Mount Carmel Catholic College Varroville eNewsletter

From the REC

The rhythm of the College is slowly coming back. Each term we have an intensive focus on the different Houses.

Term 1 is Murray House, Term 3 is Mackillop House, and Term 4 is Avila house.

A new term, allows the College to have a new focus. This term we have a very strong focus on all things Marist. In particular Howard House and St Marcellin Champagnat.

If you come into the front office you will see this small sacred space, it allows us to focus on the spirit of the term. The items are simple. An image of St Marcellin, the colour blue, a tribute to Mary, some small stones with motivational expressions, and the College candle. Together they help to focus us on this term's House group.

In week 3 of this term, Howard house will gather and celebrate their House patron, Br Charles Howard. Then in week 7, the College will observe Champagnat Day. This day allows us to reflect on our Marist heritage and raise awareness and funds for Marists in the Asia Pacific region.

Another special place in the front office allows us to place three items: an Angel with the message of hope, a lantern, and the purpose candle.

Currently, the interviews for Year 7 2023 are taking place. So the purpose of these interviews is to light the lantern of a student with a message of hope.

Symbols are used to convey meaning and messages to an audience.

On your next visit to the front office, take the time to look at these small displays, as there may be a message for you in them.

Year 12 Retreat

As we look forward to a new week, would each of you keep Yr 12 in your thoughts and prayers as they attend their Senior Retreat.

This is the pinnacle event of a student's life here at the College, and helps to create many lifelong memories.

Why does the College offer a Retreat?

The Senior Retreat program at Mount Carmel, has a long and proud history of providing students with dedicated time in their senior year to have an encounter with God. Over time, the program has adapted to the ever-changing world but its significance to the students faith and life journey can not be underestimated, so the College dedicates a significant amount of time to this opportunity. And so, it is a continuity for all seniors at the College.

At the core of the Senior Retreat program is theology and anthropology, that is, the opportunity to understand God and understand the story of the human person.

The College’s Senior Retreat program is centred around two Bible quotes;

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

Jacob went to his father and said, “My father”; and he said. “Here I am; who are you, my son? both focus on the notion of “who are you?”

As these young people enter their final year of secondary education, it is an ideal time to reflect on “who they are”.

The current Retreat program is entitled “What’s in a Name?”

It involves a series of structured opportunities and experiences of prayer, reflection, and large and small group sessions where they and their peers have a real encounter with God

Sacrament Catch-up

Has COVID affected your child completing their sacraments?

Have you changed parishes, and are not sure how to complete some sacraments for your children/child?

Do you or a member of your family have a calling to be baptised?

Please contact the College, Mrs Meharg specifically, via email, so we can connect you to our local parish

Mrs Christine Meharg

REC Coordinator