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This Sunday is the Third Sunday of Advent. As with the past two weeks, we have been preparing for a major event in the Church’s calendar with the birth of Jesus Christ. This week, Jesus speaks of John the Baptist and how he was sent to ‘prepare the way’ for Jesus. Advent gives us a focus for the weeks leading up to Christmas and encourages us to reflect on our lives and how we are moving closer to the coming of Christ. Our thoughts and actions should be specifically considering how we are preparing for Jesus and how we might welcome him into our daily lives.
This week, Mount Carmel was named as the champion school for the Macarthur Independent School’s Association (MISA) competition for 2022. The MISA champion school is won following the collation of all the results from MISA competitions throughout the year. It is certainly a very exciting achievement to know that our students have consistently been the best at the various competitions we have entered and have placed ahead of 14 independent Christian schools within our region. Congratulations to all students who have represented Mount Carmel in any MISA competitions. Your efforts and achievements have contributed to this result and reinforces that Mount Carmel is certainly a college that provides opportunities for excellence.
On Tuesday evening, the College hosted the Creative Arts exhibition. This has been the first major opportunity in three years to exhibit student artworks from various year groups. The evening was attended by an estimated 200 people and the artworks were a credit to the students. In many cases, these artworks have taken months to create and there was a great sense of energy from the students who exhibited them. Students were also given the opportunity in some classes to visit the exhibition during Wednesday and Thursday. Well done to all involved and especially to our CAPAL staff who assisted students in the creation of the work and organised the evening.
Over the past week, we have seen two significant appointments for the College. Mr Simon Huntly has been appointed as the Acting Assistant Principal for 2023 following Mr Cloran’s secondment to Magdalene as the Acting Principal. Mr Huntly has been our Pastoral and Wellbeing Coordinator for three years and has previously been an Assistant Principal and Acting Principal in the Wagga Diocese. Mr Huntly brings a wealth of experience and will be a valuable asset in this role at Mount Carmel. We also welcome Mrs Alison Bostock to the College as the Senior School Support Officer. Mrs Bostock joins us from Paramatta Diocese and has been working in schools for almost 20 years. She will have the chance to settle into this role for the next few weeks before taking full charge at the start of 2023.
Today we held our Sports’ Awards assembly for 2022. These awards in the past have been presented on a Tuesday afternoon in staged groups. This year, we decided to raise the profile and present these in front of the whole student population. Unfortunately, due to the size of our hall and possible estimated visitor numbers, this meant that we could not invite parents as we did not know if they would fit into the hall. In retrospect with lower student numbers today, this would have been possible. I understand this would disappoint some and we will look at other options moving forward. Congratulations to all the students and thank you to Mrs Turnbull on her organisation of these.
Excavation has started on our new STEM block and the internal demolition has occurred to our maths block. The work on these buildings is sparking a lot of interest amongst the students and I am pleased to say that the maths building is on target for majority completion for the start of next year. I will keep the community posted as we hit various milestones.
Friday 16 December will be the last day for students, with the final College Mass, awards ceremonies and our traditional student concert. The following Monday morning (Dec 19) will be parent/teacher/student zooms for those who wish followed by staff PD. The College office will close at Midday on Tuesday Dec 20 and reopen on Jan 25. This will be readvertised in next Friday’s newsletter which will be the last for the year.
Ite in Veritate
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
One of the highlights of our end of year celebrations is the End of Year Mass and Awards Ceremonies. These events will be taking place this coming Friday 16 December in the Champagnat Centre. We are pleased to be able to invite parents and carers to each ceremony with the Mass commencing at 10am (please be seated by 9:50am) and the awards ceremony scheduled to commence at midday (please be seated by 11:50am). Given the fact that we have been unable to invite parents to these celebrations over the last two years, we are looking forward to having as many parents in attendance as are able. The College will also be providing a light morning tea for parents and carers in between the Mass and Awards Ceremony.
Earlier this week, over 200 parents, carers and friends of the College attended the 2022 Mount Carmel Art Exhibition. After a two year hiatus due to the pandemic, it was evident that the quality of student work had not been diminished in any way throughout this time. We are very grateful to the many visitors who attended on the night in support of all the great work that our students have completed throughout the year. I particularly thank the CAPAL department at the College who organised and coordinated this event, particularly Mrs Cortes, Mrs Moore, Mrs Pearce, Mrs Libri, Mrs Gramelis and Mr Taylor.
This coming week, our Year 10 students will participate in their Transition Week program. The week will give students the opportunity to participate in a range of activities focusing on a range of pastoral and academic measures. These have been designed to support them as they conclude Stage 5 of their education and prepare to commence their Preliminary HSC courses at the start of next year.
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
Advent Candle
The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the “Shepard's Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical color for joy.
This will be lit at mass on Sunday.
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR A
First Reading Is 35:1-6, 10 The desert will rejoice and blossom.
Second Reading Jas 5:7-10 Be patient, even in suffering.
Gospel Acclamation: Is 61:1 (Lk 4:18)
Alleluia, alleluia!
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me;
he sent me to bring Good News to the poor.
Alleluia!
Gospel: Mt 11:2-11 - John asks, ‘Are you the one who is to come?’
Mrs Christine Meharg
2022 HSC Results
This coming Thursday 15 December, Yr 12 2022 will receive their HSC results from NESA. Students will be able to access their results via their Students Online account. This requires their NESA Student Number. If any students have forgotten their NESA Student Number, they can contact Ms Miller (millerc06@dow.catholic.edu.au).
The College is also holding a morning tea to celebrate the successes of the cohort. Details are as follows:
HSC & ATAR Morning Tea
Date: Thursday 15th Dec
Time: 10:30-11:30am
Location: LaValla courtyard
A google form will also be sent to students as a means to collate their ATAR results. The College looks forward to being able to celebrate their successes.
Year 7-11 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews
Reminder to Book
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 make contact with you regarding how you can obtain additional feedback about your child’s academic progress. Bookings will close on Friday at 10am.
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 10 | 13/12/2022: Year 12 Maths Extension 1Task 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
Even as we enter the final week of schooling for 2022, opportunities for engaging in important activities pertaining to learning and wellbeing are still very much a priority. Next week sees our Year 7 and 10 students engage in initiatives that were significantly curtailed over the past couple of years.
Year 7 Swim & Survive (Monday December 12)
This will see all Year seven students attend ‘Swim and Survive’ and ‘First Aid Awareness’ workshop for their Term 4 PDHPE unit ‘Summer Survivor’. The workshop will be facilitated by Mount Carmel Catholic College and Royal Life Saving Society staff. This excursion will provide students with the opportunity to develop survival techniques in the water as well as the basic first aid skills. This will be held at the Whitlam Aquatic Centre in Liverpool. Thanks to Ms Tyra and the PDHPE Faculty for organising, presenting, and supervising the range of activities that students will engage in on Monday.
Year 10 Transition Week
Next week will also see Year 10 students engage in a range of activities that are aimed at preparing them for Stage 6 learning. Monday and Tuesday will see the group split on gender basis, with the girls attending “The Tops” on Monday and the boys on Tuesday to participate in a range of Individual Challenge and Team building initiatives. On the alternate days, the groups will remain at school to complete All My Own Work and a number of other NESA requirements in preparation for Year 11 2023. All students will be on site for the remainder of the week with Wednesday having a careers focus, courtesy of Elevate Education and Thursday a mix of Year 10 Liturgy, presentations, guests speakers and activities. Thanks to Mr Rees, Ms Miller, Mrs Kripal, Mrs Meharg, Mr Daniels and all staff involved in the preparation and supervision of this week of activities.
Uniform & Grooming
As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, 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 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
Thanks to the efforts of staff and students our school was the overall winning school. We were the Champion school Junior Girls and Champion school senior Girls and as a result had the points to win the overall MISA Champion school.
MISA Team Reports - Term 4
AFL Boys 7-9 - Coached by Mr Harpley
The AFL team has worked hard over the season to improve each week. The team is very inexperienced and has had to learn as they go the best way to play the game. Our first few games we struggled to find our feet but after those initial tough losses we were able to get our first wins on the board and placed in third position at the end of the regular season. All the students played with a great spirit and encouraged each other every game, I hope the students choose to continue with their sport and I look forward to coaching them again in the future.
The junior boys Oztag team started the well in the MISA competition in Term 4. The boys consistently played well but unfortunately other teams seemed to beat us by a few tries in some of the rounds. The boys made it to the semi-finals and played so well but again weren't able to win the game. The boys displayed great sportsmanship, always had smiles on their faces and I was proud to be their coach. I wish them all the best for the competitive season in 2023.
Congratulations to the following talented Mount Carmel Students
Evangeline completed at the Australian National Taekwondo Championships at Bendigo, Victoria on Dec 3-4 2023. Eva has trained so hard all year. She won her black belt division and holds National Champion 2022. Well done!
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.
Registrations are Now Open for 2023
Please refer to attached PDF flyer.
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
On Tuesday 6 of December, we held our first art exhibition in 2 years. Displayed around the Champagnat Centre were the brilliant artworks from Year 8 to Year 12 HSC Major Works. Throughout the hall, there were paintings, drawings, and ceramic works among the plethora of art pieces chosen this year. After some time, those who had arrived to dazzle at the spectacular works in front of them were asked to be seated as the Visual Art awards for 2022 were handed to their worthy recipients. Again, across Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12, there were a multitude of categories in which these artists had their skills recognised.
This night was significant as it provided a well-deserved platform for the art students to showcase their immense talents, their dedication and their hard work to the wider school community. It recognises not only those students who won major awards but all those who excelled in Visual Arts. As was mentioned on Tuesday night, a thank you to Mrs Pearce, Mrs Moore, Mrs Libri, Mrs Gramelis and Mr Taylor for their passion, dedication and commitment to the Creative Arts.
By Jessica Littlewood – Year 12 2023 Hospitality and Culture Events Leader
On Thursday December 8, the Year 8 Drama group performed at Mary Immaculate Primary School to an audience of excited Year 2 students. The students involved were Holly Swanson, Chase Stephens, DJ Robinson, Katiana Gramelis, Jerry He, Charlotte Papalia, Nicholas Turner.
In this performance, Year 2 students were taught about the components of the human voice - pace, volume, diction, tone and pause. A dramatic reading from a children’s book was also presented as well as interactive group work sessions with the Year 2 students themselves. The performance showcased what the Year 8 students have learnt in a 12-week program that aims to sharpen the skills of public speaking.
Many thanks to Mrs Christina Murray, Principal at Mary Immaculate, for the opportunity to visit and perform for Year 2. Thank you, as well, to the Year 2 teachers who found the time in their busy schedule for our performance.
This type of activity forms important connections with our feeder schools and the benefits are twofold. The Year 8 students are to be congratulated on their exemplary behaviour and their fine performance.
By Mrs Rosetta Fitzgerald
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 first Monday of each month. The shop will next be open on Monday 6 February 2023. 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.
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 |
Please note that for the last week of term there is limited supplies on some items.
| 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
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.