This Sunday’s Gospel reading is John 14:1-12, which sees Jesus begin to farewell his disciples prior to his crucifixion. Within the passage, Jesus says to the apostles “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be” (Jn14:3). Not only is he predicting his upcoming death and resurrection, but also inviting his disciples to continue their commitment to his work and to remain faithful. Some 2000 years later, as a faith community, we are also being called to continue his work. To live lives as Christ would through our daily lives demonstrating  commitment to prayer, forgiveness, empathy, charity and continued spiritual growth. At Mount Carmel Catholic College we endeavour to promote a “Christ-like” environment through a range of initiatives. Be it in our Catholic Studies and Studies of Religion classes, Youth Ministry, rosary, daily prayer, support of charities, respectful relationships, staff and student spirituality days and celebration of our founders, we are continually looking at ways that we can promote and act out lives that reflect Blessed Marcellin Champagant’s dream to “make Jesus known and loved”.  

Earlier today our Year 9 students participated in their annual “Encounter Day”, which involved a Year Group Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish followed by a range of activities and presentations centred around a theme of “Healing the World”. Thanks to Ms Borg and Mrs Meharg for organising the day and to the supervising staff and presenters from Marist 180, Caritas, St. Vincent de Paul and CatholicCare who provided valuable support and insight into making the day a success. Thanks also to the students of Year 9 for their participation throughout the day.

As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, Mrs Murphy conducted a presentation to Year 7 parents regarding the importance of literacy as a tool for academic success, some different perspectives on how literacy skills can be presented to students in ways that encourage creativity and engagement, as well as the launching of the “Parent Library”. Thanks to Mrs Murphy and Mrs Gramellis for their organisation and assistance for the evening that was presented to a small but passionate group of parents and carers.

On Tuesday we hosted a group of Early Career Teachers from our local Macarthur diocesan high schools. This was an important part of their ongoing professional development in their first year of teaching, and a number of our staff provided some insights into the wonderful vocational opportunities that exist as a teacher, the importance of a growth mindset and relationship building, the need for collaboration with peers, students and carers and the opportunity to visit some classes and see some experienced teachers in action. In turn, our Early Career Teachers visited other local schools. Many thanks to the staff who opened the doors to their classrooms, who provided great insights in the Q and A session and to the staff at the Catholic Education Office for organising the day. It is just one example of the success that can be gained through a collegial and shared approach to learning and teaching.

Earlier in the week we were informed of the sudden passing of an ex-student of the College, Luke Stephenson. Luke was enrolled at Mount Carmel in the mid 2000’s and was a current member of the NSW Police Force. His funeral will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Monday May 8 at 11am. Our condolences go out to Luke’s family. May he rest in Peace.

Finally, we welcome Mr Lo Cascio back on Monday after his 5 week sabbatical. We hope that he is well rested and re-energised after his visit to the lands of the Bible and the home of Blessed Marcellin.

Ite In Veritate

Mr Simon Huntly