Last week our athletes returned from summer sport tournament week and to say that they shone in their respective codes, is somewhat of an understatement. At Carmel we know that our ‘small’ school has many advantages, but some would argue that when fielding premier sports teams, our pool of athletes is smaller and therefore our ability to compete is potentially impacted. However, time and time again our young women performing and competing on sports fields and courts continue to excel. To all of our students who competed last week and gave their all, for themselves, their team, and our school, congratulations and thank you.
Through your dedication to your training, in working and competing as a team and demonstrating sportsmanship, each of you have continued to develop a range of skills and qualities that will set you apart from others. May you always have the courage to pursue your dreams and let your talents shine. To the coaches, managers, parents, supporters and those who have encouraged our young athletes, thank you. Your dedication and commitment to develop and support our young women in sport is greatly appreciated.
Fiefia night and Polyfest also took place last week with a number of students representing the Tongan culture with pride. Not all students who were part of the group identify as Tongan, but again we saw our young woman exhibit the courage to learn and embrace a new language and culture, and their performances at Fiefia and then on stage at Polyfest, was truly remarkable. To all involved, especially the families who gave so generously of their time and shared their knowledge with so many, thank you. Our community had the opportunity to come together, to embrace and learn so much through the language and performance, and for that we are most grateful.
On Tuesday evening students from Carmel and Rosmini came together at St Joseph’s Church for the Stations of the Cross. It was a wonderful student-led production that retold the story of Jesus’ self-giving love in order to open our hearts to what is already given to us. The performance also included students involved in the orchestra and choir. Monsignor Tonks emailed Mr Nixon Cooper, Rosmini Principal, and myself the following day and his summary truly encapsulates the essence of the production and its success.
My heart rejoices in the way our young people of Carmel and Rosmini proclaimed the story of Jesus in St Joseph’s Church last night. The readers were very good, the musicians and choir led the assembly so prayerfully, and the actors participated in the passion events with deep personal involvement. Our young people did not simply offer a “performance” last night. Rather, it was a proclamation of their faith in Jesus. They certainly touched the hearts of those assembled, and helped us to enter into the story of Jesus’ last days. I think it was the finest stations of the cross presentation that I’ve seen in the last few years. Congratulations to all involved. And thanks for leading us all so gracefully into the wonderful events of Holy Week.
As our school week ends today and we enter Easter, please be reminded that the school is closed for Good Friday, 29 March and re-opens on Wednesday 3 April, as Tuesday is a school holiday nationwide. I wish all in our community a blessed Easter, and to our students and staff, a safe and restful break as we look forward to seeing everyone back on Wednesday 3 April for the final 8 school days of Term 1.
Draw us forth, God of all creation.
Draw us forward and away from limited certainty
into the immense world of your love.
Give us the capacity to even for a moment
taste the richness of the feast you give us.
Give us the peace to live with uncertainty,
with questions,
with doubts.
Help us to experience the resurrection anew
with open wonder and an increasing ability
to see you in the people of Easter.
– Author Unknown
