The 2022 academic school year is now complete.  Thank you to all for your contributions to our school community, and on a personal note, thank you for welcoming me back into the Carmel College community.

Today we acknowledged and celebrated our students in Years 7 to 10 for their service and academic achievements.  Although not all students were recognised, each and every student should be very proud of what they have achieved this year.  By contributing to our wider community through the completion of service hours, through participation in sport and cultural events and by making the most of learning opportunities in class, our students continue to develop the skills and attributes to be empowered through their Mercy education to challenge and shape their future.

I wish you all a safe and restful summer break and Christmas, however I also want to challenge our young women to find a balance between rest and recuperation, and preparation and self-improvement.  Yes, our young women need a break, but they also need to ensure that each day they are doing at least 30 minutes of physical activity, at least 30 minutes of reading, and unplugging from devices, to enjoy time reconnecting with family and friends.

May God’s blessing go with us today, 

At the end of this school year we pray.

That you keep us safe and give us rest 

So we start again renewed and refreshed.

Full of health, full of fun ready to come and learn again.

May God’s blessing go with us today, 

As we begin our school holiday.

Give your peace and your joy, 

To every girl and every boy.

Help the teachers to enjoy the break, 

and prepare and plan for the new intake.

May God’s blessings await us next year, 

To embrace each new challenge without fear.

Fill this school with your love, and guide our hearts from above.

Full of faith, full of hope, full of joy, and full of love.

Amen