TERM 3 WEEK 8 2025
- Principal's Report
- Religious Education
- Sports News
- Lacey Library News
- Mt Carmel Awards - Week 6 & 7
- 1 Red Father's Day Gift Making
- Fast Forward to the Future Disco
- Book Week Fun
- 2 Gold Science - Phases of the Moon
- Mt Carmel Playgroup
- Uniform Shop
- Drum Corps Training & Performance Group
- Altar Server Note
- Yass Valley Concert Band - Sunday 14 September
- CWA Year 7 2026 Education Grant
- Irish & Celtic Music Festival - Junior Fleadh
- Youth Poetry at Irish & Celtic Music Festival
- Spinifex Tennis - Colourball Clinic
- Yass Valley Cricket Association - Cricket Blast
- Yass Gymnastics - School Holiday Program
- Yass Railway Museum Picnic Day - 28 September
- Yass Landcare - Children’s Art Competition
- Holiday Happenings
Principal's Report
Sacrament of Confirmation
This Sunday 21 September, 15 Year 6 students and parishioners will be celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation is a beautiful sacrament that continues, strengthens, confirms and celebrates the gifts of the Holy Spirit received in Baptism, and it is often associated with children taking a significant step towards an adult faith. All members of our school community are warmly invited to support the Confirmandi by celebrating Mass with us at 10:30am on Sunday.
Open Classrooms
Term 3 is not a formal reporting term, but so that you can keep in touch with what your child has been learning this term and see some of their wonderful work, we will be holding an open classroom afternoon from 3:30pm to 5:30pm on Wednesday 24 September, Week 10. Please be mindful that, although your child’s teacher will be in the classroom and is very happy to chat with you, open classrooms are not the appropriate forum for individual parent-teacher interviews. Parents are always welcome to make an individual appointment with their child’s teacher any time they would like to discuss their child’s progress.
Social Issues at School
It will come as no surprise to anyone, I’m sure, that schools are complex social environments and that helping students to positively resolve issues of interpersonal conflict is something that requires a considerable investment of teacher time and effort. It is very important work, though, which is why we invest curricular time to Sizzle (our school-wide Social-Emotional Learning program), to classroom programs such as Friendology, participation each year in Bullying–No Way, the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence, and targeted social support group sessions run by our school counsellor. We always encourage students to seek help from teachers whenever they feel as though something unfair, hurtful (emotionally or physically) or disrespectful is happening. Students don’t always tell their teacher when something has gone wrong, however, so if your child is experiencing social problems at school, please let their teacher know, so that we can take appropriate steps to help address any problems.
Many people are rightfully concerned about bullying at school – its impacts on a student’s learning, mental health and wellbeing are significant. We are very aware of the potential harmful effects of bullying and take reports of bullying seriously. I would like to share with families the National Definition of Bullying for Australian Schools:
"Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening. Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (for example, through sharing of digital records). Bullying of any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.” (https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/understanding-bullying).
To help parents better understand how to support their child’s social-emotional learning, including what constitutes bullying and what do when experiencing bullying, we will be running a parent information evening early next term, on Tuesday 28 October, Week 3. Further details and an RSVP will be published in our Week 10 Carmeletta.
Irish and Celtic Music Festival Children’s Workshops
Next weekend, as part of the Yass Irish and Celtic Music Festival, Mt Carmel will be hosting the Junior Fleadh. Fleadh (pronounced flah) is a Celtic word that means festival, and it is a chance for students who are interested in Irish music to come and join in free instrumental and dance workshops, culminating in a concert to showcase what the children have learned; all experience levels are welcome. More information and an RSVP link can be found further in this newsletter.
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, known as RCIA, is a process for adults (and sometimes older children) who are seeking to become Catholic or learn more about the faith. It involves a journey within the parish community to deepen one's relationship with Jesus Christ and understand Catholic teachings, worship, and way of life, culminating in the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
St Augustine’s parish is about to commence the RCIA, so If anyone is looking to investigate the Catholic faith, knows someone who does, or would just like a systematic presentation of the faith for themselves, then please contact Perry Healey by email (perryahealey@gmail.com) or text (0432120362).
Children’s Week Art Competition
For Children’s Week 2025, the Advocate for Children and Young People is inviting entries for the NSW Children’s Week Art Competition.
Children’s Week runs from 18 October – 26 October 2025, with the theme based on the UNCRC Article 42: Everyone should know about children’s rights.
Children and young people are invited to submit a portrait of somebody or a group of people who are a champion of children’s rights. This could be someone they know who has taught them about children’s rights, or it could be someone they admire and have learned about.
The competition is open to all children and young people up to the age of 18 living in NSW. Group entries are accepted and encouraged.
For more information, including details about how to enter, go to https://www.acyp.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/childrens-week-art-competition.
Term Dates
A reminder that Term 3 finishes for students on Thursday 25 September. We will be celebrating the last day of term with a mufti day and fundraiser for Mission Month. Further details of this event can be found in the Religious Education report. Students return to school for Term 4, in summer sports uniform, on Tuesday 14 October.
May God’s peace be in your families,
Michael Green
Principal
Religious Education
Mt Carmel’s Mini Vinnies News
Crazy Day Fundraiser Event - Socktober 2025 - Zambia
Prayer
update images
Prayer
Amen
St Augustine’s Parish News
Sunday 14 September, 10.30am, St Augustine's Church
Please pray for the children as they prepare for their Confirmation.
Ruby Laughton
Fletcher Lees
Alex Warhurst
Lachlan Inkster
Mikayla Black
Heath Wood
Dylan O’Reilly
Charlie Field
Magnus Felizardo
Kalon Vu
Zoe Medway
Mabel Adie
Caitlin Guiney
Conor Guiney
Isla Townsend
Jaxon Field
Harrington Roser
Hugh McPherson
Zoe Leahy
Lily Butt
Ruby Hallam
Children's Liturgy
Eva Karakotas
Religious Education Coordinator
Sports News
MacKillop Athletics Championships
Good luck to Zoey Mitchell, Jack Maher and Mabel Adie who will participate in the MacKillop Athletics Championships in Sydney on Wednesday 24th of September.
Todd Woodbridge Cup
Congratulations to the Stage 3 Mt Carmel team who participated in the Todd Woodbridge Cup last Wednesday. The students performed really well and had lots of fun representing the school. Good luck to the Stage 2 team who play at the Hume Tennis Courts next Friday, 19 September.
Boorowa Touch and Netball Carnival 2025
Our school will be participating in the Boorowa Touch and Netball Carnival next term. The format of the day will be a gala day with schools playing in a round-robin competition.
Date: Friday 24 October 2025 (Friday Week 2, Term 4)
Venue: Boorowa Showgrounds, Ballyryan Road, Boorowa.
Transportation: By private car.
Cost: $5.00 per student to cover team registration.
There will be a canteen operating at the fields and qualified First Aid trained people will be present during the day. All players will compete in their Mt Carmel sport uniform.
The Touch teams will consist of 10 players per team (7 on the field) and the Netball teams will consist of 10 players per team (7 on the field and maximum 3 boys per team). Students will compete in their year groups from Year 2 to Year 6.
It is an expectation that all Year 2-6 students attend the event. Teachers have organised students into mixed year-level teams according to their preferred sport. Although it is an expectation that students attend, if you know your child will be absent on the day, please let their class teacher know so that they can plan accordingly. We will require referees and coaches for the day, if you are able to assist, please fill out the Google form below.
Boroowa Touch and Netball Carnival 24/10/25
Payment of $5 to cover registrations can now be made through Compass Events.
Sports Trials
Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Boys and Girls Cricket Trials 2026
Date: Friday 31st October 2025
Time: 9:30am sign on for 10:00am Start
Venue: Taylor Park - Queanbeyan
Registration: Registration is through the CSNSW Sport Website; https://csnsw.sport/help/help-guide-for-parents.
November Trials - Primary Cricket (for 2026) Basketball, Boys and Girls (for 2026) and Tennis - Boys and Girls (for 2026).
If you have children in Year 5 or 6 who are interested in trialling for Canberra Goulburn sporting teams, please check the following website regularly for upcoming events: https://www.sport.cg.catholic.edu.au/calendar.
Ted Dunstan
Sports Coordinator
Lacey Library News
NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge
Congratulations to the following students who have recently completed the 2025 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge.
Felix Inglis
Madeline Caldow
The 2025 PRC has been extended it now closes to students on Friday 19 September 2025 (Week 9, Term 3).
Book Donation
Special thanks to Harvey Matthews and the Matthews family for a generous donation of books to the library collection.
Book Care
In the last couple of weeks, several library books have been returned to the library damaged by food and drinks. Please encourage students to be mindful of where in their school bags library books are stored.
Kind regards,
Natalie Broers
Teacher Librarian
Mt Carmel Awards - Week 6 & 7
Congratulations to the recipients of the Week 6 Mt Carmel Awards.
These awards were handed out last Friday, 5 September, at morning assembly.
| K Blue Adrianna Nash Louie Hackett | K Gold Jessica Di Sisto Rosalie Abbott Mitchell McGrath |
| 1 Green Avari Driver Lydia McDonald Adelaide Raymond | 1 Red Lucia Reid Hamish Lyons Logan Bennett |
| 2 Blue Phoebe Mitchell Franki Aniversario Kit McLeod | 2 Gold Ally Wren Kaylahn Carroll Claire Kundolam |
| 3 Green Adelaide Honan Samuel Logue | 3 Red Elsie Townsend River Newman |
| 4 Blue Amalia Corcoran Chenuth Silva | 4 Gold Alan McRae Angus Dando Barney Rainger Harvey Matthews |
| 5 Green Zoey Mitchell Gracie Lyons Benji Carroll Mnqobi Nyathi Charley Shoring | 5 Red Jessica Hardy Gabriel Dunstan Benjamin O'Reilly |
| 6 Blue Alice Miller Poppy Smith Alayla Dorris Chevie Stansfield Lachlan Inkster Milton McDonald | 6 Gold Zoe Leahy Beau Jones Louis Arnold Lachlan Walker Magnus Felizardo Spencer Crocker |
Congratulations to the recipients of the Week 7 Mt Carmel Awards.
These awards will be handed out this Friday, 12 September, at morning assembly.
| K Blue Emilia Goulding Gigi Heckendorf Prudence McMullen | K Gold Paige Gleeson Gus Coster Tom O'Brien |
| 1 Green Lincoln Goode Samuel Walker | 1 Red |
| 2 Blue Gigi Aniversario Felix Inglis | 2 Gold Phoebe Platt Azaan Bilal Christopher Privett Finn Mulholland-Brown |
| 3 Green Benedicta Barker Harry Agostino | 3 Red Max Hanns William Rothwell |
| 4 Blue Cody Drage Blake Eldridge | 4 Gold Adalyn Harvey Eddy Finnigan |
| 5 Green Esther Payne Isabelle Davis Edward Shannon | 5 Red Ivy Howarth Cecilia Candido Pinheiro Huckson Wheeler |
| 6 Blue Zara McEvoy Riley Pholi Benjamin Webster | 6 Gold Mabel Adie Molly Howarth Amelia Hooper Beau Jones James Roe Rory Doyle Spencer Crocker |
1 Red Father's Day Gift Making
Fast Forward to the Future Disco
Book Week Fun
2 Gold Science - Phases of the Moon
Mt Carmel Playgroup
Uniform Shop
The Uniform Shop is open each Thursday during term from 3pm-4pm, and located next to Front Office.
All Qkr! orders placed before 2pm each Thursday will be bundled up and sent home with your child on Friday afternoon. Order Forms can be collected from the front office if needed.
Please note that if the incorrect size/item is ordered or the size selected does not fit correctly, please return the item along with a note regarding changes required to the front office, so the correct size/item can be sent home.
Drum Corps Training & Performance Group
Expression of interest: Drum Corps Training & Performance Group for students at Mt Carmel.
Mr Noonan is proposing a return to the school having a Drum Corps Group at Mt Carmel School for Mt Carmel students to learn & perform at events such as The Christmas Street Parade & school concerts/events.
When: Mondays 1:40pm-2:05pm (2nd break after eating)
What: Students will learn traditional stick drumming on snare drum plus other styles such as French & Swiss Basel.
* Drums, stands, sticks, practice pads will be supplied.
Who: Years 2-6 at Mt Carmel School
Cost: $55 per term per student which includes above use of supplies and training by Mr Noonan who is an experienced tutor in snare drum drill & routines including entry into the National Drumline Competition in 2019 & leads the RBCC Drumline Troupe.
Contact: 0408 622 819
Altar Server Note
Yass Valley Concert Band - Sunday 14 September
CWA Year 7 2026 Education Grant
The Southern Tablelands Group of the Country Women's Association of NSW, are awarding Year 7 Educational Grants for 2026. If any current Year 6 student would like to apply for the 2026 Educational Grant, please collect the application form from the front office.
Applicants must submit a letter addressing the selection criteria along with a letter from Mr Green supporting their application.
Applications close 26 September 2025.
Irish & Celtic Music Festival - Junior Fleadh
Youth Poetry at Irish & Celtic Music Festival
September 19, 20, 21
Free workshops and events for students on Saturday.
Student Writing Workshop 10.30-11.30am, Mt Carmel School Performing Arts Centre (PAC)
Oliver Roweth (he/it) presents a workshop on writing and performing free verse poetry. Learn to play with words outside the boundaries of rhyming verse and stretch structure to express yourself freely. For ages 10-15. Come along - maybe write a poem to present at the Under 18s Open Mic!
Under 18 Open Mic 11.30-12midday Saturday, PAC
Any young person is welcome to bring a poem and present it. All forms of poetry welcome, all
presentation styles welcome. Both readers and reciters are welcome; present a poem you’ve written
or someone else’s. Trophy, plus cash prizes. The winner will be crowned Junior Reciter of the
Year. To reserve your place in this workshop please contact Robyn Sykes 0401 289 178.
Students are also welcome to take part in the varied other open mic events on the program eg. Poets
Breakfasts, Soiree, One Minute Wonders. More info: https://www.irishcelticmusicfestival.com/program.
More info: Robyn Sykes Poetry Coordinator 0401 289 178
Janno Scanes: Festival Director 0429 608 566
Irish & Celtic Music Festival
Spinifex Tennis - Colourball Clinic
Yass Valley Cricket Association - Cricket Blast
Yass Gymnastics - School Holiday Program
Yass Railway Museum Picnic Day - 28 September
Yass Landcare - Children’s Art Competition
Yass Landcare is excited to invite Mt Carmel students to take part in our Children’s Art Competition for 2025!
This year’s theme is “Reptiles and Amphibians” – encouraging children to explore the fascinating frogs, lizards, snakes, and turtles that play an important role in our local ecosystems.
Details:
- Prizes: Thanks to the generous support of Wildbark – Mulligans Flat Centre and the Canberra Reptile Zoo, winners will receive free tickets and more special prizes.
- Display: All submitted artworks will be displayed in Yass, most likely at the Yass Library, prior to judging – giving the community the chance to enjoy and celebrate the children’s creativity.
- Eligibility: Open to children of all ages in the Yass area.
- Entries Close & Judging Dates: Entries close 28 November and Judging and presentations will be on the 6 December.
This is a wonderful opportunity for young artists to learn more about reptiles and amphibians, showcase their creativity, and connect with our natural environment.