Dear Parents, Teachers and Students,


Seeking Feedback - School Fete
At a recent Parish Pastoral Council meeting, Father Peter has proposed that we consider the possibility of a Parish-School Fete as a means of strengthening our sense of community. The Mt Carmel School Community Council has offered in-principle support for this idea but recognises that it cannot be successfully achieved without wider community support and sufficient parents who are prepared to be part of an organising committee. I invite all parents to consider this proposition and complete the attached form, to provide the Community Council with further information before a commitment can be made. The form will be open for responses until next Friday, 30 May.

Please fill out this form - Mt Carmel School Fete Committee - Expression of Interest


School Uniform
It has been noted recently, by both staff and parents, that there seems to have been a lapse in the standard of adherence to our school uniform policy. 

One of the principal aims behind school uniforms is to promote a sense of unity and belonging among students. When everyone is dressed the same, social divisions are minimised and a more level playing field is established. Ultimately, this contributes to a more positive school culture and a stronger sense of community. It is an important part of our identity. Attached to this newsletter is a copy of our Uniform Policy, for your reference, and I would appreciate families’ support in ensuring that it is followed.


Reconciliation Week
Next week is National Reconciliation Week, and this year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.

Year 5 and 6 Camps
Last week, Year 5 had a fabulous two nights away a Warrambui. It is always wonderful to spend time with students in an environment away from school, where they get to participate in a range of activities that develop their character and leadership skills in a way that the classroom cannot match. It is often the case that, before going on their first school camp, students experience some level of anxiety about being away from home, trying new activities and eating different foods, and this year was no exception. I am very proud to report, however, that all these worries were overcome and the camp was a great success and, importantly, the teachers all had a good night’s sleep each night! My sincere thanks to Ms Grace and Mrs Leahy, who gave up two nights with their own families so that our students could experience school camp, and to Mrs Luckie and Mr Martens, who joined us during the day.

And now that the Year 5 camp is done, we have the Year 6 camp coming up in Week 6. This time in two weeks we will be off to Narrabeen, to the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation. Again, this will be a wonderful experience, that is only possible because of the commitment of our dedicated staff.


Cross-Country
Well done to all who participated in last Friday's Archdiocesan Cross Country at Stromlo Forest Park. Special congratulations to Samuel Logue and Zoey Mitchell, who have qualified for the upcoming MacKillop Carnival in Sydney.


Athletics Carnival
Our 3-6 Athletics Carnival will be held, weather permitting, next Friday 30 May (Week 5) at Victoria Park. Primary students who are running in the 800m event will need to be at Victoria Park by 9am; all others will start the day at school and walk to and from the carnival with their class. Spectators and parent-helpers will be welcome to attend, please see the link in the Sports News if you would like to volunteer on the day.

The canteen will be running at the carnival, with assorted snacks options and a sausage sizzle for lunch (the sausage sizzle will be the only hot-food item available and dietary needs will be catered for). All items will be cash-sales only, so your child will need to bring money to purchase any snack or lunch items. The canteen will not be open for lunch or recess orders at school.


2026 Enrolments 
Our enrolment drive for 2026 has begun. If you have a pre-school child ready for Kindergarten, it’s time to enrol now. Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn has an online enrolment form, which can be accessed by clicking the link below. An interview will be organised once the enrolment application is received. If your friends have a child starting in Kindergarten next year, please encourage them to consider Mt Carmel as an option for their children’s education. Today we held the first day of our Open Day Tours and have more to come tomorrow, along with a School Showcase Evening in the Lacey Library at 6pm. The tours and showcase evening are largely run by Year 6 students, who are wonderful ambassadors for our school. The fact that so many students are prepared to volunteer their time in the evening to help promote our school speaks volumes about the pride and community spirit that is felt by our students. My sincere thanks to all our wonderful volunteers.

To book a tour or to RSVP for the Showcase evening, go to https://forms.gle/SLYm3hswhVixHQwW6.

Enrol Now: (https://enrolments.mtcarmel.nsw.edu.au/nsw-schools/start).


Vinnies CEO Sleepout
In Week 8 I will be joining a team of Catholic Principals from our Archdiocese in support of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout. On Thursday 19 June, I will be sleeping rough at the Museum of Australian Democracy, at Old Parliament House, to help raise funds and awareness for the vital work Vinnies does in our region supporting individuals and families experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness. Whether because of cost of living pressures, the experience of domestic and family violence, mental health concerns, addiction, or any number of other causes, the problem of homelessness is a terrible one; and although it is less visible in regional areas than in the metropolitan centres, families in our own community will be relying on Vinnies this winter for support.

My personal goal is to raise $4000 for this important cause this year. If you are in a position to help, please consider going to https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/michaelgreen/act to make a donation.

Michael Green
Principal