Tomorrow we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption (Aug 15). This is the celebration of the day that Mary the mother of Jesus was ‘assumed’ (taken up) into heaven. The assumption of Mary is different to the ascension of Jesus because Jesus ascended under His own authority and power, however, Mary was taken up by the power of God. Both of these feasts remind us of the divine power of Jesus and the undeniable fact that He was in fact God. In knowing that Mary was taken to heaven body and soul, we are shown the enormous love and value that Jesus had for His mother. This complete and unending love is reflected through her to each of us. Mary is the ultimate symbol of human perfection and is a guide for how we might live life and answer “yes” to God’s call. I wish all of you a very special feast of the Assumption.

Today a number of our students received Champagnat Day awards. These are awards that we would usually acknowledge on Champagnat Day but were unable to distribute this year. The awards are given to students who have been recognised for their manners, compassion, generosity, motivation and prayerfulness. They are the example of what we hope a graduating student from Mount Carmel will become. Congratulations to each of the recipients who are listed further in this newsletter.

Over the past few weeks I have given parents the opportunity to provide feedback on our reports and PTS meetings. I thank those who took the time to provide feedback. In summary, all respondents found the reports very easy or somewhat easy to access, read and understand. All but 1 in every case found them sufficient or better than previous reports in their level of detail, personal profiles and appropriateness of the comments. 64% preferred them in digital format and 56% said they were somewhat better or significantly better than the previous reports. There were a number of very good suggestions around the comments that we will explore over the next few months.

In terms of the Parent/Teacher/Student meetings; 56% preferred zoom and 20% phone. More than 75% found the instructions given to access the zoom or phone were good and they were easy to access. 40% still prefer face to face with 28% preferring zoom, 8% preferred phone and 24% any combination. There were a number of comments around parents appreciating the opportunity of remote PTS during COVID but some frustration with the technology. Again I thank parents who contributed as this feedback is essential to ensure improved communication.

Last Tuesday evening, we held our first P & F zoom meeting. This is a significant first for our College and has presented us with opportunities to consider how we might run future meetings. Once again, I thanked the P & F for the generous contribution toward the upgrade of the audio-visual system in the Champagnat Centre (hall). This is currently being undertaken and will hopefully be completed before the end of this term. I am sure the students will notice these improvements and will also be very appreciative.

As I explained in last week’s newsletter we have placed a Staff Development Day on Friday November 13 (Term 4 Week 5). The staff will be focussing on our School Improvement Plan around vision and mission and wellbeing. As this will now be a Pupil Free Day, I again ask parents to be aware of this addition to the College calendar and mark it in your own planning.

Toward the start of next week, each parent will receive a letter emailed from the Catholic Education Office in Wollongong regarding my upcoming appraisal. An appraisal occurs for each principal in our diocese every three or four years and is aimed at gaining feedback on their performance in leading their school. You will be invited to complete a short survey and given an opportunity should you also wish to be interviewed. I encourage parents to complete the survey and thank you in anticipation of providing this valuable and welcome feedback.

Over the past few months, Bishop Brian had been celebrating Sunday Mass and livestreaming it. This stopped a few weeks ago, however, Bishop Brian has decided to reintroduce these online masses. These will be returning from August 30 and can be accessed here.

Mr Steve Lo Cascio