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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
Today (Friday October 15) is the feast of St Teresa of Avila. St Teresa holds a special place in our community as she is attributed with the reform of the Carmelites and was instrumental in setting up new monasteries. St Teresa was a ‘contemplative’. She realised the value in stopping and taking time to reflect and to allow the message of God to enter her mind and her life. St Teresa was named a ‘Doctor of the Church’ for her work in reforming thought and assisting others to find God. She is a role model for our each of us and like St Marcellin shows us the qualities that we should strive to emulate. Had we been at school, we would have celebrated with Avila House and had a special community building event with them. Congratulations to Avila and Happy Feast Day.
From Monday, we officially welcome back our Year 12 students. Whilst most of these will decide to continue their HSC preparation from home, the teachers will be available to meet with them onsite to continue their revision program. From Monday October 25, we look forward to the return of the remainder of our students. In talking to staff and the students currently onsite, there is an energy and excitement that the community is about to be reunited. Of course, there will be some anxiety amongst some of our students, but I would like to reinforce with them that we are keen to have them back and get back to some sense of routine and normality.
Earlier this week I sent a joint letter with Mr Peter Hill (the Director of CEDoW) regarding the return to face to face learning for Year 7 – 11 from October 25. This letter briefly outlined some of the structures that we would have in place and some of the requirements regarding health advice and a return to school. Over the next week, students will be contacted by their Year Coordinators with further reminders and details. There are also some reminders in the next section of this newsletter. I do believe however, that it is important to remind or explain some of these:
You will hopefully be aware that it is mandatory in all secondary schools for all people onsite to wear face masks unless they have a medical exemption. This directive remains in schools until revoked regardless of the requirements outside. Please understand that students will be required to supply their own masks and wear these at all times whilst on the College grounds. To this end, we would appreciate, for our own planning, that parents advise your child’s Year Coordinator as soon as possible if your child has obtained a medical exemption. This will enable us to communicate this with staff so that your child is not constantly asked.
Under the current directives, canteen facilities can only be accessed by one cohort at a time. There are also health implications for volunteers and the way that food can be distributed. Following a meeting with our Canteen Manager and senior staff we have had to make the disappointing decision that the canteen will remain closed until further notice. Please be advised that there will be NO CANTEEN FACILITIES when your child returns to school. Needless to say, that due to restrictions to people coming onsite and the obvious health concerns, as is our normal policy, students are not permitted to book food delivery services.
We have also had to make the decision that the second-hand uniform shop will remain closed at the moment and the new uniform shop will only be able to take online orders and run a ‘click and collect’ out of school hours service. There will be no options for fittings and specific hours will be included later in this newsletter.
As always, a very big thank you to the staff, students and parents for your flexibility and ongoing support during remote learning.
Ite in VeritateMr Steve Lo Cascio
Principal
As most of our community are aware, this coming week will see the return of a number of our Year 12 students to face to face learning, and they will be joined the week after (October 25) by our remaining students from Years 7 to 11. It is with great anticipation that we look forward to welcoming our students back onsite and I once again take the opportunity to remind parents of a number of key strategies that we have introduced in recent weeks in preparation for our return over the coming fortnight. In addition to the measures that I outlined in last week’s College newsletter, I also draw your attention once again to the key details from the co-signed letter that was circulated earlier this week.
During the staged return, our school will follow the prescribed NSW Health Level 3 / Level 3 Plus restrictions, which apply across NSW. These COVID-safe settings will remain in place until we receive direction from NSW Health that restrictions can be eased.
For details regarding the activities that are not permitted or must be modified please read through the Level 3 restrictions. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school and we will be happy to provide further information.
Please note the following arrangements that will be in place at our school until further notice:
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Drop off and pick up |
Parents are asked to remain in their cars during drop off and pick up times. To assist with the staggering of departures each afternoon, half of our classes will be dismissed 10 mins prior to the final bell time based on odd/even numbered classrooms during Period 6. This will alternate each week. |
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Separation of students by year/cohorts |
Students will be restricted to Year group areas during each break. Each year cohort will have access to an undercover and a fully open area. |
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Staggered breaks |
During Periods 1-5, half of all classes will be dismissed from their classroom 5 minutes early based on odd/even numbered classrooms. This will be to ensure that opportunities for cohort mixing is minimised by reducing crowding in corridor areas. |
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Face masks |
Masks will be worn by teachers and staff at all times, indoors and outdoors. Secondary: Masks are required to be worn by all students, at all times, indoors and outdoors. Some exemptions apply. Please see the Level 3 / Level 3 Plus restrictions for more detail about face masks. |
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Cleaning |
Enhanced daily COVID-19 cleaning arrangements (with a focus on high-touch surfaces) will remain in place until further notice. |
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Responding to a positive case of COVID-19 |
CEDoW has an established process for responding when a member of a school community tests positive for COVID-19. In the event this occurs, we will work closely with the Catholic Education Office and the Public Health Unit to rapidly inform impacted families and ensure we complete all required steps to safely reopen. |
While under Level 3 restrictions, parents and carers must:
- follow the physical distancing advice and avoid gathering outside school gates
- adhere to mask-wearing requirements in accordance with the Public Health Order
- remain outside school grounds (some exceptions apply for vulnerable students or students with a disability)
- When an exception allows a parent or carer to enter school grounds, they must sign in using both the Service NSW QR code and the CEDoW Quick Sign-In iPad
Finally, I again take the opportunity to remind families to please continue following our COVID recording procedures that have been in place for most of the pandemic, which include:
- Informing the school immediately if your child is self-isolating or undergoing testing, and informing us of the result as soon as possible.
- Following sickness with flu-like symptoms, ensuring your child is free of symptoms and can present a negative COVID-19 test, before attending the College site for any reason.
All the best for the week and term ahead and thanking you all for your ongoing support.
David Cloran
Assistant Principal
TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
First Reading Is 53:10-11 Through suffering, the Lord offers his life.
Second Reading Heb 4:14-16 Jesus faced the same temptations as us.
Gospel Mk 10:35-45 Whoever aspires to greatness must serve the rest.
Scriptural context – Mark’s Gospel
Despite appearing second, Mark’s gospel is now recognised as being the first written of those that appear in the Bible. The shortest of the four gospels, it begins with Jesus’ entry into public life and, in its original form, ends with the discovery of the empty tomb. It is sometimes called a gospel ‘in a hurry’ as the movement between events is almost abrupt. The gospel writer identifies almost immediately that Jesus is God’s ‘beloved Son’ and then spends the rest of the gospel describing the gradual revelation of this fact and the disciples’ growing awareness.
Yesterday was the feast day of St Teresa of Avila, a Doctor of the Church. Blessings to all who find inspiration in her life and teaching.
May the lantern of love shine brightly in all the places where it is needed most this day.
St Teresa of Avila, pray for us and for our world.
Some background
Teresa lived in an age of exploration as well as political, social, and religious upheaval. It was the 16th century, a time of turmoil and reform. She was born before the Protestant Reformation and died almost 20 years after the closing of the Council of Trent.
The gift of God to Teresa in and through which she became holy and left her mark on the Church and the world is threefold: She was a woman; she was a contemplative; she was an active reformer.
As a woman, Teresa stood on her own two feet, even in the man’s world of her time. She was “her own woman,” entering the Carmelites despite strong opposition from her father. She is a person wrapped not so much in silence as in mystery. Beautiful, talented, outgoing, adaptable, affectionate, courageous, enthusiastic, she was totally human. Like Jesus, she was a mystery of paradoxes: wise, yet practical; intelligent, yet much in tune with her experience; a mystic, yet an energetic reformer; a holy woman, a womanly woman.
Teresa was a woman “for God,” a woman of prayer, discipline, and compassion. Her heart belonged to God. Her ongoing conversion was an arduous lifelong struggle, involving ongoing purification and suffering. She was misunderstood, misjudged, and opposed in her efforts at reform. Yet she struggled on, courageous and faithful; she struggled with her own mediocrity, her illness, her opposition. And in the midst of all this she clung to God in life and in prayer. Her writings on prayer and contemplation are drawn from her experience: powerful, practical, and graceful. She was a woman of prayer; a woman for God.
Teresa was a woman “for others.” Though a contemplative, she spent much of her time and energy seeking to reform herself and the Carmelites, to lead them back to the full observance of the primitive Rule. She founded over a half-dozen new monasteries. She traveled, wrote, fought—always to renew, to reform. In her self, in her prayer, in her life, in her efforts to reform, in all the people she touched, she was a woman for others, a woman who inspired and gave life.
Her writings, especially the Way of Perfection and The Interior Castle, have helped generations of believers.
In 1970, the Church gave her the title she had long held in the popular mind: Doctor of the Church. She and St. Catherine of Siena were the first women so honored
With the return to face to face learning for Years 7-11 on Monday 25 October, it is important that students are preparing for their return to the physical classroom. To assist in a smooth transition back to school, students are reminded to be organised with their books, College diary, pencil case and laptop. Teachers are focused on planning for students to return to the College and developing learning experiences that will assist with this transition. Students in Years7-11 are encouraged to look at the return to face to face learning as an opportunity for them to reset and refocus on ending the year in a positive way, making the most of the learning experiences that are before them and setting strong foundations for 2022.
Year 11 have transitioned into their HSC courses and should be working on establishing learning goals for the HSC year and preparing for the rigour and expectations of their courses. The Change of Course process is open for eligible students, with the aim for finalising any changes by the end of Week 4. Students are reminded to contact me (millerc06@dow.catholic.edu.au) if they have any questions about the HSC and patterns of study.
Year 12 will be welcome to return to face to face revision and learning with their teachers from Monday 18 October. Students will be asked to indicate via a google form when they are planning to come into the College, so that Year 12 teachers are prepared for their attendance. This form is to be completed by 2pm the day before they wish to attend. On Friday 22 October and Monday 25 October we are also offering ‘exam experience’ sessions for Year 12. The purpose of these sessions is to provide students with the opportunity to complete practise exams in the Champagnat Centre, under exam conditions with COVID safe measures (e.g wearing a mask). If students are interested, they are asked to nominate the session(s) and exam they would like to practise via a google form by 2pm Tuesday 19 October, to allow time for the necessary organisation to occur. Both of the google forms have been sent to students by Mrs Moore.
Years 8 and 9 have received a confirmation email for their 2022 elective subjects. Students are asked to check that they have received the email and that 2 electives are listed. These electives will reflect the nomination of preferences that students last term. Any requests for changes will not be considered until the beginning of 2022.
NESA COVID Advice and HSC Exam Timetable updates
The advice from NESA is frequently updated on their website: https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/covid-19/coronavirus-advice
Ms Chardy Miller
Acting Curriculum Coordinator
Good afternoon everyone,
As we prepare ourselves for a full return to face to face teaching from October 25, a considerable amount of planning has taken place to ensure that we are following Public Health Orders and doing all that is possible to provide a safe environment for staff and students. An overview of the key points that apply to students, which have been, and will continue to be, communicated to all students by their respective Year Coordinators and Pastoral Advisors are listed below.
- Year 12 will commence Monday 18 October with Years 7-11 returning Monday 25 October.
- Masks are to be worn at all times indoors and outdoors (unless eating) except in the following circumstances: Masks or face coverings are not required to be worn by a staff member or student who has a physical or mental health illness or condition, or disability, that makes wearing a mask unsuitable.
- Physical distancing, staggered times for departure from classes, no games involving contact or sharing of equipment are permitted.
- The Canteen will NOT be open upon the return to school. Students will be required to bring their own food each day.
- Cohort areas before school and after breaks will be those areas that groups will be allocated for 2022.
- Year 7 - Quad
- Year 8 - Breezeway
- Year 9 - Area between Library and Science Block
- Year 10 - Current Year 11 Annexe
- Year 11 - Year 12 Area
- Each year group has also been allocated an outdoor space for their use.
- Students without a hat are allowed in their designated oval/court areas, however, they must be in a shaded area.
- No Sport until further notice.
For specific details, please click on the following link Student Covid safe return to school.
Uniform and Grooming Expectations
In addition to being Covid safe and academically prepared for our return, please consider the uniform and grooming expectations to enable a smooth resumption of face to face learning.
Reminder of Uniform and Grooming Expectations. Some key elements are listed below and a link to a more detailed outline is located below
Mount Carmel Catholic College Uniform and Grooming expectations 2021
- Boys hair is to be no shorter than a 2 blade. Hair should be blended (no lines or steps) and not be styled/cut in a way that invites comment.
- Hair is to be one colour. No streaks/foils.
- No false nails or eyelashes/eyelash extensions are to be worn.
- Girls are permitted one set of plain stud or hoop earrings in the lobe.
- School shoes are to be black, leather lace-ups with a slight heel (no skate shoes).
- Girls' tunics are to sit below the knee.
- Sports shoe expectations - students are required to wear: Appropriate runners or cross-training sports shoes with arch support must be worn with the College sports uniform. Students are not permitted to wear canvas or leather shoes with a flat sole (eg. Converse or Volleys), skate-shoes and/or slip-on shoes.
- Summer Uniform is to be worn
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Elevate Education Elevate Education Webinar registration The webinar is run live online from 7pm – 8pm where the presenter will share Elevate’s key research and skills, and will conduct a live Q&A so you can ask them questions directly. Next week is the first of four sessions scheduled for this term, which are outlined below.
Should you have questions or would like to contact Elevate directly, their details are listed below. Phone 1300 667 945 |
Thanks for your anticipated support with our return to school initiatives and expectations. We look forward to reengaging with students in a face to face environment for the remainder of the year. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact your son’s or daughter’s Year Coordinator or myself to assist.
Mr Simon Huntly
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator
This is a kind reminder to all the families leaving Mount Carmel Catholic College at the end of 2021. Please ensure any outstanding school fees are finalised by 12 November 2021.
If you are experiencing difficulty finalising your account balance please contact the Finance Team immediately via mccc-finance@dow.catholic.edu.
2022 FEES OPTION OF PAYING BY INSTALMENT
Our finance new system provides the opportunity to generate regular instalments with due dates, rather than having an annual bill which is due for payment, in full, 30 days after invoicing. If you would like to pay school fees by instalments in 2022, please complete a Request to Pay by Instalment Form which is available here. On completion of the request please email it to instalments@dow.catholic.edu.
IMPORTANT: Please note that if you currently have a child or children at another school in the Diocese and you are paying by instalments at this location, you will not need to complete another Request to Pay by Instalment. The instalment request carries over from school to school.
Over the holidays I stumbled on the 2004 autobiography A Passion for Life written by Australian educator, Paul Brock. I had met the author on a number of occasions at English teachers’ conferences at the University of Sydney and read his many articles and essays about the rich and diverse landscape that constitutes teaching and learning. His love of literature was one of the defining elements of his life, which ended in 2016 after a twenty-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
I remember Paul passionately and consistently articulating the power and significance of language. ‘It is through language that we develop our thoughts, shape our experiences, explore our customs, structure our community, construct our laws, articulate our values and give expression to our hopes and ideals. We aspire to an Australia in which its citizens will be literate and articulate, a nation of active, intelligent readers, writers, listeners and speakers. Such a nation will be well educated and clever, cultured and humane, and rich and purposeful, because of the knowledge, skills and values of its people.’
As well as an outstanding educator, Paul was a devoted husband and father. I have included below an extract from A Passion for Life which captures Paul’s fundamental philosophy on teaching and learning. Here he lists three essential principles that should underpin the ‘knowing and caring’ profession of teaching. They were formulated as a father’s plea to the future teachers of his daughters – aged then 13 and 8 – anticipating that MND would not allow him to see them complete their education. Thankfully, Paul did live to see his daughters finish school and embark on their careers. His words below – which have retained their validity, relevance and salience – continue to challenge us today.
Therefore, not just as a professional educator, but as a Dad, I want all future teachers of my Sophie and Amelia to abide by three fundamental principles that I believe should underpin teaching and learning in every public school.
First, to nurture and challenge my daughters’ intellectual and imaginative capacities way out to horizons unsullied by self-fulfilling minimalist expectations. Don’t patronise them with lowest common denominator blancmange masquerading as knowledge and learning; nor crush their love for learning through boring pedagogy. Don’t bludgeon them with mindless ‘busy work’ and limit the exploration of the world of evolving knowledge merely to the tyranny of repetitively churned-out recycled worksheets. Ensure that there is legitimate progression of learning from one day, week, month, term and year to the next.
Second, to care for Sophie and Amelia with humanity and sensitivity, as developing human beings worthy of being taught with genuine respect, enlightened discipline and imaginative flair.
And third, please strive to maximise their potential for later schooling, post-school education, training and employment, and for the quality of life itself so that they can contribute to and enjoy the fruits of living within an Australian society that is fair, just, tolerant, honourable, knowledgeable, prosperous and happy.
When all is said and done, surely this is what every parent and every student should be able to expect of school education: not only as delivered within every public school in NSW, but within every school not only in Australia but throughout the entire world.
I’ll finish with one piece of advice I remember so well from his many talks: ‘No matter what happens during your day at work, the sun will almost certainly go down on that day and, almost certainly, rise again on the next.’
Following the current NSW Health guidelines and compliance to COVID-19 rules and restrictions, the school uniform shop will remain closed until further notice.
Our priority has been and will remain, the health and wellbeing of the students, parents and our employees. Hence, we are unable to provide personal fittings at this time.
During these challenging times, parents can shop safely with us online. We recommend that parents rely on the sizing guides for each garment and for additional guidance, they can watch the body measurement guide videos (www.ranier.com.au/measure). For any incorrect sizes, parents can rest assured that all uniform orders are entitled to free size exchanges.
It is important to note that all online orders will be processed and despatched when the uniform shop can resume operations. Personal fittings will also resume when conditions permit.
Amidst the lockdown, our office is still operating, so should parents require any assistance they can contact our customer service team at custservice@ranier.com.au.
Ranier will follow the latest government health advice and we are here to support the school, parents and students in any way we can. We thank our schools and parents for their understanding.