Dear parents, friends, staff and students,

In the second reading this week (Galatians 5:1, 13-18), St Paul gives us the simple phrase; “the whole of the law is summarised in a Single command: Love your neighbour as yourself”. This command has two clear components. The first implication is that we must love ourselves. This does not mean that we should think ourselves better than others or fill ourselves with false pride. It is about valuing and caring for ourselves in a way that recognises our life as a gift from God. If we value ourselves, we take care of ourselves and don’t take unnecessary risks. In the same way, we should care for others. Their lives are also a gift from God and when we care for them and treat them with respect and value, we are fulfilling God’s command to love others as ourselves.

On Wednesday we held our Stage 6 elective information evening with parents and students of our Year 10 group. This followed subject information sessions where students were given an indication of various subject details. It was energising to have parents back onsite after an almost two-year absence. I appreciated the feedback given by parents and would like to thank the staff who gave of their time to assist students in choosing subjects. This process will continue into term three with individual guidance interviews occurring in week 3.

Yesterday afternoon, our Year 12 Hospitality students had an opportunity to be assessed on their Food and Beverage competencies by hosting a Canape afternoon for staff. During this session, a number of music students took the opportunity to provide entertainment and practice their performance skills. This was a fantastic afternoon and showcased the talents of our students. Hopefully we will have opportunities later in the year for parents to also experience these student’s talents.

In terms of talents, I had the pleasure of being in the audience for our MISA Dance students’ performance on Tuesday. These students have developed and practiced their routines since the start of this year and they represented us with passion and pride. It was exciting to see their energy and to be able to attend the event.

Earlier today, parents were sent a letter regarding the Thursday protected industrial action which will be held next Thursday. As stated in the letter, whilst the College will be open for supervision of students, no classes will be held on Thursday. One of our Year 7 – 10 Parent/Teacher/Student meeting sessions was also scheduled to be held on Thursday evening. Unfortunately, this has also had to be cancelled as I cannot guarantee which teachers will be available. Parents are encouraged to make bookings to see teachers at one of the other sessions on Monday evening or Friday morning.

At the end of this term, we farewell three of our permanent staff. Ms Karen Gutierrez Madrid has worked in our science department as a laboratory assistant for the past few years. Ms Gutierrez Madrid will be moving overseas in the next few weeks. Mr Michael Pilottos has taught in HSIE and has been our Legal Studies specialist. Mr Pilottos will be taking up a new role in a school closer to his home. Ms Mikayla Bow has worked in the Mathematics department and has been an Assistant Year Coordinator, Assistant Maths Coordinator and our Numeracy Instructional Coach. Ms Bow is also moving to a position closer to home. We thank each of these staff for their contributions to Mount Carmel and wish them well in their future endeavours. We will welcome our new staff at the start of next term.

At the end of the first week back next term (Friday July 22), we will be celebrating the OLMC Feast Day Mass at the College. This will mark the first time in over two years that we will come together as a complete community. To mark this occasion, I would like to invite parents to attend this Mass. Given the size of our hall and the size of the community, we will be restricted to around 50 parents maximum. If you would like to attend this Mass, please contact the College office and register your attendance. A reminder will be sent out at the start of term.

Given the PTS meetings next Friday and the Industrial action next Thursday, this will be the final newsletter for this term. Should any parents have any concerns or questions before the end of term, I would as always encourage you to contact the College. A reminder that we will start Term 3 for the whole College on Monday July 18.

I wish all parents, students and staff a safe and relaxing break.

Ite in Veritate

Mr Steve Lo Cascio