Dear parents, friends, staff and students,

“Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her,
and is found by those who seek her. She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her”. (Wisdom 6: 12-13).

This quote comes from the first reading last Sunday and provides us with an opportunity to reflect on what is important to us. There are many references to wisdom (‘Sophia’ in early Greek translations) within the bible and these constantly uphold the value of the ‘wise’ person. When we look at wisdom however, we may each have a meaning or interpretation that has a specific relevance to us. Wisdom is not just about ethics or morality. It is not just about justice or empathy or compassion or knowledge but it is about all of these things and more. Some may consider wisdom to be simply based in love. If we have love for those around us and thirst for what is right, then we are always making our decisions based on those characteristics mentioned above. The idea that we ‘Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God’ (Micah 6:8) is all about showing wisdom in our lives. If we look for it, it will find us. In our considerations, we should always try to include wisdom as the basis of our decisions. If we do this, ‘she will make herself known to those who desire her’. 

This week we celebrate NAIDOC week. Unfortunately, we have not been able to acknowledge or celebrate this in an open way once again due to COVID restrictions. We do however acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we live. Over the past few months, our Aboriginal Education Assistant, Katie Oldfield has been working with various members of our community to support and educate our community on the richness of Aboriginal culture and the connections within our community. Katie is currently preparing an art installation for the front of the College to add to her spiritual reflective painting which was placed into the library a few months ago. We look forward to this unveiling in a few months.

Earlier this week a number of our senior leadership staff undertook training in interpreting the data from the ‘Tell Them From Me’ survey that was completed a few weeks ago. There was a wealth of data with over 770 responses from parents, students and staff. These responses ranged from extremely positive and affirming to very constructive and some gave us clear understanding that the respondents were unhappy. All of this is invaluable in helping us to determine what we might be doing well and what we might improve. As you may understand with this much data, it will take us some time to drill down through the results and this will inform our future direction. A heartfelt thank you to all the students, parents and staff who contributed to this important feedback.

On the latest fee statements that parents will have recently received, there have been a number of credits applied. Once again in reviewing our operations, we have credited the sport fee for term 3 and the very start of term 4 as well as a number of science excursions that did not go ahead. We have also credited the cost of accommodation for the Year 10 gender camps as a result of changes to this event. The Year 10 gender event will continue with offsite activities occurring and so there will remain some costs for this. Please contact the College should you have any questions.

On Wednesday evening, I attended the Bishop’s Excellence Awards. The recipient this year from Mount Carmel was Jaden Legaspi. Jaden had contributed via his leadership and involvement in the spiritual, academic, sporting and cultural activities at the College for his 6 years as a student. I congratulate Jaden on receiving this high level accolade and thank him for his contribution over the years. 

As you would be aware, tomorrow (November 13) staff will be undertaking professional development in the areas of student and staff wellbeing. This was a postponed in-service from earlier in the year as was notified in newsletters and letters last term. I remind all parents and caregivers that this is a pupil free day and the College will be closed to ensure staff are able to fully immerse themselves in this Professional Development opportunity.

On Tuesday evening we attempted to hold our final Parents and Friend’s meeting for 2020 via Zoom. Unfortunately, the link could not be activated and only parents who emailed me were able to obtain the new link. Rather than continuing a meeting that was not open to all parents, it was decided to cancel this meeting and reschedule for next Tuesday evening (November 17 at 7pm).  I thank the parents who joined us for the evening and apologise for the issues. Our new link for next Tuesday is:

Join Zoom Meeting

ID: 96892156272
Password: 991420

Over the past few months, Bishop Brian has been celebrating Sunday Mass and livestreaming it. These Masses each Sunday and can be accessed here.

Mr Steve Lo Cascio