Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

In our fast-paced and ever-changing world, the significance of holistic wellbeing cannot be understated. The demands of contemporary education, combined with various stressors in a teenagers life, have led to a growing need for overarching care that addresses the many aspects of an individual. Pastoral Care is often described as the oil for learning, the nourishment for the education journey.

At Mount Carmel we start the school day with Pastoral Care Class. This is a time and space provided for every student to connect with their peers and their Pastoral Advisor, building a great sense of community. This morning routine provides a time for each student, under the guidance of a Pastoral Advisor and Coordinators, to set themselves up for individual success. Therefore, I sincerely thank our team of Year Coordinators who work tirelessly each week leading their Pastoral teams, to ensure that the students in their cohorts are cared for and their wellbeing supported so the students are at their best for learning each day.

Across the Grades

Year 7 - This term our focus has been on being reflective and effective learners. We have reviewed semester reports and examined strengths and weaknesses relating to academics. This week we have moved onto the benefits of goal setting and creating SMART goals that will feed forward for the rest of the year.

Mr Andrew Rees

Year 8 - In the last few weeks, Year 8 have completed a Semester 1 report evaluation,  focused on mindfulness techniques, and "applying good study tips" to help them be on top of their assessments and achieve personal best results. Students have developed their own goals that they can apply to help them be on top of their studies. Year 8 have explored a variety of mindfulness techniques to help them relax during stressful periods of time. They have also explored strategies that allow them to have a positive mindset, especially when it comes to completing school work and maintaining positive and healthy relationships with friends and teachers.

Mr Joseph Sullivan

Year 9 - This term Year 9 have been focusing on building their skills in leadership in preparation for the House Captain Expression of Interest coming up. Each Thursday Year 9 have been exploring concepts related to characteristics of leadership skills and what it 'looks like' to be a certain leader. This week, students are putting some of these skills to the test by trying to problem solve a scenario individually, before taking on the task next week as a group. Year 9 have been competing in fortnightly 'minute-to-win-it' style challenges to accrue house points. During the Year assembly last week students were keen to cheer on their peers. It was surprisingly competitive. Over the course of the next few weeks, Year 9 will also be exposed to ways they can be more 'financially' savvy. Mr Daniels will be presenting in Week 4 and Week 6 during the Year Assemblies along with external professionals to help students understand the concept 'making money work'.

Mr Brendan Berkeley

Year 10 - This week in Year 10 there was a buzz around Subject Selection Interviews as well as discussions revolving around the work experience opportunities that are becoming available to students. We celebrated MacKillop Day and our Year 10 Captains facilitated a trivia competition between the other houses during assembly time. Year 10 has begun to receive assessment notifications indicating a heavy assessment period looming. Please revisit the assessment calendar provided to you at the beginning of the year and generate some discussion about this with your child to ensure that they are adequately prepared. 

Miss Alison Armour

Year 11 - With Year 12 students on Trial HSC Examinations, Pastoral Advisors have had the opportunity to lead 1:1 interviews with the Year 11 students. These interviews have supported discussions around goal setting and what students would like their HSC year to look like.

Mr Kevin Harpley

Year 12 - In preparation for the final term of Year 12 secondary education, the Pastoral team has worked to ensure a holistic approach to the term ahead. With the support of the College Leadership Team and our Catholic Care Counsellors, we have focussed on both the students academic and wellbeing goals. This week Year 12 commenced the Trial HSC Examinations. The cohort have approached these examinations with a level of maturity and eagerness to complete the last of their school based formal assessment tasks. We look forward to continuing this support as we move to graduation at the end of this term and the final HSC Examinations starting on the 11th October.

Mrs Clarissa Pearce