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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
In the Gospel this Sunday (John 21: 1-19), Jesus is waiting for the apostles to come back from a fishing trip. When they arrive back, they have a meal and Jesus and Peter have a conversation where Jesus askes Peter “do you love me?”. Peter answers yes, and Jesus asks again, to which Peter replies yes again. Jesus then asks a third time and Peter, with a little frustration, tells Jesus “You know I love you”. I have often wondered why Jesus askes Peter the same question three times only to get the same answer. It was not until someone linked this story with that which we heard on Easter weekend where Peter denied Jesus three times. When we think about this exchange, it becomes important to realise that Jesus has given Peter the same opportunity to acknowledge Him that he had to deny Him. It reinforces the point that our God is willing to forgive and ensure our loving relationship whenever we are willing to repent and acknowledge our love for Him.
At the end of this month, 18 of our senior students will be attending the Community Service Ball which will be held at Ottimo House. This ball is a recognition of the work of these students in contributing back to the community. It will involve a formal presentation of the students and will be accompanied by a meal. This is a reintroduction of an event that was popular at the College prior to COVID and is well-received by the students. An invitation to this ball (with associated costs) is included later in this newsletter and families and friends of those being presented are welcome to purchase tickets. As it is a school event, there will not be any alcohol available.
Enrolment applications for Year 7, 2026 closed on the last day of term 1. We are now in the process of meeting with all applicants in order to appropriately apply the enrolment criteria as set by Catholic Education, Wollongong. Over the next two weeks or so, some 15 staff will be interviewing all applicants for positions. Thank you all for helping to establish Mount Carmel as a school of choice for so many families in our area.
We have been asked to publish a comparison chart of the major parties’ views on non-government schools and funding arrangements. This appears later in this newsletter. I encourage all parents to read this information before casting your vote in tomorrow’s Federal election.
In the next few weeks, the College will be undergoing some self-review and will be sending out a few surveys to ensure we get meaningful feedback. The students will be asked to complete two surveys which will both be conducted during school time. Parents will be invited to contribute via the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) platform. This is the same survey that we have conducted for the past few years and will help to establish trends in our performance. Each parent will be emailed a link where you can have your say on a number of things within the College. Whilst I understand that surveys are sometimes cumbersome and take time, they are the best way for us to determine if we are fulfilling your expectations or need to review processes. I encourage you to participate in this anonymous survey.
From week 3, Mrs Christine Meharg will be taking six week’s leave and we wish her all the best. During this time, we have appointed Mrs Kristine Borg to the role of Acting REC. Congratulations to Mrs Borg and I thank her for accepting this important role within Mount Carmel Catholic College.
Before our next newsletter, the community will be celebrating Mother’s Day. On behalf of Mount Carmel, I thank and congratulate all mothers for your selfless care and boundless love of your children. May God keep and protect you and you always have the support of a loving family.
Ite in Veritate
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
So, you’ve watched “Adolescence” on NETFLIX ... Where to now to turn for advice?
Image courtesy of Netflix
For any parent who has watched the Netflix drama Adolescence and was left highly disturbed by the harmful impact that social media is having on young men and boys, you are not alone.
It’s hard to think of a show that has captured the world’s attention so fully and shone a much-needed light on the dangerous impact of misogynistic content, algorithms, and influencers on the minds of young men and boys.
Shockingly, despite our best efforts as parents to raise great kids, it is not a fair fight when tech companies and algorithms can influence our teenagers within seconds.
The e-Safety Commission has developed a host of resources to ensure that young people are safe to create, connect and explore the wonders of technology and the internet.
The following eSafety resources are available to help you navigate the risks facing young people online:
- Register for the e-Safety Commission’s free 45-minute parent webinar, exploring the online experiences of boys and young men, to understand the impact of social media, gaming, and influencers on attitudes, behaviours and sense of identity
- Listen to ABC Fran Kelly and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant unpack the themes of Adolescence, including toxic masculinity and the online manosphere
- Listen to ABC Big Ideas! to hear eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant and other experts in their fields discuss how parents can better support young people to navigate the risks and threats online
- Read the blog about how eSafety is shining a light on the dark forces manipulating our teenagers
- Read eSafety's young men online research series which explores young men's experiences and how they can be supported to develop healthy and positive masculinities
- For the young person in your life: explore our resources for young people.
Stay safe, keep well, go gently.
Ms Samantha Giles
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR PARENTS ABOUT THE NATIONALLY CONSISTENT COLLECTION OF DATA
All schools in Australia must participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data as mandated by the federal government. This data collection counts the number of students who require adjustments to be made at school to facilitate their learning. For some students, these adjustments may be related to an identified disability, learning difficulty or medical condition.
The government has mandated this collection of data to gain a better understanding of the nature of adjustments and support provided to students within school communities.
The legislated definition of disability is very broad and includes learning difficulties like ADHD as well as medical conditions such as anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes, and cystic fibrosis. The data collected does not identify your child or children, it relates only to the number of students in the school and the level of adjustment they require. The adjustment could be as simple as having medication kept in the school office or a seating arrangement within the classroom to support your child’s learning.
In keeping with government mandated requirements your child may have been included in this data collection, but they are not identified.
If you have any questions, please contact Learning support on the school phone number 02 9603-3000 or alternatively, you can email.
Email:
Rayghaan.Kasmani@dow.catholic.edu.au
Rosetta.Fitzgerald@dow.catholic.edu.au
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Third Sunday of Easter Year C - Sunday 4 May First Reading: Act of the Apostles 5:27-32. 40-41 The Sanhedrin tells the apostles not to mention Jesus. Second Reading: Revelation 5:11-14 John hear the voices of angels. Gospel: John 21:1-19 Jesus questions Peter. |
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Fourth Sunday of Easter Year C Mass of day with Lecotionary and Missal texts of Sunday Easter 4 Yr C Sunday 11 May First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 13:14, 43-52 Paul and Barnabas are expelled from Antioch. Second Reading: Revelation 7:9, 14-17 John sees people of eery race before the throne. Gospel: John 10:27-30 The gift of eternal life. |
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This week we are reminded of the life and legacy of Pope Francis. We are reminded to remember his deep love for God, his care for the poor and the planet, and his joyful, humble leadership. In many of the classes we are using scripture, prayer, story, and reflection, these encourage us to reflect on his example and challenges us to carry his message of mercy, justice, and hope into our own lives and communities. It’s a moment to honour, remember, and be inspired. Perhaps you and your family may wish to sit and reflect and prayer for Pope Francis using the following.
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We thank you for Pope Francis,
a teacher of truth, a friend of the poor,
a shepherd who walked with courage and joy.
As educators, give us a heart like his:
Open to wonder, brave in justice,
ready to listen, slow to judge,
and always leaning toward love.
May his legacy echo in our classrooms and staffrooms,
not just in words, but in the way we teach, serve, and lead.
Amen.
He could’ve had gold shoes.
He chose black ones – worn, practical, and ordinary.
He could’ve lived in a palace.
He chose a small apartment, ate in the staff dining room, and carried his own bag.
He could’ve stayed behind the scenes.
He stepped into prisons, refugee camps, and slums.
He bent low to wash feet – of the poor, of women, of people society forgets.
Pope Francis showed the world that leadership is service. That faith is action. That the Church is most alive when it moves beyond comfort and into courage. And he reminded every teacher, every leader:
Reflect on the following: What Would Francis Say to You Today?
“Take care of your children – not just their marks, but their hearts.”
“Let your homes be a place where joy and justice meet.”
“Don’t be afraid to talk about hard things – the world needs brave voices.”
“Stay close to the poor. Close to the Earth. Close to God.”
“You are not just a parent– you are a builder of hope.”
Pope Francis believed deeply in families. He saw them as shapers of souls
and makers of peace. And he knew – real change starts with people like you.
Welcome back to Term 2!
Optimise means to make the best or most effective use of a situation or resource.
Term 2 is a critical time in the learning cycle for all students. For students in Years 7-10 it is the opportune time to optimise their learning and continue to implement the strategies they have developed in Term 1 to assist them in working towards their learning goals. Both Year 11 and 12 cohorts move past the halfway point of their academic year. So it is critical that they maintain positive learning behaviours to ensure that they achieve outcomes that reflect both their effort and ability. Students are encouraged to optimise the resources available to them, whether that be their teachers, studying collaboratively or taking extra opportunities for learning outside of class time. Senior Afterschool Study continues in Term 2 every Tuesday from 3-6pm.
YEAR 11 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews - Wednesday 29 May
Year 11 Parents and Carers are encouraged to book interviews with your child’s teachers to discuss their progress and determine strategies to prepare for the second half of their preliminary HSC year. Interviews are being held on Wednesday May 28 between 4pm and 8pm in the STEM Building.
Bookings will open via Compass on Monday 8th May. A guide on how to make a booking can be seen here. If you are experiencing any issues with logging into Compass or making any appointments, please contact Mrs Rina Domingo via an email to domingor01@dow.catholic.edu.au.
Year 11 Half Yearly Academic Reports will be available via Compass on Friday 23 May.
Year 11 2026 Course Selection
Year 10 will commence the Year 11 2026 Course Selection Process in the coming weeks. Please be aware there are two significant events in the process that involve parent/carer and student attendance:
Wednesday 18 June 2025; Term 2, Week 8 - Course Selection Information Evening
Wednesday 6 August 2025; Term 3, Week 3 - Course Selection Interviews
The Course Selection Handbook will be available electronically in Week 5. This booklet will outline each course that the College will offer for students to consider in developing their preferences for course selection.
Term 2 Report Dates
Year 11 Half Yearly Academic Report - Friday 23rd May (Week 4)
Year 7-10 Semester 1 Academic Report - Friday 27th June (Week 9)
2025 HSC Written Exam Timetable
This has been released by NESA and can be seen here:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/key-dates/hsc-written-exam-timetable
Year 12 students can also view their personalised timetable via their Students Online account.
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TERM 2 |
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| Week 2 |
Year 12 07/05/2025: Studies in Catholic Thought |
| Week 3 |
Year 10 14/05/2025 Science 14/05/2025 Catholic Studies 16/05/2025 Visual Arts (100 & 200 Hours) 16/05/2025 PASS (100 Hours) 16/05/2025 PASS (200 Hours) |
| Week 4 |
Year 11 21/05/2025 Work Studies (1 unit) |
Ms Chardy Miller & Mr Jay Hagan
Leader of Learning - Curriculum Pedagogy & Leader of Learning - Curriculum Administration
Welcome back Welcome back to Term Two, which has started off positively as we prepare for a busy 10 weeks of learning. As usual, our Pastoral teams have hit the ground running throughout the first week, and Monday’s Pastoral time was dedicated to a range of matters, including uniform reminders, setting up for success for Term Two and prayers and reflections for the passing of Pope Francis and the commemoration of ANZAC Day. As we settle back into the routine of school after a well earned break, we would like to remind all students and carers of some important matters pertaining to enhancing the learning and wellbeing on a daily basis.
Technology Reminder
As is sometimes the case after a break, reminders relating to behaviour, learning, uniform and wellbeing often need to be explicitly addressed as a means of ensuring that student wellbeing and learning needs are being met. This week’s reminder relates to the appropriate use of Mobile Phones and Electronic Equipment (including headphones). Specifics relating to this matter are contained on page 14 of both the Senior and Junior Diaries. An excerpt is located below.
Whilst on the topic of Mobile phone use, we have also had a number of issues that have arisen this week regarding the consequences of inappropriate use of Social Media during the break or outside of school hours. We ask that all parents and carers be vigilant in monitoring the use of Social Media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Discord, Roblox etc) by their sons and daughters and engage in conversations regarding the appropriateness of the interactions that take place. The links below provide some useful information regarding this matter.
esafety guide to games, apps and social media
Drop off and pick up of students
Please be reminded that when dropping off or picking up children, we ask that you do not enter the turning circle in front of the Admin office at peak times each morning and afternoon. Students need to be dropped off in the parent carpark which is to the left as soon as you drive through the College gates, or they can be dropped off or collected from along Spitfire Drive. Spitfire Drive in particular does not have a designated pedestrian crossing and I remind students and carers to be patient, especially during the afternoon pick-up. Please also be aware that the use of the Parish Child Centre Car park coincides with their peak period as well. The centre has allocated specific spaces for their exclusive use and would greatly appreciate our assistance in providing a safe environment.
Managing Anxiety
Supporting your child to manage anxiety
Managing anxiety is crucial for fostering emotional wellbeing and resilience, both in ourselves and in our children. Anxiety can hinder focus, creativity, and healthy decision-making, making it essential to address early. By creating an open and supportive environment, parents can help children navigate their feelings, develop coping strategies, and build confidence. Simple practices like active listening, encouraging mindfulness, and maintaining consistent routines can make a big difference. When parents model healthy ways to manage stress, they not only reduce their own anxiety but also empower their children to handle challenges with greater ease.
Elevate Education
As always, thanks for your ongoing support with all matters relating to Learning and Wellbeing. Please contact your son or daughter’s respective Year Coordinator or Pastoral Advisor should you have any questions or concerns.
Mr Simon Huntly & Mrs Theresa Moore
Pastoral Care & Wellbeing Coordinators
Around the Grounds
Rain, rain and more rain. Unfortunately, that was the theme for Week 1, with many sporting events impacted by persistent wet weather. This led to the postponement of both the Girls Football Diocesan Championships and the Diocesan Cross Country Championships. The football day has been rescheduled to Wednesday, 21 May, while the cross country event will now take place on Monday, 26 May.
Despite the disruptions, we managed to finalise the remaining MISA trials, and all teams have now been selected and are ready to go for Week 2. Several of our MISA teams were also lucky enough to get matches underway thanks to the well-drained ovals in the Campbelltown area. A summary of these games is provided below.
21May: Girls Diocesan Football Championships (Postponed)
26 May: Diocesan Cross Country Championships (Postponed)
13 June: Diocesan Netball Championships
16 June: College Athletics Carnival
Mount Carmel Catholic College Annual Cross Country
2025 Recap
The Mount Carmel Catholic College Annual Cross Country took place on April 11. This year's carnival was a collaborative effort that brought students and staff together to create a fun-filled day of athleticism, competition, and school spirit. The competitive races were held across the road at Kooringa Reserve, which proved to be a fantastic change of scenery. The long, rolling fields received positive feedback from both students and staff, contributing to an engaging and enjoyable event.
We are thrilled to announce the age champions and overall house results from the day:
| 2025 Age Champions | ||
| Age | Male | Female |
| 12 |
Nathan Stewart |
Taashi Barot |
| 13 |
Xavier Desmond |
Mikayla Shannon |
| 14 |
Baxter Warren |
Tahlia-Rose Quinn |
| 15 |
Petar Spyropoulos |
Carla Bosco |
| 16 |
Dante Browning |
Makeilah Langi |
| 17 |
Ethan Littlewood |
Zoe Bruce |
| 18 |
Benjamin Turnbull |
Tamia Taie |
2025 Overall Carnival Winners
| Place | House | Total Points |
| 1st | Howard | 1060 |
| 2nd | Murray | 1025 |
| 3rd | Mackillop | 1000 |
| 4th | Avila | 842 |
Carnival Highlights
The day was packed with exciting activities beyond the traditional races:
- An obstacle course tested the agility, strength, and balance of participants.
- A high-energy cheer-off saw all four houses bring their best spirit, chants, and creativity. Murray took out the cheering competition in a tight chant-off with the other hosues
- A volleyball & Dodgeball house tournaments brought out impressive displays of teamwork and skill as teams battled it out for victory.
What made the day especially memorable was the active involvement of our teachers, who enthusiastically manned stations and participated alongside students. Their energy helped lift the atmosphere and encouraged everyone to give their best.
Thankfully, the weather was perfect, with sunny skies and cool breezes setting the stage for a brilliant community event.
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.
Representative Pathways
| 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 |
Federal Election Saturday 3 May 2025
Before you cast your vote this Saturday, it’s important you know where the political parties stand when it comes to Catholic education. While both Labor and the Coalition support Catholic schools and our priorities, that’s not true of all candidates running in this election.
To help you understand the views of the major parties, the National Catholic Education Commission has prepared this helpful scorecard.
MCCC Mother's Day Breakfast
MCCC Community Service Ball
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.