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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
In this week’s gospel (John 6: 51-58), Jesus states “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me and I live in him”. This Sunday is the feast of Corpus Christi (the Body and Blood of Christ). One of the beliefs unique to Catholicism is the nature of the ‘real presence’ at Mass. This means that we believe that at the consecration, the bread and wine on the altar is literally transformed into the body and blood of Christ. It is not symbolic but a ‘real change’. This enables us to consume the body and blood of Christ and, as we are told in the quote above, we are able to live in Christ and He in us. How this occurs is a mystery to our mind and is a miracle of the Mass. For each of us, it however gives us access to a direct link to be part of God and to allow God to be part of us.
Today our College community celebrated Champagnat Day. These community days are important for us to come together in a more relaxed atmosphere and interact outside the normal classroom setting. As always, the day started with a Mass and awards presentation for those students who encapsulate what it means to live by the values to which we aspire. A small number of our students received gold awards which means that they have previously received the silver and bronze. These students have consistently delivered on the expectations of good behaviour and building positive relationships with other students and staff. Congratulations to all our award winners and to all students who fully participated in this event.
On the day we also recognised staff who have reached milestones in Marist education and the students also raised money for Marist causes overseas. Many schools use this day to support our schools in less developed areas and therefore carry the Marist characteristic of family spirit into action. A huge thank you to all the staff and students who were involved in the organisation of the day but a very special thank you to Ms Toogood who went far beyond her role to effectively organise most of the day. Without this commitment, the result would not have been so successful. Congratulations and thank you.
Over the past few weeks, we have been stretched with staff absences and the inability to access casual teaching staff. This has been a difficulty across schools this year and we had avoided large scale supervision of multiple classes until this past fortnight. On the whole, most students have been very cooperative and have worked well in these larger groups. This is not our preference and is less than ideal, however, in discussions with colleague principals, we were able to hold out on doing this longer than many. We are working toward accessing more casuals and hoping that the current spreading of illness amongst staff will ease. We are looking to ensure solid learning still occurs in an environment of safety and care.
Over the past few months, we have had a number of issues with the junior girl’s and boy’s toilets. Much of this stems from the inability of staff to easily see into the common areas in the toilets and who is gathering in them. We are looking to open new junior boy’s toilets when the senior girls move to the new amenities block at the top of the school. Following discussion with the College Captains and P&F, I will be looking to improve general supervision by placing ventilation grates at the end of the corridor which runs between the cubicles, install new lighting and re-paint. This will ensure staff can see into the corridor and will be able to supervise more appropriately. The aim is to complete these works during the next holidays.
Earlier this week, I emailed a letter to all parents regarding concerns around Tik Tok. Last weekend, we became aware that a small number of students were involved in creating or commenting on content that identifies the College or staff or students and is inappropriate in nature. Whilst I have no doubt that the posts were the result of a small number of students, their nature goes against what we stand for at Mount Carmel. We continue to work with authorities outside the school around these posts. Please discuss with your child the importance of responsible use of social media and the implications of using this resource poorly.
Finally, I wish all students and families a restful long weekend and trust that the break will be well-used.
Ite in Veritate
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
Week 7 has witnessed a number of Community Building and Learning activities. Wednesday saw Year 10 attend the Macarthur careers Expo at Menangle Park. They were able to visit a range of displays that related to a range of career pathways: Apprenticeships, Traineeships, University and other Registered Training Organisations. The information gathered will be of great benefit to Year 10 students as they commence the process for selecting subjects for Stage 6 over the coming weeks. Thanks to all students for the manner in which they conducted themselves at the Expo and to the staff who assisted with organising and supervising the excursion.
Yesterday and today saw a large number of students recognised for a variety of achievements. At yesterday’s College Assembly over 40 Year 11 and 12 students were presented with Academic Effort & Achievement certificates for Semester One. Our Senior Basketball team were officially recognised for their outstanding win at the National Marist Basketball Championships at the end of Term One and Howard were formally announced as the winners of the College Athletics Carnival.
Another significant part of our Assembly involved a presentation by Mr Michael Duong, who was a Vietnamese Refugee who arrived in Australia in December 1981 as a 15 year old who has since graduated from his HSC, has a degree in Computing Science and currently works for the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Michael shared his story and that of his family as a timely reminder of what people can achieve in the face of adversity and the fortune that we experience in Australia in terms of peace and living standards. We thank Michael immensely for his words, which are of a particular importance as we ready ourselves for Refugee Week between the 16 and 22 of June. I would also like to thank Ms Nguyen for organising with Michael to deliver his presentation and to our student community for the respect and reverence that they displayed during his speech.
Earlier today we also celebrated Champagnat Day Mass and Awards. Over 140 students received Champagnat Awards as an acknowledgement for their demonstration of the positive attributes and qualities possessed by Marcellin. Congratulations to all students for their awards and thanks for their efforts to “live the dream of Marcellin Champagnat”.
Finally, a couple of reminders for important upcoming events. Next Thursday, June 15 is scheduled for Year 10 and Year 7 catch-up vaccinations. Please click on the following link Years 7 and 10 Immunisation Registration register your son or daughter for this important NSW Health initiative. The following week, June 22, sees our annual school photos taken. Please ensure that your son or daughter comply with the College’s Uniform and Grooming policy (pages 16-19 of the Student Diary) so that these photos can be taken on the day. Thanks for your ongoing support with your son or daughters Learning and Wellbeing.
All the best for the week ahead.
Mr Simon Huntly
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THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST YEAR A |
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| First Reading | Dt 8:2-3. 14-16 | Moses reminds the people of the hardships God saved them from. |
| Second Reading | 1 Cor 10:16-17 |
We are a single body sharing from a single loaf. |
| Gospel |
Jn 6:51-58 |
Whoever eats and drinks of the body and blood of Christ has eternal life. |
Year 7 - Ways of Praying (Strand D)
Prayer is an essential means through which individuals and the Christian community deepen their relationship with God. In this unit students will explore a range of prayer forms (personal, communal and liturgical) and experience its different expressions, vocal prayer, meditation and contemplative prayer. Students will also become familiar with the pattern of the Church’s liturgical year and appreciate the significance of liturgy as public worship.
Year 8 - Striving for Goodness (Strand C)
Within the Christian worldview God is acknowledged as the highest good. Created in the image and likeness of God, women and men are inherently good. In this unit students will explore and affirm the good in their lives and the reality that the distortion of good can prevent us from realising the fullness of our humanity.
Year 9 - Biblical Writing (Strand A)
In this unit, students will explore the Bible as the unfolding story of our relationship with God by examining the Bible as a collection of sacred books which contain the truth of God’s revelation as written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They will become familiar with a range of literary forms in both the Old and New Testaments. Students will read passages in the contexts in which they were written, explaining their features and purpose to interpret the whole message of the Scriptures with a view to its heart and mystery.
Year 10 - The Church (Strand B)
This unit will allow students to explore the pilgrim nature of the Catholic Church as it seeks to proclaim the Good News and work towards the fullness of the Kingdom of God. Students will investigate the Scriptural underpinnings of the Church’s mission, the significant people, movements, and events that have shaped the Church throughout its history, and the way in which the Church lives out its mission in the world today. Students will also be given the opportunity to reflect upon their place in the continuing mission of the Church as they are called to proclaim the Good News.
Mrs Christine Meharg
Today we celebrated the academic success of a number of students from Year 11 and 12. These students have been recognised by their teachers for demonstrating a high level of commitment to their learning during the first half of their academic year. These students are consistently embracing the learning opportunities occurring in every lesson of every day. The students that we congratulated today received awards for Academic Effort, Academic Achievement or Academic Excellence.
The award for Academic Effort is attained by students who have received predominately a rating of 5 in their learning profile across all of their courses. Meaning that they have consistently applied themselves with diligence and sustained effort in all aspects of their learning.
The award for Academic Achievement is attained by students who have consistently achieved high grades across their courses and outcomes. Demonstrating extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations.
The award for Academic Excellence is attained by those students who have achieved both academic achievement and high academic effort across all courses.
| Year 11 Academic Award Recipients | |
| Academic Effort | |
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Zoe Charadia Edward Dsouza Joey Gossayn Jack Gunton |
Daniel Kraichuk Nimisha Mainali Alyssa Rattanthip Chantelle (Elise) Sapinoso |
| Academic Achievement | |
| Sarah Radman | Tayla Smith |
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Academic Effort, Academic Achievement & Academic Excellence |
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Keanna Bocarro Sabrina Celiz Hiraya Getigan Skylah Gilbang Paige Haubenwallner |
Noah Nasreddine Meghann Peeters Jacob Ramos Gloria Rivadeneira Pino Liam Tannoury |
| Year 12 Academic Award Recipients | |
| Academic Effort | |
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Cynthia Basco Jasmyne Douangdara Loujille Mistula |
Tiana Rodriguez Alisha Ross Justyce Smith |
| Academic Achievement | |
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Josephine Bong Merryn Clarke |
Naina Kumar Jenny Nguyen |
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Academic Effort, Academic Achievement & Academic Excellence |
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Abigail Amurao Alexis Brunt Tahlia Connolly Marciel Fennessey Mackenzie Gabrio Aryan Krishnan |
Jessica Littlewood Leilani Masilungan Fiona Nguyen Zachary Peters Emma Searle Rianne Sundaram |
Congratulations to these students from Year 11 and 12!
Year 7 - 10 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
Semester 1 Report Distribution
Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences provide an opportunity for parents/carers and students to meet with class teachers to review academic progress and discuss areas for growth. This conversation provides an opportunity for valuable feedback and enables parents/carers to ask questions to support students as they progress through their secondary education.
Bookings for Parent/ Teacher/ Student conferences will be open during Week 8. A notification will be sent via Compass, once the bookings are open. In preparation for this, please note the times and dates of the conferences:
- Monday 26th June - 4-8pm at the College (Champagnat Centre)
- Thursday 29th June - 4-8pm at the College (Champagnat Centre)
- Friday 30th June - 9am -12:30pm via Zoom
To support the discussions at these meetings, Year 7 -10 Semester 1 Reports will be available via Compass on the afternoon of Friday 23 June (Week 9).
Year 11 2024 Subject Selection
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 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
Generation Next
Generation next is a social enterprise providing education and information to protect and enhance the mental health of young people. On their website there are a number of articles and resources to support parents and carers during what can be a challenging period of adolescence.
This week I read an article about the link between good mental health and sleep. Good Sleep Is Key to Pre-Teen Mental Health is a valuable read for all parents and carers.
As an educator and a parent of three teenagers myself, I often think about the impact that phones, tablets, laptops and the world of social media are having on our children. It is always a strong talking point in the media. As parents, we need to think about setting the boundaries that will provide our children with a good night’s sleep and the best opportunity for good mental health.
I once read the comment that a mobile device in the bedroom is like having the window open for any visitors, both the ones you know in real life and the ones who are not very safe. They climb right through the window, into your child’s bedroom, which should be a safe space from the social and other pressures of school and the world of online interactions that do great harm. We would not leave free access to our children through the bedroom window in the real world, so why do we allow it in the online world. As a community we need to make sure we set the boundaries and do the little things to protect our children and give them the best opportunities for healthy sleep and good mental health.
Some things you can do to support good sleep and positive mental health for your teen:
- Communication - talk to your child about their online activities.
- Check what your child is accessing on their devices. Look for hidden Apps and what images and text they post on social platforms.
- Set up charging stations in the kitchen or lounge areas, away from their bedroom.
- Use technology in shared areas in the home.
- Establish rules around the time to be spent on devices.
- No devices in the bedroom.
- No screen time half an hour before bedtime.
- Expect the comments “everyone else has the App”…”everyone is allowed to have their phone in their room”…etc. Feel confident that these statements are just not correct.
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
Year 12 students are currently studying a module called The Craft of Writing as part of their HSC English course. In this engaging unit students strengthen and extend their knowledge, skills, and confidence as writers by reading quality texts and writing regularly. Throughout a period of eight weeks – and in fact throughout the entire course whilst studying the other modules – students are encouraged to take pleasure and delight in growing as writers. The rich interplay between reading and writing is particularly apparent in this module where students read and appreciate at least two short, prescribed texts as well as texts from their own wide reading in order to develop as writers. Through the study of texts such as Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis and Ray Bradbury’s ‘The Pedestrian’, students appreciate, analyse, and assess the importance and power of language.
There are two critical elements students need to remember when undertaking this type of study – and this can be applicable to Year 7 students through to Year 12. The first is to read quality texts with the desire to respond both to the ideas and to the mechanics of the text. We call this the ‘what’ and the ‘how’ approach. What is the text saying? How is the writer conveying this to the reader? The second important consideration is to practise writing regularly. Continual practice is essential in the development of creative flexibility. The writer Virginia Woolf captured this well when she said, ‘the habit of writing loosens the ligaments.’
My message to all students is to read rich texts and use them as models for the development of their own ideas and creative expression. I agree with Arthur Koestler when he states, ‘The creative act does not create something out of nothing; it uncovers, selects, reshuffles, combines and synthesises already existing facts, ideas and skills.’ I urge students to be curious about their reading and to get inside texts and see how they work. Consider how writers use language creatively and imaginatively for a range of purposes, to describe the world around them, evoke emotion, shape a perspective, or share a vision. And have as your mantra always, ‘I am a writer!’
Clare Murphy
English Coordinator and Literacy Instructional Coach
Around the Grounds
Sport seems to never slow down. Mount Carmel has continued its strong year in Diocesan and MISA sport this year. Next Tuesday Mount Carmel have 5 teams who have managed to make it to their MISA finals including Senior Boys Soccer and Rugby league, Senior Girls netball, Junior Girls basketball and our Junior Mixed Frisbee teams. Congratulations and good luck to all students and staff involved next week and hopefully we collect some more silverware.
Athletics Carnival Update
The result of our winning house was announced during assembly in week 7. Congratulations to Howard who are the 2023 Athletics Carnival winners. The difference between 1st and 2nd place was directly related to participation points on the day and attendance. Students are always encouraged to get involved in our sporting carnivals as it is a wonderful showcase of the sporting and community culture that exists within our College.
Also, a big congratulations to our Age champions. These athletes showed great endurance and skill throughout the carnival and gained their house valuable points in the overall house standings. These athletes will be recognised on stage at our annual sports assembly later in the year. A list of our Diocesan Athletics Term will be published on Monday. Congratulations to all students who qualified for this event.
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Sport |
Result |
MVP |
Short Report |
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Softball 10-12 Boys Mr Withnall |
Loss 10-4 VS MAG |
Jan Lardizabal |
The boys went into today knowing this was their last opportunity to give it a fair crack and have fun as a team, and boy did they band together as a group. One of the best games they have played all season with a dominant batting performance only to be outdone by some excellent fielding from Magdalene. Despite not winning this season there was an atmosphere of teamwork amongst the group who were willing to give anything a crack. There's always next year, hopefully the boys in Years 10 and 11 come back next year and give it another shot! |
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Basketball 7-9 Boys Mr Rodoreda |
Loss 37-35 VS JTCC Grand Finalists |
Brodie Cutajar & Chukie Okonkwo |
It was another tough game against a team that was physically much larger than ours. This took a real toll in the first half, and we went into the break 11 points down. To their credit, the boys dug deep and our backs put in a mammoth effort in the second half to keep the opposition from gaining too many rebounds. At the same time, our forwards did a great job of causing turnovers and taking fast breaks. The boys cut down JTCCs lead to only 2 points at the end of the game with some great pressure play. Well done on a hard game and a close loss. |
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Basketball 7-9 Girls Ms Turnbull |
Loss 35-20 VS JTCC Semi Finalists |
Isabella Nakasenh |
The MCCC girls basketball team demonstrated good skill with solid end to end play. Despite dominating, the team never let up and fought hard throughout the match displaying excellent teamwork and sportsmanship. They are to be commended on their efforts in qualifying for the grand final next week.. Well done Girls! |
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Indoor Cricket 10-12 Girls Mr O’Connell |
Loss 91-30 VS JTCC Semi Final |
Diya Dixon |
Sadly a loss saw our opportunity for silverware out the window. The girls fought hard but were outclassed by a strong JTCC team that had several representative players within their ranks. Well done regardless and we fight for 3rd place next week. |
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Netball 11-12 Girls Mrs Armour |
Win 43-13 VS MAG Semi Final Grand Finalists |
Liesl Hopoate |
The girls exhibited confidence in every way in our semi-final match against Magdalene. Our player of the week is Leisl Hopoate who plays in the NSW Premier League. Leisl is a highly skilled player who adapts to the changing pressures of the game seamlessly. Good luck to all of our rep players who are heading off the Maitland this Friday for State Titles. |
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Hockey 7-9 Boys Mr Rees |
Loss 3-0 VS MAG |
Isaiah Nakasenh |
In the final round game of the competition the boys were a touch outclassed by their opposition who played a number of high strikers that caught our defence offside. Some excellent individual performances whereby some of those newer to hockey slowed things down and looked to control the ball more and construct attacking raids was a real positive and something we can take into our preparation for the upcoming dio day. |
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Rugby League 10-12 Boys Mr Kawa & Mr Harpley |
Win 20-4 VS MAG Semi Final Grand Finalists |
Adam Prassad |
The boys march on in their hopes of beating John Therry. They dominated the game against a strong Magdalene outfit. This puts the boys up against John Therry for the third time this term in hopes of finding an upset result. Regardless the boys have played well all season and have the potential to bring home silverware next week. Well done. |
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Rugby League U16 Girls Mrs Abra & Miss Heath |
Win 28-20 VS MAG Seimi Final |
Mia Aiono |
Quietly confident, the girls played their game against Magdalene with great teamwork, good communication, dedication and passion. The girls needed to perform well so we could reach the final to play either JT or St Pat’s. Mia was our MVP for the day. Her energy started in the morning when she realised we were in the semi finals. This carried onto the field with 120% effort. Great work Mia! We now progress to the final where we will need to focus on our defence and complete every tackle. Congratulations on making the final. Let’s give next week everything we have! |
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Frisbee 7-9 Mixed Mr Martin |
Win 29-6 VS JTCC Semi Final Grand Finalists |
Hudson Warren |
Scintillating attack from the team. Catch of the season has to go to Isabelle Villena who chased a floating disc right to line. With a big squad there was plenty of rotation but the team seemed to cope quite well. Hudson Warren earns the MVP this week with an all round amazing performance in both defence and attack. By relaxing on the disc, he was able to develop some brilliant connections with Jeremiah, Rydon, Baxter, Josh, and Smriti. We will look to repeat our performance in attack next week against Magdalene in the final. We went down 15-6 in our second round game however we have since added 5 great players to the squad and improved our style dramatically. It should be an interesting game. |
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Soccer 10-12 Girls Miss Nimac |
Loss 3-1 VS MAS Semi Final |
Mia Bakulic |
The girls fought hard in a tightly contested semi with a few solid passages of play including several good runs down the line. The team demonstrated wonderful team work and determination throughout the match despite being a player down. Unfortunately, overall they were outclassed in the end going down 3-1. Congratulations to Mia Bakulic, our MVP for this week! |
| Friday 16 June | Diocesan Netball |
| 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 |
