Primary News

Shorts Day and the Power of Conversation

Last week we came together in the best possible way, on what ended up not being such a cold day after all.  Pulling on our favourite shorts (some were a tad shy and pulled on their favourite Shorts Day hoodie), donated to a worthy cause and showed up for something that truly matters and that is raising awareness of mental health and the importance of talking and conversation. 

Shorts Day was a wonderful reminder that the simple act of wearing your favourite pair of shorts can send a powerful message. That message is that “It's okay to talk, it's okay to struggle, and you are never alone.”

To our parents/ guardians, thank you for getting behind this day and for the conversations you continue to have at home. To our students, who embraced the day with enthusiasm and openness, you are the absolute reason days like this matter to us at the College and especially in the Primary.  

One of the things we are most proud of is our culture of honest, compassionate check-ins. We believe that noticing someone, asking how they're really going, and sitting with them in a difficult moment is important. We don't wait for things to escalate. We check in early, we check in often, and we make it clear that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.  That culture doesn't happen by accident. It is built deliberately, every single day, by the people around us.

A heartfelt thank you to our Director of Wellbeing, Lynda Hudson, whose tireless dedication shapes the wellbeing framework across our entire College. Lynda's leadership ensures that care for our students and staff is woven into the fabric of everything we do.

In our Primary, we are incredibly fortunate to have the most amazing Wellbeing Leaders Mila and Emmy McLennan, who lead by example and show their peers that looking out for one another is something we all have a role in.  Their fabulous assembly on Friday last week was a testament to that.  And finally, a very special thank you to Mitch McPherson and Natasha Cloak from ‘Speak Up Stay Chatty’, whose powerful work, not just at Mount Carmel but across the state reminds us all of the importance of speaking out, leaning on others, and never suffering in silence.

Shorts Day may be over for another year, but the conversation doesn't stop here. If you or someone you know is doing it tough, please reach out to a friend, a teacher, a family member, or a professional. A small moment of connection can make an enormous difference.

Mid Year Reports 

At the end of the term the Mid Year Reports (Prep - Year 6) and the Kinder Statements will be released to families. This is an opportunity to sit and unpack a fuller picture of your child’s progress as we as it being another open line of communication with your daughter’s teacher.  It is an opportunity as a parent to allow your child to develop self awareness through setting goals and taking ownership of their education.  

Having the Mid Year Report conversation with your child 

I know as parents/guardians that you are aware of what I am saying below and know it better than I do.  But as a gentle reminder or for those seeking some guidance it is important to recognise that the way you approach the conversation matters just as much as the report itself. Here are some ways of how to make it productive:

• Pick the right moment, not the second they walk in the door, and not when either of you are tired or stressed. Sit down together when there's calm and time.
• Start with the positives, lead with genuine praise for what went well. This puts them at ease and shows you noticed the good, not just the gaps.
• Ask before you tell by saying "How do you feel about this report?" or "Is there anything that surprised you?" They often already know where they're struggling and letting them say it first is more powerful than pointing it out.
• Keep your tone curious, not interrogating, maybe saying "I noticed Maths has been tough this semester, what's been going on in class?" lands very differently from "Why is this overall mark so low?"
• Separate effort from ability is very important by praising hard work and persistence specifically. If results are disappointing but effort was there, acknowledge that. If the marks are fine but you know they coasted, gently name that too.
• Avoid comparisons with siblings, classmates, or your own school experience. These shut conversations down fast and can cause added worry. .
• End with a plan, not a lecture by agreeing on one or two small, concrete things going forward, this also gives them agency rather than just pressure.
• Finally, keep it a conversation, not a verdict as the goal is that your child walks away feeling supported, not judged. 

Learning Conversations 

Communication about Learning Conversation on Thursday 30 July and Tuesday 4 August will be coming out soon with two afternoon/evenings being set aside for you.  It is expected that every family makes a booking and that all Year 5 and 6 students attend with their parents/guardians 

Cross Country Carnivals

Tomorrow sees the last of three Cross Country carnivals that our Primary team has had the privilege to participate in and we thank them and the staff who have been accompanying them for what they have achieved.  

Celebrating Our Lady of Mount Carmel

The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is celebrated by the Catholic Church on 16 July each year. It is a day that honours Mary under her title as the patroness of the Carmelite Order, a tradition rooted in centuries of devotion, prayer, and service. The feast traces its origins to Mount Carmel in the Holy Land, where Carmelite friars looked to Mary as their model and protector. Over time, this celebration spread throughout the Church and became a beloved day of Marian devotion worldwide.

At Mount Carmel College this feast day holds special meaning for all of us and we will celebrate it on the last day of Term 2. 

Information has already gone home to families but below is a snap shot of what the day entails. 

Here's what to expect:

• Uniform for the day : students come to school in their PE uniform including tracksuit, shorts or skort and polo top.

• Whole College Mass : we will begin the day by gathering as a whole community, from ELC through to Year 10, to celebrate Mass together.

• Pyjama Fun : students (ELC - Year 6) are welcome to bring a pair of pyjamas to change into after Mass; however, students travelling home by bus or on foot will need to change back into their tracksuit at the end of the day.

• BBQ Lunch Provided : but if you do not like a BBQ lunch or have a specific dietary requirement please bring your own lunch. The College canteen is not open for lunch orders.

• MCC Day Mini Fair : ELC - Year 6 are running a Mini Fair throughout the day, with all proceeds going to Mara House – Home Base, a wonderful cause.

• Money on the day : as we have the Mini Fair stalls raising funds, students do not need to bring a gold coin donation for wearing pyjamas; instead, we encourage everyone to visit and support the stalls!