Good afternoon and a warm welcome to all in our Mount Carmel community for the 2023 school year.

As we commence the school year, I would like to highlight some important information that is included in the Student College Diary. I encourage all parents/carers to read the student diary and discuss its contents with your children. There is some very valuable information in the diary that supports your child in their educational journey and identifies what Mount Carmel Catholic College stands for.

The Pastoral Care foundations and values are what the College is built upon. These pillars are fundamental to our Pastoral Care and Wellbeing programs and stress the importance of a holistic and collaborative approach to education. It is themes of responsibilities, relationships and high expectations that will be integrated into our Pastoral Care program over the coming year and will provide opportunities for challenge and growth. 

I congratulate the vast majority of the student population who have returned to the College abiding by these expectations, and I thank parents/carers for their continued support. As outlined in the College enrolment package and your child’s enrolment interview, maintaining a high standard of presentation is an important aspect of our community. Each student is the face of Mount Carmel Catholic College. The way they dress and present themselves, travelling to and from the College and on school grounds is noticed. We have College uniform and grooming guidelines in place to create safe and supportive environments for all. I remind parents/carers of the expectations and ask that you review pages 17-20 of the diary for any clarification.

The student diary is like a passport for your child while they are at school. It is imperative they have it with them each day and this has been communicated to your child in Pastoral Care class and assemblies. The diary is a great means of communication between school and home and teaches your child about the importance of organisation. The student diary not only helps your child stay organised and on top of their workload, but can also be used to track progress, set goals, and reflect on their learning process. I encourage Parents/Carers to review their child’s diary regularly. There is a space in the diary for parents/carers to sign each week.

Lastly, it is important that each individual student accepts responsibility for their own level of wellbeing. The SEEEDSS program provides a scaffold for the awareness and implementation of a variety of strategies and skills that we can all apply to monitor and adapt behaviours that can influence our individual and collective wellbeing. Again, this program will be part of each Year Groups Pastoral Care and Wellbeing throughout 2023.

I look forward to working in partnership with you and your children throughout 2023. Thank you in anticipation of your support this year.

Mrs Theresa Moore