Mr Stephen Adair

Principal 

I am excited to share the progress we have made in creating strategic plans to ensure our school continues to meet the ever-changing needs of our students. Over the past few months, the momentum has been building as all staff members have come together to develop concrete plans that will guide the College's growth and development over the next five years.

Our strategic plans are focused on several key areas that are essential to the holistic development of our students. These areas include Catholic identity, curriculum, pedagogy, wellbeing, and school facilities. Each of these components, play a crucial role in shaping the educational experience at Carmel College and preparing our students for their future lives. Examples of the new plans include:

• A focus on the spiritual formation of all members of our community, deep retreat and 'encounter' experiences, visual representations of faith and service learning.
• Ensuring our pedagogy is centred on highly effective precision teaching tailored to the needs of both learners and the curriculum. This includes explicit teaching, inquiry learning, project-based learning, and fostering critical thinking: Focusing on 21st-century skills and core capabilities.
• Initiatives to support the mental, emotional, and physical health of our students. We are implementing programs to promote resilience, mindfulness, and healthy lifestyle choices, ensuring that our students are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of life.

The strategic plans we are developing at Carmel College are a testament to our commitment to excellence in education. By focusing on Catholic identity, curriculum, pedagogy, wellbeing, and school facilities, we are ensuring that our students are well-prepared for their future lives. I am confident that these plans will guide us in our mission to provide a nurturing and inspiring educational experience for all our students.

Mr Reuben Chalmers

Deputy Chalmers

Reconciliation Week at Carmel: Building Bridges, Together

This year for National Reconciliation Week, the Carmel College community embraced the theme “Bridging Now to Next” by taking time to reflect, connect, and act.

Earlier in the week, all students and staff were invited to take part in a simple yet powerful activity in PC. Each person wrote two messages on a paper leaf—one starting with “Now I…” and the other with “Next I…”. The “Now” leaves were about what we understand or commit to today—things like “Now I listen” or “Now I know the truth.” The “Next” leaves shared our hopes and next steps—like “Next I will walk with others” or “Next I will stand up for justice.”

These leaves were displayed on a wooden bridge near the College office—turning it into a striking symbol of our shared journey toward truth and reconciliation.

On Thursday, we had the privilege of welcoming First Nations students from Star of the Sea and Bayview State School to join us for a special afternoon workshop. Set by the lake in our Yarning Circle, the afternoon brought together young voices and big hearts. The visiting students added their own “Now” and “Next” leaves to our bridge, making it even more meaningful. It became clear that this wasn’t just our journey—this was everyone’s journey.

Led by Carmel’s First Nations students and a team of supportive Year 12 leaders, the workshop included cultural storytelling, creating name cards, plaiting ribbon bracelets, and sharing laughter and yarns. Our guests were also joined by Aunty Bernice Fisher and Kim MacDonald—aunt, grandparent, and great-grandparent to several of the Star of the Sea students—who shared in the joy and significance of the occasion.

Here’s what Star of the Sea shared about the day:

“Sitting together in Carmel’s beautiful Yarning Circle, surrounded by nature and the spirit of connection, our students shared stories, laughter, and creativity... These leaves now decorate the bridge near Carmel’s office, a bridge that became more than just a structure—it became a symbol.”

The message on the bridge says it all:

“Building a Bridge… From Now to Next”

• NOW is knowing the truth
• NEXT is growing understanding
• NOW is listening deeply
• NEXT is walking together
• NOW is learning the past
• NEXT is living with respect

We’re proud of how our First Nations students and Year 12 Leaders welcomed our guests with warmth, respect and care. It was a beautiful reminder that reconciliation is more than just a word. It’s something we do. Together.

So, we ask our Carmel community: How can you help build this bridge?

Mrs Erin Hardy

Assistant Principal-Religious Education

First Nations students from Carmel College had the unique opportunity last Friday to attend a special event to mark National Sorry Day. Staged by Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) at Mt Carmel Centre, Wynnum, the event featured an art installation titled Remembering the Coolamons which showcased replica clay coolamons, a traditional Aboriginal carrying vessel.

Guided by a skilled artist, students from across Brisbane learned about the historical and cultural importance of the coolamons. They discovered how these vessels were traditionally used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to carry water, food, and even babies. The empty coolamons therefore were a stark representation of the many children lost to the Stolen Generation.

After this insightful introduction, the students were invited to craft their own coolamons from clay and to personalise their designs, reflecting their individual creativity and understanding of their cultural significance. Once completed, the students presented their coolamons to the artist, who then arranged them into a larger, striking installation.

The event was a memorable and meaningful way to commence National Reconciliation Week 2025, bringing together students, Elders, educators, and the community to reflect on the past and work towards a future of harmony and respect.

Ms Terri Edwards

First Nations Support Teacher

Student-Led Tutorials

Our wonderful Student Learning Leaders are running student-led tutorials in the Library every Wednesday from 3-4pm. This is a great opportunity to learn from peers who have studied units already. All are welcome!

Student Diary

What a fortnight it has been! Last Monday we held the Year 9 BECOME Flipped Careers Expo which was a great success with students presenting to younger students, staff and visiting parents about their chosen careers. I was so impressed with so many students who had taken this opportunity to connect with industry contacts to really delve into the practicalities of work life. Congratulations to all participating students and a huge thanks to Mrs Coggins and Mrs Braddon in Pathways and the wonderful team of teachers who volunteered to lead this program.

I have also been away on Year 8 camp for the first half of this week. This opportunity allows students to consider how they engage with their peers as a team and recognise the value of collaboration and resilience. It was so great to see everyone getting involved in lots of activities which may have initially been outside their comfort zone. They now have memories which will last a lifetime!

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Mrs Borg’s 7.7 Science class to hear them presenting their models about moon phases, seasons and eclipses. Students spoke confidently about what they had learned and were eager to demonstrate this knowledge on their models. Well done to all!

Mr Frank Turtle

Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching 7-9

Year 10 Careers Expo

On Tuesday 10 June, during Week 8, our Year 10 cohort will have the opportunity to attend the Subject Expo. This event is a great opportunity for students to chat to staff, current students and industry professionals about pathway options, subjects that align with their pathways and the Queensland Certificate of Education structure.

While this is an integral part of the Year 10 subject selection process, this event is open to all Carmel students and will be held in the Civitas Centre. The evening will allow students to make crucial decisions leading up to their Senior Education and Training (SET) planning process in which our Year 10 students will select their subjects for Year 11 & 12.

I would encourage all Year 10 students and their parents to come along and learn about senior pathways and tertiary options. I’m looking forward to seeing you all there and am happy to answer any questions about future pathways at Carmel for our Senior Learners.

Year 11 Unit 1 Results

As the first Unit of QCE subjects wraps up, we will begin to gather subject results and mentor students around their achievements, whether they’re on track to meet their goals and how the school can support them in their learning. I encourage all Year 11 students to engage with the Learning Dashboard and Student Dashboard data sets to keep track of all things academic outcomes, attendance and learner capabilities.

Year 12s Planning to Apply for University

One of the biggest decisions a Year 12 student has to make is which university they want to attend and what course they would like to study. In Queensland, the application process is run through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).

The prospect of leaving high school is scary but exciting for any teenager. The world is full of possibilities, and they’re assigned the daunting task of deciding where they want their adult life to lead.

Teenagers who want a higher education and the power to do what they love typically choose university as the next step. For teens in Queensland, this means going through the QTAC application process.

There’s a lot of information to take in regarding QTAC, and to make it easy for your teen to understand, we’ve broken down everything you need to know to help them.

What is QTAC?

Each state and territory in Australia has its own admissions centre, established to support admission into tertiary courses on behalf of multiple tertiary institutions (including universities). QTAC is Queensland's tertiary admissions centre. It's the not-for-profit organisation that will process your teen's Queensland university application.

The QTAC application process

If your teen is hoping to attend university in Queensland after finishing high school, they’ll need to apply through QTAC. Current high school students need to apply via the QTAC website.

How QTAC preferences work

In the application, your teen will be asked to add their QTAC preferences under the course preference section. They can add up to 6 course preferences on their QTAC application, stating their favoured course as their first preference. They can do this by:

1. manually searching for the desired course or inserting the QTAC course code
2. selecting ‘add’ once the course has been found
3. adding, editing, reordering or deleting the course preference list
4. continuing to the next section once the course preference list is complete and finalised.

How the preferences are ordered depends on whether your teen is doing this before or after receiving an offer. Your teen can find guidance on how to order their preferences via the QTAC website.

Year 12 - BCE Scholarships for Future Teachers - Teach Challenge & Transform Tomorrow

Teaching can make a real difference in the lives of others. You have the opportunity to become part of a profession that will shape the future for generations to come.

BCE scholarship benefits:

• financial support for tuition fees, up to $5,000 per year for each remaining year of teacher training (maximum $20,000)
• a teaching position in a BCE school or college
• connection to a supportive and inclusive community
• guidance and support navigating your educational and career path, and so much more!

If your student is interested in accessing this opportunity, please make contact with me asap.

Ms Cher Williams

Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching 10-12

The Logan City Council provides the School Immunisation Program each year.

To register your child, please visit the School Immunisation Program Booking Portal. This online platform has streamlined the process, making it quicker and easier for you to consent or decline participation for your child in the School Immunisation Program. 

If you have any questions or require assistance to complete the online consent form, please contact Logan City Council’s Immunisation team on 3412 4039 or email immunisation@logan.qld.gov.au

Date Claimer: Write a Book in a Day

We’re inviting students to take part in an exciting and meaningful event, The Kids’ Cancer Project’s “Write a Book in a Day” competition happening on Monday 19 August, from 7:45am to 5:15pm.

This nationwide challenge brings together teams of 5–10 students to write and illustrate a complete book in just one day. The finished books are then donated to children in hospitals across Australia who are undergoing cancer treatment.

This has been a popular activity in previous years, and we are looking for enthusiastic writers and illustrators to join the team in 2025.

Why join?

• Help support kids with cancer
• Build teamwork and creative skills
• See your book shared in hospitals
• Be part of something bigger than yourself

If your child is interested, or would like to know more, please contact Mrs Finden.

Exciting Update to Our Library Space

The library team has been re-evaluating how to make the best use of our space to support the diverse needs of our students. Our goal is to create a welcoming and functional environment that accommodates both quiet individual study and collaborative teamwork.

To better reflect these needs, we are reorganising some of our spaces. One key change is the relocation of our popular Games Zone to the back booth area. This move will allow students to enjoy games in a space where a bit more noise is welcome, while ensuring that those focused on studying can continue to do so without disruption.

We’re excited about these changes and look forward to seeing how they enhance our students’ library experience!

Reminder: Overdue Library Resources

We would like to remind families that a number of library resources, originally due back in March, are now significantly overdue. These items are more than two months late and need to be returned as soon as possible.

Students and parents have already been contacted regarding these overdue items. Please note that any resources not returned by the end of term will be added to Term 3 school fees.

We appreciate your support in helping us keep our library resources available for all students.

Showcasing Different Collections

Throughout Term 2, we have been showcasing the different genres and collections available at the library.  Thanks must go to our very dedicated Library Aide – Mrs Williams for her creativity and exciting displays.

Our current focus is on our ‘Crime’ collection and will be on display until the end of Week 7.

Mrs Jessica Finden

Teacher Librarian

Follow us at carmelcollege_library for all your library news!

Responding to information and assessment requests from external providers

There may be times when you are engaged with a Specialist who requests valuable information from your child’s teacher. The process for the request is:

1. Provide written consent to the teacher using BCE’s consent form
2. Teacher will inform the Principal and Guidance Counsellor and explain to parents/guardians it may take two weeks before completing the form
3. The teacher will complete the form with the assistance of the Guidance Counsellor
4. The completed form will be returned to the Guidance Counsellor who will store a copy of in the Guidance Counsellor’s secure database
5. Guidance Counsellor will forward the completed form directly to the Specialist. A copy will not be provided to parents as this is information for the provider to discuss with parents

Please note we are guided by Brisbane Catholic Education advice that online questionnaires are not permitted to be completed and paperwork is sent directly back to the external provider who requested the information.

Don't miss out—Book your tickets today!

What we offer – With most groups/ensembles coming at NO cost to our families

All Private Instrumental, Vocal, Dance, and Visual Art lessons are underway, and we are already seeing some real success stories. This year, we have the most Arts opportunities for Carmel College students that we have ever had, and our numbers are very high in all programs we offer. The Art staff are very excited for what 2025 holds for the Arts. If your student is enrolled in the Arts extra-curricular program, you will receive emails from their teacher regarding times and days of lessons and all other communication regularly. Please keep an eye on your emails for this. Please refer to the Arts Co weekly timetable below for more information.

Arts Co-Curricular Program Leader

This term, our Year 10 Food Specialisation class has embarked on an exciting journey into the world of nutrients. Under the guidance of their teacher, Mrs Draycott, students are diving deep into understanding the essential nutrients that our bodies need to function optimally.

Students have covered key nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, unsaturated fats, and calcium. Each student is tasked with planning and cooking their own recipe, showcasing their understanding of these nutrients.

One of the highlights of this unit is the emphasis on following the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. This ensures that the recipes students create are not only nutrient-rich but also balanced and healthy. The guide provides a framework for making informed food choices, promoting overall well-being.

The students have shown remarkable creativity and enthusiasm in their recipe planning. From hearty meals rich in protein to delicious dishes featuring unsaturated fats, their culinary creations are a testament to their growing knowledge and skills

We are proud of our Year 10 students for their dedication and hard work in this Food Specialisation class.

On Friday 16 May, students from Years 9, 10 and 12 Drama, Year 11/12 Film, Television & New Media (FTNM), and Year 9–12 Production Crew took part in an exciting excursion to Warner Bros Movie World with Arts Teachers, Mrs Williams, Mrs Kershaw and Mrs Handley. 

The Drama students participated in a hands-on workshop focused on developing stage skills and the Elements of Drama within performance. Meanwhile, Film and Production students explored the behind-the-scenes magic of filmmaking through watching an engaging documentary about the three stages of production — pre-production, production, and post-production.

After the workshops, students had the opportunity to explore Movie World by soaking up the lively atmosphere by enjoying rides and shows, and bonding with their friends and peers. Overall, it was a fun-filled and exciting day that brought learning to life beyond the classroom! 

We’re excited to continue offering these unique opportunities to our ARTS students and hope to make the Movie World excursion an annual tradition. If you’re passionate about creativity, filmmaking, storytelling, acting or performing then we encourage you to consider studying or getting involved in some of the amazing opportunities available in The Arts at Carmel!

Design and Technology Holiday Courses

If you have an interest in Design, Engineering and Architecture, the University of Queensland is offering the following short courses over the holidays. Designed for Year 9 and 10 students. Students will learn to think like engineers, architects, planners and designers.

Areas covered will be;

• Architecture
• Women in Engineering
• Architectural Sketching: How to sketch like an Architect
• Design for a better world
• Neighbourhood Challenge – Design
• Engineering, Design and Computing Careers Evening

Cost varies from FREE and up to $35. If any students are interested, please contact Mr Hurley.

Request for Spare School Shoes Donations

We are reaching out to see if any families have spare all-leather school shoes that they can donate to the Design and Technology (DT) department. These shoes will be available for students to borrow if they forget to bring their own WPHS equivalent shoes.

Your generous donations will help ensure that all students can participate safely in their DT classes. If you have any spare shoes that you can contribute, please drop them off at main reception.

Thank you for your support!

Design & Technology Department

Year 12 students have organised two pizza fundraisers in weeks 8 and 9 to support the Carmel Chop.

Order your favorite large Domino's pizza for just $12 and $4 for garlic bread.

Food can be collected from Spiritus at first break. Students must show their ID card or ticket to collect their pizza and/or garlic bread. Pizzas must be ordered and paid for prior to the day.

​Order your Pizzas for Friday 13 June - bookings close Tuesday 10 June.

Order your Pizzas for Friday 20 June - bookings close Tuesday 17 June.

The Year 12 annual fundraising event, The Carmel Chop, returns in Term 3.

Our seniors will be cutting their hair to donate to sustainable salons, where it will be used to create wigs for individuals experiencing medically-induced hair loss. In addition, our students are raising funds to support Mater Chicks in Pink, a charity dedicated to providing support to women diagnosed with breast cancer.

We are seeking volunteer hairdressers who are willing to donate their time and talent to assist our students with their haircuts on the day of the event.

Your support will not only contribute to the success of our fundraising efforts but also make a significant difference in the lives of those who will receive the donated wigs.

If you are interested in participating or would like more information about the event, please email events@carmelcollege.qld.edu.au.

We are thrilled to announce that students from Nara Ikuei High School, Japan, will be visiting Carmel College in Term 3. During their stay, they will share their knowledge of Japanese language and culture with our students while also learning about our great Aussie lifestyle and improving their English skills.We are looking for families that would like to open their homes to our Japanese guests. If you are interested in hosting a student, please review the documents below and reach out to Mrs Ward or Ms Edwards for more information. Let's make this cultural exchange a memorable experience for everyone involved!

Dear Carmel Community,

We are looking for parents who can volunteer at our Tuckshop for 2-3 hours either fortnightly or monthly. If you're interested in lending a hand, please reach out to our Tuckshop Convenor, Mrs Belinda Greaves, by emailing sthotuckshop@carmelcollege.qld.edu.au.

The 2025 Volunteer Tuckshop Roster for Term 2 is outlined below:

Mrs Belinda Greaves

Tuckshop Convenor

Copyright in some materials appearing in the Carmel College Newsletter is owned by third parties and should not be used or reproduced without the authority of the third party. The links to websites or web pages are for information purposes only.

To the extent that such third-party materials are not owned by BCE, we accept no responsibility for such content.