Dogs on the Playground
We have a number of children at Mt Carmel who experience anxiety around dogs, so I ask for the cooperation of all families who walk to or from school with their pets to not bring them on to the school playground but to drop off and pick up your children at the school gate instead.


Uniform Proposal
In order that the Mt Carmel School uniform has equitable summer uniform options for girls, a proposal has been approved by the school Community Council for presentation to the school community. The girls’ winter uniform already has the option of navy slacks with a white blouse, so the proposal is that a summer version of this uniform be made available. That is, that navy pleated shorts and a short-sleeved white blouse be added to the girls’ summer uniform as an optional alternative to the navy and white checked dress. The proposed items have price parity with the equivalent boys’ uniform. Any changes to the school’s uniform policy must be endorsed by at least 50% of the parent community. A survey seeking parent responses to this proposal was sent home last week; thank you to the families who have already returned their survey. A reminder that you have until this Friday 6 September to have your say.

Confirmation
This Sunday, at 10:00am, 11 of our Year 6 students will be celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation completes Baptism, by which in the laying on of hands and anointing with Chrism Oil, which first happened at Baptism, we are confirmed with the fullness of the Holy Spirit. We are reminded of our participation in the ministry and mission of Jesus and strengthened to follow Jesus more closely. The Sacrament will be followed by morning tea in the PAC, and as the sacraments are a community celebration, all are warmly invited to join us. Please note that the regular vigil Mass will be held, as usual, on Saturday at 6pm.


Stage 3 Camp
Next week our Year 5 and 6 students will be heading off for three fun-filled days at Camp. This year we will be going to Warrambui, and students will be participating in a range of exciting activities including archery, orienteering, initiative challenges and a night hike. Going away to Camp is a milestone event in the lives of our students; I wish everyone (including the teachers) all the best for a terrific three days.


Premier’s Reading Challenge
Congratulations to all the students who have completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge this year. Although student access to the PRC portal has now closed, last minute additions can be made, up until 13 September, by contacting Mrs Green directly.

Open Classroom Evening
A reminder that we will be holding an Open Classroom afternoon on Wednesday 18 September, Week 9, from 3:30 to 5:30pm. You are warmly invited to come with your child to visit their classroom and share in the wonderful work that they have been doing this term. Although an Open Classroom is not the appropriate forum for a Parent-Teacher Interview, parents are always welcome to make an individual appointment any time they would like to discus their child’s progress.

Country Women’s Association Year 7 Educational Grant
The Southern Tablelands Group of the CWA is awarding fifteen education grants of $250 each for children entering Secondary School in 2020; the Yass Branch will be awarding one of these. Applicants must live in the Southern Tablelands Group area, have demonstrated a commitment to their school life and community and be completing Year 6 in 2019. Applications close on 30 September and successful applicants will be announced in early December. Any family interested in applying for this grant should contact the school office to obtain an application form and a copy of the selection criteria. 

May God’s peace be in your families,