A Word from the Principal

At this time of the year, final preparations are in play for 2020.  We will be welcoming the following staff to Mount Carmel:  Heather Hankinson (Secondary English and Humanities) and Hayley Stevens (Secondary Drama). This week I have also received the resignation of Mrs Robyn Bessell.  Robyn has had leave this year and has been teaching at Dominic.  In 2020 she will head to Sacred Heart College.  Robyn’s time at Mount Carmel enriched our community.  She built the Middle Years pedagogy to include the initiatives of STRIVE and the Explore and Discover integrated subjects.  Her love of teaching and her positive interactions with the students have made her a much loved presence at the College – one who will be missed greatly.  Mount Carmel College wishes Robyn the very best!

The last couple of weeks have seen our current Year 10 students exit the College and the student leadership hand over to a representative group of our Year 9 students.  We congratulate the following students on their selection:

These students will represent the College and will be advocates for all students

Gratitude

Fr Brian talked to our community recently around gratitude and the importance of being grateful. Just recently a parent told me I was the Principal of the best school and I know I have a great deal to be grateful for. I thank the community for their ongoing support, in particular the Board and the Parents and Friends.  The Board quietly goes about the work of ensuring the College is heading in the right direction, their time and commitment to the College is greatly appreciated.  To the Parents and Friends who have this year worked hard at providing a sense of community and engagement at College events. From a glass of bubbles, to BBQs at Open Day, Arts Festival and the Nativity Play; they have worked tirelessly to provide an opportunity for parents to connect and engage.  Thank you.

A special thank you to the staff of the College – for the day to day running and organisation, the shared laughter and tears. You are an incredible team of passionate and committed workers, who at times push yourselves to the limit to provide for our students.  Thank you.

A final thank you to Angelea Galloway who has captured, through her lens, the heart and spirit of Mount Carmel College in 2019. The photos that you see in the FIDES yearbook, on the College Facebook page and in PowerPoint presentations at Celebration Evening and assemblies, would not be possible without her generosity. Thank you.

I wish everyone the blessings of Christmas – the hope and peace of this season should not be forgotten in the rush and commercialism that it might become.  Enjoy the Christmas Season, the time it provides to reconnect with those special people in our lives.  Stay safe and see you in 2020.

Fiona Nolan

Principal