“For from Him and through Him and for Him all things exist” Romans 11:36

This statement from last Week’s first reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans establishes one of the basic truths of Christianity. This is the idea that all gifts are created by God, shared by God and should be used to give honour back to God. When we look at each of our talents as gifts, this idea gives us clear direction regarding our responsibility to ensure these talents are used for the glory of God. We can ask ourselves what we are good at and how this gift might be used to improve the lives of those around us. Earlier this week, our Year 11 students undertook their leadership day during which I challenged each of them to step up and take control of their learning and become leaders within the College. In doing this, they were asked to consider their gifts as individuals and as a group. They will now look to choose leaders from amongst themselves to take on formal leadership roles. All students however, are asked to lead. For those in lower year groups, they are asked to use their talents, whatever they might be, for the glory of God and the benefit of those around them.

On Wednesday two of our students, Jessica Littlewood and Wilson Asuit, participated in the MISA Youth of the Year competition. This is one of the few competitions that has been able to continue during the COVID crisis and so these two have a fairly unique distinction of representing Mount Carmel in interschool competition during term 3. The competition was held over Zoom with members of the Quota club acting as judges. Both students represented with distinction and pride in presenting a speech and attending an interview. The judges complemented all entrants and named Jessica as the winner of this competition. As MISA involves some 18 schools, this is a very impressive result. Congratulations to both Jess and Wilson. MISA will be aiming to run the Year 10 public speaking and chess competitions over Zoom as well. We wish our future representatives all the best.

Last week each parent was emailed a letter from the Catholic Education Office regarding my upcoming appraisal. This 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. Once again, I encourage parents to complete the survey and thank you in anticipation of providing this valuable and welcome feedback. If you have not already done so, you are able to access the survey through the link HERE. This survey will close next Friday September 4.

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 this Sunday and can be accessed here.

Mr Steve Lo Cascio