Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students of Mount Carmel,

This past Sunday saw the celebration of the Feast of Pentecost, which takes place fifty days after Easter and celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, as foretold by Christ himself. In our Christian tradition, the Feast of Pentecost is significant as it marks the birth of the Church as it was the Holy Spirit descending on the disciples that empowered them to fulfill the mission of Jesus by sharing the Good News and living as witnesses to it.

Earlier this week, the College hosted our June P & F Meeting which was highlighted by a presentation from our College English Coordinator and Literacy Instructional Coach, Ms Clare Murphy, who provided an inspiring insight into her dual role with a particular focus on the joys and benefits of reading. As always, I thank the parents who were in attendance for their valuable contributions and once again encourage all parents to consider your attendance at our next P & F gathering which will take place on Tuesday 13 April.

With the final 3 weeks of term now upon us, the attention of staff at the College has turned to the writing of the Semester One reports which, in turn, will significantly inform discussions at the Year 7-10 Parent/Teacher/Student Interview sessions that will take place in Week 10 on Monday July 1 (4pm-8pm), Thursday July 4 (4pm-8pm) and Friday July 5 (8:30am - 12:30pm). In the past, the evening sessions have been limited to two specific House groups each night, however, this year we have opened up all three time slots to all students in an effort to make each session as accessible to as many families as possible. These interviews can now be booked via your regular Compass logins and I encourage all parents to make the most of the opportunity to meet with your son or daughters teachers as a means of reflecting on their progress throughout Semester One and setting a course of action for the remainder of 2019.

As you would be aware, this edition of the College newsletter is being distributed a day earlier than normal due to the pupil free day tomorrow which will allow all staff to be in attendance at our annual spirituality day. This day will be a unique opportunity for the staff of the College to reflect on the Marist spirituality that is so prominent here at Mount Carmel and I thank the parents who have made alternative care arrangements for their sons and daughters in advance of this day.

Mr David Cloran