“No one has greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

Next Friday is November 11 and is internationally recognised as Remembrance Day. This memorial is not designed to glorify war or to promote conflict but is a reminder that people sacrifice their greatest gift, that of their lives, for the benefit of others. In the quote above, Jesus reminds us of His own sacrifice that was to come. In laying down His own life, He ensured that we would live past our own death. The idea that someone is prepared to sacrifice something for us can be overwhelming even when it is far smaller than laying down their life. We often witness a parent, child, sibling or close friend who will go without something to ensure that we have access to it. In our own lives, we will be happy to make the sacrifice but sometimes feel very uncomfortable in receiving the benefits of this from someone else.  In terms of the Catholic tradition, in order to have our Easter Sunday celebration, we must first have a Good Friday experience. The ups and downs of life are both necessary to have the full experience of love and to be able to recognise how valuable that experience is. Next Friday, we will remember with solemnity those who have given their lives and thank them for that sacrifice.

Yesterday Mount Carmel hosted the Macarthur Independent Schools’ Association (MISA) principal’s meeting. This meeting rotates through the MISA schools and is held once per term. Some of our Year 10 students met the principals and escorted them to the meeting space. A number of the principals commented on the maturity of the students and the sense of welcome that they received. I would like to acknowledge these students and thank them for representing us in the way that we always hope.

At the same meeting, Mrs Murphy presented information on our current Parent Partnership program and discussed the impacts that this program is having on student learning. The presentation was impressive but what was more impressive was the way that many parents have used these opportunities to assist their children in their learning. This program began in earnest around three years ago and was gently simmering through the COVID restrictions. This year, the program has again begun to emerge and is again having a positive impact. The next opportunity in this program occurs next Tuesday evening beginning at 6pm at the College. Shortly following the conclusion of this evening, we will be holding the final P&F meeting for the year.  It is certainly not compulsory to attend both events, but parents are certainly welcome at both. At the P&F meeting, I will again be briefly speaking to the major building and refurbishment program which has just begun. I will also be happy to answer any questions on this project that I am able. The P&F has generously agreed to order pizza for any attendees at this meeting.

Next Friday is our Staff Development Pupil Free day. Staff will be working on our Strategic plan and developing strategies as we move toward our new five period day structure. I thank parents and students for your understanding that these days are vital to ensure we provide contemporary and deep learning opportunities.