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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
Welcome back to 2024.
This week’s Gospel (Mark 1:29-39) finishes off with the statement:
“‘Let us go elsewhere, to the neighbouring country towns, so that I can preach there too, because that is why I came.’ And he went all through Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out devils”.
Each week as I prepare the newsletter, I read the following Sunday’s Gospel and readings to see if there is a message that speaks to me at that moment. Sometimes, the message is broad but clear. At other times it can be obscure and deeper reflection is required. In reading the scripture slowly a number of times, we are praying using a form referred to as Lectio Divina (divine reading). This allows the spirit to speak to us with a message that we might need at that point in time. In doing this, the quote above jumped out at me. It ties into my message to the students at our first assembly.
We begin each year at the first College assembly with a theme that I ask the staff and students to carry throughout the next 12 months. These themes are designed around improvement in each of us as individuals and how we think or function with those around us. Over the past few years, I have asked students to ‘find their spark’, to ‘develop routines’ or to ‘build a growth mindset’. In 2024, our theme is “get off the couch and get into the game”. This theme is based on a similar phrase said by Pope Francis at the 2016
World Youth Day and has become so important in modern times as students become absorbed into being spectators in their own lives. Our theme is designed to encourage students to make an active choice to put effort into their studies, sport, relationships, faith or whatever their goal may be. The theme was highlighted with the couch on the stage. This couch has been placed into the College library and every student has been encouraged to physically sit on the couch and then to make a deliberate (more so metaphorical) decision to ‘get up’. I will refer to this theme throughout the year and ask parents to discuss with your children how they might be more active in improving their own lives in a positive way. Just as Jesus “went all through Galilee preaching” we also need to go out and get involved.This week we welcomed our new Year 7 students and a number of new members of other years. These students will now experience the true meaning of belonging to the College community. I have asked the rest of the community to extend the welcome and assist them where possible. We also welcome a number of staff who will join us in 2024. Welcome to: Mr Jack Brown (HSIE), Ms Caprice Fishburn (Sci), Mr Benjamin Lange (Maths Coord), Mr Joel Martin (SSO), Mr Peter Pullicino (SSO), Mr Tasmyn Reynolds (SSO), Ms Rachael Shakespeare (HSIE), Mr Matthew Siamondo – (Sci), Ms Leah St Clair (HSIE) & Mr Chris Whicker (Admin Coord).
We also have a number of teachers returning or changing roles for this year:
Ms Taylah Belgre (HSIE), Ms Clare Dyer (TAS), Ms Jaysmine Frascella (TAS- term 1), Ms Mary Jackson (SSO), Ms Tara Pontin (Assist PDHPE & sport first 3 weeks), Mr William Taylor (Eng/RE term 1), Mr David Teuma (LOL Curric – Admin), Miss Bec Toogood (Acting PC) and Mr Adam Withnall (Acting Yr 7 Coord).
We welcome all of these new members to our community and thank them for making the decision to join us.
Next week we will host our High Achievers’ Assembly which recognises the notable results for the HSC class of 2023. In the next newsletter we will again acknowledge many of these.
Welcome to a new year of learning!
As we commence the new school year, it is a great time for students to set new goals for their learning and challenge themselves to implement strategies to maintain their focus and enthusiasm. This is also a great opportunity for discussions with your child about what they are going to be learning about this year.
We look forward to a positive year where students will take on the opportunities for excellence that are presented to them in each and everyone of their learning environments.
Year 11 Commencement Evening - Wednesday 7 February 7pm
This coming Wednesday evening Year 11 students and their parents/guardians are invited to attend the Year 11 Commencement Evening. The purpose of this event is to ensure that Year 11 commence their Stage 6 learning journey in a positive and informed manner and will be an opportunity for parents/guardians to meet their child’s Pastoral Advisor. The evening will commence at 7pm in the Champagnat Centre.
Change of Course RequestsWe have had a number of conversations with students from Years 9, 10 and 11 wanting to change courses or electives. Please note that Friday 23 February (Week 4) will be the last opportunity for students to submit any Change of Course forms to Mr Teuma. If you are unsure about your child’s request, please do not hesitate to contact the College to discuss. Significant changes to their pattern of study will be brought to your attention prior to the Change of Course form being approved and processed.
Assessment HandbooksIn the next fortnight students will be receiving their 2024 Assessment Handbooks. Students and parents are encouraged to read these carefully to ensure that College and NESA Assessment Policies and Procedures are followed and due dates for formal assessment tasks are met. We ask that families be mindful of the assessment dates for their child, if planning Principal’s Approved Leave and to encourage them to use their college diaries and online calendars to assist with their organisation in completing these.
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Year 12 06/02/2024: 12 English Ext 2 07/02/2024: 12 SICT |
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Leader of Learning - Curriculum Pedagogy & Leader of Learning - Curriculum Administration
Dear Mount Carmel Parents and Carers,
Welcome to the commencement of another exciting school year at Mount Carmel Catholic College. I would like to welcome our Year 7 families to our community and also welcome the families of the nine students who have joined us across years 8 -11. I do hope all Mount Carmel families had a very safe and enjoyable break.
At the first College Assembly of 2024, I asked our students to reflect on the essence of being a Mount Carmel student, embodying the spirit of our College Motto - Ite in Veritate, "walk in truth."
At Mount Carmel, we transcend individuality to form a united community founded on shared values, respect, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity. As Pastoral Care & Wellbeing Coordinators, we stress the importance of embracing these values daily.
"Walk in truth" is not merely a phrase but a way of life, the Mount Carmel way. It involves living our shared beliefs, values, and actions, acknowledging our responsibilities within our Marist and Carmelite family. We encourage our students to foster an atmosphere where everyone feels respected, safe, and has the opportunity to excel.
Creating a safe and respectful environment extends beyond words. Adherence to College rules ensures the wellbeing and success of all, fostering an atmosphere conducive to learning, growth, and personal excellence. We offer each student opportunities for personal excellence, encompassing academic success and character development. We ask our parents and carers to support us in encouraging our students to strive to be the best versions of themselves, not just for personal benefit but for the betterment of the entire community.
Student choices contribute to the collective identity of Mount Carmel. We ask each student to uphold our values, be mindful of their impact, and commit daily to "walk in truth," fostering a community where every person is valued, respected, and feels safe pursuing educational opportunities.
Some general reminders given which you can reiterate to your children:
- The College Student Diary must, at all times, be with the student. Parents are encouraged to read the diary to support the organisational skills of their children.
- Students must be seated in Pastoral Care Class by 8:45am. Late arrival to school requires sign in via the front office.
- Students must adhere to uniform and grooming policies for a positive college identity and culture.
- Classrooms are for learning; there is no room for professional distractors.
- Mobile phones and airpods must be switched off from 8:45am - 3:15pm. Any communication with your child can be made via the College front office.
We look forward to working alongside you as your children, our students, navigate their wellbeing and learning over the course of 2024.
Best wishes for a safe and healthy year.
Miss Rebecca Toogood and Mrs Theresa Moore
Acting Pastoral Care & Wellbeing Coordinators
Enrolments 2024 Onwards
The CEDoW has transitioned to a new online enrolment platform, called Funnel, removing the use of all paper forms. Please take note, particularly for sibling applications. The online application form is accessible from the College website.
Year 7 2025
The College Information Night will be held on Wednesday 6 March 2024 commencing at 6.15pm in the Champagnat Centre followed by a presentation at 7.00pm. Expressions of interest to attend the evening can be made via online portal using this link. We encourage parents to attend the evening prior to completing an enrolment application.
Social Media – Facebook & Instagram
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Coming soon! Watch this space!
P&F Clothing Pool
The P&F Clothing Pool will be open times for the Year 7 2024 students. Below is the schedule for 2024 opening days and times.
School Student Travel 2024
2024 school travel applications are now open. Please click here for information from Transport for NSW.