Filter Content
- Principal's Report
- From The Assistant Principal
- From the REC
- Lunch and Conservation with Bishop Brian Mascord
- Learning and Teaching at the College
- From the Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator
- Student Free Day - Friday, 3 July
- College Sport at Mount Carmel
- Year 12 Medallions
- Second Hand Uniform Shop
- Ripples Podcast
- CatholicCare Counselling
- Mount Carmel Netball Club
Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students of Mount Carmel,
“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me” Matthew 10:40
This quote from this week’s Gospel outlines the importance of each of us caring for those we encounter. As we return to some normality following our remote learning period, there is a danger that we might also return to our previous practices. One of the main differences that a number of staff have commented on over the last few weeks has been the way that many of our students have shown care for each other. Staff have spoken to me about many small examples of students who have sought help for their friends or offered to assist those who may be feeling rejection or isolation. These offers and actions show the way that we might “welcome” others. The day to day interactions that enable us to provide help or assistance to those around us are the way that we welcome Jesus Christ into our lives.
Today Year 7 – 10 Semester 1 reports were released on the Compass student management site. These reports contain a great deal of information regarding student achievement across a range of academic indicators from grades, to levels of engagement in their own learning. The teachers have also included statements around what the students have done well and what might be suggestions for improvement. Information on student attendance as well as extra-curricular involvement were also included. A more detailed report letter was issued yesterday to explain these new reports. The reports themselves are a method of feedback to parents and students as to how the students are progressing in their journey toward graduation. As our current reports are evaluated, we hope to improve the type of information which is delivered. When reading these reports, I ask parents to remember that these reports will be reflective of some of the difficulties that both staff and students encountered as part of the remote learning experience. Please use these reports as a point of discussion with your child about their progress and how they might improve.
Following on from these reports, on Monday evening, Thursday evening and Friday morning, Year 7 – 10 parents will have the opportunity to attend the Parent/Teacher/Student meetings. Information on how to book for these was sent to parents last Monday. Whilst the preference for these is undoubtedly to hold them face to face, the current conditions mean that these meetings will be conducted via zoom or phone. This will also limit the number of spots available as each session will need a longer allocated time. Parents are reminded that in order for these to occur, Friday will be a pupil free day as it has been on the calendar since the start of the year. A reminder also that students need to be involved in these meetings.
On Thursday our Year 12 SRC student leaders had the opportunity to meet with Bishop Brian Mascord and Mr Peter Hill, the Director of Education in the Diocese of Wollongong. This visit enabled our students to ask the Bishop questions about his own faith journey as well as speak with him about their own experiences during the COVID-19 crisis and name the many things that they are grateful for as members of the Mount Carmel Catholic College community. I was extremely proud of the students and the mature and sincere way that they interacted with our visitors. I thank them and congratulate them for their involvement in this valuable meeting.
Early next week, I will send out a fee credit letter to all parents. This will outline the various excursions and events that have been cancelled as a result of social distancing expectations. Following this letter, you will receive the latest fee statements that will include fee credits for cancelled events. Should more events be cancelled in the future, further credits will be issued on fees. I thank all parents for your patience whilst we have been working through this credit process.
Whilst public masses have been resumed over the last few weeks, they have restricted numbers. Bishop Brian Mascord has continued the 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
A reminder that Year 7 Immunisations will take place this coming Monday 29 June. Students who have not returned their immunisation card will not be able to receive these initial two injections unless they are returned by Monday. To assist with the administering of these, students are asked to wear their full College sports uniform on the day. Students are also encouraged to have an appropriate breakfast on the morning of their injections before going to school. If any parent submitted their immunisation card in Term 1 and would like to withdraw their consent for any reason, notification must be made by filling in the "NSW Health - Withdrawal of Consent Form" which is available from the College office.
Any student who was absent for our annual College photo day which was held yesterday, will be able to have their photos taken at our ‘Catch up session’ which will take place this coming Monday 29 June. Students are asked to have their name marked off at the Period 1 class and then meet at the Champagnat Centre.
The opportunity still exists for parents to provide preapproval for their son/daughter to be allowed to make their own way home without any additional consent should the College be made aware of a positive case of COVID-19. In the interest of ensuring that all families are provided with this opportunity, I have included my message from last week’s College newsletter below.
While the threat of a COVID-19 infection has certainly eased since the beginning of the pandemic, it has become necessary for schools to develop procedures for responding to a positive case in the unlikely event that this may occur. Earlier this week, the College circulated a Compass alert that invited parents to give pre-approval for their child/ren to be dismissed from the College to make their own way home prior to our normal finishing time should we be informed of a positive case. If this were to occur, students who have been given this pre-approval would be invited to leave the College grounds at the earliest possible opportunity. For those without pre-approval, parents would still be able to collect them in person, or of course they would be permitted to remain supervised on site until the end of the scheduled conclusion of the school day. For parents who are yet to give their pre-approval and would like to, please visit your Compass Events page to give your consent.
Mr David CloranAssistant Principal
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14 - 16 Elisha promises a son to an influential woman
Second reading Romans 6:3-4, 8-11 We are baptized into Christ’s death
Gospel Matthew 10:37-42 Take up your cross
HOMILY by Richard Leonard
For all the great things the Church of yesteryear achieved, it also did some terrible things. One of the worst demands it made was that a Catholic who married a person who was not a Catholic did so at a side altar, oratory or in the sacristy of the Church. How humiliating this directive was. For how long were we going to punish the Protestant Reformers and young Catholic woman or man who fell in love with someone from these denominations? In these ecumenical days, it's hard for us to understand these actions.
Today, especially at weddings, I hear older Catholics talk about this experience more than anything else. It's often given as the reason why the person or their family stopped practising their Catholic faith. Recently an older wedding guest told me that her wedding day at the side altar was the last day she came to the Church of her own free will. She never had her children baptised and her painful experience was still palpable forty years on as she compared and contrasted her wedding day with the Catholic marriage ceremony of a couple in a similar religious circumstance to her own which we had just celebrated. All I can do in such circumstances is apologise for the hurt our shortsightedness caused and be full of admiration for those who were subjected to similar treatment but have remained constant to our Catholic community.
These days inter-denominational marriages are rarely the reasons over which a family will divide. But we know that other religious issues can still break up a family. It's always a tragedy when this happens. For example, maybe you've had a son, daughter or a grandchild join a religious sect or cult. It's heartbreaking stuff for parents who wonder what their child sees in the sect and where it will all end.
The Church has sometimes let families down in this regard. Appearing to prefer dogma to the complexities of people's lives, formal liturgy to creating communities of hospitality, care and justice, the church can appear to be out of touch, especially with our young. I know that every person in authority in the Church today knows that the Catholic Church needs to listen to our young people, hear about the issues that concern them and present our faith in a way they find accessible and engaging. Very often it's not what we say about our rich faith, it's how we say it. Many people don't leave the mainstream churches because they are attracted by another group's doctrine, though some do want the world to be very black and white. Many leave for smaller groups offering a tightly knit community.
From today's Gospel we know that the same family heartbreak occurred in the early church. At this time, however, Christianity was the small sect drawing believers away from Judaism, to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. It ripped families apart. The early church became the new family of many followers who were disowned. They lost their life and found a new one in Christ.
There can be moments when a family's lifestyle, beliefs, behaviour or values are such that one member feels that, in conscience, or by conviction, he or she does not belong anymore.
When this happens we can listen carefully to reasons the family member gives. Maybe we have lost something essential in our life together that needs challenging and change. And maybe it's the family member who is in the wrong.
Keeping the lines of communication open, speaking the truth with calmness and love and remaining as compassionate as possible are the best Christian responses.
I can't pretend that any of this is easy, but, when I have seen families do it, the prophetic, truthful and charitable rewards Jesus offers in today's Gospel are powerfully in evidence.
REC Coordinator
The Year 12 Student leaders gathered with Bishop Brian Mascord on Wednesday for Lunch and a Conversation. This proved to be an engaging, enjoyable, and enlightening experience. It was a very relaxed environment, where we were able to engage in casual conversations with Bishop Brian; Peter Hill, the Director of Catholic Education Wollongong, Mr Ken Bryant, Mr John Lo Cascio, and Mrs Cathy Brown, as well as the College Leadership team.
The members of the SRC were able to enjoy a lunch shared with our guests, as well as participate in open discussions regarding how recent world affairs have impacted us as students, our studies, our relationships and our community as a whole.
Following lunch we sat together with Bishop Brian who commenced the conversation with a prayer that reflected the current times. The Bishop made us feel at ease, allowing us to converse with him on a spiritual and personal level. We were able to see him in a different light, that is, rather than being a figure conducting a mass, we were able to speak with him as an individual, gaining a greater appreciation and understanding for who he is and what he represents to the wider community. His personality was warm and accepting, giving off a sense of genuine positivity, love, faithfulness, and kindness. It was an incredible privilege to be in his presence, learning and listening to the words of wisdom he had to offer.
Even in the midst of the current times we live in, the tragedy of the bushfires, the ongoing global pandemic, the more recent protests pervading the world as a whole, the Bishop showed us how even when the world seems like it’s falling apart, there are still opportunities to show gratitude and appreciation for the things we have and the people we’re surrounded by. During isolation, families were forced to stay at home, leading them to rediscover and learn more about one another, as well as ultimately growing closer with each other. For us, we saw this as epitomising Bishop Mascord’s motto, “For all things give thanks”, and exemplifying the Marist Characteristics that are at the centre of our school’s values and beliefs.
Year 7-10 Parent / Teacher / Student Interviews
Year 7-10 PTS Interviews will occur on Monday 29 June and Thursday 2 July from 4pm till 8pm, along with Friday 3 July from 8:30am till 12:30pm. Interviews will be completed via Zoom or phone. Bookings can be made through Compass. Students are expected to be present with parent(s) for the interviews.
Year 7-10 Semester 1 Academic Reports
Reports will reflect student achievement and application for Semester 1, including the remote learning period. Reports will be available to parents through the Compass portal. Reports will be accessible to parents as of Friday 26 June, in readiness for Years 7-10 PTS Interviews being held in Week 10, as outlined above.
HSC
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
TERM 3
- 17 August - HSC TRIAL exams commence
- 31 August - HSC TRIAL exams finish
- 2 September - Security period CSSA Trial exams
- 16 September - FINAL HSC marks to CC (Changed)
- 23 September - FINAL HSC marks to NESA (Changed)
TERM 4:
- 20 October - HSC Exams commence
- 11 November - HSC exams finish
- 18 December - HSC results released (ATAR release date TBC)
HSC Examination Timetable available on NESA website
Ms Judith Tolomeo
Curriculum Coordinator
Good afternoon everyone,
As we rapidly approach the end of our first semester of learning, it is important that we continue to address some of the Pastoral and Wellbeing issues that often impact on the learning and wellbeing of our students. One area of importance is that relating to Technology, esafety and Screen Time. The period of Remote Learning that we recently experienced has provided circumstances and opportunities for all of us to engage more in Streaming Services (such as Netflix), a broader range of Social Media apps (Zoom, House Party etc) and an increased reliance on our Digital Devices to maintain contact with our work or school colleagues and friends.
The ever changing landscape of technology and social media brings with it newer and unique challenges, many of which do not come with a simple users manual. The Federal Government esafety Commissioner’s website is a reliable point of call for any student or family member who may require some information regarding the many of the questions that are often raised courtesy of new technologies and services. Questions such as:
- How much screen time should my son or daughter have each day?
- How do I provide a safe and secure Social Media environment for my child?
- What sorts of apps are out there and what do they do?
- What are the laws regarding age of consent for using Social Media apps?
The following links to the esafety Comissioner’s site may assist families with being able to investigate and find answers to some of the issues that may confront families from time to time relating to this matter of cyber safety.
esafety guide to games, apps and social media
Also, as we head into a well earned break, coming after a busy term of remote learning, transition back to school, assessment tasks and reports, sometimes the resilience of our children can be tested. If you have concerns over the wellbeing of your son or daughter, please do not hesitate to contact the College for support. Alternatively, if a concern arises external to the school setting, the following agencies are recommended by our Catholic Care Counselling team for assistance.
Thanks again to all members of the Mount Carmel Community for your ongoing support with the Learning and Wellbeing of our students.
Mr Simon Huntly
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator
A reminder that Friday, 3 July is a student free day due to the Parent / Teacher / Student interviews.
This week, students in Years 7 - 10 participated in one period of structured sport and movement activities and one period of independent study. This structure will remain until the end of Term 2 largely due to spacing availability and council restrictions remaining for school based sport on local grounds. All Year 11 students will spend the first half of sport completing independent silent study and will then have the option of either staying in their classroom for their second half of sport or electing to participate in sport for one period.
We have decided to continue with this adjusted approach for the following reasons:
- Utilisation of space: We will have less students utilising the College sporting facilities / ovals at the one time.
- Use of equipment with hygiene promotion: We have chosen to reintroduce sporting equipment with continued promotion of hygiene practices and the availability of hand sanitisation stations. Equipment will also be wiped before, after and in between sessions.
- Promote movement and physical activity: We understand that many students would have 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.
This adjusted approach will continue to evolve and develop as does the guidance and advice from the CEO. With easing restrictions and the NSW Government announcement that children’s sports will be permitted to resume from July 1, planning is currently taking place to enable the sporting schedule at the College to resemble what it has looked like previously. Please note that there may be some minor adjustments to the program proposed to students at the beginning of the year due to restrictions and student sizes across various venues. These changes will be communicated to all students impacted. We have received the confirmation that MISA will resume in Term 3 which is certainly an exciting prospect for many students and staff who are eager to return to competitive sport at the MISA level. Students in Years 7 - 12 will have the opportunity to nominate their interest in the following MISA sports for Term 3:
Information regarding the MISA selection process will be posted on Compass on Monday of Week 10. Students will be asked to complete a Google Form to register their interest in attending trials. Trials will occur Week 1 of Term 3 during Tuesday sport. This will provide an opportunity for selections to be based on performance at the trial as sports will be able to be played in their true form by this stage rather than skill and modified formats. Students are reminded to continue checking the sport schedule that is pinned to their Compass dashboard each week.
An overview of sport activities for each year group and pastoral class can be found below:
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
The following events have been cancelled for Term 3
-
Secondary Athletics - Monday 27 July, 2020 CANCELLED
-
Secondary Netball - Wednesday 29 July, 2020 CANCELLED
Events from mid August 2020 are still pending and it is hoped that easing restrictions will allow a restart of the Diocesan sports program
Updates and news on Wollongong Diocese sport events and trials can be viewed at https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/sport/diocesan-sport-news/?ref=quicklinks
Updates on specific events secondary events can be viewed at https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/sport/events-secondary/
Higher level MacKillop and CCC trials and events status can be monitored at https://csnsw.sport/news/events-suspended
In each case a COVID-19 safety plan will be developed inline with normal risk assessment procedures. These events will be subject to existing NSW government restrictions and advice along with CEDoW leadership input.
NSWCCC / CSNSW SPORT NEWS
The following CSNSW Sport events have been cancelled (including but not limited to):
Term 3
Saturday 18 – Friday 24 July – School Sport Australia 15 Years & Under Netball Championships
Thursday 23 July – NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships
Friday 31 July – NSWCCC 15 Years Touch Camp
Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 August – NSW All Schools 15 Years Touch
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
Tuesday 18 August – NSWCCC Netball Championships
Wednesday 19 August – NSWCCC Rugby League Cup
Thursday 20 August - NSWCCC Boys Hockey Championships*
Friday 21 – Monday 24 August – School Sport Australia Cross Country Championships
Sunday 23 – Friday 28 August – School Sport Australia 18 Years & Under Golf
Wednesday 26 - Thursday 27 August - NSWCCC Girls Hockey Championships*
Tuesday 1 – Wednesday 2 September – NSWCCC Football Knockout Finals
Monday 7 September – NSW Champion Schools Basketball Tournament
Tuesday 8 September – NSW All Schools Football Challenge
Sunday 13 – Friday 18 September – School Sport Australia 16 Years & Under Boys, 18 Years & Under Girls Football Championships
Thursday 17 September – NSW All Schools Netball Challenge
Friday 18 September – NSWCCC Athletics Championships
Term 4
Monday 26 – Tuesday 27 October – NSWCCC Junior Boys Basketball Championships
Saturday 1 – Friday 6 November – School Sport Australia Touch Championships
Thursday 5 – Friday 6 November – NSWCCC Junior Girls Basketball Championships
Saturday 21 – Friday 27 November – School Sport Australia Diving Championships
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 - bowens01@dow.catholic.edu.au)
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.
The Second Hand Uniform Shop is open from 2.30pm - 4pm on the following days.
Term 3
- Monday 3 August
- 7 September
Term 4
- 12 October
- 2 November
- 7 December
Cash only - no EFTPOS facilities.
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.
Netball is back!
Mount Carmel Netball Club training has recommenced under COVID-19 Return to Sport Safety guidelines. The condensed competition is set to start on Saturday 18 July 2020. We are still looking for players to complete our 13 years team.
Please contact Cathy Baird on 0413496919 or Jeanette Sirec on 0412427546 for more information.