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This coming weekend marks the second Sunday of Advent. The readings for this occasion focus on the preaching of John the Baptist who called upon the disciples to “prepare the way of the Lord”. As Christians, we are therefore called to prepare our hearts with patience and faithful waiting, in readiness to celebrate the birth of the Christ child, Jesus. In a world that is so fast-paced and where instant gratification can be considered the norm, the week ahead invites us to make space in our lives for prayer and meditation so that we may see the work and love of God in action in our lives and in our world.
Earlier this week, I had the great pleasure of announcing Mr Simon Huntly as the Acting Assistant Principal at Mount Carmel for the 2023 school year. Since commencing in the Diocese in 2018, Mr Huntly has held a number of leadership positions, including a period of time as Acting Assistant Principal at Mount Carmel in 2019 and was also the Assistant Principal at Kildare Catholic College Wagga Wagga between 2008 and 2017. I congratulate Mr Huntly on this significant appointment and thank him for the experience that he will bring to this role.
You may have noticed in last week’s newsletter that Mr Lo Cascio announced the Student Representative Council for 2023 following their badging ceremony last Friday. This week I particularly acknowledge our Captains and Vice Captains who joined the student leaders from every other secondary College in the Diocese, along with Bishop Brian Mascord, at the Hermitage in Mittagong where they participated in a spirituality and leadership program designed to build their leadership capacity. The feedback we received from the facilitating staff was outstanding and for this reason, I congratulate Jasmyne Douangdara, Austin Scales, Emma Searle and Hayden Canon. I also thank Mr Huntly for escorting our students to this significant event.
Earlier this week our College Sports Coordinator, Ms Susan Turnbull, attended the 2022 NSWCCC Blues Award Presentation evening in Warnervale on the NSW Central Coast. Blues Awards celebrate students who have achieved at the highest level in their respective sports and this year, Mount Carmel was thrilled to have not one, but two recipients. I take this opportunity to congratulate Paula Zaballero for her outstanding achievements in Softball, and Blake Waugh for his achievements in Swimming.
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
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT A
First Reading Is 11:1-10
A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse. Peace and justice will triumph.
Second Reading Rom 15:4-9
Live in harmony with one another.
Gospel Acclamation Lk 3:4. 6
Alleluia, alleluia!
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths:
all people shall see the salvation of God.
Alleluia!
Gospel Mt 3:1-12
John the Baptist begins to preach in the desert.
The second advent candle “The Bethlehem Candle” is also purple and represents peace.
Peace is a central theme of the advent season but the main focus of the second week of Advent. One of the prophecies about Jesus calls him “the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6-7). When the angels appeared to the shepherds, they ended their message by saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests” (Luke 2:14).
Mrs Christine Meharg
Transition Week: Year 10, Week 10
In Week 10, students in Year 10 will participate in an alternate learning week to assist them in preparing for the transition into their next stage of learning at Mount Carmel.
The academic focus during this week will centre around the learning expectations for Year 11, begin the HSC learning pathway and includes students completing the mandatory HSC All My Own Work program. Completing these modules is a NESA requirement to begin Year 11. HSC All My Own Work is a program designed to help students follow the principles and practices of good scholarship. This includes understanding, valuing, and using ethical practices when locating and using information as part of their Preliminary and HSC studies. Students who have completed the program will also know about penalties for cheating and how to avoid malpractice when preparing their work for assessment. It is vital that students attend the workshops and satisfactorily complete the module quizzes. This will take place on Monday or Tuesday of Week 10, as the alternate to their allocated day at The Tops.
Year 7-11 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews
Interviews for Year 7-11 2022 are being held on Monday December 19 between 9:00am and 12:30pm via Zoom. Interview sessions can be booked online through the Compass Parent Portal. In some cases, teachers may be unavailable for these Parent/Teacher/Student interviews and in these circumstances, the respective teachers may contact you regarding how you can obtain additional feedback about your child’s academic progress.
Further to the upcoming interviews, please note that Semester 2 Academic Reports for students in Years 7-10 will be made available via Compass on Friday December 16 at approximately 3:30pm.
If you have any questions regarding the upcoming interviews, please do not hesitate to contact the College via an email to info@mcccdow.catholic.edu.au or a phone call to (02) 9603 3000.
| Week 9 |
06/12/2022: Year 12 Business Studies 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 |
Leader of Learning - Curriculum Pedagogy & Leader of Learning - Curriculum Administration
Our College Leaders attended Bishop Brian Mascord’s student leaders “Spiritual Bootcamp” at The Hermitage in Mittagong on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Our College Captains and Vice-Captains (Jasmyne Douangdara, Austin Scales, Emma Searle and Hayden Cannon) joined 32 other High School leaders from across the Diocese to immerse themselves in a range of activities centred around leadership in a Catholic context. All students were afforded the opportunity to listen to Bishop Brian, Director of Schools Mr Peter Hill, Ms Maddy Forde (current Oceania Representative for the International Youth Advisory Body for the Dicastery of Laity, Family and Life in the Vatican - among a range of other significant social justice initiatives) and their peers. The 2-day Retreat gave our 2023 leaders an opportunity to discuss the challenges and foundations of leadership in Catholic schools and the opportunity to share their visions for the upcoming HSC year. Congratulations to our student leaders who were outstanding representatives for our College.
Earlier today 30 members of our Year Nine cohort presented speeches as part of their candidature for House Captaincy and Vice-captaincy for 2023. Each of the 4 Houses were well represented and we wish all candidates the best for their leadership aspirations. Voting will take place today and students will be informed of the results next week. It is anticipated that House leadership in 2023 will closely resemble “pre-covid” functionality, with our Year 10 leaders assuming greater responsibility for re-igniting House spirit with a particular emphasis on our Swimming, Athletics and Cross-country carnivals, organising House Liturgies and Masses and assisting with the integration of a Peer Support program with our incoming Year Sevens. Thanks also to the Year coordinators and Pastoral Advisors who assisted all students in their preparation for today’s presentations.
Elevate Education
The next webinar, Setting up for Success, is on Wednesday 7 December at 6:30pm (AEST) where they will be covering live:
● Effective Note taking
● Deliberate Practice and Implementing a System of Review
● Extra Reading, and How to Read Around a Topic
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.
Uniform & Grooming
The past 3 years of disruption have compromised the correct wearing of College Uniform and some misinterpretation of a range of Grooming expectations. Upon our return to school in 2023 we would expect all students to be wearing the full correct uniform for both summer and winter, as well as meeting standards regarding to Grooming (hair, jewellery, make-up etc). This information will be reiterated a number of times between now and the return to classes next year. Please refer to the link below regarding these expectations.
College Uniform and Grooming expectations
As usual, thank you to all parents and carers for your ongoing support as we enter the final two weeks of the year.
Mr Simon Huntly
NSW CCC Blue Awards
Each year the NSWCCC recognises outstanding achievement of athletes in the state. In order to win these awards, you need to have represented the State. Schools’ pride themselves on having one exceptional athlete capable of winning the NSWCCC blue. This year Mount Carmel had two students winning this award.
Congratulations Paula Zambellero and Blake Waugh and their achievements in their respective sports.
Paula Zaballero
NSW CCC Softball Team 2020 -2022
NSW CCC Volleyball team 2022
Selected in the Australia schools Softball team.
At the Australian Championships she received the award for Outstanding Sportsmanship.
Sports
Blake Waugh
2nd Place NSWCCC Swimming Championships in 2 events.
2nd Place NSW All School Swimming Championships in 3 events.
2nd Place School Sport Australia Swimming Championships in 4 events.
We are proud of these two amazing athletes and wish them all the best for the future.
Other Sporting Congratulations
Chloe Poole (Yr 10) & Zoe Bruce (Yr 8)
This past weekend Chloe and Zoe competed at the AASCF Nationals Cheer Comp on the Gold Coast, with one of their teams coming away with a 4th Place nationally! It was a fierce competition and the girls brought everything to the mat. It was a weekend filled with laughter, camaraderie, and incredible team spirit.
Zoe's previous weekend in Brisbane, she crowned the new Miss Diamond International for 2022. Zoe won this title last year with her reign coming to end the weekend before last. During her time as Miss Junior Diamond International she raised over $4000 for her chosen charity, Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney.
Leisel Hopoate (Yr 10)
Liesal is currently representing NSW at the U/16 Indoor Netball Championships. Lielsal has also been selected for the U23 Premier League team for South Coast Blaze for next year. Currently she is in the final phase of the NSW State Selections.What a busy and talented girl! We are very proud of Liesi.
| Sport | Division |
Gender |
Teacher |
Final Placing |
| Indoor Cricket | Years 7-9 | Male | Miss Heath | 2nd |
| Softball | Years 7-9 | Female | Mrs Tyra | 1st |
| AFL | Years 7-9 |
Male Female |
Mr Harpley Mrs Abra |
4th 5th |
| OzTag | Years 7-9 |
Male Female |
Mr Duvall Miss Jeffreys |
3rd 4th |
| Ultimate Frisbee | Years 10/11 | Mixed | Mr O'Connell | 3rd |
| Volleyball | Years 10/11 |
Male Female |
Mrs Valastro Mrs Asuit |
3rd 1st |
The girls played their best game of the season today against St Pats. We started off strong in the first innings and were leading by one home run. In the second innings we were able to get them out after only conceding one home run. We then played the third innings, where the score was tied. With the support and encouragement of all team members we managed to sneak in one more home run, finishing with a score of 10 v 9 and taking home the Grand Final Trophy. Well done to all players for demonstrating excellent batting and fielding skills, to Jessica for pitching and Olivia for catching. We made a great team!
By Coach: Mrs Tyra
Grand Finalist Indoor Cricket Year 7-9
The Cricket Boys 7-9 team had a great season by making it to the grand final. I want to congratulate the boys on their sportsmanship and efforts each game. With varying levels of cricketing experience this team remained positive and focused. Unfortunately, the team did not take 1st place but the coming years look promising for this team.
By Miss Heath
AFL Girls 7-9
The AFL 7-9 Girls team have finished off the season with a great win. I have to commend the girls on their sportsmanship and team spirit especially in our last two games. The girls have been very relaxed and focused and this has contributed to their success. With only a few experienced players who play AFL on the weekend, our team this year was keen to learn every aspect of the game. They learnt to pass, kick and tackle within the AFL rules which is easier said than done. To their credit the girls accepted every challenge that came their way. Congratulations girls!
By Mrs Abra
Grand Finalist Girls Volleyball Year 10-11
In Term 4, the season for Volleyball began with the girls. There has been no doubt a progression in our skills as each and everyone of us has shown improvement whether it was by our communication, spikes, receives, blocks…the ecstasy felt by our wins only encouraged us even more. Each game and player we met from all teams showed a level of skill and confidence that brought about different results and ways for us as a group to overcome. With that being said, every girl on the court even on the sidelines showcased their abilities to not only build on their skills but to shape this undefeated and hardworking team. Throughout the whole season, we are grateful for the supporting members of the staff, especially thanking our wonderful coach Mrs Asuit and captain Timara for their leadership and encouragement through every mistake, silly or not, that was made. A great congratulations also to the girls on the team that displayed abilities to be united in order to take home the trophy once again in the year 2022. Week 8, being the grand finals, nerves and anxiousness awaited us. With a win for the first set, the second set became a barrier towards our win as it was a close game, yet, as a team, we were able to set aside the restrictions met alas taking the win. A cheer each game was admittedly not as gleeful as our final as the hard work put into the team and any conflict met, the thrill to finally receive the trophy was at a high. Once again mentioning and thanking those staff who aided our team to victory as well as the girls who played spectacular on court, cheers to us!
By Poinsettia Penn
Boys Volleyball Year 10-11
The MISA season was a very fun and enjoyable term for both the seniors and juniors. The bronze medal match started off strong, winning the first set with ease. Unfortunately, we couldn't win the second set but thanks to Alexandros Cani we were able to win the match sets 2-1. This match was also the last match that the seniors played. On behalf of the team, I would like to thank Mrs. Valastro for coaching us throughout the term and supervising us during our morning training sessions.
By Michael Bzdega
If your 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 via google form on Compass.
NSW CCC/CSNSW Sport News
Higher level CCC trials and events status can be monitored here.
SCHOOL SPORT AUSTRALIA SPORT NEWS
More School Sport Australia information can be found here
Ms Sue Turnbull
Acting Sports Co-ordinator
Turnbulls02doww.catholiceduu.au
Payment of 2022 School Fees
Please ensure all remaining 2022 school fees are paid to the College by Wednesday 14 December 2022.
If you are experiencing difficulty finalising your account please contact the Finance Team immediately via mccc-finance@dow.catholic.edu.au or alternatively call the College on 9603 3000.
All communications are confidential.
Please note, we are unable to accept any cash payments at the College after Wednesday 14 December 2022.
Monday: 8.00am - 12.00pm
Wednesday: 12.30pm - 4.30pm
Ranier Schoolwear are accepting the Back to School NSW Vouchers which can be used towards the costs of College school uniforms. Please contact Ranier Schoolwear for more information.
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 Dec |
Final Day for Years 7-11 |
| 19 Dec |
Year 7-11 PTS Interviews |
| 20 Dec |
Term 4 Concludes |
This week we officially launched our college's Saint Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal.
Over the next four weeks we encourage you to bring in donations that will go directly to families that are struggling with the rising cost of living and those who have been affected by recent natural disasters in our community.
Please see this year's poster with a list of donations that are needed by these families. The 2023 Youth Ministry Leaders will be visiting pastoral classes to collect donations on Monday and Wednesday over the next four weeks. However if you would like to donate on any other day please drop off your donations at the front office of the college
Thankyou in advance for your generosity.
Mr Bernard O'Connell