Dear parents, friends, staff and students,

“Seek the Lord while he is still to be found, call to him while he is still near” (Isaiah 55:6). As our Year 12 students come to the end of their time at Mount Carmel, some have spoken of the sadness of leaving our community, or of an anxiety about going forward into the unknown. Whilst this might be the experience of some, I would hope that all our graduands realise that they will take with them something more powerful and valuable than a graduation certificate. They have been supported and encouraged by a community built on the hope and love of Jesus Christ. This love will be available to support them throughout the rest of their lives so long as they choose to accept it. As I said at the graduation, for our students, the completion of the HSC is not an end, but it is a milestone. It recognises a move between one life phase and another and the beauty of our faith is that Jesus is always near as long as we wish to call Him.

This week we farewelled our HSC Graduating class of 2023. The week began with rehearsals on Monday followed by a farewell pizza and ice-cream afternoon on Tuesday. This was a very gentle way to lead into the final formalities on Wednesday which started with breakfast before school. The students were then joined by the rest of the community for a graduation Mass and cultural performance which was followed by the Induction of the new SRC. We welcomed about 180 parents and family members to these ceremonies and were able to then cheer the students out at recess. The final event was the Graduation ceremony evening which started with supper and ended with the presentation of major award winners.

These events were a fitting celebration and acknowledgement of the importance of our senior class to our community. The festivities were only possible with the hard work and support of many many staff members and student volunteers. From the organisation of the food and fun by the front office and TAS teaching and support staff, to the Mass, choir, Hospitality students, cultural dance performers, collation of awards and certificates and the support of teachers, groundsman and ancillary staff. The events were memorable for all the right reasons and the smiles on our graduands’ faces reflected the high regard that they have for their own efforts and for the support of family and school. I would like to thank each person who was involved and there are far too many to mention. Congratulations on a fantastic farewell and we look forward to continuing to support the students as they work toward their final  exams.

During the week, the College took delivery of a new small vehicle to assist Mr Miranda (our groundsman). This was paid for by the Parents & Friends and will be a very useful asset to assist with the smooth running of the College. Thank you greatly to our P&F for your financial support and practical assistance.

Finally, I would like to wish all our families a safe and happy break where you get some time to stop and share time with each other. Students will return on Monday October 9 in summer uniform and will hopefully see some major progress on the new STEM building.

Ite in Veritate

Mr Steve Lo Cascio