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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
“Make more and more progress in the kind of life that you are meant to live” (1:Thess 3:12-4:2). This quote from the second reading this weekend, relates to living a clean life according to the direction given by Jesus. It also however has a message about using the talents that God has given each of us to improve our world and reach our own personal levels of excellence. This is once again relevant as I reflect on the achievements of our students and staff since writing my last newsletter.
Over the past few weeks there have been a number of exceptional results for Mount Carmel students in their various pursuits of excellence. In the following paragraphs, I am proud to reflect on notable achievements in; academics, culture, sport, spirituality and community. We have been regularly publishing these on our Facebook and Instagram sites and I encourage you to follow these for some fantastic pictures.
We were notified earlier this week that Liam Tannoury has been successful in his English Extension 2 Major HSC work being included in the Young Writer’s Showcase for 2024. This is an exceptionally difficult standard to achieve and is a reflection of Liam’s hard work and talents. It is also a wonderful reflection of the support that he was given by staff over the past six years and especially Mrs Murphy in his English course. A huge congratulations to Liam on such an achievement.
On Friday Nov 15, our students competed in the Haka Warriors PCYC championship held at Homebush. This included 480 students from students from across 14 high schools and is a celebration of cultural dance from Pasifika youth. In the words of Mrs Abra – their coach – students were “Performing with boundless energy and commitment, they captivated the audience and judges, winning several prestigious 
awards, including "Best Samoan" and "Best Haka," securing their place as the overall champions”. Congratulations to the students and Mrs Abra for a great success following five months of intensive preparation and practice.
Soon after this success, our College choir, Bollywood dancers and individual performers travelled to the University of Wollongong for the Illuminate Festival which is a showcase of Creative and Performing Arts from across the Diocese. There were a number of people who commented on the depth of talent and skills from our students and the positive way that they represented our college. Another congratulations to these fine students and especially to Mr Follett who coordinated and worked with our students for an excellent exhibition.
Also on Friday, our sport high achievers were recognised with awards at the Diocesan Sports awards. These are the students who have represented at the highest level and have made diocesan and state and national teams. There will be more on these individual results in the sport section and I am very proud of the efforts and contributions of these students.
On Thursday a number of our students completed training to be catechists in our local state primary schools. The students will work in these schools next year to help to make Jesus known and loved. They are truly representative of the spiritual commitment of the College and were commended by the trainers on their enthusiasm and efforts.
On Wednesday evening, we welcomed our newest members with the Year 7, 2025 orientation evening. These students attended the College today to have a small taste of who we are and what we are about. The feedback was very positive, and I look forward to the class of 2030 joining us at the start of next year.
In Week 5 the last Parents and Friends meeting for 2024 was held. At this meeting, the P&F generously agreed to funding some new seating and contributing to digital signage in our COLA area. These are significant donations and I thank all parents for your support. A very special thank you to the P&F executive who have supported the College with their attendance at meetings and advice and encouragement throughout 2024.
Ite in Veritate
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
Dear parents and students
Blessing & Opening of STEM Block
This Wednesday 4 December is a special day in the history of Mount Carmel Catholic College as we celebrate the blessing and opening of our new STEM block. Leading the ceremony will be Bishop Brian along with many local, state and federal members of parliament, dignitaries from the Catholic Education Office of Wollongong and the Capital Block Grant.
As a Christ centred community that focuses on opportunities for excellence for all students, our opening and blessing ceremony provides both these things – an opportunity to connect and celebrate our values and rituals as a Catholic community through the blessing ceremony and an opportunity for students to strive for excellence in STEM with the official opening of the facilities.
Most importantly the people who will be using these facilities every day, our staff and students, play an important part in being present and engaging in this special day.
Students are therefore asked to be:
- In attendance on the day (as per any other day)
- Punctual and arrive at school on time ready for pastoral time at 8:45am
- Wearing their full summer school uniform on the day
- Attentive to all grooming expectations
PDHPE and sport uniform should be brought separately and changed into after the ceremony if required.
A more detailed outline of the morning will be shared with students on Monday, so students are aware in advance in changes of bell times and lessons.
Stay safe, go gently, take care.
Ms Samantha Giles
| Advent Commences | |
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First Sunday of Advent Year C First Reading Jeremiah 33:14-16 The day is coming when the Lord will fulfil his promises. Second Reading 1 Thessalonians 3:12 - 4:2 Conduct yourself in a way pleasing to God. Gospel Luke 21:25-28. 34-36 Be ready for the second coming. |
Second Sunday of Advent Year C First Reading Baruch 5:1-9 Take off your robe of mourning, put on the splendour of glory. Second Reading Phillippians 1:3-6. 8-11 He who has begun the good work in you will bring it to completion. Gospel Juke 3:1-6 John the Baptist proclaims a baptism of repetance. |
What is Advent?
Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year in the Church. It is a time of waiting with expectant hope. We wait for the coming of our Savior and we remember when he first came into our world. It begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas.
Each week we light a candle on our Advent wreath, recognizing the gifts that have been given to us and for us to see that we go from darkness into light.
December 1 - First Sunday of Advent (purple candle - Hope)
December 8 - Second Sunday of Advent (purple candle – Peace)
December 15 - Third Sunday of Advent (pink candle – Joy)
December 22 - Fourth Sunday of Advent (purple candle - Love)
Why Is Advent Important?
Advent can be a simple and fun tradition of counting down to Christmas. But for others— particularly those who believe Jesus to be the incarnation of God and the long-awaited Messiah — Advent is a shared experience of meditation and prayer that celebrates the arrival of Jesus.
Who Celebrates Advent?
People from Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and other Christian traditions celebrate Advent, though the specific practices may vary from community to community. Additionally, some people celebrate Advent without the focus on Jesus' arrival, seeing the tradition as a fun way to countdown to Christmas.
How Is Advent Typically Celebrated?
In some traditions, followers of Jesus devote the first two weeks of Advent to remembering Jesus' promise to return and renew Heaven and Earth. Then, during the last two weeks of Advent, these communities focus on the birth of Jesus.
In other traditions, people reflect on the concepts of hope, peace, love, and joy—one for each week leading up to Christmas. People may light Advent candles, prepare unique wreaths, hold special church services, or read specific Scriptures each day to reflect on the arrival of Jesus on Earth.
Mrs Christine Meharg
The past week has seen a variety of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing activities take place. Today saw our Year 7 cohort for 2025 participate in the annual Orientation Day. Students were formally introduced to their new House peers and engaged in a program that involved some literacy and numeracy testing in preparation for next year, a taste of subject experiences in Science, Technology, Creative Arts and PDHPE, and a tour of the College with all finished upgrades for the first time. Many thanks to Ms Armour, the staff from the various KLA groups that conducted sessions and our Year 9 & 10 helpers who assisted with the smooth running of the day. Thanks also to our incoming Year 7 students for the enthusiasm and cooperation that they demonstrated throughout the day. This was the culmination of a big week for our incoming Year 7, who attended a parent information night on Wednesday. Thanks again to Ms Armour, Miss Miller and the Front Office staff for their organisation of these important events.
At the other end of the year group spectrum our College Captains and Vice Captains attended the annual Bishop’s Leadership Retreat at Mittagong over the past 3 days. This initiative allowed the student leaders from across the Diocesan High Schools to listen and engage in leadership presentations from a range of guest speakers, including Bishop Brian Mascord. Thanks to Mrs Pearce for accompanying our leaders over the past 3 days.
Also earlier today Avila House celebrated their founders day with a Liturgy and fundraising activities to raise money for St. Vincent de Paul. A heartfelt thanks to Mr Sullivan, the Avila House Captains and pastoral staff for their work in ensuring that the recognition of St Teresa of Avila was a resounding success.
Earlier in the week, the extreme heat that we incurred was a timely reminder about some of the risks that we may be confronted with in the upcoming summer. MISA sport was cancelled on Tuesday and the outdoor areas of the College were closed at lunchtime to minimise the risk of students suffering from heat exhaustion. Catholic Schools NSW has an extreme heat policy that recommends that al;l outdoor activities cease once the temperature reaches 36 degrees. At this point in time, the College will continue to follow this recommendation. It is also important that students also ensure that they are appropriately hydrated and have their College Cap with them to prevent both long and short term problems associated with heat and exposure to Ultraviolet radiation.
Further to that, could we also please remind students and families who depart the school from Spitfire Drive each afternoon that the Traffic Island adjacent to the front gate is not a designated pedestrian crossing and students need to cross the road with caution. We ask that students and carers be patient and aware, especially during the afternoon pick-up.
Before our next edition in Week 9, Year 10 will be participating in Team Building activities at The Tops, All my own work and Elevate Education Study Skills presentations on December 9, 10 and 11. The College will be conducting our annual Sports Awards Assembly on Friday 13 December and Years 7-10 will hear from the Local Police Liaison Officer regarding Cybersafety. Information regarding these events will be communicated through Compass.
As is always the case, should you have any issues regarding your son or daughter’s learning and wellbeing, please contact their respective Year Coordinator or the College Office.
Mr Simon Huntly & Mrs Theresa Moore
Pastoral Care & Wellbeing Coordinators
eSafety Commission: Free Webinars for Parents and Carers
eSafety 101: How eSafety can help
Wednesday 4 December, 12.30 pm AEDT;
An overview of the eSafety Commisioner, and supporting programs and resources for parents and carers, children, and young people.
Around the Grounds
Hello MCCC Community! We've had a couple of big weeks of MISA action that have helped keep Mount Carmel Catholic College in the hunt for the MISA Overall Championship. With multiple strong results, the competition is going down to the wire in a close battle between us and John Therry. We have managed to secure 3 grand final sports in MISA Boys and Girls Volleyball and Mixed Ultimate Frisbee. Unfortunately due to the hot weather on Tuesday we missed out on the chance to qualify for some other grand finals as outdoor sports were cancelled. Find detailed reports from round 5 and semi finals below. On Friday the 13 December Mount Carmel will be hosting its annual sports assembly to recognise the efforts of our excellent athletes throughout the 2024 sporting year. Parents and guardians of major award winners will be invited early next week to help celebrate the achievements.
The 27th Annual CDF Diocesan Sports Awards, held on Friday, 15 November at St Mary Star of the Sea College in Wollongong, was a night of celebration, inspiration, and sporting excellence. Mount Carmel was fortunate to have 7 students nominated for awards for their amazing achievements from Diocesan Sporting pathway events. Award winners include Ava Antala, Parker Cameron, Daniel Lill, Izach Saalea-Morgan, Ethan Littlewood, Nathan Williams and Liesl Hopoate. Pictured receiving their awards are Liesl, Daniel and Ethan. Congratulations to our students on a successful year and we are very proud to have them as Mount Carmel students.
Term 4 MISA Results
Semi Final 26 November
|
Sport |
Result |
MVP | Short Report |
|
Indoor Cricket Years 7-9 Boys SULLJ |
vs STP Loss 73-51 |
Brendan Dias |
The boys put together a valiant performance this week against the team to beat, Magdalene Catholic College but unfortunately came up short. A game which was quite even on balance, however numerous dropped catches from our boys and lots of quick singles from the Magdalene boys allowed the opposition to make more runs than what they should have. Some big hitting from the MCCC boys was not enough to reach the large total of 73 set by the boys from Magdalene. This was the first loss of the term for the MCCC boys and they were very keen to direct their attention to next week's match and get back to winning ways! |
|
Volleyball Years 10-12 OCOB |
vs BAC Win 3-0 |
Shaun Vincent Vicente |
The boys were keen for a win today to remain undefeated and take them through to the grand final next week. The first set was won convincingly with some outstanding set pieces and big plays from Carlos Brown and Sebastian Ratajczak. The boys were keen to finish the match with a second set win were a bit shaky at the beginning going down 5-0. The game continued with BAC maintaining their lead. With the score at 20-15 a timeout was called to settle the nerves. The boys bounced back with some satisfying, self assured, sassy and self-disciplined serving from the one and only Shaun Vincent Vicente. The boys took the 2nd set 25-23 and ultimately the match. Congratulations to the boys for another solid win. Good luck next week in the grand final. |
|
Volleyball Years 10-12 Girls NIMM |
vs BAC Win 2-1 |
Monte Sauvao |
The MCCC girls entered their semi-final match determined to extend their undefeated streak and started strong with excellent serves and teamwork. Broughton Anglican College fought hard but couldn’t match MCCC’s solid display, losing the first set. Monte Sauvao shone in the second set with strong net play, blocking opposition attacks and leading the defense. The team’s communication and skill saw them dominate and close out the match in straight sets, securing a spot in the final. MVP honors went to Monte Sauvao for her standout serving, defense, and all-around performance. Fantastic work girls. Best of luck next week in the final! |
Round 5 - 19 November
|
Sport |
Result |
MVP | Short Report |
|
Softball Years 7-9 Girls PONT |
vs STP Loss 6-3 |
Emilia Rennert |
Despite the lack of preparation the girls all went out onto the diamond ready to play. The first innings saw us get three girls home. This was achieved through smart play, big hits and effective strategy. Our pitchers were on fire with both Lyla and Emilia striking out multiple players. An all round team effort that saw the girls in action both in bat and field. Well done. |
|
AFL Years 7-9 Boys KAWA |
vs JTCC Loss 55-49 |
Brayden Croke |
The boys were determined this week to put in a solid performance against competition frontrunners JT. The boys started the game in blistering pace taking a 18-3 lead after 5 minutes. JT started to find some quick plays and slowly turned the game around before half time. The boys were fighting until the end when the game finished 55-49 by a single goal. Congratulations to all the boys involved as they continue to impress and put pressure on each team they face. |
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OzTag Years 7-9 Girls HEAS
|
vs STP Loss 16-3 |
Charlee Yule | It was a tough match against St Pats, unfortunately losing 16-3. Despite the scoreline the girls displayed resilience and Charlee Yule with standout defensive efforts. Looking forward to our final game next week. |
|
Ultimate Frisbee Years 10-12 MARP |
vs OPAC Win 20-5 |
Isaac Ramos | It was an excellent performance to finish the regular season. Mount Carmel was very clinical in offence, and stayed tight in defence. With three minutes to go we were up 20-0, so a few lapses in concentration towards the end can be excused. The goal margin secures first place going into the finals, with 105 points for and only 39 points against. Isaac Ramos and Jayden Kurniawan played outstanding for long stretches of the game, hitting their targets and working hard off the disc. Jessica McMillan played excellent as always, doing deep cuts to help out in the offence. Zoe Bruce and Chelsea Herborn had standout performances in defence this week as well. Barukh Semaia also played excellently today, he has really developed as a player and now plays his position perfectly. All round it was an excellent performance from the team, and if we keep this form we will be firm favourites in the final. Next week will most likely be a rematch of this week, with Oran Park finishing in fourth. We will look to improve on our conversion rate before the final. Well done team. |
|
Volleyball Years 10-12 OCOB |
vs MAS Win 3-0 |
Christian Berry |
The boys came into today’s matchup keen to get a first set win under their belts before finals next week and that’s exactly what they did. There was some ferociously, fresh, fast paced performances from both sides but MCCC provided perfectly, positive, passionate and powerful pieces of perfection to take the win. Congratulations to the boys for finishing undefeated minor premiers in the regular season. Good luck next week in the semi finals!! |
|
Volleyball Years 10-12 Girls NIMM
|
vs MAS Win 2-1 |
Evangeline De Guzman | In today’s clash with Macarthur Anglican, the girls took on a well-organised and determined team. They came out firing in the first set, stringing together impressive plays to take an early lead. The second set saw a few communication hiccups and missed chances, allowing the opposition to level the match. But the girls showed grit and composure in the final set, with Eva De Guzman’s outstanding serving and the team’s sharp plays sealing a well-earned victory. Eva’s consistency, excellent serving and teamwork made her this week’s MVP—great work girls, and best of luck in the semis! |
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 |
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| Date | 9am-11am | 2pm-4pm |
| 9/12/2024 | Open | |
School student travel information for parents and students
School Travel Passes
Applications are now open for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel.
Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.
Students who requir a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.
In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.
Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.
It is a condition of the use of a School Opal card that students must tap on and tap off every trip at an Opal Card Reader, when they travel to and from school. Please refer to the Transport for NSW website for further details. We encourage you to talk to your child and remind them to comply with the Transport NSW requirements.
