A Word from the Principal
Megan Richardson
During Lent we are continually reminded about prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Project Compassion reminds us that there are many throughout the world in need of a hand up as they navigate through a range of almost insurmountable difficulties. Please take the time to read through Thu’s story, perhaps watch the YouTube clip and think about how you as a family can contribution to Project Compassion this Lent.
Thu's story - Vietnam
Thu was just 12 years old when he lost his leg. One day, he was looking after his cows when he stepped on an unexploded land mine. “War is most terrible with great loss. At the end of the war, there are still consequences such as unexploded ordnance, causing many losses, casualties and death,” Thu says. Thu lives in the Quảng Trị province, located on the Northern Central Coast of Vietnam. Situated along the demilitarised zone that divided Vietnam, the province was one of the most heavily bombed areas during the Vietnam War and is considered one of the most polluted provinces in terms of unexploded ordinances (UXOs) in Vietnam.
In addition to being the breadwinner for his family, Thu had to take on the role of caring for his wife, Linh, after she suffered a stroke. "She almost lost herself after the stroke and had to lean on me. I could understand how she felt because I had experienced the same at the age of 12 after a landmine accident took one of my legs," Thu said. Determined to turn their lives around, Thu and Linh joined the Empowerment of People with Disabilities program, run by Caritas Australia’s local partner in Vietnam, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD).
The Empowerment of People with Disabilities program supports people living with disabilities to establish Village Saving and Loans Associations (VSLA) so that they can access affordable loans. Through the VSLA he was able to obtain a low-interest loan, which he used to open his own barber shop on a new road that was constructed near his home. For Thu, the greatest impact that the program has had is seeing the change in Linh’s physical and mental wellbeing. With the support of a physiotherapist, Linh can now walk short distances with the aid of a walking stick.
"I am grateful to Caritas Australia for the help they give to people living with disability like me and my wife,” Thu says. “Thank you to Caritas Australia and the Australian people."
Along with your generous support, this program is also supported by the Australian Government, through Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
NAPLAN
Over the past two weeks students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 have participated in NAPLAN testing. This assessment cycle has traditionally been held in May but has been moved to March to enable teachers more time to analyse and utilise the data. We look forward to sharing our students’ progress as soon as they are available.
Relay for Life
Over the weekend twenty four Year 10 students along with Miss Hudson and Ms Kullrich participated overnight in the annual Relay for Life held at the Domain. Maintaining a sequinned baton on the track overnight whilst raising over $6000, the students helped raise money and support for those battling and those who have battled cancer. Of particular note was the moving luminous ceremony as participants lit candles in support as well as the general atmosphere of people from all aspects of the community coming together for this special cause. Well done team Mount Carmel!
Mobile Phones and Headphones/AirPods
Mobile phones and headphones/AirPods are an important part of many of our students’ lives as a form of entertainment, communication and regulation. We understand that students need these technology devices before and after school. However, I do remind families that mobile phones should not be used during school time for any reason, if students need to make contact with home they can liaise with Student Services, ensuring they receive the care and support they may need. We also ask that Airpods/Headphones are only worn during lesson times with permission from the teacher, unless they are required for regulation as supported by a Learning Plan.
Holidays and Periods of Absence
Please be reminded that any families going on holidays during term time need to contact the school in writing as part of our absentee expectations. This will ensure we complete all of the paperwork required, communicate any learning tasks to complete and meet census requirements.
EdSmart Notices
Please note there are 43 students in total still to complete their acceptance of College policies and procedures. These range from Uniform and Bus Guidelines to acceptable ICT use. We will be reaching out to these students next week. We thank you for your support as we ensure every family and every student has a clear understanding of key documents and expectations at Mount Carmel College.
College Board
At the College Board AGM held this week, David Ronaldson, Yvonne Chaperon and Catherine Vickers all retired from their positions as a Board Members, David also as Chair and Yvonne as Deputy Chair.
I thank David, Yvonne and Catherine, on behalf of the College for their tireless work and contributions to our College Board.
These retirements from the Board create two vacancies and the Board welcomes applications for the positions on the Board and is hoping to secure the assistance of a parent who has building/construction expertise to support the next phase of the College’s Strategic Master plan and also a former student of the College to support our endeavours to enhance connections with our alumni.
Expressions of Interest can be submitted by completing the attached form by Thursday 6 April 2023.