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- Principal's Report
- From The Assistant Principal
- From the REC
- Learning and Teaching at the College
- Literacy Links
- From the Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator
- The Big Science Competition
- College Sport
- LIVE Twilight Retreat Friday March 25th
- LIVE Local Macarthur
- Uniform Shop
- Second Hand Uniform Shop
- Upcoming Events
- School Zone Road Safety Information
Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
In this week’s Gospel (John 8: 1 – 11) we hear the story of the women accused of adultery being brought before Jesus and the scribes and pharisees asking to put her to death. We read on and eventually Jesus asks the crowd gathered for anyone amongst them who is without sin, to cast the first stone. What we often miss in this gospel, is that in between the conversation, Jesus bends down and writes something in the dirt. He does this twice. Once before He speaks and once after. Scholars have often discussed what it was that He actually wrote. Some say that He was quoting the ancient scriptures, others say it was the Ten Commandments. Some suggest He was writing the names of the accusers and again others suggest He was asking a question about the involvement of the man in the sin. Of course, we will never know what He was actually writing, however, asking the question can be where the value is. When we see an injustice in the world, what will we ask those who are committing it that will make them reconsider their actions? This might help us to ‘be the change we want to see’.
Over the past week, we have begun our meetings with our applicants for Year 7, 2023. We have started this now as we have consistently received more applications than places available. Starting early allows us to meet all applicants and to have the chance to outline our expectations and to hear their stories. These meetings will continue next week and into the start of next term. I thank the College Leadership Team for assisting with these meetings and providing the opportunity for our potential new parents and students to hear what we are about.
Over the past few weeks, you will have noted that we have had a number of staff out as a result of COVID illness and close contacts. I thank all parents and students for your flexibility and understanding when we have needed to combine classes when we have had insufficient staff. Whilst this is always our last option, it sometimes becomes necessary to ensure safe supervision of the students. We hope that this situation will improve moving forward, however I ask you to please understand that at some stages, we may need to continue to combine classes. If this needs to be done on a large scale, we will notify parents at the earliest possible time.
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
As we commence the final week of Term 1, there appears to be no slowing in the number of events that we have to look forward to. I draw your attention to a number of these that are taking place across the College in the days ahead.
This coming Tuesday morning, we are excited to be hosting our first ever Student Vs Police Basketball game. Officers from the Campbelltown Local Area Command will be onsite to take on a Year 12 representative team in the Champagnat Centre with a gold coin donation going towards our Project Compassion fundraising efforts.
On Wednesday we return to face-to-face Parent/Teacher/Student interviews for our Year 12 cohort as they now officially reach the halfway point of their HSC year. Parents who are yet to make a booking online are certainly encouraged to make an appointment via Compass so that you can discuss your child’s progress and set a course of action for the months ahead in the lead up to the Trial and HSC examinations.
On Thursday morning, we will pause as a College community to celebrate our Easter Liturgy in the Champagnat Centre. The highlight of this celebration will be a reflection featuring the Stations of the Cross and I particularly thank Mr Duval and the students who have been preparing for this in recent weeks. I remind parents and students that this day will run according to a “Friday A” timetabled day.
As you would also be aware, next Friday will see our first College-wide community day for 2022 with the annual Cross Country Carnival taking place on College grounds and surrounding properties. Particularly for our new students who are yet to experience such an event, we remain hopeful for nice weather and a dry track so that this event matches the experience of previous years. Should we need to reconsider this event due to weather concerns, we will provide as much notice as possible.
I also bring your attention to a change in the public health order that was made earlier this week. Please note that from now on, a person who has had COVID-19 and later becomes a household close contact, is not required to isolate if it is within 12 weeks of them leaving their own isolation period as a positive case.
Finally, as has been stated previously, 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
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR C
Mass of day with Lectionary and Missal texts of Sunday Lent 5 Yr C
First Reading Is 43:16-21 God has done and will continue to do great things.
Second Reading Phil 3:8-14 Paul forfeits all for Christ.
Gospel Jn 8:1-11 The Pharisees confront Jesus with an adulteress.
World Autism Awareness Day.
This weekend, we stop and reflect on the members of our College Community - students and their families, who live with Autism. We stop and think about how the world is a little more complex for these people, but we must remember that we are all "made in the image and likeness of God".
And so in this complexity, let us give thanks for our individual differences and remember that we are all "God-like".
Autism is more common in boys than in girls, and no two people are the same; adding to the complexity of school lives.
Your sons, daughters and their families are in our thoughts and prayers this weekend, and always.
A legacy built on faith and courage
2022 marks 150 years of Marist Education in Australia. A time not only for gratitude and celebration as we reflect on this significant legacy, but also a time for planning how Marists can continue building a hope-filled future for Catholic education in Australia. 150 years is a long time but in fact, the Marists have actually been a presence in Australia for 185 years! Let’s look at our Marist history.
St Marcellin was a prolific letter writer. As the work of the Marist Institute began to grow in France in the 1820s and 30s, Marcellin regularly wrote to communities and to individual Brothers with updates, advice, and encouragement for their work. In a fascinating development in the 1830s, that was to have a lasting impact on Catholic education in Australia, a decision was made that the first place the Marists would travel beyond France to spread their mission of making Jesus Christ known and loved, was Oceania. For the Frenchmen who took on this mission, they were literally moving to the other side of the world. But it was not only geographical isolation with which they had to contend. The other side of the world was really another world - the culture, the language, the diet, the lifestyle and the spirituality were all quite different.
Marcellin himself was keen to be part of this original mission but was convinced by some of his colleagues that he could do more by continuing his role in France. As the first group headed off in 1837, Marcellin waited anxiously to hear from them. A letter he wrote on 25 November 1837 to Br Sylvestre at the La-Cote-St-Andre Brothers community in France tells us that he did indeed hear from them while they were on their journey. The letter states:
We have received a letter from our missionaries en route to Oceania. We will send you a copy of it in a few days. Fr. Bret died during the crossing to Valparaiso; the others are all well and very happy in their vocation. They are very eager to reach their destination. Zeal for the salvation of the people of those islands is one of their most outstanding qualities. Let us pray, dear brothers, let us pray for their salvation and that of those who are entrusted to us.
Interestingly enough, less than a month later, Br Michel Colombon, in December 1837, became the first Marist Brother to set foot on Australian soil. This was the start of a significant commitment by the Brothers to this part of the world. Between 1836 and 1858 thirty brothers came to Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and the islands of Oceania to work as missionaries.
Then in 1872, four young Brothers, Ludovic (French), Peter (Irish), Jarlath (Irish), and Augustine (Scottish), stepped off the boat in Sydney at Circular Quay, with the specific goal of establishing the first Marist school at “The Rocks”. The school opened on 8 April 1872 and the rest, as they say, is history.
The legacy left by these groundbreaking Marists is very significant. It is a legacy on which a whole network of schools has been built, which of course includes our wonderful college here at Mount Carmel.
As we continue to chart our course through very challenging times, where our faith and courage have never been more important, we can remember, with gratitude, the vision which began the Marist mission to Australia and the faith and courage of the people who made the vision a reality in their own very challenging times. It’s now over to us to reimagine the Marist mission of making Jesus Christ known and loved, in the way of Mary, into the future.
Mrs Christine Meharg
REC Coordinator
PROGRESSIVE ACHIEVEMENT TESTING (PAT)
PAT has been designed to provide schools with feedback on student achievement over a period of time. This informs learning and teaching through identifying areas of strength and growth. Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 who are yet to complete their Progressive Achievement Testing (PAT) will be given the opportunity to do so on Monday. Further details will be communicated with the students still required to complete this.
YEAR 12 PTS INTERVIEWS - LOCATION CHANGE
Year 12 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews will now take place in the Champagnat Centre, commencing from 4pm. Bookings are still open, however these will close at approximately 10am on Wednesday April 6. 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.
The Yr 12 Half Yearly Academic Reports are available today via Compass.
DUE DATES FOR UPCOMING FORMAL ASSESSMENT TASKS
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
Week 1
28/04/2022: Year 8 Languages Task
Date TBC: Year 10 Science Task
Ms Chardy Miller & Mrs Alison Kripal
Leader of Learning - Curriculum Pedagogy & Leader of Learning - Curriculum Administration
In the book Art Objects: Essays on Ecstasy and Effrontery, the writer Jeanette Winterson discusses how reading literature can be exciting and confronting precisely because it is constantly changing us and challenging our hold on things. For Winterson, placing readers in situations out of their normal experience, is important. She encourages us to read ‘widely and boldly’. By reading widely and boldly, Winterson claims we will inhabit an ‘energetic space’ where we will continually and creatively rethink our lives in the light of literature’s grappling with the human condition.
An ‘energetic space’ is most certainly created by Morris Gleitzman in his 7-part Felix series. Gleitzman’s narratives challenge young readers to inhabit worlds which deal with the impact of war, bullying, natural disasters and loss. They also invite readers to powerfully explore experiences of love, courage, resilience, and hope. The series covers over seventy years and alters settings from war-torn Europe to bushfire-ridden Australia. The epigraph to the final book in the series, Always, reads: ‘For all the children who have now grown old but are still young.’ The opening line of this final story is ‘Always stay hopeful.’
My grandson has read the first three books in the series, Once, Then, and Now. When I asked him about his reading experience, his first comment was in reference to the ‘dark’ and ‘light’ moments of each of the stories. He said he enjoyed being drawn into the happy and sad aspects of Felix’s early life and the opportunity this gave him to encounter a range of interesting and complex characters. ‘One thing I like about these books is how diverse the characters actually are. Felix is quiet and shy and a bit of a daydreamer. Zelda is loud and passionate and a bit annoying.’ He particularly liked the third book in the series. ‘This book is a lot lighter than the previous ones. However, when the bushfires threaten, the mood changes quickly to fear, sadness and despair.’ He found it especially intriguing to meet Felix as an eighty-year-old man. ‘He hasn’t changed a bit. He is still the same 10-year-old boy we met at the beginning.’
The following words are two students’ responses to Morris Gleitzman’s works – one Year 9, and the other, Year 12.
Felix’s journey of survival in the Morris Gleitzman series can only be described as a captivating and gripping literary experience. I thoroughly enjoyed Felix’s persevering nature which was strengthened by his courage and storytelling talents. Heartache and concern for the characters grew significantly as Gleitzman's writing had me hooked. I felt attached to the stories of the many personalities who were forced to endure the obstacles of war and loss of loved ones, while still managing to form new relationships and connections. The author's ability to capture the horror and dangers of being a Jewish person during World War II was truly special. Once and the six other novels of the series are insightful pieces that are perfectly suited for teenagers as well as adults as the author openly covers the horrifying consequences of a conflict powered by intense racism. Without giving too much away, I must say that these books are tear-jerkers that had me engaged all the way. These powerful stories provide an emotional, exciting, educational and reflective experience that should be shared with everyone. Jessica McMillan
Once was the book that reignited my passion for reading. Whilst it was an easy read, demonstrating simple qualities of childhood innocence and friendship, there were themes that were much more complex that really resonated with me, such as loss and grief. This book and its accompanying series were really intriguing in narrating the horrific events of the Holocaust through the first-person lens of a child. It was the first time I had really felt emotionally attached to a story, riding along with the fear, suspense, and tragedy of the books. Once is a really great book for teenagers to either discover or rediscover their passion for reading, or another great read for an established reader. Jack Miller
Clare Murphy
English Coordinator and Literacy Instructional Coach
Good afternoon everyone,
Pastoral activities today
Yr 12 - Retreat organisation
Yr 11 - Year Assembly that addressed study skills, resilience and self-responsibility
Yr 10 - NESA Registration and confirmation of enrolment
Yr 9 - Gender Assemblies
Yr 8 - Mindfulness activity linking to Prayer and Reflection
Yr 7 - Camp Reflection, Pastoral Awards and Vaping presentation
Interim Reports and Growth Mindset
As we come towards the end of the first term of learning, Interim Reports for Years 7-11 and Semester One Reports for Year 12 will have been, or will be, distributed by the end of the term. These reports will reflect each student’s contribution and application to learning, as well as their academic performance over the first part of the year.
The summative feedback that students are given in these reports, and the formative feedback that occurs within classrooms and on individual assessment tasks, is important for their ongoing learning and integral in the development of a Growth Mindset, a concept that is fundamental to improving learning and other aspects of our life.
Professor Carol Dweck, an American psychologist, found that we all have different beliefs about the underlying nature of ability. Children (and adults!) with a growth mindset believe that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort, persistence, trying different strategies and learning from mistakes.
“In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.” (Dweck, 2015) https://www.renaissance.com/edwords/growth-mindset/
Below are some links to some resources that are shared with our staff and students to assist with the ongoing promotion of Growth Mindset as part of our everyday conversation around our learning.
RSA ANIMATE: How To Help Every Child Fulfil Their Potential
Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset
Mental Health Support Services
As we come towards the end of our second year of dealing with Covid-19, many of us are confronted with a variety of challenges relating to the pandemic, not to mention the situation in the Ukraine as well as the day to day demands of life, which often pose some confronting questions for the young people within our community. It is important that communication between home and the College is maintained as a means of support for all student learning and wellbeing. Our Year Coordinators, Pastoral Advisors and Catholic Care Counselling team are available to all students and carers should you wish to discuss any issues. Alternatively, a variety of assistance lines are also available, details of which are below.
- ■ eheadspace - 1800 650 890, 9am-1am AEST, 7 days a week
- ■ Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
- ■ Lifeline - 13 11 14
- ■ Beyond Blue Support Service - 1300 22 4636
Your ongoing support during these challenging times is much appreciated.
Mr Simon Huntly
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator
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.
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 |
Trials
15 plus Touch - 8th April Boys and girls, Soccer Girls and Boys 28th April and Girl’s rugby League Gala Day 29th April.
Term 1 MISA
Round 7 - 29th March RESULTS
|
Sport |
Division |
Gender |
Versus |
Score |
Win/Loss |
|
Basketball |
Years 10-12 |
Female Male |
St Patrick’s John Therry |
41-9 45--48 |
Win Loss |
|
Oz Tag |
Years 10-12 |
Female Male |
Washed out |
|
|
Complete trial form in compass by 8.30 am Monday 4th April for Term 2 MISA Teams
| Sport | Division | Gender |
| Indoor Cricket | Years 10-12 | Female |
| Softball | Years 10-12 | Male |
| Soccer |
Years 10-12 Year 11-12 |
Female Male |
| Hockey | Years 7-9 | Male |
| Basketball |
Years 7-9 Years 7-9 |
Female Male |
| Netball |
Years 11-12 |
Female |
| Mixed Frisbee |
Years 7-9 |
Mixed |
| Rugby League |
16 plus |
Boys |
Sporting Success
Mount Carmel is proud to support students wishing to excel in their chosen sport, even if pathways are not offered through Catholic Schools NSW. We were lucky enough to have Baxter Bastoli attend the Australian Mountain Biking Interschools Challenge in Thredbo from Wednesday-Sunday last week.
2022 Diocesan Swimming Carnival
Further to our piece last week on the Diocesan swimming carnival, I am very pleased to report on some stand out performances from some of our athletes:
- Ava Antala (Age Champion - progresses to next level)
- Blake Waugh (New Diocesan Record 100m Butterfly - progresses to next level)
- Daniel Lill (progresses to next level)
- Breen (3rd place Age Champion)
 |
 |
 |
Diocesan Touch Football
Congratulations to Liesl Hopoate who was selected in the U15s girls Diocesan Touch Football team. Nikita Austin was also selected as a shadow to this team.
Soccer Winning Team Bill Turner Cup
Congratulations to Ethan Littlewood who competed at the National Track and Field representing NSW.
MISA Basketball Boys 2022
The MISA basketball season saw the team have some excellent results throughout the regular season with the team going into the final undefeated. The final saw us up against John Therry. The players were all ready to play and put in an excellent effort which saw us control the game for 39 of the 40 minutes, before going down in the end. This reminds us that basketball is a game of seconds not minutes. The students are to be commended for their efforts this season and will be better for the experience. I congratulate and thank Luiz Ladera and Mark Dela Cruz who played their final game for Mount Carmel after being part of Mount Carmel basketball teams since year 7.
Team list:
Back row: Harrison Doris, Will Radman, Paul Bentham, Simun Krpez, Michael Bzdega, Brayden Greer, Hayden Cannon
Front Row: Pete Baltazar, Mark Dela Cruz, Adam Prasad, Wilson Asuit, Luiz Ladera.
MISA Hockey Girls
This term the 7-9 Girls MISA Hockey team approached the season with great enthusiasm, however due to a series of washouts and Bye Rounds only managed to take to the field twice. The girls, most of which had minimal experience with the sport demonstrated a willingness to learn the fundamental skills involved and were receptive to feedback given. This year we were fortunate enough to have training at the Narellan Hockey fields, which provided the students with ample opportunity to practice skills on the turf and simulate game situations. I hope that many of the younger students return next year and that they trial for the College's diocesan team in the future which is currently in a rebuilding phase. As an aside, I commend the girls on bringing their shin pads and mouthguards every week, hopefully an example the boys team will emulate in Term 2.
Coach: Andrew Rees
MISA Indoor Cricket Girls
The year 7-9 MISA girls indoor cricket team had a very successful season. The girls played to the best of their abilities for every match with only two very close losses for the whole season.
The girls finished third overall but lost to Wollondilly Anglican College in the playoff for 3rd and 4th position. The students gradually improved their skills over the course of the season and should be extremely proud of their efforts.
I would like to congratulate Sienna Finn, Leira Hornilla, Makeeilah Langi, Jessica McMillan, Sienna Pavoncelli, Alisha Philip, Scarlet Ring, Erica Saunders and Olivia Webster.
Mr O'Connell
Final - Basketball Senior Girls By Ms Abra
So here we are again! We have been to the finals so many times but have never been able to knock St Pat’s off the podium. Until today!
This year we have had an amazing team who have been dedicated, passionate, talented and such a delight to work with. I also had some extra Y10 students come on board. We have had injuries, COVID isolation and lots of rain but still we turn up each week to play our best.
Congratulations to all the girls with a convincing win of 41/9.
The best aspect about coaching is the students I get to work with. I am blessed to have such a wonderful team that are respectful, funny, athletic, positive and who always give 100%.
Thank you girls for making my job so easy!
Volleyball Success
The MISA boys volleyball team dominated the competition this Term. The final was a close contest with our boys winning in the end. This team beat John Therry High School 2 sets to 1. They also won the Term 1 point score.
Thanks to Mr Daniels for coaching this team.
If your child or someone as part of our school community (past or present) experiences any sporting success. We would love to know about it. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any Sporting Success so we can recognise those achievements of our community.
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.
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
Ms Sue Turnbull
Acting Sports Co-ordinator
Turnbulls02@dow.catholic.edu.au
On Friday the 25th March, Mount Carmel Catholic College hosted its first LIVE night for 2022. Just over 110 students participated in various team building activities, listened to live music, and heard spokn testimonies throughout the evening. Students also had the opportunity to encounter christ and to grow in the knowledge of Christ through worship and prayer.
A big thankyou to the supervising staff members, the year 12 student leaders, the year 11 youth ministry Leaders as well as Meg McAlister and the National Evangelisation Team for putting together a fantastic evening for the students.
LIVE local is a fantastic initiative of the Catholic Youth Ministry team of Wollongong. It offers an excellent opportunity for the young people of the Macarthur region to meet other young Catholics and to develop and nourish their relationship with God, Jesus Christ and the Church. LIVE local will take place every Sunday night from 6.15pm-8.15pm at St John the Evangelist Church in Campbelltown.
If you would like more information please contact Mr O'Connell.
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
Cash only - no EFTPOS facilities
| 26 April |
Term 2 Commences |
| 27 April |
Year 11 hospitality Barista Course 2 |
| 04 May |
Senior Retreat (04 May 2022 - 07 May 2022) |