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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
This week’s Gospel (Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32), contains the parable that is often called the ‘prodigal son’, the ‘lost son’ or the ‘forgiving father’. In this parable, one son leaves his home and squanders his wealth and then returns asking for forgiveness. The father forgives him without hesitation and celebrates his return. Whilst I am sure the main meaning of the gospel is not about our own families, depending on whether we identify with the father or son, or the obedient brother for that matter, the parable contains important messages about the relationships that we have with those around us. These relationships may sometimes become strained or may even be taken for granted. They may consume our every thought or may be far from our mind. In each case, we are reminded that the love of our Father in heaven is always there and ready to forgive. All we need to do is ask.
Over the last few weeks, we have seen COVID related absences common throughout the College. These absences are regularly reported back to you through letters that are distributed at the end of most days. Whilst it is easy to become complacent by the number of these that have been sent, I ask that you are vigilant in watching for symptoms in your child and ensuring that they are careful in their interactions with others. I strongly encourage all students and staff to wear masks when they cannot physically distance and reiterate the expectation that hand sanitiser is regularly used. I remind all parents and students that masks are still compulsory on buses and this is not negotiable. I have also asked staff to be prepared to post work that can be completed independently if we get to the point where we have insufficient staff to run classes and need to merge classes or combine students for supervision. Should this be the case on a large scale, I will inform parents directly with as much warning as possible. I ask for your understanding and support if we make the difficult decision to combine year groups on particular days. If required, this will be done on a rotation basis and only as a last resort.
Last Wednesday and Thursday, we hosted a number of visitors who came to the College to conduct our 5 yearly Cyclic Review. The panel met with the College Leadership Team where we explained our journey since the last review and the things we have addressed. This included working on our college master building plan, the changes to pastoral classes and report structures as well as our own school improvement practices and focusses on feedback and differentiation for students. We discussed the development of the student hub (in the library) and the changes to our network infrastructure and our website, just to name a few things. The review panel then met with various groups of students, staff and a few of our parents who we are grateful for giving of their time. The panel also had access to surveys of parents, students and staff that were conducted last year (when the original review was planned) and data from our past HSC and NAPLAN results and Annual School Reports. A huge thank you to all who were involved.
The review panel gave us a brief summary before the final report is issued in a few weeks. Their feedback hinged on the positive community spirit that exists at Mount Carmel and the strength of relationships and concern that is apparent between staff and students, students and students, and staff and staff. These relationships are built out of the idea of community and family spirit and are an important characteristic of what we do. The final recommendations that will be delivered will contribute toward our next School Improvement Goals that will be focussed on from 2023 to 2026.
As we move into week 9 of the term, I remind any parents who are considering enrolment for year 7 for 2023 that we are now accepting these applications. As previously stated, the completed enrolment forms are due to be returned by 2pm on Friday April 8 (the last day of Term 1). If you are aware of anyone else who is considering lodging an application at Mount Carmel, please let them know of this date.
Ite in Veritate
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
Principal
Over the course of the past term (and indeed the past few years), there has been no shortage of interruptions to our regular routines. This term alone, unlike any other time during the pandemic, we have seen many students forced into 7 days of isolation as a result of either contracting COVID-19, or being identified as a close contact of a positive case. These absences are largely unavoidable and are consistent with the current public health orders which are designed to keep us all safe. The recent weeks of storms and floods have raised further genuine challenges in terms of school attendance.
In recognising the realities of late and appreciating the need for students to remain away from school even if experiencing the mildest of symptoms, I take the opportunity this week to highlight the importance of regular school attendance. Particularly given the interruptions to schooling over the past 12 months, I urge all parents and students to do all that is necessary to ensure your presence at school in the absence of a valid reason to remain at home. There is a direct link between regular school attendance and enhanced academic performance and vice versa. Furthermore, regular school attendance has been consistently proven to support social wellbeing and other health outcomes, while regular patterns and routines allow our students to develop habits that they take with them beyond their schooling years.
As we’ve stated on numerous occasions, we welcome any information from parents that may allow us to further support this regular school attendance. We have strong pastoral, counselling and wellbeing supports and structures available should we be able to further support our students and families.
Finally, as has been stated previously, and conscious of the importance of attendance I have stated above, I request that families inform the College immediately should any student test positive to COVID-19 and again stress that should this occur, the student must isolate for a minimum of 7 days, along with any sibling from the same household (unless the household contact has completed 7 days of isolation in the previous 21 days). Finally, I would also ask that students who are displaying any type of flu-like symptoms stay at home until such symptoms have ceased.
Kind regards,
David Cloran
Assistant Principal
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR
27th March
First Reading Jos 5:9-12
The Lord removes the reproach of Egypt.
Second Reading 2 Cor 5:17-21
All is new in Christ.
Gospel Lk 15:1-3. 11-32
Parable of the prodigal son.
We continue to pray for all those people in Ukraine, we pray for peace;
We pray for members of our community who live in Gregory Hills, St Andrews, Leumeah, and Macquarie Fields, keep them safe; especially as there have been electrical boxes incinerated, upsetting electricity supplies;
We pray for our friends and family who are now recovering from Covid-19, we pray for good health!
Mrs Christine Meharg
REC Coordinator
NAPLAN
Students in Years 7 and 9 will be participating in NAPLAN this year. Practice tests provide us with an opportunity to isolate and resolve any technical issues whilst giving students the chance to experience the testing platform. Practice tests will be held on Tuesday, March 29 with the formal testing period scheduled for May 11-13. Students will be provided with further information regarding test location and organisation early next week. For further information, please see this flyer attached.
YEAR 12 PTS INTERVIEWS
Year 12 Parents and Guardians are encouraged to book interviews with your child’s teachers to discuss their progress and determine strategies to prepare for their final six months of secondary education. Interviews for Year 12 2022 are being held on Wednesday April 6 between 4pm and 8pm in the College Library and bookings can be made via the Compass Parent Portal. If you are experiencing any issues with logging into Compass or making any appointments, please contact Mrs Rina Domingo via an email to domingor01@dow.catholic.edu.au.
DUE DATES FOR UPCOMING FORMAL ASSESSMENT TASKS
Week 9
28/03/2022: 12 Biology Task
28/03/2022: 11 & 12 Modern History Task
28/03/2022: 9 Science Task
29/03/2022: 11 Business Studies Task
29/03/2022: 10 Commerce Task
30/03/2022: 11 & 12 Chemistry Task
30/03/2022: 11 PDHPE Task
30/03/2022: 10 Catholic Studies Task
30/03/2022: 9 Commerce Task (9CO1B)
30/03/2022: 7 PDHPE Task
31/03/2022: 12 Business Studies Task
31/03/2022: 12 English Studies Task
31/03/2022: 11 CAFS Task
31/03/2022: 11 SOR I Task
31/03/2022: 9 Commerce Task (9CO1A)
31/03/2022: 9 Catholic Studies Task
01/04/2022: 12 Design & Technology Task
Week 10
04/04/2022: 12 Ancient History Task
04/04/2022: 12 CAFS Task
04/04/2022: 12 Drama Task
04/04/2022: 11 Legal Studies Task
04/04/2022: 11 SLR (1 Unit) Task
05/04/2022: 12 SOR II Task
05/04/2022: 11 Maths Extension 1 Task
06/04/2022: 11 Society and Culture Task
06/04/2022: 11 SICT Task
06/04/2022: 11 SOR II Task
07/04/2022: 11 Ancient History Task
07/04/2022: 10 HSIE Task
Ms Chardy Miller & Mrs Alison Kripal
Leader of Learning - Curriculum Pedagogy & Leader of Learning - Curriculum Administration
Last week’s Literacy Links discussed Morris Gleitzman’s Felix series which most certainly validates Stephen King’s description of books as ‘a uniquely portable magic.’ Beginning with the 2005 publication of the novel Once, and ending with the seventh book Always, published in 2021, this engaging and raw series has enormous appeal for young people. In a culture where reading anything beyond a few words at a time is rare, I was heartened to see an enthusiastic response from the English classes I visited last week when I mentioned Gleitzman’s books. From Year 7 through to Year 12, students enthusiastically shared their memories of Felix and his journey of discovery – a discovery characterised by love, loss, and learning.
Once powerfully explores ideas of relationships, resilience and human connection. In a story which traces Felix’s quest to find his parents and search for understanding in a world full of racism, abuse of power and violence, his belief in himself and others rarely diminishes. The story is set in 1942 with Felix living in a Polish orphanage. He thinks his parents have placed him there while they sort out their ‘troubles.’ Felix is aware that things have become ‘difficult for Jewish booksellers’ but is not sure why. One thing he is certain of is that he will return to his happy old life one day, with his books and his parents – once they either come for him or once he finds them. Experience eventually brings about the end of Felix’s innocence in the most brutal of ways.
Throughout the novel, Felix’s talents as a storyteller highlight the humour, courage and determination this young character draws upon to help himself and support those around him. Felix is a constant reminder of the power of the imagination. Books, stories and Felix’s own special notebook are integral to his life and serve as symbolic links in many parts of Gleitzman’s novel. During his journey, Felix forms an intense friendship with Zelda, a young girl he rescues in a devastating scene where her parents are killed. He is also rescued at a later stage by a character called Barney, a mysterious adult Felix comes to know and appreciate very deeply. Despite the impact and implications of events Felix has lived through – death camps, hatred towards Jewish people, Adolf Hitler, enforced labour, the separation of families – these experiences are filtered through Felix’s resilience and optimism, allowing readers to understand his journey of discovery in an engaging and hope-filled way.
The British writer Mark Haddon describes reading as a ‘conversation’. He says that ‘All books talk. But a good book listens as well.’ Morris Gleitzman’s novel Once is one such book. The author’s poignant dedication which opens the novel – ‘For all the children whose stories have never been told’ – continues to resonate today.
Clare Murphy
English Coordinator and Literacy Instructional Coach
Good afternoon everyone,
As we head towards what has been a busy, productive and, at some times, challenging term, our Pastoral teams have continued to provide a range of activities and presentations that address the learning and wellbeing needs of our students. In today’s Pastoral time, the following items were addressed:
Year 7 - Camp Evaluation, Reflective Letter to self on their Term One experience at Mount Carmel and Pastoral Class Bingo
Year 8 - Transition and Pathways activities, Assessment Task catch-ups
Year 9 - Learning Styles Quiz, Interim Report Prediction and Reflection on Term One learning
Year 10 - Year Assembly with a Focus on Controlling the Controllables
Year 11 and 12 - Time for individual study and Assessment Task preparation.
Thanks to all Year Coordinators and pastoral staff who assisted in the preparation and supervision of these initiatives.
Elevate EducationNext Parent Webinar – Wednesday 30th March @ 7pm (AEDT)Essay Writing MasterclassHere’s what they will be covering in this session:
The webinar is run live online from 7-8pm (AEDT) 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. 1300 667 945 |
Winter Uniform reminder
Please be reminded that Winter Uniform is to be worn by all students from the commencement of Term Two. Please refer to the appropriate section in this Newsletter for the hours of operation for both the Uniform Shop and the Second Hand Clothing shop.
As usual, thanks to all parents, carers and students for their support throughout the term to date. Please do not hesitate to contact your respective Year Coordinator, Pastoral Advisor or myself should you have any questions or requests regarding the learning and wellbeing needs of your son or daughter.
Simon Huntly
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator
Mr Simon Huntly
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator
2022 College Carnival Dates
|
What |
When |
|
Cross Country Carnival (whole school) |
Term 1, Week 10 - Friday 08/04/2022 |
|
Athletics Carnival (whole school) |
Term 2, Week 4 - Friday 20/05/2022 |
Term 1 MISA
Round 5- 23rd March RESULTS
|
Sport |
Division |
Gender |
Versus |
Score |
Win/Loss |
|
Indoor Cricket |
Years 7-9 |
Female |
Macarthur Anglican School |
57-59 |
LOSS |
|
Softball |
Years 7-9 |
Male |
John Therry |
- |
Field unavailable |
|
Volleyball |
Years 7-9 |
Female Male |
Macarthur Anglican School Magdalene |
2-0 2-1 |
Win Win |
|
Hockey |
Years 7-9 |
Female |
Wollondilly Anglican College |
7-0 |
Loss |
|
Basketball |
Years 10-12 |
Female Male |
Macarthur Anglican School Macarthur Anglican School |
36-7 89-22 |
Win Win |
|
Oz Tag |
Years 10-12 |
Female Male |
Magdalene Magdalene |
1-3 2-3 |
Loss Loss |
Round 6 - 29th March DRAW
|
Sport |
Division |
Gender |
Versus |
Location |
|
Indoor Cricket |
Years 7-9 |
Female |
Wollondilly Anglican College |
All Sports |
|
Softball |
Years 7-9 |
Male |
No Game field Unavailable |
Cowpasture |
|
Volleyball |
Years 7-9 |
Female Male |
Macarthur Adventist College John Therry |
Mount Carmel Mount Carmel |
|
Hockey |
Years 7-9 |
Female |
Bye |
|
|
Basketball |
Years 10-12 |
Female Male |
St Patrick’s College John Therry |
Minto Minto |
|
Oz Tag |
Years 10-12 |
Female Male |
Magdalene Bye |
Victoria At School |
Diocesan Sport
2022 Diocesan Swimming Carnival
Thank you as well to Mr Harpley and Mrs Moore who travelled down with our team as Team Managers and to Mrs Pontin for being our Mount Carmel official at the event. Without your support, our students do not get these opportunities. Thanks to the students who attended the carnival especially those who filled in for their unwell peers.
Special congratulations to Ava Antala who was the 14 years age Champion and Daniel Lill , Jacob Ramos and Blake Waugh who placed in their events.
Good luck to students competing at the NSWCCC carnival this Wednesday 30th March.
Diocesan 15 and Under Bill Turner Cup team
On Thursday the 24th of March, Mount Carmel's Under 15 girls' football team competed against John Therry in the Bill Turner Trophy. The girls' outstanding football skills and their enthusiasm on the field led them to victory with a 5-0 win. Congratulations to the entire team.
Special thanks to Mrs Valastro for coaching this team on the day.
Diocesan Football (Soccer) - 1st April
Reminder, this Competition will be held for the U13 Girls (PEAC), 7-9 Girls Pathway Team (TOOR) ,U13’s Boys (BARM) and 7-10 Boys Pathway Team (OCOB). We are looking for a few players for the U13 girls team, all other sides are full.
Diocesan Rugby League trials by Mr Harpley
The Diocesan Rugby League trials were held at Kirkham Park, Camden. Thankfully the weather held out and we were able to see the student’s trial for a position in the Wollongong Diocesan Team. The Under 15's and Opens trial had participants representing all schools across the Diocese. The games are played at a high level with those participating being given special permission from their respective schools. All students in attendance gave their best efforts and displayed a high level of skill. We commend all participants from Mount Carmel and hope they continue to play and improve their rugby league and take all opportunities available to them. A special congratulations goes to Zephania Leota for his selection into the Opens Wollongong Diocesan Team, we wish him all the best at the next trial in Wagga Wagga to make the Southern Country Representative Team.
Communication regarding sport
Students are reminded to continue checking the Compass dashboard for key information relating to sport during 2022. Key information will also be communicated to parents via the College Newsletter and notes sent home. Information will also be provided to staff who will communicate key messages with students during Pastoral Care in the morning.
Sporting highlights
We would like to wish Ethan Littlewood and Monique Jakovljevic all the best as they compete at the Athletic National Championships this weekend.
All the best to Daniel Lill who is competing at the National Swimming Championships at the start of the holidays.
Representative Pathways
- MISA Website https://www.misaonline.org.au/
- Diocesan Sport News
Updates and news on Wollongong Diocese sport events and trials can be viewed at https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/sport/diocesan-sport-news/?ref=quicklinks
Nominations for Term 1 Diocesan sports now open via google form on Compass.
- NSWCCC/CSNSW Sport News
Higher level CCC trials and events status can be monitored at https://csnsw.sport/news/events-suspended
Information on NSWCCC events for 2022 available via Compass. See Mrs Jones for nomination procedure.
SCHOOL SPORT AUSTRALIA SPORT NEWS
More School Sport Australia information can be found at
http://www.schoolsportaustralia.edu.au/
Ms Sue Turnbull
Turnbulls02@dow.catholic.edu.au
The Big Science Competition is a competition designed to challenge students in the processes and skills of science from years 7 to 10 and track their performance against state and national averages.
It is a 50 minute, multiple choice competition testing critical thinking and problem solving skills in science, not just factual recall. Questions are set in real-life, contemporary contexts, making them relatable (and interesting).
Questions in the Big Science Competition are aligned with the Australian Curriculum – Science.
Each student who takes part in the Big Science Competition will receive a certificate detailing their performance.
The Big Science Competition will be held at school during Weeks 2 and 3 of Term 2, 2022.
Students who would like to participate in this opportunity will complete the competition in their normal timetabled Science lesson as follows:
Year 7 - Wednesday 4th May
Year 8 - Friday 6th May (except 8R - Thursday 5th May)
Year 9 - Monday 9th May
Year 10 - Friday 13th May
The entry fee is $7.00 per student. Payment for the competition will be issued through the Compass Parent Portal following the return of the permission slip.
Participation in the competition, while not compulsory, is highly recommended for all Yr 7-10 students in Emerald classes. Those students in all other classes are strongly encouraged to participate.
Please complete the permission slip and return to your child's Science Class Teacher by Wednesday the 6th April 2022.
Permission notes have been issued to students in class. Please ask your Science teacher for further details.
| 29 March |
NAPLAN Trial Test - Years 7 & 9 |
| 6 April |
Year 12 PTS Interviews (4pm-8pm) |
| 8 April |
College Cross Country Carnival |
| 8 April |
Term 1 Concludes |
| 26 April |
Term 2 Commences |
| 27 April |
Year 11 hospitality Barista Course 2 |
Mount Carmel Second Hand Uniform Shop sells pre-owned College uniforms at less than half the cost of new uniforms.
You can bring your child's uniforms to the shop when they no longer fit or you no longer need them (Uniforms must be clean and in good condition. Blazers must be dry cleaned). The Second-hand Uniform shop will sell the uniforms on your behalf, and after they sell the P & F Committee will transfer the money to your nominated bank account. The P & F will keep 10% of all sales. You are also able to donate the uniforms and then the P & F will benefit from 100% of the sales.
The uniform shop is open from 2.30 - 4pm on the days listed below, usually the first Monday of each month. The shop will next be open on Monday 21 March 2022. The shop is run by parent volunteers to raise money for the P & F Committee and to help families of the school with low-cost uniforms.
If any parent wishes to volunteer in the Second-hand Uniform Shop please contact the school office.
Term 1 2022
Monday 4 April
Term 2 2022
Monday 2 May
Monday 6 June
Term 3 2022
Monday 1 August
Monday 5 September
Term 4 2022
Monday 7 November
Monday 5 December