This week we undertake the beginning of the Season of Lent. This is an opportunity to prepare for the Easter ceremonies and to reflect on the passion and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is also a time of sacrifice and contemplation within our own lives and the way that we relate and walk in communion with those around us. The Lenten Season began with the distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday. This ceremony at Mount Carmel, brought together our community and, with Catholic communities worldwide, we received the ashes made from the burnt palms used on Palm Sunday last year. This is a visible mark that we belong to a greater community and that our thoughts should be on both our own mortality and redemption but also on the care and concern for those less fortunate. Throughout Lent, students will be encouraged to sacrifice for others and reflect on their own spiritual goals. Further in this newsletter, I have reproduced the Bishop’s message on Penance and sacrifice.

On Thursday we held our annual College Swimming Carnival. This event was only for competitors and Years 7 and 12. It is a lovely community start for our new Year 7 students and an opportunity for them to experience the camaraderie of the Year 12 students outside the normal school setting. Each year we evaluate how this event is run keeping in mind the capacity restrictions at the venue and the staffing implications. As always, I am happy to take feedback either via email or at the P&F meetings.

Last week we distributed permission notes regarding the publication of student images and works. These permissions are required to be gained each year and are used to determine which students are able to appear in College newsletters, school photos, the yearbook, the College website and in some circumstances, the CEO website or other publications. These permissions are extremely important and, as I am sure you will understand, need to be accurate in order to be implemented. Please return these forms if you have not already done so and where possible, we would love to publish photos and works of students where appropriate.

Next Wednesday March 4, Year 7 parents will have the opportunity to attend the College for the first Year 7 Literacy evening. A number of our English staff will be present to explain their current programs in order to assist parents in knowing how to support their children. This is the start of what we hope will be a number of such opportunities. I thank Mrs Murphy and her staff in advance for their time, experience and effort in giving parents this opportunity.

A reminder that P&F meetings 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.  

On Sunday March 15, the first College Working Bee will be taking place. This is for families of students in Avila and Howard Houses and will begin at 9 am and conclude with a sausage sizzle by Midday. The P&F will be organising the refreshments and volunteers will be asked to assist with various jobs including gardening, weeding, painting, cleaning and furniture moving. All volunteers are welcome and this community event assists the College in carrying out of minor maintenance and College improvement.

Once again, a reminder that our Year 7, 2021 Information evening will be held next 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