A Word from the Principal

Last Friday, staff spent the day on a pilgrimage. A pilgrimage is a journey, often into an unknown or foreign place, where a person goes in search of new or expanded meaning about their self, others, nature, or a higher good, through the experience. This pilgrimage focussed on a “journey”. For some the journey was in the Sisters of Charity’s footsteps; for others it was a personal journey of reflection and for still others, it was an exploration of the concept of Labyrinth. The day was indeed a blessing for the staff.  

I was lucky enough to participate in the Pilgrimage from the Cornelian Bay cemetery to the Queen’s Orphan Asylum, to St Mary’s Cathedral, then to the Hobart Goal and finally to St Joseph’s Cathedral. Whilst many of us had visited some of these hallmarks before, the journey was more about our companions. As a group we learnt about the Sisters of Charity - their commitment to spending time with others. The way they walked the dirty streets of Hobart with little regard for themselves. This day was part of our staff formation into the identity of a Sisters of Charity school.  What makes us different? What is it that impels us to continue? These all form our goals within this domain of Illuminate our Path.

Our Strategic Plan looks firstly at our central reason for existence - our Catholic Identity. It is what makes the College what we are today.  Christ is at the centre and was at the centre for the Sisters - “Christ’s love impels us”.  Last Friday’s Spirituality Day is just one way of continuing this important story for our staff.  It enables us to continue to live the story for our students and our community. It helps us to provide an outreach service, to keep our eyes on “others”.  These are all central goals for our College. 

Thought of the Week

‘Sisters of Charity believe, as Mary Aikenhead did, that it is no use telling sick, hungry and persecuted people that God loves them: we have to take the place of that loving God and do loving, practical and unselfish things in God’s name.’

Sr Helen Clarke

Impelled by Christ’s Love: 175 Years Serving in Australia, p.22

Congratulations

I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Fr Brian Nichols, Parish Priest of Holy Spirit Church in Sandy Bay, on his 40th anniversary of the ordination of becoming a priest.  Fr Brian is a blessing to our community - with us in celebration and in our hours of heartache.  Thank you for your service to our community Fr Brian.

Gratitude

Last week the Year 10 students had their “Formal”. Whilst the evening had to be changed to meet the requirements of Covid 19 regulations, the students did not complain. On the contrary, they expressed gratitude for the evening, an opportunity to celebrate their journey so far. An important milestone, it was a truly wonderful evening.

Community Update

Please be aware that COVID-19 restrictions still apply at the College. The College asks that you follow the signage, restrict access when unwell, observe social distancing and hand hygiene. Mount Carmel College will continue to follow its COVID-19 Safety Plan.  As part of this plan, the following Day to Day School Operations will continue:

Day to Day School Operations

School operations are subject to the following directions made under the Public Health Act:

• Workplace COVID Plan – No. 1:
• COVID-19 safety plan.
• Visitor attendance records are maintained.
• Adequate signage is displayed covering COVID-19 safety requirements.
• Suitable information / training is provided to staff.
• Adequate supplies of cleaning and disinfectant products.
• Observance of hand hygiene.
• Entry restrictions for people displaying cold / flu symptoms.
• Adult social distancing where practical.
• Cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.
• Checking of compliance.

Note: the above requirements are addressed in the school’s CET COVID-19 Safety Plan.