A Word from the Principal

Being an Upstander: Living Our Mission Every Day

At Mount Carmel Catholic College, we are committed to creating a community where every person feels safe, valued and respected. Our Mission calls us to be a Christ-centred learning community that nurtures faith, courage, compassion and justice. Living this mission means taking responsibility for the wellbeing of one another and having the courage to act when something is not right.

Bullying behaviour has no place in our College community. While it can be difficult to speak up, each of us has a role to play in creating a culture of kindness and respect. We encourage our students not to be bystanders, but upstanders.  These are people who choose to support others, challenge unkind behaviour appropriately, and seek help when it is needed. Being an upstander is not about confronting situations alone; it is about showing courage and ensuring that concerns are brought to the attention of trusted adults who can help.

Calling out inappropriate behaviour in safe and respectful ways plays an important role in shaping our community. It interrupts harm in the moment, makes it clear that unkind or disrespectful behaviour is not acceptable, and helps to protect the wellbeing of those who may be affected. When students speak up or signal that something is not okay, they also help set clear expectations for how we treat one another and encourage others to do the same. Over time, these small acts of courage contribute to a stronger, safer and more compassionate school culture as others feel more empowered to speak up.

Scripture reminds us of our responsibility to care for one another. In Galatians 6:2, St Paul writes, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ." When we support someone who is struggling, speak up when we witness harm, or seek help for ourselves or a friend, we are living out this Gospel message.

We also encourage families to partner with us in this work. Parents and carers play a vital role in reinforcing respectful relationships and wellbeing at home. If concerns arise, we encourage families to contact the College promptly so that we can work together to understand what is happening and provide appropriate support. Open communication between home and school ensures that students are surrounded by a consistent and caring network of adults who are committed to their safety and wellbeing.  Students who experience bullying are not alone, and there are clear supports available within the College to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Support may include pastoral care, counselling, adjustments at school, and ongoing monitoring to ensure the behaviour stops and the student feels safe. Students who engage in bullying behaviour will also be supported to understand the impact of their actions and to make positive changes. This may involve restorative conversations, guidance around respectful relationships, and clear behavioural expectations, as well as support from staff and families to develop more appropriate ways of interacting with others. The focus is on accountability, learning, and helping each student to grow in empathy and responsibility so that all members of the community are safe and respected.

We want every student to know that help is always available. If something is worrying you, if you have experienced bullying, or if you are concerned about a friend, please reach out. Students can speak with a trusted staff member, reach out to family members, contact a member of the College Leadership Team, send an email, visit Student Services, or ask a friend to help them seek support. No concern is too small, and every student deserves to feel safe and supported.

Together, by living our Mission and following Christ's example of compassion and courage, we can continue to build a community where everyone belongs and where kindness, respect and dignity guide our actions each day.

180 Years Celebration

Next year marks a significant milestone in our shared history, as we celebrate 180 years of Sisters of Charity education in Tasmania. This anniversary is an opportunity to honour the remarkable legacy of the Sisters and the generations of students, families and educators who have contributed to a tradition grounded in faith, service, compassion and excellence. It is a time to give thanks for the enduring vision that continues to shape our College today and to recognise the ongoing impact of this charism in our community.

A range of events and celebrations will take place throughout the year to mark this important occasion, beginning with a College Fair in March. This will launch a year of connection, reflection and celebration, bringing together students, staff, families and the wider community. More details will follow early next year. In the meantime, if you are interested in being a vital part of the planning and celebration team, please email me to express your interest in contributing to this special milestone year.