Dear parents, friends, staff and students,

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. When we think of Pentecost, we often picture the image of the apostles sitting crowded in a room with flames hovering gently over their heads. The flame is a symbol of the Holy Spirit and comes to rest on each person on the room. The apostles are then given the confidence to go out into their community and preach. Their preaching is understood by all listening regardless of their own language. 

Each time I hear this story, I am reminded of the cartoon symbol of a light bulb appearing over someone’s head when they have a good idea. I also recall the look of excitement that appears on a child’s face when they finally understand something that a teacher has been explaining. In putting all of this together, when we allow the Holy Spirit to enter our lives, this can give us confidence to go out and help spread the good news of Jesus. When others see our actions and hear our message, it is easier for them to understand and incorporate the same values and practices into their own lives. Are we able to be the flame or light bulb for those around us?

On Thursday, over 50 members of our community gathered in the chapel at lunchtime to participate in a prayer session involving the singing of the Our Father in Aramaic. This was a lovely reflective event and it was heartening to see so many people voluntarily spend time in prayer. Thank you to our two students who lead this prayer.

At last week’s College assembly, I spoke with the students about the two religious charisms upon which Mount Carmel is founded. These charisms, Marist and Discalced Carmelites, share similar ideas around the values of silence, solitude simplicity and presence.  I spoke of these in terms stopping and taking time to breathe and allow the Holy Spirit an opportunity to enter into our lives and speak to our hearts. As we reach the halfway mark in term 2, it is timely that all students stop and take time to consider how they are performing in their studies. This opportunity to stop and think enables not only looking backward on where they have come from but also looking forward into where they are going. In taking time to stop and breathe, this also helps to maintain calmness and to consider how we might bounce back from disappointments. As this year’s College theme is around building resilience, now is a perfect time to build before the term runs out.

In this respect, our Year 11s attended their Parent/Teacher/Student meetings on Wednesday evening. It was pleasing to see so many of these students and parents grasp the opportunity to discuss successes and areas for growth. The feedback given to students is invaluable and certainly provides the opportunity for growth. Thank you to all parents, students and staff for actively participating in our Year 11s’ education. 

Today was the College Athletics Carnival. We have not had this for two years and whilst this newsletter was written before the conclusion of the day, the benefits of this as a community building event is invaluable. It is also extremely important that the students and staff have an opportunity to interact outside of the formal classroom setting. Once again, thank you to the staff who ensure the day runs smoothly and the students for your involvement.

As you would be aware following communication earlier this week, a fraudulent email regarding a pupil free day was distributed to our Year 9 students on Monday. We have been working closely with the Catholic Education Office around this and the way that it was distributed. I appreciated the number of parents who contacted myself or staff from the College to verify the information in the email. Please remember that if you have any concerns about communications from the College, you are encouraged to check with the appropriate person or Year Coordinator or the College itself.

Ite in Veritate

Mr Steve Lo Cascio