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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
Welcome back to Term 4.
“Jesus told his disciples a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart” (Luke 18:1). This quote starts this week’s Gospel and reminds us that as Christians we are a people of hope. I have used this expression many times with the students at previous assemblies and the concept is one which helps us to consider our futures and direction at any time in our lives. When we might be anxious or in a place of sadness, the notion of hope helps us to focus on something better. This fits with our belief that our own Good Friday events are followed by Easter Sunday. Even when consequences might negatively impact us and change where we want to head, God remains with us and looks after us if we continue to trust in Him and rely on His love. The important thing is to ensure that our relationship with God remains strong and one way we do this by acting with authenticity and enacting positive values.
This week, our Year 12 students commenced their Higher School Certificate examinations. Whilst there are always nerves and a touch of anxiety, most of the students have worked consistently and contributed a very solid effort over many years. I do not ever wish the students good luck, as this is not a factor. Excellence is achieved through planning and effort. I would however as always remind the students of one of my favourite quotes from St Mary Mackillop: “Do all you can with the means at your disposal and calmly leave the rest to God”.
Next Wednesday Mount Carmel will be hosting a meeting of the secondary diocesan principals. These occur twice each year and give the opportunity for each school to share innovative practices. The principals will be visiting classes and speaking with students around their learning experiences. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase what we do and the positive learning environment of our college. I encourage the students to say hello and give a welcome smile as they see our guests around.
This evening our Leadership Team will be attending the annual Marist Schools Australia Mass and awards evening. This year I have the pleasure of announcing that Ms Chardonnay Miller will be receiving a Marist Award for her service to the College in various roles over 19 years. Her organisation in Curriculum is best practice and I congratulate her on this recognition.
At the start of this term, I encourage the students once again to ensure their efforts and approach to their work leads to growth. Our theme for the year is to learn for the sake of growth and our assessments and exams will help us to pinpoint if this is happening. I do however ask students to make these judgements in every lesson every day to ensure they learn something new.
Ite in Veritate
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
It has been lovely to see the eager return of all students and staff to Mount Carmel College this past fortnight. I have had the pleasure of meeting numerous students this past week and want to thank everyone for their warm welcome to the College.
With the commencement of the term, it is an excellent opportunity for our students to embrace and the meet challenge to RESET for Term 4:
- RELATIONSHIPS – to choose kindness and continue to build respectful relationships with both staff and peers.
- EXPECTATIONS – to willingly meet the uniform and grooming guidelines of the College as well as to prioritize punctuality to classes and school.
- SAFETY – to continue to adhere to College procedures for being in the right place at the right time and respecting our hand off policy.
- ENGAGEMENT – to not waste today, and not waste tomorrow! Take up every opportunity available in lessons, sport, clubs, community days, performance, mass, liturgy.
- THOUGHTS – to focus on a positive mindset. New term. New opportunities. New chances. SAME dreams. Fresh starts.
Our staff are committed to supporting each student on their journey to towards the end of year for whatever the term may bring.
Stay safe, keep well, go gently.
Ms Samantha Giles
Assistant Principal
This feast day celebrates a woman of deep prayer, courage, and wisdom. A Carmelite saint and Doctor of the Church, Teresa reminds us that true strength comes from a heart rooted in God’s love.
Through her writings and example, she teaches us to find peace in prayer, to trust in God’s guidance, and to live with compassion and purpose. Her life invites us to pause, reflect, and draw closer to God in the ordinary moments of each day.
First Feast of Saint Carlo Acutis - Sunday 12th October
Last Sunday marked the first Feast Day of St Carlo Acutis, the newly canonised saint who showed that holiness is possible in everyday life. Born in 1991, Carlo used his love of technology to share his faith and remind others that the internet can be a tool for good.
St Carlo’s life teaches us that sainthood isn’t about doing extraordinary things, but about doing ordinary things with great love for God. His example inspires young people to use their gifts to serve others and to keep Jesus at the centre of their lives.
Mrs Kristina Borg
Acting REC
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.
PAT and AGAT - Years 7 & 8 - Wednesday 22 Oct to Friday 24 Oct
Students of Years 7 & 8 will be undergoing the ACER General Ability Test (AGAT) and Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) from Wednesday 22/10 to Friday 24/10 (week 2). 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. Students in Years 9 & 10 will complete these tests in week 4.
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.
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TERM 4 |
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| Week 2 |
Year 9 See notification for date Commerce See notification for date Science Year 10 22/10/2025 Mathematics Core 22/10/2025 Mathematics Paths 23/10/2025 Commerce (200 Hour) 24/10/2025 PASS (100 Hours) |
| Week 3 |
Year 7 28/10/2025 Catholic Studies See notification for date Science Year 8 See notification for date Science Year 10 31/10/2025 Visual Arts (100 & 200 Hours) |
Ms Chardy Miller & Mr Jay Hagan
Leader of Learning - Curriculum Pedagogy & Leader of Learning - Curriculum Administration
Welcome to Term 4! It has been wonderful to see students returning with such positivity and pride in their Summer uniform, meeting our College grooming and presentation guidelines. As we begin this final term, our focus remains on strong attendance to ensure every student continues to build on their learning progress and finishes the year with confidence and success.
We also have an exciting array of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing initiatives taking place this term, including the Senior Retreat, House Captain elections for 2026, Elevate Education workshops, the U Turn the Wheel program, and a special presentation by Paul Wade, to name just a few. These experiences are designed to support student growth, leadership, and wellbeing as we conclude another wonderful year of learning and community at the College.
Supporting Our Students Online:
What the New Social Media Laws Mean & How You Can Help
We know that social media plays a big role in our teenagers’ lives — it’s where they connect, express themselves, and stay in touch with friends. But like many parents, you may also worry about its pressures, its mental health impact, and how to manage it all safely. In Australia, new rules coming into effect from 10 December 2025 bring some of those concerns into sharper focus — and present us with an opportunity to help our children navigate the digital world more confidently.
Under amendments to the Online Safety Act, from 10 December 2025, “age-restricted social media platforms” will be required to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 years old from creating or continuing to hold accounts.
In simpler terms:
- Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube (once considered for exemption) are likely to fall under these rules.
- The law does not penalise under-16 users or their parents. Rather, it places the legal responsibility on the platforms to ensure they are not allowing underage accounts.
- Platforms may be required to deactivate under-16 accounts, prevent re-registration, and use layered “age assurance” systems
- It’s not a blanket ban on access to the internet or social media content — young people may still view feeds or content, but they won’t be able to maintain an active account under the age threshold in many platforms.
Because this is a new legal regime, there will be adjustments — the eSafety Commissioner cautions that it may not happen overnight, and that what we’re facing is “a social media delay,” rather than an immediate wipe-out of all under-16 accounts.
Why this matters for our students
Social media isn’t just harmless chatting. The way many platforms are designed — constant notifications, algorithmic content suggestions, peer comparison, instant feedback — can exaggerate stress, anxiety, fear of missing out, cyberbullying, and other negative effects. The new rules are intended to shift part of the responsibility from families to the platforms themselves, making it harder for children to maintain accounts before they turn 16.
But that doesn’t let us off the hook — the home environment remains extremely important. In fact, the months ahead are a perfect time for families to prepare, model healthy digital habits, and have open conversations.
Parent Checklist: Preparing for the New Social Media Laws Supporting your child through upcoming social media changes
- Talk early and often
Start open, calm conversations about how your child uses social media and how the new laws will affect them. - Review current accounts
Sit down together and list which apps or platforms your child uses. Discuss which ones may be restricted under the new rules. - Plan a transition
Help your child prepare for possible changes by agreeing on what to do if an account is deactivated — e.g. using messaging apps, YouTube Kids, or other safe options. - Model good habits
Show balanced phone and screen use yourself — have phone-free zones or family tech-free times. - Stay informed
Visit the eSafety Commissioner website for the latest updates, webinars, and guides for parents. - Build offline connections
Encourage in-person social time, sports, creative hobbies, and community involvement to replace online time. - Focus on wellbeing
Remind your child that their self-worth isn’t tied to likes or followers — help them build confidence through real-world relationships.
The December age-restriction changes mark a significant moment in how Australia regulates the online world for young people. But it’s not all “set and forget” — how we as families respond, guide, and communicate in the months leading up to it can make a big difference.
By being proactive, modelling healthy behaviour, and keeping communication open, you’ll help your child move more confidently into this new landscape — and be better equipped to resist the pressures that social media can bring.
Empowering Parents: Respectful Relationships
CEDoW is excited to welcome Australian youth advocate and 2025 Australian of the Year nominee, Daniel Principe, for a parent information night. His presentation is specifically designed for parents of secondary students and will provide vital tools to help young people navigate the culture around them.
This information session will be hosted by Holy Spirit College, Bellambi, on 27 November 2025.
Elevate Education
Mrs Simon Huntly & Mrs Theresa Moore
Pastoral Care & Wellbeing Coordinators
Around the Grounds
Welcome to Week 1 of Sport for Term 4!
We have a busy few weeks ahead with the Diocesan AFL and Basketball Championships taking place, as well as the start of Term 4 MISA competitions. It’s shaping up to be an exciting finish to the year, with points extremely close between John Therry and Magdalene for the 2025 Overall MISA Championship.
We’ve also wrapped up our MISA trials, and all teams have now been selected to represent the College. Our goal is clear for the upcoming term to help secure the MISA Championship title for another year.
| MISA Competitions – Term 4 | |
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Years 7–9 Boys Oz Tag Years 7–9 Girls Oz Tag Years 10–11 Mixed Frisbee Years 7–9 Boys AFL Years 7–9 Girls AFL |
Years 7–9 Boys Indoor Cricket Years 7–9 Girls Softball Years 10–11 Boys Volleyball Years 10–11 Girls Volleyball Years 9–10 Debating |
Diocesan Cricket Championships – Week 10, Term 3
It was a challenging day for our MCCC boys, who faced strong opposition in a tough pool that included cricket powerhouses such as Edmund Rice and Corpus Christi. Despite four narrow losses, the team — made up largely of enthusiastic Year 7 and 8 students — showed outstanding determination, teamwork, and school spirit. Several matches went down to the final over, and the team’s bowling performances were a particular highlight, especially against Edmund Rice.
A special thank you to Jivesh Puri (Year 10) for assisting with training, umpiring, and scoring throughout the day. Congratulations to all players on their efforts — with continued growth and commitment, future success is well within reach!
Sun Safety Reminder
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 |
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.
Year 7 2026 - Future Students
The Year 7 2026 Orientation Day will be held on Friday 5 December 2025. Further information will be sent out via email in the coming days. We look forward to meeting our new students.
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.
