From the Director of Primary

We are halfway through Term 2 and the weather is certainly feeling like winter is upon us.  Although I always crave the return of daylight savings and the warmer days I do love the time that winter gives me to reconnect with my soul and to slow down in the darker months. It is during the months of Winter that I become more aware of how fortunate I am and how grateful I am for life's simple pleasures like the warmth of a fire or putting an extra blanket on my bed at night.  I know that there are many less fortunate than me who are unable to enjoy these simple pleasures during these colder months.  I hope that during this season you get the chance to slow down as a family and take the time to enjoy all that this season has to offer and to reach out in some way to someone less fortunate than yourself.

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is time for home. 

Edith Sitwell

Reconciliation Week

Last Friday we had the opportunity to participate in a beautiful Reconciliation Week assembly.  This assembly was organised by Sharon Himson, who is our Key Teacher for Aboriginal Perspectives at Mount Carmel College.  We had the very talented Naarah Barnes come in to share her story about being a young Aboriginal woman in today's world.  She also engaged the students with her amazing musical talent and worked with the students to learn a song centred around the theme of Reconciliation Week - More Than Words.  

Thank you to our Year 6 Leaders who led us in prayer and Welcome to Country on the day as well as to Mrs Himson for all her hard work in preparing all the classes in the lead up to this assembly.

At the end of our assembly we presented student awards.  These awards were based around students who have been seen to be “Acting with Heart” in our school community. Congratulations to the following students.

Prep 

Emelia Bayliss - being recognised by her peers as someone who always shows kindness.

Cora Alomes - never failing to spread happiness.

Year One 

Amelia Glancy - acting with heart with her gentle and kind nature, Amelia always considers others in everything she does.

Emmy McLennan - acting with heart by always going out of her way to make everyone feel safe, building a sense of belonging in the class and out in the playground.

Year Two 

Chloe Ponder - consistently, without prompting, praising her classmates for their work and efforts in the classroom.

Ellie Huxtable - reaching out to others with kindness, extending the hand of friendship.

Year Three

Olivia Mihal - exhibiting great kindness and concern when a classmate was upset.

Ella McGrath - for her helpful and caring concern when a classmate was upset.

Year Four

Lavinia Ciccia - being a thoughtful, caring and treasured friend to all.

Astrid Birley - being a peacemaker in the Year 4 classroom.

Year Five

Taqdeer Kaur - acting with her heart by always showing compassion, care and sensitivity when working with her peers.

Mia Cairns - understanding the Language of The Heart and responding by offering her unconditional help to all in need.

Elka Kuylaars - acting with her heart by giving up her time to help others.

Ruby Sulllivan - being inclusive and showing compassion for her peers.

Year Six

Samatha Lowe - acting with heart by always being willing to help and show care for those around her.

Ivy Bresnehan - greeting her classmates with a friendly smile and showing kindness in small ways every day.

Tayla Round - acting with heart by always being willing to help and show care for those around her.

Matilda Wiggins - being inclusive and showing compassion for her peers. 

Drink Bottles

A reminder that students are encouraged to bring their own drink bottle to school each day.  Student Services do have recyclable cups for those children who might forget their drink bottle on the odd occasion, but we have seen an increase in visits to Student Services in recent weeks.

Keeping hydrated, even in the cooler months, helps to keep the body healthy and the mind focused.  

    AEDC Data Collection  

The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) is a national data collection of early childhood development at the time children commence their first year of full-time school. 

Mount Carmel College’s participation in the AEDC helps to build a more complete picture of the health, wellbeing and development of children in the community. By taking part in the AEDC, we will be contributing important information that can assist other schools and the entire community to better support children and their families to be ready for school. 

Our Prep children and families will be participating in the data collection over the next few weeks.  If you would like to find out more information please visit the AEDC website aedc.gov.au