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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
This weekend is the feast of Corpus Christi (the Body and Blood of Christ). Just as last weekend revealed a central belief of our faith (that of the Holy Trinity), this week reminds us of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. This is an important difference between Catholic belief and that of many other Christian traditions. For Catholics, the Eucharist is not just a symbol of God during the Mass, but is actually God. We believe that the bread is transformed at the consecration during the mass and when we receive Holy Communion, God is physically and really present within that host. For many, this is a little difficult to understand. Our limited human understanding cannot explain the mystery of God but that is actually a strength of our faith. The beauty of the mystery of the Eucharist enables us to accept that God is with us not just symbolically but in real and physical ways.
Last weekend eight senior students accompanied by Ms Nguyen attended the Marist Senior Mission Forum. They were given the opportunity to reflect on social justice issues and initiatives and to consider how they might become more involved in these. Students from a number of Marist schools were present and by all accounts it was a very productive and valuable weekend. Congratulations to the students and thank you to Ms Nguyen who organised and attended the event.
Last Tuesday evening we held our Term 2 P&F evening. Thank you to those who attended and joined us for a walk around of the new STEM building. Mr Huntly and I were able to take parents to one of our older classrooms, one of our refurbished classrooms and the new building. It was wonderful to be able to explain the change in how teaching happens and some of our ideas behind the design of the buildings and rooms. We hope to be able to host a few upcoming information nights in the new facilities so that parents get to see these. The builders have well and truly taken possession of the next stage and blocks G & H are all but demolished. We look forward to the open space that will hopefully be completed and handed back sometime in Term 3.
On Wednesday, we held the Year 11 Parent/Teacher/Student evening. There was a strong turnout and teachers were able to discuss the students’ progress and offer suggestions for improvement. These are vital in ensuring partnerships for improved student learning. We will hold the Year 7 – 10 meetings at the end of this term and I encourage parents to attend.
Tomorrow our staff will all be out at our Term 2 staff development day which will be focussed on our spirituality. As stated last week, these are important opportunities for staff to explore their own faith formation in terms of mission and how this might support our students in a positive way. As always, I am conscious of the impact of these pupil free days on parents and students and appreciate your support for these vital days. They also provide an opportunity in the middle of term for students to stop and take a breath.
Earlier this week I understand that all parents were sent an email offering the opportunity to contribute to an appraisal of my principalship over the past four years. Please note that this is specifically on me rather than the school or other school leaders. This was a survey I indicated over the last few newsletters that would be given. I would greatly appreciate your feedback and encourage you to complete the survey. This will be used in conjunction with other information gained from surveys, interviews and professional development data. Thank you for those who may already have responded and for those who have not, please consider providing feedback.
Ite in Veritate
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
As we come to the end of the first half of Term 2, I trust that the past 5 weeks have been productive ones for all members of our community. As is the usual cycle of learning, assessment, marking and reporting, we are well and truly into the business end of a busy first semester at Mount Carmel. I thank all staff, students and carers for their efforts and support during this busy time.
An important part of providing and maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students is to ensure that students are accounted for at all times throughout the day. Could I please remind parents and carers that when providing permission for students to be picked up from sport venues on a Tuesday afternoon,that the same process that is in place at school applies to our sports afternoons. That is, if your son or daughter has permission to leave from their offsite sport venue, they are required to provide a note in their Diary, a handwritten request, an email to the Front Office on info@mcccdow.catholic.edu.au or a phone message to the Front Office staff. The Compass portal is currently only for explaining absences, not requesting them and we ask that parents understand the need to follow normal processes regarding this issue.
Last week I mentioned the upcoming parent webinar being presented by David Kobler from Your Choicez. Please refer to the section below and click on the links to register for the evening.
Your Choicez Parent Night Webinar
Tuesday 18 June 6.45pm to 8pm
Mark your calendars for the BRAVE Parenting Web Event, brought to you in partnership with Your Choicez, Tuesday 18th June 6:45pm. Led by David Kobler, an expert in youth development, this event is not to be missed!
David and the Your Choicez team are passionate about helping young people to reach their full potential. This web event will empower parents to help their kids navigate a hypersexualised society and make great choices, stand strong to their convictions, and experience happy healthy, safe relationships.
Join us for an engaging discussion on pressing issues such as the harmful effects of pornography and sexting, expert advice on nurturing positive friendships, mastering the art of discussing taboo topics with your kids, and guiding them to develop a healthy sexual ethic in today's culture.
Gain valuable insights into navigating the challenges of raising children in a hypersexualized society. Learn practical strategies for setting boundaries with technology and social media, and empower your child to make wise choices in their relationships.
Seize the opportunity to shape your child's future—register now!
Good luck to our Year 10 students who will be attending the Macarthur Careers Expo at Menangle Park next Thursday during lessons 1, 2 and 3.
Please be reminded that there is a day swap next Thursday because of Champagnat Day, which will see Thursday operate on Friday’s Day 5 timetable.
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 child's respective Pastoral Advisor or Year Coordinator should you have any questions or require support.
Mr Simon Huntly
First Reading: Exodus 24:3-8; Covenant between God and the Israelites is sealed in blood.
Second Reading: Hebrews 9:11-15; The blood of Christ purifies us.
Gospel: Mark 14:12-16, 22-26; Jesus took bread, broke it and shared it.
Celebrating being Marist - Champagnat Day
Our Marist Characteristics.
All Marist schools live out these five characteristics: In the Way of Mary, Presence, Simplicity, Love of work and Family spirit.
As we lead up to Champagnat Day, each week Monday Moring Prayer and Reflection has focused on each of these. These characteristics inform us about ‘how and why we do things around here’
You may be wondering what these characteristics mean.
The Five Characteristics of being a Marist:
- PRESENCE
We care for young people
We are attentive and welcoming
We earn the trust of others and we foster openness - SIMPLICITY
We are genuine and straightforward
We say what we believe and show it
We are honest before God and ourselves
We seek humility and modesty, ‘to do good quietly’
We use simplicity in our teaching - FAMILY SPIRIT
We relate to each other and to young people in our care as the members of a loving family
We undertake to build community
We share life’s successes and failures
We set clear standards of honesty, mutual respect and tolerance
We believe in each student’s innate goodness, not confusing the person with their actions
We give preferential attention to those whose needs are greatest
We encourage leadership based on collaboration and shared responsibility - LOVE OF WORK
We are people of work, ready to ‘roll up our sleeves’
We work with total confidence in God
We are generous of heart, constant and persevering in our daily work
We encourage our students to discover the dignity of work, a source of self- fulfilment
We view work as a way to bring purpose and meaning to life
We seek to develop strong character and resilience, balanced moral conscience and solid values
We foster motivation and teamwork
- IN THE WAY OF MARY
We see Mary as a perfect model of the Marist educator – as an exemplar of the Christian life, as mother, as one who praised God
We see Mary as a woman on a journey of Faith
We believe Mary had a difficult life and had ‘dust on her feet’
We consciously bring a Marial dimension to our teaching by prayer, imitating Mary’s tenderness, strength and constancy of faith
All of these help us to "make Jesus known and loved".
Last week, I included the Religious Education Strand Statements. This week, I am including the new unit overviews.
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Year 7 Affirming Human Dignity |
Scripture teaches that we are all made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). This belief informs much of the Catholic Church’s social and moral teaching and shapes our understanding of human relationships. In this unit students will be encouraged to deepen their understanding of the human person; the inherent dignity and equality of all people and Christian moral decision making. |
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Year 8 Alive in Christ |
Every baptised person has an ongoing responsibility to follow Jesus’ way of life in their thoughts, words and actions. In this unit students will investigate the counter-cultural nature of Jesus’ ministry and how his actions reflect the love of God. They will reflect upon the call to be an authentic witness to a life of faith. |
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Year 9 Biblical Writing |
In this unit students will explore the Bible as the unfolding story of our relationship with God by examining the Bible as a collection of sacred books which contain the truth of God’s revelation as written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They will become familiar with a range of literary forms in both the Old and New Testaments. Students will read passages in the contexts in which they were written, explaining their features and purpose to interpret the whole message of the Scriptures with a view to its heart and mystery. |
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Year 10 Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue
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Though all religions seek to understand and make sense of the world and our place in it, they each have a distinct set of beliefs and practices that help their believers to do so. This unit allows students to explore the emergence of diverse expressions that exist within Christianity and the beliefs and practices of the Abrahamic traditions. Students will also be encouraged to develop an appreciation of the importance of ecumenical and interfaith dialogue as ways for religious believers to work together in promoting understanding and acceptance. |
Year 11 2025 Course Selection Process
Next week Year 10 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.
Parents and students of Year 10 a reminder that the Year 11 2025 Course Selection Information Evening is coming up on Wednesday 19 June 2024. From 6:30pm, KLA Coordinators and specialist teachers will be available in the Champagnat Centre to answer questions regarding the courses that they have on offer. At 7:00pm, members of the College Leadership Team will present information on patterns of study (ATAR/non-ATAR), HSC expectations and the process of selecting courses for 2025. Students will also receive their personalised Course Eligibility Letter.
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.
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TERM 2 |
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| Week 6 |
Year 12 05/06/2024: 12 Numeracy 05/06/2024: 12 Biology 06/06/2024: 12 Mathematics Standard 1 05/06/2024: 12 Mathematics Standard 2 05/06/2024: 12 SLR Year 11 03/06/2024: 11 Photography,Video & Digital Imaging (1 unit) 03/06/2024: 11 Biology Year 9 Year 9 Catholic Studies - See Assessment Notification for specific dates Year 9 PDHPE - See Assessment Notification for specific dates Year 9 Mathematics Core - See Assessment Notification for specific dates Year 9 Mathematics Paths - See Assessment Notification for specific dates Year 7 Year 7 Music - See Assessment Notification for specific dates |
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| Week 7 |
Year 12 11/6/2024: 12 Work Studies 11/6/2024: 12 English Advanced 11/6/2024: 12 English Standard 11/6/2024: 12 English Studies 13/6/2024: 12 Business Studies 13/6/2024: 12 Modern History Year 11 12/6/2024: 11 Work Studies (2 unit) 13/6/2024: 11 Investigating Science 14/6/2024: 11 Mathematics Extension 1 14/6/2024: 11 Community and Family Studies Year 10 12/6/2024: 10 Mathematics 5.1 12/6/2024: 10 Mathematics 5.2 12/6/2024: 10 Mathematics 5.3 Year 9 Year 9 Industrial Technology Timber - See Assessment Notification for specific dates Year 8 Year 8 Catholic Studies - See Assessment Notification for specific dates |
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Leader of Learning - Curriculum Pedagogy & Leader of Learning - Curriculum Administration
As we enter the latter half of Term 2, we face a time when assessments, changing weather, sporting commitments, and various other pressures can put additional stress on our bodies. It's crucial to recognise the early signs of fatigue and anxiety and to implement strategies to manage the daily demands of our lives effectively. The College Diary offers helpful tips for stress management on page 33 in both the senior and junior editions.
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How to Support your Child During Exams Date: 5 June @ 6.30pm (AEST) |
Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:
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Thank you for your ongoing support of the College and your children.
Mrs Theresa Moore Miss Rebecca Toogood
Acting Pastoral Care & Wellbeing Coordinator
Last Sunday I listened to the ABC radio program The Minefield hosted by academics Scott Stephens and Waleed Aly. The Minefield is a thoughtful exploration of social, cultural, and ethical issues which make up the complexities of our modern world. This week’s program entitled ‘If chatbots are polluting the commons of human communication, what are the moral consequences?’ centres on the considerable human costs associated with artificial intelligence on our social, cultural and educational fabric. Often the two commentators – Stephens and Aly – are quite diametrically opposed in their thinking. However, this week, both academics were urging an intelligent and moral response. Instead of being seduced by promises of convenience and efficiency, they privileged the preservation of critical and creative thinking, cognitive rigour, and a rich interior life.
Two comments made by Stephens on The Minefield were particularly relevant. One was in reference to ‘the terror some people feel when confronted with a blank page’. The other comment concerned the ‘intellectually indispensable moment’ when one manages to put text down on this blank page. Whilst ‘terror’ is a strong term, I certainly remember the angst felt when waiting for inspiration, pen in hand and a blank page looking back at me. I also remember though the incredible exhilaration when suddenly the ideas and words started to flow, and my opening paragraph appeared on the page. A quick response to this momentary discomfort today – in classrooms and in workplaces – often results in letting AI do the writing for you. Stephens and Aly urge educators to think smarter than this.
Writing pedagogies have improved over the years, and teachers are encouraged to give students multiple opportunities to engage in low stakes writing activities regularly in all curriculum subjects. My Year 9 English class write at the beginning of every lesson and the benefits of this, along with the reading of quality literature, has resulted in the creation of confident and competent writers who use language to convey ideas and emotions with power and precision. This regular writing practice, fuelled by reading good writers and being exposed to quality teaching, has enabled these students to see themselves as writers capable of sophisticated thought and creativity. The vast text production industry is a mediocre substitute for such acquired knowledge, skill development and collective self-efficacy.
Clare Murphy
English Coordinator and Literacy Instructional Coach
Another dry week allowed multiple sporting events to proceed during week 5. On Tuesday, we had round 4 of MISA, and on Monday, the Mount Carmel Diocesan Cross Country team travelled to Nowra to compete against the top runners in the Wollongong Diocese. Congratulations to our students who performed exceptionally well in the Diocesan Cross Country, earning selection to the Wollongong team for the NSWCCC Championships on June 5. In week 6, we are hosting Freeman Catholic College in round 4 of the Bill Turner Trophy teams. Good luck to Miss Heath and the girls in their bid to reach the semi-finals of the regional competition.
On Monday, May 27, Mount Carmel participated in the Diocesan Cross Country Championships held at the Wilandra Cross Country Track. The course was notably challenging with its hilly terrain, but the weather was ideal for running, contributing to a day of impressive performances. Among the outstanding results, Zoe Bruce secured second place in the 16 years female category, showcasing her exceptional endurance and speed. In the 14 years boys category, Petar Spyropolous finished a commendable fifth, while Ethan Littlewood achieved fourth place in the 16 years male category. Additionally, Daniel Lill triumphed in the 17+ male multiclass category, earning first place. These remarkable achievements highlighted the dedication and skill of Mount Carmel's athletes.
MISA Term 2; Round 4
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Sport |
Result |
MVP | Short Report |
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Netball Years 11-12 PONT
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VS MAG Win 36-5 |
The Entire Team | The girls came onto the court focused and ready to play. They worked hard for each other and moved the ball up and down the court effortlessly. Krystal and Sienna once again shot brilliantly and rebounded with confidence. Rebecca, Liesl and Isabella. A worked effectively as a defensive unit in the opposition’s circle with perfect timing and communication. Isabella N and Taylah were once again solid in the mid court constantly offering and being available when required. An all round great team effort - good job girls. |
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Basketball Years 7-9 Girls HOBR
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VS THAC Win 26-19 |
Carla Bosco | The junior girls basketball team secured another victory this week, triumphing over Thomas Hassal with a final score of 26-19. Carla was awarded MVP for her exceptional performance in both offence and defence, contributing crucial points that upheld the team's lead throughout the game. The team plans to use the bye next week to work on their skills, teamwork and to devise a strategic plan, so that they can continue their winning streak as they head into semi-finals. |
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Basketball Years 7-9 Boys RODC
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VS THAC Loss 57-41 |
Cooper Scott | The boys put in a great effort against a tough team. As we settled into the game and began to move the ball around we showed that we could contend with the top team in the comp. Mid way through the second half we had narrowed their lead to 5 points, but unfortunately ran out of steam in the last 10 minutes. The boys should be commended on their team spirit and great sportsmanship with which they played the game. |
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Indoor Cricket Years 10-12 Girls OCOB
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VS MCCC Win 64-36 |
Alisha Philip |
The girls have had three wins from three games so far this season and were hoping to keep the streak going. Losing the toss the girls were sent into bowl first. There was some incredible bowling from Alisha Philip who got four wickets from her spell. MCCC were able to keep St Pat’s to 36 runs with an outstanding catch on the last ball by Jessica McMillan. Having to chase a total for the first time the girls were unsure of the tactics at play. However they quickly found their feet and were able to post a solid total of 64 runs with some fantastic batting from Rhianna Gascoine. Well done to the girls for another great win. |
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Frisbee Years 7-9 Mixed MARP |
VS MAG Win 14-9 |
Lenny D'Orazio & Olivia Amador | The MISA 7-9 frisbee team had a fantastic win against Magdalene with a final score of 14-9. They showed great tenacity and composure in spite of controversy on the field resulting in admirable team coordination. |
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Softball Years 10-12 Boys KING |
VS JTCC Loss 6-5 |
Joshua Dennis |
After leading for most of the game and dominating play, the boys were unfortunately denied a win, losing the second innings 6-5 in a close match against John Therry Catholic College. Parker Cameron had another outstanding game with some lethal pitching and a fantastic home run. The player of the match was undoubtedly Joshua Dennis, who excelled as catcher, putting his body on the line several times to prevent John Therry from stealing bases. It was a frustrating end to a dominant performance. Fingers crossed for a win next week. |
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Rugby League U16's ABRN |
VS STP Draw 16-16 |
Olivia Lau'i |
A great result against the St Pat’s team, coming away with a draw. It was another solid game from the girls today, finishing strong and with so much more to give. Olivia was fantastic in her offensive and defensive plays. She was unstoppable and made some great breaks to help the team score and send the St Pat’s girls cowering when she had possession. Tries were awarded to Nakira, Fua and Shante x2 who never fail to give 100% effort. Next week we will be fired up during our warm up and we will bring that to the game so we can improve on our results. Well done girls! |
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Rugby League Year 10-12 Boys HARK |
VS SBCC Win 14-12 |
Nic Lalic & Vili Mapa |
We went into the game with little expectation with lots of injuries and absences. The leftover squad in typical Mount Carmel fashion, went out onto the field and aimed up to everything thrown at them with lots of heads up plays including a one on one strip from Preston Gallant. Our other experienced players did everything they could to keep the scoreboard ticking over with Brody Taateo having a hand in all of our 3 tries. Paul Mikaele kicked a conversion from the sideline that proved the difference in a tight 14-12 win. In amongst this our MVPs Vili Mapa and Nic Lalic stood their ground and kept pushing them back all the way to the end and made strong runs to lay the platform for opportunities to score. Nic also came away with a try of his own. Well done to the team and we look forward to having more players back next week. |
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Football Years 11-12 Boys KAWR |
VS THAC Loss 2-1 |
Connor de Lepervanche | Filled with hope, the boys went out firing against a very strong and technical side in THAC. The boys went 1-0 up within 10 minutes of the match with a very well executed strike from Cooper Harrison from outside the box. The boys lack of fitness started to show as gaps in our defensive line started to emerge. THAC equalised with a deflected shot at goal before the break. The boys kept their shape much better in the second half however a soft penalty was awarded against us in the last two minutes of the match giving THAC the lead which won them the match. Congratulations to all the boys with their efforts this week, onto next week. |
3 June: Round 4 Bill Turner Trophy
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 |
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.
John Therry Catholic College
Mount Carmel School Bus Routes
Transit Systems (formerly Interline) school bus route timetable is available via this 2024_Transit_Bus_Timetable.pdf. Contact phone number is 8118 7102. This timetable now in includes the Willowdale transit routes.
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.