Dear parents, friends, staff and students,

Last week in the newsletter, I spoke of the solemnity of the Ascension of Jesus and noted that the Apostles would soon experience a sense of loss and fear. This week’s readings reinforce this idea as we celebrate Pentecost Sunday. The first reading (Acts 2: 1-11) tells us of the Apostles crowded in a small room not sure what they are to do next. The Holy Spirit then appears in what “seemed like tongues of fire” and the Apostles were then given the gift of speech. There is a notion that they suddenly understood what their mission was and then were able to explain this to others who also understood. In the Gospel (John 20: 19-23) the support is much clearer with Jesus Himself appearing to the Apostles with the message “Peace be with you”. As a teacher and parent, these messages are particularly appealing to me. Whilst we do not suddenly gain the gift of language or experience visitations of Jesus Himself, the idea that we can suddenly understand the message of God and then find the appropriate words to articulate this, is a life-giving thought. The Apostles then had another of the gifts of the Holy Spirit; courage, which encouraged them to preach the message of God. With prayer and God’s grace, we too can preach this message by our actions in life.

This afternoon and evening we are holding our second ‘LIVE” event for the year. These events are designed to enable the students to explore their own spiritual journey and have an opportunity to take time for quiet amongst the excitement and energy of a concert run by the youth mission team from Wollongong. These events at Mount Carmel were very well supported by the students before the COVID lockdowns and we are slowly building this connection back up again. Thank you to the staff who have given their time to journey with the students and to Mr O’Connell who has organised this as part of his role of youth ministry. A huge congratulations and thank you to the students who have taken this time to think about their own connection with God.

We are again beginning to return to our normal learning experiences that were restricted during lockdown. This week, we have seen the Yr. 11PDHPE students, Yr. 7 science and Yr. 7 & 8 pastoral groups attend excursions or incursions. Next week our Yr. 10 and 12 students will attend the MACE career’s market and we will have our Champagnat Day celebrations. It is lovely to start to return to normal however, we are still to return fully. Again, I thank all students and parents for your understanding as we move slowly in order to protect everyone’s health and safety.

Ite in Veritate

Mr Steve Lo Cascio

With the cooler weather now well and truly upon us and as we conclude the first week of winter, I take the opportunity this week to remind everyone of our College uniform expectations that are in place for Term 2 and 3. At the outset, it should be noted that the College diary remains the first point of reference for uniform and grooming requirements (pages 17-20 in both junior and senior diary). These requirements are regularly reiterated at year group assemblies so that students are aware of the standards that are required of them. I thank our parent community for your support in ensuring that the vast majority of our students continue to meet these expectations and represent the College with pride. 

Finally this week, I remind everyone of our COVID-safe guidelines for Term 2 which stipulate that whilst household close contacts who have no symptoms may continue to attend school, they must adhere to the following requirements:

• The school is notified that they are intending to return as a close household contact
• They must wear a mask indoors except when eating or exercising
• Once they have completed their 7-day isolation period, they should wear a mask for an additional 3 days (for days 8 to 10)

Please note that students who test positive for COVID-19, or who are unwell or showing COVID-19 symptoms, must continue to isolate at home.

All the best for the week ahead,

Mr David Cloran

PENTECOST SUNDAY YEAR C

First Reading Acts 2:1-11 The Spirit comes to the Apostles as tongues of fire.

Second Reading 1 Cor 12:3-7, 12-13 The Spirit of God dwells in us.

Gospel Jn 20:19-23 Jesus promises the disciples the Paraclete.

Last week I spoke about the importance of reading and writing and their interrelated nature. I stated that deep reading is known to enable writing and writing has the capacity to facilitate deep reading. Reading-via-writing and writing-via-reading are two approaches which assist in the improvement of understanding, thinking, and creativity.

I also mentioned that my Year 12 English students were intending to engage in these types of activities using an extract from T.S. Eliot’s poem ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock’. They began by copying a selected extract, followed by highlighting key words and phrases which made an impression. These pieces of text were then quickly refashioned to form a new text. I have included Eliot’s extract below, followed by some of our creations.

Let us go then, you and I,

When the evening is spread out against the sky

Like a patient etherised upon a table;

Let us go, through certain half-deserted streets,

The muttering retreats

Of restless nights in one-night cheap hotels

And sawdust restaurants with oyster-shells:

Streets that follow like a tedious argument

Of insidious intent

To lead you to an overwhelming question …

Oh, do not ask, ‘What is it?’

Let us go and make our visit.

In the room the women come and go

Talking of Michelangelo.

                                T.S. Eliot

Let us go

The evening is spread,

Etherised.

Half-deserted streets

Muttering

            Restless

                        Insidious

“What is it?’

Let us go.

                                Jeremiah Myatt-Kane

You

Like a patient etherised

Muttering

Of restless nights in

streets

of insidious intent

You

Do not ask, ‘What is it?’

Go.

                                Shania Menezes

Let you and I

Spread out etherised

Muttering

Restless.

Follow a tedious argument

Insidious, overwhelming.

‘What is it?’

Let us

Visit

Women

     talking.

                                Clare Murphy

Mrs Clare Murphy

English Coordinator and Literacy Instructional coach

Good afternoon everyone,

As we enter the second half of term 2, there is a sense of a return to the normal “flow” of activities across the school, although there are still some restrictions in place with regards to doing our best to ensure a COVID-safe environment. As such, the holding of whole school events such as indoor assemblies and masses are still compromised, coupled with the ongoing challenges of having ovals and volleyball courts that are saturated and unable to be used. Having said that, the next couple of weeks will see us recognise and celebrate some important events.

Earlier today Brainstorm Productions performed “Sticks and Stones” to Years 7 and 8. This Bullying and Harassment presentation provides some real-life scenarios of how this important issue often plays out and some of the repercussions that it has for individuals and groups. Year 7 engaged in the production during our scheduled Pastoral time at the start of the day and Year 8 during lesson three.

As is the case each Friday, a range of activities took place across Years 8-12 during Pastoral time and the focus today was on a Liturgy for Reconciliation Week and preparation for the celebration of Champagnat Day next Friday. Thanks to all Coordinators and Pastoral Advisors who assisted with these activities.

Uniform reminders

As we enter the final few weeks of the term, students and families are reminded of the expectations regarding the wearing of the correct sports uniform. This is clearly articulated on Page 18 of the Junior and Senior Student Diaries. If students have difficulty maintaining these expectations, please speak to your Pastoral Advisor or Year Coordinator.

• College jumpers/vests are not to be worn as outer garments, unless worn inside a sports jacket on cool/cold Tuesdays.
• Jumpers/vests/tracksuit pants that are not part of the College uniform, must not be worn at any time, including underneath the sports jacket.
• Appropriate runners or cross-training sport 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 ons.

If students have difficulty maintaining these expectations, please speak to your Pastoral Advisor or Year Coordinator for advice on how to best resolve the situation.

Vaping

A recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald (May 31) highlighted some of the latest information and concerns relating to Vaping. This has coincided with the release of some updated resources from the NSW Department of Health. Links to these documents are contained below.

SMH Vaping Article May 31

NSW Health Vaping Resources

NSW Health Vaping Fact Sheet

As usual, thanks to all members of the Mount Carmel Community for your ongoing support and cooperation with all matters regarding learning and wellbeing. Please do not hesitate to contact your respective Year Coordinator or Pastoral Advisor should you require support with your son or daughter’s learning and/or wellbeing.

Mr Simon Huntly

A big thankyou to all parents, guardians, staff and students for your generous donations to the Tonga Appeal over the past two weeks.

We received a large number of donations that will be sent directly to the people of Tonga that have been affected by the recent natural disaster.

We will be presenting Fr Feleki from St John the Evangelist Parish Campbelltown with a small sample of the donations at our Champagnat Day mass on Friday June 10.

Thank you again for your support and generosity.

Mr O'Connell

There is an updated Canteen menu for Term 2. You can access the menu in future newsletters by clicking on the Canteen section on the side panel of the newsletter. We have some limited specials running for Powerade, Peach Iced Tea and Nippy's Strawberry milk all available for order. Remember all lunch orders need to be in by 8.45am and NO late orders will be accepted. Canteen Helpers are needed to assist in running the canteen. If you are able to volunteer your time, please phone 8796 2480. Volunteering makes a difference! Even if only once or one day over the year, your time is greatly appreciated. 

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 6 June 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 2 2022

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