As we have now reached the midpoint of the term, students and staff are now well entrenched in the realities of teaching and learning. Most year groups will have received notifications for upcoming assessments, staff are preparing themselves for the cycle of marking and reporting that occurs on a regular basis throughout the year, and feedback will be provided to students and parents through Tracking Reports which will provide a snapshot of academic progress at the end of the term.

Amongst the day to day demands of our core business of teaching and learning, a range of co-curricular activities also occur every week which enhance learning, wellbeing and faith development, along with the continued focus on building community. The past week is indicative of this. It was great to see almost 90 students (around 8% of our student body) volunteer to assist with the Year 7 2025 Information evening on Wednesday. Students from Years 8 to 12 act as tour guides, KLA assistants, musicians, speakers and hospitality staff during the afternoon and night. On behalf of the staff of Mount Carmel I would like to thank all students who generously gave up their time to help out and demonstrate the fantastic sense of Family Spirit and community that we possess here at the College. 

The past 2 days have also seen Year 8 participate in the annual “Connections that Count” presentation by David Kobler from Your Choicez, and today saw Murray House celebrate their House day with a liturgy and various fundraising activities for lantern charities. Thanks to all staff and students involved in the preparation and participation of these important events. Earlier this week saw the completion of a new Synthetic Volleyball Court. The popularity of the game over the past couple of years has resulted in our traditional grass surfaces experience significant wear and tear. It is hoped that the new surface will be much more resilient. We will closely monitor the impact and endurance of the court over the coming months with the possibility of upgrading more courts in the future if it is feasible.

Next week will see a select group of staff and students attend the recording of Q & A at the ABC studios in Ultimo on Monday night. NAPLAN for Years 7 and 9 commences on Wednesday, Mr Teuma will be hosting an Information Communication and Learning Technologies evening for parents on Wednesday night at 7pm, Year 8 will participate in Elevate Educations Study Skills sessions on Friday morning and staff will continue to prepare Tracking Reports for all year groups, commencing with Year 11. Thanks to all staff and students for their role in preparing, participating and supervising these important events.  

Last week I made mention of the need to use Opal cards on buses. This week, I would like to point out that there have been some issues with bus crowding on some routes, particularly in the morning. Could I please ask parents and carers to contact the College if you have any concerns, as well as Transit Systems NSW (the operator), should you have any questions or concerns.

As usual, thank you for your ongoing support with the Learning, Wellbeing and Faith development of our students. Please do not hesitate to contact the Office or your son or daughters respective Pastoral Advisor or Year Coordinator should you have any questions or require support.

Mr Simon Huntly