A Word from the Principal

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."

Psalm 139:14

Last Friday, I experienced my very first Mount Carmel College Arts Festival.  

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I knew it was going to be something special due to the hive of activity from students and staff alike as well as the buzz around the school throughout the week.  Friday dawned bathed in sunshine; with stages soon erected, banners hung, food trucks parked and art pieces straightened ready to welcome our community as we showcase one of Mount Carmel’s most special gifts - our Arts Program.

Throughout the night every student had an opportunity to shine; from Early Years singing and dancing to Year 10 duets, Secondary Dance Troupes to Primary classes sharing their learning, from orchestral performances to haunting portraits, it truly was an evening for the senses.  One couldn't help but be captivated by the rich tapestry of talent showcased at Mount Carmel. From the mesmerizing brush strokes of painters to the soul-stirring melodies of our young musicians, our festival was a celebration of artistic diversity. Visual arts, music, dance, theatre, and more converged to create an immersive experience that left a lasting impact.

What added something even more special to this evening was the sense of community.  The College became a place to gather, reconnect, celebrate and be inspired, as we acknowledged the considerable talents of EVERY student.  After the dark days of COVID, the Arts Festival felt like a fresh opportunity to connect as a community, inspired by art's power to unite and ignite dialogue.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our students and staff.  Their considerable efforts must be acknowledged, we all know that these events do not just happen.  We look forward to celebrating this annual event again next year, another opportunity for students to share their considerable gifts, face fears, try new things and share their love of the Arts with those they love most - their families.

Staffing News

Congratulations to Will and Alex Rodrick on the recent arrival of their second beautiful baby boy. Alex reports that big brother Teddy is totally smitten with his baby brother and loves any opportunity to help.

Congratulations to Imogen, Jeff and Laila who are expecting their second bundle of joy in March 2024. 

We all can’t wait for a cuddle of both new additions to the Mount Carmel community!

Phoebe Nutting will continue her parental leave for 2024, returning to the College for the beginning of the 2025 school year. Megan Marsden will continue to teach secondary Dance classes in 2024.

We welcome Michelle Hughes-Gage to the role of Lead Educator in our soon-to-open Early Learning Centre.  Jasmin Reynolds will step aside from her teaching role in Year 2 to work alongside Michelle to ensure a space which encourages exploration, curiosity, critical thinking and risk taking is created.  Michelle Wall will take on an extra day in Year 2.

We welcome Ben Richmond, who will be commencing in 2024 and teaching Maths, Science, Outdoor Education and Athlete Development. 

Sadly we farewell two members of teaching staff. Anna Cazaly will be finishing at the end of Term Three, but no doubt we will still have an opportunity to see Anna's cheerful face around campus in a relief capacity. Anna has worked in a number of classes across the Primary this year and her energy, passion and love for her subject areas and working with Primary students is immeasurable.  

At the end of the year we will be farewelling Anne Blythe-Cooper. We will have an opportunity to thank her for her many years of hard work and service to the College in Term Four.

And finally, we wish Dave McNamara, Susan Foster and Wendy Burrill an enjoyable break as they enjoy their long-service leave for the remainder of the term.

Valery Kullrich will be taking long-service leave for the duration of the 2024 school year, with Julia O'Rourke taking on the full role of Director of Curriculum & Pedagogy.