A big welcome back to Term 4. Although the holiday break may now feel like a distant memory, it was great to see our girls and staff back at school and reconnecting with their friends, peers and colleagues as we quickly fell back into routine. As we were reminded of in Term 3’s Mental Health Awareness Week, these strong connections and relationships are so important for our girls, staff and everyone’s wellbeing.
While many of us were hopefully enjoying a break over the holidays, a team of support staff remained working on site, completing a number of property projects. I hope the students have recognised the work done while they have been away, which includes new carpet in the main foyer and in the attached corridors and the general upkeep of the school buildings and gardens. To Paul, Grant and Brenda, a big thank you for the care and attention you provide to ensure that our school is maintained to a high standard, that it is safe, clean and welcoming and contributes to a positive learning environment. I encourage our students to stop and reflect on the work and changes, not only to take time to appreciate the work, but also to recognise that our Carmel community is more than just what happens in the classroom. There are a lot of people who work very hard behind the scenes to ensure we enjoy the privilege of our school environment.
On this note, our PTFA is also working extremely hard in preparation for the upcoming Christmas Market which will be held at Carmel on Saturday 19 November. There will be over 50 stalls participating in the event, and while this is a great opportunity to start or complete some Christmas shopping, importantly, it is here where our community can come together and enjoy music, food, crafts and each other’s company. The funds raised from this event will go towards the furnishing and landscaping of the planned covered area that will be developed in 2023.
The work the PTFA team is doing to make this event a success highlights the strength our community has, to come together and ensure that our students have the opportunities to develop and grow during their secondary education in a positive, comfortable and safe learning environment.
We are looking forward to an exciting, yet busy term and I encourage you to join the Carmel College social media platforms, Instagram and Facebook, to ensure that you too can see and celebrate our students’ involvement and successes.
To our senior students, we wish them well in their preparations for their final NCEA examinations, but ask that as parents you are aware that your daughter may need support with her organisation, prioritisation and overall time management as she balances her extra curricular activities and academic responsibilities. Please, have ‘check in’ conversations and if you or your daughter need support or guidance from the College in this regard, reach out.
To our junior students, I would like to remind them that through their participation in school, by being involved in various activities and opportunities, they will develop the skills and attributes to be equipped and empowered to pursue their own personal excellence and will be prepared to challenge and shape their futures. So please encourage your daughter to make the most of this final term of 2022.
We wish all of our community the very best, and we ask for God’s blessing on a successful term.
