A Word from the Principal

Smile is the Universal Welcome

Max Eastman

So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ also welcomed you 

Romans 15:7 

A Welcoming Community

To begin with, I would like to thank the Mount Carmel College Community for their welcome over the past weeks.  I have truly enjoyed getting to know students, families and staff as they commence a new school year. From stories about shack holidays to international travel,  it has certainly been a time of rest, family and relaxation.  I am usually out and about each morning and afternoon, please come and introduce yourself as I try to remember as many names, grades and families as I can.  The welcome I have had is certainly a credit to the school and their families.  I also encourage you to welcome our newest students and their families, enabling them to become a part of the Mount Carmel Community as soon as they can.

With this welcome in mind, I encourage families to take time to meet with me, email me or contact me via phone.  If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at principal@mountcarmel.tas.edu.au or via phone to make a time to meet.

Grade 10 Leadership and our 2023 Theme

On the first Friday of term I was fortunate enough to work with a profound group of young women, our Year 10 leaders. Working together collaboratively they created our theme for the year and planned their leadership activities over the coming months.  Our theme ‘Build Bridges, Break Walls’ is a testament to their integrity, passion for change and care for our community.  The theme can be utilised across many platforms, as we build bridges to learn, to develop relationships and to become better people whilst we break walls between those in need, between grades and those walls which stand in front of thriving here at Mount Carmel.  I look forward to having a look at the posters produced throughout the school as we choose our image for the year.  Congratulations to the Year 10 students for creating a theme so relevant to us all. 

Early Years - Exciting Development

We are very pleased to announce that on February 9th, Mount Carmel College will fully take ownership of the attached White House at 369 Sandy Bay Road.  This building will form the hub of our new Early Years program, with Kinders moving into renovated spaces with new furniture in Term 3. We will be updating families of our progress and look forward to opening this space as soon as we can.  Thank you to the Board of Management and the Leadership Team for their support in acquiring this amazing space, which will form a considerable part of our Capital Works Strategic Plan.

Holidays / Departure from the School

Please note we require at least two weeks' notice in writing if students will be away for an extended holiday of more than four days. This enables us to finalise any work requirements as well as meet systemic attendance reporting expectations.  Any families departing the College need to give ten weeks notice as per enrolment application forms.  Thank you for your support in this area.

EdSmart Notices

This week EdSmart notices have been sent home regarding College Policies and Procedures.  This is an opportunity to sit down with your student and discuss protocols, rights and responsibilities as well as guidelines for the year.  Please complete the electronic  sign off form as soon as you can.

Uniform Reminders

It was wonderful to see so many of our students in the correct uniform this week! The majority of the students wore their uniform with pride and I thank families for supporting us in these guidelines.

Please be reminded of the following few guidelines:

• Blazers should be worn to and from school with our formal uniform
• Hair should be tied back with school colours at all times if longer than shoulder length.
• Jewellery should be limited to simple earrings (small plain silver or gold sleepers or studs, including small pearls and clear diamante) and a watch.  Chunky, dangly or drop earrings, rings, bracelets, anklets and necklaces (unless a religious icon) are not appropriate as they may be lost or damaged.
• Any nose piercings should be worn with a clear retainer.
• Students should not have excessive make-up, nails, eyelashes and tanning products on.
• Students should have natural coloured nails only.
• Hair colours should be natural.

Please note you may be contacted by staff if your child does not meet uniform expectations.  We appreciate your support as we work together in this space.

Community Celebrations / Acknowledgements

As a Principal I like to get to know our community; special milestones, additions to the family, a loss of a loved one and achievements outside of school.  Please feel free to let me know of any celebrations and events via email or when you see me, enabling them to be appropriately acknowledged.