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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
This Sunday we celebrate the Holy Trinity. The Holy Trinity refers to the fact that as Catholics, we believe that God exists as three persons within one being. God the Father (Creator), Jesus the son (Redeemer) and the Holy Spirit are consubstantial (of one substance). Each plays a role in the saving nature of God but there is clearly only one God. People of other faith will sometimes struggle with this concept. For us, it is reassuring that we have a loving God that can be with us in different ways to help us toward salvation. As stated in the book of Genesis (1:31), our creator – ‘God looked upon all that He had made (including humanity) and it was good’. As Jesus our redeemer did, “There is no greater love than to give up one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). As we are told in Matthew (28:20) “I will be with you always, even until the end of time”. This is the nature of the most Holy Trinity.
Next Friday our college community celebrates Champagnat Day (the actual feast is Tuesday June 6). This has traditionally been the major community day on the College calendar. The reason this is important is that it recognises our link to the little brothers of Mary (Maryists or those we now call Marists). St Marcellin founded this group of men to specifically educate young people. His goal was to give them skills and knowledge to become competent and valuable citizens but more specifically, he wanted to “make Jesus known and loved”. For this reason, he sent brothers to all corners of the earth and now there are over 600 Marist schools with more than a half a million current Marist students. This makes us a part of an enormous global family. Champagnat Day is a day that reminds us of our charism whilst having time to celebrate and enjoy the presence of others. For this reason, there are three stages to our day. We begin with a celebration of the mass and recognition of students who live our values. We then move to stalls that incorporate food and games and finally finish with a school concert. Each of these things links us back to our community. Many other schools across the world will be doing similar things during next week. On this day, students will be fundraising for Marist Solidarity which assists Marist schools across the Pacific region. Parents are most welcome to attend the Champagnat day mass commencing at 9.15am. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to the front office to assist staff in catering for additional seating.
A few weeks ago, many of you completed the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) survey which gave feedback on a number of areas at Mount Carmel. We received the results of these during the week and whilst the College Leadership Team have started to look at these, it will take some time to digest and examine the data. There has already been some valuable discussion around why scores may have been given and what we might do to improve. Our intention is to share some of this with you more broadly when we have the chance. Unfortunately, one omission by the company running the survey was around our faith dimension. We have asked some questions over the last few years that are able to give us trends. For this analysis to happen, we need these questions answered. This survey is 5 multi-choice questions and will take around 60 seconds. I would ask that parents please complete this one last section. Your input is valuable whether you completed the TTFM survey or not. You can access the survey here.
A few weeks ago, an agreement was reached to enable staff to develop new programs around new syllabuses that will be introduced over the next few years. Part of this agreement included an extra Staff Development Day each year to provide staff with an opportunity to collaborate and plan. Each school in our diocese was asked to consider where this was best placed to provide maximum advantage. At the P&F meeting, I proposed to parents that we would include our extra planning day at the start of week 6 in term 4. As we already have a day on the calendar, this means that both Friday Nov 10 and Monday Nov 13 will be pupil free days. This ensures that our HSC students are not disadvantaged and provides an opportunity for the remaining students to work on assessment tasks or upcoming exams. It ensures that staff will get maximum benefit from the day by linking it to work already being completed and it may also provide an opportunity for some families to escape for a long weekend. Please add this new date to your calendars.
Ite in Veritate
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
As we enter the last few weeks of our first semester of learning for Years 7 to 10, our staff and students have been busy completing assessment tasks, marking and preparing detailed reports of student progress throughout Semester One. These reports will be available at the end of Week 9, June 29 and will be a valuable resource for Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences that will be conducted during the last week of term. I thank all staff and students for their commitment to teaching and learning and invite all parents and carers to engage in the interviews at the end of the term.
Next week sees a number of events scheduled which complement a range of learning, wellbeing and spiritual dimensions
* Monday, all Year 7 students will attend a presentation on site involving ”Smart Farming” as part of their Technology Mandatory studies
*Wednesday, Year 10 will be attending the Macarthur Careers Expo at Menangle Park
*Thursday will be a College Assembly recognising Academic Awards for Semester 1 Preliminary and HSC course
*Friday will see us celebrate Mass, Awards and Fundraising for Champagnat Day.
Please be aware that due to Champagnat Day, Thursday and Friday timetables will swap. A huge thanks in advance to all staff and students involved in these events for their organisation and participation.
Earlier in the week a Compass notification was sent to parents and carers of Years 7 and 10 regarding registering for Immunisations through the NSW Health portal. Immunisations for Year 10 and catch-ups for Year 7 will be conducted on Thursday June 10. Please click on the following link to register Years 7 and 10 Immunisation Registration.
Finally, a safety reminder for those students and families who depart the school from Spitfire Drive each afternoon. Please be aware that the Traffic Island adjacent to the front gate is not a designated pedestrian crossing and students need to cross the road with caution.
All the best for the week ahead.
Mr Simon Huntly
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THE MOST HOLY TRINITY YEAR A |
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| First Reading | Ex 34:4-6. 8-9 |
Moses meets the Lord on Mt. Sinai. |
| Second Reading | 2 Cor 13:11-13 |
Live in peace with one another. |
| Gospel |
Jn 3:16-18 |
Jesus tells Nicodemus of the Father's love |
June - the Season of Participation
God's various gifts are handed out everywhere, but they all originate in God's Spirit.
God's various ministries are carried our everywhere, but they all originate all in God's Spirit.
God's various expressions of power are in action everywhere, but God is behind it all.
Next week we shall see God's actions as we join together and celebrate what is at our core - The Marist sense of being.
We shall roll up our sleeves, be present to others, create special memories from the simplest of fun activities, and all in the way of Mary, her gentle but steady way of being.
Presence
We began our journey with a focus on All to Jesus through Mary, all to Mary for Jesus.
Mary was present with Jesus on his journey of mission.
Her presence was quiet, supportive, strong, caring and encouraging.
We see this during the flight to Egypt, the wedding at Cana, at the foot of the Cross.
For us today, Presence is a way of being readily available to our students, our children and being actively immersed in their world, and to model for them the values of the Gospel.
We walk gently with our students, inviting them into respectful relationships with each other.
Mrs Christine Meharg
The Flipside
On Friday 2 June, Brainstorm Productions presented their student wellbeing performance ‘The Flipside’ to Years 7 and 8. ‘The Flipside’ is a live theatre experience that addresses cyber bullying, online safety, digital citizenship, bystander behaviour and online ethics. The performance highlighted the importance of personal responsibility, empathy, respect and values in the online and offline worlds. Real student experiences were woven together to create a compelling story that posed questions about how we treat ourselves and others.
‘The Flipside’ is part of our student Pastoral Care and Wellbeing curriculum and has been developed by education and mental health professionals. The performance is supported by curriculum-aligned classroom activities to spark further discussion around these issues.
Brainstorm Productions is one of Australia’s most experienced and respected theatre in education companies, performing to over 260,000 students every year. They offer a range of programs to help schools nurture healthy and harmonious environments, addressing issues such as mental health, online safety, bullying and resilience, and are endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner as a Trusted eSafety Provider. Learn more about Brainstorm Productions by visiting their website (brainstormproductions.edu.au), or following them on Instagram (@brainstormproductions) or Facebook (@Brainstorm.Productions).
Once again a range of activities took place across Years 7-12 during Pastoral time and the focus today was preparation for the celebration of Champagnat Day next Friday. Thanks to all Coordinators and Pastoral Advisors who assisted with these activities.
Thank you to all members of the Mount Carmel Community for your ongoing support and cooperation with all matters regarding learning and wellbeing. Please do not hesitate to contact your respective Year Coordinator or Pastoral Advisor should you require support with your son or daughter’s learning and/or wellbeing.
Elevate Education
Free Webinar for Parents
How to Help Your Child Prepare for Exams
We are excited to announce that Elevate Education will be hosting a free webinars for our parents on Wednesday 7 & 21 June @ 6.30pm (AEST)
Elevate Education works with our students, delivering high impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series you will learn how you can help better support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school.
Please use this link to register for free
The event will be covering the following on the night:
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High Priority Work: The kinds of work students should be focusing on in the build-up to exams to maximise marks |
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Time Management: How to ensure your child has enough time to prepare for their exams |
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Practice Papers: How to prepare effectively using past questions and practice papers |
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Mrs Theresa Moore
The act of reading plays a crucial role in the lives of people of all ages. Research tells us that being a confident, competent, and enthusiastic reader has positive effects on the personal, social and intellectual wellbeing of people from early childhood to senior years. The writer, Jeanette Winterson, captures the importance of reading when she states, ‘We have an inside that needs to be nourished by reading and this will provide us all with a complex language to deal with our complex world.’ Winterson speaks passionately about the wonderful gift books were to her as she was growing up. She calls them her ‘magic carpets’ and declares their power to ‘take you places’ and to ‘be your friends.’ During her childhood, growing up in the English city of Manchester, the local library was the hub of the community, and no child was deprived of access to books. Winterson describes this world as ‘rich in possibility, wonder and awe.’
Modelling reading in the home is a wonderful way of supporting your child’s reading, writing and learning. In 2022 a parent library was established as part of our Mount Carmel Home-School Literacy Partnership program – a program which invites and supports parent engagement in the education of their children. Over five hundred pre-loved books supplied by the Mount Carmel community found new homes during the Parent Library events held throughout the year. This year, we have set up a permanent Parent Library bookshelf in the uniform shop which is located under the administration building adjacent to the carpark and basketball courts. The collection of books includes a diverse range of adult fiction and nonfiction, children’s literature, English, Mathematics and Science textbooks and spiritual writings. Parents and carers are invited to look through the selection of books and simply take home any of interest. These books can then become part of their own home library or may be donated back to the Mount Carmel Parent Library after reading. A crate is situated beside the bookshelf for any books returned or donated to the collection. The opening hours for Term 2 are Monday 8am to 2pm, Wednesday 8am to 4.30pm and Thursday 8am to 2pm.
Clare Murphy
English Coordinator and Literacy Instructional Coach
Year 11 2024
The Yr 11 2024 Subject Selection Information Evening at the College on Wednesday 21 June at 7pm in the Champagnat Centre. All Year 10 students are expected to attend this evening with a parent/guardian. This will be followed by the Subject Markets held during periods 2-5 on Thursday 22 June.
Students are encouraged to speak with their class teachers or KLA coordinators, if they have subject specific questions and begin considering the learning pathway that they wish to pursue for Year 11 and 12. Mr Daniels (Transition and Pathways Coordinator) is also a valuable resource for advice on TAFE, university and career pathways. Mr Clark (VET Coordinator) can also assist in answering any questions about School-Based Apprenticeships and TAFE VET courses, which students may wish to study in conjunction with courses at the College. For any questions regarding the Subject Selection process or HSC pathways, please contact Ms Miller or Ms Toogood.
| Week 7 |
Year 12 05/06/2023: 12 Work Studies 05/06/2023: 12 PDHPE 05/06/2023: 12 Business Studies 06/06/2023: 12 Legal Studies 07/06/2023: 12 SLR 07/06/2023: 12 English Advanced 07/06/2023: 12 English Standard 07/06/2023: 12 English Studies 07/06/2023: 12 Modern History 07/06/2023: 12 Spanish Beginners Year 11 05/06/2023: 11 Biology 05/06/2023: 11 Investigating Science 05/06/2023: 11 English Extension 1 05/06/2023: 11 Mathematics Extension 1 |
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| Week 8 |
Year 12 13/06/2023: 12 English Extension 1 14/06/2023: 12 Chemistry 16/06/2023: 12 Industrial Technology Timber Year 11 13/06/2023: 11 PDHPE 14/06/2023: 11 CAFS 15/06/2023: 11 English Advanced 15/06/2023: 11 English Standard 15/06/2023: 11 English Studies 15/06/2023: 11 SLR 2 16/06/2023: 11 Physics 16/06/2023: 11 Mathematics Standard 1 & 2 Year 10 14 & 15/06/2023: 10 Catholic Studies 16/06/2023: 10 Mathematics 5.1 {NEW DATE} 16/06/2023: 10 Mathematics 5.2 {NEW DATE} 16/06/2023: 10 Mathematics 5.3 {NEW DATE} |
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Week 9 |
Year 12 20/06/2023: 12 History Extension 21/06/2023: 12 Spanish Continuers 22/06/2023: 12 CAFS 23/06/2023: 12 Mathematics Advanced Year 11 19/06/2023: 11 Legal Studies 19/06/2023: 11 Business Studies 21/06/2023: 11 Chemistry 22/06/2023: 11 Studies of Religion 1 |
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Week 10 |
Year 12 27/06/2023: 12 History Extension 27/06/2023: 12 Society and Culture 28/06/2023: 12 Ancient History 28/06/2023: 12 Mathematics Extension 1 Year 11 28/06/2023: 11 Studies of Religion 2 28/06/2023: 11 Modern History 30/06/2023: 11 Mathematics Advanced |
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Ms Chardy Miller & Miss Rebecca Toogood
Leader of Learning - Curriculum Pedagogy & Acting Leader of Learning - Curriculum Administration
Around the Grounds
A quieter week of sport with a break in the Diocesan events giving schools a much-needed break. In the absence, the College focused its efforts on our MISA teams gaining success in multiple sports. Some sports are going into semi-finals next week with Mount Carmel successfully finishing; 1st for Boys 11-12 Soccer; 2nd in Girls 11-12 Netball, Boys 10-12 Boys Rugby League and 7-9 Mixed Frisbee. All four teams have a strong chance of being crowned MISA champions at the conclusion of this term. We also saw in our recreational sport program a change of rotation with students moving to a variety of different sports. This was a very smooth transition and students are congratulated on their efforts on keeping up to date with sport information on compass. Busy few weeks coming up with our Girls Bill Turner Trophy Football team only 2 wins away from potentially being crowned regional champions. In addition to this we have our first dress rehearsal for our MISA dance squad on Tuesday who will be representing the College later this month at the Campbelltown Catholic Club. Thanks to all involved and good luck in your respective events.
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Sport |
Result |
MVP |
Short Report |
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Softball 10-12 Boys Mr Withnall |
Loss 10-1 VS JTCC |
Pete Baltazar |
We had a tough pill to swallow today, leaving 6 runners on base in scoring positions. It goes to show that our batting and shot selection is getting better each week, we just are not able to convert that into runs. The boys are still picking up on some basic rules, hopefully, by the end of next week's playoffs we will fully grasp all that’s required before we finish our run for the term. It’s never easy being the one with all the pressure on them leading the team from the mound, both boys did a great job today, especially Pete who stepped up in the second innings. |
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Basketball 7-9 Boys Mr Rodoreda |
Loss 39-35 VS THAC |
Lee Ombina |
We had a tough game this week. The boys did a lot right - we defended well and adapted to the offensive plays of the opposition. Unfortunately, our shooting let us down - the team created good opportunities from the outside and in the middle, but the shots were not dropping for us today. It was still great to see this team push hard until the very end. |
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Basketball 7-9 Girls Ms Turnbull |
Loss 35-29 VS THAC |
Sophia Borromeo |
Against a talented team we had a slow start.The team showed real grit and clawed back to be in striking distance of a win. Sophia showed why she is our team captain by leading from the front.Chelsea was at her menacing best. Alana and Gabrielle were a threat under the ring, however our shooting did let us down. Beth and Evangeline played so well I found it difficult to replace them.Lovina was strong in defence. Unfortunately injuries meant we could not play all players. Scores; Eva 11; Chelsea 5; Sophia 11; Gabrielle 2. |
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Indoor Cricket 10-12 Girls Mr O’Connell |
Win 67-45 VS BAC |
Keanna Bocarro |
The girls won the toss and elected to field first, having had more success with this strategy in previous games. Every individual bowled extremely well, limiting Broughton to 45 runs. The girls batted fantastically and easily surpassed the opposition’s total to end up on 67 runs. Keanna Bocarro and Erin Nelson batted extremely well posting the highest joint total for the day. A big congratulations to the team who will now play in the semi finals next week for a coveted spot in the grand final. |
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Netball 11-12 Girls Mrs Armour |
Bye |
Bye |
Bye |
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Hockey 7-9 Boys Mr Rees |
Loss 2-0 VS SBCC |
Adrian Rivadeneira |
The boys took a little big longer to get into the game today, but clicked into gear in the later stages of the game. Some excellent defensive efforts from the two backs and some enterprising play through the middle kept us in the game, but outclassed today by the opposition. |
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Rugby League 10-12 Boys Mr Kawa & Mr Harpley |
Loss 22-8 VS JTCC |
Seth Sinclair |
A big hit out against the heavyweights in JT. The boys let a few errors get the better of them in the first half with cheap loss of possession which resulted in JT scoring 3 try’s in the first half with all being converted from some delightful kicking. The boys bounced back to hold JT to only 4 points in the second half given a strong defensive performance from the boys. A much better performance from the team and all should be proud. |
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Rugby League U16 Girls Mrs Abra & Miss Heath |
Loss 44-24 VS JTCC |
Maria De Lima Goncalves Fernandes |
Great performance from the girls, with visible improvements each week. Every player is working for the team, with vital tackles in defence and hit ups in attack. |
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Frisbee 7-9 Mixed Mr Martin |
Win 21-4 VS BAC |
Chelsea Herborn |
Fantastic performance from the team in difficult conditions. Sebastian Ratajczak and Hudson Warren playing like Tom Brady and Drew Brees at the back with pinpoint accuracy to Chelsea and Katerina. |
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Soccer 11-12 Boys Mr Berkeley |
Win 1-0 VS MAG |
Ryan Locke |
Wow! What a game. After a slow start to the match once again, I can only describe the quality of how the boys performed to obtain the result. It was a game where I could not sit still knowing the boys secured 2nd place from a 1-0 victory. At last, a goal scored from Ryan that resembled a top quality striker - it was about time this happened since he has had a bit of a dry spell of late. To have received a really difficult pass, he did extremely well to scan his shoulder, check-in, open his body and place a curling shot into the top right-hand corner of the goal. Some would say his celebration was almost as good as the goal. Overall, the boys played a really well-disciplined second half to cap off a tidy result to secure us into the 2nd vs 3rd semi-finals match. |
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Soccer 10-12 Girls Miss Nimac |
Loss 5-0 VS MAG |
Zoe Glinatsis |
The girls played valiantly in a solid display with a depleted squad due to several students who are injured currently. This included a few solid through balls and shots on goal. However, Magdalene proved too strong today demonstrating good skill and teamwork. The girls are to be commended on their team work and never say die attitude. Well done girls! |
| Monday 5 June | Bill Turner Trophy |
| Friday 16 June | Diocesan Netball at Narellan Sports Hub |
| Monday 19 June | Diocesan Hockey |
| Tuesday 20 June | MISA Dance Festival |
| Wednesday 21 June | Diocesan Volleyball |
| Thursday 22 June | NSWCCC Girls Fottball Knockout Qualification |
| Friday 28 July | Diocesan Athletics |
DIO and NSWCCC EVENTS
Again a very busy term for sport with a lot of events occurring throughout the term. As always, students are encouraged to sign up and trial for representative teams. Below you will find registration links for both our DIO and NSWCCC events. If you require any further information please visit the Diocese of Wollongong sports here
Registrations are Now Open for 2023
Please refer to attached 2023_Registration.pdf
Representative Pathways
| MISA Website | https:/wwwwmisaonlineeorgg.au/ |
| Diocesan Sport News | Updates and news on Wollongong Diocese sport events and trials can be viewed here |
| 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 |
On Wednesday May 24, students from Mount Carmel Catholic College were invited by Sister Kerry McDermott to attend the Sorry Day Service held at the Holy Trinity Church in Minto. Local High schools and Primary schools in the area attended and all provided an offering for the space that represented the school community. We chose the H.O.P.E. letters that are displayed in the front office.
National Sorry Day is celebrated on May 26 each year. It gives people the chance to come together and start repairing the healing process from the events that occurred on the Stolen Generation, their families and communities. It is a day to consider how we may all contribute to the healing of our country and its people.
A great feast was provided after the service. Soups, damper and desserts were definitely well received by everyone who attended.
It was a great service that connected our Aboriginal students to others in the area. The support provided is evident and I would like to thank Caitlin Oldfield for her organisation and the students in attendance for their respect and pride in being Aboriginal.
Mrs Natalee Abra