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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
This Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent in the church calendar. Lent is a period of preparation for the commemoration of the events that occur in Holy Week and the Passion of Christ. Similar to Advent which occurs just before Christmas, Lent is an opportunity for each of us to reflect on our lives and to prepare for something more. In Advent, it is preparation for Christmas, but in Lent it is preparation for Easter. The Solemnity of Good Friday is a precursor to the celebration of the Risen Christ that is celebrated on Easter Sunday. Lent gives us an opportunity to take time to consider how we might improve but also how we might recognise the sacrifice that God gave us and how that is a reflection of a loving God.
In some very uplifting news, we have been informed that one of our ex-students, Grace Roodenrys (2018 HSC) has just been awarded the Clarendon Fund Scholarship at Oxford University enabling her to complete a Masters in English. We are very proud of Grace and congratulate her on this outstanding achievement. Grace was placed first in the state in Advanced English in the HSC and worked closely with Mrs Murphy in Extension 2. A fantastic effort for Grace and a credit to the staff who assisted her in building foundations.
Last Wednesday we held our Year 7, 2025 Enrolment Information Evening. This evening had over 700 people in attendance and enabled prospective students to view the College. There were many positive comments from our guests, particularly around the way that our student guides interacted and were such a positive influence. Many of the visiting students were enthralled by the demonstrations and were excited to pass by our almost completed STEM building. At the presentation in the hall, visitors were able to hear about the College and the enrolment process was explained. From this year, enrolments will be completed online and can be accessed through the College website. Applicants are encouraged to ensure all documentation is included with the application prior to it being lodged. The due date for applications is 2pm on April 12 (the last day of term 1).
Today we farewell Ms Sue Turnbull as she leaves us to take up a position closer to home. I thank Ms Turnbull for her efforts at Mount Carmel and for stepping up in a number of middle leader positions whilst at the College. Mr David Elias will commence on Monday as a full-time member of the PDHPE department. I welcome Mr Elias into our community.
As we have now reached the midpoint of the term, students and staff are now well entrenched in the realities of teaching and learning. Most year groups will have received notifications for upcoming assessments, staff are preparing themselves for the cycle of marking and reporting that occurs on a regular basis throughout the year, and feedback will be provided to students and parents through Tracking Reports which will provide a snapshot of academic progress at the end of the term.
Amongst the day to day demands of our core business of teaching and learning, a range of co-curricular activities also occur every week which enhance learning, wellbeing and faith development, along with the continued focus on building community. The past week is indicative of this. It was great to see almost 90 students (around 8% of our student body) volunteer to assist with the Year 7 2025 Information evening on Wednesday. Students from Years 8 to 12 act as tour guides, KLA assistants, musicians, speakers and hospitality staff during the afternoon and night. On behalf of the staff of Mount Carmel I would like to thank all students who generously gave up their time to help out and demonstrate the fantastic sense of Family Spirit and community that we possess here at the College.
The past 2 days have also seen Year 8 participate in the annual “Connections that Count” presentation by David Kobler from Your Choicez, and today saw Murray House celebrate their House day with a liturgy and various fundraising activities for lantern charities. Thanks to all staff and students involved in the preparation and participation of these important events. Earlier this week saw the completion of a new Synthetic Volleyball Court. The popularity of the game over the past couple of years has resulted in our traditional grass surfaces experience significant wear and tear. It is hoped that the new surface will be much more resilient. We will closely monitor the impact and endurance of the court over the coming months with the possibility of upgrading more courts in the future if it is feasible.
Next week will see a select group of staff and students attend the recording of Q & A at the ABC studios in Ultimo on Monday night. NAPLAN for Years 7 and 9 commences on Wednesday, Mr Teuma will be hosting an Information Communication and Learning Technologies evening for parents on Wednesday night at 7pm, Year 8 will participate in Elevate Educations Study Skills sessions on Friday morning and staff will continue to prepare Tracking Reports for all year groups, commencing with Year 11. Thanks to all staff and students for their role in preparing, participating and supervising these important events.
Last week I made mention of the need to use Opal cards on buses. This week, I would like to point out that there have been some issues with bus crowding on some routes, particularly in the morning. Could I please ask parents and carers to contact the College if you have any concerns, as well as Transit Systems NSW (the operator), should you have any questions or concerns.
As usual, thank you for your ongoing support with the Learning, Wellbeing and Faith development of our students. Please do not hesitate to contact the Office or your son or daughters respective Pastoral Advisor or Year Coordinator should you have any questions or require support.
Mr Simon Huntly
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FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR B Mass of day with Lectionary and Missal texts of Sunday Lent 4 Yr B |
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| First Reading | Chronicles 36:14-16 |
After seventy years, the Israelites are released to rebuild the temple. |
| Second Reading | Ephesians 2:4-10 |
Salvation is not earned but a gift from God. |
| Gospel |
John 3:14-21 |
Jesus converses with Nicodemus |
Being God’s handiwork means God took great pride and care in creating us. What are some of your gifts and talents – characteristics that God takes great pride in? Do you feel awkward when you are asked to list your gifts and talents? Why or why not?
We were created in Christ to do good works. What are some good works you have already participated in? What are some needs in your school, in your family, in your neighbourhood, in your country, and in your world? What is one good work you can focus on doing shortly?
God created a path for us beforehand so that we might walk on it. Do you think God created a very specific path for each individual? Or do you think God created a very general path of goodness so that each individual might find his or her way to walk? Explain your answer.
NAPLAN Years 7 & 9 Schedule
NAPLAN testing will take place this week for students in Year 7 and 9. Students are reminded to ensure that they bring a charged laptop and earphones for these tests. All of the tests will take place in B Block, so students are asked to check their Compass schedule for their allocated room. The following outlines the schedule for the NAPLAN tests:
If there are any questions regarding NAPLAN, please contact Mr Teuma.
ICLT Parent Evening
On Wednesday 13 March 2023, at 7pm, Mount Carmel Catholic College will be holding an ICLT evening for Parents. The purpose of this evening is to inform parents and develop their understanding of how technology is used at MCCC. This will include:
- Overview of Google Suite.
- Use of Google Classroom, Drive and Calendar including ideas to assist their children in organising their learning.
- Use of the Macbook including safe and responsible use, understanding what their children are accessing with these devices.
- Safe and Responsible use of Social Media including VPNs, Discord Tik Tok
- The impact of AI on Teaching and Learning
Parents will need to bring their child’s device for the evening.
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TERM 1 |
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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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| Week 8 |
Year 9 Year 9 PASS (See assessment notification for specific date) Year 9 Science (See assessment notification for specific date) Year 10 18/03/2024: 10 Commerce 20/03/2024: 10 Catholic Studies 22/03/2024: 10 PDHPE Year 11 18/03/2024: 11 Studies of Religion 1 18/03/2024: 11 Studies of Religion 2 20/03/2024: 11 Food Technology 20/03/2024: 11 Physics 21/03/2024: 11 Music 21/03/2024: 11 Business Studies Year 12 18/03/2024: 12 Mathematics Advanced 21/03/2024: 12 Modern History 21/03/2024: 12 Biology 21/03/2024: 12 Numeracy 21/03/2024: 12 Mathematics Ext 1 21/03/2024: 12 Investigating Science 22/03/2024: 12 Mathematics Standard 2 22/03/2024: 12 Mathematics Standard 1 |
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Leader of Learning - Curriculum Pedagogy & Leader of Learning - Curriculum Administration
Murray Day 8 March 2024
Students of the Murray House participated in a liturgy celebrating their shared Murray culture and patronage. This was accompanied by an assembly where they shared key information about future events, opportunities to engage in the House Cup and recent successes. Murray contributed to Project Compassion with their gelato fundraiser at recess and lunch and the highly anticipated staff vs student Basketball match. The day was a great opportunity for students to show their Murray pride and continue our proud College tradition of considering those less fortunate in a shared sense of family spirit and love of work.
Year 8 “Connections that Count” incursion
On Thursday, Year 8 was engaged in the “Connections that Count” presentation by the YourChoicez group. These presentations covered topics that students are facing in their digital generation. The seminar helped students understand how their online choices can affect friendships and current or future relationships. Topics included sexting, online pornography and concerning online behaviours, friendship and empathy. This was a valuable opportunity for Year 8 to consider the dignity of each person of the grade and build valuable life skills as they progress through their teenage years.
Upcoming Year 7 Camp
In week 9, on Monday to Wednesday, Year 7 will attend their Year 7 Camp, which is a combination of Teen Ranch overnight experience and School-based Pastoral and Wellbeing activities. Avila and Murray House students will attend Teen Ranch on Monday and Tuesday, with Mackillop and Howard students involved in school-based spirituality, technology and team-building activities. All Year 7 students will be at Teen Ranch on Tuesday, and Avila and Murray House will return for their school-based activities on Wednesday. Year 7 students will be provided more information about the Camp in the coming days.
Harmony Week: 18-22 March
Harmony week (18-22 March) is quickly approaching and the College Cultural Captains have been busy organising a range of activities to celebrate the year's theme: ‘Everyone Belongs at the Table’. The College theme has been taken from the international theme but with a slight Marist twist, calling on the history of the Marist Brother’s first communal table at the Hermitage, which Marcellin Champagnat built himself. All students will be encouraged during Period 5 of Friday 22nd to wear a shirt representing their ethnic heritage/culture. This might be in the colours of a flag, traditional dress or a team jersey from their respective country. College uniform and grooming procedures will still apply to the day and students are expected to return to full school uniform to leave at the end of the day. The Period 1 Year Assembly will be moved to Period 5 of this day to allow for the Harmony Day concert and picnic. The College Cultural Captains will distribute more information to students throughout the coming week.
Senior & Junior Bathrooms
Students have been reminded of the importance of utilising the appropriate designated bathroom facilities for their age group. Pastoral Advisors and Year Coordinators have been working with various groups to ensure that this is maintained for safety and fairness. Students utilising the bathroom during class time must have their diary signed to leave the classroom and have permission to move about the College to use the bathroom facilities. Students are required to utilise the Junior Bathroom facilities during bus time in the afternoon for supervision reasons, however, in all other circumstances, students must adhere to College expectations. Family support in ensuring students adhere to these expectations is a crucial component to ensuring this can be maintained.
PIVOT: Wellbeing Survey
Mrs Theresa Moore Miss Rebecca Toogood
Acting Pastoral Care & Wellbeing Coordinator
Over the past weeks I have been speaking about the critical importance of reading in the lives of our young people. I have cited two very recent and significant studies – one by the Grattan Institute and the other by Macquarie University – which demand the attention and action of governments, educational systems, teachers and parents alike. Reading matters – for learning and for life – and it is crucial that we teach it well and support its flourishing in the educational context.
This week I want to outline one particular initiative undertaken by Mount Carmel to foster a love of reading and a modelling of its value and significance. The collaborative aspect of this initiative has been its driving force with the four Year 7 to 10 Coordinators – Adam Withnall, Alison Armour, Joseph Sullivan and Brendan Berkeley – recognising the need and responding enthusiastically to the challenge of making a difference in the lives of our young people. I’m also thrilled that our Year 11 and 12 pastoral groups are joining the program with the very enthusiastic support of their Year Coordinators, Clarissa Pearce and Kevin Harpley.
The reintroduction of the D.E.A.R. reading program of a Wednesday where students drop everything and read is a critical response to an educational need made more complicated by the context of our noisy, distracted and multitasking world. Being still and silent one morning of the week and reading a book is a refreshing and wonderfully profitable way to begin one’s day. Watching teachers do the same thing is incredibly powerful also.
An additional aspect to this initiative is the peer reading partnership between Year 7 and Year 10 students. This will take place Thursday mornings for half the Year 7 grade this semester and the other half next semester. During this time, a group of Year 10 students will function as reading partners to the Year 7 students. This partnership will involve a sharing of and a delight in books, reading aloud moments, and an opportunity to check in with each other’s weekly reading adventures. I will be working with the Year 10 students and guiding them in this process as well as being actively present during the time of the sharing. It is my expectation that Year 7 students will enjoy the encounter with Year 10 both in the support of reading and in the wonderful dialogue that will take place. Conversely, the Year 10 reading partners will glean a great deal about the reading process which will enhance their own practices and understanding of the connection between reading and writing in preparation for their senior school experience.
I commend the Year Coordinators, Pastoral teachers, and Year 10 reading partners who are actively supporting this initiative. It is my hope that the college leadership team and other teachers and staff currently not on pastoral, join in this reading practice. How wonderful would it be to have the whole school reading a book quietly for twenty minutes at the start of the day – even if only for one morning a week! Imagine…
Clare Murphy
English Coordinator and Literacy Instructional Coach
Very big week of sport with the Diocesan Swimming Championships and the boys and girls Diocesan Touch Football Championships being held across the last week. MISA continued this week with mixed results across the different teams. Most teams are still in contention for finals in their sports and we wish students and coaches good luck going into the final weeks of the term.
Upcoming Events
24 March: Marist Basketball Competition
5 April: Diocesan Football Championships
12 April: College Cross Country Carnival
Diocesan Swimming Championship
A very successful day for our Diocesan swim team, with some strong swimming on display from schools around the diocese. The day started with the medley relays where our junior teams performed strongly but missed out on podium finishes. This was followed by the speedy 50m Freestyle races, which suited some of our best swimmers. The day continued with three of our students gaining selection into the Wollongong Diocesan Swim Team to compete at the upcoming NSWCCC Swimming Championships in Homebush later this year. A big congratulations to Daniel Lill, Ava Antala, and Nathan Williams, who not only qualified for the Wollongong Diocesan team to compete at the NSWCCC Swimming Championships but also won age championships at the Diocesan Carnival for their respective age groups. This is a huge achievement, and we are very proud to have them at Mount Carmel Catholic College.
Girls Diocesan Touch Football
| Sport | Result | MVP | Short Report |
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Volleyball Years 7-9 Boys NIMM |
VS THAC Loss 1-3 |
Jacob Baena & Matthew Thomas |
In a tightly contested match, the boys faced a well organised and determined Thomas Hassall side who dominated the first set, however, the boys fought back with powerful hits to clinch the win. The boys lacked communication in the second set, which allowed Thomas Hassall to secure a strong lead and win. The third set was a nail-biter, with Mount Carmel ahead early however, several missed chances enabled Thomas Hassall to rally, coming from behind to clinch the set and win the match. Jacob Baena and Matthew Thomas shared the MVP honours this week for their consistent performances in hitting, serving, and setting. Overall, despite the loss, the boys gained several valuable takeaways for future improvement. |
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Volleyball Years 7-9 Girls HOBR |
VS THAC Loss 2-1 |
Caitlin Ramos & Erica Tax |
In a challenging fixture against Thomas Hassall, the Junior Girls MISA Volleyball team faced adversity but demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite dropping the first two games, our team rallied fiercely in the final game, showcasing unwavering determination. Caitlin Ramos earned one of the MVP honors for her outstanding communication skills and adept ball control, while Erica Tax's precise serves proved pivotal in securing the crucial victory, earning her the second MVP title of the week. |
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Indoor Cricket Years 7-9 Girls OCOB |
VS MAG Loss 86-1 |
Emily Cooper |
The girls were ready for another hard fought battle on the cricket pitch, coming up against an experienced Magdalene team. Captain Samatha won the toss and elected to bowl first. MCCC bowled and fielded incredibly well keeping Magdalene to a total of 84 runs. Emily Cooper made the play of the game with a magnificently marvellous one handed catch off the net. Well done also to Faith Chilufya who bowled exceptionally well. The girls went in to bat but struggled against a strong Magdalene bowling attack. A bye next week will give the girls an opportunity to re-group and come back stronger in two weeks’ time. |
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Basketball Years 10-12 Boys HARK |
VS JTCC Loss 72-49 |
Mario Aoun |
The team came up against a tough John Therry team today and while we didn’t get a win we have lots we can take away from the game and work on to be better next time. The team played well in patches but could not put it together for long enough to keep them close as the game went on. The MVP for the game was Mario Aoun who played strong inside scoring 10 points, 7 rebounds and a steal. |
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Basketball Years 10-12 Girls ABRN |
VS JTCC Win 42-23 |
Jemma Riordan |
A great win for the girls today. They worked together as a team and their defence was outstanding. MVP was awarded to Jemma Riordan who was our main scorer and fierce in defence. Danijela was also a force to be reckoned with and the amount of steals she made contributed to our success. The team's fitness and defensive play was really impressive. Congratulations girls! |
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Oztag Years 10-12 Boys KING |
VS THAC Win 11-6 |
Joshua Manson & Jack Ashcroft |
A stellar performance from the boys this week with a convincing win over Thomas Hassall Anglican College. Both Joshua Manson and Jack Ashcroft were instrumental in helping to secure the win with some fantastic tagging in defence. Hudson Warren, Brody and Jerome Taateo should also be commended on their explosive and well executed attacking plays. A full turn out at training this week certainly made all the difference. Well done boys! |
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Oztag Years 10-12 Girls HEAS |
VS THAC Win 6-0 |
Liesl Hopoate |
Under hot conditions the girls excelled in their performance, dominating Thomas Hassall 6-0. Keeping possession for the majority of the game it was Liesl who led in the scoring with 4 tries. Liesl demonstrated immaculate skill and involvement by assisting Mia Aiono, as well as playing a key role in the play that led to Lara Underwood scoring. Congratulations on this great performance, looking forward to next week (report by Janita Leota-Brown & Charlotte Sisounon). |
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Softball Years 7-9 Boys PONT |
VS MAS (B) Win 7-5 |
Diesel Wagstaff | The boys came away with their first win of the season with a solid team effort against Macarthur Anglican. All of the boys contributed to the win with some quality pieces of fielding and batting. Diesel Wagstaff and Tennyson King took on the challenge of pitching for the team and did a great job. Dylan Barnard was safe on first base and Jaiden Miles was, as always, a key player behind home plate in the catching role. Well done boys. Bring on next week! |
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Debating Years 9 & 10 BORK |
Bye |
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 |
MCCC Lost Property
There is an abundance of lost property in the front office. If your child has lost an item of clothing, please encourage them to visit Student Services. Lost property not claimed by Friday 15 March will now be donated to the P&F Clothing Pool. In addition to clothing there are several water bottles that remain unclaimed.
Information for Parents & Families
Parent Talk newsletter aims to provide parents and carers with relevant and timely information about parenting, education, wellbeing, upcoming Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) events and webinars for parents, and significant Catholic news and events.
The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT represents all parents and carers of students in our Catholic schools. We value and promote the critical role that parents play in the education of their children, and provide leadership, advocacy and support for parents and carers of children in almost 600 Catholic schools. Parents and carers are invited to subscribe to CCSP’s Parent Talk newsletter to receive future editions keep up to date with how our Council supports Catholic school parents to support their children’s wellbeing, faith journey and academic outcomes. Click here to subscribe.
The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT is conducting a survey to gauge parental involvement in their child's school including their learning. They are looking to receive feedback on areas that are really important to parents. Participants have the option to receive a 2024 Faith Diary as a token of appreciation by providing their name, address, and mobile phone number at the end of the survey.
The survey link is provided: CCSP Survey.
Easter Retreat & Youth Mission
Details for the Youth Mission team who come into the schools, do retreats and work this kids , please click 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.