6th overall — a huge improvement from last year’s result!
Highlights:
- Siatufua Mikaele was outstanding in the midfield, showing great strength and game awareness.
- Ruby Grant and Annalise Montgomery kicked brilliant goals under pressure to lift the team.
A fantastic day of football that showcased the girls’ growth, resilience, and passion for the game. Congratulations to all involved!
Boys Diocesan AFL Championships
Also on Friday 17 October, our U14 Boys AFL Team travelled to Myimbarr Oval, Shellharbour, to take part in a big day of competition.
The boys started strong with a thrilling 17–13 comeback win over St Joseph’s, before facing tough opposition in their next matches. They rallied brilliantly in the final games, finishing the day with an impressive 30–21 win in the playoff against St Joseph’s to secure 5th place overall. Player of the Day: Diesel Wagstaff – for his consistent effort, crucial goals, and strong defensive play.
A huge congratulations to all 12 players for their hard work, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Senior Girls Diocesan Basketball
On Monday 20 October, the Senior Girls Basketball Team competed at Beaton Park, Gwynneville, showing composure and determination all day.
After strong wins against St Benedict’s, John Therry, and St Joseph’s, the girls finished second in their pool and moved into the playoffs. Despite a tough loss to St Mary’s and another close game against St Pat’s, the team finished 4th overall — improving each game and displaying fantastic teamwork and spirit.
Well done, girls, on an impressive performance and great sportsmanship throughout the tournament!
Junior Girls Diocesan Basketball
Also on 20 October, our Junior Girls Basketball Team competed at the Snake Pit, Wollongong, finishing an impressive 5th overall out of 11 teams.
The girls showed great teamwork, energy, and sportsmanship all day, earning a couple of strong wins and some narrow losses.
Special mentions:
- Shyvonne Bulamu, Alana Leechburch Auwers, and Natalie Fik for their outstanding skill and effort.
- Alana Leechburch Auwers for sinking two three-pointers in the final playoff game!
It was also fantastic to see the Junior girls supporting the Senior team from the sidelines — a wonderful display of MCCC spirit and community.
Congratulations to all players on a fantastic day of basketball!
| Sport | Result | MVP | Short Report |
|
Softball 7-9 Girls HOBR |
Loss 10-3 vs MAS |
Ava Weir |
In the first round of MISA this term, our Junior Girls Softball team faced off against Macarthur Anglican School. Macarthur started strong, quickly taking the lead early in the game. However, our team refused to let this dampen their spirits, fighting back with determination and teamwork come the third innings. Despite a 10–3 loss, the girls showed impressive resilience, stopping Macarthur from scoring any further home runs in the third innings and securing three outs back-to-back. MVP this week was awarded to Ava Weir, who showed exceptional leadership by encouraging her teammates both on and off the field, and providing coaching support to help improve their base stealing. Well done, Ava, and great effort team! |
|
Oz Tag 7-9 Girls PONT |
Loss 4-2 vs MAG |
Disney Teiotu |
The girls held their own against a talented Magdalene side finishing the first half 2-0 up. The entire team defended well and worked hard for each other. Disney scored a brilliant individual try putting in a short kick for herself before regathering it to dive over the try line. Fatigue got the better of us in the second half and Magdalene scored two good tries on our edges. I’m looking forward to working with the girls this season and am excited to see how they perform next week. |
|
Oz Tag 7-9 Boys CAML |
Win 7-5 vs MAG |
Koby Hutchinson |
To open the Junior Boys OzTag season, we faced a very keen and enthusiastic Magdalene side.The boys started very fast, with Zac Bradley setting up a try off the kick off. Despite some expected clunkiness in our opening game, the boys moved the ball well and took advantage of defensive lapses by Magdalene to score some impressive tries. Defensively, the boys worked hard, and will undoubtedly improve as the season goes on. I’m really looking forward to working with the boys throughout the season and I am excited to unlock plenty of potential that exists within the team. |
|
Frisbee 10-11 Mixed MARP |
Loss 11-8 vs MAG |
Veroniue Ferriere | It was a good performance against a very strong Magdalene side. Our control of the disc through the middle of the field was exceptional. Samson and Charbel handled the disc very well. Where we were let down was in our last passes and catches, as well as our defence which was very chaotic. It could have gone either way towards the end, and Mount Carmel did really well to keep in the game. Veronique is a well deserved MVP for playing the entire 40 minutes, being able to find space all over the park, and a couple of huge effort plays. We look forward to next week against Macarthur Anglican, hopefully with a few players back from work placement and injury. |
|
Indoor Cricket 7-9 Boys SULLJ |
Loss 25-0 vs JTCC |
Whole Team | Tough start to the season with the boys struggling in the opening match against a strong John Therry. They played really well but due to time constraints the game was called off early and JTCC were gifted the win. Onto next week. |
|
Volleyball 10-11 Girls NIMM |
Win 3-0 vs JTCC |
Chelsea Herborn | In the first round match up with traditional rivals John Therry the girls showed strong team work and solid skill throughout the match. They delivered several excellent shots and maintained steady control throughout the game. Impeccable serving kept pressure on the opposition and created several scoring opportunities. Their focus and determination led to a well deserved win against JT. Today’s MVP was Chelsea Herborn who demonstrated excellent leadership and skill throughout the match. Well done! |
|
Volleyball 10-11 Boys BERB |
Win 2-1 vs JTCC |
Lance Santos |
Our volleyball team had an impressive 2-1 comeback win against John Therry. After a tough first set where we struggled to find our rhythm, we showed great determination and teamwork to bounce back in the second set with stronger serves, better communication, and more consistent passing. In the deciding set, we stayed focused under pressure and worked in unison to attain crucial points, finishing the game with confidence. It was a great display of resilience, teamwork, and improvement from everyone on the court. |
|
AFL 7-9 Girls ABRN |
Loss 27-7 vs MAG |
Selina Pasi |
Our first game against a fast Magdalene side had our girls scrambling for the ball in the first half. With a few position changes we were able to slow Magdalene down and apply more pressure. Our MVP goes to Selina this week, as she was an amazing all rounder and her defence was unstoppable. Emily worked hard as always with her kicks, defence and always showing up. Siena was our most improved player with her enthusiasm and focus. I look forward to next week where the girls can continue to improve and connect further as an unstoppable team! |
|
AFL 7-9 Boys TACR
|
Win 25-7 vs MAG |
Keeden Robinson | Very impressive first game of AFL! The boys were able to shut down Magdalene’s plays and worked brilliantly as a team. Their communication, tackling, and defensive pressure were outstanding, setting the tone early in the match. They showed great determination and adaptability, especially for their first outing together. A fantastic start to the season - plenty to be proud of and build on! |
With the warmer weather returning, it’s important that all students take care in the sun during Tuesday sport. Please remember to bring a hat, apply sunscreen before heading out, and stay hydrated throughout the afternoon. Staff will have sunscreen available, but students are encouraged to be proactive in protecting themselves from UV exposure.
Further Representation
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 |
Year 7 2026 - Future Students
The Year 7 2026 Orientation Day will be held on Friday 5 December 2025. Information was emailed via funnel regarding orientation. Please check your inboxes!
An Orientation Evening for parents will be held on Wednesday 3 December commencing at 6.30pm. This is an opportunity for parents and students to walk through the College. The formal part of the evening will commence at 7pm in the Champagnat Centre. Orientation Packages will be availabe for collection on the night. For those unable to attend, these will be given to students on Orienation day. We look forward to meeting our new students.
Please see information from the College uniform supplier regarding ordering or booking an appointment for a fitting.
School Travel Passes
Applications are now open for 2026 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel.
Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2026. Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply for a new card or update their existing card as soon as possible. Students who receive a notification that their School Opal card is expiring need to re-submit their details.
If a student has lost their School Opal card, they will need to apply for a replacement card. Note: a new card will not be issued if an existing School Opal card is updated online – you must submit a replacement application if a School Opal card is lost.
In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.
Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.
Terms of Use
Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.
This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.
All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.
