Feast of the Assumption
Tomorrow is the Feast of the Assumption, on which we celebrate Mary’s bodily ascension into heaven at the end of her earthly life. Each of us is called to be the best we can be as people of God. Mary, mother of Jesus, is a wonderful role model for all men and women, boys and girls—she represents courage, compassion and unconditional love. As Christians, we too should strive to demonstrate these qualities in our everyday actions, whether we are in the classroom, at home, on the sporting field or facing burdens in our life. Being a holy day of obligation, we will attend the Parish Mass at 9:45am and, as always, parents and families are warmly invited to attend Mass with us.

Altar Servers
The parish is still recruiting Altar Servers to serve at Mass on Saturday nights. Serving on the altar helps children to become more engaged with the Mass and to better understand its rituals. It is also a great way to encourage our children to become active citizens, with a positive attitude towards community service.

Servers must have received the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Anyone from Year 3 and up would be most welcome to participate in this important role. Training will be provided during school hours and at Mass by the Liturgy committee and experienced servers. Please return the commitment slip (attached to this newsletter or collected from the front office) if your child would like to help with this special job. 

Colds and Flu

There are always plenty of bugs and germs going around in the winter months and this year has been no exception; indeed, there have been several confirmed cases of Influenza A within the school community. So to avoid the spread of germs, if your child is unwell, especially with symptoms of fever, cough, body aches and lethargy, please do not send them to school.

Book Week Author Visit
Next Thursday, during Book Week, Mt Carmel will be visited by the well-known author and illustrator Tohby Riddle. A limited selection of his books will be available for purchase and will be signed by Tohby on the day. Families interested in making a purchase must pre-order their books using the attached order form by Monday 19 August at the latest. Orders will be processed by The Children’s Bookshop so payment via Qkr! is unavailable.

Book Week Sausage Sizzle
Thank you to the many parents who have responded to our call for help with the sausage sizzle next Friday. Please ensure that the family order form is returned by Monday 19 August if you staying for lunch after the Book Week Costume Parade. Please note that Mt Carmel students have already been catered for and the form only needs to be completed for parents, grandparents, siblings etc.

CSO Music in My School
On Wednesday 28 August, Week 6, Mt Carmel will be visited by an ensemble from the Canberra Symphony Orchestra to perform a series of concerts based on repertoire that students have been exploring in Music this term. This exciting incursion is being provided to the school at no cost.

Irish and Celtic Music Festival Children’s Workshops
On 14-15 September, as part of the 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 in the Lovat Chapel; all experience levels are welcome. More information and an RSVP link can be found further in this newsletter. 

May God’s peace be in your families,