Dear parents, friends, staff and students,

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of attending a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. One of the places we visited was Mt Tabor – the place where the Transfiguration of Jesus is said to have occurred. This is the solemnity that we celebrate this Sunday. Whilst the picture here does not truly reflect the height and magnitude of this mountain, you might be able to see the lowlands and the mountains off in the distance. The Transfiguration of the Lord is the moment where Jesus, Peter, John and James went to pray and Jesus “clothing became brilliant as lightening” and He was joined by Moses and Elijah (Luke 9: 28-36). The mountain is extremely steep and is visible as the highest point in the area. The Gospel goes on to tell us; “a voice came from the cloud, saying, ‘This is my son, the Chosen One. Listen to Him’”. Whilst standing on the mountain, it was easy to become engulfed in the place and to imagine that moment. The last phrase “Listen to Him” is a message that is as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago. Our take away from this is consistent and simple, Jesus is the message, we should listen to Him.

Last Sunday the Campbelltown Catholic Club hosted their annual Mass and Luncheon. Our college was represented at the Mass by two of our Year 12 students (Jasmyne Douangdara and Hayden Cannon). The Catholic Club are wonderful supporters of Catholic Education in the MacArthur region and have been great supporters of Mount Carmel. Thank you to Jasmyne and Hayden for participating on our behalf.

Today, Mackillop House celebrated their Patron Day. They are named after Australia’s first saint, St. Mary of the Cross Mackillop. Mount Carmel’s first Assistant Principal was a Josephite nun and so the connection to this order founded by St Mary is strong. I wish all in Mackillop House a wonderful House Day.

This weekend, around 10 of our Yr 11 students will be attending the Marist Youth Forum in Mittagong. They will join students from Marist schools around the state to discuss and develop their spirituality. Thank you to Ms Nguyen who will accompany them on the weekend and to Mr Teuma and Mr Huntly who will act as bus drivers.

Last Wednesday evening many of our middle leaders assisted with the Year 10 Subject Selection meetings. For those unfamiliar with this process, these meetings followed the information sessions that students and parents attended to help them determine what subjects they will choose as electives for Stage 6. These meetings build on the academic prediction process that starts in Year 9 and assists students to determine what subjects and levels they are tracking toward before they make their choices. The meetings give an opportunity for the students and parents to discuss options and ensure that they choose a pattern of study that matches their interests, abilities and future pathway. The guidance staff provide is very valuable and helps to get students into the correct courses. Thank you to all those who gave of their time and knowledge and a special thanks to Ms Miller and Ms Toogood who organised this evening.

On Tuesday August 15 (week 5) we will be holding our Term 3 P&F meeting. As always, this is held in room I3 (at the top of the turning circle) and begins at 7 pm. This term our guest speaker will be Mr David Teuma (ICLT Coordinator). Mr Teuma will be speaking about technology use at the College and in particular Artificial Intelligence. As always, all parents and caregivers are welcome.

Ite in Veritate

Mr Steve Lo Cascio