Primary News

A very warm welcome back to all our families, parents, carers, and members of our school community. We hope you all enjoyed a well-deserved rest over the holiday break and are feeling refreshed and ready for what lies ahead.

Term 2 brings with it the arrival of winter and with that comes its own charm. Yes, the mornings are darker and colder and as I write this, the weather bureau are saying sunrise at 7:11am, and you may need to remind your children where they left their jumpers.  Nonetheless, there's something grounding about the winter term. It tends to be a quieter, more focused time of year, a chance to settle in, build on the strong foundations of Term 1, and enjoy a slightly slower pace before the busy second half of the year kicks off.

Of course, quieter doesn't mean uneventful. We have a wonderful calendar of activities ahead that we're very much looking forward to having shared already or will be sharing with you all. From school sport, Year 5 and 6 debating and after-school music programs to the deeply meaningful observances of Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, there are rich opportunities for our students to learn, connect, and grow.  As the term draws to a close, we'll wrap things up in the best possible way with our beloved Mount Carmel Day which is always a highlight on the College calendar and a wonderful celebration of everything that makes our community so special.

To every parent, carer, student, and community member thank you for your continued support and partnership. We wish you all a wonderful Term 2. Stay warm, stay connected, and as always, we look forward to a great term ahead together.

Year 6 Canberra Information Evening 

Thank you to the parents who attended the Canberra Information Evening last Thursday despite the miserable weather that evening.  The evening allowed our Year 6 parents the opportunity to hear about the trip that their daughters will go on in September and seek clarification regarding expectations, communication and the trip itself.  

A reminder to all parents that the participation form is due back to the College by tomorrow, please ensure your daughter hands it to her class teacher. 

PACER and Year 6 Canberra Trip

Every year our Year 6 students make the exciting journey from Hobart to Canberra and thanks to a Federal Government initiative called PACER it allows us as a College to ensure all students can travel.

The Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program is an Australian Government initiative that provides financial assistance to support students' on-site learning about national democratic, historical and cultural institutions in Canberra, the nation's capital. In short, it's a travel rebate designed to make it easier for schools across Australia to bring their students to our seat of democracy.  The rebate is offered to students from Years 4 to 12 and is paid on a per-student basis, to assist schools in reducing travel costs for individual students.

As a school based in Hobart our students travel further than many to reach Canberra, and that's recognised by the program. Tasmania receives special consideration, with all Tasmanian students included in the $300 per student rebate category, which accounts for the additional travel expenses involved in crossing Bass Strait.  

That means for every eligible student who travels to Canberra, the College receives a meaningful contribution directly back to offset the cost of the trip, helping make the experience more affordable for families.

For Mount Carmel College, the PACER is more than just a financial benefit, it's an opportunity to bring classroom learning to life at the very heart of Australian democracy. From Parliament House to the War Memorial, from the archives to the AIS, a Canberra excursion gives our students the most amazing of experiences.  

Winter Uniform

Please ensure that when your daughter leaves the home in the morning the following are adhered to from Year 1 - 6:

-  the top button is done up with or without the tie

- that the length is at the knee.

- if wearing a skirt this is not rolled up

- that sandshoes/runners are packed for the week 

- hair touching the collar is up with correct hair accessories

- blazers are worn to school and we expect them to be worn home as well

- a jumper/vest or cardigan is packed as the blazer is not worn outside at break times  

- that scarves, gloves are navy 

- earrings are plain and simple and small in size - not dangling or in the shape of a character, flora or fauna or similar.

If your daughter is in Kinder or Prep please ensure at this time of year if she is not wearing a jacket or the 1/4 zip it is still packed. 

Mothers Day Liturgy  

As a Catholic school being able to gather together in prayer is a beautiful and appropriate way to celebrate and reflect.  On Monday this opportunity was afforded to our Kinder - Year 6 community as we gathered to acknowledge the important women in our lives.  

This sense of prayer extended into the classroom as those who were part of the liturgy went and visited the classroom, allowing that communication with God to be seen in an action of love, guidance and care.  

A special thanks to Mrs Libby Piesse who was instrumental in ensuring this liturgy and the week before when we gathered for ANZAC Day, was done in a manner allowing us to gather in prayer.

Field Day 

On Tuesday, under what eventually was a beautiful sunny sky and not a breath of wind, we headed to the University Oval for our annual cross country event known as Field Day. Thank you to all those parents and supporters of the College who joined us and soaked up the perfect conditions on the banks and around the course. 

The day is a unique opportunity for the whole College, ELC to Year 10 to come together to celebrate what a truly remarkable place we have at Mount Carmel.  Congratulations to Carmel who came away with the win and well done to our Primary House Captains, Layla Cranfield and Aggie Murphy.

What’s Coming Up?

• Prep Excursion to the Royal Botanical Gardens - tomorrow
• Live Life Whole Project for Year 5 - Wednesday 20 May 
• Primary Debating - Wednesday 27 May