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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
- College Sport at Mount Carmel
- Year 12 Medallions
- Year 12 HSC Tuesday Evening Study Session
- Second Hand Uniform Shop
- Mount Carmel Uniform Shop
- Studio 5
- The Hermitage at Mittagong
- OLMC Varroville - Sacrament of First Holy Communion – Preparation and Reception
- CatholicCare Counselling
- 2020 HSC Supervisors at John Therry Catholic College
- Mount Carmel Netball Club
Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students of Mount Carmel,
This week there are two things of note that give us some clear direction on how to live our lives and improve those around us. The first was last Sunday’s Gospel which told the story of the Loaves and Fishes (Matthew 14: 13 – 21). In this story, Jesus was preaching to the masses when his disciples explained to him that the crowd was hungry. Over the course of the Gospel, Jesus takes 5 loaves and two fish and feeds the 5000 people who are present listening to His message. Whilst there are many discussions of what this means, one simple interpretation may be around how many different people from many different cultures came together that day in community listening to this special Teacher. In a land that was disjointed and oppressed, these people took the time to stop and listen to a simple but valuable message.
In the same way, the second thing of note is the feast of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop (Saturday August 8). Australia’s first saint, Mary was a teacher who devoted her time and effort to the poor and needy. St Mary built a school from nothing and against many odds. She trusted in the message of God and brought calmness and stillness to those around her so that they could hear the message of God. One of St Mary’s favourite quotes was; “never see a need without doing something about it”.
In both these messages, it is clear that there is a benefit to stopping and listening to God’s message and then helping those around us.
This week, our Year 9 students are beginning their subject selection process. These students will be presented with a range of information about the subjects available and the method in which they can make their choices. I thank Mrs Tolomeo and the KLA Coordinators for their work in preparing these students to make wise choices.
Over the next week, many of our teachers will be beginning Pivot surveys. This is a program that enables students to provide anonymous feedback to some of our teachers about the way that they teach and how this is received by the students. As one of our School Improvement Priorities this year is around using feedback to promote a culture of learning, I congratulate and thank those staff for asking for this feedback. I also thank the students in advance for giving this feedback in a positive and appropriate way.
As you would be aware, we were unable to hold our Staff Development Day in term 2 due to remote learning and COVID restrictions. This Staff Development Day will now be held on Friday November 13 (Term 4 Week 5). The staff will be focussing on our School Improvement Plan around vision and mission and wellbeing. As this will now be a Pupil Free Day, I ask parents to be aware of this addition to the College calendar and mark it in your own planning
Our next P & F meeting was scheduled for this coming Tuesday evening (August 11). As there are still restrictions around gatherings, we have decided to conduct this meeting via zoom. The meeting will begin at 7pm. You can access the zoom meeting using the following details:
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
https://dowcatholic.zoom.us/j/94526373031?pwd=KzRqT09qVERwOVJJb0ZpZzJIVmxwZz09
Password: 522630
If you are unsure how to access this, please ask your child as they will be familiar with zoom from their remote learning period.
For the past two weeks I included a link in the newsletters for parents to provide feedback to the College with regard to our Semester 1 reports and Parent/Teacher/Student meetings. Thank you to the parents who have given this feedback. There is one more opportunity for you to have your say on these by completing the survey through the link here. I encourage you to complete the survey if you have not yet had the chance.
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
Principal
As a focus this week, I take the opportunity to offer further clarification regarding the process of notifying the College should a student be required to undertake a COVID-19 test. At the outset, I continue to encourage families to keep students at home should they be showing even the mildest of symptoms. We recognise that this may not always be convenient, however it is an important step in ensuring the safety of our College community is prioritised.
Over the past couple of months we have taken many opportunities to request that families notify the College when COVID-19 tests are taken by our students and have documented their associated period of isolation until a negative result has been received. I would ask parents to continue to prioritise this communication going forward, however, I ask that this contact is made directly to the College office (ph. 9603 3000) as soon as the test is administered. I specifically ask parents to ensure that this communication is made in addition to anything that they may document on Compass as an explanation for a students absence.
When such a phone call is made, our office staff will request the following information:
- Whether the student is displaying symptoms or has been asked to isolate for another reason (eg, close contact with a confirmed case or a returning traveller).
- The date of the commencement of isolation
- The date of the COVID-19 test
In accordance with NSW Public Health Orders, anyone who has taken a COVID-19 test, must self isolate until the result is returned. Once the result is known, I would ask parents to once again contact the College with the following information:
- The result of the test
- The date that the result was given
- The date that the student has been cleared to return to the College (if symptoms have ceased, this will often by the day following the receipt of the negative result).
- Please submit a copy of the negative result (scans or screenshots of results are acceptable).
I thank all members of our community for their attention to this process. While this communication places additional requirements on us at an already busy time, it goes a long way towards allowing us to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all, both within and beyond our school community.
Mr David CloranAssistant Principal
REFLECTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE – by Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart
Peter takes a big risk. Trusting Jesus, he steps out onto the lake in the middle of a storm. But when the wind frightens him, he begins to sink. Jesus is disappointed that Peter’s faith isn’t greater.
When did you ever take a big risk because you trusted someone? Did it work out, or did you get into trouble?
Is it wrong to have doubts and fears when you take a big risk, even when you trust the person you are with? Or is that just a healthy, practical, safe way to live?
Do you think Jesus is being a bit harsh with Peter? After all, Peter did get out of the boat and walk on the water! Or do you think Jesus is justified in his comment, because Peter is already doing the impossible?
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading 1 Kings 19:9,11-13 The Lord passes by Elijah as a whisper
Second Reading Romans 9:1-5 Serving Christ involves some pain
Gospel Matthew 14:22-33 Jesus walks on the water
A boat is often used as a symbol of the church. In this story it is easy to understand the symbolism of Jesus coming across the stormy waters and winds of modern times in order to help the church stay afloat.
What do you think are the biggest problems for the church today? What is causing the worst storm?
Are you afraid we will all sink? Do you think we will be rescued? Do you think most concerned people will jump off the boat and weather the storm of life alone or on some other type of craft? What do you think will happen?
Charism, Carmelites and St Mary MacKillop
Tomorrow we celebrate the feast day of St Mary MacKillop.
When we explore her life in a little more detail, we find out that her care and concern for young people and people who experience poverty.
History lesson: Now one of the reasons we have Mackillop as a Patron for a House is because the first Assistant Principal was Sister Maria Casey, a Sister of Saint Joseph.
Sr Maria left us to go and be the main person to help put the case of Mary Mackillop to be beautified and then made a saint. Click here to follow along with the story of Mary Mackillop
So her actions while Josephite, they align to the Carmelite charism.
The Carmelites have 3 features to their Charism - fraternity, service, and contemplation.
Service - The hermits were forced to leave their home on Mount Carmel and settle in Europe. There they changed their style of life from hermits to friars. The major difference is that friars are called to serve the People of God in some active apostolate. Some Religious Congregations were founded for a specific work but the Carmelite Order tries simply to respond to the needs of the Church and the world which differ according to time and place, and so, many friars work in parishes, schools, universities, retreat centres, prisons, hospitals etc. The kind of service which each individual friar is involved in will depend on the needs of the people in whose midst he lives and his own particular talents.
Adapted from http://www.carmelites.ie/
HSC TRIAL EXAMINATIONS
All students have received the FINAL copy of the 2020 HSC Trial Examination Timetable along with a letter outlining the examination procedures and College expectations. Please ensure your son / daughter has discussed this with you and is aware of such expectations.
HSC STUDY NIGHTS – The College will be once again offering supervised study nights in the Library to support Year 12 students in preparation of and during the HSC Trial Examinations. These study nights will begin as of Tuesday 11 August and continue through till Thursday 27 August. Students have received information regarding this and will continue to receive updated information via email throughout the Examination period.
YEAR 9/10 2021 SUBJECT SELECTION
All Year 9 and Year 10 students have been given access to a GOOGLE classroom page. All information related to the Subject Selection process will be communicated via this page. Please ensure you speak with your son/daughter and discuss the relevant elective choices available, prior to making final selections for 2021.
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
https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/key-dates-exam-timetables
Ms Judith Tolomeo
Curriculum Coordinator
Good afternoon everyone,
There has been some recent exposure in the media regarding the use of e-cigarettes, or Vaping, and the concerns relating to the use, possession and supply. A search on the internet would provide a range of information, some of which actually promote the use of e-cigarettes and their associated products as being a “safe” alternative to tobacco use.
According to our Government agencies, there is little evidence to suggest that there is anything safe with the use of Vaping products, and the laws surrounding the possession and use of e-cigarettes are in line with those associated with alcohol and tobacco. As such, Mount Carmel Catholic College policy relating to e-cigarettes aligns with that of Alcohol and Tobacco, which are both prohibited substances. It is also important to remember that as per NSW Law;
- It is illegal to sell e-cigarettes and accessories to or buy these products on behalf of a person under 18 years of age. Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008
From a wellbeing perspective, there have been numerous instances of Vaping liquids containing hazardous chemicals, with the long term effects on the health of young people yet to be determined. Cancer Council research has shown:
“ ….that e-cigarettes emit harmful substances. The National Health and Medical Research Council advises that e-cigarettes may expose users to chemicals and toxins such as formaldehyde, heavy metals, particulate matter and flavouring chemicals, at levels that have the potential to cause adverse health effects. For example, propylene glycol and glycerine found in e-cigarettes when overheated can produce dangerous levels of the carcinogens formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.” (cancer.org.au)
Should you have any concerns about the risk of exposure or use by your son or daughter to these products, the following websites provide a range of information regarding the current research and laws governing the use of e-cigarettes.
Edmund Rice College has organised the webinar "Raising Your Child in a Digital World". The event is free and open to the community and will be hosted via Zoom. The webinar is being presented by Dr Tania McMahon, a clinical psychologist and leading expert in this field.
Details for the webinar are as follows:
Date: Thursday 27 August 2020
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm (This includes time for questions and answers)
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/96509520276
Mr Simon Huntly
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator
Recreational Sport
Students have returned to their original sport group that they had indicated at the beginning of the year. There continues to be adjustments to the yearly schedule due to venue requirements, transportation and temporary closures of some venues. It is hoped that we will be able to use buses for sport again soon however at this stage we will not be utilising buses to visit venues. We have been in contact with many of the venues that we utilise and are currently seeking and receiving COVID-19 Safety Plans from venues. As a result, students will continue to participate in sport for one period and will complete study/homework for one period during the allocated sport time. The sport schedule is pinned to the Compass dashboard each week in which students and staff have access to. The schedule highlights the cancellations, location and the period in which study/sport is occurring for each sport group. Contact sports continue to be suspended in CEDoW schools until further notice. As a result, students will be participating in skills-based activities and small-sided modified games.
MISA Term 3
As mentioned in the newsletter last week, advice received from CEDoW leadership has directed that sports that involve contact which include netball, basketball, rugby league, rugby union, AFL and soccer will remain suspended until further notice. This decision will be reviewed regularly by CEDoW leadership. Last week we also received the announcement that MISA has been postponed until further notice. As a result, coaches have determined on a case by case basis to select either a team or squad for Term 3. We have decided to utilise the additional time to develop and refine the skills of successful players in a competitive environment through skills-based activities and small-sided modified games. MISA lists have now been pinned to the window of the sports office for students to view. Please note that players trialling will participate in training during sport until further notice. In many cases, umpires and referees are required for many MISA sports. I encourage any student who is interested in these roles to please speak with me at the sports office or via email.
Safety and Hygiene Reminders
- Students are encouraged to sanitise before and after participating in activities during sport.
- Equipment will continue to be cleaned and wiped both before and after use.
- Students are to respect social distancing between themselves and adults (teachers / instructors that support the College’s sport program)
Sports Detention and Non-Participation
If a student is unable to participate in sport on a Tuesday they must provide a note to the Sports Coordinator at recess on the day that they cannot participate. This will provide the opportunity for discussion and for an alternative plan to be put into place for the afternoon. In most cases, students will attend either their group or another group as decided upon by the Sports Coordinator and will adopt another role such as scoring, timekeeping or refereeing. This is of course dependent on the reason for non-participation.
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. Students who are unable to participate in their sport due to injury are asked, where possible to still attend the event with their group and to assume another role as instructed by the teacher such as timing, scoring or umpiring.
DIOCESAN 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
Please note that all Term 3 Diocesan events have been cancelled.
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)
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.
This opportunity is supervised by 2 HSC staff each Tuesday. We also have extra staff who make themselves available each week to assist with student requests.
We highly recommend that your child attend and make the most of this opportunity to help them reach their HSC goals.
The Second Hand Uniform Shop is open from 2.30pm - 4pm on the following days.
Term 3
- 7 September
Term 4
- 12 October
- 2 November
- 7 December
Cash only - no EFTPOS facilities.
Location
The Mount Carmel Uniform Shop is located at the top end of the School, past the Champagnat Centre.
Please note the following COVID-19 procedures
Ranier requests ordering online prior to collecting from store.
If you are unsure of the size required, purchase your best estimate online. Can be exchanged for free if required (unworn items only).
For online ordering please visit ranier.com.au
For first time users
- Registration requires the student name, number and the College password (mtcar2566).
- Email custservice@ranier.com.au for any problems with registration.
For your safety and ours
- Please observe social distancing advice (at least 1m apart)
- Only 1 family is permitted within the shop at a time
- Please expect longer waiting times
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
______________________________________________________________
Opening Hours (During School Term)
Mon: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Wed: 12:30pm – 4:30pm
Contact:
Ranier Customer Service ranier.com.au/contact 8337 7200
HERMITAGE GIFT SHOP
The Hermitage has a wide range of Religious items, crucifixes, spiritual books, journals, cards and many gift ideas. You can view what we have available on our website by clicking on the shop icon (www.thehermitage.org.au) . You can order and pay on line.
PRIVATE RETREATS
Our facilities are available for those seeking some time out for reflection & prayer. We have cottages & Villas available plus accompaniment for those seeking this. Bookings can be made via the booking form on our website. You have the options of self-catered or catered for meals.
BRUNCH & MORNING TEA: NEW!
In August we are offering a Brunch & Morning tea on the weekends of August 22 & 23 and August 29 & 30 9am – 2pm. Booking is essential to ensure a place is available. Ring our office on 4872 1911 during business hours 9am – 4pm to reserve a place.
ENJOY A WEEKEND IN THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS!
The Hermitage has two comfortable cottages set in a peaceful, relaxing and scenic environment. The Hermitage is located in the Southern Highlands, 75 minutes south of Sydney. These self-contained cottages are ideal for a family get away. If you are considering a weekend away why not stay in one of our cottages at the Hermitage? The weekend rate of $340 (2 people) includes all linen. To make a booking complete a booking enquiry form on the Hermitage web site. We look forward to welcoming you to the Southern Highlands!
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish-Varroville, being aware of the existing COVID-19 global health crisis, are inviting you to continue the Sacramental journey of your child towards initiation into the Catholic Church. We will be facilitating a series of sessions in preparation for the reception of First Holy Communion (FHC), in a Covid-19 safe manner.
As a Catholic community we appreciate the reception of this sacrament is a very special occasion for your family, the parish and especially for your child. Being united with Jesus in a new and special way by receiving Him in Holy Eucharist for the very first time is of great importance and is eagerly anticipated by children. We are therefore excited to advise:
1. FHC ‘Preparatory’ sessions will be run on 3 x Saturdays from 3:30pm to 5:15pm on 29 August, 5 September and 12 September
2. First Holy Communion celebration to occur on all x3 Masses during the weekend of 19 & 20 of September
Dates for your considerations and actions below:
|
15 August |
Registration Cut-off date. Strictly enforced |
Parents to complete registration form and hand over to the Parish office by the 15 August. Forms available on the Parish website. Registration fee is $25 |
|
24 August |
Registration acceptance confirmed |
Parents will receive confirmation email from Parish between 24-28August |
|
29 August |
1st Lesson |
Inside the Parish Church |
|
5 September |
2nd Lesson |
Inside the Parish Church |
|
12 September |
3rd Lesson |
Inside the Parish Church |
|
19 September |
FHC Celebration |
6pm Mass (Saturday) |
|
20 September |
FHC Celebration |
Options available 9:30am and 5:30 pm (Sunday) |
Please Note: These dates and occurrences are subject to COVID-19 developments. Any change will be advised via email asap.
Who is Eligible:
Children who are in Year 3 or above and have already received their Sacrament of Reconciliation. Provision is made for older children.
Parents, as you are the first teachers of Faith for your children, we believe you are best placed to make the assessment regarding your child’s readiness to take this next step in their Faith journey.
Important information for your attention and consideration:
As the help and support from parents will be crucial for this journey to be fruitful for all and particularly for the child, please take note of the following ways your partnership with the Parish will be necessary and appreciated:
As Covid-19 restriction need to remain in place, your cooperation to follow directions at all times will be required.
- Complete registration by 15 August
- Attend all sessions (Please see table above for details)
- One parent to attend each session with your child. No extra members allowed to attend as we need to stay within approved in-door limits
- Parent commitment to work at home with child as per planned lesson guidelines provided each week and attending Mass with child where possible to assist their formation
- Be aware that Family attendance/numbers at the ceremony will be limited depending on total numbers
We look forward to assisting you and your child on this Faith journey. We hope it will be a time for growing in faith, discipleship – knowing, loving and serving Jesus in all aspects of our lives. We encourage you to contact the Parish Office on 9603 7373 if you have any further queries.
Thank you for your attention to this letter. God bless you all!
Yours sincerely,
Fr. Shane Kelleher, OCD
NETBALL UPDATE
Due to many clubs withdrawing their teams as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Campbelltown District Netball Association has reluctantly cancelled its 2020 Winter netball competition.
Clubs are in the process of arranging de-registrations and refunds of fees paid.
We look forward to hopefully being able to participate in a Summer competition starting in September.