Primary News
Melanie Sluyters
Primary News
Melanie Sluyters
"God never gives someone a gift they are not capable of receiving.
If he gives us the gift of Christmas it is because we all have the ability to understand and receive it."
Pope Francis
As we approach the joyous season of Christmas, I would like to extend my heartfelt wishes to all parents and carers for a happy and holy Christmas. May this special time bring peace, joy, and the warmth of family into your hearts and homes.
I would also like to express our deepest gratitude for your kindness, care, and unwavering support for Mount Carmel College and the staff throughout the year. Your willingness to work in partnership with all of us has been instrumental in nurturing a strong and supportive community that benefits every student.
Christmas reminds us of the hope and light brought into the world through the birth of Jesus Christ. As the angel proclaimed in Luke 2:11, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
May the true meaning of Christmas inspire and bless you and your loved ones.
On behalf of the Primary staff, enjoy a relaxing and re-invigorating holiday break, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the new year, refreshed and ready for the opportunities ahead.
The Nativity - ELC to Year 4
A special thank you to our wonderful students from ELC - Year 4 who brought the story of the Birth of Jesus to life with such reverence, grace, and commitment. The story was told beautifully, and their hard work truly shone through.
Also thank you to our ELC - Year 4 parents/carers for taking the time to be with us on Monday night, your love and warmth for our lower primary students and Early Years is a true blessing. The Family BBQ afterwards (run by our Canteen, Year 5 and 6 staff and Mrs Erin Dooley) was truly a special event that was loved by all - despite the heat of the evening.
As a teaching staff the evening was again a reminder of the incredible commitment and friendship displayed by you as parents throughout the year. Your willingness to be part of our community and connect with both staff and one another has fostered a warm and supportive community that truly enriches our College. By coming together on Monday night to celebrate such an occasion demonstrated the spirit of unity and care that makes our school such a special place.
Farewell Year 6 Students
Below are the words I spoke at the final assembly for Year 6 as they make their way across to the ‘Big School’ and begin their Secondary education.
‘Today, we gather to celebrate the end of a chapter and the beginning of an exciting new journey. Year 6, as you prepare to take the next step, know that you are leaving behind not just your classrooms, teachers and what you know as far as being a Primary student, but a legacy of laughter, learning, friendships and growth.
Our theme for 2024 across the whole College has been, "Piece by Piece.” This reminds us that every moment, every decision, and every effort builds the bigger picture of who we are. Just like a puzzle, every piece you’ve added to your life so far—whether it was conquering a tricky maths problem, performing at Arts Festival, reading the leaders speech at Celebration Evening, heading off to Canberra despite a sense of anxiety or helping a friend in need — matters. Each piece has contributed to making you the remarkable individuals we see before us today.
And as you move into high school, remember - the puzzle isn’t complete. There are still countless pieces waiting to be found and fitted. Some pieces will come easily; others might take time. But piece by piece, you will build a future that is uniquely yours.
As you start to finalise all that is Primary education over the next few days, let me share some words from the song ‘Don't Stop Believing’ that you danced to earlier today:
"Don't stop believin'Hold on to that feelin'Streetlights, people."
These lyrics remind us to keep believing in ourselves and our dreams, no matter how challenging the road ahead might seem. "Hold on to that feelin'"—the joy of discovering who you are, the courage to try something new, and the excitement of building something extraordinary, piece by piece. And "streetlights, people"—never forget that even in the darkest times, there are lights to guide you, whether it’s family, friends, or your own inner spark.
As you step out of the doors of the Primary and head across the hall or up the stairs your path might be short but it is a heading to a door that will open up a world of new possibilities, if you let it.
Remember that you will always carry a part of the Primary community with you. The friendships you've built, the lessons you've learned, and the memories you've created will forever be part of your puzzle.
So, Year 6, this is not goodbye—it’s "see you next year" as you embark on your next adventure. Keep believing, keep building, and always remember that piece by piece, you are creating something extraordinary. Congratulations, Year 6. We are so proud of you.
Year 6 Parents/Carers
To all our Year 6 parents and students HERE is a link to a report in SchoolTV which can be located in the community tab of the College website. This report provides you will some ideas and support as your daughter transitions to Year 7.
All Primary Parents/Carers
HERE is a link to some fact sheets that may assist you when starting to think about 2025 and returning to school. Other information on getting ready for school, new classes, new teachers and so on can be found on our website and click on the community tab to locate SchoolTV.