The View

A Word from the Principal

Megan Richardson

A Lenten Prayer

Loving and merciful God,

As we begin this holy season of Lent, we turn our hearts to You in humility and trust. Help us to walk this journey with faith, seeking renewal and conversion in our lives. May our fasting remind us of our dependence on You, our prayer draw us closer to Your presence, and our almsgiving open our hearts to those in need.

Lord, give us the strength to turn away from sin and embrace the call to repentance. May this season be a time of deep reflection, where we grow in love, compassion, and understanding. Teach us to carry our crosses with patience, just as Your Son, Jesus Christ, bore His for our salvation.

May we emerge from this Lenten journey renewed in spirit, ready to celebrate the joy of Easter with hearts transformed by Your grace.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

 

"Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love." — Joel 2:12-13

 

Last Wednesday we entered the sacred season of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday, a day of reflection and renewal. Marked by the sign of the cross in ashes, this day serves as a powerful reminder of our call to repentance and deeper connection with God. Lent is a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving - a season to grow in faith, seek forgiveness, and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter.

 

At Mount Carmel College, we encourage our students to see Lent not just as a time of giving something up but as an opportunity to grow in faith and kindness, piece by piece. Small acts of love and sacrifice help us to follow Christ’s example more closely.

Practical Ways to Journey Through Lent as a Family:

 

🌿 Prayer – Set aside time for family prayer, whether it’s before meals, at bedtime, or attending a parish Mass together. Encourage your daughter to reflect on their day and thank God for His blessings.

🍞 Fasting – Fasting is not just about food; it can also mean limiting distractions, such as social media or screen time, to create more space for meaningful conversations and acts of kindness.

💜 Almsgiving – Encourage your child to practice generosity, whether by supporting a charity, helping a neighbour, or being extra kind to a sibling. Acts of service bring to life the call to love one another.

As we walk through this Lenten journey together, let us embrace this season as a time of renewal, reflection, and grace. May this be a meaningful time for your family, drawing you closer to God and one another.

Reducing Screen Time: Reclaiming Opportunities to Connect and Grow

In today’s digital world, screens have become an unavoidable part of our daily lives. From education to entertainment, we are constantly engaged with technology. However, excessive screen time can come at a cost, limiting real-world interactions, physical activity, and opportunities for deeper engagement in life’s most valuable moments.  Our new policy limiting access to mobile technologies has been well received and valued by students, staff and families in general.  With this in mind I take this opportunity to reflect on what we miss out on when screen time becomes a considerable part of each day.

What Are We Missing? 

When we spend too much time on screens, we often miss out on:

  • Quality Family Time – Conversations at the dinner table, shared activities, and deepening relationships with loved ones.

  • Physical Well-being – Movement and outdoor activities that contribute to overall health and mental well-being.

  • Creativity and Reflection – Time to think, dream, and create without the distractions of constant digital input.

  • Faith and Community Engagement – Opportunities to connect with our faith, serve others, and strengthen relationships within our community.

The Benefits of Reducing Screen Time: 

By intentionally limiting screen use, we open up space for:

  • Stronger Connections – Meaningful interactions with friends, family, and our broader community.

  • Improved Focus and Learning – Better attention spans and deeper engagement in studies and personal development.

  • A Healthier Lifestyle – More time for outdoor play, hobbies, and physical activity.

Practical Ways to Reduce Screen Time: 

Making small, intentional changes can help us regain balance in our lives. Here are some practical steps:

  • Create Screen-Free Zones – Establish areas in the home, such as the dining room and bedrooms, where screens are not used.

  • Set Time Limits – Use built-in screen time management tools or apps to monitor and reduce daily usage.

  • Plan Alternative Activities – Engage in board games, outdoor play, reading, or creative arts instead of defaulting to screens.

  • Lead by Example – As adults, modeling balanced screen use encourages children to do the same.

  • Encourage Face-to-Face Conversations – Prioritise in-person interactions over digital communication when possible.

  • Embrace Faith-Based and Community Activities – Attend church events, volunteer, and participate in activities that strengthen personal and spiritual connections.

By making a conscious effort to reduce screen time, we allow ourselves to be more present, engaged, and open to the countless opportunities that life offers. 

SWPBS and our Behaviour Matrices across the College

At Mount Carmel Catholic College, the implementation of the School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) matrices has been a significant step in fostering a positive and respectful learning environment. These matrices serve as both teaching tools and a model of our ideal College, clearly articulating the values and expectations that guide student behaviour in all areas of school life. By explicitly teaching and reinforcing these expectations, we empower students to make positive choices, contribute to a supportive community, and develop a shared sense of responsibility. The SWPBS approach ensures consistency across classrooms and communal spaces, creating a culture where respect, responsibility, and resilience are embedded in daily interactions. Through this framework, we continue to strengthen our Catholic identity, nurture student growth, and enhance the overall well-being of our College community.  Below are our school wide matrices for Primary, Secondary and Early Years classes created with staff and students.