Primary News

Celebrating an Outstanding Term 3

As we close the doors on what has been an absolutely remarkable and seemingly busy Term 3, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has made this term so special. To our dedicated staff, supportive parents/carers, and incredible students – thank you for bringing such energy, passion, and commitment to our College community.

The dedication to learning displayed by our students this term has been truly inspiring. Classroom discussions have been lively, innovative work evident, and the curiousity shown across all year levels has reminded us why we love being teachers at Mount Carmel College.  Our teachers have continued to adapt, inspire, and challenge our students, creating learning environments where every individual can thrive, feel safe and reach their potential.

Last week’s educational trip to Canberra has provided invaluable learning experiences outside the classroom.  Our Year 6 students engaged with our nation's history, democratic processes, and cultural institutions in meaningful ways. This time away has brought learning to life and created memories that will last well beyond their school years, and those staff who travelled with the group were so incredibly proud to be part of this experience.

Across the term many excursions have been held and have opened new worlds of discovery for our students.  From museums to historical sites, from nature play to learning more about the Holy Spirit Church and our Catholicism, and so much more.  These hands-on learning experiences have reinforced classroom concepts while inspiring curiousity about the world around us. The excitement and engagement witnessed during these outings perfectly captured the joy of learning that we strive to nurture every day within the Primary.

This term has been nothing short of fabulous on the sporting front. Our students have demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and support for one another across a myriad of sports.  From thrilling victories on the football field or various courts, to personal bests achieved in individual sports, such as on the day of our Primary Athletics Carnival.  The spirit of teamwork and healthy competition has been evident, showcasing the very best of our Primary’s sporting culture.

Our cultural programs have flourished this term, with students embracing opportunities to express their creativity. Whether through music performances, dramatic productions or art our students have shown remarkable talent and awareness. These activities have not only provided platforms for artistic expression but have also strengthened our sense of community and appreciation for the rich tapestry  that makes our College so vibrant.

As we wrap up this incredible term, I want to wish every member of our College community a wonderful and restful holiday break. To our students, take time to relax, pursue your hobbies, spend time with family and friends, and recharge for the exciting term ahead. To our parents/carers and families, thank you for your unwavering support and partnership in your daughter’s education. To our staff, you have given your all this term, and we hope you find time to rest and rejuvenate.

We are already looking forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 4, ready for new challenges, fresh opportunities, and continued growth. There's so much to anticipate, and we know that with the same spirit of collaboration and enthusiasm that made Term 3 so successful, our final term of the year will be equally rewarding.

Safe travels if you are heading away and happy holidays.

Year 6 Trip to Canberra 

What an incredible journey it has been! Our Year 6 students have returned from their educational adventure to Australia's capital city, bringing with them memories that will last a lifetime and experiences that have enriched their understanding of our nation's history, culture, and democracy.

This remarkable trip wouldn't have been possible without the overwhelming support of our families. The dedication and commitment shown by parents and guardians in helping to make this dream a reality for our girls has been truly heartwarming.  .

Our girls were treated to an extraordinary array of experiences that brought their classroom learning to life in the most spectacular way.  All sites and venues and experiences were truly wonderful, but below were the top 5 across most of our students who travelled.  

Australian War Memorial - Standing in the halls of remembrance, our students gained a profound appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who served our country. The memorial provided a moving and educational experience that connected them to Australia's military history in a deeply personal way. It was also an honour to take part in the Wreath Laying Ceremony where Ivy Martin and Layla Maslin represented us with grace and humility.

Parliament House - Walking through the corridors of Federal Parliament, our Year 6 students witnessed democracy in action through role play and tour as unfortunately it was not a sitting day. They explored the chambers where Australia's laws are made and gained invaluable insights into how our government functions.

Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) - The girls were inspired by visiting world-class training facilities and learning about the dedication required to reach sporting excellence. This visit sparked conversations about perseverance and goal setting as well as pure joy when they got to swim where ‘our athletes swim.’

National Film and Sound Archive - Our students delved into Australia's rich cultural heritage, exploring how our stories have been captured and preserved through film and sound over the decades.  The contributions to discussion and volunteering of ideas was wonderful and as a teaching group it most certainly made us all proud.

Australian National Botanical Gardens - Among the stunning native flora and fauna, the girls connected with Australia's unique natural environment and learned about conservation and biodiversity.  As we wandered at night time it also allowed us to witness and hear things that we would not normally see.

These experiences, along with many other educational visits, provided our students with a comprehensive understanding of what makes Canberra the heart of our nation.

The success of this trip is also a testament to the dedication of our outstanding staff members who accompanied myself and the students: Adele Larratt, Kate Fazackerley, Maureen Fasnacht and Aaron Pikunic.  We were also incredibly fortunate to have parent volunteers Karen Belbin and Craig Long join the group. Their support and assistance were invaluable, and their presence added an extra layer of care and supervision that made the trip even more successful.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Federal Government and the PACER team for their generous financial support. This assistance was instrumental in making the trip accessible to all our Year 6 students, ensuring that financial barriers didn't prevent any child from participating in this once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunity.

As I reflect on this amazing adventure, I along with the staff who travelled see students who have returned with expanded horizons, deeper knowledge, and memories they'll treasure forever. The Year 6 Canberra trip has once again proven to be more than just an excursion – it's been a transformative educational experience that has broadened perspectives and strengthened our students' connection to their country.

A Student's Perspective

Canberra was an amazing opportunity that helped us develop independence and confidence in ourselves. While we were in Canberra we saw some stunning sites such as Parliament House, Mount Ainslie, the Mint, AIS and Floriade, but these were just a few of the attractions we saw. We learnt so much about how the Senate, the House of Representatives and government work. Overall we had a blast and would do anything to have another chance to go to Canberra again.

Ellie Huxtable - Yr 6 Navy

Opening of the Louisa 

Yesterday marked the official opening and blessing ceremony of the Louisa Centre, attended by His Grace Archbishop Anthony Ireland, Senator Carol Brown, Dr Gerard Gaskin, our amazing architects from Morrison and Breytenbach and our clever and dedicated builders from Fairbrother. The morning celebrated the tremendous effort and commitment of the many individuals who brought this learning space to fruition. Whilst our Kinder and Prep students have already been working in the centre for a full term, the formal gathering provided an important opportunity to recognise and honour all those who contributed to its success as well as bless the facilities.

Code Camp 

A reminder if your daughter is interested in attending Term 4 Code Camp to please see the email communication sent on 9 September to all Primary families.

Footy Colours Day A reminder that we will celebrate Footy Colours Day on Friday 26 September all students are encouraged to come in their AFL gear, or any other gear that celebrates sports including umpires and those who attend to cheer on teams.  Students are asked to bring a gold coin donation that will go towards the Archbishop's Samaritan Fund.  

Grandparents Day 

We are delighted to welcome all ‘Grandparents and Special Friends’ to our school for this wonderful celebration on Wednesday 22 October.

Please ensure that you or the person/s attending have responded to the email correspondence sent out on Thursday 11 September indicating: 

• Your attendance confirmation
• Whether you would like access to the bus service to drop you and pick up

This morning is truly one of the highlights of our school year and we can't wait to see all our grandparents and special friends for what promises to be a heartwarming and joyful occasion.

School TV 

Parents are reminded of an amazing resource we have at the College which is easily accessible on our College website under the Community tab called SchoolTV.  As a College we were a pilot school for this a number of years ago and it has always been a resource that I feel essential to promote.  

This month’s focus is on parenting. I encourage all parents/carers to take some time out to familiarise yourself with this if you are not already using it. 

Seesaw

Just a reminder that Seesaw is not the official means of communication with your daughter’s teachers.  This must be done through an email, face to face meeting or over the phone.