You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.                          Matthew 5: 14 - 16

The above quote is taken from the Gospel of St Matthew read at Mass last Sunday. Often, the gospels and readings that occur each week can have a special relevance for what might be happening in our lives or communities at that particular moment. This Gospel is particularly poignant for the Mount Carmel Catholic College community because next Friday February 21, we are celebrating with our 2019 HSC students with our High Achiever’s ceremony. This ceremony is held each year and recognises the work of all our students but with particular emphasis on those who have reached excellence within their academic studies. These students and the staff and parents who have assisted them, have taken their talents and developed them to achieve something great. In this way, they have “let their light shine before others”. Using our gifts from God for His glory is a fundamental form of praise and prayer and we celebrate this as a community. 

Last Monday, our senior students went to classes to collect donations for the St Vincent De Paul Bushfire Appeal. Whilst the notice for this appeal was very short, the students were involved with a positive energy and we were able to contribute well. Thank you to the senior students for your collecting and the community for your donations. 

Each year the Campbelltown Catholic Club financially contributes toward excursion costs for a student in various Catholic schools via their Br Clarence Foundation for Education (named after the founding Principal of Mount Carmel). Over the years, a number of our students have benefitted from this and I thank the Catholic Club for their ongoing support. For further information on the work of this foundation or to make a contribution toward this cause, please contact the Campbelltown Catholic Club. 

A gentle reminder to parents regarding the Senior student carpark. This car park to the right of the College entrance is regularly used by our Year 12 students who have been given permission to park on site. Please be aware that at the end of the day, there will be high volumes of traffic in this carpark and I ask that you avoid using this side to pick up students during peak times as it can further disrupt traffic flows. 

Our first Parents and Friends’ meeting for 2020 was held last Tuesday evening. At the end of this meeting, the parents were invited into the College library to see the new furniture that was delivered last week. The cost of this furniture was supplemented by the Catholic Education Office and I thank them for this support. The feedback from parents, students and staff has been very positive, however the library staff are now considering placement in order  to get the best options for learning. In terms of future P&F meetings, these are held on the second Tuesday of each month during term times at 7pm in room I3. All parents are warmly invited to these meetings. The next will be held on March 10 and will begin with the AGM.   

Advance warning that our Year 7, 2021 Information evening will be held in week 6, Monday March 2 at the College in the Champagnat Centre. This meeting will begin at 7pm. Please spread the word to anyone who may be considering enrolling in Year 7 at Mount Carmel for 2021.

Ite in Veritate

Mr Steve Lo Cascio