This week’s Gospel, John 15: 9-17 contains two lines that are often quoted by Christian and non-Christians alike. They give a clear message about how we are to act and about God’s love for us. The first is “Love one another as I have loved you”. This is a direction that, if applied consistently, would result in a world where harmony and care for each other would be the essence of what we do and how we act. History tells us unfortunately, that this is often not the case and so Jesus gives us another message: “A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends”. This quote is regularly used in relation to the sacrifice made by soldiers who die when defending their country or values. There is a third quote however, that I would draw your attention to. “You are my friends”. This follows directly from the previous quote whereby Jesus links His own sacrifice and death to His love for us. Whilst this is clear and direct, it is nice to take the third quote in simple isolation to help explain our relationships with Jesus Christ. “You are my friends”. Our faith focuses on the notion of Hope and how we can always be sure that God is there for us. This is a love from the heart - “You are my friends”.

I am excited to say that we are now very close to occupying our new STEM building. Our hope is to begin classes in the new rooms within the next fortnight but we will communicate the specific start times and processes over the next few days. Please be reminded however that the new plans will involve changes to bus drop off and pick up spots and some restrictions on car parking. I thank each of you in advance for your understanding as these changes are implemented. 

At the start of this week, I spent three days attending a Professional Development with six Principals from the Wollongong diocese and a further 42 from around Australia. The program was focussed on governance and ethical leadership and involved a series of expert guest speakers and discussions with colleagues. It was a valuable opportunity to reflect on how we do things and why we do them in a particular way. One of the themes that continually arose was that in many of our decisions, we are weighing up a variety of factors but ensure that we follow processes and protocols to ensure outcomes of justice and fairness. Whilst there were many examples of how we do this, a common theme is that decisions are not taken lightly and often involve consultation and reflection. It became apparent that we are fortunate at Mount Carmel to have a community that cares for each other and values process. I will continue this course later this term but would like to thank the leadership team and our guest principal, Mr Wayne Marshall, who looked after the College during my days away. 

Over the last few weeks, I mentioned that there would be a number of surveys over the coming months to assist in improving how we do things as a college and diocese. Thank you to the parents who participated in the CEDoW Mental Health Support Services Review last term which focussed on services provided in mental health at a diocesan level. Next week, we will email a link to the second survey; Tell Them From Me (TTFM). This survey is again split into students, parents and staff but will focus on our achievements as a College. Again, I encourage honest feedback, both positive and constructive, to assist us in evaluating our achievements and helping to develop plans for the future.