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- Principal's Report
- From The Assistant Principal
- Learning and Teaching at the College
- Recording Attendance While Learning Remotely
- From the Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator
- From the ICLT Coordinator
- Holy Week Online With Bishop Brian
- Holy Thursday
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday
- College Sport at Mount Carmel
- Second Hand Uniform Shop
- CatholicCare Counselling
Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students of Mount Carmel,
Easter has traditionally been a time of great sorrow and great joy for Christians over the past two millennia. Following the sadness and pain of the torture and death of Jesus Christ on Good Friday, we experience a time of mourning and ‘nothingness’ on Easter Saturday followed by the exhilaration of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. It is this rollercoaster of emotions that often reflects the normal experiences that occur in our everyday lives. Christians are often referred to as an “Easter peoples” which reflects on our basic belief in the value of hope. This hope is based in the knowledge that following Jesus Christ will lead to certain salvation and a better future. In our current time of uncertainty and difficulty, let us always be comforted by our faith in the Easter miracle and the hope that accompanies it.
Over the last week or so, I have emailed out a number of letters from myself and the Director of Education in Wollongong, Mr Peter Hill. These letters have been designed to provide clear communication and share as much information as we have, regarding the ongoing education of your children.
For the start of Term 2 we will be continuing remote learning for all students. This means that whilst students will be provided supervision if they need to attend school, all lessons will continue to be delivered online.
We will also be recording attendance in a specific way following the latest advice from the Catholic Education Office. Students who physically attend the College, will be recorded as ‘present’ on our roles. Students who are working remotely will be required to ‘check in’ with their Pastoral Advisor each day. These students will be recorded as ‘flexible’. ‘Flexible’ attendance students will still be considered as attending school each day and so will not require any further explanation from parents. Students who are sick and cannot complete work or do not check in with their Pastoral Advisor, will be recorded as absent and will need a parental explanation. This process will be included again later in this newsletter. As we become aware of any new information or changes to advice from the government, NESA or Catholic Schools NSW, we will inform you as soon as possible.
As a result of Coronavirus restrictions, public masses have been cancelled around the country Bishop Brian Mascord has launched a YouTube channel where the faithful can watch him celebrate mass with us, and on our behalf. The link to this mass is here. Please log into this site over the Easter weekend and join Bishop Brian online for the celebration of the Eucharist.
Parents of all year groups, except for Year 11, will have received a notification that reports have been electronically released today via the Compass portall. I encourage parents to log on and access these reports and discuss them with your child in order to support improvements.
Once again, as we approach the Term 1 holidays, I would like to remind students and parents of the importance of taking a break and spending fruitful time together. Where the opportunity arises, take time to read together, play and pray together and just spend quality time talking. Our staff will also be encouraged to take their normal breaks over the term 1 holiday.
Thank you all for your understanding and support particularly over the past few weeks. I wish you all a happy, holy and relaxing Easter.
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
Principal
While nobody could have predicted the situation we find ourselves in as the term draws to a close, I remain grateful and inspired by the response of the Mount Carmel Catholic College community and the resilience that has been demonstrated over these past few weeks. The move to an exclusively online method of curriculum delivery has drawn on all the resources, knowledge, capacities and, at times, patience of us all. Our unity, camaraderie and support of each other during this challenging time has made an immeasurable difference to the way in which we have adapted to our new way of doing things. I thank everyone for their contributions and urge this support to continue into the weeks and (possibly) months ahead.
Last week I attempted to clarify a range of feedback opportunities that parents and students could utilise as we continue to finetune our approach to online learning. I thank the many people who took the time to either affirm a number of our processes or offered constructive feedback with regards to how they can be adjusted. Our procedures will continue to evolve in the early weeks of Term Two and I would encourage you to continue providing such feedback.
As we approach the most significant event on our liturgical calendar, I take the opportunity to wish each and every member of our Mount Carmel community a very happy, holy and restful Easter. While the holiday period that we are about to enter will be unlike any that most of us have experienced before, I hope it provides a valuable opportunity to connect with your loved ones, whether that be in person or in electronic form. I look forward to working with you all, regardless of our educational landscape, in the weeks and months ahead.
Mr David Cloran
Assistant Principal
Whilst the next 2 weeks provides students with some time for rest and relaxation, it is also a good opportunity for students, particularly in Year 11 and 12, to organise themselves and prepare for the Term ahead.
When Term 2 resumes, students will continue to engage with remote learning, and hence it is important that students are accessing GOOGLE classrooms, completing assigned work, engaging with their teachers and attending ZOOM lessons where applicable.
As always, we will continue to keep you updated in regard to advice from NESA related to all things Learning and Teaching, and in particular, the 2020 HSC.
Wishing the College Community, a very safe and Happy Easter!
LATEST ADVICE FROM NESA (8 April 2020)
The Higher School Certificate (HSC) is going ahead in 2020.
A COVID-19 Response Committee is addressing developing issues as a matter of urgency.
A Technical Advisory Committee of assessment experts and stakeholders is working on a fair and equitable way to calculate a mark for cancelled components of the HSC.
Key dates and deadlines currently listed on the NESA website are subject to change due to the COVID-19 outbreak. NESA will continue to update you with exceptions and changes to relevant deadlines.
School-based HSC assessment
Schools must follow social distancing requirements when planning or undertaking school-based assessment tasks. NESA has given principals and system authorities the power to determine the number, type and weighting of tasks for HSC and Year 11 school-based assessment.
This includes making determinations about all mandated tasks that are internally assessed in the following courses:
- Ancient History
- Community and Family Studies
- Design and Technology
- English (English Studies, English Standard, English Advanced, English Extension 1 and 2)
- Geography
- History Extension
- Mathematics: Mathematics Standard, Advanced, Extension 1 and Extension 2
- Modern History
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Environmental Studies, Investigating Science – depth studies, and Science Extension)
NESA’s principles of assessment continue to apply. Wherever possible, school-based assessment should continue to be:
- based on a range of syllabus outcomes
- based on measures made throughout the HSC course
- informed by the components identified in the assessment and reporting documents for each of the syllabuses
- inclusive of and accessible for all students.
Performance exams: performance exams will be modified if they breach mandatory social distancing requirements. Detailed advice about these components is now available.
Major projects: This Thursday’s (9 April) meeting of the COVID-19 Response Committee will focus on major projects for Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, English Extension 2 and Society and Culture.
Mandatory work placement in VET: Students are no longer required to undertake NESA-mandated VET work placements.
Ms Judith Tolomeo
Curriculum Coordinator
Good afternoon everybody,
As we celebrate Easter and head off for a well-earned opportunity to reflect and re-energise after what has been the rarest of starts to our year, I have included a couple of important pieces of information that might be of assistance both over the break and as we prepare for continued remote learning.
Term 2 Attendance
Earlier today a letter was emailed to all parents and carers outlining the process and procedures for recording student attendance that will be in place at the commencement of Term 2. The key points of the letter include:
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A full copy of the letter, along with a simple four-step flowchart is included in the following attachment Student attendance and remote learning - Term 2
Wellbeing Support during the break
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The current rapid change to our daily routines, coupled with the various other stresses that are confronted by individuals and families during this time can lead to many questions, unpredictability, confusion and in some cases, anxiety. Here are some links to agencies that might be of assistance over the Easter break for those individuals or families who may be experiencing some challenges due to our current circumstances.
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Thanks to all members of the Mount Carmel community for their ongoing support during the past term. Have a Safe, Happy and Holy Easter.
Mr Simon Huntly
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator
This is an unprecedented time as for the first time we use a digital platform as the primary mode of delivering curriculum to students remotely. Each week I will discuss some of the key features of Information Communication Learning Technology (ICLT) and how it will form part of remote teaching and learning. The main platforms that will be used will be Google Classroom, Zoom and Compass. But more importantly for this week, as part of this, there are some key points we need to remember to keep our community safe whilst they are participating in their daily routine of learning.
Balance - Even though all work will be communicated digitally, it is important that students do not spend all day on their devices. Taking some time between lessons to go outside, do some exercise, drink water, have something to eat are all essential to maintaining focus on learning and good mental health.
Safety - Ensure when possible that you have some means of supervision of your child whilst they are using their device. Despite the social distancing and the restrictions that have been put in place by the government, the online dangers that exist are still a threat and can even be amplified due to excessive use and lack of socialisation. It is important to communicate with your children about important issues such as cyberbullying, online predators and inappropriate use of social media.
Focus - The temptation to be distracted by our devices including youtube, gaming and social media can all be detrimental to the completion of learning tasks.
Routine - Try to establish a routine. In addition to the normal daily rituals of getting up, eating breakfast, having lunch etc, set up learning spaces where your child’s device is used for learning such as a desk or table compared to the lounge which creates more of a social, relaxed vibe and is poor for posture.
If you have any questions, concerns or are in need of support during this time, please feel free to contact myself on teumad01@dow.catholic.edu.au
1st Reading Acts 10:34,37-43
Peter recounts the deeds of Jesus
2nd Reading Col 3:1-4 Set your heart on the greater gifts
Gospel Jn 20:1-9 Mary Magdalene finds an empty tomb
REFLECTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE – by Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart
Jesus’ tomb was empty. It had even been cleaned up. The linen burial cloths were folded and rolled up neatly. Everything was left in order and taken care of. Jesus was clearly finished with this grave. No more of this ‘death business’ for him. He left it totally behind, and was fully alive, never to know the sufferings of death again.
Have you ever made a transition in life? Did you ever take a step and know that a part of your former life was totally behind you? What happened? How did you feel? Did you find yourself trying to take care of things or leave things in order in any way? Obviously Mary, Peter and the other disciple were close friends with one another and with Jesus. It is easy to picture the three of them running to the tomb together to be sure of what actually happened.
Who are the Marys and Peters in your life? Have you ever hurried to get to some important place? Have you ever struggled with someone else to figure out what was really happening in an important situation that affected you or a friend of yours? What happened and how did that affect your relationship?
In light of COVID-19 all sport at the College has either been cancelled or suspended until further notice. This includes College recreational sport, MISA, Diocesan, CCC, All Schools and School Sport Australia events. More specific information will be communicated to everyone as the current situation continues to develop.
As communicated in an earlier edition of the newsletter, the following College sporting events have been cancelled:
- College Athletics Carnival
- College Cross Country Carnival
- Marist Basketball
- Marist Netball
- Diocesan Rugby League selection trials
- Diocesan Boys & Girls Football (U13’s and Yrs 7-9 / Yrs 7-10 Pathway)
- Term 2 MISA competition
- Diocesan Boys & Girls Football (Opens)
- Diocesan Cross Country carnival
The following Term 2 sporting events have been suspended until further notice:
- Diocesan Boys & Girls Volleyball carnival
- Diocesan Boys & Girls Hockey carnival
Parents / guardians and students will be notified as soon as a decision has been made in regards to these events.
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So the question is then raised - What will College sport look like at Mount Carmel if remote learning continues in Term 2? Planning has taken place at both a College and Diocesan level to ensure that our students are given valuable and safe options to not only be physically active, but to also engage in meaningful sport opportunities. Strategies that will be implemented at the beginning of Term 2 include (but are not limited to):
These strategies will continue to evolve throughout the holidays (as does the COVID-19 situation) and will be advertised to all students and parents / guardians. Some exciting and ‘different’ sporting opportunities coming your way! |
TIPS TO LOOK AFTER YOURSELF THESE HOLIDAYS
As we are all very aware, these past 3-4 weeks have been extremely exhausting - physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and socially. We have constantly been challenged with the many spontaneous changes and decisions that have been made regarding the health and safety of our community in light of the COVID-19 situation.
We are also all aware that this holiday break won’t be a ‘traditional’ holiday. When we would perhaps venture away to a holiday destination, we will be remaining at home. When we would usually be sharing our Easter festivities with our loved ones, we will be sharing them with fewer people around the table. However, despite these obvious differences, we will all get through this and come out the other side stronger.
Below are a few simple tips to keep yourself, and your loved ones, healthy, safe and happy during the Easter break.
TIP #1 - Follow the simple health advice to protect yourself and those around you.
TIP #2 - Put some time aside to be mindful and present.
TIP #3 - Incorporate some physical activity into each day.
NB: Don’t forget to remember our social distancing rules.
TIP #4 - Stay connected with family and friends.
NB: Don’t forget to remember our social distancing rules.
DIOCESAN SPORT NEWS
More information regarding decisions around Diocesan sporting events and COVID-19 can be found at Sport News.
NSWCCC / CSNSW SPORT NEWS
As of Wednesday 1 March 2020 (6:00pm), the following CSNSW Sport events have been cancelled (including but not limited to):
Secondary School Sport (Years 7 - 12)
Term 2
Sunday 26 April - Sunday 3rd May - School Sport Australia Baseball
Sunday 26 April - Friday 1st May - NSW v QLD 15 Years Cricket Exchange
Wednesday 29 April - NSWCCC Australian Football Boys Selections
Thursday 30 April – NSW All Schools 16 Years Volleyball Selections
Thursday 30 April - NSWCCC Australian Football Girls Selections
Friday 1 May – NSW All Schools 16 Years Girls Hockey Selections
Saturday 2 - Saturday 9 May - School Sport Australia Tennis 18 Years & Under
Monday 4 May - NSWCCC Rugby U18 Boys Selections
Monday 4 - Tuesday 5 May - NSWCCC Rugby U16 Boys Selections
Tuesday 5 May - NSWCCC Girls Rugby 7’s Selections
Tuesday 5 May – NSWCCC Netball 15 Years Selections
Wednesday 6 May – NSWCCC Netball Open Selections
Wednesday 6 May – Southern Country Rugby League Selections
Friday 8 May – NSW All Schools Swimming & Diving
Saturday 9 - Saturday 16 May - School Sport Australia Softball 17 Years & Under
Monday 18 May – NSWCCC Basketball Selections
Thursday 21 – Friday 22nd May – NSWCCC Rugby League Selections
Friday 22 May – NSW All Schools 15 Years Netball Selections
Saturday 23 – Tuesday 26 May – NSW All Schools Canoeing Championships
Wednesday 27 May – NSWCCC 16 Years Football Selections
Friday 29 – Saturday 30 May – NSWCCC Rugby Camp
Sunday 31 May, Tuesday 2 June, Wednesday 3 June, Sunday 14 June, Friday 26 – Sunday 28 June – NSW All Schools Rugby
Monday 1 June – NSWCCC Tennis Championships
Monday 1 June – NSW All Schools Basketball Selections
Monday 1 June – NSW All Schools Australian Football Girls Selections
Tuesday 2 June – NSW All Schools Australian Football Boys Selections
Tuesday 2 – Wednesday 3 June – NSWCCC Football Selections
Friday 5 June – NSW All Schools Volleyball Tri-Series
Tuesday 9 – Friday 12 June – NSW All Schools 16 Years Hockey Boys Selections
Friday 12 June - NSWCCC Cross Country Championships
Monday 22 June – NSW All Schools Hockey Tri-Series
Monday 22 – Tuesday 23 June – NSW All Schools Football
Monday 22 – Tuesday 23 June – NSWCCC Open Basketball Championships
Monday 22 – Friday 26 June – NSW All Schools Golf
Thursday 25 – Friday 26 June – NSW All Schools Girls Rugby 7’s Selections
Saturday 4 – Friday 10 July – ASSRL Rugby League Championships
Monday 6 July – Saturday 11 July – NSWCCC Country Rugby League Camp
Term 3
Saturday 18 – Friday 24 July – School Sport Australia 15 Years & Under Netball Championships
Saturday 1– Saturday 8 August – School Sport Australia 16 Years & Under Hockey Championships
Wednesday 5 – Sunday 9 August – School Sport Australia Swimming Championships
Saturday 8 - Saturday 15 August - School Sport Australia 14 Years & Under Australian Football Championships
Saturday 15 - Saturday 21 August - School Sport Australia 18 Years & Under Basketball Championships
Saturday 15 – Saturday 21 August – School Sport Australia 15 Years & Under Volleyball Championships
Friday 21 – Monday 24 August – School Sport Australia Cross Country Championships
Sunday 23 – Friday 28 August – School Sport Australia 18 Years & Under Golf
Friday 31 August – NSWCCC 15 Years Touch Camp
Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 August – NSW All Schools 15 Years Touch
Sunday 13 – Friday 18 September – School Sport Australia 16 Years & Under Boys, 18 Years & Under Girls Football Championships
Term 4
Saturday 1 – Friday 6 November – School Sport Australia Touch Championships
Saturday 21 – Friday 27 November – School Sport Australia Diving Championships
CSNSW Sport is working closely with all Diocesan and Association Representatives to ensure all information is current and available to parents.
Refunds:
- Each Diocese has their own process for actioning refunds. Please be patient as we work through these. Any questions should be directed to the contact details found on the top of your invoice.
- Students who have been selected in a Polding / MacKillop / NSWCCC team will be contacted directly to organise refunds and discuss uniform options. The CSNSW Sport store has been closed, for now no merchandise can be purchased until further notice.
Understandably, this decision will likely have a flow on effect for all sporting events (Diocesan, CCC etc) moving forward in 2020. Information will be communicated as the situation continues to develop and unfold. More School Sport Australia information can be found at School Sport Australia - Education through school sport.
Mrs Tara Pontin
(College Sport Coordinator)
Opening days for Term 1, 2020
- Monday 4 May - 2.30pm - 4pm
Please note that there are no EFTPOS facilities. Cash or cheques only.