Dear parents, friends, staff and students,

This Sunday’s gospel, Matthew 10:26-33 tells us that Jesus will witness to the Father, anyone who has witnessed to Him. In a world where so much is happening that takes our time and attention, it is sometimes difficult for us to understand how we might ‘witness’ to God and whether that will benefit us later. Jesus clearly tells us here that God knows each of us (“Every hair on your head has been counted”) and that our efforts in following Him will result in His support for us. Our everyday witness and support for Jesus is reflected in our values and actions but these need to be clearly identified with, and articulated through, the lens of Jesus Christ. Our witness is about more than just being good people. It is about naming our values as Christian and openly accepting Jesus as our guide and our goal. Those who do this for Him will also receive His support.

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending the MISA dance performance in Campbelltown. This is a little different to many of our MISA teams in that it is an opportunity to showcase our students’ talents rather than being in competition. In sitting in the auditorium and watching our students, I was impressed by a number of things; the dancers were from a range of year groups and cultural backgrounds which showed the inclusive nature that helps to make Mount Carmel what we are. Our students performed a range of dance styles and most of these were choreographed by the students themselves.  The energy in the room and appreciation for all performers from all schools was a credit to those present. Congratulations to all the students and thank you to Mrs Pearce and Mrs Asuit who guided and accompanied the students.

On Wednesday, we hosted a visit from Bishop Brian Mascord. Bishop Brian takes great pleasure in meeting our students and spending time talking with them about their hopes and fears and their aspirations for their future. After spending time with the SRC and the staff, Bishop Brian met with the whole Year 12 cohort and answered any questions they had for him. It was a lovely experience for them to hear stories from his own life and be able to listen to his personal reflections on any topic they wanted to ask.

During this week, we have been travelling the journey with our Year 10 students as they prepare for their Year 11 subject selections. This journey is extremely important as it gives the students some deeper ownership of their own learning. The students attended the information evening on Wednesday followed by subject markets on Thursday. I encourage students and parents to ask as many questions as possible and thank all the staff who gave their time and expertise to assist students in this process.

Next Monday evening, Thursday evening and Friday morning we will be holding our Year 7 – 10 parent/student/teacher meetings. These meetings are an important opportunity for each of these people to come together as a team to ensure a combined approach to improving student outcomes. I encourage all parents to make bookings to discuss your child’s progress. As has been the case for the last few years, the evenings will be face to face meetings whilst the Friday morning is via zoom. There are no restrictions around which date or type of meeting you choose to attend as we hope you will take the opportunity that is best for your circumstances.

As next Friday will be PTS meetings, there will not be any classes conducted on this day as teachers will be involved in the meetings. As is our normal practice when we do not have classes on Friday, this will be the last newsletter for this term. I hope that all students have a relaxing break over the term 2 holidays and you all get to spend some quality time together as a family.

Ite in Veritate

Mr Steve Lo Cascio