Week Seven of the term has again witnessed another range of opportunities for students to be engaged in activities that contribute to the holistic growth of both individuals and our school community. 

Thursday our 2024 Student Representative Council (SRC) elected leaders participated in their annual induction day. This was an opportunity for the group to reflect on what leadership entails, engage in team activities, present prepared speeches and formulate ideas that might address some of the strengths and needs of the College during their leadership experience over the coming 12 months. It was also the final stage in determining College Captains, Vice Captains and Folio leaders for 2024. Thanks to Mr Harpley, Ms Gardner and all our 2024 leaders for their contribution to what was a very successful day. Yesterday also saw our Indigenous students attend the Catholic Education Office’s Bungawarra Cultural Day in Kiama. This enabled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across the Diocese of Wollongong to meet with each other and Elders, as well as participate in cultural activities throughout the day. Thanks to Ms Oldfield and Ms Abra for supervising and supporting the students throughout the day. Our Year 10 MISA Public Speaking team also participated in this year’s event at St.Patrick’s College on Thursday. Thanks to Ms Borg and the Public Speaking team for their efforts.

Today at our College Assembly we were finally able to recognise our Years 7 to 10 Academic Awards for Semester One. This saw over 100 students receive awards for Academic Effort, Academic Achievement and Academic Excellence. Thanks to Ms Miller for her work in preparing the awards and congratulations to all students who were recognised earlier today. Our Assembly also provided an opportunity to present our annual Mount Carmel Community Award. This award recognises a member of our College Community is presented in recognition of service to the College, commitment to our Marian spirituality and the broader Mount Carmel community. This year’s recipient is Mrs Melina Trimarchi, a member of our Food Technology and Hospitality staff for the past 16 years. We thank Melina sincerely for her work which often goes unnoticed, extends far beyond the requirements and hours of her role and is always performed with the care and interests of all members of our community at the centre.  

Next week will also see a number of activities being conducted which support the learning and wellbeing of students. These include:

• Year 7 English Bell Shakespeare Performance Monday Lessons 1 & 2
• Year 12 Parent Teacher Student Interviews Wednesday 4pm to 8pm
• CatholicCare Parent Information Evening Thursday at 7pm

Thanks in advance to all involved in the preparation and participation of these events.

We have been informed that as October 8, Interline Bus Services will no longer be operating in our area as their contract renewal was not successful. A new company, Transit Systems NSW Pty Ltd will take over operations from this date. There are currently no anticipated changes to the current school services. However, we will keep everyone up to date should there be any changes to services.

Mr Simon Huntly