Primary News

‘When we take time to notice the things that go right - it means we're getting a lot of little rewards throughout the day.’  

Martin Seligman

There are a number of things that make Mount Carmel College a very special place and we as a community already ensconced in it know. However, it always gives me great joy to talk in interviews with prospective new enrollments about why Mount Carmel is the school for their daughter.  

During that conversation it often turns to the importance of looking after one's mental health and wellbeing and it always fills me with tremendous pride to be able to openly talk about the Wellbeing Program at Mount Carmel which runs from ELC - Year 10, the basis of which is encompassed by positive psychology and links to PERMAH - positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishments and physical health. 

Emphasis is also placed on the importance of visible wellbeing which grows from the principles of the above, and the belief that nurturing one's wellbeing is fundamental to flourishing at school. This philosophy sits naturally alongside our core values of compassion, resilience, contribution and respect, values that recognise the whole person, not just the student.

Within the Primary we are so proud of our wellbeing program and teaching that is offered and we hold our Thursday morning lessons dearly, as uninterrupted time.  Through the teachpeec program in Kinder - Year 6 students are supported in understanding their strengths, recognising and managing their emotions, and developing the inner awareness needed to be present and engaged in their learning. Grounded in the College's values, the explicit teaching of wellbeing sees our Primary students cultivate positive habits, build emotional foundations and deepen their capacity to contribute meaningfully to those around them.  I ask that you continue to engage your daughters in open conversations about their wellbeing and always feel comfortable to reach out to staff if you are concerned. 

“Most of us see ourselves as thinking creatures that feel, but we are actually feeling creatures that think.” 

Jill Bolte Taylor

Hosting Debating at Mount Carmel College

When a school opens its doors to host an interschool debating competition, it does far more than organise an afternoon of structured arguments. It creates an environment where young minds are sharpened, confidence is built, and a love of ideas is kindled and we as primary are proud to be a school that understands this deeply.  And this is exactly what happened last night when students came from many schools across southern Tasmania for Interschool Debating.   

Debating is one of the most powerful educational experiences a student can have. The ability to research a topic, construct a logical argument, respond to opposing views under pressure, and speak persuasively in front of an audience are skills that serve students across every subject, every career path, and every chapter of life.

Hosting a competition takes this a step further. When a school welcomes teams from other schools it signals something important: we believe in the value of ideas, in respectful challenge, and in the kind of intellectual courage it takes to stand up and defend a position.

For the visiting students, it is an opportunity to compete in a welcoming and supportive environment. For our students, it is a chance to step up, as competitors, as timekeepers, ushers and as ambassadors for the College. 

It is important to note that the Primary is home to some genuinely outstanding young debaters, students who bring not only sharp thinking and careful preparation but also composure during the debate and kindness towards the other debaters. 

Thank you to the staff who assisted last night but especially Ms Frances Seen and Mr Callum Brown who coordinated last night and the debating season. 

ELC Gates 

We completely understand that mornings and afternoons can be busy and unpredictable, and we know everyone is just trying to get where they need to go as quickly as possible,  we've all been there!

However, we kindly ask that access through the ELC gates is reserved for ELC families and OSHC families if your child is booked in for that session. We request that non-ELC parents and carers or those not linked to an OSHC booking please use the designated entrances (Sandy Bay Road and Quorn Street) when making their way to the Primary or Louisa Centre in the morning and again in the afternoon.

We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us keep our youngest in the College safe. 

Fidget Toys/Shared Food/Toys 

Over the past few weeks we have had some issues in reading toys, fidget toys and food. I would appreciate parents/guardians support with the following:

• Unless your daughter has a Learning Plan and it states that a fidget toy is required then they are not to be at school.

• The fidgets must be small, about the size of your daughter’s palm.

• If you feel a fidget toy is required or it is not on a Learning Plan then please email your daughter’s class teacher.

• No fidget toys should be traded or borrowed amongst students.

• Food across the day is not to be shared with other students and items from the tuckshop are not to be purchased on behalf of other students. 

Cancer Council Fundraiser

On Wednesday 10 June all ELC - Year 10 students are asked to bring a gold or silver coin to school so we can fill up a giant teapot in order to raise money for the Cancer Council. 

How it works:

• A large teapot will be on display on basketball court
• Students, staff and visitors are invited to donate coins - they will placed on the teapot at lunch time on the Basketball Court 
• All funds raised go directly to the Cancer Council
• Funds counted and announced at the end of the day

Students are also permitted to wear a yellow ribbon in their hair on the day.

What’s Coming Up

• National Reconciliation Week - 27 May - 3 June
• STCPSSA Cross Country - 29 May 
• JSSATIS Cross Country - 10 June