From the Principal

Heavenly Father, As we embark on this new chapter of our journey at Mount Carmel College, 

we come before you with open hearts and minds, seeking your guidance and blessings. 

Grant us the courage to embrace new beginnings, the strength to overcome challenges, 

and the wisdom to discern your will in all that we do. 

Bless our  staff, students and community with unity, compassion, 

and resilience as we strive to create a community founded in faith, knowledge, and service. 

May your light shine upon us, illuminating the path of learning and discovery as we grow in knowledge and grace. We entrust our hopes, dreams, and aspirations to your loving care, 

confident that with you, all things are possible.

 In your holy name we pray, Amen.

New Beginnings 

It was with much anticipation that we commenced school last week; a sunshine-filled bright day with an air of nervous and excited excitement.  Fresh uniforms, full bags and  excited greetings were evident as students reunited with friends and staff.  It was wonderful to have coffee with families as they said their goodbyes and spoke of holiday adventures.  

Recently, I walked down from Providence House, and passed the historic and much treasured pear tree.  The tree is now laden with pears - food and shelter for birds, a place of play for students and a shady spot to reflect throughout the day.

I was reminded of the simple yet profound symbolism of a pear. Just like a pear, each of us possesses a unique blend of qualities – resilience, sweetness, and the potential for growth. Mount Carmel College is a place where these qualities are nurtured, cultivated, and celebrated. Just as a pear grows from a blossom into a fruit, so too do our students grow and mature during their time here. Their experiences, challenges, and triumphs shape them into the individuals they are meant to become. 

Like the interconnectedness of the branches of a pear tree, the Mount Carmel College community  is bound together by sisterhood, mutual support, and shared ambitions. This year, let us embrace the essence of the pear as we embark on our academic journey together. Let us stand tall and proud, like the sturdy trunk of a pear tree, rooted in the values of integrity, excellence, and inclusivity. Let us cherish the sweetness of knowledge, as we dive into our studies, engage in meaningful discussions, and pursue our passions. And let us remember the importance of nurturing one another, like the pear tree provides nourishment to its fruits and those it shelters, by offering support, encouragement, and friendship to our fellow students and colleagues. 

I take this opportunity to thank all of the staff for their hard work over the holidays in every aspect of the school from ground staff working to move offices and make our grounds beautiful to the Office staff, teachers and support staff; your work means something to our students.

I also welcome our newest members of the family including students, staff and families.  I know you will feel at home soon.

May we all continue to blossom and thrive, together, like the branches of our much-loved pear tree, planted by our forebears who had the wisdom to gift us with such a symbol. 

Strategic Plan and Priorities

Last year we worked hard as a staff to complete our annual plan and strategic priorities.  These documents  based on data, past strategic plans and feedback guide our work throughout the year; from resourcing and policies to staff professional learning and changes across the College.  I welcome you to explore the document to develop an understanding of our Action plan for the year.

Year 10 Leadership Day

Last Wednesday our Year 10 Student Leaders came together to support our Year 7 class as well as gather to hone their leadership focus for the year.  These sixteen young women must be congratulated for their care, understanding and welcome on what can be a very nervous day.  The Student Leaders also participated in a series of leadership workshops for the day including developing a ‘one-word why’, co-constructing our theme for 2024 and organising theme weeks, dates and key celebrations.  I look forward to the leadership these students will bring to the College for 2024, it truly was a gift to work with them.

Shared Expectations across the College

At Mount Carmel College in the week preceding student return, staff worked together to ensure we shared common expectations for our girls across the College.  This including a range of supportive strategies to ensure learning and care was at the forefront of every seating plan, call home, acknowledgement or expectation reminder.  All students and classes have shared a slide deck of common expectations including rights and responsibilities, behaviour support (3 warning system), seating plans, uniform reminders and mobile phone usage.  Please take time to have a conversation with your daughter about these expectations as we work in partnership to ensure our students have clarity and harmony across every space.

Communication and Involvement

Finally, I remind families to contact the College if you have any acknowledgements, concerns or questions.  It is so very important that we work in partnership to ensure that we can work together to support any needs or worries. 

I also enjoy hearing positive stories about students and staff and look forward to acknowledging their commitment to the College values.  Please email:

principal@mountcarmel.tas.edu.au if required.