Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students of Mount Carmel, 

Last Sunday’s reading came from the Gospel of Luke and recalls Jesus preparing his disciples for His inevitable return. ‘See that you are dressed for action and that you have your lamps lit’. We are told, and in many ways challenged, that if we are trusting, and always ready, that God’s rewards for this will be in abundance. To be ready for his coming requires is to live as Christ commands us to today. To not defer our Christian obligations, but to accept and embrace them as a way of life. 

This past week has seen us approach the finish line for this years Trial HSC Examinations. I remain so extremely impressed at the focused, measured and dedicated commitment that has been demonstrated by so many of our students over the past fortnight. I also remain particularly grateful for the many teachers who have remained back at the College to work with students in the library of an evening to support effective study and exam preparation. I anticipate the coming weeks to be full of mixed emotions as students receive results and feedback from their performances in these exams. I urge them to be pleased with their achievements but to use this feedback as a guide to further prepare them for the main HSC exams that commence at the start of Term 4. 

On Thursday afternoon, I had the opportunity to address the current Year 11 cohort at the conclusion of their two day leadership program that was designed to ultimately select the Student Representative Council for 2020. I was impressed by the level of engagement and attention that was given towards this process and have no doubt that the program that was delivered has aided in the discernment process that will ultimately lead to the selection of a very deserving and successful student leadership team next year. 

I take the opportunity this week to thank the parents who were in attendance at our August P&F meeting that took place on Tuesday night here at the College. I am particularly grateful to our College Curriculum Coordinator, Ms Judith Tolomeo who was also in attendance to provide our parents with an insight into the range of strategies that we employ here at the College to ensure that all students are challenged to realise their potential. For those parents who are interested in attending the next P&F meeting, our next gathering will be held in Week 8 of term, on Tuesday 10 September. 

Finally this week, I remind all parents that the Term 3 pupil free day will take place on Friday 30 August. This day will give staff the opportunity to engage in professional development that will further develop our approaches towards pastoral care here at the College. I thank in advance those parents who are required to make alternative supervision arrangements so that our teachers can engage in such a worthwhile opportunity. 

Ite in Veritate

Acting Principal