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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
This week’s Gospel (Luke 23:35-43) recalls Luke’s account of the crucifixion of Jesus. As always, the Gospels give us a large amount on which to ponder and to consider as to what our priorities are and how we might live our lives. There is one sentence at the start which stood out for me in dealing with young men and women. The sentence is; “The people stayed there before the cross watching Jesus”. Whilst this is an introductory statement to a far more detailed recount, the sentence struck a chord in terms of our regular discussions with students around being bystanders. The Gospel goes on to talk of how the soldiers and a fellow prisoner mocked Jesus, but it does not really say any more about what the bystanders did. We know that some of these bystanders were in a place of deep despair and hurt (for example, Jesus’ mother was present) but what about those others who were simply watching? What role did they play and what might they have been able to do differently? The nature of bystander behaviour in some ways allows us to inappropriately excuse our inaction. Luke does not make any further comment on the bystanders but the fact that he mentions them is enough for us to consider what we might do in the same circumstances.
On Wednesday evening we held our first ever Year 7, 2023 Orientation evening for new parents. The purpose of this evening was to introduce the College Leadership Team to those new to our community and establish who we are and what is important to us as a school. The evening was designed to be a short introduction and provide a welcome that we hope will lead to a strong connection moving forward. Whilst this evening was originally intended for all parents and students of Year 7, 2023, there was unfortunately an error in our mailing groups and the invitation only went to new parents. For those current parents who would have liked to attend, I deeply apologise, however, I am sure you are already familiar with what was said. We did not become aware of the error until the end of the evening. Today, all Year 7, 2023 students were invited to the orientation day where the students were introduced to key people and had an opportunity to meet each other and become involved in introductory activities. I thank the students and parents for your attendance and involvement and the staff who were responsible for the organisation of the day.
Yesterday, our Year 11 students were involved in the “U turn the wheel” program at the College. This program is run by volunteers and the NSW Police and is designed to raise awareness of safety for young women and men in their mid to late teens. It revolves around safe driving and safe partying and is a fantastic educational opportunity that encourages students to consider their behaviours and actions. Thank you to Mrs Moore and her team for organising this and for the presenters who graciously gave of their time.
As many of you are aware, we have begun our building program. I had the opportunity to go into our ‘D’ block yesterday and look at their progress. I have included some pictures, so you are able to see how the building has changed.
Ite in Veritate
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
Earlier this week, Mr Lo Cascio and I met with representatives from Busabout regarding our current services and preparations for 2023. At the outset, I would commend all students that catch these services of a morning and afternoon, for the feedback that we received regarding their behaviour, manners and the way in which they represent the College. They did, however, request that students make a concerted effort to tap on and off of a morning and afternoon, as this information is then used to determine the viability of services and the most appropriate routes to take. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, if students are yet to arrange their Opal cards for 2023, I would encourage them to do so ASAP so that any replacement cards can be received as soon as possible.
Students who travel to and from school via train services are asked to note that due to Industrial Action, on Monday 21st and Friday 25th November, there will be a number of cancelled services on the Sydney Trains and NSW Trains network. Transport NSW has advised that students should expect significant delays and longer travel times. Further information can be obtained at transportnsw.info
As you would be aware, NSW Health has recently stated that as COVID-19 cases continue to rise within the community, with an anticipated peak in early December, that it would be a timely reminder for school communities to revisit their COVID-smart measures in order to prioritise student and staff wellbeing. I take the opportunity this week to thank our parents and carers for your support in adhering to the health advice and remind the community of the following key points:
- staying home if unwell and/or showing any symptoms
- mask-wearing is strongly encouraged, particularly when indoors and/or when physical distancing is not possible, and on public transport
- continued mandatory mask-wearing for anyone working with students at greater risk of serious illness whether they be in an specialist centres, support unit or mainstream classroom
- using rapid antigen tests (RATs) when showing symptoms or exposed to COVID-19
- encouraging all students, staff and families to keep up-to-date with their vaccinations, including COVID-19 booster shots if eligible
- NSW Health are also encouraging everyone in the community to continue to register positive RATs with Service NSW to ensure they receive timely support and advice, including access to antivirals for those eligible.
- Schools are encouraged to continue to reinforce the importance of the COVID-smart measures to students, parents, carers and staff.
Wishing you all the best for the week ahead.
Mr David Cloran
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE YEAR C
First Reading 2 Sm 5:1-3 David is anointed King of Israel.
Second Reading Col 1:12-20 We are reconciled in the blood of the cross.
Gospel Lk 23:35-43 The Crucifixion.
| 20 |
Christ the King Universal Children's Day |
| 21 |
World Day of the Poor World Television Day |
| 22 | St Cecilia |
| 23 | St Columban |
| 24 | St Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions |
| 25 |
St Catherine of Alexandria International day for the Elimination of Violence against Women Buy Nothing Day |
Mrs Christine Meharg
The past week has seen some significant events take place with respect to Pastoral Care and Wellbeing at the College.
On Thursday, we saw the return of the Year 11 Rotary “U Turn the Wheel” driver education program for the first time since lockdown. This was a full day event that saw our senior students rotate through a series of presentations that looked at some of the risks associated with driver fatigue, speeding, general road safety rules and consideration for heavy vehicles. Many thanks to Ms Moore, Mr Lozelle and the staff who assisted with the organisation of the day, to the volunteers and presenters from Rotary and NSW Police and to our Year 11 students for their participation in the day.
Today we welcomed our Year Seven class of 2023 for their Orientation Day. This followed on from our inaugural Year Seven Parent Information Evening on Wednesday, and formally commenced our transition program for our incoming students. Students were placed into their allocated Houses and Pastoral classes for next year and undertook a range of activities including team building activities, Science, Food Technology, HSIE or Creative Arts experiences as well as some Literacy and Numeracy assessments. These activities allowed students to meet their peers for the upcoming year, familiarise themselves with the site and gain an appreciation for what high school life might look like. Thanks to all staff who assisted with the organisation of the day and the presentation of the various experiences. Thanks also to our Year Nine volunteers who acted as assistants for the day.
Tonight, we say our final farewell to our HSC Cohort of 2022. In anticipation of what promises to be a fantastic event and a fitting way to celebrate our graduating class, we thank Mr Harpley, Ms Gardner and all staff who assisted with the planning and presentation of the event. We also wish the Class of 2022 every success for their HSC results and their future endeavours.
Elevate Education
The next webinar, How to Help Build your Child’s Resilience, is on Wednesday 23 November at 6:30pm (AEST) where they will be covering live:
- What resilience means, what it doesn’t mean and why it’s important;
- How to help build your child’s resilience levels, both in and out of school;
- How to help your child break their “fear of failure”.
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.
Mr Simon Huntly
Yr 11 (Yr 12 2023) have begun their first HSC school based assessments. Students are reminded to be making their best effort to ensure that they maximise their learning opportunities in these first assessment tasks. Following the College Assessment Policies and Procedures is also vital. If students are absent due to illness or misadventure they are reminded that they need to notify their teacher and follow the illness/misadventure procedures. Senior Afterschool Study continues to be available on Tuesdays 3-6pm this term. This provides a focused learning environment for Senior students to study individually or collaboratively.
Yr 10 are encouraged in their final weeks of Stage 5 to focus on working with their class teachers to ensure that they are continuing the development of their skills that will be carried into Stage 6. Now that they have received their confirmation of Yr 11 subjects, they should be focusing on what they can be doing now to be prepared for Yr 11.
Students in Yr 7-9 are also encouraged to maximise their opportunities over the coming weeks to ensure that they are prepared for the next year or stage of their learning in 2023. Students in Yr 8 and 9 have received their confirmation of electives for next year, so can be preparing for their new chosen courses.
| 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 |
| Week 8 | 29/11/2022: Year 12 English Advanced Task 29/11/2022: Year 12 English Standard Task 29/11/2022: Year 12 English Studies Task 29/11/2022: Year 12 PDHPE Task 01/12/2022: Year 12 Mathematics Standard 1 Task 01/12/2022: Year 12 Mathematics Standard 2 Task 01/12/2022: Year 12 Work Studies Task 02/12/2022: Year 12 Mathematics Advanced Task |
| Week 9 | 06/12/2022: Year 12 Business Studies Task 06/12/2022: Year 12 Legal Studies Task 06/12/2022: Year 12 Visual Arts Task 07/12/2022: Year 12 Ancient History Task 07/12/2022: Year 12 CAFS Task 07/12/2022: Year 12 Modern History Task 07/12/2022: Year 12 Spanish Beginners Task 07/12/2022: Year 12 Spanish Continuers Task 08/12/2022: Year 12 Chemistry Task |
| Week 10 | 13/12/2022: Year 12 Maths Extension 2 Task 14/12/2022: Year 12 SORI Task 14/12/2022: Year 12 Physics Task 14/12/2022: Year 12 Society and Culture Task |
Ms Chardy Miller & Mrs Alison Kripal
Leader of Learning - Curriculum Pedagogy & Leader of Learning - Curriculum Administration
Congratulations
Daniel Lill and Toby Curry - both athletes are an asset to the school. Due to their success this year they were honoured at the Diocesan Awards last Friday. They are both humble and unassuming students.
Daniel Lill - Year 9
Daniel is our triple threat, having been successful at Swimming, Cross Country, and Athletics. He started the year being selected for the NSWCCC team swimming. Being awarded the open multi-age championships. At the National age championships, his best result was 13th in the 400m M/C. He was then selected for the Diocesan team for cross-country. With an excellent run in the 200m at the Diocesan carnival, Daniel was selected to represent Wollongong Dioceses at the NSWCCC athletic championships. Daniel's results reflect the time and effort he puts into training. Keep up the good work.
We are very proud of Daniel.
Toby Curry - Year 12
Toby has received scholarships for 5 years in a row by West’s Leagues Club and has represented Mount Carmel Catholic College in Tennis Diocese. As the number 1 player every year since Year 7 winning results in both his singles and doubles. Toby was selected in NSWCCC Tennis team and NSWCCC Volleyball Team this year to finish off his career at Representing Mount Carmel in 2022. Congratulations Toby and all the best for your future with your Tennis. Mount Carmel would like to wish Toby the best in his bright future.
| Sport | Division |
Gender |
Teacher |
Opposition |
Result |
| Indoor Cricket | Years 7-9 | Male | Miss Heath | Vs JTCC | Win |
| Softball | Years 7-9 | Female | Mrs Tyra | Vs MAS | Win |
| AFL | Years 7-9 |
Male Female |
Mr Harpley Mrs Abra |
MAG MAG |
Win Win |
| OzTag | Years 7-9 |
Male Female |
Mr Duvall Miss Jeffreys |
V MAG Vs MAG |
Loss Loss |
| Ultimate Frisbee | Years 10/11 | Mixed | Mr O'Connell | Vs MAS | Win |
| Volleyball | Years 10/11 |
Male Female |
Mrs Valastro Mrs Asuit |
Vs THAC Vs THAC |
Win Win |
Ultimate Frisbee
The team were off to a great start, playing a simple yet strategic game. They kept their passes sharp and short. With ultimate frisbee being such an intense and quick-paced game, they had no room for error. The team kept the upper hand throughout the game ending with an incredible win of 28-10 against Macarthur Anglican College. All who spectated the game would agree the Man of the Match was Rory McEvoy from year 11.
By Zoe Bruce
If you child has a uniform from MISA or a MCCC ball, could you ask them to return it as I am about to do a stocktake of all gear.
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 Clothing Pool 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 5 December 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 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 |
| 16 Nov | Year 7 2023 Parent Information Evening (7pm) |
| 18 Nov |
Year 7 2023 Orientation Day Year 12 Formal |
| 16 Dec |
Final Day for Years 7-11 |