This coming weekend marks the second Sunday of Advent. The readings for this occasion focus on the preaching of John the Baptist who called upon the disciples to “prepare the way of the Lord”. As Christians, we are therefore called to prepare our hearts with patience and faithful waiting, in readiness to celebrate the birth of the Christ child, Jesus. In a world that is so fast-paced and where instant gratification can be considered the norm, the week ahead invites us to make space in our lives for prayer and meditation so that we may see the work and love of God in action in our lives and in our world.

Earlier this week, I had the great pleasure of announcing Mr Simon Huntly as the Acting Assistant Principal at Mount Carmel for the 2023 school year. Since commencing in the Diocese in 2018, Mr Huntly has held a number of leadership positions, including a period of time as Acting Assistant Principal at Mount Carmel in 2019 and was also the Assistant Principal at Kildare Catholic College Wagga Wagga between 2008 and 2017. I congratulate Mr Huntly on this significant appointment and thank him for the experience that he will bring to this role.

You may have noticed in last week’s newsletter that Mr Lo Cascio announced the Student Representative Council for 2023 following their badging ceremony last Friday. This week I particularly acknowledge our Captains and Vice Captains who joined the student leaders from every other secondary College in the Diocese, along with Bishop Brian Mascord, at the Hermitage in Mittagong where they participated in a spirituality and leadership program designed to build their leadership capacity. The feedback we received from the facilitating staff was outstanding and for this reason, I congratulate Jasmyne Douangdara, Austin Scales, Emma Searle and Hayden Canon. I also thank Mr Huntly for escorting our students to this significant event.

Earlier this week our College Sports Coordinator, Ms Susan Turnbull, attended the 2022 NSWCCC Blues Award Presentation evening in Warnervale on the NSW Central Coast. Blues Awards celebrate students who have achieved at the highest level in their respective sports and this year, Mount Carmel was thrilled to have not one, but two recipients. I take this opportunity to congratulate Paula Zaballero for her outstanding achievements in Softball, and Blake Waugh for his achievements in Swimming.

Finally, a reminder of the COVID-19 directives that are in place for the remainder of Term 4: 

• If a student or staff member is unwell and has any COVID-19 symptoms, even the mildest of symptoms, they should stay home and test, and only return once their symptoms are gone. 
• If your child tests positive for COVID-19, please continue to notify the school and remain at home until symptoms have gone.

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead.