“Whoever can be trusted in small things can also be trusted in big things”. Luke 16: 10

The above phrase was from last Sunday’s Gospel and is worth continually reflecting on. Whether we are considering our behaviours in general or in minute detail with those closest to us, the idea that trust is paramount in our lives is undeniable. Trust is also necessary in our global thinking. How do we deal with those less fortunate, with the environment, with the ridiculed, with the downtrodden? Do we consider the dignity of all we encounter when we make our decisions or do we break the trust we have with others. On Sunday Sept 29 (this coming Sunday), the church celebrates Social Justice Sunday. The Australian Catholic Bishops have released a statement called Making it Real: Genuine human encounter in our digital world. This statements looks at digital technology in our modern world and asks the question as to how we can foster genuine human encounter. I encourage parents and students to read this statement and reflect on what it offers.

On Wednesday of this week we had the final formalities for our Year 12, 2019 students. Every year, these events include a College Assembly where we recap the memories of the students over the past six years, a celebration of the Eucharist through a Mass with the students and their families, and a Graduation Ceremony where we acknowledge every student and highlight special achievements. These ceremonies involve great joy as we reflect on the growth and many positive qualities of these students. There is also however, a degree of sadness as we recognise that this represents an end to formal schooling and that these students will physically leave our community. One of the things that remains true is that whilst they leave our buildings and playgrounds, they will always remain members of the Mount Carmel Catholic College community. At the graduation I highlighted the four areas that we hope all graduating students of Mount Carmel will become. We hope they will always be people of; Faith, Integrity, Learning and Community. It is these values that we try to instil in our students and I am proud of how they have turned out. We wish every student success in their future and I ask you to keep them in your prayers as they build toward the HSC examinations.

At the farewell assembly, the leadership to our 2020 SRC was formally handed over. This handover is an important symbol that student leadership involves authority given from both the College and the student body. The 2019 SRC recognised these students and welcomed them into their new positions. I look forward to the formal badging of these students in term 4.

At the start of term 4, the Information Technology Support staff will move into the old Book Room in the library. This move is an attempt to make access to this support easier for the students both during lessons and during breaks. Overall, it continues our move to ensure that the library transforms into a resource hub where students might go to access assistance with research, Learning Support, IT, STEM and Careers/Transition. We will continue this process over the next few months.

As some of you may be aware, we have some staff changes that will occur at the start of next term. Mrs Merryl Tumeth has retired at the end of over three decades service to Mount Carmel. The staff farewelled her at the start of this week and her contribution to the College has been invaluable. I wish Mrs. Tumeth the best in her entry into retirement.

Mr Greg Lozelle will be taking Term 4 on Long Service Leave and will be replaced by Mr David Teuma in the library. This will also allow Mr Teuma (our IT Coordinator) to monitor the changes to IT and access for students whilst he is there.

Finally, I wish all students and families a happy and restful holiday period. As I have often said, a fundamental philosophy in Christianity is taking the opportunity to stop and reflect on what we do and how we do it. I encourage all students to take this opportunity and hope they come back refreshed and ready to contribute. I remind all that we will return in summer uniforms. Parents please check these over the holidays and be sure that any adjustments are taken care of prior to your child’s return.