“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me” Matthew 10:40

This quote from this week’s Gospel outlines the importance of each of us caring for those we encounter. As we return to some normality following our remote learning period, there is a danger that we might also return to our previous practices. One of the main differences that a number of staff have commented on over the last few weeks has been the way that many of our students have shown care for each other. Staff have spoken to me about many small examples of students who have sought help for their friends or offered to assist those who may be feeling rejection or isolation. These offers and actions show the way that we might “welcome” others. The day to day interactions that enable us to provide help or assistance to those around us are the way that we welcome Jesus Christ into our lives.

Today Year 7 – 10 Semester 1 reports were released on the Compass student management site. These reports contain a great deal of information regarding student achievement across a range of academic indicators from grades, to levels of engagement in their own learning. The teachers have also included statements around what the students have done well and what might be suggestions for improvement. Information on student attendance as well as extra-curricular involvement were also included. A more detailed report letter was issued yesterday to explain these new reports. The reports themselves are a method of feedback to parents and students as to how the students are progressing in their journey toward graduation. As our current reports are evaluated, we hope to improve the type of information which is delivered. When reading these reports, I ask parents to remember that these reports will be reflective of some of the difficulties that both staff and students encountered as part of the remote learning experience. Please use these reports as a point of discussion with your child about their progress and how they might improve.

Following on from these reports, on Monday evening, Thursday evening and Friday morning, Year 7 – 10 parents will have the opportunity to attend the Parent/Teacher/Student meetings. Information on how to book for these was sent to parents last Monday. Whilst the preference for these is undoubtedly to hold them face to face, the current conditions mean that these meetings will be conducted via zoom or phone. This will also limit the number of spots available as each session will need a longer allocated time. Parents are reminded that in order for these to occur, Friday will be a pupil free day as it has been on the calendar since the start of the year. A reminder also that students need to be involved in these meetings.

On Thursday our Year 12 SRC student leaders had the opportunity to meet with Bishop Brian Mascord and Mr Peter Hill, the Director of Education in the Diocese of Wollongong. This visit enabled our students to ask the Bishop questions about his own faith journey as well as speak with him about their own experiences during the COVID-19 crisis and name the many things that they are grateful for as members of the Mount Carmel Catholic College community. I was extremely proud of the students and the mature and sincere way that they interacted with our visitors. I thank them and congratulate them for their involvement in this valuable meeting.

Early next week, I will send out a fee credit letter to all parents. This will outline the various excursions and events that have been cancelled as a result of social distancing expectations. Following this letter, you will receive the latest fee statements that will include fee credits for cancelled events. Should more events be cancelled in the future, further credits will be issued on fees. I thank all parents for your patience whilst we have been working through this credit process.

Whilst public masses have been resumed over the last few weeks, they have restricted numbers. Bishop Brian Mascord has continued the 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