Dear parents, friends, staff and students,

Each Sunday there is an acclamation to welcome the Gospel. This Sunday’s acclamation is:

Shine on the world like bright stars; you are offering it the word of life. 

This acclamation – which is also called the Alleluia Verse – encourages us to consider what message we might take from the gospel itself. It gives us a context for how we might hear the word of the Lord. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the pharisees to give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar - and to God what belongs to God. For each of us there is an obligation to give to God and to reflect to the world, the light of God’s message. In our decisions and actions, we are constantly reminded to be the light of the world to others and this can be done by reflecting the light of Christ. This is one simple way that we might offer the word of life to others and give back to God what belongs to God.

Tonight, the College Leadership Team will be travelling to St Joseph’s College at Hunters Hill for the annual Marist Schools (MSA) Mass and Dinner. At this dinner, schools are given the opportunity to nominate staff who have reached milestones or have made an especially valuable contribution to Marist education. Earlier this year we nominated Mrs Clare Murphy and Mrs Christine Meharg for recognition. MSA have accepted both nominations and Mrs Meharg and Mrs Murphy will be recognised at this dinner. I congratulate both staff on the nomination and on the extensive and invaluable contributions that they have made to our community. 

Yesterday, Mr Huntly, Mrs Meharg and I met with Dr John Robinson (NSW Regional Director of Marist Schools Australia - MSA). We spent time discussing our relationship with MSA and the opportunities we have engaged in over 2023. Dr Robinson outlined the further opportunities for Mount Carmel in 2024 and how we might continue to build on our charism. We are proud of our Marist links and will continue to work with MSA to provide opportunities for excellence for our students.

During the holidays we received delivery of our new Solar bin. This was generously paid for by the P&F and has been purchased to try to reduce the amount of rubbish around the ovals. Over the past few years, we have had a significant problem with the wind and animals in the bins. The solar bin will compact the equivalent of 5 bins before it requires emptying. Thank you to the P&F for this support and we will evaluate its benefit over the coming months.

Earlier this year, I notified parents through the newsletter that we will have two Pupil Free Staff Development Days this term. This is a result of agreements around the implementation of new syllabuses. Please note as previously notified that these SDD Pupil Free Days are on Friday November 10 and Monday November 13.

“Ite in Veritate

Mr Steve Lo Cascio