Dear parents, friends, staff and students,

In this week’s Gospel (John 8: 1 – 11) we hear the story of the women accused of adultery being brought before Jesus and the scribes and pharisees asking to put her to death. We read on and eventually Jesus asks the crowd gathered for anyone amongst them who is without sin, to cast the first stone. What we often miss in this gospel, is that in between the conversation, Jesus bends down and writes something in the dirt. He does this twice. Once before He speaks and once after. Scholars have often discussed what it was that He actually wrote. Some say that He was quoting the ancient scriptures, others say it was the Ten Commandments. Some suggest He was writing the names of the accusers and again others suggest He was asking a question about the involvement of the man in the sin.  Of course, we will never know what He was actually writing, however, asking the question can be where the value is. When we see an injustice in the world, what will we ask those who are committing it that will make them reconsider their actions? This might help us to ‘be the change we want to see’.

Over the past week, we have begun our meetings with our applicants for Year 7, 2023. We have started this now as we have consistently received more applications than places available. Starting early allows us to meet all applicants and to have the chance to outline our expectations and to hear their stories. These meetings will continue next week and into the start of next term. I thank the College Leadership Team for assisting with these meetings and providing the opportunity for our potential new parents and students to hear what we are about.

Over the past few weeks, you will have noted that we have had a number of staff out as a result of COVID illness and close contacts. I thank all parents and students for your flexibility and understanding when we have needed to combine classes when we have had insufficient staff. Whilst this is always our last option, it sometimes becomes necessary to ensure safe supervision of the students. We hope that this situation will improve moving forward, however I ask you to please understand that at some stages, we may need to continue to combine classes. If this needs to be done on a large scale, we will notify parents at the earliest possible time.

As we move into week 9 of the term, I remind any parents who are considering enrolment for year 7 for 2023 that we are now accepting these applications. As previously stated, the completed enrolment forms are due to be returned by 2pm on Friday April 8 (the last day of Term 1). If you are aware of anyone else who is considering lodging an application at Mount Carmel, please let them know of this date.

Ite in Veritate

Mr Steve Lo Cascio

Principal