As a nation this Sunday we celebrate and recognise the importance of all mothers on Mother’s Day. Whilst this day is a secular celebration, our charisms allow us to draw on its specific and clear relevance and importance to our own community of Mount Carmel Catholic College. Our Patron being Mary, the Mother of God, epitomises all that is great about mothers and the selfless way they care for their families. Our link to Marist (or Maryists as they were originally referred to) and to the Carmelites (Our Lady of Mount Carmel) all have a direct and deep affection and respect for Mary our good mother. In travelling ‘in the way of Mary’ (one of the Marist Characteristics) we aim to follow her strength of commitment and compassion as well as a love of others. In these difficult times, we share a prayer for the safety of our mothers and thanks for all that they do. I wish all mothers all the best for this Sunday and ask you keep those who are physically with us or with us in spirit, to remain in your prayers.

In the newsletter last week, I outlined the transition of the return of students to face to face teaching. For weeks 3 & 4, the main delivery of lessons will continue to be online for Years 7 – 11 however, students will have the opportunity to access staff on certain days by attending the College. The specific return days were included in the newsletter last week and two other letters that were sent to parents. A summary is again included below: 

Please understand that at the time of distribution of this newsletter, these plans are valid for weeks 3 & 4 of this term. As we receive further advice regarding students’ possible further return to school, our community will be advised.

When students return from Monday, the expectation is that they will attend in their normal full winter uniform. Due to the fact that there will not be any sport and no PDHPE Practical classes, there is no reason for students to wear their sport uniform to school in weeks 3 or 4. We are aware that some students may have experienced difficulty in accessing the uniform shop so parents are asked to supply a letter explaining this where appropriate. Staff will be lenient on students who have been unable to acquire the full uniform. In the meantime, students who do not have the full winter uniform are asked to wear items from the summer uniform with those winter items that they already have. Students are reminded of the expectations around hair, makeup and jewellery.

On Friday, Mr Cloran and myself installed 20 new hand sanitising stations around the College. Students are reminded of good hygiene and handwashing requirements and encouraged to bring bottles for water as bubblers will not be available for use.

A reminder that all students are required to register their attendance each day. For those who are physically at school, this will be completed in their Pastoral Class each morning. For those who are working remotely, the current process of completing the Google form is expected. This Google sign-in is also necessary each Friday as whilst there are no official lessons, it is still considered a standard school day.

As previously advised, we have made the decision to swap our Tuesday and Friday timetables for the next two weeks. This is to provide students with maximum engagement on the days that they are at school. Please be aware that this will impact the finishing times on both days. This means that for the next two Tuesdays (May12 & 19), the finish time of school will be 3:15 and for the two Fridays (May 15 & 22) the finish time will be 2:45. Normal buses will run on all days.

On our original calendar, we had planned for our annual G Day (Grandparents, Godparents and Good Friends) celebrations for the upcoming week. Under our current conditions, this can obviously not continue in its normal format. It is appropriate however, for us to take the opportunity to reflect on the value and love of those who would normally join us for G Day and remember to say thank you for their love and friendship. Thank you to all our Grandparents, God parents and Good friends.

Once again a reminder that our scheduled Parents and Friends’ meetings have been cancelled for term 2. I am extremely grateful for the regular parents who attend these and offer advice and encouragement.

Our Year 7, 2021 interviews are currently taking place. Thank you to the many staff who are conducting these in difficult circumstances and to the flexibility of our possible future parents and students.

As a result of Coronavirus restrictions, public masses have been cancelled around the country Bishop Brian Mascord has launched a YouTube channel where the faithful can watch him celebrate mass with us, and on our behalf. The link to this mass is here. Please log into this site each weekend and join Bishop Brian online for the celebration of the Eucharist.

Mr Steve Lo Cascio