From the Acting Deputy Principal
Farron Boxall
Arts Evening – A Celebration of Talent
Our recent Arts Evening was a wonderful celebration of the gifts and talents of our students across the College. It was a joy to witness such creativity and dedication on display, and to share this celebration with families and community members. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff for their involvement in the set up of this spectacular event and supervision of performances, and to our parents, carers, and College community for supporting and celebrating our talented students with us.
Year 10 Formal – Celebrating a Milestone
The Year 10 Formal took place last Saturday was a very special evening where we celebrated our students and their journey at Mount Carmel College. It was wonderful to see the girls enjoying this milestone together as a cohort. Now that this important event is behind them, their focus can shift fully to their studies. As we know, Term 4 moves quickly, and their success relies on organisation, meeting due dates, and prioritising assessment tasks.
Attendance – Every School Day Matters
Attending school each day is vital to ensure students stay on track academically and socially. Missing days of school can mean missing out on key concepts, which makes catching up challenging. School also provides important opportunities for connection, friendship, and social development.
Tips for Parents to Support Attendance
Below are some strategies you may find helpful in supporting your daughter to attend school regularly and positively:
Create a routine: Breakfast, homework, and bag packed the night before.
Give enough time: Build space into mornings to reduce stress.
Be on time, every day: Small habits build consistency.
Refuel & hydrate: Lunch prepared, water bottle packed.
Prioritise sleep: Good rest supports learning and engagement.
Set technology boundaries: Try a family tech agreement.
Schedule appointments outside school hours.
Talk about school: Encourage open conversations.
Celebrate attendance: Acknowledge daily successes.
Be a role model: Show commitment to your own routines.
Encourage hobbies & friendships: School is about connection too.
If your child is struggling with attendance or school refusal, please contact her classroom teacher (Primary), Clan Teacher or Head of House (Secondary) for support.
School Devices – For Learning, Not Leisure
This week I reminded students that school iPads and laptops are learning tools. They are not for personal messaging, music, or games during the school day.
Student iPad & Laptop Usage Agreement – Key Responsibilities
Devices must be fully charged each day.
Devices are required in class unless instructed otherwise.
Home screens should only display College apps/links.
Devices must be closed and returned to the home screen when requested.
Photos/videos require teacher and subject permission.
Personal content must be appropriate and not limit schoolwork storage.
No personal music, games, or messaging during school hours.
Messaging friends/family during the day is not permitted.
Internet access must be via College Wi-Fi only.
Teachers and parents may view device content when needed.
Responsible Digital Citizenship applies at all times.
Devices should be stored securely in lockers when not in use.
Students must not lend or borrow devices.
Canteen Purchases – Payment Reminder
A reminder that students must have either physical cash or a bank card to make purchases at the canteen. As per the Tasmanian Catholic Education Mobile Phone and Device Policy, mobile phones and smart watches cannot be used for canteen purchases.
Uniform Policy – Wearing It with Pride
As part of our School Wide Positive Behaviour Support value of Respect, we remind students that “we wear our uniform with pride.” This includes ensuring that fake eyelashes and hair dyed unnatural colours are not worn at school. We thank parents for your support in addressing these matters promptly, and for working with us to maintain high standards across the College.
Maintaining Focus
As we approach the end of Term, it is understandable that students may be feeling tired, and we have also seen the impact of illness across the community. However, with a busy conclusion to Term, including Year 9 Common Testing next week and many assessment tasks due, it is essential that we maintain an environment that is conducive to learning for all students. We continue to uphold our high behavioural expectations in line with our SWPBS framework, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn, engage, and succeed in a positive and respectful environment.