A Word from the Principal

Blessing of Year 10 Leavers

Let us unite our hearts in prayer 

and entrust to the hands of the Lord 

those who will  leave our Mount Carmel community this year.

May God who began this good work in you 

carry it through to completion, 

enabling you to use your talents to the fullest.

May God give you the grace to make wise choices

and to be faithful to your commitments,

always confident in the support of those who love you.

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers,

half-truths, and superficial relationships,

so that you will live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice,

oppression, and exploitation of people,

so that you will work for justice, equality, and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who

suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war,

so that you will reach out your hand

to comfort them and change their pain into joy.

May God bless you with the strength to think

that you can make a difference in the world,

so that you will do the things

which others tell you cannot be done.

May your integrity be a gift to the world

and may the Spirit of God be with you always.

As we bid farewell next week to our fifty-six Year 10 students, it is with a mixture of pride and nostalgia that I reflect on the legacy they leave behind at Mount Carmel College. I can clearly recall my first meeting with the Year 10’s as they screamed at each other, excited to be back at school in February; completely ignoring this new and slightly nervous Principal.  I soon came to realise how much Mount Carmel College meant to each student as they began their last year, that they were just so pleased to be back in this community together for their final year.

Over the past year these young women have not only achieved their best academically but have also embraced the values of compassion, integrity, and resilience that define our Catholic identity. Throughout their journey, these students have embodied the spirit of sisterhood, forming bonds that extend beyond the classroom. Their collaborative efforts, whether in academics, sports, or community service, have set a standard of excellence for our Year 9 students  who I have no doubt  will follow in their footsteps.

It is crucial for our Year 10 graduates to remember that their time at Mount Carmel College is not a conclusion but a stepping stone. The lessons they've learned and the values they've internalized are not confined to the walls of our school but are meant to guide them in the wider world.

The legacy of these young women is not only etched in academic achievements but also in the countless acts of kindness, leadership, and service that have enriched our school community. Highlights range from their participation in House activities, their active service during camp to the daily moments of inclusion, welcome, service and shared humour. I have no doubt that they will carry this legacy into the future, becoming ambassadors of courage, compassion and justice; advocates for positive change.

To our departing Year 10 students, may your journey be blessed with success, fulfilment, and a continued commitment to the values that have shaped you. Remember, the seeds you've planted here will blossom into a legacy that extends far beyond your time at Mount Carmel.  I look forward to hearing of your achievements, highlights and stories in coming years and hope each and every one of you remembers your time here with a smile and a small place in your heart.

‘What you leave behind is not what you engrave in stone monuments, 

but what is woven into the lives of lives’ 

Pericles