Primary News

"It takes a village to raise a child." — African Proverb

To our wonderful parent and guardian community I want to take a moment to sincerely thank each of you for making this such a memorable term. Your generosity, commitment, and genuine enthusiasm have played a huge part in its success.

Whether it was pitching in with our extracurricular programs, joining us on excursions or simply being that steady, encouraging voice at home that makes all the difference to your daughter's day; your involvement hasn't gone unnoticed.

Thank you for all you do, and for being such wonderful partners in this journey. I'm looking forward to continuing it together with you.

A few little jobs for you over the break

While you're enjoying some well-earned rest for the morning routines, the drop off and the homework battles, here are a few gentle reminders to help make the start of Term 3 smooth and stress-free:

• Check for lost property – Please take a moment to look through school bags, the car, and around the house for any missing uniform items.  

• Uniform check – With the cooler weather continuing into Term 3, now's a good time to make sure winter uniform items still fit and are in good repair.

• School supplies – Restock pencils, glue sticks and any other stationery that may have run low over the term.

• Labelling – A quick check that names are still clearly marked on such items as jumpers/cardigans/vests and lunchboxes as they are often the items we find lying around with no owners.

I hope this term break brings rest, connection, and joy to you and your family and I look forward to welcoming you back for Term 3.

Putting Down the Devices These Holidays

The school holidays are here and with more unstructured time at home, it's easy for screens to fill the gaps. The eSafety Commissioner notes that changes in routine over the holidays are one of the biggest drivers of increased screen use in families, not because children suddenly want more screen time, but because there's simply less structure around it.

This term holidays I am asking families to try something simple: cut back the minutes on devices, and swap some of that time for face-to-face conversations and outside play.

ESafety's advice on screen time makes an important point: there's no single "right" number of hours. What matters more is the balance whether screen time is getting in the way of sleep, exercise, and face-to-face connection with family and friends. A few signs it might be time to dial things back include a child seeming less interested in catching up with friends in person,  playing sport or practising that piano piece.

Messaging and gaming chat can feel like real connection, but they're not a replacement for it. A phone call, a video chat, or best of all actually getting together, builds the kind of relationship skills and resilience that a running group chat can't.

Below are a few ideas taken from the eSafety website:

• Make a plan together. eSafety suggests involving kids in building the plan rather than just handing down rules as young people are far more likely to stick to limits they helped set.

• Try a "15-minutes to switch off" warning before device time ends, rather than an abrupt cut-off as it makes the transition to outside play or family time much smoother.

• Set device-free times and spaces, like mealtimes, the first hour after waking, or whilst in the car and let outdoor play, board games, or a walk fill that space instead.

• Encourage catching up in person with friends rather than defaulting to messaging. 

It is important to note that I am not banning screens, as you know it's about balance. Even small, achievable changes (an hour less a day, one device-free meal, one friend catch-up in person instead of online) can make a real difference to how connected and rested everyone feels by the end of the holidays.

For more tools and further information, including downloadable family tech agreement templates, visit the eSafety Commissioner's parent resources at: 

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents. 

Year 6 Parents and Canberra 

Next term, our Year 6 students will head to Canberra. Ahead of the trip, please take note of the following:

• Practice sleepovers: Encourage your Year 6 student to have some sleepovers with other Year 6 students, friends, or family members. This is especially important for students who haven't spent more than a night away from home before.

• Summer dress: Check whether your child's summer dress is starting to look too small. If so, consider making an appointment with Branna Magill at the Uniform Shop.

• Sport polo top: All students must have the correct uniform, including a spare sport polo top.

• Medical information: Make sure all medical information held by the college is up to date over the holidays. If your child takes medication, it's also worth speaking with your pharmacist about having it organised in a Webster pack.

MCC Day Tomorrow

Mount Carmel Day is a celebration.  It is the name that is given to our College, Mount Carmel College, and is so special to all staff and students, past and present.  The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which is also known as the Scapular Feast, is always celebrated on 16 July and honours her intercession and maternal care for all.  As we are on school holidays on the actual feast day we will gather as a community tomorrow

What to Wear?

• All students from ELC to Year 6 are to wear their full College tracksuit, including trackpants as we are attending mass.

• Bring pyjamas and other items that may help you when you are wanting to get to sleep.

• Students will change after mass and if catching public transport or walking home will change at the end of the day. 

What is happening?

• The morning starts off with our Mount Carmel Day Mass.

• This is followed by our Primary Quiz and then a shared BBQ lunch and Staff v Year 10 Dodgeball game.

• In the afternoon our ELC  - Year 6 will run their stalls for our Mini MCC Fair with all proceeds going to Mara House  - Home Base.

MCC Mini Fair

• All classes have been preparing something to sell at the MCC Mini Fair.
• Students are asked to bring no more than $10 in coins (if possible) in a clear zipped lock bag with their name clearly marked on it and give it to their class teacher.

Thank you 

Thank you to the amazing Primary staff and all staff at Mount Carmel who work within the Primary for another incredible term.  Your dedication, patience, and care have made all the difference for our students, and it hasn't gone unnoticed. 

As James Corner once said, “No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship.”  Every day, you show up and build those relationships that make learning possible. Enjoy a well-earned break as you've truly made this term one to be proud of.