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- Principal's Report
- From The Assistant Principal
- From the REC
- Learning and Teaching at the College
- From the Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator
- Chicken Pox and Shingles
- Year 12 Medallions
- Second Hand Uniform Shop
- College Sport at Mount Carmel
- Ripples Podcast
- CatholicCare Counselling
- Mount Carmel Netball Club
Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students of Mount Carmel,
As we enter the Term 2 holiday period, I would like to thank and congratulate our students, staff and parents for the flexibility and cooperation that you have all shown over the course of the term. This has certainly been a time of learning for all involved even though it may not have been in the way that we anticipated back in March. Our staff have changed their delivery between face to face and remote teaching and then incorporated facets of both once we returned. Our Year 7 enrolment interviews and Parent/Teacher/Student meetings have all been held electronically and our subject selection information for Year 10 into 11 was also completed via recordings and online. Our reports were released electronically and have incorporated the change to the Compass platform. As a staff, we have looked at how we address feedback to students and this discussion has occurred as a part of general conversation between colleagues as well as formally from a staff development day in Term 1.
It is all of these things that help to create an environment where the students are at the centre of what we do. Many of our senior class teachers will offer HSC classes during this holiday break and all staff have shown a deep regard and concern for the welfare of the students they teach. Many parents have commented on the positive approach that the College has taken in assisting students in their return. Whilst all our supports exist, I ask that you continue to speak with your own children about how they are coping and the practices and habits that they are using to help them get through these times. Anecdotally across many schools, there is a reported increase in students who are experiencing anxiety and depression as result of changes to their routines and their experiences. Please contact the College upon our return if you feel there is something we need to know, or suggestions of what we might do to assist your child. Whilst I cannot guarantee all requests, if we don’t know, we can't help.
In speaking of all these things listed above, we are currently in the middle of the Year 10 subject selection process. This process has been coordinated by our Curriculum Coordinator, Ms Tolomeo. The students have received their options and booklets and have had opportunities to hear information on each course. They have had an opportunity to book a meeting time with a member of the College Leadership Team to get guidance or raise questions. Many parents may not be aware that last year we introduced an academic prediction system, where students have been given feedback on their progress from their reports in Year 9 regarding the types of subjects they will automatically qualify for inclusion in Year 11. This allows for them to plan for improvement and organise themselves early in order to ‘get to where they want to be’. This selection process will continue into the start of term 3.
Whilst public masses have been resumed over the last few weeks, they still 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.
Finally, I hope all of you have a relaxing break after this disjointed term. Whilst many parents will be under work related pressures, please try to find time to just ‘be’ with your children and share their experiences. In the Marist Tradition, we refer to this characteristic as ‘Presence’. I wish you the best and remind you again of the words of St Mary of the Cross; “Do all you can with the means at your disposal and calmly leave the rest to God”.
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
Principal
As one of the most challenging school terms in recent memory draws to a close, I take the opportunity this week to thank our parents and students for their support over the past few months as we have navigated our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The constantly evolving situation has required regular modifications to many of our processes and as a College we are extremely proud and appreciative of how our community has responded to these.
I am particularly grateful to the wonderful staff at the College who have had to significantly change their own teaching and work practices to ensure continuity of authentic learning and the facilitation of regular day-to-day practices, all while adhering to an ever-changing environment. The fact that our students have so capably settled back in to most of our regular routines is a credit to the professionalism of our teachers and support staff, and a reflection of the support that has been given to us by our student and parent communities.
Even though we are currently just over a fortnight from our return to school at the beginning of Term 3, it is difficult to predict with any certainty the restrictions that will be in place upon our commencement. It is hoped that we will continue our gradual yet cautious approach towards regular routines while accepting that a number of practices, such as the emphasis on regular hand washing and social distancing, may be with us for some time.
I wish all members of our community a happy and safe holiday break and I look forward to working with you all in Semester Two.
Mr David CloranAssistant Principal
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First Weekend 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Middle Weekend 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Last Weekend 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
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First Reading Zec 9:9-10 Second reading Romans 8:9, 11-12 Gospel Matthew 11:25-30 Christ will refresh the weary |
First Reading Is 55:10-11 Second reading Romans 8:18 - 23 Gospel Matthew 13:1 - 23 Parable of the sower |
First Reading Wisdom 12:13, 16-19 Second reading Romans 8:26-27 Gospel Matthew 13:24-24 Parables of the weeds in the field and the mustard seed |
Year 11 Studies in Catholic Thought
This term the Year 11 SICT classes have been exploring God and the Trinity.
REC Coordinator
Year 7-10 Parent / Teacher / Student Interviews
Year 7-10 PTS Interviews occurred this week via Zoom and phone calls. We thank all parents for taking this opportunity to engage in conversations related to student learning and achievement, and to support your sons and daughters in setting directions for Semester 2 and beyond. A parent survey will be distributed at the start of Term 3, seeking feedback regarding these processes.
Year 7-10 Semester 1 Academic Reports
Semester 1 reports were made available to parents through the Compass portal on Friday 26 June, 2020. Reports reflect student achievement and application for Semester 1, including the remote learning period. Academic Reports should provide the platform to engage in conversations with your son / daughter around their learning achievements, their engagement in the learning environment, and directions for their improvement in the future.
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 enter the start of a well earned break after what has been a unique past three months, we can now look forward to re-establishing some degree of normality with our learning and wellbeing programs. The past week, with the release of our new Semester Reports and Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews, has allowed some semblance of the regularity that we would normally expect. After the break, particularly with the recent lifting of some restrictions relating to assemblies and meetings, our Pastoral and Wellbeing teams will be addressing some key issues. The laws and expectations relating to Social Media and Technology, Mental Health and Growth Mindset are examples of topics that will be addressed in Pastoral Classes and Year Assemblies during the first couple of weeks.
Senior Constable Alan Clapham, Schools Liaison Officer from Campbelltown-Camden Local Area Command, will be speaking to all year groups regarding the issues pertaining to Cyber Safety and the responsible use of Technology. This was originally pencilled in for Term One, but had to be postponed.
Individual Year groups will be looking at issues relating to anxiety, resilience and communication, particularly in respect to relationships and school work and how they might best manage circumstances that often arise in their day to day lived experiences.
The concept of Growth Mindset will be applied in a practical manner as students in Years 7-10 will undertake a reflection on their semester report and set some goals for improvement over the coming two terms. This could be in the form of improving specific overall grades in individual subjects, to look more closely at the comments contained in their report, or their work habits (Contribution to learning, Interpersonal skills and Organisation and Assessment). A sample scaffold for this reflection is attached here: What does my Semester One Report tell me?
I have also included some links to some useful links outlining the Growth Mindset concept for those who might like to utilise them in support of your son or daughters learning:
Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset overview
Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck
Identify: Fixed or Growth Mindset (Scenarios)
Finally, a reminder that upon our return to Term Three, our normal expectations regarding uniform and grooming remain high. If you are unsure of these expectations, particularly regarding issues relating to things like hair and jewellery, they are included in detail in the student diary, as well as in the following overview of Uniform and Grooming expectations. Please ensure that your son/daughter is fulfilling their responsibilities regarding these expectations so that the return to second semester can be one that is focused on learning and free of unnecessary disruption.
Thanks again for your support during the term, it is much appreciated.
Mr Simon Huntly
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator
A case of Chickenpox has been reported at the College. Please read the following fact sheet.
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.
As Term 2 draws to a close I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff and students for their patience, commitment and involvement in College sport throughout the term. Although the schedule of activities throughout the term were not what we had planned I am very proud of the efforts of staff to facilitate opportunities for students to be physically active.
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Health Order changes announced on 1 July 2020 From 1 July updated health advice and changes to state and national restrictions on children’s sport and community competitions came into effect. From Term 3, the following school sport and physical activity programs are able to recommence in schools:
The Representative Sport Pathway, including state championships and knockouts for NSW PSSA and NSW CHSSA are not proceeding in 2020. All School Sport Australia events were cancelled in March, therefore no pathway exists to national championships. |
Recreational Sport
Planning has been well underway for Term 3 for quite some time which has involved considerable negotiation with local venues and facilities regarding restrictions. Students will return to their original sport group that they had indicated at the beginning of the year. Please note that there have been a couple of minor adjustments to the yearly schedule to ensure that we comply with external venue restrictions.
The sport schedule for Term 3 will be shared with all students prior to returning to the College for Term 3 and will be pinned to the Compass dashboard which parents, students and staff will have access to. Bus/school transport to/from venues will resume for sport from the beginning of Term 3.
MISA Trials Term 3
As mentioned last week, 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:|
SPORT |
DIVISION |
GENDER |
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Netball |
Years 7/8 |
Female |
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Netball |
Years 9/10 |
Female |
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Soccer |
Years 7/8 |
Male |
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Soccer |
Years 9/10 |
Male |
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Soccer |
Years 7-9 |
Female |
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AFL |
Years 10-12 |
Male and Female |
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Rugby League |
Under 15’s Div 1 and 2 |
Male |
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Indoor Cricket |
Years 10-12 |
Male |
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Softball |
Years 10-12 |
Female |
To nominate their interest in trialling for a Term 3 MISA team, students are to complete the Google Form found on Compass which can be seen below:
MISA Trials will occur during Tuesday sport Week 1 of Term 3. Due to the restrictions that have been in place throughout Term 2, there will only be ONE trial for MISA sports therefore it is very important that students are prompt in attending the trial for their selected sport. If any student is unable to attend the trial and would like to be considered for a team, they are to send an email to myself prior to the trial.
Students trialling for U15’s Rugby League were asked to collect a permission note from the sports office on Thursday of Week 10 during recess. Any student who was absent or did not collect a note but would like to trial for Rugby League must collect a note Monday of Week 1 at recess from the sports office during recess. Students without a signed note will not be allowed to trial.
Safety and Hygiene Considerations
- Students are encouraged to sanitise before and after participating in activities during sport.
- Students travelling on a bus to venues should sanitize before and after participating in activities.
- The use of public change rooms should be avoided wherever possible.
- Equipment will continue to be cleaned and wiped both before and after use.
Below are some general policies that the College enforces in regards to sport.
Leave from venue notes: A reminder that if students wish to leave a venue they need to supply the Sport Coordinator with a note that is signed prior to departing for sport. 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 cannot participate 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 Ms Bowen so an alternate plan can be arranged for you during sport time.
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
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
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 - bowens01@dow.catholic.edu.au)
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.