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Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students of Mount Carmel,
As always, the Gospels that are read at Mass each Sunday will often have multiple messages that help to guide our lives or give us some direction. In the Gospel last Sunday (Luke 14: 25-33), one of the messages that came out was about setting priorities and using the skills of patience and planning. In the first part of the Gospel, Jesus says that we must be willing to put God before all other things. In the second part, He refers to the builder who plans his tower and makes sure he has enough money to finish it. Reflection and planning is an important method of ensuring that we meet our goals and don’t have to abandon a project half way through. Once we get into the habit of planning, it is one of those things that then comes naturally, but we need to give ourselves the time to stop and do this. Within our faith, this stopping and planning is often an opportunity for God to speak to us and work through us. Taking a calm, considered and thoughtful approach to what we do will often pay dividends far beyond what we expect. I encourage all students to build planning and preparation as well as calmness and reflection into all that they do.
Over the past month or so, the College undertook the Leadership Development process for our Year 11 students. This formally begins with a two day program where the whole group completes activities and builds relationships aimed at developing their skills as leaders. From this, there is the awareness that the whole cohort are leaders within the College and take on the responsibilities associated with this. These days then lead into the students and staff providing input which helps us to select 12 young women and men who will take on the formal leadership portfolios of the Student Representative Council (SRC). Following another day with these students and the outgoing SRC, each of the students is then allocated an area of responsibility that they are asked to take on for the following year. Following this intensive process I have the pleasure of announcing the SRC and their formal roles for 2020:
Captains
- Emma Jones & Jaden Legaspi
Social Justice / Environment
- Beyonce Bennett (VC) & Jordan McManus (VC)
Spirituality
- Jireh Alivio & Anthony Wicks
Academic
- Mia Asuit & Lincoln Atkins
Cultural
- Zarina Pereira & Brandon Tannoury
Sport
- Marlou Mistula & Jayden Brunt
Today, the Year 11 students will begin their Preliminary Examination period. This is an important opportunity for the students to test their knowledge and enhance their skills under exam conditions. Thank you to the staff for their work in preparing these assessments and for the upcoming work in marking and feedback. Good luck to all the students in these exams.
Last Tuesday evening was the last Parents and Friends meeting for Term 3 at the College. The guest speaker was Mr Kripal (Mathematics Coordinator and Numeracy Instructional Coach). He spoke in great detail about maths and numeracy initiatives within the College this year. Thank you to the parents who attended and once again I invite all parents to attend the next meeting on November 12. It was decided that this November meeting will be the last one for the year.
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
Principal
Last Friday 6 September Hannah Booth, Susanne Samaan , Sydney-Julia Vergara, and I (Rachael Vakayil), accompanied by Miss Worthington, travelled to Wollongong to meet with other schools within the Wollongong Diocese. The day started with an icebreaker activity and then the theme of the day, Asylum Seekers and Refugees was introduced. A guest speaker shared his experience as a person seeking refugee and his journey to Australia and his mission as a Priest. This was an insightful experience that opened our eyes to the tragic experiences faced by people fleeing their countries. Religious reasons, drought, famine, and war were just some of the reasons that could drive one from their home.
We also looked at the various social justice initiatives undertaken by other schools, whilst sharing the efforts of MCCC. After presenting, we gained some good ideas which we will consider implementing into current school life and programs. This was a great way to communicate ideas with other schools whilst also aiming to improve the number of opportunities available to students to take up action and give back to the community. Overall we would like to thank Miss Worthington for taking time out of her day to watch over us and to Miss Toogood for giving us this amazing opportunity.
On the 31 August, which was also the pupil free day, 56 students from Years 9-12, attended the LIVE Wollongong Catholic Youth Festival at the Win Entertainment Centre in Wollongong. The day featured many opportunities for students to explore their faith journey including guest speakers, reconciliation, music ministry, seminars and personal reflection opportunities. The students were excellent representatives of the College and have provided testimonials of their experiences.
Student testimonials:
This year's LIVE Festival brought about new and exciting experiences and throughout the day, I continued to feel inspired and empowered. This year's approach was on a much grander scale and it was very heartening to see the large number of students who were willing to give up some of their time in order to encounter God and deepen their faith and spirituality. I really enjoyed the talk presented by Jonathan Doyle regarding mental health, as it is an area I am specifically interested in and the talk inspired me to take action and help those who are experiencing mental health issues. Jonathan's approach was light-hearted and humorous but at the same time, serious and thought-provoking. For me, reconciliation was a very moving experience as it not only encouraged me to confront my immoralities, but it also inspired me to become a better person and I was able to walk away feeling cleansed, stronger than before and knowing that I was forgiven by God.
- Mia Asuit (Year 11)
The LIVE Festival was a chance for everyone to connect and experience God individually, and to hear his calling. Through prayer, worship and reconciliation opportunities available throughout the day, we were given the ability to fully immersed ourselves in the experience of LIVE and to appreciate everything, and everyone in our lives. A highlight of the day for me was the truly inspiring workshop by Jonathan Doyle, where he educated us on mental health, strategies to cope with mental health, and furthermore, connecting it to our relationship to God. His words resonated within all who were able to hear him speak.
- Jaala Marie Sadler (Year 11)
LIVE Festival was an amazing opportunity to encounter God on a larger scale. The talks and workshops really reached out and spoke an immense amount of wisdom into many of us; it got us thinking and, personally for me, gave me an chance to really dive back deep into my faith. I am super grateful for the opportunity to attend this event. I have taken so much from it and I can't wait to see what more the team at LIVE has to offer in the future.
- Jaiden Valencia (Year 10)
Live festival was an experience I will always remember. Seeing everyone unite through faith really did bring a sense of community and joy in my heart. One of my all time favourite part of the festival was the worship. There are many ways to pray and coming together to praise Gods name through music is a way many people can connect to God on a deeper level. It was a very chilly day but everyone remained positive and participate in multiple workshops and listened to many guest speakers who spoke about their testimonies and about the theme of the festival 'Called." I cannot wait for next years festival. I highly recommend for more people to come along, no matter where you are in your faith it’s something you will never forget.
- Maureen Abdelnour (Year 10)
LIVE Festival 2019 was an enthralling, energising and highly motivating experience consisting of music, prayer, reflection and worship. The day greatly focused on what it means to be Catholic in today's contemporary society, and how our faith impacts the many challenges our generation faces as young people in the twenty-first century.
It was a valuable opportunity for me to reflect and renew my faith, and come to terms with purpose and calling as a follower of Christ. This year’s theme, ‘Called’ was challenging in many ways, as I was challenged to contemplate my relationship with God, spirituality and the Church itself in a much more profound and potent manner. I came to realise that we as Catholics are called to find God within ourselves, others, and the world. It was both entertaining and enlightening to listen to the powerful, thought-provoking messages of each presenter. Their genuine concern, wise words, and awareness of the state of society today was admirable and inspirational; giving us a number of practical and worthwhile insights into their own spiritual journeys.
Most notable for me was guest speaker Jonathan Doyle, who eloquently spoke about his own personal experiences, including the adversity he has, and continues to face, with regards to mental health. I was deeply moved as he spoke about how these challenges have moulded his worldview, formed his faith and shaped his future. He stated a quote from St Augustine which I found deeply affecting: “He who made you without your cooperation will not save you without your cooperation.”
This is the quintessence of what we as Catholics are ‘called’ to do: to let Christ dwell within us so that we may bear His love to all people. It is through our faith that we are able to enrich the lives of others and achieve our spiritual calling.
Gabriel Garcia (Year 9)
Last Friday Mount Carmel was lucky to be involved in the Paul Nunnari Wheelchair Push charity event. Each year Paul, who is a local paralympian, goes from school to school promoting the 24hour Fight for Cancer walk, which is being held this year on October 19 at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Paul started at Mount Carmel at 9am before going to another 6 schools throughout the course of the day. Paul spoke to the whole of Year 7 about his life and the challenges that he has faced with his disability. He also spoke about the 24 Fight for Cancer charity, where all of the money raised goes to providing cancer care to patients at local hospitals. The Year 7’s, with the help of some Year 10 students, held a fundraising event during the week. They raised $250, which they presented to Paul and his team on the day.
If you would like to register a team in the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur walk please go to 24hrfight.org.au. Overall, students enjoyed the event and we hope to be involved in some capacity again next year.
Young People need to aim high and to know that their community support them. Our children are our most valuable resource and, all too often, their academic achievements can be neglected. We want to encourage learning and to reward as many students as possible.
To this end, I am asking for donations towards the Year 12 Academic Medallions. The cost of each medallion is $40.00 or three for $100.00. If you wish to donate towards a particular subject, please contact Trish Mooney on 9603 3000 or email info@mcccdow.catholic.edu.au.
Below are some general policies that the College enforces in regards to sport.
Student sport groups on Compass: Students are asked to check their Compass for their sport group allocation. This is now ‘locked in’ and unfortunately can not be changed as selections and changes are now closed. It is important that students attend the correct sport group to ensure that they are accounted for and supervised for the afternoon of sport. If they attend the incorrect group they will be marked as ‘absent’ from the group where they are supposed to be and this will affect their attendance record. Please make sure you are attending the correct group each week.
Also as mentioned at previous assemblies and meetings please ignore the large sport description on your Compass page (according to this every student is in Fit HQ and this is an error) . Refer to the code below this description for your sport allocation. If you have any questions please see Mrs Pontin at the Sports Office.
Leave from venue notes: A reminder that if students wish to leave from a venue they need to supply the Sport Coordinator. Notes can be signed at the sports office before, and up until, recess on Tuesday. A sample note is included below.
|
Date To Whom it May Concern, I (parent / guardian name) give permission for my son / daughter (child’s name) to not return to the College at the conclusion of sport this afternoon. Kind Regards,
(Parent / Guardian signature) (Contact Number) |
Any other notes on Tuesdays: If you are sick, injured or can’t participate in sport on a Tuesday you must have a signed note from your parent/guardian detailing the reason for non-participation. You must bring this note to Mrs Pontin (Sport Coordinator) during recess on Tuesday so an alternate plan can be arranged for you during sport time.
TUESDAY RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY NOTICES
If students do not participate in the MISA sport program they are involved in the college’s Tuesday Recreational Sport program. This program offers students the opportunity to be active in a variety of different sports / activities either at school or in the local community. Students in Year 7 rotate with their house group through 4 different activities (a different activity each term). All other grades have the opportunity to elect what sport program they would like to participate in each term. This choice gives students the responsibility to be active according to their own interests, likes and strengths.
All Tuesday Recreational Sport groups have now been finalised and added to the timetable and NO CHANGES CAN BE MADE - unfortunately students who did not take the time to complete their sport choices last year (Years 8-11) have been placed into an appropriate sport group for each term. Please check the relevant sports noticeboard and compass for your sport group in preparation for Week 2. As outlined in earlier editions of the newsletter there is a technical issue with compass and for some unknown reason all students sport is described as Sport: Fit HQ (or something else). Please ignore this description and refer to the code below this or check the sports noticeboards. If you have any questions please see Mrs Pontin or your Pastoral Adviser for clarification.
HOW DO I CHANGE MY SPORT GROUP?
If you would like to change your term 4 sport group you are to see Mrs Pontin at the sports office at recess or lunch BEFORE the end of term. At times Mrs Pontin is on duty so if she isn’t there the first time you try please try again. NO CHANGES CAN BE MADE VIA EMAIL - because some changes aren’t possible due to student numbers and Mrs Pontin will need to discuss other options and alternatives for you.
If you have any questions please see Mrs Pontin or your Pastoral Advisor for clarification.
MC Sporting Stars - Charlise Zabat (Year 7)
Charlise Zabat is no stranger when it comes to success particularly in the sport of Taekwondo. We have celebrated her impressive results earlier this year but she has impressed us again with more phenomenal results at the recent State Championships. Charlise won gold making her NSW State Champion in the under 37kg division for two consecutive years. In September she then represented NSW in the Australian Taekwondo National Championships at the Gold Coast winning the bronze medal.
Congratulations Charlise. Your hard work, determination, sacrifice and commitment, especially at your young age, is certainly paying off and your MC community are proud! Well done.
Mrs Tara Pontin (College Sport Coordinator)
ROUND 7 / Grand Final Results - Tuesday 12 September 2019
|
SPORT |
FINAL POSITION |
OPPOSITION |
RESULT |
MVP |
|
YRS 10-12 GIRLS SOFTBALL |
2nd |
JOHN THERRY |
JT Win 12-2 |
Tayla Atkins and Paige Gray |
|
YRS 7-8 GIRLS NETBALL |
2nd |
ST PATRICKS |
STP Win 16-12 |
Sui Richter and Jessica Barnes |
|
YRS 9-10 GIRLS NETBALL |
4th |
ST PATRICKS |
STP Win 35-15 |
Tahlia Bell |
|
YRS 7-9 GIRLS SOCCER |
2nd |
MAGDALENE |
MAG Win 1-0 |
Abbey Walker |
|
YRS 10-12 GIRLS AFL |
2nd |
JOHN THERRY |
JT Win 26-18 |
Melissa Neufeldt |
|
YRS 9-10 BOYS SOCCER |
3rd |
ST BENEDICTS |
MCCC Win 3-1 |
William Churchin |
|
YRS 7-8 BOYS SOCCER |
2nd |
JOHN THERRY |
JT Win 2-0 |
Luke Issaka |
|
U15’s BOYS RUGBY LEAGUE |
2nd |
GOOD SAMARITAN |
MCCC Win 26-0 |
Tony Moa |
|
YRS 10-12 BOYS AFL |
1st |
JOHN THERRY |
MCCC Win 26-14 |
Larry Kingsley |
|
YRS 10-12 BOYS INDOOR CRICKET |
2nd |
MAGDALENE |
MAG Win 51-22 |
Nick Hobden |
Information for all MISA students is below.
INTERZONE FINALS INFORMATION - TUESDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER (Week 9)
|
SPORT |
POSITION |
OPPOSITION |
VENUE |
TRANSPORT INFORMATION |
|
U15’s BOYS RUGBY LEAGUE |
Grand Final |
John Therry |
Campbelltown Sports Stadium |
BUS - Please meet outside the sports office at 10:55am (end of recess). |
|
YRS 10-12 BOYS AFL |
Interzone Finals Matches |
Broughton and Freeman |
MONARCH RESERVE, MACQUARIE FIELDS |
BUS - Please meet outside the sports office at 11:45am (end of period 3). |
Any questions please see Mrs Pontin at the Sports Office on Monday.
MISA Girls Softball Team - Coaches Mr Withnall and Ms Lee
MISA Golf Championships - Wednesday 11 September 2019
On Wednesday this week, MCCC had 7 enthusiastic golfers participate in the Annual MISA Golf Championships. The boys all represented the College exceptionally well, enjoying the sport of golf, respecting their fellow competitors and competing hard against students from other MISA schools.
Congratulations to Julian Fuentes who finished 1st in his group. Well done to all of the boys - Jacob Thomson, Julian Fuentes, Hayden Keith, Joshua Gosling, Daniel Gossayn, Adam Bradley, Darcy Shrimpton.
Mrs Tara Pontin (College Sport Coordinator)
Mount Carmel is a part of the Diocese of Wollongong so we compete in Diocesan Sporting events throughout the college year. At these events / carnivals, schools from the Diocese of Wollongong come together to compete for points towards the Vince Villa Trophy that is awarded to the Champion School at the end of the College year. Mount Carmel historically performs well at these Diocesan events and last year finished a close 3rd place overall in the Vince Villa Trophy.
There are no other Diocesan events this term.
NSWCCC ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS - Friday 20 September 2019
Venue: Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush
Times: 7.00am - Gates Open; 8:30am - First event commences
All student registrations are in.
More specific information including a program of events can be accessed via the link below:
https://www.csss.nsw.edu.au/nswccc-athletics-sport-specific-information.aspx
Good luck to Blake Bolwell, Alexis Brunt, Nathaniel Calvelo, Nathan Cann, Tye Fepuleai, Matthew Galvin, Joey Gossayn, Ben Kaufusi and Jordan Darnley - MC are cheering for you!
NOMINATIONS – APPLICATION PROCESS
(To self-nominate and get approved for these events, students need to be competing at a representative level in their chosen sport).
Please refer to the information sheet provided by the Sports Coordinator for the process for individual student nominations for trials for NSWCCC events. All trial closing dates will be advertised in the newsletter and in the student weekly sport update emails. Students can register for events at any time.
Mrs Tara Pontin (College Sport Coordinator)
Our Annual General Meeting and Presentation night will be held on Friday 18 October 2019 starting at 6.30pm in the College library.
The 2020 committee will be voted in and pizza and drinks will be provided after the presentation. We hope to see all players and their families on the night.