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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
“Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her,
and is found by those who seek her. She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her”. (Wisdom 6: 12-13).
This quote comes from the first reading last Sunday and provides us with an opportunity to reflect on what is important to us. There are many references to wisdom (‘Sophia’ in early Greek translations) within the bible and these constantly uphold the value of the ‘wise’ person. When we look at wisdom however, we may each have a meaning or interpretation that has a specific relevance to us. Wisdom is not just about ethics or morality. It is not just about justice or empathy or compassion or knowledge but it is about all of these things and more. Some may consider wisdom to be simply based in love. If we have love for those around us and thirst for what is right, then we are always making our decisions based on those characteristics mentioned above. The idea that we ‘Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God’ (Micah 6:8) is all about showing wisdom in our lives. If we look for it, it will find us. In our considerations, we should always try to include wisdom as the basis of our decisions. If we do this, ‘she will make herself known to those who desire her’.
This week we celebrate NAIDOC week. Unfortunately, we have not been able to acknowledge or celebrate this in an open way once again due to COVID restrictions. We do however acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we live. Over the past few months, our Aboriginal Education Assistant, Katie Oldfield has been working with various members of our community to support and educate our community on the richness of Aboriginal culture and the connections within our community. Katie is currently preparing an art installation for the front of the College to add to her spiritual reflective painting which was placed into the library a few months ago. We look forward to this unveiling in a few months.
Earlier this week a number of our senior leadership staff undertook training in interpreting the data from the ‘Tell Them From Me’ survey that was completed a few weeks ago. There was a wealth of data with over 770 responses from parents, students and staff. These responses ranged from extremely positive and affirming to very constructive and some gave us clear understanding that the respondents were unhappy. All of this is invaluable in helping us to determine what we might be doing well and what we might improve. As you may understand with this much data, it will take us some time to drill down through the results and this will inform our future direction. A heartfelt thank you to all the students, parents and staff who contributed to this important feedback.
On the latest fee statements that parents will have recently received, there have been a number of credits applied. Once again in reviewing our operations, we have credited the sport fee for term 3 and the very start of term 4 as well as a number of science excursions that did not go ahead. We have also credited the cost of accommodation for the Year 10 gender camps as a result of changes to this event. The Year 10 gender event will continue with offsite activities occurring and so there will remain some costs for this. Please contact the College should you have any questions.
On Wednesday evening, I attended the Bishop’s Excellence Awards. The recipient this year from Mount Carmel was Jaden Legaspi. Jaden had contributed via his leadership and involvement in the spiritual, academic, sporting and cultural activities at the College for his 6 years as a student. I congratulate Jaden on receiving this high level accolade and thank him for his contribution over the years.
As you would be aware, tomorrow (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.
On Tuesday evening we attempted to hold our final Parents and Friend’s meeting for 2020 via Zoom. Unfortunately, the link could not be activated and only parents who emailed me were able to obtain the new link. Rather than continuing a meeting that was not open to all parents, it was decided to cancel this meeting and reschedule for next Tuesday evening (November 17 at 7pm). I thank the parents who joined us for the evening and apologise for the issues. Our new link for next Tuesday is:
ID: 96892156272
Password: 991420
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
While the number of cases of COVID19 continue to decline across the country we remain vigilant in ensuring that the health, safety and hygiene practices that we adopt here at the College are maintained. You would be aware that incursions and excursions have been allowed to recommence from Term 4 and, as of next week, year group and College assemblies are able to recommence, albeit with a number of precautionary measures in place. We remain grateful for the ongoing support that we have received from families despite the challenges we have faced this year, and offer a reminder of three simple ways that parents can help supprt a safe environment here at Mount Carmel:
- Keeping your children home when they are unwell, even with very mild symptoms.
- Informing the school immediately if your child is self-isolating or undergoing testing and informing us of the result as soon as possible. Following sickness with flu-like symptoms, ensuring your child is free of symptoms
AND can present a negative COVID-19 test, which must be sighted by the College, before they return to school.
Over the past few months, there has been a suggestion that more parents are choosing to drop their children at the College each day as opposed to having them catch public transport while some evidence of COVID19 looms within the community. With this in mind, I would ask parents and students to be particularly mindful of pedestrian traffic when exiting vehicles of a morning in the parent car park, as well as of an afternoon as students make their way back to vehicles either in the parent carpark or along Spitfire Drive. I’d ask parents to please be aware that travelling through the parent car park should only be done at walking pace and to encourage their children to exercise caution as they move from the vehicle they are disembarking, across the carpark, and into the main area of the College. Regular reminders such as this go a long way in promoting a safe environment for everyone at the College.
Mr David Cloran
Assistant Principal
Sunday 15th November
33rd Sunday Ordinary Time
First Reading Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 A worthy wife is invaluable
Second Reading 1 Thes 5:1-6 You are children of the light
Gospel Matthew 25:14-30 The rich man, his servants and the talents
REFLECTION by Dianne Bergant CSA
It is not enough that we wait patiently. We are expected to be industrious as we await the advent of the reign of God. We have all been entrusted with talents that really belong to God, and we must use these talents to the best of our ability in the interim between the Lord’s departure and his final return. The ideal wisdom figure in the first reading is a model of such industriousness.
Fidelity to the reign of God requires that we be willing to take risks. We do not know the time of the Lord’s coming, and so there will have to be a kind of tentativeness to all of our plans. We will never be able to be certain that they will be brought to fruition. We must spend and be spent without the assurance that we will be able to reap the rewards of our investment. To refuse to risk is to refuse to trust.
If we have been wise and have industriously employed the Lord’s talents, which were entrusted to us, we will be richly rewarded. However, if we have not realised the potential that is possessed by our talents, and if we have not employed them as they were meant to be employed, we will be punished. The foolish man in the gospel knew that the householder was exacting. He had some idea of what to expect. He made his choice and he had to accept the consequences of that choice.
Mrs Christine Meharg
- 14 December - 7-10 Academic Reports available to parents (COMPASS)
- 15 December - 4pm-8pm - PTS Interviews via Zoom
- 16 December - 8:30am- 12pm - PTS Interviews via Zoom
- 18 December - HSC results released (ATAR release date TBC)
Year 10 Alternate Program Week 9
In preparation for and transition into the Senior School to start Year 11 courses, Year 10 students will engage in a week of alternate activities in week 9. These activities will include: completing “All My Own Work” Modules which is a mandatory requirement for NESA, an Academic Symposium to prepare students for Year 11 courses, a spirituality day, a Leadership day and a Pastoral day. Specific details of each day and the requirements for each will be shared with all Year 10 students next week.
Ms Judith Tolomeo
Curriculum Coordinator
Good afternoon everyone,
As we enter the final 5 weeks of the year, Covid restrictions have been slowly relaxed which now mean that we can again have large groups of students assembled together. This means that we will be able to have year group assemblies. This is particularly important at this time of the year as we maintain our focus around learning and wellbeing over the coming weeks. It will also allow us to address the needs of respective year groups heading towards a well earned break for Christmas.
As students across Years 7-10 complete their final battery of assessment tasks and Year 11 prepare for their first installment of formal HSC tasks, it is appropriate to remind all students that the end of the year is not a time to switch off. Every student in our College will progress to the next year group or stage of learning in 2021, and with this progression comes higher degrees of learning, challenge and expectations. The last few weeks of the year, particularly for Years 7-10 should be a time to reflect and identify individual areas of strength and improvement. This thinking very much aligns with the Growth Mindset principles, which can be applied to all areas of our lives and not just with our education. As such, our Pastoral reports at the end of this year for Years 7 to 10 will take on the same format as our KLA reports, where Pastoral Advisors will indicate areas of strength and suggestions for growth which each student can use to shape their goals for the next semester of learning.
As previously advertised, Elevate Education are hosting 2 remaining webinars this year. As part of the Mount Carmel Community, families and students are provided with access to these webinars. To be part of these presentations, simply click onto the links below. The topics being covered are:
- Wednesday November 18 - Exams
- Wednesday December 2 - Technology
|
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 |
Thanks again for your ongoing support.
Mr Simon Huntly
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator
Marist Carnivals - 2021
Last week we received the news that following advice from the Marist Carnival Committee, it has been decided by Marist Schools Australia that the following Marist Carnivals will be postponed indefinitely until further notice:
- Marist Basketball Carnival
- Marist Netball Carnival
- Marist Cricket Carnival
As a result, there will be no trials during Term 4 for Marist teams. This decision will bring disappointment for staff and students who would otherwise be very interested in this opportunity. We are currently exploring options to provide students with a range of sporting avenues and opportunities to connect with other Marist schools in a local context.
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.
MISA Results Week 5
Congratulations to all teams for some exceptional results for Round 2 against St Patrick’s College.
|
Sport |
Opposition |
Result |
Winning Team |
Most Valuable Player |
|
7 - 8 Girls Softball |
John Therry |
7 - 10 |
JT |
Erica S Sienne Finn |
|
9 - 10 Girls Volleyball |
John Therry |
2 - 0 |
MCCC |
Eseta Malaesilia |
|
9 - 10 Boys Volleyball |
John Therry |
2 - 0 |
MCCC |
Entire team |
|
7 - 8 Girls AFL |
John Therry |
17 - 2 |
MCCC |
|
|
7 - 8 Boys AFL |
John Therry |
2 - 82 |
JT |
Jerome Taateo |
|
7-8 Girls OzTag |
John Therry |
7 - 1 |
MCCC |
Cadence Sultana |
|
7-8 Boys Oztag |
John Therry |
2 - 7 |
JT |
Joseph Spano |
|
9 - 10 Mixed Frisbee |
John Therry |
2 - 27 |
JT |
Josh Harbidge and Emma Stephenson |
|
Years 9 - 10 Boys Indoor Cricket |
John Therry |
64 - 37 |
MCCC |
Llewellyn Govender |
MISA Week 6 draw and locations:
|
Sport |
Opposition |
Venue |
|
7 - 8 Girls Softball |
Magdalene Catholic College |
ROTARY COWPASTURE RESERVE CAMDEN VALLEY WAY, CAMDEN |
|
7 - 8 Girls AFL |
Magdalene Catholic College |
ONSLOW PARK CAWDOR RD, CAMDEN |
|
7 - 8 Boys AFL |
Magdalene Catholic College |
ONSLOW PARK CAWDOR RD, CAMDEN |
|
7-8 Girls OzTag |
Magdalene Catholic College |
KIRKHAM PARK CAMDEN VALLEY WAY (OFF HILDER STREET), ELDERSLIE |
|
7-8 Boys OzTag |
Magdalene Catholic College |
KIRKHAM PARK CAMDEN VALLEY WAY (OFF HILDER STREET), ELDERSLIE |
|
9 - 10 Girls Volleyball |
Magdalene Catholic College |
MOUNT CARMEL CATHOLIC COLLEGE CHAMPAGNAT CENTRE |
|
9 - 10 Boys Volleyball |
Magdalene Catholic College |
MOUNT CARMEL CATHOLIC COLLEGE CHAMPAGNAT CENTRE |
|
9 - 10 Boys Indoor Cricket |
Magdalene Catholic College |
NATIONAL INDOOR SPORTS 7 WATSFORD RD, CAMPBELLTOWN |
|
9 - 10 Mixed Frisbee |
Magdalene Catholic College |
ONSLOW PARK CAWDOR RD, CAMDEN |
Non-Participation
Students are reminded that College Sport is a compulsory requirement of enrolment at Mount Carmel Catholic College.
- 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