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

Last Sunday, the Gospel at Mass (Luke 14:1-14) outlined the idea that we should do things with humility and without the thought of recognition or reward. The parable Jesus told was of the guest at a wedding who took the place of honour at the table and was then asked to move. He went on to highlight the idea that it is better to be asked to move to a better position rather than being asked to move down. It is worthwhile asking when we do things, do we do them because they are right or because they will get us recognition? I have regularly spoken to the students explaining that they have an obligation to use the talents they have been given by God, but this can be done with humility and thanksgiving. For me, these qualities were highlighted in our students during this week when our SRC for 2020 attended their Leadership day. These students espoused the way that talents can be used for the greater good of others without needing to take praise for their use. This Student Leadership Team will be announced early next week.

Once again over the past week, there have been a number of events that highlight the overall mission of the College to be a “Christ-centred community providing opportunities for excellence”. Our Year 12 students took Friday to meet in their Retreat Reconnector where they reflected on their own spiritual growth and the journey that they undertook during term 4 last year. This reconnector comes at a time when their lives are often consumed by the build-up to the HSC and is a timely opportunity to stop and breathe and calm themselves before the final examinations.

On the same day, our Year 7 students gathered in the morning to meet and listen to Mr Paul Nunnari as part of the awareness raising for the MacArthur 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer campaign that runs every year. Today’s program began at Mount Carmel where Paul spoke with the students about his journey and gave them an opportunity to ask questions. There were many valuable questions from our students around his experiences and how he overcame adversity. Next week’s newsletter will contain more information about this event.

On Monday evening, Our Music, Visual Arts, Industrial Technology and Design and Technology HSC students showed or performed their major works for this year’s HSC. This evening was well attended by family members and the major works were a credit to the students. It was a pleasurable evening seeing those things of which our HSC students are capable. Congratulations to all these students and to the staff involved who have assisted them throughout their journey.

As you may be aware, Mount Carmel is part of the Marist School’s Australia network. This network enables us to connect with other schools that share our charism and give our students opportunities that they otherwise may not have access to. The Marists are currently seeking feedback on how these links may be expanded. If you would like to comment or share your thoughts, please follow the link;

Marist Global Survey. I would encourage you to take 5 – 10 minutes to offer your feedback.

Next Tuesday evening will be the next Parents and Friends evening at the College. This week our guest speaker is Mr Kripal (Mathematics Coordinator and Numeracy coach). He will be speaking about maths and numeracy initiatives within the College this year. This evening will begin at 7pm in room I3 (near the La Valla training centre).

Ite in Veritate

Mr Steve Lo Cascio

Principal