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Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students of Mount Carmel,
“There is a variety of gifts, but always the same Spirit; there are all sorts of service to be done, but always to the same Lord; Working in all sorts of different ways, in different people, it is the same God who is working in all of them”. 1 Corinthians: 4-6
This weekend we celebrate Pentecost Sunday. This was the moment when the apostles felt scared and uncertain after the ascension of Jesus. The apostles had been through the excitement and energy of Palm Sunday, the sadness and depression of the Crucifixion of Christ, followed by the power of the resurrection of Jesus then to be hit by a sense of aloneness after Jesus’ ascended. This rollercoaster had left them fearful and huddle together in a room wondering what to do next.
Pentecost is often represented in art with a flame settling above the heads of the apostles. This representation links to Christ being the light of the world and our path through the darkness. The flame settling on the apostles can also be seen to represent a sudden understanding of their path forward. We often use the expression that someone has ‘seen the light’ and in modern cartoons, this sudden understanding is also represented by a light globe appearing above the character’s head. This sudden understanding that the apostles felt gave them the strength and energy to go out and use their talents in the name of God. As the above quote suggests, each of us have different gifts and talents and we all use these in different ways but always in the service of the Lord. I would assume that with that sudden understanding, also came a great sense of relief. This relief is reinforced in the simple quote from Jesus in the Gospel of St John
“Peace be with you!” John 20:19
Over the last year or so, we have been sending our newsletters out electronically using the Schoolzine app. There has been some very good feedback and we have used the newsletter to continue regular communications with our broader community. I became aware a few days ago that many parents may not have been receiving the newsletter as they had not subscribed to the app. This has meant that much of our processes around ensuring safety and procedures relating to the Coronavirus have not been getting to some parents. I have asked today, for the next few weeks at least, for the newsletters to also be sent out through Compass. This form of communication is essential and I ask for anyone who has not subscribed to schoolzine to please take up this option. The instructions on how to do this are here.
Thank you once again for your flexibility and support with our students return to full time face to face learning. I have been outside a number of mornings this week watching student’s return and many have expressed their happiness to be back at school. I once again would like to publicly thank the staff for the enormous work that goes into ensuring effective teaching and supports in the face of so much uncertainty. Their dedication and determination to provide opportunities for excellence for your children has been exemplary.
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 each weekend and join Bishop Brian online for the celebration of the Eucharist.
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
Principal
At the outset this week I take the opportunity to thank all members of our school community for what has been, on any measure, a successful return to face-to-face teaching over the course of the past week. Whilst the College had implemented a wide array of measures, contingencies and procedural changes in order to prepare ourselves for this week, these could not have been as successful without the support of all members of the community, including students, staff and parents.
We are particularly conscious of the increased traffic of a morning and afternoon as more students are dropped off and picked up from school each day. This is an understandable preference for many families who do not wish their children to use bus services at present. To that end I thank parents and ask for your continued patience during these peak periods. With increased numbers of students being picked up of an afternoon, I ask parents to exercise greater caution in the carpark and roadways around the College. Our observations over this week show that most of the traffic is cleared within 15 minutes of the end of school so parents are asked to organise pickups with this in mind. I also again ask that all onsite student drop offs and pick ups take place in the bottom parent carpark, and not in the turning circle in front of the LaValla Centre. This is to simply limit traffic in areas where students may congregate in peak times.
As I mentioned last week, we are currently in the process of securing a range of dates for a variety of College events. Please refer to the Compass calendar for these as opposed to the College diary. We have been informed by NSW Health that the Years 7-10 immunisation program will be resuming in the coming days and will notify all families of these dates, and any other confirmed dates, as soon as they become available.
Mr David Cloran
Assistant Principal
Catholic World
Sunday 31 May Pentecost
First Reading Acts 2:1-11 The Spirit comes to the Apostles as tongues of fire
Second Reading 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12 - 13 We are one body with different gifts
Gospel John 20: 19 - 23 Jesus breaths the Holy Spirit into the Apostles
REFLECTION by Dianne Bergant CSA
Pentecost celebrates the fullness of the Spirit and the great gathering of nations. It brings the Easter season to its conclusion. The Risen Lord has been exalted to his rightful place next to God and he has sent his Spirit to fill the earth with God's power. The world is charged with divine energy; it needs but a spark to ignite it with life and with excitement. This vitality explodes into the extraordinary. Tongues are loosed and speech overflows its linguistic constraints; charismatic gifts flood the valleys of human habitation; barred doors are burst open and frightened hearts are calmed. The Spirit of the Lord fills the whole world.
Once again we gather together for one reason, only to discover that God has gathered us for another. Through the Spirit of God, we are reconciled to each other and then together we spend ourselves for the common good. Through the Spirit of God the world is renewed, the community is revitalised, and we come to know the mysterious yet all pervasive peace of Christ.
The Spirit has been poured forth and works wonders wherever human hearts are open to its promptings. The earth is renewed each time rivalries are resolved, distinctions are recognised as merely expressions of diversity, peace is restored, comfort and solace are offered, and forgiveness is granted. We are immersed in the vigour of the Spirit of God. All we have to do is open ourselves to it and the reign of God will be born in our midst.
May is the Month of Mary
In the April edition of the French magazine entitled "Therese de Lisieux", Mount Carmel students are honored to make an appearance. The photograph is of the students carrying the relics of St Therese from the hall to the chapel, when they visited us at the beginning of february.
Their photo has travelled back to the homeland of St Therese and then on to many other nations, as the magazine travels far and wide!
Mrs Christine Meharg
REC Coordinator
With the return to face to face teaching and learning this week, it is noted how many students were happy to be back at the College. Teachers used the first few lessons to gauge where students were at, to consolidate knowledge and understanding of key concepts and to set learning goals and directions for the weeks ahead.
Parent Teacher Student Interviews (Years 7-11)
Details regarding PTS Interviews for Year 11 and Years 7-10 will be finalised and shared next week.
Subject Selection - The following is outline of the process for Subject Selection
Year 11 2021
Week 5- Subject Selection Information booklet shared (GOOGLE classroom)
Friday 19 June- Subject Selection Launch to occur (GOOGLE classroom)
Wednesday 24 June- SS (Evening) to be replaced by video presentation (GOOGLE classroom)
Thursday 25 June - Subject Selection Market (TBC to be delivered remotely)
Wednesday 29 July- Subject Selection Interviews (TBC – possible ZOOM meetings)
Yr 9/10 2021 Information Evening - TBC (to be replaced by video / presentation shared with parents). SS choices to be made online.
KEY DATES - HSC
HSC Examination Timetable available on NESA website
TERM 3:
- 17 August - HSC TRIAL exams commence
- 31 August - HSC TRIAL exams finish
TERM 4:
- 20 October - HSC Exams commence
- 11 November - HSC exams finish
- 18 December - HSC results released (ATAR release date TBC)
NESA UPDATES
Key dates and deadlines 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.
https://www.educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/covid-19/coronavirus-advice/hsc
HSC Examination Timetable available on NESA website
Ms Judith Tolomeo
Curriculum Coordinator
It was great to see our community return to some form of normality this week. As we adapted back to face to face teaching, the first few days of the week were an opportunity for students to spend some time ensuring that they were up to speed with their work. A huge thanks to our Teaching and Learning Support staff who assisted those students who faced some challenges during remote learning to catch up with any outstanding work.
Over the past few weeks our Year Teams have continued to provide a range of Pastoral Activities to provide continued support to students with the management of their learning and wellbeing. Below are some examples of initiatives that have occurred during our Covid-19 interruption:
Year 7: Strengths, Weaknesses and Growth Mindset
Year 8: Organisation, Diary use and learning tasks
Year 9: Time Management and Positivity
Year 10: Careers focus and check-ins with Pastoral Advisors
Year 11: Exercise, Meditation and Wellbeing survey
Year 12: Assessment task preparation and Wellbeing surveys
A big thanks to our Pastoral Teams for their ongoing work during remote learning and the transition this week with their ongoing support for student wellbeing.
As usual during these different times, it is important that we continue to maintain hand hygiene, respect rules regarding social distancing and remain at home and visit our doctor if we are showing signs and symptoms of colds and flu.
Thanks again for your support.
Mr Simon Huntly
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator
Ripples is a PODCAST developed for parents on-going spiritual formation. It seeks to offer a space where people can draw on the wisdom of a series of guest speakers and can experience some treasured stillness through meditation. Practices like these create a ripple effect. They have the potential to impact the way we respond to family, friends, colleagues, to creation and to our loving God. Come and enjoy some Inspired Voices and Treasured Stillness.
This week the College engaged in an adjusted Tuesday sport program that saw all students across years 7 - 10 participate in one period of structured physical activity / sport and one period of catching up on classwork. Meanwhile, senior students spent both periods of sport completing classwork catchup and silent study. Although this is not the structure that we are familiar with it was great to see so many students utilising the outdoor spaces and getting in some physical activity led by a combination of external instructors as well as their Pastoral Advisors. The photos below highlight just some of the activities students participated in during sport time:
A big thank you to all staff and students for the cooperation, patience and engagement in Tuesday sport this week. Week 6 will follow the same structure for sport whereby Years 7-10 students will be participating in ONE period of structured physical activity / sport on a Tuesday afternoon. The other sport period will be utilised as an academic lesson to complete silent study, revision, homework and assessment tasks. Years 11 and 12 will spend the afternoon studying and catching up on outstanding class work. The adjusted program has taken into consideration the need to maintain effective social distancing, reduce student contact and maintain overall student and staff safety. The program will continue to evolve and align with the CEO advice and guidance around creating a ‘COVID safe’ environment.
A more detailed outline of what the students will be participating in is outlined below:
|
SPORT OVERVIEW - WEEK 6 (Tuesday 2 June) |
|
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
|||||
|
Session |
Pastoral Class |
Activity |
Venue |
Pastoral Class |
Activity |
Venue |
|
Session 1 1:05 - 1:55PM |
7A1 and 7A2 |
Group Fitness |
Basketball Court 1 and 2 |
8A1 and 8A2 |
Cross Country/ Athletics Activities |
Oval 1 |
|
7H1 and 7H2 |
Group Fitness |
Netball Court and Volleyball Court |
8H1 and 8H2 |
|||
|
Session 2 1:55 - 2:45PM |
7MU1 and 7MU2 |
Group Fitness |
Basketball Court 1 and 2 |
8MU1 and 8MU2 |
Cross Country/ Athletics Activities |
|
|
7MK1 and 7MK2 |
Group Fitness |
Netball Court and Volleyball Court |
8MK1 and 8MK2 |
|||
|
Year 9 |
Year 10 |
|||||
|
Session |
Pastoral Class / Activity |
Activity |
Venue |
Pastoral Class / Activity |
Activity |
Venue |
|
Session 1 1:05 - 1:55PM |
AVILA |
Females: Yoga and Zumba Males: Group Fitness / Bootcamp |
J6/J7 and L3 Champagnat Centre |
10A1 and 10A2 |
Cross Country/ Athletics Activities |
Oval 2 |
|
HOWARD |
10H1 and 10H2 |
|||||
|
Session 2 1:55 - 2:45PM |
MURRAY |
Females: Yoga and Zumba Males: Group Fitness / Bootcamp |
10MU1 and 10MU2 |
Cross Country/ Athletics Activities |
||
|
MACKILLOP |
10MK1 and 10MK2 |
|||||
We have decided to roll out this adjusted approach for the following reasons:
- Maintain social distancing: We will have less students utilising the College sporting facilities / ovals at the one time.
- No shared equipment: We have chosen to facilitate activities / sports where there is little to no equipment. This is to avoid students having to share equipment with others.
- Promote movement and physical activity: We understand that many students would’ve found it challenging to find opportunities to be physically active whilst remote learning so we want to ease them back into physical activity and movement.
- Allow valuable time to ‘catch up’ on outstanding work: We understand that many students will need an opportunity to catch up on outstanding class work. Pastoral advisors have been deliberately allocated their Pastoral Class for the sport afternoon to assist where necessary.
As mentioned earlier, this adjusted approach will continue to evolve and develop as does the guidance and advice from the CEO.
A reminder that all Term 2 MISA, Diocesan, CCC, All Schools and School Sport Australia events have been cancelled (and unfortunately will NOT be rescheduled), as well as the following College sporting events:
- 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
- Diocesan Boys & Girls Volleyball carnival
- Diocesan Boys & Girls Hockey carnival
So do you want to take on the 'MCCC March in May' challenge?
'MCCC March in May' (Stage 4, 5 and 6 categories)
With all of the COVID-19 restrictions we have all had to adjust the way we stay physically active. Studies have shown that walking has become one of the most popular physical activities during this time. There are so many positive outcomes to walking only 30 minutes each day.
All you need to do is:
- Register via the Google form on your Sport Site.
- Walk a minimum of 10,000 steps each day.
- Get proof that you have completed this step goal (take a photo of your Fit Bit screen, wear a pedometer, use an app on your phone that tracks your steps) and save your photos in a folder on your Google drive.
- Share your photo folder with Miss Bowen (bowens01@dow.catholic.edu.au).
IT IS THAT SIMPLE!
Each time you reach your 10,000 step goal 20 points are awarded to your house tally. The house with the most points at the end of May will be our 2020 'MCCC March in May' champions!
If you require more information, please contact Miss Bowen via email (bowens01@dow.catholic.edu.au).
Good luck and happy walking!
NB: A reminder to please ask for permission from a parent / carer before going for a walk and ensure you are walking on a designated pedestrian pathway (not the road).
Thank you to Mrs Marks for your fab suggestion :)
TIPS TO LOOK AFTER YOURSELF DURING THESE UNUSUAL TIMES
As we are all very aware, these past 5-6 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.
As we return to full time face to face teaching and learning next week, it is important to continue following the useful suggestions and guidance on how to keep yourself and others safe during COVID-19. These tips are below:
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. We will continue to update all students, parents and staff as information is provided.
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 3 May - School Sport Australia Baseball
Sunday 26 April - Friday 1 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 5th 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 22 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.
Please continue to monitor the CSNSW sport website for updates and the most current information regarding cancelled events. Information can be found at Welcome to Catholic Schools Sports Services | CSNSW Sport Portal.
SCHOOL SPORT AUSTRALIA SPORT NEWS
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.
Miss Sarah Bowen
(Acting College Sport Coordinator)
Opening days for Term 2, 2020
- Monday 1 June - 2.30pm - 4pm
Please note that there are no EFTPOS facilities. Cash or cheques only.