A Word from the Principal

Catholic Education Week - Celebrating Faith, Service and Community

Catholic Education Week provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the gift of Catholic education and to recognise the many people who contribute to our Catholic school communities. Last week, members of the Mount Carmel College community gathered with students at St Mary’s Cathedral for Mass, joining with others from across Catholic Education to celebrate our shared faith, mission and commitment to the formation of young people. It was a beautiful reminder that Catholic education is about much more than education alone; it is about nurturing faith, hope, compassion and a commitment to serving others.

Catholic Education Week provided a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on the lives of two remarkable saints, St Francis of Assisi and St Clare of Assisi. In 2026, Pope Leo XIV proclaimed a special Jubilee Year of St Francis, marking 800 years since his death and inviting the Church to rediscover his message of peace, humility, simplicity and care for creation. St Clare, who was deeply inspired by Francis and courageously chose a life centred on faith, simplicity and service, reminds us that holiness is found in having the courage to live according to our values and to make a difference in the lives of others. Pope Leo has described Clare as a courageous young woman who “went against the tide” in choosing her vocation and way of life. 

Throughout Catholic Education Week, our students were encouraged to consider how the example of Francis and Clare can inspire us to be people of peace, compassion, courage and care for our common home. We reflected especially on the beautiful prayer traditionally associated with St Francis:

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

These words provide a powerful reminder that our faith is not simply something we learn about, but something we are called to live each day through our choices, our relationships and the way we serve others. May the example of St Francis and St Clare continue to inspire our students to be people of peace, hope and courage, and to recognise the dignity and goodness of every person and all of creation.

We were also delighted to celebrate two wonderful milestones of service within our Mount Carmel community.

Congratulations to Rob Gard, who was recognised by the College Board for his outstanding service and contribution to Catholic Education. We are grateful for Rob’s commitment, leadership and the generous contribution he continues to make to our College community.

We also extend our warmest congratulations to Judi Kearsley, who is celebrating an incredible 25 years of service to Catholic Education. Twenty-five years represents an extraordinary commitment to students, families, colleagues and the mission of Catholic education. We thank Judi for the care, dedication and professionalism she has shared throughout her career.

Catholic Education Week is a wonderful opportunity to pause and give thanks for the people who make our schools such special places. We are blessed at Mount Carmel to have staff, families, students, volunteers and Board members who live out our values of Contribution, Respect, Compassion and Resilience each day.

Congratulations Rob and Judi, and thank you for the many ways you contribute to the story of Catholic education and to the Mount Carmel community.

Representing Our College with Pride

Our College uniform is an important part of who we are as a community. When our students wear the Mount Carmel College uniform, they represent not only themselves, but their peers, their families and our wider College community. It creates a sense of belonging, equality and pride, and helps us present a consistent and positive image both within the College and in the wider community.

As we move through the remainder of the year, we ask families to please support us by ensuring students are wearing the correct uniform each day.

A few important reminders

• College track pants: Students are to wear College-issued track pants or tights only. Other styles of navy or black track pants are not part of the College uniform.

• Scarves: During colder weather, students may wear navy scarves only. Please ensure scarves are plain and in the approved College colour.

• Hoodies and other non-uniform items: Hoodies, jumpers, jackets and other clothing that is not part of the College uniform are not to be worn at school, including under or over the College uniform.

• PE uniform: Please note that the current/old PE uniform will not form part of the Mount Carmel College uniform from 2027. Families purchasing uniform items second hand are asked not to purchase the old PE uniform, as these items will no longer be required or permitted next year.

We understand that uniform is sometimes an area where reminders are needed, particularly as students grow and weather conditions change. Our aim is not simply to enforce rules, but to help our students understand that wearing our uniform well is one small but meaningful way of demonstrating pride, respect and belonging. Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring our students look neat, presentable and proudly represent Mount Carmel College.