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Dear Parents, Teachers and Students,
Welcome, everyone, to the 2020 school year. I hope that the school holidays were a restful and rejuvenating break for all our students and staff and that everyone is looking forward to a joy-filled year of learning. I am, of course, very conscious that this summer has been a very difficult—and sadly, for some, tragic—one for many of our fellow Australians; and, doubtless, there will be members of our immediate community who have been affected by the terrible fires and extreme weather conditions, personally and through family and social connections. Our prayers remain with all those who are at the start of the very long road that is bushfire recovery, and, as a school, we will be supporting the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal throughout the year.
A Prayer for Those Affected by Bushfire and Drought
A very special welcome to Mt Carmel’s new Kindergarten students (How exciting... big school!) and to all students and families who are joining the Mt Carmel community this year. I hope you and your children will soon feel very at home here at Mt Carmel School.
Open, honest and timely communication is very important in achieving this. If you have any concerns about any aspect of your child’s progress, you are encouraged to speak first with their class teacher. If you wish to speak with a teacher please do so before or after school and not during class time. It would always be preferable if you could make an appointment, as teachers have duties and meetings on various days.
Please do not hesitate to make contact with me directly if you have any concerns, questions or feedback about any aspect of school life at Mt Carmel. You can make an appointment at the front office, send an email to michael.green@cg.catholic.edu.au, or stop me for a chat in the playground.
As always, there has been much going on around our buildings and grounds over the Christmas break in preparation for the new school year. The work being done on our Infants’ playground is almost complete; we should be climbing, digging and playing any day now!
I am very grateful to all staff for their preparation of classrooms and learning spaces throughout the school over the holidays; they look very welcoming. Thanks to Robbie Shepherd for preparing the school grounds; he has spent many hours making our school look beautiful. Thanks also to Roger Meyers, our Network Manager, who has spent numerous hours over the holidays maintaining our technology facilities.
Opening Events
Fr Mick Burke will be celebrating our Opening School Mass next Thursday 13 February at 9:45am. Our 2020 school leaders will be formally inducted to their leadership positions at this Mass as well. We look forward to seeing as many parents as possible at our first school Mass for the year. Then, on Wednesday 19 February, Week 4, we will be holding our welcome BBQ at 5pm, followed by open classrooms at 6pm. More information and RSVP details to follow next week.
2020 School Theme
Our school theme this year is inspired by the words of Pope Francis: As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family. Pope Francis spoke these words in an address to a gathering of young people in the Phillipines in 2015, the year that he wrote his encyclical letter on ecology and climate, Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home, in which he challenges the whole human family to engage in a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet and collectively work to protect our common home. Throughout the year we will be striving to respond to Pope Francis’ call to, “hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor”.
Read Laudato Si’
Kindergarten Rest Days and Assessment
I hope that everyone’s first days of ‘Big School’ have been filled with learning and fun. I’m sure that there were lots of tired little people at the end of last week. Kindergarten Rest Days will continue on Wednesdays until Week 6. The final rest day will be on March 4, with full weeks commencing in Week 7. The Best Start Kindergarten Assessment Program commenced today, so if you have not yet made an appointment time with your child’s teacher, please contact the school office as soon as possible – bookings are filling fast!
The start of the year is a good time to give a reminder about traffic safety around the school. I ask all parents to model safe behaviour when driving, parking and crossing roads around the school. Also please be mindful that the length of Dutton St from the school office to the Meehan St intersection is a no parking zone before and after school, so you can use these spaces to drop-off or pick up, but if you leave your vehicle, you may be booked.
200 Years of Catholic Education in Australia
This year marks the bicentenary of Catholic education in Australia, and Mt Carmel School has an important part in that history, having 175 years of education on this site. There will be special celebrations and promotions at different times this year to mark this important event. Thank you to each of our families for their support of Catholic education; you all play an important part in our ongoing story.
In recognition of the fact that many families use Facebook as a primary means of communication, Mt Carmel School will shortly be launching a new Facebook page. We will be using this to share important information and to promote and celebrate significant events and achievements around the school. We will continue to use the SZapp app to push out notifications and urgent messages and to publish the Carmeletta, so I encourage any families who have not yet installed this on their phones to do so.
Illness
A reminder to all families to please read the Too sick for school? guidelines that were sent home last week. A copy has been placed on the Forms and Documents page of our school website, for your information.
Food Allergies
Although Mt Carmel does not declare ourselves to be a nut-free school, we do encourage all our students and families to be allergy aware. This week you will receive a letter outlining precautions that we ask you to consider if your child is sharing a classroom with another student who suffers from a food or contact allergy. Please also have a conversation with your child about the importance of not sharing food or canteen money at school, as it contributes to our Stay Safe rule.
Playgroup
Katrina Hodges will be running our Mt Carmel Playgroup again this year, starting Thursday 20 February, Week 4, in the Playgroup Room off the Dutton Street entrance to the Performing Arts Centre from 9-11am. Cost is $3 for the first child, then $1 for any additional children and includes morning tea. All welcome!
Catholic Care Counsellor
This year we have a new CatholicCare Counsellor, Lauren Lucey, who will be at school on Tuesdays. Student counselling can help children to better manage social and emotional issues, supports improved mental health and reduces the likelihood of them engaging in risk taking behaviour. It supports children to develop ways to stay happy, healthy and improve their experience of school. If you believe that your child may benefit from speaking with our counsellor, you can fill in a referral form at the front office.
Thank You
Our grateful thanks to Bernadette Collins, who has generously donated a copy of the book Young Dark Emu, by Bruce Pascoe, for every classroom. This fascinating book provides important perspectives on Australia’s pre-colonial history and I’m sure that our students will benefit from and enjoy reading it.
May God’s peace be in your families,
GOSPEL: Luke 2:22-40
And when the day came for them to be purified in keeping with the Law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord- observing what is written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord- and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is prescribed in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.
Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to the restoration of Israel and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said: Now, Master, you are letting your servant go in peace as you promised; for my eyes have seen the salvation which you have made ready in the sight of the nations; a light of revelation for the gentiles and glory for your people Israel.
As the child's father and mother were wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'Look, he is destined for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is opposed- and a sword will pierce your soul too -- so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.'
There was a prophetess, too, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. She came up just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.
When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And as the child grew to maturity, he was filled with wisdom; and God's favour was with him.
REFLECTION
This week Mary and Joseph travel to Jerusalem to present Jesus in the Temple. It was customary that within 40 days after the birth of the firstborn son, the parents were to take the child to the Temple in Jerusalem and present him to the Lord. As soon as Mary was able to travel, she and Joseph set out for Jerusalem as the law required. It was a long journey for them, yet they wanted their newborn son to receive the sacred rite of purification.
A man named Simeon was in the temple the day Mary, Joseph, and Jesus arrived in Jerusalem. For many years Simeon had spent most of his time in the Temple waiting for the “consolation of Israel.” When Simeon saw Mary, Joseph and the baby, he recognized Jesus as the One for whom he had been waiting.
Simeon immediately went to Mary and Joseph and took the baby, Jesus, into His arms. Then Simeon loudly praised God and gave thanks that he was blessed to see and hold in his arms, “the Christ of the Lord” before he died! Simeon then prophesied that this tiny baby was destined for greatness.
On that day, Anna, the prophetess, also was in the temple. When Anna saw Mary, Joseph and Jesus she came to them and prophesied that this tiny baby would bring about the redemption of Jerusalem. I wonder how the people in the Temple reacted to these prophecies. Did they believe what Anna and Simeon were saying or were they skeptical and close-minded?
Imagine yourself in this scene. How would you react to these happenings? Would you be a believer or would you be a skeptic? At various time in our history, we all have heard “prophecies” that were to occur in the near future. Most often, we wait and wait, and the prophecy is never fulfilled. However, the time will come when the prophecy will be fulfilled.
How would life be different for us if we lived each day as if this day were to be our last day? How would you spend your day if you knew that today were your last day on earth? With whom would you spend your time? Would you go to church or would you find another way to spend time with God?
Today may be our last day; we do not know when we will die. May we live this day and every day to the fullest. May we be thankful for the many blessings we have received! (Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau)
Welcome to a brand new school year. I hope however you spent your holidays, many blessing came your way and many memories were created.
We have just experienced an unprecedented summer where we have seen an ongoing drought, extreme fires and damaging storms. This makes our new school theme very relevant as stewards of God's creation. Our theme this year is
"As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family." Pope Francis
This year we will be exploring the many ways we can make a difference to our world and rise to the mission of being true stewards of God's creation. We encourage you and your families to also take up the challenge and look forward to working in partnership with you.
VINNIES CHRISTMAS APPEAL
Thank you to all families who generously donated to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal at the end of last year. Your kindness and support for others assured that many in our community were able to have a wonderful Christmas.
OPENING SCHOOL MASS
Next Thursday, 13th February, we will be celebrating our Opening School Mass which will see the commissioning of our new school leaders. We extend a warm welcome to all of the Mt Carmel community to come and celebrate with us. The mass will commence at 9:45am at St Augustine's Church.
God Bless,
Warren Ziebowski
Religious Education Coordinator
Mount Carmel Swimming Carnival – Friday 7 February
Our swimming carnival will be held this Friday at the Yass Memorial Swimming Pool. The pool will be open from 7.45am for warm ups and the 100m freestyle and 200m medley events will begin at 8.30am. Students in these events must make their own way to the pool. All other students will walk up to the pool with their classroom teachers after morning assembly. Pool entry is $1.50 or a season’s pass.
We ask that any students leaving early be signed out by their parent in the class roll – these rolls will be kept at the recording table.
Thank you in advance to all our parents who have volunteered to help us with our carnival. This day would not be able to run without you and we really appreciate your time. We are looking forward to a great day!
Please remember to pack lunch, snacks, a hat and sunscreen for your child.
If the carnival is cancelled, it will be announced over Yass FM 100.3 at 7.00am and an alert will be sent via SZapp.
Pathways in Swimming 2020
Northern Region – Queanbeyan Swimming Pool, Friday 14 February
Archdiocesan – Narooma Swimming Pool, Monday 2 March
CPS Swimming – SOPAC, Sydney, Wednesday 25 March
Summer Trials for Year 5 and 6 students
Registrations are currently open for the following sports’ trials:
Cricket – Friday 20 March 2020 (Gundagai)
Basketball – Tuesday 11 February 2020 (Belconnen, ACT)
Tennis – Tuesday 11 February 2020 (Belconnen, ACT)
Soccer – Thursday 20 February (Lyneham, ACT)
For more information or to register, please go to https://www.sport.cg.catholic.edu.au/nominations. Please check the C & G website and the Facebook page for information about upcoming events including winter trials for netball, rugby league, hockey and touch football.
Sports Coordinator
Esther Glover
Friday 28 February
Scholastic Book Fair and Grandparents Morning Tea
Books will be arriving Monday 17 February.
Book: “Whitnew and Britney the Chciken Divas" by Lucinda Gifford
Saturday 22 August – Friday 28 August
Book Week Theme: “Curious Creatures, Wild Minds”
Book Week Parade: Friday 28 August
The Strategy is now fully in place and requires all NSW Primary Schools to have Everyday food and drinks make up a minimum of 75% of the canteen menu and Occasional not more than 25% of the menu. All Occasional packaged foods must have a Health Star Rating of 3.5 stars and above.
With this strategy now in place, there have been a number of items removed from the menu.
However, as we still have some of these items in stock, they will be available to order on Qkr and purchase via cash sales until they are out of stock.
The Canteen will be running a Lent Menu from Week 5 to Week 10. The new canteen menu can be found below, or via the school website, under the Parents tab.
Playgroup will commence on Thursday 20 February
Thursday Mornings: 9am - 11am
Front room of the PAC (off Dutton St)
$3 for the first child, $1 for subsequent children in family
The Mt Carmel School Uniform Shop is open each Tuesday afternoon between 2.30pm– 4.00pm during school terms.
Ordering Options - Uniform orders can be placed online via Qkr! or by order form, which can be collected and paid for from the front office.
All Qkr! orders placed before 2pm each Tuesday will be bundled up and sent home with your child on Wednesday afternoon.
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 and the correct size/item can be sent home.
Please note: a new referral form must be completed for exisitng families.
Each Tuesday during school term: 8.30am-3.00pm
Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist 2020
Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist 2020
The Catholic Parish of St Augustine's, Yass, invites children baptised in the Catholic tradition, Year 3 or older, to continue their journey in faith by preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for their First Holy Communion. If you believe your child is ready to take this next step and you are prepared to be involved in the journey, please enrol your child at St Augustine’s Presbytery on Wednesday 26 February or Thursday 27 February between 5-6pm. For further details and to print an enrolment form please visit the parish website www.staug-yass.org.au/wp/sacraments or contact Dianne Carey 0419 276 889 Sacramental Team Leader.
Sacraments 2020
First Reconciliation and Eucharist Registration
Wednesday 26th February between 5-6pm at the Presbytery
Thursday 27th February between 5-6pm at the Presbytery
First Reconciliation - Wednesday 1st April (6pm)
First Eucharist - Sunday 14th June (10am)
Confirmation - Sunday 13th September (10am)
Reconciliation
Registration
Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 February 5-6pm Presbytery
Commitment Mass
Saturday 29 February 6pm St. Augustine's and Sunday 1 March 10.30am Uniting Church Hall Murrumbateman
Church Liturgy
Thursday 26 March 7pm St Augustine's
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Wednesday 1 April 6pm St Augustine's
First Eucharist
Registration
Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 February 5-6pm Presbytery
Commitment Mass
Saturday 2 May 6pm St. Augustine's and Sunday 3 May 10.30am Uniting Church Hall Murrumbateman
Church Liturgy
Thursday 4 June 7pm St Augustine's
Preparation Day
Friday 12 June 9am-3.10pm Hartigan Centre and St Augustine's
Sacrament of First Holy Communion
Sunday 14 June 10am St Augustine's
Confirmation
Registration
Wednesday 29 July and Thursday 30 July 5-6pm Presbytery
Commitment Mass
Saturday 1 August 6pm St. Augustine's and Sunday 2 August 10.30am Uniting Church Hall Murrumbateman
Church Liturgy 1
Thursday 20 August 7pm St Augustine's
Church Liturgy 2
Thursday 3 September 7pm St Augustine's
Reflection Day
Friday 11 September 9am-3.10pm Hartigan Centre and St Augustine's
Sacrament of Confirmation
Sunday 13 September 10am St Augustine's