Last week a full school powhiri was held to welcome our new staff, students, and parents to the Carmel learning community. Our powhiri was led by our new tutors, Millie and Karena Koria Grant. Thanks to past student, Sophie Mahuru who helped to lead in the new students and also current Tu Wahine, Salevasa Gray who was part of the welcoming group. It was good to see a group of new parents present.

In line with our Catholic tradition, we begin each school year with a full school Mass to dedicate our year to God. At this Mass, we also formally commissioned and blessed our new student leadership team. It was great to have a number of guests also present at the Mass including parents, past students, Mercy Sisters, representatives from the Catholic Schools Office and past Principals, Mrs Colleen Roche and Mrs Kath Petrie. Thanks to all the girls who made the Mass so special through their organisation and participation. Thanks also to our Chaplain, Fr Marcellino Park who makes our school masses such a great celebration.

Each year the Catholic schools office as part of the Auckland Catholic diocesan office hosts a mass for all teachers in Catholic schools. This is a wonderful celebration of being Catholic. A few Carmel Religious Education staff attended and joined in to have our school candle blessed by Bishop Michael who celebrated the mass.