As you would be aware, earlier this week, our Graduating Class of 2022 commenced their most significant assessment period to date - their Trial HSC Examinations. At the outset this week, I take the opportunity to sincerely commend these students on the way that they have approached the preparation and execution of these exams. As daunting as a three-hour examination may seem, the cohort have demonstrated a clear sense of purpose, determination and maturity over these past few days which will place them well for the week ahead and, in the process, in readiness for the HSC Exams in just a few months’ time.

As our current seniors complete their Trials, they reach another milestone in their approach towards the end of their HSC journey. I also take the opportunity to acknowledge our current Year 11 students who this coming week, will take a significant step towards becoming the new senior cohort at Mount Carmel. On Thursday and Friday this week, these students will participate in the Mount Carmel Leadership Program which takes place both on site at the College and at Teen Ranch in Cobbitty. At the conclusion of this program, students will have the opportunity to vote for the Student Representative Council for 2023 which itself is a significant opportunity to ensure that student voice continues to play a key role in all we do at Mount Carmel.

Earlier this week, the College received our latest batch of Rapid Antigen Test kits from the NSW Government. These were distributed to all students in Year 12 at the conclusion of one of their exams this week and will be given to all remaining students in the week ahead.

Finally this week, I remind everyone of our COVID-safe reporting measures for Term 3. These stipulate that whilst household close contacts who have no symptoms may continue to attend school, they must adhere to the following requirements:

• The school is notified that they are intending to return as a close household contact
• They must wear a mask indoors except when eating or exercising
• Once positive cases have completed their 7-day isolation period, they should wear a mask for an additional 3 days (for days 8 to 10)

Please note that students who test positive for COVID-19, or who are unwell or showing COVID-19 symptoms, must continue to isolate at home.

All the best for the week ahead,