In this Sunday’s Gospel from the first Sunday in Lent (Luke 4: 1-13), we hear of the temptation of Jesus in the desert. The devil tries to tempt Jesus three times and offers to give Him riches. The devil then challenges Jesus to summon His angels to protect Him. In return the devil says that if Jesus will bow down to him, the devil will give Jesus power over the earth. One of the points from this story is the irony that the devil believes he has some power or greater glory than God Himself. The other point is that even Jesus was tempted. This story tells us clearly that whilst temptation is to some extent a normal part of life, the way that we respond to it is the critical thing. There will be times when temptation will be very strong but if we hold out against it and rely on the strength of Jesus, we will be in a better position to resist. As we move through the season of lent, we have an opportunity to practice our resistance to evil by self-regulation through fasting, abstinence and sacrifice. Whether it is not eating meat on Fridays, giving up technology or social media, or doing extra chores that we don’t like, the self-control that this reinforces can be used for good.

Last Monday evening, we hosted our Year 7, 2023 Information evening. It was a lovely opportunity for visitors to come onto the College site and have a look around at the things about which we are most proud. Visitors were able to look at subject displays and were treated to quality barista made coffee prepared by our hospitality students. They were then able to attend a presentation by members of the College Leadership Team. On the evening, parents were able to collect enrolment application packages. For those who were unable to attend on Monday, you are able to collect enrolment packages from the College office at any time 8am – 4pm. We will also give these to current students upon request to take home for siblings. Completed enrolment packages are due to be returned by 2pm on Friday April 8 (the last day of Term 1). 

Last Wednesday was the Ash Wednesday ceremony to start the season of Lent. Lent leads to the most important event in the Christian calendar leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus. The ceremonies this year were broken into three groups with Year 7, 8 9 and 12 in the hall and Years 10 and 11 in other spaces. The ceremonies were very meaningful and the students participated very well especially given the length of time since we were last able to celebrate together. Thank you to our spirituality team for their work in organising these ceremonies.

Today we held the second of our half-college Opening Year Masses. At this mass, our Year 12 students, SRC and Year 10 leaders were badged. It was nice to finally have some parents onsite to celebrate our mass with us, if only in limited numbers. The mass was also attended by Mr Peter Hill, the Director of Education, Diocese of Wollongong, and he spent some time meeting with the College Leadership Team and staff and visited classrooms. I congratulate the students on receiving their symbols of leadership and look forward to working with them into the future.

Today we farewell two staff members who have decided to retire. Ms Kathryn Phibbs and Ms Patricia Mooney. Kath has been working at Mount Carmel for 29 years and has been the welcoming face in the front office reception for much of that time. Trish has been the Senior School Support Officer and over the last 12 months, undertook a role as PA to me and the Assistant Principal. Both of these ladies have been invaluable assets to the College, and I thank them for their work and devotion to the College and the students. On behalf of the College community, I wish both of them all our best as they move into a new phase in their lives. 

This Friday, we will be holding our Term 1 Staff Development Day (Pupil Free). This day will be focusing on how we use data to improve student learning. The day fits in with our School Improvement goals for 2022 of determining how our mission can improve the supportive environment at Mount Carmel by providing differentiated learning. I thank parents for your understanding that staff professional development is essential for improved teaching.

Please be advised that the P&F AGM will be held on Tuesday March 8 (next week). This meeting will thank the outgoing P&F executive and elect the executive for 2022 and will then be followed by the first general meeting for 2022. I encourage parents to attend this meeting and to become involved in the Parents and Friends Association. The meeting will be onsite and begin at 7pm in Room I3 (the front of the College at the top of the turning circle).

Ite in Veritate