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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
In weeks 3 & 4 of this term I had the privilege of traveling to the Religious Education Conference with Mrs Meharg and a number of other Principals and Religious Education Coordinators from Wollongong Diocesan schools. The conference gave us the opportunity to attend workshops by world renown speakers on mission and faith formation as well as youth ministry development. Outside of the conference, we were able to visit two Catholic schools and a number of cathedrals and local sites. There were a number of learnings from this conference that I will look to implement over the next 12 months but most of these are tweaks to what we already do rather than anything overly expansive.
One of the main takeaways I gained was in discussion between workshops with some members working with the Carmelites. In one of their publications, they expressed in a simple way, the three main pillars of their charism. These are prayer, community and service. As members of our own Mount Carmel community, these help to clarify our mission in conjunction with the Marist characteristics. Combined, these charisms translate for us into a calm and contemplative community designed to foster a love of God. Simply put, a Christ-centred community providing opportunities for excellence. I thank Mr Huntly and Mrs Moore for directing the College during my absence and for the staff who gave their support.
On Tuesday Feb 27, we held the Parents and Friends’ AGM. I thank the outgoing P&F Executive and have the great pleasure to announce the incoming P&F executive and look forward to a fruitful partnership for 2024;
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President Vice President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Diocesan Delegate |
David Campbell Robert Cooper Karen Arthur Annick Bruce Lisa Corado Andrea Galea |
Today was a staff development opportunity devoted to students’ learning and how our teachers might use approaches that help to get the best out of their classes. We were fortunate that our initial session was delivered by the famous educational psychologist Dr Andrew Fuller. Staff were then given time to consider their strengths in teaching and what they might work on improving. Thank you to the staff for their enthusiasm but particularly to Ms Miller and the College Leadership Team for their organisation and direction.
Next Wednesday (March 6), we will be holding our Year 7, 2025 Enrolment Information Evening. This evening will be an opportunity for anyone interested in enrolling into Year 7 next year to come in and see the College and hear some short presentations. Please spread the word to anyone who you know might be looking for enrolment so that they might attend. From this year, enrolments will be completed online and can be accessed through the College website. I would encourage anyone interested to register through the website and come in on the evening. The evening will commence with tours of the College from 6:15 and a short formal presentation from 7 in the Champagnat Centre. All are welcome.
As we enter the midpoint of Term 1, and are well and truly immersed in our lenten season, the past week has once again borne witness to a range of learning, faith and wellbeing initiatives. Year 10 undertook their minimum standards testing on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, which are an essential part of their ROSA certification for the next phase of their academic qualifications. Year 9 participated in their “Encounter Day” yesterday, which involved a Liturgy and a range of faith and social justice based presentations. Today, our staff engaged in Professional Learning with a focus on Diversity, Inclusivity and Aspiration in the classroom. A massive thanks to all staff for their preparation and presentation of these various activities and of course to our students for their willingness to engage and participate in the opportunities provided to enhance their ongoing growth.
As mentioned in Mr Lo Cascio’s section, next Wednesday evening sees us commence the enrolment process for Year 7 2025. This important calendar event can only be a success through the collaborative effort of many staff (teaching and non-teaching) and students who willingly give up their time to prepare KLA presentations, act as hosts and tour guides for our guests and model our College uniform (just to identify a few key roles). Thanks to all those involved in anticipation for what should be another great community activity for our community. Next week will also see Year 8 participate in a presentation on Thursday by David Kobler from YourChoicez. The presentation allows students to gain insight into how their online choices can affect their friendships and current or future relationships. If you would like to investigate a little more of what YourChoicez is about, feel free to click on the link yourchoicez.com.au. On Friday, Murray House will recognise their founder Bishop Murray through a liturgy and fundraising activities for Catholic Missions. There are also a number of Diocesan and NSWCCC trials for various sports taking place. Again, many thanks to all staff and students for their involvement in each of these initiatives.
Bus & Opal Card Reminder
Transit Systems NSW and Busabout are experiencing some issues with bus numbers and students tapping on and off in the morning and afternoon. The use of cards is compulsory and ultimately the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are being used. The cards are also important for tracking bus use so that companies can lodge an application for extra services, particularly in our area which is still experiencing rapid population growth. Could students and carers please ensure that they have an Opal Card and tap on and off each time that they use the free travel to and from school. If you have any issues regarding the acquisition or use of an Opal Card, please visit School Student Opal Card.
Thanks again to all parents and carers for your ongoing support with the faith, learning and wellbeing of all students. Please do not hesitate to contact your son or daughter’s respective Year Coordinator or Pastoral Advisor should you have any questions or require support.
Mr Simon Huntly
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THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR B |
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| First Reading | Exodus 20:1-17 |
The Lord delivers the Ten Commandments. |
| Second Reading | 1 Corinthian 1:22-25 |
Understand the power of Christ crucified. |
| Gospel |
John 2:13-25 |
Jesus drives the money changers from the temple. |
In recent years the Ten Commandments have become an unusual staging ground for various groups within the Church. Some people complain that young Catholics don’t know them off by heart. This position is countered by those who say that rather than being able to recite them we should live them, though it’s hard to see how we can do one without the other. Still, others rightly claim that Jesus summarised them in his new commandments, ‘To love God with all our heart, mind and soul and to love our neighbour as we love ourselves.’
The problem with teaching the Ten Commandments is not what they say, but how they say it. The idea of ‘coveting’ anything, but especially ‘wives, slaves, ox and ass’ are all a bit dated these days.
In an article entitled ‘Preaching to the Modern Pagans’ journalist Bryan Appleyard tells how he interviewed a person who kept quoting them at length. Later he decided to read them for the first time since childhood and he was struck by their insightfulness into the human character. Appleyard thought all the Ten Commandments needed was a makeover so that we can reclaim the power of them.
‘You shall have no other gods beside me.’
Be serious!
‘You shall not carve idols for yourselves … nor bow down before them.’
Get real!
‘You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain.’
Be humble!
‘Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day ...’
Be quiet!
‘Honour your father and your mother ...’
Respect age!
‘You shall not kill.’
Do not kill, for all murder is suicide!
‘You shall not commit adultery.’
Mean what you say!
‘You shall not steal.’
Do not steal, or all the world will die!
‘You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.’
Honour others, their frailties are usually your own!
‘You shall not covet your neighbour’s house or wife …’
Be kind, be generous and don’t play around!
So by putting some ancient words into the modern vernacular we are exhorted this Sunday to seriousness, facing reality, humility, creating space, respecting age, honesty, and fidelity, and we are bluntly told to stop killing and stealing. There is nothing old fashioned about these challenges. As in other instances, we can see that it’s not what our tradition has to say but the way we say it that can be the problem.
And today’s Gospel tells us of the consequences of moving away from these guiding principles. I think we need to take Jesus’ anger very seriously. Rightly we have emphasised the love and compassion of Jesus over recent decades because for far too long the steadfast love of Christ was under-emphasised. We should never think, however, that it cancels out the anger God feels when he sees an unjust world filled with people who know better and do nothing.
God has given us the Ten Commandments, the Law, the Prophets and Jesus his Son, so that we might know the Way, the Truth and the Life. When we are called to account for how we spent our lives, whom we loved and how we made the world a better place for all, most of us will not be able to plead ignorance. May our Eucharist this Sunday enable us to be mindful of what the Ten Commandments say, but even more may it give us the courage and strength to live them out in a world that needs witnesses to them more than ever.
Richard Leonard SJ is the Director of the Australian Catholic Office for Film and Broadcasting, is a member of the Australian Catholic Media Council and a film critic for all the major Australian Catholic newspapers. He completed a PhD in cinema studies at the University of Melbourne. He lectures in cinema and theology at the Jesuit College of Spirituality and has been a visiting lecturer in Australian cinema at the University of Melbourne, a visiting scholar within the School of Theatre, Film and Television at UCLA and is visiting professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Catholic University, has lectured widely and is the author of numerous books. Richard Leonard SJ
STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY
Inclusivity and Student Centred Learning
To model for students a love of learning and the value of being lifelong learners, the staff spent Friday engaging in professional learning and dialogue. The learning focus was on two elements of the College Teaching and Learning Framework: Student-centred approach and Inclusivity.
Throughout the day teachers were challenged to reflect on their current practice and consider pedagogy, such as High Impact Teaching Strategies, that they can implement to foster positive learning environments where students are supported to be actively engaged with their learning.
NAPLAN Years 7 & 9
In the lead up to NAPLAN tests from the 13-15 of March (Week 7) students of Year 7 and Year 9 have been asked to ensure that they have updated their software to ensure that the NAPLAN lockdown browser is installed and ready to be used for the familiarisation tests. The familiarisation tests will occur in week 6 and are designed to ensure students and staff are able to access and utilise all components of the software ready for NAPLAN. Catch up sessions will be completed on Monday 18 March for any students who miss one of the tests.
Students will need a charged laptop and earphones for both the familiarisation and NAPLAN tests.
Principal’s Approved Leave and College Representation
Formal Assessment Tasks in Year 10-12
As much as possible we want to avoid the need to reschedule a task, so we do ask that students carefully consider their involvement in events where they are representing the College.
Parents can also support their child by considering the impact that time away from the College for a holiday may have on their learning.
If the need arises for a formal assessment task to be rescheduled, student need to do the following:
- Complete Principal's Approved Leave form or seek confirmation from organising teacher for a College Representation event (this should be done as soon as you are aware of a conflict with an assessment task, ideally at least 2 weeks prior to the assessment task)
- See Ms Miller or Mr Teuma to complete a Reschedule of Task form
- Rescheduled Task arrangements will be communicated via Compass
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TERM 1 |
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| Week 5 |
Year 12 28/02/2024: 12 English Ext |
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| Week 6 |
Year 7 Technology (See assessment notification for specific date) Year 10 04/03/2024: 10 PASS (100 & 200hr) Year 11 06/03/2024: 11 Mathematics Standard 1 06/03/2024: 11 Mathematics Standard 2 06/03/2024: 11 Mathematics Advanced 07/03/2024: 11 SLR 2 07/03/2024: 11 Investigating Science Year 12 07/03/2024: 12 Physics |
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| Week 7 |
Year 7 PDHPE (See assessment notification for specific date) Year 11 11/03/2024: 11 Biology 13/03/2024: 11 Numeracy 14/03/2024: 11 Modern History 14/03/2024: 11 PDHPE 15/03/2024: 11 Work Studies (2 unit) 15/03/2024: 11 Mathematics Ext 1 Year 12 11/03/2024: 12 PDHPE 12/03/2024: 12 Work Studies 12/03/2024: 12 Legal Studies 13/03/2024: 12 English Advanced 13/03/2024: 12 English Standard 13/03/2024: 12 English Studies 14/03/2024: 12 SLR |
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Leader of Learning - Curriculum Pedagogy & Leader of Learning - Curriculum Administration
As we enter the midpoint of the term, and with most year groups receiving notifications for upcoming assessment tasks, it is important that students maintain a balanced approach to their learning and wellbeing. The establishment of a regular pattern of study each night to keep on top of homework and assessments, finding time to exercise, maintaining a healthy diet and ensuring that they are getting adequate sleep are a few key points that should be considered when managing and prioritising time. The SEEEDSS plan, which is described in the student diaries, provides some useful tips and strategies for students to refer to as a guide for navigating their way through the demands of high school life.
Uniform and Grooming at Mount Carmel
The College Diary outlines the uniform requirements for Mount Carmel students. Importantly on pages 19 and 20 of the diary, it highlights some important additional notes about jewellery, hair and makeup. Students who do not adhere to these College expectations are typically withdrawn from the environment where they are provided with a separate room to do their learning for the day, so as not to create a situation of inequity with others whilst the grooming or uniform is corrected. Students are provided with opportunities to correct these grooming issues with the assistance of their parents and then return to the learning environment where it is appropriate as soon as possible. Please note that nose piercings can not be excused with clear studs or bandaids over the piercing and must be removed.
Year 8
Starting next Thursday, Year 8 will be completing mini friendship seminars with their Pastoral Advisors during Pastoral time. The first seminar is a spotlight game where they review statements about friendships and the students need to determine whether they agree/disagree. For example, "A good friend is someone who doesn't like you speaking to people who they aren't friends with." The seminars are tailored to the specific needs of this cohort at the College and aim to give students greater self-awareness and skills for developing greater friendships as they progress through their teenage years.
Open Day - Year 7 2025
Next week on Wednesday 6 March, the College will host the Year 7 2025 Open Night. I would like to thank in advance the large number of students, approximately one hundred from Years 8 -12, who are giving of their time to support their College. These students will be escorting prospective students and their parents/carers around the College showcasing our facilities and Key Learning Areas displays. It is so wonderful to see such a significant number of students volunteering and getting involved in sharing and showcasing their College and community.
College Hats
Students are being reminded of the importance of sun safety and caring for their skin. We ask that every student who is accessing the open spaces of the College, eg Ovals and Courts, during recess and lunchtime are wearing the school hat. Students have been reminded of this expectation through Pastoral class, Compass notifications and announcements throughout the College day. We ask all parents ensure that their child has a College hat to wear during these times, and during PDHPE practical classes. College hats can be purchased from the uniform shop. We encourage that hats be labelled with the students name and year group.
Upcoming Pastoral Activities
Year 8 Connections that Count - Your Choicez: Thursday 7 March
Year 7 Camp: 25-27 March
Year 8 Elevate Study Skills: 15 March - Period 1
Whole school - Murray House Celebration Day: Friday 8 March
Information regarding each of these activities will be communicated to students and carers leading up to the event. Please contact your son or daughter’s Year Coordinator if you have any questions.
Mrs Theresa Moore Miss Rebecca Toogood
Acting Pastoral Care & Wellbeing Coordinator
On the weekend I listened to a Radio National program called The Money. Ordinarily, this type of program would not appeal to me, but when I heard the topic was ‘The Economic Cost of Illiteracy’, I was interested in what it had to say. The presenter, Richard Aedy, interviewed three people: Jordana Hunter – Program Director at the Grattan Institute; Jessica del Rio – Lead for Government and Public Finance at Equity Economics; and Richard Holden – Professor of Economics at the University of NSW.
The program opened with a focus on the critical importance of reading as the ‘gateway for better opportunities’ for all young people. Described as a key foundational skill, reading was said to promote academic success at school across all curriculum areas such as Mathematics, Science, the Humanities, and the Arts. Yet psychologists suggest that for many students who either cannot read or have difficulty reading, going to school each day can be experienced as ‘frequent and repetitive trauma’.
Studies have shown that one third of students struggle with reading. Results from the OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) – a measure of 15-year-olds’ ability to use their Reading, Mathematics and Science knowledge and skills to meet real-life challenges – indicate that Australia’s performance over the past twenty years has been in decline. In 2022, the percentage of Australian students in the high-performance category for reading decreased, while the percentage of low performers increased. The percentage of students reaching proficiency standards also decreased with only 57% meeting the National Proficiency Standard for Reading.
A conservative estimate of the cost of illiteracy to the Australian economy is $40 billion dollars a year. Yet, solving this literacy problem is said to be one of the most achievable social policy challenges of our time. The factors which could address this literacy deficit include an improvement in the following: teacher expertise, quality tertiary education, curriculum materials, screening processes, and intervention programs. The radio participants called for a long-term commitment by governments to address this critical situation. I would argue that this commitment must also come from educational systems, teacher training institutions, school leadership teams, teachers, and parents to ensure that the quality of literacy education is improved. The ability to read has significant implications for the life chances of our young people as they enter the economy and engage with society. One very chilling statement citing the ‘school to prison pipeline’, highlighted for me the seriousness of this undertaking.
Clare Murphy
English Coordinator and Literacy Instructional Coach
Very big week of sport with the conclusion of the swimming carnival, girls' Diocesan Touch Football Championships, and MISA in full swing after an interrupted start due to poor weather. A big thanks go to everyone involved in these events and our upcoming events.
Upcoming Events
1 March: Girls' Diocesan Touch Football
6 March: Boys' Diocesan Touch Football
7 March: Diocesan Swimming Championships
5 April: Diocesan Football Championships
12 April: College Cross Country Carnival
College Swimming Carnival
The much-anticipated Mount Carmel Catholic College Annual Swimming Carnival took place on 23 February, 2024, at the picturesque Macquarie Fields Swimming Pools. This year's carnival was a collaborative effort that brought together students and teachers in a day filled with spirited competition and camaraderie.Throughout the day, the competition remained fiercely contested, with Murray and Howard houses emerging as early frontrunners in the overall points tally. Each race was marked by intense competitiveness, keeping spectators engaged and on the edge of their seats. Murray and Howard houses demonstrated exceptional performance, steadily pulling ahead of the other houses as the day progressed. The overall result will be received at our next assembly. A big Congratulations to the following students who were crowned age champions for the carnival.
| Age Group | Girls | Boys |
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12 |
Nuala Fashoyin |
N/A |
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13 |
Lillian Meredith |
Austin Tirant |
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14 |
Summer Blayden |
Thomas Steed |
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15 |
Daisy Robertson |
Jack Breen |
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16 |
Ava Antala |
Isaac Robinson |
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17+ |
Sarah Ellaway |
Nathan Williams |
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Multi Class 17+ |
N/A |
Daniel Lill |
In addition to these fine students we have a team of 28 students who qualified to compete at the upcoming Diocesan Swimming Championships on Wednesday the 6 March.
| 2024 Mount Carmel Diocesan Swimming Team | ||
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Ava Antala Summer Blayden Jack Breen Zoe Bruce Charlotte Carney Leila Coulson Sarah Ellaway Nuala Fashoyin Blake Fishlock |
Hannah Gales Noah Gallaty Alyssa Hamilton Tennyson King Daniel Lill Lillian Meredith Saige Morris Zach Muiser Isaiah Nakasenh Nathan Williams |
Tanya Pardeshi Daisy Robertson Isaac Robinson Keeden Robinson Petar Spyropoulos Thomas Steed Matilda Tirant Austin Tirant Hudson Warren |
NSWCCC Triathlon - Daniel Lill
Daniel competed at the All School triathlon on Thursday. Daniel is a high achieving swimmer but with the conditions of the water he was unable to swim but showed skill and determination with the run and the bike. Daniel ended up taking out 1st place with a gold medal. Congratulations Daniel.
| Sport | Result | MVP | Short Report |
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Volleyball Years 7-9 Boys NIMM |
VS MAS Win 3-0 |
Ashton Taeiloa |
The year 7-9 Boys volleyball team demonstrated solid teamwork and skill to dominate the match against Macarthur Anglican winning all three sets convincingly. Our MVP this week was Ashton Taeiloa who was solid at the net and delivered several well executed shots. Fantastic effort boys! |
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Volleyball Years 7-9 Girls HOBR |
VS STP Loss 3-0 |
Alicia Lardizabal |
In the second round of the MISA competition, our Junior Girls Volleyball Team faced off against St. Patrick's in a highly anticipated matchup. Despite a promising start and a confident display in the first game, our team unfortunately couldn't maintain momentum, ultimately losing all three games played today. Earning MVP for the match was Alicia Lardizabal, whose remarkable saves placed our team at advantageous positions throughout the games. Looking ahead, our team is motivated to improve, and through our training sessions we will be focusing on refining our skills and fostering teamwork. |
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Indoor Cricket Years 7-9 Girls OCOB |
VS MAS Loss 120-18 |
Fisiilose Feiloakitohi |
The girls came into round 2 with enthusiasm and gusto and were ready to take on Macarthur Anglican College. The girls elected to bat first and scored some solid runs with some good partnerships. Special mention must go to Samantha Stewart who scored some runs for MCCC late in the game. After posting a total of 18 runs the girls went into bowl. Fisiilose Feiloakitohi bowled exceptionally well and was excellent behind the wicket. Unfortunately we couldn’t keep the MAC total under 18 runs. We are seeing a rise in improvement with the girls and each week will continue to see this as the weeks continue. Well done girls! |
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Basketball Years 10-12 Boys HARK |
VS OPAC Win 32-11 |
Chukwuemeka (Chukie) Okonkwo |
In the second round of competition, we came up against OPAC in their home court. The boys started the game with some excellent defence complemented by good offence allowing us to take an early lead. The players all worked well together to continue to starve the opposition of points keeping them to 11 for the game. Our offence worked well in patches, all players kept to their roles and strengths and made the most of our opportunities to get the win 32-11. The MVP for this week was Chukwuemeka Okonkwo with 7pts, 7 rebounds and a block. |
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Basketball Years 10-12 Girls ABRN |
BYE | ||
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Oztag Years 10-12 Boys KING |
VS MAG Loss 9-4 |
Calvin Beltran |
A grand final replay against Magdalene Catholic College proved to be quite challenging for the boys, going down 9-4 to the reigning premiers. In what was a very physical encounter, the boys should be commended on their effort in maintaining competitiveness throughout the game. While the outcome may not have been what they had hoped for, the game offered valuable lessons that can help fuel their progress moving forward. If the boys can all commit to training each week there is no doubt, they will improve their skills and work more effectively as a team. The MVP this week was Calvin Beltran, who scored two tries and worked extremely hard in defence. |
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Oztag Years 10-12 Girls HEAS |
VS MAG Loss 5-4 |
Taylah Faiai |
In the second round of the MISA Oztag competition the girls displayed great defence throughout the game but unfortunately were unable to come from behind to get the win, losing 5-4 to Magdalene. A great performance displayed by Taylah Faiai who was able to score 2 tries to bring the girls back into the game. Looking forward to next week. |
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Softball Years 7-9 Boys PONT |
VS WCCS Loss 5-0 |
Tennyson King | The weather was much kinder to us this week and the boys were keen to put into practice what they learnt from their first match last week. The batting order was set and despite connecting well with the ball the boys just couldn’t get over home plate. I commend the boys for their willingness to try new positions and roles within the team. Keeden and Dylan both did an excellent job pitching and Jivesh was solid in the catcher role. Special mention to Tennyson King for his phenomenal catch in the field - running off second base and jumping into the air to secure the out. Looking forward to next week. |
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Debating Years 9 & 10 BORK |
WIN for both |
The opening round of MISA Debating for Year 9 and 10 saw some stiff competition but a great success story. Mount Carmel argued against Thomas Hassel with both teams coming out victorious. There were some great points raised by both sides and the efforts of all students need to be acknowledged. Our Year 9 team, Junena S, Evangeline J, Karylle C and Meenakshi A, showcased the importance of teamwork and continuing to support each other throughout the debate. Year 10 showed they are a well-oiled machine with Maria Cassandra T, Patrick A, Michael G and Katiana G using their experience to show how great preparation and out-of-the-box thinking can be successful. |
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.
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 |
Mount Carmel School Bus Routes
Transit Systems (formerly Interline) school bus route timetable is available via this link. Contact phone number is 8118 7102. Please be advised that Bus Route for Willowdale is currently missing from this updated document.
Busabout school bus route timetable has not changed and is available via this link. Contct phone number is 4631 4200.
Enrolments 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.
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.
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. Please click below to view the schedule.