In just under two weeks’ time, we will celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Jesus. Within our celebration, there are four different sets of readings depending on what time of day we attend Mass. One of the gospels is taken from Matthew, two from Luke and the last from John. Matthew goes into great detail on the ancestry of Jesus much in the same way that we might record our own family tree. Luke relays the traditional nativity story that we know where Jesus is born in a manger and visited by shepherds and angels (the wise men will arrive at the Epiphany in early January). The fourth gospel speaks of the coming of God in a far deeper theological way – “In the beginning was the word”.  Each of these four gospels combined gives us a picture of the entry of Jesus into the world. His arrival was not simply pure white snow and a warm barn, but nor was it the entry into the world of a person with no background. Nor was it something complicated and academic that requires deep study to understand. It was all of these combined, yet none of them individually. Jesus arrived for all people in all ways to try to bring light to the world. This was true 2000 years ago, is true now and will remain true into the future. Our celebration of Christmas needs to be focussed on this same arrival of light and goodness and we should try to continue that throughout the year.

Yesterday I sent a letter outlining the very good results of our students (and staff) in this year’s HSC. We also hosted a morning tea for the Class of 2023 so that they could come in and share their excitement and their celebration. There was certainly a ‘buzz’ and level of excitement and happiness in the room where the students gathered, and many told me of their gratitude for the work that the teachers had contributed during their studies. Without going again into fine detail, we are very proud of all the students and particularly celebrate with the 31 students who received 60 band 6 results. We also recognise the teachers who assisted students to attain a band 5 or 6 (96% of subjects) and specifically to our English Extension and Visual Arts classes who achieved 100% and 50% respectively of students in the top band. A special congratulations to our Dux in 2023, Emma Searle who achieved an impressive ATAR of 99.05. Well done to all our students and please know that we are proud of you.

This morning, we gathered to recognise our students who have achieved something special in relation to their academics or community contributions. These young women and men have made a conscious decision to work hard and make a difference in what they do. At the start of this year, I encouraged our community to develop a growth mindset and the students recognised today have certainly found a way to ensure that they have achieved this. Congratulations to each of these and also to those who have grown in their effort or achievements and may not have been specifically recognised. These are again an indication of our success in creating a Christ-centred community that provides opportunities for excellence.

Today we farewelled a number of our staff who will be leaving us to take up other roles next year. To: Ms Chiara Bartolillo, Ms Anne Clarke, Ms Jyasmin Frascella, Ms Tara Hibberd, Ms Josephine Jefferys, Ms. Kerry Keith, Ms Alison Kripal, Mr Sean McGorry, Mr Greg Mackney, Ms Kristina Owen Guarirapa, Mr Andrew Rees, Ms Michelle Woolley and Ms Sam Walker - Thank you. We will also say farewell to three staff who leave (or have very recently left) on parental leave: Ms Davina Balaghee, Ms Jemma Rodoreda and Ms Laura Penfold and wish them a gentle break until they return. Some of these staff have already been on leave during this year or were on temporary appointments. In all cases, they have made a positive contribution to the College and I thank them on behalf of our whole community. Mount Carmel is a better place for your involvement and passion and we wish you all the best in your life’s journey.

At the start of next year, I will name and welcome our new staff who join us on the journey at Mount Carmel.

As this is the last newsletter for the year, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for your support and contributions to Mount Carmel during 2023. On behalf of our staff, I wish you all a safe, happy and holy Christmas break and look forward to working with you in 2024.

Mr Steve Lo Cascio

If you have any questions, please email webbb01@dow.catholic.edu.au 

Mr Braydon Webb

Sports Co-ordinator