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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
Last Sunday was the solemnity of All Saints. In the Catholic tradition, we then follow this with a remembrance of All Souls. In these two groups, we recognise those that the church has stated are in heaven (as a result of their deeds and actions on earth) - the saints - and those that we hope are living for eternity in the presence of God - the souls. The Gospel reading on All Saints day is one of the most well-known and beautiful messages that Jesus gave during His time on earth. It was the gift of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 1–12). This was when Jesus told us that Blessed are the gentle, the merciful, the pure of heart and the peacemakers amongst a number of other groups. This was a clear message of what we should aim for in our dealings with others. To be gentle, humble, compassionate, empathetic, honest and have a sense of justice are things that will lead us closer to God. These qualities can be a focus for us in life that will help us to be more like the saints and to live a life of good works and deeds.
Over the next few weeks we will see the final stages of our 2020 HSC students’ time at Mount Carmel. It has certainly been a difficult year for these fine young women and men and they will be celebrating the conclusion of their schooling with the completion of the HSC examinations and their formal next Thursday. This year unfortunately, the formal will only be able to have staff and students present and there are strict conditions on this as a COVID safe gathering. I congratulate all our students on their commitment over the past 13 years of schooling but specifically on what has been a very hard few months. We look forward to welcoming them back in the last week of this term when they can gather with us for a morning tea on the day of the release of their HSC and ATAR results.
On Friday next week (November 13) staff will be undertaking professional development in the areas of student and staff wellbeing. This was a postponed in-service from earlier in the year as was notified in newsletters and letters last term. I remind all parents and caregivers that this is a pupil free day and the College will be closed to ensure staff are able to fully immerse themselves in this Professional Development opportunity.
Once again a reminder that our last Parents and Friend’s meeting for 2020 will be held via zoom on Tuesday November 10 (Week 5). To access this link, please either click Join Zoom Meeting or open Zoom and use the following ID and password:
ID: 94526373031
Password: 522630
Over the past few months, Bishop Brian has been celebrating Sunday Mass and livestreaming it. These Masses each Sunday and can be accessed here.
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
Principal
Over the last couple of days we have received updates from NSW Health and Catholic Schools NSW regarding the COVID 19 directives that will be in place at the College from Week 6 onwards. These have been communicated in a separate letter to parents from Mr Lo Cascio and the Director of Schools, Mr Peter Hill. These new directives will allow us to put a number of plans in place for the remainder of the year, particularly around events that would typically be held at the end of each year. Final decisions will of course be communicated as these plans are confirmed.
Over the course of the past week, the College has hosted a number of incursions that have been designed to support the pastoral care and wellbeing programs that are in operation here at Mount Carmel. Earlier this week, students in Year 9 were separated into male and female groups to participate in our Gender Agenda Day. Expert presenters David and Katie Kobler led students through a range of topics that were thought provoking, interesting and pertinent to their developmental stage. Earlier today, Year 9 also completed the final session of the Youth Adolescent Mental Health program which again, has received some very positive feedback from the students. I take the opportunity to congratulate all Year 9 students on the way in which they have engaged with these valuable opportunities.
Earlier today, we hosted former Socceroos Captain Paul Wade who addressed our new Year 12 cohort on the benefits of goal setting, commitment and perseverance through the lens of someone who has demonstrated such qualities at an elite sporting level. Again, I congratulate our new seniors for the way in which they engaged with this presentation and hope that it spurs them on as they progress further into their HSC year.
A reminder that this coming Friday (13th November) is the Term 4 Staff Development Day. I thank the parents who are organising alternative supervision arrangements so that this day can occur.
Mr David Cloran
Assistant Principal
REFLECTION – by Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart
Think of a time in your life when you weren’t very wise, and you found yourself in a ‘no oil for the oil lamp’ situation. What happened? How did you deal with the consequences?
Think of a time when you were wise – a time when you did think ahead and were prepared – and your preparation paid off because something unexpected popped up. What happened? How did you benefit?
Do you think that most of the young people you know tend to be on the wise side or on the foolish side? Why? Give some examples of how that affects your school, your church, your city or town, and the world.
How would Jesus describe success?
Mrs Christine Meharg
Learning and Teaching at the College…
- 6 November – Year 11 Academic Reports available to parents (COMPASS)
- 15 December - 7-10 Academic Reports available to parents (COMPASS)
- 18 December - HSC results released (ATAR release date TBC)
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 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,
Week 4 has been another phase in our return to normal services. As such, we have been able to have external providers attend the College to present Pastoral Care and Wellbeing seminars for Years 9 & 11.
David and Katie Kobler from YourChoicez provided gender specific seminars to our Year 9 boys and girls groups on Wednesday. These presentations explored some of the issues surrounding social media, relationships and what it means to be a young man or woman in today’s world. Thanks particularly to David and Katie for again sharing their wisdom and insights into what can be some very sensitive and thought provoking topics. To the staff who attended the seminars and led the small groups through the day and to Ms Pearce who organised it, thanks for your contribution.
Earlier this morning Mr Paul Wade (former Socceroo captain) conducted a seminar for Year 11. Titled “The first day of the rest of your life”, Paul was able to link his extensive life and athletic experience to the HSC and was able to explore a range of relevant issues, including:
- Managing Anxiety and Stress
- Appreciating our personal gifts and giving your personal best
- Mental and Physical preparation
- Focusing on the task at hand
- Maintaining life balance.
Thanks to Mrs Moore for organising the visit, and again to Paul for sharing his story and providing some valuable advice for our upcoming HSC cohort.
As mentioned last week, Elevate Education conducted a webinar on Stress and Wellbeing, with a particular focus on the role that sleep, diet, physical activity, organisation and preparation have in helping manage the various that many of our students are confronted with on a day to day basis. They have 2 more webinars scheduled for later in the term. The link below allow will allow access to these seminars:
- Wednesday November 18 - Exams
- Wednesday December 2 - Technology
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Elevate Education Register here https://get.elevatecoaching.info/au/register Next Session @6pm on Wednesday November 18 2020 Elevate are a global education organisation that helps over 1-million students to improve their study skills and boost academic performance. You can learn more about them at https://au.elevateeducation.com |
Years 7-10 conducted Social and Emotional Wellbeing surveys this morning. The College Pastoral Care and Wellbeing teams will use the data from these surveys to help shape programs and initiatives in 2021 to ensure that the needs of our students are being catered for.
Thanks again for your ongoing support as we enter the final 6 weeks of the year.
Mr Simon Huntly
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator
Recreational Sport
Given some of the directives currently in place, please note that there have been some changes to some of the Tuesday recreational sports. These changes are communicated to students via Compass alerts and the daily sport schedule weekly. Thank you to all students and staff who have been travelling on buses on each and have been respectful in following the directives. Students are reminded to continue sanitising and maintaining social distancing between themselves and their instructor/teachers.
- If a student is unable to participate in sport on any given Tuesday they must provide a note signed by their parent/guardian to the Sports Coordinator at recess on the day that they cannot participate.
- If a student is to miss their bus they must see the Sports Coordinator at lunch so that a new sport can be assigned. If the student cannot locate the Sport Coordinator they are to go to the front office. Students are reminded of the importance of checking Compass and being organised in going to the correct room on Compass.
MISA Results Week 3
Congratulations to all teams for some exceptional results for Round 2 against St Patrick’s College.
Years 9 - 10 Boys Cricket, 9 - 10 Boys Volleyball and 7 - 8 Boys AFL had a bye this week and completed a training session with their respective coaches.
MISA Week 4 draw and locations
Non-Participation
- Students are reminded that College Sport is a compulsory requirement of enrolment at Mount Carmel Catholic College. Appointments and early departure should only occur under unique circumstances and should be avoided.
If a student is unable to participate in sport on any given Tuesday they must provide a note signed by their parent/guardian to the Sports Coordinator at recess on the day that they cannot participate.
If a student is to miss their bus they must see the Sports Coordinator at lunch so that a new sport can be assigned. If the student cannot locate the Sport Coordinator they are to go to the front office. Students are reminded of the importance of checking Compass and being organised in going to the correct room on Compass.
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
NSWCCC / CSNSW SPORT NEWS
Higher level MacKillop and CCC trials and events status can be monitored at https://csnsw.sport/news/events-suspended
SCHOOL SPORT AUSTRALIA SPORT NEWS
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)
From January onwards, there will be a number of School Opal cards expiring, as the physical card has reached its lifespan.
These are cards for students who will be in Years 8 to 12 in 2021, and only those Opal cards which haven’t been replaced in the last five years.
Impacted students and/or their parent/guardian will be contacted directly by Transport for NSW via email or post. They will be asked to confirm their details online in order for a new School Opal card to be sent to the correct postal address in time for the new school year.
If contacted by Transport for NSW, details should be submitted online by December 1, 2020 at the latest. Affected students who do not confirm their details in time will have a new School Opal card posted to the address that they currently have on file.
The Second Hand Uniform Shop is open from 2.30pm - 4pm on the following days.
Term 4
- 7 December