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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
“No one has greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).
Next Friday is November 11 and is internationally recognised as Remembrance Day. This memorial is not designed to glorify war or to promote conflict but is a reminder that people sacrifice their greatest gift, that of their lives, for the benefit of others. In the quote above, Jesus reminds us of His own sacrifice that was to come. In laying down His own life, He ensured that we would live past our own death. The idea that someone is prepared to sacrifice something for us can be overwhelming even when it is far smaller than laying down their life. We often witness a parent, child, sibling or close friend who will go without something to ensure that we have access to it. In our own lives, we will be happy to make the sacrifice but sometimes feel very uncomfortable in receiving the benefits of this from someone else. In terms of the Catholic tradition, in order to have our Easter Sunday celebration, we must first have a Good Friday experience. The ups and downs of life are both necessary to have the full experience of love and to be able to recognise how valuable that experience is. Next Friday, we will remember with solemnity those who have given their lives and thank them for that sacrifice.
Yesterday Mount Carmel hosted the Macarthur Independent Schools’ Association (MISA) principal’s meeting. This meeting rotates through the MISA schools and is held once per term. Some of our Year 10 students met the principals and escorted them to the meeting space. A number of the principals commented on the maturity of the students and the sense of welcome that they received. I would like to acknowledge these students and thank them for representing us in the way that we always hope.
At the same meeting, Mrs Murphy presented information on our current Parent Partnership program and discussed the impacts that this program is having on student learning. The presentation was impressive but what was more impressive was the way that many parents have used these opportunities to assist their children in their learning. This program began in earnest around three years ago and was gently simmering through the COVID restrictions. This year, the program has again begun to emerge and is again having a positive impact. The next opportunity in this program occurs next Tuesday evening beginning at 6pm at the College. Shortly following the conclusion of this evening, we will be holding the final P&F meeting for the year. It is certainly not compulsory to attend both events, but parents are certainly welcome at both. At the P&F meeting, I will again be briefly speaking to the major building and refurbishment program which has just begun. I will also be happy to answer any questions on this project that I am able. The P&F has generously agreed to order pizza for any attendees at this meeting.
Next Friday is our Staff Development Pupil Free day. Staff will be working on our Strategic plan and developing strategies as we move toward our new five period day structure. I thank parents and students for your understanding that these days are vital to ensure we provide contemporary and deep learning opportunities.
Ite in Veritate
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
Throughout the course of the year, the College invests a great deal of time and resources into working with students on ways to stay safe online via a range of responsible digital citizenship initiatives. We have a strong relationship with our Police Liaison Officer, Senior Constable Allan Clapham, who is a regular presence at the College, presenting on such topics to each of our year groups. In addition to this, Year 7 participate in our ICLT Bootcamp Program, Year 8 attended the “Who we are” incursion earlier in the year, Year 9 have their “Connections that Count” day in the week ahead and Year 10 participate in the Gender Camp program later this term. Each of these initiatives address a range of online and social media issues that are pertinent to each respective year group. They are also in addition to work that is covered within the PDHPE curriculum in Years 7-10, and across the College Pastoral Care program in Years 7 through to 12. As a College we sincerely appreciate the support we receive from families in reinforcing these messages.
For parents and carers who may not be aware, the e-safety Commissioner has a very helpful website that contains a great deal of information that can assist parents in remaining up-to-date in the ever-evolving social media landscape, as well as helpful tips that may assist in keeping children safe at home. If you are unfamiliar with this website, I would encourage you to visit it at https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents.
A reminder that the Term 4 Staff Development Day is being held this coming Friday, 11th November. I thank the parents and carers who are making alternative supervision arrangements on this day so that all staff can participate in this worthwhile professional development opportunity.
Earlier this week we circulated the latest delivery of RAT tests to all students from Years 7-11. As has been the case for some time now, students who are unwell are encouraged to use these tests, however, there is no requirement to submit photos/evidence of positive or negative results.
Finally, a reminder of the COVID-19 directives that are in place for the remainder of Term 4:
- If a student or staff member is unwell and has any COVID-19 symptoms, even the mildest of symptoms, they should stay home and test, and only return once their symptoms are gone.
- If your child tests positive for COVID-19, please continue to notify the school and remain at home until symptoms have gone.
Wishing you all the best for the week ahead.
Mr David Cloran
THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
First Reading: 2 Mc 7:1-2, 9-14
Seven brothers and their mother are tortured, but remain faithful.
Second Reading: 2 Thes 2:16 – 3:5 The Lord will strengthen you in faith.
Gospel Lk 20:27-3: The Sadducees try to put Jesus in conflict with Moses.
This year, Yr 8 students sat the Religious Literacy Assessment - RLA for short.
The College has received some initial results. The first is of 4 of our students who finished in the top 10 of the Diocese of Wollongong.
1st - Sophia Wahhab
3rd - Patrick Arthur
5th - Cooper Gilbang
6th - Harrison Citroni
Congratulations to these students on these outstanding results. I will share more results next week about the College's performance.
Mrs Christine Meharg
Recent Events
Mittagong Retreat
Katoomba Retreat
HSC Exams Conclude
The HSC year of 2023 has now concluded. Students are reminded to ensure that they can access their Students Online account to receive their HSC results. We look forward to celebrating their achievements on Tuesday, December 15.
If students still have items that have been borrowed from the College, they will need to return these, as soon as possible, to conclude their sign out process.
2023 HSC Assessment Policies and Procedures Reminder
Current Yr 11 students (2023 HSC) are reminded to review the HSC Assessment Policies and Procedures booklet to ensure that they know and understand their responsibilities regarding assessment. Students will soon be heading into a period of assessment across the second half of Term 4. As these are the first assessment tasks that contribute to their HSC school based assessment, they should be approached with focus, preparation and determination. The assessment booklet is available to students via the Yr 11 google classroom.
Week 5
Date TBC: Year 10 Visual Arts Task
Date TBC: Year 10 Music Task
Date TBC: Year 9 Music Task
Date TBC: Year 8 Visual Arts Task
Date TBC: Year 8 Technology Mandatory Task
Date TBC: Year 7 Technology Mandatory Task
Date TBC: Year 7 Music Task
Date TBC: Year 7 HSIE Task
Week 6
15/11/2022: Year 12 Investigating Science Task
16/11/2022: Year 12 SORII Task
Date TBC: Year 10 IST (100hr) Task
Date TBC: Year 9 Maths Task
Date TBC: Year 9 Catholic Studies Task
Week 7
21/11/2022: Year 12 SLR Task
22/11/2022: Year 12 Biology Task
23/11/2022: Year 12 IT: Timber Task
Date TBC: Year 9 IST Task
Ms Chardy Miller & Mrs Alison Kripal
Leader of Learning - Curriculum Pedagogy & Leader of Learning - Curriculum Administration
Last week’s Literacy Links referred to a book by Johann Hari entitled Stolen Focus – a powerfully argued exploration of the breakdown of our contemporary world’s ability to pay attention. In Stolen Focus, Hari reflects on the messages we absorb from social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and compares it to the message that we absorb from books. His thoughts are worth considering.
What is Twitter’s message? First: that you shouldn’t focus on any one thing for too long and that the world can and should be understood in short, simple statements of 280 characters. Second: the world should be interpreted and understood very quickly. Third: what matters most is whether people immediately agree with and applaud your short, simple statements. What is Facebook’s message? According to Hari, Facebook’s message appears to be first: your life exists to be displayed to others, and you should be aiming to show your friends strategically edited highlights. Second: what matters is whether people immediately like these edited and carefully selected highlights. And third: someone is your ‘friend’ if you regularly look at their edited highlights, and they in turn look at yours. What is Instagram’s message? First: what matters is how you look on the outside. And second: what matters is whether people like how you look on the outside.
One of the key reasons why social media makes Hari feel ‘out of joint with the world’ and with himself, is that the ideas – the messages implicit in these social media sites – are problematic. In relation to Twitter, the world is actually quite complex. To be a thinking and reflective human being you need to be able to focus on one thing for a significant amount of time, and you need space to ‘speak’ at length when the issue requires it. Very few things worth saying can be captured in 280 characters. If your response to an idea is immediate, it may be shallow and ill-considered. And whether people agree immediately with you is no indication as to whether you have something valuable to say. The same can be said for Instagram and Facebook. To think that life is merely about beautiful exteriors is a recipe for unhappiness. And true friendship actually requires commitment, sacrifice, and time to flourish.
Hari then considers the messages buried in the pile of books leaning up against the wall of his beach house. Before the words convey their specific meaning, the medium of the book suggests several things. Firstly, life is complex, and if you want to understand it, you have to set aside a significant amount of time to think deeply. Secondly, there is value in narrowing your attention to one thing, sentence after sentence, page after page. Thirdly, it is worth thinking deeply about how other people live and how their minds work. ‘They have complex inner lives just like you.’ Hari most definitely agrees with the messages in the medium of the book. He thinks they encourage the best parts of human nature – that a life with lots of episodes of deep focus is a good life. And this is why reading books ‘nourishes’ him.
Ms Clare Murphy
English Coordinator & Literacy Instructional Coach
As we approach the midway point of Term 4, several activities are taking place which signify the run towards the end of another year of learning. Year 12 have completed their final exam today and now await the results of the HSC. Year 10 reports are being written over the next couple of weeks which will provide valuable accounts and feedback for their ROSA. Years 7, 8 & 9 are completing their remaining assessment tasks for the year and Year 11 are getting ready for their first HSC Tasks towards the end of the year. Learning aside, our Pastoral Care teams continue to provide opportunities for all students to develop awareness and skills relating to a wide range of Wellbeing issues. These are outlined below:
- Year 12 - Final Day of HSC exams
- Year 11 - Paul Wade Motivation, Goal Setting and Resilience presentation
- Year 10 - Follow up from Social Media survey in Week One
- Year 9 - Respectful Relationships follow up in Pastoral Classes
- Year 8 - TAPS program with Mr Daniels
- Year 7 - Immunisations and Affirmation activity in Pastoral Classes.
Thanks to all staff involved in the organisation of these initiatives and to students for their ongoing participation and cooperation.
Elevate Education
The next webinar, How to Help Your Child Manage Their Stress and Wellbeing, is on Wednesday November 9, at 6:30pm (AEST) where they will be covering live:
- How to spot your child’s stress symptoms early
- How to start a conversation about emotional wellbeing
- Techniques your child
The webinar is run live online where the presenter will share Elevate’s research findings and skills and will conduct a live Q&A so you can ask them questions directly.
Upcoming events
- Year 10 reports due (Tues 8/11)
- Year 9 Gender Agenda Day with Your Choicez (Wednesday 9/11)
Thanks again to all families and carers for your ongoing support as we enter the final 6 weeks of the year.
Mr Simon Huntly
Volleyball Report
Senior Girls Diocesan Report
After a quick warm and pep talk from Mrs Asuit, the girls volleyball team were contended against St Pats who put up a fight. After the first set the girls were in front. The next 2 sets were intense with amazing saves, great plays and many dives. The girls won 3/3 sets and came away with a well-deserved victory.
The boys came away with an unfortunate loss again Macarthur Adventist College. They played hard and well, with their spikes and plays being exceptional. The boys played using strategy and skill. It was an exhilarating match to watch. But in the end, the win was just out of reach.
Zoe Bruce
Blake Bolwell UK Trip
Between 3-18 October Blake Bolwell embarked on a once in a lifetime Elite Football Program affiliated with English Premier League team Nottingham Forrest. Based in Nottingham itself the program combined intense football activities including training, games against EPL and Championships clubs as well as local teams and several sessions run by guest speakers.
The program was led by former Leicester City striker Lawrie Dudfield. Professional training was provided by both current and former EPL/EFL and International football players and coaches and a number of guest speaker sessions were held including an EPL Referee VAR session and talks by ex Manchester United goal keeper Kevin Pilkington and 2x Champions League winning Nottingham Forest Captain John McGovern.
The group played very competitive matches against Nottingham Forest (EPL), Wolverhampton Wanderers (EPL), The New Saints (Welsh Premier League), Mansfield Town(FL2) and Brooke House Elite Football School - winning 3, drawing 1 and losing 1 match.
The experience provided an opportunity for Blake to fully experience the English football culture with visits to notorious stadiums including Liverpool's Anfield Stadium and Manchester City's Etihad Stadium. Many professional matches were enjoyed including Manchester City v Copenhagen (Champions League), Southampton v West Ham (EPL), Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa (EPL), Huddersfield Town v Hull City (English Football League Championship) and Notts County v Wrexham (National League).
Blake has returned home with an abundance of experience and knowledge and is now focussing on the next stage of his football aspirations where he will be playing for the Sydney FC 16's squad in the 2023 NPL season.
Year 8 NRL Skills
MISA Week 4 Results
| Sport | Division |
Gender |
Teacher |
Opposition |
Result |
| Indoor Cricket | Years 7-9 | Male | Miss Heath | Vs MAS | Loss |
| Softball | Years 7-9 | Female | Mrs Tyra | Vs MAG | Win |
| AFL | Years 7-9 |
Male Female |
Mr Harpley Mrs Abra |
Bye STP |
- Loss |
| OzTag | Years 7-9 |
Male Female |
Mr Duvall Miss Jeffreys |
VS MAS |
Win Win |
| Ultimate Frisbee | Years 10/11 | Mixed | Mr O'Connell | Vs JTCC | Loss |
| Volleyball | Years 10/11 |
Male Female |
Mrs Valastro Mrs Asuit |
Vs MAS Vs MAS |
Win Win |
NRL Skills Program conducted during sport with 7 Murray and after sport 2.30pm-3.30pm.
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:/wwwwmisaonlineeorgg.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 viagooglee form on Compass.
NSW CCC/CSNSW Sport News
Higher level CCC trials and events status can be monitored here. Information on NSWCCC events for 2022 available via Compass. See MrsTurnbull 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 |
| 8 Nov | P&F Meeting (7pm) |
| 9 Nov | Year 9 Gender Agenda Day |
| 11 Nov | Pupil Free Day |
| 16 Nov | Year 7 2023 Parent Information Evening (7pm) |
| 18 Nov |
Year 7 2023 Orientation Day Year 12 Formal |