A Word from the Principal

Fortes in Fide – Strong in Faith

Every school has a motto, but at Mount Carmel Catholic College, Fortes in Fide is far more than a collection of words. It is the foundation upon which our community has been built for 180 years and continues to guide who we are and who we aspire to become.

Translated from Latin, Fortes in Fide means "Strong in Faith." It is a call to live with courage, hope and conviction, trusting in God's presence as we learn, grow and serve others. Faith is not simply something we learn about in Religion lessons; it is something we strive to live each day through our words, our actions and the relationships we build.

Being strong in faith means having the courage to do what is right, even when it is difficult. It means showing compassion to those in need, extending hospitality to all, seeking justice, treating every person with dignity and respect, and believing that each individual is created in the image of God with unique gifts and purpose. These values echo the enduring legacy of the Sisters of Charity and the vision of Venerable Mary Aikenhead, whose spirit continues to inspire our College community.

At Mount Carmel, Fortes in Fide is visible in classrooms where curiosity is encouraged, on playgrounds where friendships are nurtured, in service initiatives that place others first, through prayer and liturgy that strengthen our relationship with God, and in the everyday acts of kindness that define our community. It reminds us that faith is lived in both the extraordinary and the ordinary moments of school life.

Being strong in faith also means being resilient. Life presents challenges for us all, and our faith gives us the confidence to persevere with hope, to learn from setbacks, to celebrate successes with humility, and to support one another through difficult times. It encourages us to become people of integrity who lead with compassion and act with courage.

As we continue to write the next chapter of Mount Carmel Catholic College's story, Forte in Fide remains our guiding light. It invites every student, every family and every staff member to contribute to a community where faith is active, learning is valued, service is embraced and every person is encouraged to flourish.

May we continue to be strong in faith, not only in what we believe, but in how we live, how we love and how we serve one another each day.

Celebrating the Heart of Primary Education

This week we celebrate Primary Education Week, a wonderful opportunity to recognise the remarkable work that takes place in our Primary years every single day.

Primary education is about so much more than reading, writing and mathematics. It is where curiosity is nurtured, confidence begins to grow, friendships are formed, resilience is developed, and a lifelong love of learning is inspired. It is during these formative years that children discover not only what they can achieve, but who they are becoming.

At Mount Carmel Catholic College, our Primary teachers and support staff create learning environments where every child is known, valued and encouraged to flourish. They are educators, mentors, listeners, role models and champions for every student in their care. Through their dedication, patience and professionalism, they help lay the foundations that will support our students throughout their lives.

Primary Education Week is an opportunity to thank every member of our Primary community. To our teachers, thank you for your passion, creativity and unwavering commitment to your students. To our Teacher Assistants, administration staff, specialist teachers, wellbeing team, library staff, grounds and maintenance staff, and everyone who contributes to the daily life of our Primary school …. thank you. Each of you plays an essential role in creating a community where children feel safe, challenged, supported and loved.

We also acknowledge our parents and families. Your partnership, encouragement and trust enable us to work together in providing the very best opportunities for our children. Education is most successful when schools and families walk together.

Working Together to Address Bullying

At Mount Carmel Catholic College, the wellbeing and safety of every student is our highest priority. Creating a culture where every child feels safe, respected and valued requires a strong partnership between students, families and the College. We know that concerns about bullying are best addressed when they are communicated early, allowing us to respond promptly, provide appropriate support and work together towards positive outcomes.

To further strengthen this partnership, we have introduced a new Student Bullying Report Form, which is available through SEQTA and can be completed both at school or from home. Students can use the form if they believe they are experiencing bullying, have witnessed bullying as a bystander or upstander, or have concerns about another student's wellbeing. Reports may be submitted anonymously if preferred, and every submission is reviewed by our Wellbeing Team, who will investigate concerns in accordance with our Student Behaviour and Wellbeing processes.

We encourage students and families to continue speaking directly with teachers, Heads of House or members of our Wellbeing Team whenever concerns arise. The online reporting form provides another safe and accessible avenue for students to have their voices heard. By working together with openness, trust and shared responsibility, we can continue to foster a community where every student feels safe, supported and empowered to flourish.

Join Our 2027 Mount Carmel Fair Committee!

Planning has already begun for a 2027 Mount Carmel Fair, and we are looking for enthusiastic parents, carers, grandparents, alumni and community members to join our Fair Committee.

The Mount Carmel Fair is much more than a fundraising event; it is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate 180 years of our College, strengthen community connections and create lasting memories for our students and families. Whether you have experience organising events, fundraising, seeking sponsorship, coordinating stalls, marketing, or simply have a willingness to help, we would love to hear from you.

The success of our Fair relies on the generosity, talents and commitment of our community. Even a small contribution of your time can make a significant difference.

If you are interested in being part of the 2027 Fair Committee, please register your interest by emailing the College Office. We look forward to bringing together a dedicated team to make our 2027 Fair our best yet!

To express your interest, please email the College Office at: info@mountcarmel.tas.edu.au