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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
In last week’s newsletter, I reminded our community that Jesus remains with us even though He ascended into Heaven. This week, the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles tells us of the events of Pentecost. After the ascension of Jesus, the apostles would have been confused and feeling a sense of fear and aloneness. They would also have been unsure of what to do next given that Jesus, who had guided and led them for three years, had now gone. The reading tells us that a powerful gust of wind came, and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire. It was at that point that they were filled with a sense of confidence and were able to go out into the streets and preach the message of Jesus in a language that the listeners could understand. I often wonder whether the simple miracle in these events is that once filled with the Holy Spirit, these men gained confidence and understanding. This allowed them to share the message of Jesus. For us, being open to God’s message can give us the confidence and knowledge to go out and live a life that brings God to others.
On Monday, we began using the STEM building classrooms with very positive comments from students. Whilst there will always be teething issues in a new building, the students have told me that they feel more motivated to study and are more relaxed in these areas. The feedback is always welcome. The next stages will involve the demolition of two buildings at the front of the College, and these have already been sectioned off. There have been some changes to bus pick up in the afternoon and these processes will be refined over the coming days. In the next week or so, the builders will also take access to our old TAS space and the lower portion of J block. These will be refurbished. Thank you to all students, staff and parents for your flexibility during these building projects and as can be seen by the STEM building, they are worth the wait.
Last Tuesday evening we hosted the Parent Library evening. This evening is now a regular on our calendar and is a very informal way of promoting reading and literacy. Parents are invited to attend and browse the many donated books and choose anything they wish to take and read. The simple purpose is to enable opportunities for students to see their parents reading and valuing this as a productive way to take time out. Congratulations to Mrs Murphy for continuing to organise these evenings, and to the English staff who attend in support.The Tell Them From Me (TTFM) survey for parents is currently open. This survey is again split into students, parents and staff and will focus on our achievements as a college. The survey will remain open until next Friday and takes around 10 – 15 minutes to complete. I encourage honest feedback, both positive and constructive, to assist us in evaluating our achievements and helping to develop plans for the future. Please begin the survey by clicking here.
A reminder that on Tuesday in week 5 (May 28), we will be hosting the Term 2 P&F meeting. A large portion of this meeting will be a tour of the new building and explanation of the next stage of the project. As always, all parents are welcome. The meeting will start at 7pm in room I3.
Ite in Veritate
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
Mrs Christine Meharg
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13; Be guided by the Spirit.
Gospel: John 20:19-23; The Spirit will guide the Apostles to all truth.
Why is Pentecost important? It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and other disciples following the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ (Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2), and it marks the beginning of the Christian church's mission to the world.
Happy Birthday to the Church! Jesus’ followers were gathered together for Pentecost, and the Holy Spirit “filled the whole house where they were sitting” (Acts2:2). “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:4).
Our Lady Help of Christians - Patron Saint of Australia
There are two paintings, one in St Mary's Cathedral and the other is found in Rome, at the Domus Australia. If you wish to read more about Domus Australia, this is the link. If you have the good fortune to visit Domus Australia, you will enjoy an overview of all the important Catholics who have had significant impacts on Australia's Catholic history.
Who is this Mary?
Mary Help of Christians is the Patroness of Australia. The establishment of the feast has an interesting history, and a unique place in the Catholic history of Australia. The feast focuses on Mary’s help to those in need through her intercession to confront sin and to stand against anti-Christian forces.
Pope Pius VII established the feast in honour of Our Lady Help of Christians in1815. After being imprisoned by Napoleon Bonaparte, he established the feast in thanksgiving for his release. Australia, a new colony at that time, had no Catholic priests and therefore no Mass available. The faithful recited and relied on the Rosary to sustain the Catholic community. In 1844, Australia became the first country in the world to have Mary Help of Christians as Patroness.
Mary Help of Christians, Patroness of Australia
and of the Military Ordinariate
Almighty God, deepen in our hearts
our love of Mary Help of Christians.
Through her prayers and under her protection,
may the light of Christ shine over our land.
May Australia be granted harmony, justice and peace.
Grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens.
Bless especially the men and women
of the Australian Defence Force and their families.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord.
Amen.
Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.
Lead up to Champagant Day
From now till Champagnat Day in week 6, the College will commence every Monday with prayer and each day will focus on one of the Marist Characteristics.
The order this year will honour the Brothers and the Marist way in our work:
- Practicing simplicity
- Offer a genuine presence
- Promoting a family spirit
- Modelling love of work
- Following in the way of Mary
The fundraising dimension of Champagnat day will help young people in Cambodia.
When we bring the Marist Charism to life, we are helping our students to engage with faith, spirituality, and the deep desire to help others.
They require each of us to guide them!
Are You or Someone You Know Interested in Becoming a Catholic?
Each year the parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel gives people who would like to know more, or who are interested in becoming a Catholic, the opportunity to walk with us through a period of discernment and preparation.
If you’d like to find out more information or have questions, please contact the OLMC Parish office on 9603 7373 leave your contact details and one of the Parish team will return the call.
Come join our Christian community and learn what it means to be Catholic.
Year 11 2025 Course Selection Process
Next week Year 10 students will receive some introductory documents for Year 11 2025 Course Selection via the google classroom. Students are encouraged to read these documents with their parents/carers.
These documents include:
- Understanding Key Concepts which explains information relating to Stage 6 studies including the requirements to receive an ATAR.
- Process Timeline with key dates that are significant in your subject selection process.
- Entry Requirements for automatic eligibility in courses on offer. As explained at the beginning of 2024, Semester 1 grades will be used to determine the courses which students are automatically eligible for.
In Week 5, students will receive the Course Information Handbook which will contain descriptions of the courses that will be offered as well as requirements of Year 11 and 12 patterns of study.
Students are encouraged to speak with their class teachers or KLA Coordinators if they have course specific questions and begin considering the learning pathway they wish to pursue for Year 11 and 12. Mr Daniels (Transition and Pathways Coordinator) is also a valuable resource for advice on TAFE, university and career pathways. Mr Clark (VET Coordinator) can also assist in answering any questions about School-Based Apprenticeships and TAFE VET courses, which students may wish to study in conjunction with courses at the College. For any questions regarding the Course Selection process or HSC pathways, please contact Ms Miller or Mr Teuma.
Year 11 Parents and Guardians are encouraged to book interviews with your child’s teachers to discuss their progress and determine strategies to prepare for the second half of their preliminary HSC year. Interviews are being held on Wednesday 29 May between 4pm and 8pm in the Champagnat Centre.
Bookings will open via Compass on Wednesday 8th May. A guide on how to make a booking can be seen here. If you are experiencing any issues with logging into Compass or making any appointments, please contact Mrs Rina Domingo via an email to domingor01@dow.catholic.edu.au.
Year 11 Half Yearly Academic Reports will be available via Compass on Friday 24 May.
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TERM 2 |
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| Week 4 |
Year 11 24/05/2024: 11 Work Studies (1 unit) Year 10 23/05/2024: 10 IT: Timber (200hr) 24/05/2024: 10 Design & Technology (200hr) Year 9 IT: Timber - See Assessment notification for specific dates History - See Assessment notification for specific dates Year 7 History - See Assessment notification for specific dates Catholic Studies - See Assessment notification for specific dates |
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| Week 5 |
Year 12 20/05/2024: 12 Investigating Science 20/05/2024: 12 Legal Studies Year 11 20/05/2024: 11 Numeracy Year 10 20/05/2024: 10 Music (200hr) 27/05/2024: 10 Drama (100hr) 28/05/2024: Catholic Studies 29/05/2024: IST (200hr) Year 9 Music - See Assessment Notification for specific dates |
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Leader of Learning - Curriculum Pedagogy & Leader of Learning - Curriculum Administration
Ensuring Student Online Safety:
A Joint Effort Between School and Home
In today's digital age, student online safety is paramount. While schools play a crucial role in educating students about internet safety, parents also have a vital role to play. One effective measure is parents regularly checking their children's mobile devices and social media accounts. However, it's not about policing; it's about fostering positive engagement.
By actively monitoring their children's online activities, parents can ensure they are interacting positively with peers and staying safe from potential online threats. It's an opportunity for open communication, where parents can guide their children on responsible online behaviour and help them navigate any challenges they may encounter.
At Mount Carmel Catholic College, we believe in the collaborative efforts of schools and parents to create a safe online environment for our students. Let's work together to empower our children to make informed choices and thrive in the digital world responsibly.
Bullying and Harassment: Diary Reminder
Implications of Bullying on the Brain
- Bullying is seen as a moral issue, but a meta-analysis of research shows it's a medical issue.
- Bullying, along with child maltreatment, can do physical damage to important brain regions.
- The physical harm bullying does to the brain shows up in poor academic performance and mental illness
Studies demonstrate that neurological interplay between the regions "contributes to the sensitivity toward facial expressions, poor cognitive reasoning, and distress that affect behavioural modulation and emotion regulation." In other words, when damage occurs to these brain regions, the victim may misinterpret or overreact to someone’s facial expressions
See more in the article from Psychology Today.
Procedure
What should I do if I am being bullied or harassed? Students and families can find information in page 12 of the College diary. Students and families are reminded to reach out via phone or email to your child’s Pastoral Advisor with any concerns.
The procedure:
- Politely tell the person bullying or harassing you that you take offence to their actions and would like them to stop. This may be difficult, but you should try to resolve the problem assertively (this means speak firmly but remain calm and try to be positive). If you would like to approach someone for advice on how to do this, please see your Pastoral Advisor (or Year Coordinator) or one of your teachers you feel comfortable talking to.Please Note: If the situation is a serious one in which you were physically hurt, property was damaged or particularly offensive comments were made, you will need to report this straight away to a teacher.
- If the bullying or harassment continues then you must tell a teacher. This teacher will report the matter to your Year Coordinator who will interview students concerned, including witnesses.
- Your Year Coordinator will reach a verbal agreement with all students involved.
- Your Year Coordinator will contact all parents concerned to discuss the problem.
- If the problem persists your Year Coordinator will arrange for a formal agreement to be negotiated between students. Parents may well be informed on a formal basis.
- Specialist group work/programmes on bullying and harassment may be recommended for students who continue to bully and/or harass others.
- If the problem persists it be will referred to the Pastoral Coordinator or Assistant Principal who will immediately institute appropriate consequences (i.e. isolation, internal suspension) for students who continually bully others. Parents will be interviewed.
- Any further action/s will be at the discretion of the Principal, Assistant Principal or Pastoral Coordinator.
What should I do if I see someone being bullied or harassed?
- In a positive manner tell the person harassing/bullying others that their actions are unacceptable.
- Report the incident to a teacher.
- It is important to be aware that there is a hands-off policy at the College to support the safety and dignity of each member.
Gratitude for Mother's Day Breakfast Attendees
We extend heartfelt gratitude to all the mothers, grandmothers, and significant females who graced our Mother's Day breakfast with their presence. Your love, wisdom, and nurturing spirits enrich our community. Your presence not only made the event memorable but also highlighted the importance of family bonds and intergenerational connections. Your support is invaluable, and we are deeply thankful for the role you play in shaping the lives of our students. May your love and warmth continue to inspire us all throughout the year. Thank you for being a cherished part of our College family.
Elevate Education
Thank you for your ongoing support of the College and your children.
Mrs Theresa Moore Miss Rebecca Toogood
Acting Pastoral Care & Wellbeing Coordinator
The culture of narratives experienced through reading can forever stimulate our minds and hearts. Some stories draw us back into the past, while others propel us into the future. Some stories brighten our day while others take us into the darkness of human behaviour. Storytelling engages our curiosity, interests, fears, expectations, and desires. The best storytellers lighten and enlighten the paradoxes and uncertainties of life. Fundamental to the act of reading is a commitment to living vicariously within a world created by another.
Young people need stories to make sense of themselves and their world. Encounters with books – as well as being sites for enjoyment, and critical and creative thinking – play a significant role in the formation of young people’s identity. Marcel Proust, one of the most influential writers of the twentieth century suggests, ‘Every reader is, while he is reading, the reader of his own self’.
Given the critical importance of reading, it was wonderful to see the number of people who attended our Parent Library event last Tuesday evening. This was an opportunity for parents, carers, teachers and students to peruse the huge range of pre-loved books donated by the Mount Carmel community and to take as many as they wished. Consequently, over two hundred and fifty books found new homes.
The following morning, the library staff kindly allowed students to come and collect as many books as they liked from the remaining supply of donated material. The library was packed with excited students from all years, busily looking at what was on offer. Students were choosing books for themselves, their parents, grandparents, and younger siblings. I have not felt that joyous energy nor witnessed such delight in that space in a long time. Books are not dead!
Clare Murphy
English Coordinator and Literacy Instructional Coach
The rain finally stopped over the weekend, but unfortunately, the grounds around the Campbelltown area remained closed due to the significant amount of rainfall. This prevented several events from occurring, including the Diocesan Open Boys Football Championships, which were cancelled and replaced by a selection trial due to the conditions. Round 2 of MISA was also impacted, with Rugby League, Soccer, Frisbee, and Softball all being washed out. Fortunately, the teams that managed to play indoors or on all-weather facilities performed well, with 5 out of the 6 teams securing important victories. Looking ahead, we have more Bill Turner Cup and Trophy action scheduled for week 4, with our teams seeking more victories to stay in the nationwide competition.
MISA Term 2; Round 2
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Sport |
Result |
MVP | Short Report |
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Netball Years 11-12 PONT
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Win 29-13 |
Taylah Faiai |
The girls played well in their first game together for 2024. Sienna and Krystal worked well together in the shooting circle securing some important rebounds and being consistent under the post. Liesl, Taylah and Rebecca worked well together in the defensive end with solid communication. Isabella and Bella were a calming force that got the ball down the court with ease. Our MVP today was Taylah Faiai who played well in both attack and defence. She defended every ball and always. |
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Basketball Years 7-9 Girls HOBR
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VS JTCC Win 28-0 |
An an impressive display of dominance, the MISA Junior girls basketball team, secured a resounding 28-0 victory. The team's cohesive teamwork and undeniable strength were on full display throughout the match. The MVP honours were deservedly shared by Lyla and Ella, both year 7 students, whose exceptional contributions proved vital to the team's success. With spirits high, the team eagerly anticipates their upcoming game next week. |
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Basketball Years 7-9 Boys RODC
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VS JTCC Loss 48-11 |
Ritchie Kan |
This week we faced a dominant team at John Terry. Mt Carmel was pressed immediately and had a very shaky start to the game. The second half was a better showing and more even competition and it was great to see the MCCC students persevering and continuing to support each other despite a rough first half and a strong audience supporting the opposition. |
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Indoor Cricket Years 10-12 Girls OCOB
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VS JTCC Win 88-25 |
Tania Taie |
The girls came into the match hot off a season opening win last week against Magdalene and were keen to continue the streak. MCCC were sent into bat first and posted a healthy total of 88 runs with some exceptional batting all around. Special mention goes to Jorja Lewis who hit the only six of the game. MCCC then went into bowl and started strong with some excellent spells, particularly from Tamia Taie and Mia Redding. The well structured bowling attack, coordinated by captain Jessica McMillan kept JTCC to a total of 25 runs. Congratulations to the girls for another solid win. |
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Hockey Years 7-9 Boys ELID
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VS SBCC Win 2-0 |
Brayden Croke | The boy's started the season against an older St Benedict's team demonstrated excellent character to control the game from the opening pass. We maintained possession and field positions in the first half and our dominance was rewarded with an early goal. Brayden was dictating the play from the right wing and set up a goal from a free hit from our own half. Sean's tireless effort pressing the opposition was rewarded with the second goal from a great cross from Harry. A great team effort and win from the whole squad. |
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Washed Out Rugby Leauge U16s Ruby League Years 10-12 Boys Football Years 11-12 Boys Football 10-12 Girls Softball 10-12 Boys Frisbee 7-9 Mixed |
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21 May: Bill Turner Tropy VS Good Samaritan Catholic College
23 May: Bill Turner Cup VS Saint Gregory's College Campbelltown
27 May: Diocesan Cross Country Championships
14 June: Diocesan Netball Championships
17 June: College Athletics Carnival
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 |
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P&F Clothing Pool
Get 25% off all clothing items on Monday May 27 with the P&F Clothing Pool's Term 2 sale day. The clothing pool will be open 9am-4pm to help finalise your winter uniform needs. Grab a bargain and help your college at the same time.
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SWSLHD School Vacination ProgramWednesday 14 August 2024
Year 7 will have their immunisations on Wednesday August 14 (Week 4 Term 3). Final catch up immunisations for Yrs 7, 8, 10 & 11 will be held on Tuesday Nov 26 (Week 7 Term 4). As was the case in 2023, registration for Immunisations occurs through the Services NSW website or App. Please click on the following link for instructions on how to complete this process - Parent information for Immunisations. Consent is required through Service NSW electronically prior to this date and a list will be provided on the day. Please visit this link to provide electronic consent if not already completed. It is recommended all students requring a vaccination to please be in sports uniform.
Campbelltown - Koshigaya Sister Cities
Students Invited to apply for the trip to Japan
In the upcoming September holiday break, Campbelltown will select 15 students aged between 14 and 18 to travel to Koshigaya, Japan for a life changing experience. Last year 5 students from Mount Carmel Catholic College were selected to attend. If any students aged 14 - 18 know are interested in applying for the upcoming trip to Japan from 29 September to 12 October, please see information below.
To be eligible to apply, students must:
- Live in the Campbelltown City Council local government area.
- Be aged 14 to 18 and still at school at the time the delegation departs Sydney.
Students don’t need to be learning Japanese to apply for and go on the trip. We look for students with a desire to travel to experience a new culture, who have an interest in Japan and a desire to be a great ambassador for Campbelltown.
The information and application form can be found at the Student Delegation to Japan 2024 link at www.cksca.org.au
Applications to join the trip close on 22 May 2024.
John Therry Catholic College
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.
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!
Rainer School Wear
Winter uniforms orders now available. Please click here.