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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
Over the next two weeks we celebrate the feast of the Ascension of Jesus and Pentecost. These two significant weekends in the church help us to understand the divine nature of Jesus and the tremendous gift that He has given us by ensuring that we are supported by the Holy Spirit. The story of Pentecost describes the spirit entering the locked room when the apostles were at their most anxious and fearful. The spirit came upon them like tongues of fire. I often think this is like the lightbulb moment that I saw in cartoons whilst I was a child. The lightbulb was a symbol of an epiphany or a thought that had suddenly been understood. The apostles then went out and spoke in the language of those listening. The miracle was that they finally understood and were able to share God’s message in a way that those around them could also understand. If we are able to use the gift of the Holy Spirit to share the wisdom of God’s love to those around us, we will be emulating the apostles and the celebration of Pentecost.
Congratulations to our Senior Netball team who represented Mount Carmel at the national Marist competition in Adelaide during the week. These students represented us with pride and the positive approach and teamwork upon which Mount Carmel has been founded. A big thank you to Ms Armour and Ms Pontin who accompanied them and looked after them during the competition.
Over the last few weeks, we have been encouraging members of the community to provide feedback in the form of the Tell Them From Me survey. This closed today with 80 staff, 80 parents and almost 900 students responding. This will give us valuable feedback that we will explore over the next few weeks. As it becomes available, I will share some of the results. Thank you to those who took the time to give us your feedback.
Tomorrow night our Community Service students will host their celebration of their work and rehearsals with the Community Service Ball. 18 students have been working toward this for the past few months and are eagerly awaiting the festivity. Thank you to Mrs Pearce and her dedicated team of staff who have been planning and preparing for this. Hopefully, we will have some photos to share through our social media.
Last Tuesday we held our Term 2 P&F meeting at the College. Once again Ms Giles and I explained what has been occurring around the College and what is coming up. There was also the opportunity for parents to ask questions and make suggestions. I was privileged to thank the P&F for their financial support for our new electronic noticeboard, student leisure tables and baby grand piano. We were also able to demonstrate the capability of the new signage. Again, a huge thank you to the parents for your ongoing support.
Later this term (From Thursday Week 8 – June 19) until the start of week 2 next term (Monday July 28) I will be on a short leave break. During these periods, Ms Giles will be Acting Principal and Mr Huntly Acting Assistant Principal. Please feel free to contact them with any concerns or congratulations that you feel worth noting. Again, I thank them for accepting these roles during my absence.
Ite in Veritate
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
The Importance of Community Events at MCCC
From next week until the end of this term, Mount Carmel has several important community events:
- Friday 6 June: Champagnat Day
- Wednesday 11 June: Parent Library Evening
- Wednesday 18 June: College Photo Day
- Wednesday 18 June: Year 11 2026 Course Information Evening
- Thursday 19 June: College Athletics Carnival
- Monday 30 June, Thursday 3 July, Friday 4 July: Year 7-10 Parent/Teacher Interviews
Community events are important for several reasons, both socially and educationally. They provide students, staff, and families with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and foster a stronger sense of belonging. In essence, community days and events are more than just a break from the norm—they’re a crucial part of cultivating a supportive and thriving school environment.
We ask all students to ensure their usual high attendance is prioritised just as much on these community days as for all other days. Significantly these events:
- Build School Spirit and Unity - By encouraging pride in the school and a sense of identity. They also help break down social barriers between grade levels, cliques, or different student groups.
- Promote Inclusion and Belonging - Students who might feel isolated can find community and common ground, whilst they also help foster and encourage respect and understanding amongst a diverse student body.
- Strengthen Relationships - By providing a relaxed, non-academic setting for students and staff to interact to build positive relationships that can carry into the classroom.
- Reduce Stress and Boost Mental Health - Through offering a break from academic pressure and routine and providing opportunities for activities like games, performances, or outdoor events promoting well-being.
- Support Personal Growth and Leadership - Students are provided experiences to help organize or lead events, developing valuable skills through teamwork, planning, problem-solving, and communication.
- Reinforce School Values and Culture - By reinforcing the school’s mission as a Christ centred community, providing opportunities for excellence beyond academics.
Stay safe, keep well, go gently.
Ms Samantha Giles
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The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Saturday 31st May The Feast of the Visitation recalls the moment when Mary, carrying Jesus in her womb, travelled in haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was also expecting a child. The Hail Mary prayer includes words from the Gospel of Luke moment: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” This feast celebrates Mary’s humility, joyful service, and deep faith, and calls us to bring Christ to others through love, presence, and action. |
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The Ascension of the Lord; Sunday 1st June After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples over 40 days, teaching and preparing them for their mission. On the fortieth day, He ascended into heaven before their eyes, returning to the Father. The Ascension is a celebration of hope, reminding us that Christ reigns with God and that we, too, are called to eternal life with Him. The Gospel of Luke records His words before ascending: “You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you.” This feast celebrates Christ’s return to the Father in glory and reminds us of our call to live with hope, share the Good News, and prepare our hearts for the coming of the Holy Spirit. |
In Week 6, as we celebrate the feast of St Marcellin Champagnat, we remember his call to “love one another” and to carry light into the world—not with perfection, but with love, resilience, and trust in God’s presence.
To be a pilgrim of hope means choosing light in dark places, not because life is perfect, but because we believe it can be better. It’s helping a friend, staying kind when you're tired, and beginning again after failure. Hope is practical. It’s lived in small, courageous acts of love.
As Marists, we find hope not in comfort, but in real life, through shared meals, quiet prayers, laughter, tears, and getting our hands dirty for others. That’s where God meets us. That’s where hope lives.
All funds raised through the donations we collect go towards Australian Marist Solidarity, to help with the work of the Marists around the world, specifically in the Solomon Islands in 2025.
Year 8 Encounter Day
In Week 4, our Year 8 students came together for a meaningful Encounter Day centred on the theme “YOU are Called.” The day invited students to deepen their understanding of their faith and reflect on how they are personally called by God.
Guided by the Marist Characteristics of Family Spirit and In the Way of Mary, students explored how to live out these values in their relationships and daily lives. Through group activities and prayer, they strengthened their sense of community and connection to the Marist story.
In keeping with our Carmelite tradition, students participated in Lectio Divina, a reflective form of prayer focused on Scripture. They reflected on the mission of Peter and his call to discipleship, considering how they too are called to follow Christ. As part of their reflection, students decorated and planted symbolic items, expressing their faith through creativity and care for creation.
It was a day of prayer, reflection, and growth, encouraging each student to listen to God’s call and respond with faith and purpose.
Mrs Kristina Borg
Acting REC
Year 11 2026 Course Selection
Year 10 will commence the Year 11 2026 Course Selection Process in the coming weeks. Please be aware there are two significant events in the process that involve parent/carer and student attendance:
Wednesday 18 June 2025; Term 2, Week 8 - Course Selection Information Evening
Wednesday 6 August 2025; Term 3, Week 3 - Course Selection Interviews
The Course Selection Handbook will be available electronically in Week 5. This booklet will outline each course that the College will offer for students to consider in developing their preferences for course selection.
In Week 5, Year 10 students will receive some introductory documents for Year 11 2026 Course Selection via google classroom. Students are encouraged to read these documents with their parents/carers.
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 (Vocational Education (VET) Coordinator) can also assist in answering any questions about School-Based Apprenticeships (SBAT), TAFE VET (TVET) or External VET (EVET) 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.
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TERM 2 |
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| Week 6 |
Year 12 04/06/2025 VET:Construction 04/06/2025 VET:Hospitality 04/06/2025 Investigating Science 04/06/2025 Legal Studies 05/06/2025 SLR2 Year 11 03/06/2025 Biology 04/06/2025 Photography, Video & Digital Imaging (1 unit) 05/06/2025 Visual Arts Year 9 Mathematics Core and Paths - See assessment notification for specific date Year 7 Catholic Studies - See assessment notification for specific date Music - See assessment notification for specific date |
| Week 7 |
11/06/2025 Business Studies 11/06/2025 Work Studies 12/06/2025 Modern History 13/06/2025 English Advanced 13/06/2025 English Standard 13/06/2025 English Studies 12/06/2025 Studies of Religion I 12/06/2025 Work Studies (2 unit) 13/06/2025 Health & Movement Science 13/06/2025 Investigating Science 13/06/2025 Sport, Lifestyle & Recreation (2 unit) Year 8 Catholic Studies - See assessment notification for specific date |
| Week 8 |
Year 12 16/06/2025 Community & Family Studies 17/06/2025 Mathematics Extension 2 17/06/2025 Physics 18/6/2025 Industrial Technology:Timber 20/06/2025 PDHPE Year 11 17/06/2025 Spanish Beginners 18/06/2025 English Advanced 18/06/2025 English Standard 18/06/2025 English Studies 19/06/2025 Studies in Catholic Thought 20/06/2025 Mathematics Standard 1 20/06/2025 Mathematics Standard 2 20/06/2025 Ancient History 20/06/2025 VET: Construction 20/06/2025 VET: Hospitality |
Ms Chardy Miller & Mr Jay Hagan
Leader of Learning - Curriculum Pedagogy & Leader of Learning - Curriculum Administration
As we enter the second part of the term, it represents another period of time where the demands of assessments, changing weather, sporting commitments and a range of other pressures often place our bodies under more stress than usual. It is important that we can identify when we are beginning to show signs of fatigue or stress and implement strategies which will allow us to manage the day to day demands in our lives. The College Diary includes a section on page 33 of both the senior and junior diaries which provides some basic tips for assisting with stress management.
As we enter the second part of the term, it represents another period of time where the demands of assessments, changing weather, sporting commitments and a range of other pressures often place our bodies under more stress than usual. It is important that we can identify when we are beginning to show signs of fatigue or stress and implement strategies which will allow us to manage the day to day demands in our lives. The College Diary includes a section on page 33 of both the senior and junior diaries which provides some basic tips for assisting with stress management.
As part of our ongoing association with Elevate Education, next week’s Webinar has a focus on exam preparation. Please click on the link below to register for this presentation.
Free Parent Webinar: Helping Your Child Prepare for Exams
Live Parent Webinar: How You Can Help Your Child Prepare for Exams
Wednesday 4 June
6:30-7:30pm (AEST)
With live time for Q&A at the end
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Prepare your child for the final week before any test or assessment Support your child in establishing a good routine the night before Help your child to perform better in their exam |
VaccinationsThanks to all parents and students of Year 10 for their cooperation with the annual Vaccinations that took place on Thursday May 22. The new online system that has been rolled out by NSW Health over the past couple of years is beginning to take some traction and the feedback from the NSW Health Staff was extremely positive in terms of takeup by our school community. For those Year 10 students who did not get vaccinated, they can still do so on August 21, which is scheduled for Year 7 students. Year 7 Vaccinations will take place on 21 August Click on the image below to take you to the NSW Health link.  |
Upcoming Events
Champagnat Day - Friday 6 June. Thanks to all Pastoral Classes and Assistant Year Coordinators in anticipation for their contribution with the various stalls that are being organised for the day.
School Photos - Wed June 19. Catch up day will be Thursday June 26th. Please ensure that your son/daughter is compliant with the College Uniform and Grooming policy in order for their photos to be taken. Information regarding ordering and payment for photos will be communicated to parents through Compass.
Athletics Carnival - Thursday June 19. Refer to Mr Webb’s Sport section for further details.
Year 7 & 8 Brainstorm Production Friday June 20 - Verbal Combat Anti-bullying presentation.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact your son or daughter’s pastoral advisor, year coordinator or the front office should you have any concerns or needs relating to their learning or wellbeing.
Mr Simon Huntly & Mrs Theresa Moore
Pastoral Care & Wellbeing Coordinators
Champagnat Day Currency
The Champagnat Day currency is a special school currency that allows students to purchase items at the market stalls and support the Marist Asia Pacific Solidarity program. By students purchasing this special currency, proceeds that are donated to Marist Asia Pacific Solidarity go towards:
- supporting communities across the Asia Pacific region, making a difference on a global scale.
- contributing to the Marist programs that uplift and empower local communities.
- focusing on educational initiatives, providing access to quality learning opportunities for those in need.
Currency can be purchased via COMPASS. Information has been provided via COMPASS for how to pre-purchase currency amounts for their child to utilise on the day. Online purchases close Sunday 1 June 2025. Families who would prefer their young person to make currency purchases with EFTPOS facilities or cash, can do so as an alternative option this coming week, Monday to Thursday during lunch. Tokens will need to be collected by Thursday 5 June.
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.