There are some outstanding sporting and arts achievements that need to be highlighted from Week 6 and the start of this week, Week 7.

Week 6 saw the Winter Tournament take place where students represented the College in Hockey, Football, Basketball, Netball and Equestrian. This was a very successful week and a huge congratulations to all the students who participated, and a huge thank you to all the staff, coaches, managers and supporters who made our girls’ involvement in these tournaments a possibility.

Hockey took home the Chica Gilmer Trophy as winners of the Division 3 tournament. The final was against Rangitoto College and the team played an outstanding game, taking the lead in the second quarter, and retaining it throughout the third and fourth quarter to win 1-0.  This win qualifies the team for the Division 2 tournament in 2023. It was a fantastic final game, and it is also worth highlighting that the team also did not concede any goals the entire week.

The Football team had a wonderful week placing 5th in their Division 3 tournament. Special recognition and congratulations must go to Grace Chitty who was awarded the ‘Golden Boot’ award for scoring 28 goals – the most out of all players across the tournament.

The Junior Basketball team placed 2nd in the Northern Regional Junior Championships and this saw the end to an outstanding Basketball season for the team.

Our Senior Netball team played 10 games across 5 days, and narrowly missed out on the Top 8, being placed 13th in Division 1 out of  116 teams. The girls played with courage and heart and were the highest finishing North Harbour team at the tournament.

The Equestrian team also had a wonderful week in the overall Arena Eventing Championships. Some special mentions are Mia Cadwallader who placed 4th overall in Dressage, Lili-May Chamel who placed 2nd overall in Show Jumping 90-1m pony and Caitlyn Wilkin who placed 6th overall in Show Jumping 80/90 ponies.

The Year 11 Drama students also performed ‘Much ado about nothing’ over four evenings. This was an outstanding performance and each cast member shone in their individual roles. It was an absolute pleasure to watch the show and I look forward to what the future holds for these students in Drama.

Next week senior students in Years 11 to 13 will begin their practice NCEA external assessments. These are important practice examinations as they will provide valuable information for our teachers so they can best prepare our students for their external examinations in November. The expectation is that all students attend these examinations.

The College is a place of learning and teaching, however, outside the classroom the students are involved in many activities and opportunities. 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.

It has been wonderful to see, through participation and success in the above mentioned extra curricular activities, our girls developing the skills and attributes to be equipped and empowered to pursue their own personal excellence and prepare to challenge and shape their futures, whilst being young woman of Mercy who act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God.