Our return to school has been one of positivity and I would like to thank all students and carers for the manner in which we have commenced our final term of learning. Mr Lo Cascio has included a section in his article about the ongoing construction and renovations taking place on the site and I would particularly like to express our gratitude for the mature, responsible and cooperative way that students have negotiated the alterations and disruptions that have been occurring, and will continue to do so at various times over the next 9 weeks, as a result of our building works.

Building works aside, the past week has also seen some other significant events take place. Year 12 commenced the HSC Exams on Wednesday and we wish them every success for the coming weeks. Year 11 students are in the process of receiving results and feedback from their Preliminary exams as they prepare to embark on their own journey through the Higher School Certificate over the coming 12 months. Students and carers of Year 11 are reminded that Reports will be released on Monday 24 October and the Year 12 2024 HSC Information Night is scheduled for the evening of Monday 30th October. This week also saw teams represent the College in the Years 7-9 Diocesan Cricket tournament on Wednesday and our 14 years Boys and Years 7-9 Girls participate in the Diocesan AFL Gala Day today. Our Years 7-11 Basketball teams will take part in the Diocesan Carnival on Monday October 16. I thank all competitors, coaches and managers for their contribution over the past week and wish our teams every success on Monday.

Earlier this morning our Years 7 to 11 cohorts engaged in a range of Pastoral activities. These ranged from former Socceroo Paul Wade speaking to Year 11 about goal-setting, resilience and motivation to Year 10 addressing Gender specific issues, Year 9 looking at growth and fixed mindsets, Year 8 creating videos on Respect and Year 7 looking at strategies that they can adopt to promote personal health and wellbeing. Thanks to all Year Coordinators and Pastoral Advisors for preparing, presenting and supervising these activities.

Over the last few weeks, you may have heard that the NSW government has banned mobile phones in Department schools. The expectations at Mount Carmel have not changed from the past few years as our procedures have largely been effective. I ask all parents and students to ensure you are familiar with our expectations and support us in this so that we do not need to take a harder line on this. As a reminder, there is an expectation that phones will not be used between the first bell at 8:40 and the end of the day at 3:15 unless permission is given by a staff member. Should parents or students need to contact each other, please do this through the College office. Students who use their phones without permission will have them confiscated and placed at student services until the end of the day (as per page 14 of the College Diary).

As always, thanks for your ongoing support with all matters relating to Learning and Wellbeing. Please contact your son or daughter’s respective Year Coordinator or Pastoral Advisor should you have any questions or concerns.