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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
Welcome back to Term 4.
Tomorrow is the feast of St Teresa of Avila. St Teresa has a special place in the heart of Mount Carmel as our College is built on the land of the Discalced Carmelites and we share Our Lady as a patron. St Teresa founded this order and shared a devotion to Jesus through His mother. She is a role model for all of our students but our females in particular. St Teresa was named a ‘Doctor of the Church’ which is an honour of the highest order. She questioned the experiences of the church in which she lived and encouraged people to consider not only the teachings and values espoused by Jesus, but also the way they might be implemented within their lives. For this reason, we have one of our College houses named after St Teresa (Avila) as a way for our students to emulate her lifestyle and experiences. Avila will celebrate their House Day in a few weeks and I congratulate these students and wish them a happy feast day.
Next week we will start to see some changes around the College as a result of the commencement of our building program. This program will take 18 months or so for full completion however, stages will be completed at various points during that time. The full program involves the construction of a two-story STEM building (Science and TAS) with total refurbishment of three buildings and partial refurbishment of another three spaces. The program will conclude with the demolition of three other buildings and landscaping of the space currently occupied by the science, G and H buildings. The overall plans were shown at a Parents and Friends’ meeting last year and will be on the agenda for our next meeting in week 5 (Nov 8). There will be re-rooming and some disruption during this process however, we have been very conscious of minimising this and completing works when they will have the least negative impact. Temporary fences will be erected in the next week or two at the rear of the property as the STEM building begins. The refurbishment of the College began two years ago with improvements to the library and B block spaces. Overall, by the completion of this program, almost every space in the College will have been assessed and developed. Students will be told of each change as it happens, and I encourage parents to attend the P&F meeting if you would like to see more of what we are doing.
In terms of our next P&F meeting, parents will have the opportunity before this to attend a Parent Literacy Evening run by Mrs Murphy, our Literacy Instructional Coach. Mrs Murphy has run a number of these evenings this year and the parents who have attended have found them valuable and interesting. Those choosing to stay can then attend the P&F if you would like.
Thank you to a number of our Year 12 teachers who came in during their holidays to run revision classes with our Year 12 students. This type of dedication and commitment by staff and students has been a large contributor to the successes over the past few years. We wish all our HSC students the best as they undertake their HSC exams.
Ite in Veritate
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
I take the opportunity this week to welcome our students and families back to what promises to be a busy, though hopefully rewarding Term 4. It was very pleasing to see so many parents in attendance at the 2023 HSC Information Evening on Monday night, particularly given that it was the first day of term. It was also extremely pleasing to see our HSC Class of 2022 commence their final exams on Wednesday with the level of confidence and preparedness that was so clearly evident. I certainly wish them well over the coming weeks.
Earlier this year, students in Year 7 received their first round of vaccinations which was the first dose of two, which are to be administered six months apart. I remind parents and students in Year 7 that the second dose will be administered on Friday 4 November. The consent forms that were submitted earlier this year are still valid, however, should a parent wish to withdraw consent, they may do so in writing prior to the vaccination day.
Earlier this week, Transport for NSW commenced their processes for Opal Card ordering and updating for 2023. Parents who would like to order a new Opal card for their child, or update an existing Opal card, are asked to review the NSW Transport flyer at the end of this newsletter which outlines the processes to follow.
Earlier today, the 2022 College photos were distributed to all students in Years 7-11. Students in Year 12 will be able to collect their photos from Student Services at the conclusion of one of their HSC exams.
As you may be aware, NSW mandates in relation to periods of isolation following a positive Covid diagnosis, expire today. Consistent with the requirements in the broader community, there is now no set period of isolation that positive cases must adhere to, rather they must only isolate whilst they are experiencing symptoms. We would, however, ask that you continue to notify the College of a positive case, as you would for any other form of illness.
Wishing you all the best for the week ahead.
Mass of day with Lectionary and Missal texts of Sunday Ord Time 29 Yr C
First Reading Ex 17:8-13; With the staff of God, Moses helps Israel defeat Amalek.
Second Reading 2 Tm 3:14 – 4:2; All scripture is inspired by God.
Gospel Lk 18:1-8; The widow and the irreligious judge.
Senior Retreat
The Senior Retreat program at Mount Carmel, has a long and proud history of providing students with dedicated time in their senior year to have an encounter with God.
Over time, the program has adapted to the ever-changing world but its significance to the student’s faith and life journey cannot be underestimated, so the College dedicates a significant amount of time to this opportunity. And so, it is a continuity for all seniors at the College.
At the core of the Senior Retreat program is theology and anthropology, that is, the opportunity to understand God and understand the story of the human person.
The College’s Senior Retreat program is centred around two Bible quotes;
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1
Jacob went to his father and said, “My father”; and he said. “Here I am; who are you, my son?
both focus on the notion of “who are you?”
As these young people enter their final year of secondary education, it is an ideal time to reflect on “who they are”.
The current Retreat program is entitled “What’s in a Name?” It involves a series of structured opportunities and experiences of prayer, reflection and large and small group sessions where they and their peers have a real encounter of God.
Elements of the program include
- Discover the meaning of their name,
- Reflect on who they are,
- To walk in truth, our College motto,
- Acknowledge the events and people who have shaped their lives,
- Affirm their friends and peers,
- Recognise that they have a team of people to support and encourage them,
- Be open to the Spirit,
- Experience reconciliation,
- Celebrate the Eucharist,
- Have time for play, and
- Have some quiet reflection time.
The structure of the retreat is to be away from the normal routine of home and school.
This year the students are away for 3 days and 2 nights, and they travel to La Rosey, Mittagong, and KCC, Katoomba.
The program is facilitated by the College staff.
KLA Upcoming Assessments
Years 7 to 10 are very busy completing assessment tasks. This is just a reminder for due dates:
Year 7: Friday 28th October, 8:40am via Your proposal plan is to be submitted to Google Classroom.
Year 8: 18th October, 8:40am - Your typed report is to be submitted to Google Classroom.
Year 9: Inclass exam
|
Class |
Teacher |
Date of Exam |
|
9RCSD |
MARK |
Thursday 10 November; Period 1 |
|
9RCSE |
TOOR |
Thursday 10 November; Period 1 |
|
9RCSJ |
OCOB |
Thursday 10 November; Period 1 |
|
9RCSO |
MCGS |
Wednesday 9 November; Period 1 |
|
9RCSP |
LEEN/HEBC |
Wednesday 9 November; Period 1 |
|
9RCSR |
MCES |
Wednesday 9 November; Period 1 |
|
9RCSS |
MCES |
Thursday 10 November; Period 3 |
|
9RCST |
LEEN/HEBC |
Thursday 10 November; Period 3 |
Mrs Christine Meharg
Welcome to Term 4!
Term 4 signals the beginning of an essential term of learning. Year 7 and 9 hit the midpoint of their stages of learning. Students in Year 8 and 10 are finalising their achievement of outcomes in Stage 4 and 5, ready to move into the next level of learning. Year 10 will continue to develop strategies to support their transition into Stage 6 next year or their next learning pathway. Year 11 students commence their courses for the 2023 HSC. Term 4 is an opportunity for students to optimise their learning and use their organisational skills to ensure that their learning is at the forefront of how they spend their time. Small adjustments in their study and revision habits can lead to improvement and momentum towards maximising their learning opportunities this year and beyond.
HSC Exams
The HSC Examinations commenced this week with the English and Music examinations. Next week’s exams are:
| Monday | 17 Oct 2022 |
9:25am |
12:30pm |
CAFS |
Champagnat Centre |
| Wednesday | 19 Oct 2022 |
9:25am 1:55pm 2:00pm |
12:30pm 4:00pm 4:00pm |
Ancient History VET: Human Services Polish Continuers |
Champagnat Centre Seminar Room 2 ILC |
|
Thursday | 20 Oct 2022 |
9:20am 9:20am 9:20am 1:50pm |
12:30pm 11:30am 12:00pm 5:00pm |
Mathematics Advances Mathematics Standard 1 Mathematics Standard 2 Mathemtics Extension 2 |
Champagnat Centre |
| Friday | 21 Oct 2022 |
9:25am 1:55pm |
11:00am 5:00pm |
Drama Legal Studies |
Champagnat Centre |
Students are reminded that they are expected to be at the College 30 mins prior to the commencement time of each examination.
The College wishes Yr 12 students all the best in their HSC exams.
TERM 4
Week 2
20/10/2022: Year 10 English Task
17/10/2022: Year 10 Child Studies Task
17/10/2022: Year 9 Child Studies Task
Week 3
27/10/2022: Year 10 Catholic Studies Task
28/10/2022: Year 8 Catholic Studies Task
28/10/2022: Year 7 Catholic Studies Task
Date TBC: Year 10 Science Task
Date TBC: Year 10 Design and Technology Task
Date TBC: Year 10 Commerce Task
Date TBC: Year 9 Design and Technology Task
Date TBC: Year 7 Science Task
Week 4
Date TBC: Year 10 IT: Timber Task
Date TBC: Year 9 IT: Timber Task
Date TBC: Year 9 Science Task
Date TBC: Year 9 Visual Arts Task
Ms Chardy Miller & Mrs Alison Kripal
Leader of Learning - Curriculum Pedagogy & Leader of Learning - Curriculum Administration
As we begin Term 4, I find myself reflecting on the goals and aspirations which underpinned our start to 2022. I remember stating that while the pandemic brought with it a good deal of anxiety and uncertainty, it did afford educators the opportunity to reflect on their practices in order to improve educational outcomes for all students. I also remember thinking that it would be such a shame if the insights gleaned from the pandemic were forgotten, and life simply went back to our pre-COVID ‘normal’. Having witnessed the flourishing of some students and the disengagement of others during remote learning, I became powerfully aware of the critical importance of quality relationships, effective communication, the ability to read and write, and the promotion of the will and the thrill of learning.
Last Monday’s English faculty meeting provided staff with the opportunity to share some of their significant discoveries and learning experiences after three terms of yet another challenging and fragmented school year. Our faculty mantra, ‘Know Thy Impact’, became the focus of discussion and fuelled a commitment to ensuring that the final ten weeks of the school year continue to provide rich and authentic learning experiences for our students. In support of this endeavour, Mrs Laura Penfold subsequently spoke to the English staff about the knowledge she had acquired as tutor for the NSW Government’s COVID Intensive Learning Support Program. This initiative was designed to support students whose learning had been affected by the COVID-19 interruptions. Mrs Penfold returned to Mount Carmel in this role after twelve months’ maternity leave. Prior to this, she held the position of Assistant English Coordinator.
Mrs Penfold’s presentation focused on student learning, the critical role reading has in the learning process and the teacher’s role in fostering a love of books, a desire to learn and a pathway to reading success. She posed a number of interesting questions: How do we challenge students in a way that makes them want to learn? How do we nurture creative and critical thinking? How do we encourage students to invest in the act of reading? And how do we entice students to take ownership of their learning? In response to these questions, Mrs Penfold advised teachers to be counter-cultural in their teaching and learning, to reflect regularly on their policies and practices, and to read professional texts as much as possible. She astutely remarked that there are some factors impacting on our current educational context which are beyond our control. However, the one factor that is in our control is our own learning. Therefore, she urged teachers to immerse themselves in academic reading which will enhance their knowledge of their subject and how best to teach it. She also advised teachers to read the books which are part of their students’ world and allow choice to dictate student reading preferences. She concluded her presentation by discussing practical ways to enable students to see reading as a craft and to realise that there are tangible skills they can master.
Listening to Mrs Penfold’s presentation on Monday convinced me more than ever that the most significant effect on student learning – both in challenging and less challenging times – occurs when teachers become learners of their own teaching, and when students become their own teachers.
Ms Clare Murphy
English Coordinator & Literacy Instructional Coach
As we commence our final term for the year, we do so with Year 12 commencing their final examinations. At the time of print, four exams have been conducted and we continue to wish our graduating class of 2022 every success over the next few weeks. Year 11 have spent a major part of this week receiving feedback from their Preliminary Exams and preparing for next week’s Senior Retreat. Years Seven to Ten are in the process of getting ready for their last round of assessment tasks that will provide a final opportunity for students to make a positive contribution to their Semester Two grades.
Earlier today our year groups once again participated in a range of learning and wellbeing activities. These included:
Year 7 - Pastoral Assembly Positivity, receiving feedback and presentation of coordinator awards
Year 8 -Transition and Pathways presentation with Mr Daniels followed by a House Challenge
Year 9 - Assembly with a focus on goal setting and the term ahead
Year 10 - Digital Media Survey and some work in Pastoral Classes around safe use of technology. Online safety: eSafety Commissioner
Year 11 - Preparing for the HSC, Retreat Organisation and University of Melbourne “Life Patterns” information.
Thanks to all staff who organised and assisted students with the delivery of these initiatives today.
Mental Health links
An important part of our Wellbeing over the recent years has seen a particular focus on Mental Health. October is Mental Health Month and Monday October 10th was the World Health Organisation’s designated day for raising awareness of Mental Health across the globe. Below are a couple of links for each of these initiatives should you be interested.
Uniform Reminders
Term 4 sees a return to Summer Uniform. Specific details of the uniform expectations for our students are located on pages 17 to 20 of both the Junior and Senior Student Diary. Below is an overview of general Uniform and Grooming expectations.
Uniform and grooming overview 2022
A couple of specific reminders to students and carers regarding the wearing of College Caps and Sports Jackets are also highlighted below.
Hats (Page 19 of Diary)
College hats must be worn in any open areas in the College, this includes on the Oval and in the movement to and from shaded structures. They will not be required for students sitting under shaded areas or trees at the courts or ovals, but when playing in the open areas.
Sports Jackets (Page 18 of Diary)
Sports jackets may be worn on a sports day in Terms 1 and 4 (or on days when students have PDHPE or PASS practical lessons. They are not to be worn as part of the normal summer uniform. On cold days, the College jumper is to be worn with the normal uniform.
Thank you for your ongoing support with these matters. As is always the case, please do not hesitate to contact the College, your son or daughter’s Year Coordinator, Pastoral Advisor or Classroom teacher should you have any queries or information regarding their learning or wellbeing.
Mr Simon Huntly
Congratulations
Blake Bolwell
Some of Australia's best young male footballers had the chance to show off their skills on the National stage at the 2022 National Youth Football Championships in Coffs Harbour on 26-30 September. Blake Bolwell represented the NSW 15’s squad who were undefeated throughout the entire tournament and victorious in the Championships with a 3-1 victory of Queensland. Blake had a fantastic tournament being a pivotal player in the team's success scoring 2 goals and initiating penalty opportunities that were converted across the 5 days. The tournament provides a platform for selectors and scouts for future representation squads such as the Australian Joey's.
Ava Antala
Ava was chosen as the Vice-Captain of the Campbelltown Swim Club. The club Captain is an important role and a vital resource for any team and club; they are the link between the athletes and the coaching staff. A club captain communicates the athlete view in many situations as well as being a cohesive force for team spirit and club development. To be selected you need to be a person of integrity.
Well done, Ava!
NSW Schools Championships 1st 12yrs boys Shot Put; 2nd 12yrs boys Discus
Catholic Schools State Championships 1st in Discus and Shot Put
Qualified for Australian Junior Championships in April
Selected for the emerging athlete’s program for NSW Academy of Sport
MISA Teams Term 4
Please note students who have not made the MISA Oztag teams for Team 4, you can trial for another team. Students do not need to register however please ensure that the coach writes your name down.
| Sport | Division |
Gender |
Teacher |
Opposition |
| Indoor Cricket | Years 7-9 | Male | HEAS | Vs MAG |
| Softball | Years 7-9 | Female | TYRD | Vs STP |
| AFL | Years 7-9 | Male & Female | ABRN. HARK | Vs JTCC |
| OzTag | Years 7-9 | Male & Female | DUVJ, JEFE | Vs JTCC |
| Ultimate Frisbee | Years 10/11 | Mixed | ASUM, VALS, BATG | Vs JTCC |
| Volleyball | Years 10/11 | Male & Female | OCOB | Vs OPAC |
Upcoming Events
| Date | Sport | Division | Gender |
| 17 October | Basketball |
Senior Years 10/11 Junior 9-11 |
Female Male & Male |
| 24 October | AFL |
Junior Years 7-9 U/14's |
Female Male |
Communication regarding sport
Students are reminded to continue checking the Compass dashboard for key information relating to sport during the year. 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.
We would love to hear if your child or someone part of our school community, past or present, experiences any sporting success. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any sporting success so we can recognise those achievements in our community.
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 here Nominations for Term 1 Diocesan sports are now open via google form on Compass.
NSWCCC/CSNSW Sport News
Higher level CCC trials and events status can be monitored here. Information on NSWCCC events for 2022 available via Compass. See Mrs Turnbull for nomination procedure.
SCHOOL SPORT AUSTRALIA SPORT NEWS
More School Sport Australia information can be found here
Ms Sue Turnbull
Acting Sports Co-ordinator
Monday: 8.00am - 12.00pm
Wednesday: 12.30pm - 4.30pm
For online purchases, please visit shop.ranier.com.au or call 0493 122 101. Alternatively you can email @ mtcarmel@ranier.com.au
Mount Carmel P&F Clothing Pool 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 7 November 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 4 2022
Monday 7 November
Monday 5 December
Cash only - no EFTPOS facilities
Thank you to the wonderful volunteers who have offered their time to assist our Canteen staff. The College is now able to open the canteen two days per week. Commencing Monday 1 August, please see the following changes:
| Week Days | Operation | Payment Facilities |
| Mon/Tues/Wed | Lunch Orders ONLY | Cash ONLY |
| Thurs/Fri | Recess & Lunch | Cash & EFTPOS |
| 12 Oct-15 Nov | HSC Exams |
| 18 Oct | Year 12: Elevate Education Day |
| 19 Oct | Year 12: Senior Retreat |
| 28 Oct | Live #3 Faith Formation (4-6pm) |
| 4 Nov | Year 7 Immunisations (Visit 2) |
| 8 Nov | P&F Meeting (7pm) |
| 9 Nov | Year 9: Gender Agenda Day |