From the Director of Primary

Over the weekend I watched two Australian VolleyBall League (AVL) matches with our state team ‘Echidnas’ playing ‘Canberra Heat’. The Tasmanian team is playing in the national competition for the very first time and despite losing both games to a very accomplished and polished outfit, the joy and pride on the players faces was second to none.  For some in the crowd there could be a throwaway line of ‘what have they got to be pleased about, they lost both games’, but for these young women the celebration was in the fact that they left nothing on the court. They played with energy and vigour and throughout the game they matched it with some of the country’s most experienced players.  As the season progresses, they set some goals, learn from mistakes made, and grow and develop as a team.  

Of course there will be some times where disappointment will be part of  their journey and that is more than okay.  What is so important is that they remind themselves always of how far they have come, what they have learnt and the joy of this experience. 

As Term 4 races on, many Primary teams will take to the track, court or field to represent the College in upcoming inter school events.  Like the Echidnas there will be some ‘ups and downs’ but the essential component is to celebrate such things as selection into the team, honing a newly learnt skill in training, dancing for joy at a personal best time, or beaming with pride as the team celebrates the contest. 

“Celebration is a kind of food we all need in our lives, and each individual brings a special recipe or offering so that together we will make a great feast.  Celebration is a human need that we must not, and can not, deny.  It is richer and fuller when many work and then celebrate together.” 

Corita Kent.   

Pink Accessories

Tomorrow all students from Kinder to Year 6 are encouraged to wear pink accessories with their uniform to raise awareness of those suffering from breast cancer.  It is completely understandable for some students, especially those in the Early Years , that the topic is an older concept so parents/carers please feel free to just say what you believe is appropriate for your son or daughter.   

No money will need to change hands as it is purely about awareness and filling our learning spaces and playground with pink.  During lunchtime our Year 6 Wellbeing Leaders will be painting nails pink at no charge, handing out colourings and will have a “Tree of Hope’ visible where students can write a message of love and support.   

Visiting Performer

On Monday 31 October the Primary school will gather in the Cahill Centre to watch Terrapin Puppet Theatre’s latest offering “The Paper Escaper”.  

Here they ask the question “What happens when a book character won’t stay in their place?” 

The opportunity to watch this play is a chance for all our students to add another string to their bow by taking part in this drama presentation and also being able to respond to it through a myriad of ways within the classroom.  

Crazy Sock Day/Teddy Bear Picnic

On Tuesday 1 November all students from Kinder to Year 6 are invited to wear crazy socks to and from school and also bring their favourite teddy bear or stuffed toy.  

At lunch time, our students and staff will come together for a shared lunch sitting with buddy class to celebrate how blessed we are to be at a school like Mount Carmel and the connections we have made and continue to make along the way. 

Socktober is part of Mission Month and this initiative will see students raise money to make a difference for children in Ethiopia.  Further information about this fundraising day can be found by reading the article on the previous page. 

Start Time

A reminder to all that school starts at 8:45am and this is when so many of the days' notices are gone through, conversations are had about what the day looks like and also a chance before the bell for students to chat with their peers.  

At this time each class gathers for prayer which allows the class to come together and see the importance of their relationship and connection with God.   

Parents/carers are asked to ensure that their son or daughter is at school on time to ensure a smooth start to the day.