A Word from the Principal
Megan Richardson
“This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Holy Week Reflection
Holy Week is the most sacred time in the Catholic Church, the heart of our liturgical year, when we journey with Jesus through His final days and celebrate the gift of His love. It begins with Palm Sunday, a joyful celebration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. As the crowds waved palms and shouted “Hosanna,” they welcomed the Messiah - yet even in this joy, we are reminded that His path would soon lead to sacrifice and suffering, all for our salvation.
On Holy Thursday, we reflect on the Last Supper, when Jesus shared a final meal with His friends, washed their feet, and gave us the gift of the Eucharist. This day calls us to embrace humility, service, and love, following Jesus’ example in caring for one another. Then comes Good Friday, a day of quiet reflection and sorrow as we remember Jesus’ suffering, death, and the immense love that held Him on the cross. It is a moment to meditate on forgiveness, sacrifice, and God’s unwavering love for each of us.
The sadness of Good Friday is transformed into the joy of Easter Sunday, when Jesus rises from the dead, bringing hope, renewal, and the promise of new life. The Resurrection is the heart of our faith, a powerful reminder that love and life triumph over fear and despair.
Families can make Holy Week meaningful at home in simple, heartfelt ways: attending Mass together, reading the Gospel stories of Jesus’ Passion, creating a small prayer space with a cross or candle, or discussing what sacrifice, forgiveness, and new life mean in everyday life. Even small moments pausing for prayer at meals, taking reflective walks together, or sharing Easter traditions help children feel the love, hope, and joy of Christ in action. Holy Week is not just about rituals; it’s about living the love of Jesus in our hearts, our homes, and our communities.
SWPBS at Mount Carmel College
This year marks the second year of implementing our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) framework at Mount Carmel, continuing our focus on creating a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all students. Central to our approach are the Zones of Regulation, which help students recognise and manage their emotions, and Restorative Justice practices, which encourage reflection, accountability, and repairing relationships when conflicts arise. Together, these strategies build self-awareness, resilience, and a strong sense of community. We value the partnership between home and school in maintaining high expectations and clarity around behaviour processes. To support families, a Parent Guide is available by clicking on the button below to provide practical tips for reinforcing these strategies at home and working with the College to foster consistent, positive behaviours.
A Safe and Restful Easter Break
As we approach the Easter break, I wish all families a safe, restful and blessed holiday. Easter is a wonderful opportunity to spend meaningful time together, to rest from the busyness of school routines, and to reconnect as families. Whether travelling or staying close to home, please take care, follow safety guidelines, and ensure children are supervised during outdoor and holiday activities. May this Easter season bring peace to your homes, joy to your hearts, and renewed energy for the term ahead. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the continued journey of learning and growth.