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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
- Student Leaders Gathering 2020
- From the Finance Office
- College Sport at Mount Carmel
- Second Hand Uniform Shop
- Mount Carmel Uniform Shop
- CatholicCare Counselling
- School Opal Cards Expiring
Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25: 35-36)
Last Sunday we read the Gospel which emphasises the day of judgement where we would be asked to explain how we cared for others. One small section of the Gospel is quoted above and asks a valuable question around how we live the values of Jesus Christ within our own community. The instruction is quite clear that we are required to care for those around us and to make this a practical connection and not just pay it lip service. How do we provide for the hungry, whether that hunger is physical or spiritual? How do we invite the stranger, even if the stranger is well known to us but excluded? How do we look after the sick or imprisoned even when the imprisonment may be self-imposed through their own decisions or lifestyle?
For each of us individually and as a community, once again the challenge is to figure out how we can include these values in our daily lives and within our long term thinking. Over the next few weeks there will be opportunities for students to donate to various charitable causes and this may be one way that we can display these values. Another may be simply reaching out to someone who is excluded or feels threatened or intimidated. In either case, we are encouraged to consider our decisions and work for the values of a Christ-centred community.
Earlier this term Jaala-Marie Sadler and Brandon Tannoury had been nominated for the 2021 ArtExpress from 8616 works state-wide. ArtExpress is a display of the best HSC major works for Visual Arts and it is an honour to be nominated. We were excited late last week to be notified and Jaala-Marie was selected for her work to be included in this exhibition. We are very proud of all our students and congratulate Jaala-Marie and her teacher Ms Pearce for this strong achievement in a difficult HSC year.
Today we celebrated the final point in the Preliminary courses with the Year 11 Academic Awards and SRC badging ceremony. This took place in front of our first full College assembly since term 1 and was a fantastic opportunity to come together as a community to recognise the academic achievements and leadership of our senior students. As there would have been a number of obstacles in enabling parents to attend this meeting, it was livestreamed for the Year 11 families to watch. The ceremony was a credit to our students and staff and I thank Ms Moore and Ms Tolomeo for their organisation around this and also to Mr Grana for his technical assistance with the livestream which during the ceremony had over 140 people tuned in watching.
On Monday and Tuesday, our Year 10 students attended their annual Gender days. In the past this has been run as an overnight camp, however this year, it was conducted over two days. On one of these days, the students were able to go offsite to Stanwell Tops and complete challenge activities. On the second day they were engaged in gender specific discussion addressing issues related to their personal growth. Thank you to the staff who provided expertise and assistance over these days and to the students who participated with good humour and energy.
On Monday and Tuesday we also held the annual Marist Schools Leaders’ retreat. Again, this was a different event to previous years where our whole SRC was involved in a Zoom retreat. The leaders came up with some fantastic initiatives and explored how they might contribute to improving the Christ-centredness of our community. Congratulations to these students and to Mr Pletikosa who facilitated this.
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
On February 26 this year, we gathered as a College community in the Champagnat Centre here at Mount Carmel to mark Ash Wednesday and the commencement of Lent. Little did we know that on that morning, we would be gathering as a College for the last time in just over 9 months. Earlier today, after 275 days where COVID-19 directives prevented us from large gatherings, we were able to come together as a College community as we officially inducted the 2021 Student Representative Council into their respective roles and responsibilities. Following this ceremony, the entire Year 12 2021 cohort recited the the College Year 12 Pledge having now been issued with their Year 12 badges for 2021. The assembly concluded with the presentation of the 2020 Year 11 Awards which marked the end of their Preliminary Course. My sincere congratulations are extended towards the entire cohort and it is my hope that the level of application, enthusiasm and focus continues into next year.
I also commend the Year 10 students and their teachers who engaged so impressively with the recent Year 10 Gender Program which took place on Monday and Tuesday this week. Students spent the two days involved in a range of activities and workshops from a number of nationally recognised presenters, as well as from Police, representatives from the Catholic Education Office and the teaching staff at Mt Carmel. The feedback received from students was overwhelmingly positive, as was the feedback we received from the staff who coordinated the day. My particular thanks to Ms Bowen and Mr Harrison and Mr Huntly for their tireless work in putting such a valuable and engaging program together.
Finally, 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 the three simple ways that parents can help support a safe environment here at Mt 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.
Mr David Cloran
Assistant Principal
First Sunday of Advent Year B
First Reading Isaiah 63:16-117, 64:1, 3-8 May the Lord come when we are doing good
Second Reading 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 The Lord will strengthen us to the end
Gospel Mark 13:33-37 We know no the our the Lord will come.
REFLECTION by Dianne Bergant CSA
Today’s readings contain several images: the faithfulness of those who suffer, even as they lament their predicament; the admonition to watch and wait; the expectation of the coming of the Day of the Lord. As trustees of the one who is coming, we live in the ‘in between’ time of ambiguity and hope. The placement of these readings at the beginning of Advent shapes the context for understanding the entire season. They fix our gaze on the world of human pain and then moves beyond it to the hope of a brighter future. Lamentation and expectation find fulfilment in the Day of the Lord.
Waiting is a prominent image this Sunday. Some people wait to be released from suffering, others await the second coming of Christ. Waiting saps our energies and stifles our enthusiasm. Yet wait we must, and as we wait, we wonder: ‘What should I be doing?’ The readings suggest that we should wait with patient expectation for the day of reconciliation and peace; we should wait in joyful hope that what is to come will come soon. While we wait, we should faithfully fulfil our responsibilities. We believe that we have a future worth waiting for, that there are promises that God will keep. And so we look expectantly to the Day of the Lord, that future day of ultimate fulfilment.
Mrs Christine Meharg
Learning and Teaching at the College…
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 released at 9am)
HSC ATAR BBQ – 18 December
Yr 12 students and all staff are invited to attend the College on Friday 18 December @ 10:30am for a BBQ in celebration of the 2020 HSC results.
HSC Key Dates:
18 December - HSC results released (ATAR release date TBC)
18 December – HSC BBQ – 10:30am
YEAR 11 2020 ACADEMIC AWARDS
Congratulations to the following Year 11 students who received Academic Awards at the College Assembly today.
Academic Effort
Tayla Atkins
Maria Louise Baccay
Paris Davies
Kyan Douangdara
Joshua Drumond
Weesayo Fajardo
Zoya Huang
Tiana Kostic
Caitlyn Laidler
Kate Lincoln
Charmaine Marquinez
Jamie Pandopoulos
Kate Puckeridge
Matilda Ring
Elisha Sailago
Dilnaz Saini
Maria Samaha
Noah Stuart
Alisa Thephavong
Maria Tuyor
Jasmin Williams
Academic Achievement
Ritika Dosanjh
Joshua Drumond
Weesayo Fajardo
Stephanie Hibbert
Anna Lima Bartosek
Charmaine Marquinez
Kate Puckeridge
Elisha Sailago
Noah Stuart
Alisa Thephavong
Academic Excellence
Joshua Drumond
Weesayo Fajardo
Charmaine Marquinez
Kate Puckeridge
Elisha Sailago
Noah Stuart
Alisa Thephavong
MAJOR COLLEGE AWARDS
There were SIX special awards presented this morning.
Contribution to sport award for 2020
Jade Constance and Nathaniel Calvelo
The Brother Neville Award
Jaiden Valencia & Dilnaz Saini
The College Contribution Award
Annabelle Peeters & Zoya Huang
The Dr Mike Freelander Outstanding service to community
Maureen Abdenour
Awards for Academic Excellence
Joshua Drumond
Weesayo Fajardo
Charmaine Marquinez
Kate Puckeridge
Elisha Sailago
Noah Stuart
Alisa Thephavong
The Reuben F Scarf Award for Commitment to Studies and Academic Excellence
Charmaine Marquinez
Ms Judith Tolomeo
Curriculum Coordinator
Good afternoon everyone,
Two significant events occurred this week on the Pastoral Care and Wellbeing front. The first being the Year 10 Activity Days on Monday and Tuesday. These were conducted at Stanwell Tops and onsite. The cohort was split into gender groups, with the Girls attending Stanwell Tops on Monday to participate in team building and challenge activities. This was a first for our girls and is something that we would anticipate being maintained for the future. The boys remained at the College on Monday and participated in presentations from Sam Clear (walk4one ), David Gearin (Social Justice Project officer from CEDoW) and Constables Alan Clapham (Police Liaison Officer) and Trent Skellern (Highway Patrol). The groups alternated on Tuesday with the girls taking part in presentations from Judi Limbers (All.u.re), followed by David Gearin and Constables Clapham and Skellern. Thanks to Mr Harrison and Ms Bowen for the organisation that took place and to all staff who assisted over the 2 days.
Today saw our first College Assembly since Term One, with a focus on Year 11 Leadership and Academic Awards from the Preliminary course. It was great to see the whole College community gathered together again to celebrate these significant achievements, which are an important part of our whole school pastoral Care and Wellbeing framework.
A final reminder that Elevate Education is hosting one remaining webinar this year. The focus of this week’s presentation is Technology. Details for registering are provided below.
|
Elevate Education Register here https://get.elevatecoaching.info/au/register Next Session @6pm on Wednesday December 2 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 |
Mr Simon Huntly
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)
On Monday, November 23, and Tuesday, November 24, the Student Representative Council embarked on a spiritual journey as part of the 2020 Student Leaders Gathering, which was facilitated by the Marist Youth Ministry and conducted over a Zoom presentation.
During this two-day occasion, we congregated in the chapel and were introduced to a plethora of schools from the likes of New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia. Throughout the presentation, there was a sustained emphasis on the notion of servant leadership, which accentuates acting in the best interest of the student body whilst not under the presumption that you will be requited. To thoughtfully elaborate upon this proposition, we engaged in a series of discussions and activities to expand upon our interpretation and expression of the 5 Marist Characteristics, Presence, Simplicity, Family Spirit, Love of Work, and In the Way of Mary. In particular, we had to recognise these qualities in distinguished and renowned leaders — including Dalai Lama, Michelle Obama, Elon Musk, and Pope Francis — and, within the span of two minutes, we undertook the challenge of photographing ourselves partaking in an activity that exemplified the characteristic of Love of Work. To achieve this, we photographed ourselves ‘gardening’ in the garden, located in front of the Champagnat Centre, to convey the pride we have tending for the College’s natural environment. In being challenged to establish initiatives that embody each of the five characteristics and can be exhibited by members of our College community, we devised, amongst ourselves and with Mr Pletikosa, an initiative entitled ‘God’s Hands’.
We have deliberated with Mr Lo Cascio, Mr Cloran and Mrs Meharg on this initiative and intend to carefully develop upon its objective and execution, in which we aim to introduce it to the College in the next year. The 2020 Student Leaders Gathering was a tremendous opportunity, abundant with knowledge and advice on how we can successfully maximise our capacity to be outstanding leaders, both as a collective and within our individual portfolios. We are incredibly grateful to have been able to participate in this event and strengthen the relationships we have amongst ourselves. We would like to recognise and extend our greatest appreciation to Mr Pletikosa for not only supervising us, but also for his constant encouragement, involvement and wisdom that he imparted to us, which we are immensely grateful to have been graced with.
Noah Stuart
Academic Captain and Vice Captain
School Fee Statements have been emailed to all families for November 2020. Please ensure your school fee payments are finalised by Friday, 4 December 2020. Should your family be experiencing financial hardship, please make contact with the school finance office.
If you have a fee credit and have no children attending Mount Carmel in 2021, please email mikhaili01@dow.catholic.edu.au to request a refund including your bank account details BSB and account number.
For families that have fee credit and their children are attending Mount Carmel in 2021 the fee credit will be applied toward next year’s school fees.
Sport 2021
Planning is in full swing for 2021 and we are very excited to be sharing with students their sporting options for 2021 throughout Week 8 and 9. Students are to keep an eye on Compass and their emails for instructions regarding sports selections for 2021.
Recreational Sport
Students are reminded to continue checking Compass on a Tuesday morning for any change to the sport schedule.This week Year 10 did not participate in sport as a result of attending their Gender Camp. As a result many Year 9 groups utilised instructions that have typically been supporting the Year 10 Sport program. Thank you to Year 9 staff and students for showing adaptability and I hope that the variation to routine was enjoyable. Students are reminded that sun safety remains a priority.
MISA Results Week 7
Congratulations to all teams for some exceptional results this week. I would also like to extend a thank you to the Year 9 students who stepped up in place of our Year 10 students who were at camp. The results of the games below were “friendly” matches and do not contribute to the MISA East Result as OPAC is not usually in our MISA region.
|
Sport |
Opposition |
Result |
Winning Team |
Most Valuable Player |
|
7 - 8 Girls Softball |
Oran Park Anglican College |
4 - 0 |
OPAC |
Scarlett Ring Leira Hornilla |
|
9 - 10 Girls Volleyball |
Oran Park Anglican College |
2 - 1 |
OPAC |
Timara Semaia |
|
9 - 10 Boys Volleyball |
Oran Park Anglican College |
2 - 1 |
MCCC |
Paul Bentham Cyrell Cisneros |
|
7 - 8 Girls AFL |
Oran Park Anglican College |
19 - 0 |
MCCC |
Skylah Gilbang |
|
7 - 8 Boys AFL |
Oran Park Anglican College |
66 - 1 |
MCCC |
Cooper Campbell |
|
7-8 Girls OzTag |
Oran Park Anglican College |
7 - 0 |
MCCC |
Isabella Ashcfort Tenaya Ferguson |
|
7-8 Boys Oztag |
Oran Park Anglican College |
9 - 6 |
MCCC |
JEremy Da Pla |
|
9 - 10 Mixed Frisbee |
Oran Park Anglican College |
27 - 4 |
OPAC |
Aaliyah Gallagher George Chahda |
|
Years 9 - 10 Boys Indoor Cricket |
Oran Park Anglican College |
57 - 42 |
OPAC |
Dylan Anbu |
MISA Week 8 draw and locations:
During Week 8 MISA finals will be held at various locations. I am very pleased to announce that we have 6 out of our 9 MISA teams playing in a grand final match this week for 1st v 2nd. Congratulations to all players and their coaches for an exceptional effort this term and good luck.
Girls
Boys
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.
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)
The Second Hand Uniform Shop is open on the following days.
Term 4
- Year 7 2021 Orientation Day 4 December 10am - 2pm
- 7 December 2.30pm - 4pm
Term 1 2021
- Wednesday 27 January 9am - 12noon
Cash only - no EFTPOS facilities.
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.
