At Sunday Mass each week, there is an acclamation before that Gospel that helps us to focus our thoughts and ideas before we hear the Word of God. Last Sunday, the first part of this acclamation  stated: “The word of God is living and active”. We hear in John 1:1  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”. What does God being living and active mean for each of us as we carry out our daily tasks? When we treat others with respect and dignity and our interactions are based on the values of Jesus Christ, we are helping to spread the living and active word of God. Students are encouraged to consider these values when they make decisions in the classroom and the yard, before school and during lessons, when they speak to each other or to staff. If each decision we make and act we carry out, is a prayer to God, we have ensured that the Word of God is living and active.

Crazy sock day on Tuesday was a fun way to help show the Word of God is living and active. The funds from this day go to Catholic Mission, which is an organisation that assists people in times of crisis and those experiencing extreme poverty. It is a small way that we can help others and ensure that God’s work is carried out in communities outside our own. I thank the students who organised this and those who participated.

Over the last few days, our Year 11 students participated in their Senior Retreat. At the start of their last year of formal schooling, students are given some space and time to reflect on their future journey in both a spiritual and goal sense. As part of our charism, we continually challenge the students to make space and calmly reflect on their journey and plan for their future. I had the pleasure of visiting some of these students on Thursday and witnessed the quiet reflection and positive attitude that was present at the venues. The students at this retreat were given this opportunity in a program run by staff. This took the form of large group facilitation and small group discussion that allowed for personal reflection. Once again, I thank the staff who have given three days away from their own families in order to provide this experience for the students. I also congratulate and thank the students for the positive way in which they accepted this opportunity.

On Wednesday, a number of our Year 9 students attended the Western Sydney University Fast Forward Day. This Day is organised by WSU to give students an opportunity to experience the university and to become familiar and comfortable with the site and some of their processes. I thank Ms James (our Transition and Pathways Teacher) for coordinating this event and accompanying the students.

Today (Friday) is World Teachers' Day. On behalf of parents and students, I thank the teachers (and all staff) of Mount Carmel for their tireless efforts and professional contributions to the students at the College. As I have said on many occasions, the staff go far above and beyond to ensure that our students are in a Christ-centred community that provides opportunities for excellence. Thank you.

On Sunday November 3, we will be holding our second College Working Bee. This working bee is for the families of MacKillop and Murray houses. During these working bees, we take the opportunity to clean the external parts of buildings, repaint some of the furniture and re-bark and weed the gardens. All assistance is appreciated and we will thank those families who attend in future newsletters. The day will begin at 9 am with a sausage sizzle thank you organised by the P&F concluded by 12pm. Pease feel free to come for the whole time or any part you can assist.