Primary News

Tolerance, compromise, understanding, acceptance and….

I continue to be proud of the manner in which we, as a College community, accept, celebrate, and be inspired by each other.

This week across the country, ‘Harmony Week’ is acknowledged.  This is an opportunity to recognise the importance of being inclusive of all those around us, showing respect, and creating a sense of belonging to the diverse and rich culture that makes up Australia.  

For some the term ‘multicultural’ is bandied around - perhaps used to observe a holiday, or to underpin a choice of a favourite Friday night takeaway preference. Sometimes, that is where the sense of being multi-cultural ends. It is, however, essential to recognise that we are a country made up of many cultures and we are one of the most culturally diverse countries on Earth. With that diversity comes such amazing experiences such as different sports, food, celebrations, music, art and stories. With that diversity comes lessons in acceptance, tolerance and kindness. With that diversity comes conversations about journeys, love and peace.   

“As I get older, the more I stay focused on the acceptance of myself and others, 

and choose compassion over judgment and curiosity

 over fear”. 

Tracee Ellis Ross

Learn to Swim

Last week some of our year groups participated in our Learn to Swim program at the Collegiate Pool.  The aim is to provide our students with the opportunity to feel safe in the water as well as improving their skills. For our students it is a big week and by the end they are absolutely exhausted but all come away with a sense of accomplishment. 

It is essential to highlight that without the support of our parents and carers, these opportunities would not at all be possible. Thank you for packing the swimming bags, thank you for remembering the goggles, thank you for dragging the wet towels and bathers out of bags every afternoon and thank you for your encouragement and support of this program.

Next week our Years 3 and 5 students take to the water to complete their Learn to Swim lessons and then our time in the pool will conclude for 2023.

JSSATIS and STCPSSA Swimming Carnivals 

Next week our Primary Swimming team will take to the water as they represent the College at the JSSATIS and STCPSSA Swimming Carnivals.  We wish them, and the staff who will accompany them, all the very best.  

NAPLAN

Last week our Year 3 and 5 students participated in the NAPLAN assessments for 2023.  The calm nature and willingness to ‘have a go’ and just do their best was evident throughout all classes.  A testament to our students, staff and parents/carers.  

Learning Conferences

Learning Conferences for Semester One wrapped up this evening. Thank you to the parents/carers who were able to attend and thank you to the staff for your diligence and commitment to your students. The College is blessed to have such an amazing team in the Primary who are always willing to go above and beyond, with the students always at the centre of what they do. 

I know that there have been a number of parents/carers who were unable to attend at the scheduled times and staff have made themselves available early mornings, afternoons or over the phone.  If you are yet to make contact please do not hesitate to email your child's class teacher to make an appointment face to face or over the phone to discuss their progress.   

Making Jesus Real

Next Wednesday our Year 6 students will gather as one to work with Marty Ogle to look at the importance of being a respectful person, taking care of one another and to use the life of Jesus to inspire all.  

The session will provide our students with tools to navigate issues that come to the fore in Year 6 and to celebrate who they are.  

In Term 4, Marty will join us again but this time to focus on the transition to secondary school and parents will be invited to this session. 

Winter Uniform

A reminder that with the start of Term Two, all students are to wear Winter uniform.

If you are yet to purchase any items of the winter uniform, please ensure you take some time to visit the Uniform Shop in Battery Point.  

This is also a timely reminder to check that winter tunics are at the correct length and that items of clothing are named. 

Student Services (College Office)

We understand that there are times when appointments cannot be made outside of school hours and students need to leave.  The following information will help make the process easier for all:

• Where possible, please inform Student Services no later than 1.00pm of an early departure. 
• All parents/carers of Primary students must collect their child from Student Services (College Office) and sign out accordingly. There are two Visitor car parks in the College car park that can be used for collecting students when leaving for appointments or are. Primary students are not permitted to sign themselves out and walk up to Kiss & Drop or down to Sandy Bay Road.

If you are emailing the classroom teacher about an appointment and the need to collect earlier than 3.05pm, please include attendance@mountcarmel.tas.edu.au in your email. 

Casual Booking in After School Care

Casual bookings for our afterschool care program are welcomed up until 10.00am on the day of the booking. This will allow for staffing to be arranged to meet ratio requirements. Emergency bookings after this time must be submitted for approval through contacting Student Services on 6216 7900.