Filter Content
- Principal Report
- Religious Education
- Sport News
- Coordinator Awards
- Pancake Breakfast Photos
- Reading and Writing Information Sessions
- Book Fair and Grandparents/Older Friends Morning Tea - This Friday
- Book Fair & Grandparents/Older Friends Morning Tea Invitation
- 2020 Premier’s Challenge Update
- Playgroup
- Uniform Shop
- 2019 Replacement Yearbooks
- Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist 2020
- Trinity Catholic College Goulburn - Upcoming Information Night & Open Day
- Netball Registration - Closes this Friday
- Brumbies Fan Day
Lent
Today is Ash Wednesday, the day that marks the start of the season of Lent – a time of prayer, almsgiving and fasting in preparation for the celebration of Easter. Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the forehead. The ashes symbolise the dust from which God made us. We began our school day today with a prayer assembly, led by 5/6GZ, and students have received ashes on their foreheads as a symbol of humility and penance.
Considering our school theme of Stewardship of Creation, many are familiar with the phrase, Think Globally, Act Locally, as a mindset for the small things an individual can do to demonstrate care for the Earth. At this morning’s prayer assembly, in the context of self-reflection for the season of Lent, I asked our students to consider applying the same phrase to our hopes for humanity, inspired by Christ’s message of love. For example, If I think that, globally, the world would be a better place if there were no wars, although there is not much I can do to personally affect the outcomes of peace talks in the Middle East, I can act locally to make my own relationships more respectful, compassionate, loving and just. Many are familiar with the idea of giving up something for Lent; however, this is also a time of reflection of where we are called to listen to Christ and follow his call through our loving actions. Lent is the perfect time to commit ourselves to taking up a positive action for the good of others, to mindfully and intentionally bring something of the love of God to every person we meet.
In line with the Catholic tradition of not eating meat on Fridays during Lent, our canteen will be serving fish cocktails and fish burgers on Fridays for the rest of this term. Pies, sausage rolls and ham sandwiches, wraps and rolls will still be available on Thursdays.
Another Lenten tradition that Mt Carmel School supports is Project Compassion, Caritas Australia's annual fundraising and awareness-raising appeal. Millions of Australians come together in solidarity with the world's poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. Students will be bringing home a Project Compassion Box as usual and there will be a donation box in every classroom, but this year we also have the option of digital donations so we can all track our fundraising efforts. The link for our fundraising page is https://lent.caritas.org.au/mtcarmelschoolyass.
Shrove Tuesday
Thank you to the teachers, parents and student leaders who came to school early yesterday to help prepare, serve and join in our annual pancake breakfast; it was a lovely morning! The Pancake Race was proudly run by our Student Representative Council with the winners being McAuley House – Congratulations to Rachael, Lily, Cooper and Sam!
Open Classrooms
Thank you to all who were able to attend our Welcome BBQ and Open Classrooms last week; I hope that the evening was enjoyable and valuable to all. Special thanks to our Community Council – Amber Maher, Brad Kelk and Trent Brassil – who helped to cook, serve and clean up the BBQ. For any parents who were unable to come on Wednesday, please know that you are always welcome in our school and our classrooms and that you can make an appointment to meet with your child’s classroom teacher whenever the need arises.
Parent Reading Information Sessions
Tomorrow Trish O’Dell, our Classroom Support Teacher, will be hosting two information sessions for parents to find out how to best help your child with reading at home. We also encourage attendance at one of these sessions for parents wishing to volunteer as a reading helper in the classroom. The sessions will be held at 9:15am and 7pm in our Professional Learning Room, upstairs in the office building.
Trinity Catholic College Information
This evening, from 6:00pm to 6:45pm in the Yass Soldiers Club Auditorium, Mrs Gaye McManus, principal of Trinity Catholic College Goulburn, will be hosting an information evening for families who are interested in finding out about this educational pathway. More information can be found in the flier later in this newsletter.
Book fair and Grandparents’ Morning Tea
Thank you to families who have already had a browse in our Book Fair. On Friday the Book Fair will be open for browsing and orders from 9:00am to 3:45pm and the Morning Tea will be held in the Convent courtyard from 10:00am to 11:30am. Thank you, in anticipation, to Mrs Turner and Mrs Patmore for the tremendous amount of work that goes into preparing for this wonderful day.
Assembly
Our first K-6 Assembly will be next Friday following morning lines in the Performing Arts Centre. This has been kindly prepared by 2SS and 4KF and we look forward to seeing your classes perform their items. Principal Awards will be presented during this Assembly.
e-Safety Toolkit
The Australian Government Office of the eSafety Commissioner has launched an e-Safety Toolkit for schools that includes valuable resources for parents.
Go to https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents to find out more.
Kinder Rest Days
The first few weeks of school have flown! A reminder that next Wednesday is the last of our Kinder Rest Days and Kindergarten students will commence full weeks from 9 March, Week 7.
Archdiocesan Catholic Leaders’ Retreat
Next week I will be away the the Archdiocesan Director's Day and Catholic Leaders’ Retreat. Mrs Jan Harvey will be Acting Principal in my absence.
GOSPEL: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
'Be careful not to parade your uprightness in public to attract attention; otherwise you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before you; this is what the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win human admiration. In truth I tell you, they have had their reward. But when you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.'And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them. In truth I tell you, they have had their reward. But when you pray, go to your private room, shut yourself in, and so pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.'When you are fasting, do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do: they go about looking unsightly to let people know they are fasting. In truth I tell you, they have had their reward. But when you fast, put scent on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in secret; and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
REFLECTION
Today we begin the season of Lent. Lent is a time to step back and examine our lives. Lent is a time to repent! Today is the day we receive ashes on our forehead. The ashes are a symbol of the reality that we came forth from the earth and when we die, we will return to the earth. The words that accompany the offering of ashes remind us that we are “dust.” We will have an end. However, that will not be the “end” of us. We will live eternally with God!
Jesus’ words in this reading may give us ideas about what we might do during Lent. Jesus warns his disciples not to do good deeds simply so others will think well of them. Jesus wants his disciples to be aware of their motivation for what they do. He wants them to do what is right or good because they desire to help others, love others and make the world a better place.
Jesus is not primarily concerned about the actions of his disciples. Rather, He is concerned about their motivations. Jesus hopes their actions and decisions will flow from love of God, love of the Gospel and love for the people and the world. Love truly is all that matters!
How often do we stop and examine our motivations? It is easy to move through the day and simply go about our business. Are we concerned about others or are we too preoccupied to even notice the people around us? I believe that the majority of people in the world want to be good people. Most people do care for others and desire to help them!
However, our motivations are not always clean and pure. At times, do I choose to do something so the other person will think well of me? Do I go to church because that is truly where I want to be? Or do I attend simply because I am supposed to? When I am tired, do I ignore someone who might need some help? And if I am in a bad mood, do I take it out on another?
I assume that all of us have made some of the choices listed above at times in our lives. However, if the majority of our time and attention is focused primarily on us and our needs, it might be well to reflect on our choices. Most often the source of our happiness is in the people in our lives. Hopefully, most of the people around us bring us joy and love. Yes, there will be difficult times. However if love is present, difficulties can be worked out. And in the daily, it is their presence, love and care that is the greatest gift we receive!
Today may we be mindful of our choices and decisions. Jesus also reminds us to be aware of our motivations. Why do we make the choices we do? Do our decisions flow from care and concern for others? Or do I usually do what is best for me? We all have heard the saying: “what would Jesus do?” Today we might experience a choice or challenge as we go about our day. May we pause for a moment and thoughtfully ask ourselves: What would Jesus do? And then just be still for 60 seconds and listen for His answer! Jesus will respond! (Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau)
ASH WEDNESDAY
Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer.
Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and is chiefly observed by Catholics, although many other Christians observe it too.
Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes to a person's forehead, he speaks the words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
Priests administer ashes during Mass and all are invited to accept the ashes as a visible symbol of penance. Even non-Christians and the excommunicated are welcome to receive the ashes. The ashes are made from blessed palm branches, taken from the previous year's palm Sunday Mass.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption. (https://www.catholic.org/lent/ashwed.php)
ASH WEDNESDAY PRAYER SERVICE
This morning 5/6GZ led the school in a Prayer Service marking the beginning of Lent. Thanks to everyone who was able to join us.
PROJECT COMPASSION
Around the world, people are coming together to make the world a better place. Whether it's ensuring everyone has access to clean, safe water supplies or a sustainable income source or adequate health care for their families, we’re going to give our all too.
This year we are going digital so we can all track our fundraising efforts. The link for our fundraising page is https://lent.caritas.org.au/mtcarmelschoolyass. You are welcome to donate online and students also have the option of placing a donation in their classroom Project Compassion box.
However you choose to contribute, please donate and help make the world a fairer place for all. Let's go further, together.
God Bless,
Warren Ziebowski
Religious Education Coordinator
Archdiocesan Swimming Carnival
Good luck to the following students who will be competing at the Archdiocesan Swimming Carnival in Narooma on Monday 2 March:
Archer Lees, Flynn Wullaert, Kobe Walsh-Devoe, Tommy Markota, Charlie Jamieson, Jed Newman, Jack Ryan, Jake Wullaert, Jack Shannon, Nicholas Marchei, Neve Luckie, Willoughy Walsh-Devoe, Brooke Reardon, Camilla Bremner, Grace Ryan, Emily Ryan, Delilah Rajic, Skye Edwards, Ella Cassidy, Mille Maher and Rachael Widdows.
Please register through the CSNSW website if you have not already done so. There are currently some technical issues with the registration process for the Canberra Goulburn Primary and Secondary Swimming Championships - this will be rectified as soon as possible.
Please do not panic, your children will still be able to compete at these events as we have alternate measures in the case that the issues are not rectified in time.
Please DO NOT make any payments on the Team App UNLESS you have been able to register without making payment and you receive an email from Sherree Bush to do so.
Apologies for the inconvenience and hopefully this will all be sorted out soon.
Legends Shield
The Mal Meninga Cup and Laurie Daley Shield will be held on Tuesday 3 March at the Gungahlin Enclosed Oval. The event will be organised and run by the NRL Game Development team and will consist of 2 divisions; Year 3/4 and Year 5/6. Both Divisions will be non-scoring games with the focus on the development of participants. A final note has been sent home today. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Matt Giteau Cup
Mt Carmel has been invited by the Brumbies to participate in the Matt Giteau Cup. The Matt Giteau Cup is the Brumbies Rugby Union premier primary school tackle competition. Catering for teams in Years 3/4 and 5/6, the 10 a-side competition (with squads consisting of no more than 14 players) will be held at Southwell Park, Lyneham on Tuesday 10 March. Teams can be a mixture of both girls and boys. I am hoping to put in a team in each division if possible and am organising a training session to be held at school with the Brumbies development team. Please return your note by this Friday if you are interested in participating.
Trials for Year 5 and 6 students
Please check the C & G sport website and the Facebook page for information about upcoming events including winter trials for netball, rugby league, hockey and boys and girls touch football.
AFL Mackillop Trials
Congratulations to Archer Lees who was selected at the Mackillop Trials in Wollongong last week.
Esther Glover
Sports Coordinator
Congratulations to the recipients of this week's Coordinator Merits, which focused on 'Stay Safe'.
KJG Zoey Mitchell Jack Maher |
KNB Madeline Caldow Benji Carroll |
1EK Riley Pholi Fletcher Lees |
1JR Abby Hillman Magnus Felizardo |
2AH Reese Flynn Zali Lenon |
2LS Ava Leighton Jack Butt |
2SS Chloe Corcoran Phoenix Streatfeild |
3EG Emma Barker Mayce Brown |
3MA Abby McEvoy Marc Mosca |
4KF Gabrielle Dawes Jesse MacDonald |
4SS Ella Collins Alexander Donaldson |
5/6GZ Anna Samperi Samuel Hillman |
5/6ML Charlotte Alexander Digby Connell-Hewlett |
5/6TC Elliott Barnes Maddelin Barker |
5/6TD Macy Tarlinton Jack Kelly |
Merits will be presented at Thursday morning's assembly.
Next week, teachers will again focus on 'Stay Safe'.
Reading and Writing Information Sessions
- Do you want to know how children learn to read and write?
- Is your child struggling with reading and writing and you want to learn more about how to support them?
- Has your child just started Kindergarten and you want to know how to help him/her with Home Reading?
- Do you want to help with reading in the classroom?
If you answered YES to any of the above questions, then please come along to one of the following Reading and Writing Information Sessions to be held tomorrow, Thursday 27 February at 9.15am and 7.00pm in the Staff Professional Learning Room. Trish O’Dell our Classroom Support Teacher will facilitate the sessions. You only need to attend one of these sessions as the content is the same for both sessions.
Parents who wish to volunteer to assist with reading in the classroom are required to attend one of the reading sessions.
Where is the Staff Professional Learning Room? Please enter the school via the main gate on Dutton Street and come into the front office where you will be directed to the Staff Professional Learning Room.
Please contact Trish O’Dell if you have any queries and RSVP either by email at patricia.odell@cg.catholic.edu.au or by ringing the front office on 6226 3357.
Book Fair and Grandparents/Older Friends Morning Tea - This Friday
Where: Lacey Library
Times: Book Fair 9.00am - 3.45pm
Morning Tea 10.00am - 11.30 am
This Friday 28 February, we will be holding our Scholastic Book Fair in the Lacey Library. The students will be able to purchase books for themselves from the great range which Scholastic have provided. The more books sold, the more free books can be bought for the Lacey Library! Parents you are most welcome to visit the Book Fair on Friday with your child or children. If you can’t make it, I will visit the classrooms and collect any student who wants to purchase a book or resource and take them to the Book Fair.
We would like to invite our grandparents and older friends to the Book Fair and have morning tea at Mt Carmel. Just a gentle reminder, if you can provide some food for our morning tea that would be fantastic.
Please find attached an invitation which you may like to give to your grandparents or older friend. Please come and enjoy the day.
Regards
Evelyn Turner
Teacher Librarian
2020 Premier’s Challenge Update
The Challenge commences next Monday, 2 March 2020.
Notes will be coming home this week, so please keep an eye out for them.
This year we have a number of students eligible for Gold Certificates (4 years of participation) and Platinum Certificates (7 years of participation).
I will be running lunchtime session in KJG on Wednesdays. This is an opportunity for students to read together, receive help logging books and ask any questions.
I have attached a link to website for those interested... https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html
I am looking forward to another great year of reading.
Jaclyn Green
PRC Coordinator
Thursday Mornings: 9am - 11am
Front room of the PAC (off Dutton St)
$3 for the first child, $1 for subsequent children in family
Come and enjoy a morning of fun activities, play
and morning tea.
Please bring a friend—everyone is welcome!
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.
If you purchased a 2019 Mt Carmel Year Book please come to the office to collect a replacement book. Due to an error with them being bound, they may fall apart over the coming months. Please send your child to the office to collect one, alternatively, please call the office and let us know to send one home with your child.
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