Filter Content
- Principal's News
- Deputy Principal's News
- Term 4 Awards Season- Save The Date
- Religious Life of the College
- Student Wellbeing News
- Curriculum Matters- Years 10-12
- Curriculum Matters - Years 7-9
- Science News
- Arts Co-Curricular News
- Sport News
- QISSN Wrap Up
- Kokoda Challenge 2025
- Library News
- Another Successful Visit from Nara Ikuei High School
- Photographic Competition
- Lost Property
- Tuckshop News
- 2025 Fees and Levies
- Carmel College Annual Billing
- Disclaimer
Dear Carmel Community,
I have written and spoken about the life and vibrancy at Carmel many times and no where has this more evident than over the last two weeks. In the last fortnight we have had: Nara Ikuei School Visit; NRL School Boys Cup; AFLQ Schools Cup; QUOTA Music and Dance Eisteddfods; Catholic Education Week Mass where we welcomed Star of the Sea, St Mary Mackillop, St Luke’s and St Anthony’s Year 6 students; Bayside Athletics Carnival; SECA; Immunisations for Yr 7 & 10; The Carmel Chop with over $42,000 dollars raised; Mackillop House Mass; Senor Leadership Cluster day; and a Pupil Free Day for teacher planning. All of this has taken place alongside our day-to-day business, regular teaching, learning, and assessments.
Last week was Catholic Education Week, and I believe we celebrated it in great style simply by being ourselves and doing what we do best. Even though the week has passed, I encourage everyone to reach out and thank our staff, who continually go above and beyond to provide both great learning but also enriching experiences beyond the classroom. Gratitude is a significant practice of a positive mindset and like all things one that must be taught to our young people. If your child has been involved in any activities over the past two weeks, check in with them to see if they have made a point to seek out and thank the person or people who made it possible.
Term 3 Parent Forum
Our Term 3 Forum will focus on our future schooling project and explore possible initiatives into the future. Please mark Tuesday the 26 August to your calendar for this important meeting.
Staffing
Sadly, next week we farewell Ms Sarah O’Hehir who is highly regarded in her role as counsellor and will be sorely missed. We wish her every success as she sets out on a new adventure overseas.
It is my pleasure to announce Ms Shannon Shaloub as our new Middle Leader Learning and Teaching for VET Pathways. Ms Shaloub comes to us with great experience from a similar role at Chisholm College.
Later this term , we also welcome Ms Danielle McGuckin who will join the Arts department as a Music specialist.
Please join me in welcoming them to Carmel.
Attendance
Unfortunately, our attendance rate has dropped below 50%. However, 284 students, which represents 23% of our College, have attendance rates between 85% and 90%. With minimal effort these students could lift our overall rate to nearly 70%. Additionally, 151 students are in the 80% to 85% range, and with a little more effort, they could help us reach our yearly goal of 80%. Consistent attendance is important and is directly linked to engagement, achievement and wellbeing. If you need any support to improve your child’s attendance, please contact their Pastoral Care Teacher.
God bless,
Mr Stephen Adair
Principal
As Term Four fast approaches, so does our annual awards celebrations, special events dedicated to recognising the outstanding efforts and accomplishments of our students across academic, sporting, cultural, and community domains.
These celebrations are more than just a ceremony, they are moments to honour the values that underpin our school community: Respect, Resilience, Diligence and Positive Relationships. We know that many of our students demonstrate these qualities every day, and we want to ensure they are acknowledged.
Last week, I invited students to nominate themselves for our Major awards, where they meet the criteria. I encourage you to talk with your child about the awards and help them reflect on their achievements this year. Sometimes, students may not recognise the significance of their own efforts until someone else points it out. Your encouragement could be the nudge they need to step forward and be celebrated.
Nominations close on Friday 22 August. Students must complete the attached form and either email their nomination to me or print and submit it to Mrs Ford at student reception. Please ensure your child submits theirs in time.
We look forward to celebrating the incredible young people who make our school such a vibrant and inspiring place to learn.
God bless,
Mr Reuben Chalmers
Deputy Principal
The Carmel Chop 2025 – Courage, Compassion, Community
On Monday 4 August, the Carmel College community came together for one of the most inspiring and energetic events of the year: The Carmel Chop 2025. 76 brave students and staff volunteered to cut or shave their hair in support of breast cancer awareness and fundraising for the Mater Foundation's Chicks in Pink.
Students donated their ponytails to Sustainable Salons, where they’ll be turned into wigs for people experiencing medically-induced hair loss. Every chop made was a symbol of solidarity, every dollar raised a step closer to better care for women with breast cancer.
As our Year 12 student leader Emee, beautifully reminded us in her opening speech, The Carmel Chop began with a single idea from 2021 College Captain McKayla McNamara. What started as a small act of kindness has since grown into a Carmel tradition of compassion and community impact.
Thanks to weeks of bake sales, pizza days, sausage sizzles and tireless personal fundraising, the 2025 Carmel Chop raised over $44,000! These funds will directly support life-changing research, equipment and treatment initiatives at the Mater Hospital. A special congratulations to our top fundraisers, whose passion and dedication have truly made a difference:
- Perynese A– raising a phenomenal $3,523
- Ella G, Ewan, Chris H, and Cortney K– for their outstanding efforts
No Carmel event is complete without a bit of fun—and this year, the spotlight wasn’t just on the students. The Carmel Staff Band swapped their lesson plans for guitars and absolutely rocked the stage! They opened with “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses, followed up with a nostalgic sing-along to “Wonderwall” and finished strong with a crowd-belting “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi. Let’s just say… they may teach maths and English by day, but by night? Total rockstars.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteer hairdressers who generously donated their time and talent to this event. Without your support, the Carmel Chop wouldn’t be possible. Thank you to every student, parent, staff member, and donor who contributed. Also, a big thank you to Georgia from The Mater Foundation for her support in our journey this year. Your generosity helps us shine a light of hope for those facing cancer—and that’s something truly worth celebrating.
Until next year, keep letting your light shine.
Catholic Education Week Mass
As part of Catholic Education Week, we were delighted to welcome Year 5 and 6 students from four visiting primary schools to join us for our celebration Mass. It was a joy to have these young learners as part of our community for the morning, sharing in a beautiful mass presided over by Fr Krupa. This year’s theme, Communities of Faith, Hope & Love, was brought to life as the students took a quiet moment before Mass to sign their names on a special canvas, symbolising their personal commitment to helping build communities grounded in these values. We concluded the morning with a warm and welcoming shared morning tea, complete with cake, giving everyone the chance to connect, reflect, and celebrate the gift of Catholic education together.
MacKillop House Mass
The MacKillop House Mass was a wonderful celebration marking the feast day of Australia’s first saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. St Mary is remembered for her deep faith, her compassion for those in need, and her belief in the power of education to change lives. She dedicated her life to serving the poor and marginalised, living out her famous words, “Never see a need without doing something about it.”
MacKillop House came together in a spirit of unity to mark the occasion, with each PC creating and reading out a pledge to live by Mary MacKillop’s values in a way that was personal and meaningful to them. The celebration concluded with a special House video, a heartfelt reflection from Year 12 students, and, of course, cake to share as a community.
Mrs Erin Hardy
Assistant Principal-Religious Education
This week, Carmel College received an offer from the Black Dog Institute to provide free webinars for parents and carers. These sessions aim to equip families with practical tools, strategies, and insights to better support the young people in their lives. Co-delivered by a clinical psychologist and a youth lived experience advisor, offer practical guidance for parents and carers on adolescent mental health. Topics include understanding youth mental health and when to seek help, strategies for support, effective communication, accessing professional and digital resources, and promoting healthy habits like sleep, screen use, and social connection.
Upcoming dates:
Wednesday 27th August @ 7PM (AEST) Register here
Thursday 11th September @ 7PM (AEST) Register here
Thursday 9th October @ 7PM (AEDT) Register here
Monday 20th October @ 7PM (AEDT) Register here
Thursday 30th October @ 7PM (AEDT) Register here
Wednesday 12th November @ 7PM (AEDT) Register here
Thursday 27th November @ 7PM (AEDT) Register here
Wednesday 10th December @ 7PM (AEDT) Register here
I highly recommend joining one of these webinars if you—or someone you know—would benefit from practical, expert advice. They’re a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable insights from a trusted organisation, and could make a real difference in supporting the young people in your life.
All the best for the middle of this term as we roll on into week 5.
Ms Jacqueline Weidman
Assistant Principal Student Wellbeing
Year 11 QUT STEM Opportunity
Applications have opened for Start QUT STEM Intensives – a program designed for high-achieving Year 11 students entering Year 12 in 2026 to undertake a first-year STEM unit over the summer holidays. This is an intensive program delivered over two weeks with different units including lectures, discussion, exercises, lab experiments and assessment. Learnings start with a face-to-face orientation session prior to the program commencing where you will be introduced to your unit and connect with your peers. Pre-class readings and activities before and during the intensive block may also be required for your unit.
The intensive unit will be led by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) academics and assisted by current undergraduate students. Depending on your chosen QUT degree, you may be able to receive advanced standing (credit) for successful completion of your unit, putting you ahead of your peers and setting you up for future success.
Limited places are available in each unit. Students are enrolled on a first-come basis, and you will be notified if your preferred unit is not available.
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Applications open |
1 August 2025 |
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Applications close |
31 October 2025 |
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Enrolment cut-off |
28 November 2025 |
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Orientation |
Thursday 8 January 2026 |
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Program dates |
12 January - 23 January 2026 (excluding weekend days) |
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Delivery |
On campus at QUT Gardens Point |
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Course contact |
Year 12 Students Preparing for Life Beyond Carmel
We are fast approaching that time of year that sees our Year 12s start to determine their ‘what next’. I’m happy to report that students have begun to engage in meaningful conversations about their results, their aspirations and what life beyond Carmel might look like.
To support your learners, I would encourage you all to engage with the QTAC Passport resources which will outline everything you need to know about life post-school.
QCAA Student Portal (MyQCE)
All Year 12 students should have signed up and registered for the QCAA Student Portal (MyQCE). Link at: https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/
Confirmed results for all General subjects will have been published into the portal. The second Confirmation event (IA2/IA3) is in progress and further results will be published in the portal by September. The portal will also have your child’s schedule for the QCAA external examinations and other resources.
Importantly, Year 12 students need to download the Senior Statement and QCE from the QCAA student portal after graduation. This is not mailed out. Please ensure that your child knows their username and login.
QTAC ATAR Portal
If your child is ATAR eligible, they need to login to the QTAC website to register for the ATAR portal at: https://www.qtac.edu.au/atar/
When registering for the QTAC portal, each student needs the following personal details ready before they begin the process:
- Full name (as shown on the QCAA learning account)
- Date of birth
- LUI number
- Personal email address (do not use your school email)
Students are able to apply for their Tertiary preferences now and will do so through this portal. ATAR scores will be released to students between 8am – 9am on Friday 13 December. The QCAA will release Senior Statements and QCE’s (via the QCAA portal) on 11 December.
Year 12 Students Post School Pathway Interviews:
Post-school pathway interviews with Year 12 students have been progressing well over the past weeks. These interviews are a great opportunity to discuss your child’s post-school goals and aspirations and to construct a plan for achieving these. Students who aspire to undertake tertiary study next year are supported in the QTAC application process during the interview.
Senior Assessment Blocks in Term 3:
There are two assessment block periods for Years 11 and 12 which occur at the end of Term 3. The Year 11 assessment block will take place in Week 9 of Term 3 from Monday 8 – Friday 12 September. The Year 12 Mock assessment block will be held from Thursday 11 September (Week 9) to Thursday 18 September (Week 10). During the assessment blocks, there will be no timetabled classes running for each respective year level. Students will only need to attend school for scheduled examinations. A supervised study space will be provided in the College Library for students to access who elect to remain on campus either before or after scheduled exams.
If you have any questions about your child’s learning in Years 10-12, please contact me at the College.
Ms Cher Williams
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching 10-12
Term 3 is the time for subject selection cycles at Carmel College. In the coming weeks, all 7-9 students will be asked to make some choices for 2026. It is admittedly a big ask for young people to look this far ahead and not something that they are necessarily skilled in. As a result, it is incumbent upon us as a College and parents to support this process and engage in conversations with students. At school, we support students with Year Level Assemblies and sharing key information about subjects. We also provide Subject Selection Guides with further detail and staff contacts. PC teachers will discuss the process with students. Each year level and parent group will receive further information in the weeks to come regarding specific cohorts.
As parents and families, I encourage you to start this conversation with your child early. Some opportunities beyond “What do you want to do when you grow up?” are:
- What do you really enjoy doing outside of school?
- What have you done that has made you feel proud or accomplished?
- What are the skills you most want to develop?
- What impact do you want to have on the world?
- What motivates you the most?
- How can you investigate certain careers and pathways now? (There are some great resources online, such as ‘Day in the life’ Youtube videos).
It’s also important to challenge some assumptions and potentially unwise choices:
- What is the real reason you’re thinking about this subject or pathway?
- What might need to change to make this subject or pathway realistic or successful?
- How are other people, or short-term priorities influencing your thought?
- What do you think a day/week/year in this career might look like? Is this something you’d want to do now?
- What do you need to find out more about?
For all students, the most important question is likely to be, “What support do you need?” This week our leadership team attended a cluster day with other BCE secondary schools. During our prayer we considered the beautiful book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. A particular line stood out:
“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy.
“Help,” said the horse.
Regardless of how your discussions go, please continue to remind your child that there are many people at school who are well-placed and keen to help them.
Mr Frank Turtle
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching 7-9
Year 7 Planting Pots
Year 7 students become plant scientists with the Pea Seedling Challenge. They went on a quest to uncover the secrets of seed density and its impact on growth!
Students planted pea seedlings at different densities, some spaced out, others packed close together. Their mission? To observe how crowding affects:
- Growth height
- Leaf size
- Root development
- Access to sunlight
Year 8 – Microscopes
Year 8 students become microscopic explorers, diving into a hidden world of biology! With microscopes in hand, they examine:
- Stomata – leaf pores that breathe
- Hair Follicles – the roots of our hair
- Fly Legs – tiny limbs with bristles and joints
- Root Hairs – plant straws for water
- Fish Scales – shimmering natural armor
- Frog’s Blood – life in motion under the lens
- Apple Skin Cells – a peek into the structure of fruit we eat
Year 9 - Microbial Plates
Year 9 students became microbe detectives, swabbing everyday items to uncover the invisible world of bacteria!
After placing their samples on agar plates, they watched as mysterious colonies began to grow. Each plate told a story:
- Tech grime from keyboards and screens
- Phone fuzz from constant handling
- Desk dwellers hiding in plain sight
Year 9 extension - Heat of Combustion
Year 11 students become energy detectives, testing how much heat different fuels release when they burn! Using flames, thermometers, and precision tools, they:
- Ignite fuels like ethanol and propanol
- Measure temperature changes in water
- Calculate energy released—aka the heat of combustion
Year 10 Ticker Timers
Year 10 students became physics investigators, using ticker timers to reveal the hidden patterns of movement!
By attaching ticker tape to moving objects, they captured a trail of dots, each one a snapshot in time. As the tape zipped through the timer, students decoded:
- Acceleration – how fast things speed up
- Constant velocity – smooth, steady motion
- Forces at play – what makes objects move or stop
Year 10 Motion Sensors
Year 10 students stepped into the role of real-time physicists, using motion sensors to capture and analyse movement with incredible precision!
As they walked, ran, or rolled objects past the sensors, they watched live graphs appear, showing:
- Speed changes
- Acceleration patterns
- Direction shifts
Year 11 Chemistry – Titrations and Solubility
Year 11 students became lab detectives, using titrations to crack the code of unknown substances and solubility tests to explore how compounds behave in different environments.
With precision and patience, they:
- Dripped acids into bases to find the perfect neutral point
- Used indicators to reveal chemical changes
- Explored how temperature and concentration affect solubility
Year 11 Physics
Year 11 Physics students explored the magic of light and gravity, bending beams with lenses and mirrors, and watching objects fall to uncover the secrets of acceleration and force.
From laser paths to free-fall motion, they saw physics come alive in real time, connecting classroom theory to the universe around us!
Year 12 Biology Natural Selection
Year 12 students stepped into the wild world of evolution, using coloured matchsticks to simulate how natural selection works in real ecosystems!
Each matchstick represented a creature in an environment. Some blended in and others stood out. Students scattered them across different backgrounds and observed:
- Which colours were “eaten” (picked off) first
- How camouflage affects survival
- How populations change over time
We are pleased to share the outstanding achievements of our Arts Co-Curricular community this term. Many of our ensembles have excelled in recent competitions, demonstrating remarkable dedication, creativity, and commitment to excellence.
Recent Achievements:
- QUOTA Music – Solo/Small Groups (23 July): Flute Trio – First Place. Congratulations to Cayden, Isabelle, and Matthew on this well-deserved success.
- QUOTA Music – Groups (29-30 July):
- CCM – Pop Category: Second Place
- Vocal Ensemble: Highly Commended
- Chorum – Sacred Choir: Second Place
- Strings: Highly Commended
- Soul: Third Place
Special recognition to our Jazz Band and Rock Bands (Commitments and Collective) for their outstanding performances at this event.
QUOTA Dance – All Arts Co Dance Groups
Congratulations to all participants for their dedication and energy. We are incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our arts-co dance students at the recent eisteddfod. Our talented performers and choreographers showcased their dedication, teamwork and creativity across multiple routines and brought home some amazing results.
1st Place – Junior Student Choreography
Congratulations to Year 9 students Demi, Leah-Marie, Lara and Jasmine, who choreographed a high-energy jazz routine to "Evacuate the Dance Floor." After teaching the routine to six other students, the group delivered a dynamic performance that impressed the judges and earned them first place out of seven competitors.
2nd Place – Arts-Co Dance Jazz
Our Junior Arts-Co Dance team, made up of 30 students and led by Mrs Emily Dower and Miss Alyssa Beutel, performed their jazz routine "Illusion" with incredible energy. We are so proud of their second place achievement in a highly competitive section of ten schools.
2nd Place – Senior Student Choreography
Adison H, our talented Arts Captain, reworked her senior dance assessment into a group performance with ten Senior Dance Troupe members. Their powerful and emotive piece earned them a well-deserved second place in a field of nine competitors.
3rd Place – Senior Dance Troupe Lyrical
Our Senior Dance Troupe of 20 students, led by Miss Hailee Speck and Mrs Ellie Kershaw, performed "Falling Apart", a lyrical piece that highlighted the dancers’ emotion, unity and artistry. Their expressive performance secured them third place out of twelve competitors.
Highly Commended – Senior Dance Troupe Contemporary
Also performed by our Senior Dance Troupe, the contemporary routine "River" was a powerful, long-term project that has been in development for two years. This marks the first time the piece has placed at any eisteddfod, and we are incredibly proud of the troupe’s recognition among ten competitors.
Although our Junior Lyrical, Senior Jazz and Hip-Hop teams did not place at this event, we are still incredibly proud of all the students who took to the stage. Their commitment, effort and teamwork were on full display, and they represented Carmel with pride.
This eisteddfod marks our most successful yet, and it would not have been possible without the dedication of our amazing students, the tireless support of our teaching team and the encouragement from families and our broader community.
Well done to everyone involved in Dance at Carmel. We cannot wait to see what’s next.
We extend our best wishes to all Arts Co groups as they prepare for upcoming events:
- QCMF – All Music Ensemble Groups: 15–16 August
- Arts Gala: 29 August
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.
If your child/ren would like to join an Arts Co Ensemble or take private instrumental, vocal, dance or visual art lessons, please fill out the Expression of Interest form and send to Julia.Spargo@carmelcollege.qld.edu.au. Students are welcome to joing all year round.
Arts Co-Curricular Program Leader
Representative Sport
There are a couple of trials open at the moment. Please ensure your child is looking through the notices to see what trials are open.
All student forms for school representative pathways must come through the Sports Office so that we can approve leave and get appropriate principal consent to trial. Thank you to all students who have been checking notices and following this process. We congratulate the large number of students who have found success in these trials and competitions. We do not generally receive results from State or National Championships so if students are involved, can you please send these results and photos through to our sport@carmelcollege.qld.edu.au address so that we can share this with our community.
Please check emails if your child was to attend a trial that was postponed. I have sent out a number of emails to the student and parents of those affected.
SECA Season 2 – Term 3
Please see below for key dates and SECA Season 2 reminders.
Dates:
- Thursday 7 August
- Thursday 21 August
Reminders:
- SECA is compulsory for all students. Make these days count towards your attendance.
- Full Carmel College sports uniform is to be worn on SECA Sport days, this includes Carmel College school bag, correct Carmel College sports socks and bucket hat
- Students will ‘Self-Carry’ medication must have this on them to attend. If the student does not have it, they will not travel offsite.
- Completed parent permission slip must be completed to allow students to travel offsite, no permission, no travel.
NRL – Open Boys
The Carmel College Open Boys Rugby League team played in the semi-finals of the schoolboy trophy. It was our first game of the year and were up against a very slick Aquinas College team. Although we were beaten, the boys played tough right until the final whistle and the NRL officials commented on the boy’s commitment and grit. We were missing a few players through injury and sickness and had limited numbers on our interchange bench. We are working behind the scenes to host an Open Boys game this term at our College (TBC). Well done to all the boys that played and committed to the trainings.
A big thank you to Mr Khamal Ganley and Ms Nicole Clough for travelling with the boys to make this opportunity possible.
Bayside Athletics – Celebrating the Success
Carmel College proudly celebrates a fantastic achievement at the recent Bayside 13–19 Years Track and Field Carnival, where our team secured 4th place overall—a notable improvement from last year’s performance. We had some outstanding individual results and a big congratulations to 13 Yrs Boys Eli T for receiving Bayside Age Champion and to 15 Yrs Boys Reuben F for receiving Bayside Runner Up Age Champion.
We wish all those athletes who qualified for regionals the best of luck!
AFLQ Schools Cup – Youth Boys – SEQ Final
On Tuesday 5 August our Youth Boys took on Sienna Catholic College in the Southeast Queensland FINAL for the AFLQ Schools Cup.
It was a hard-fought contest, and our team played extremely well together in the third quarter. Unfortunately, our team went down by two and a half goals but gained some important learning lessons for future years.
Shout out to Mr Craig Wilkinson, Mr Dion King and Mr Lachlan Reilly for your coaching and mentoring this Youth team.
Student Spotlight Achievements
Hunter B – Year 7 (Champagnat)
At the recent School Sport Australia championships Hunter had some outstanding results in the pool. Hunter placed 3rd in Australia for 50m freestyle and 2nd in the Queensland A Team Relay. Well done Hunter!
Jasmine J– Year 9 (Romero)
Jasmine competed in the World Championships in Japan for Skipping.
Jasmine’s team are now the Junior World Champions in Double Dutch Pairs Freestyle are receiving GOLD!
Her team also went on to win the SILVER medal for Overall Team Performance.
She brings home a GOLD, SILVER and BRONZE medal.
Yours in Sport,
Mrs Kristy Wilkinson
Sport Program Leader
On the recent school holidays, Carmel College was fortunate enough to participate in the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Tournament, also known as QISSN. The girls and boys teams both embarked on a weeklong journey to Bundaberg to compete in this event. This was the 25th annual QISSN carnival, and in keeping with tradition, the competition was hosted by Shalom College, who also hosted the very first QISSN carnival.
Carmel College’s boys team saw great success over the week, starting the carnival with a 9–0 win streak. Confidence was high heading into the final day of round games on day 5, but the team needed to win at least one of their two games that day to make the grand final. In a day of fierce competition and many highs and lows, the boys unfortunately lost both games and went on to compete for bronze the following day against Chanelle College. While third place wasn’t the result they had hoped for, it was inspiring to see all the boys show up and play hard to secure the third-place position. Well done to all the boys who were selected and represented Carmel with pride:
- Lincoln H
- Ewan M
- Jack W
- Jayden B
- Jayden B
- Kiama M
- Alex Y
- Will T
- Kade B
- Riley S
The boys team also celebrated individual achievements, with the following players recognised:
Rising Stars
Will T
Kade B
Riley S
All Stars
Lincoln H
Kiama M
Being selected in either of these teams reflects a high level of on-court performance and resilience. Each of these boys earned their recognition through hard work and dedication.
Lincoln H was also awarded Carmel College’s boys team MVP and, most impressively, was named Player of the Tournament for the boys QISSN Division. A fantastic achievement for Lincoln.
The Girls Open Netball team also excelled at the QISSN Carnival, showcasing talent, hard work and dedication. Having trained together for over six months—and with some players committing multiple years—the team was well prepared. During the carnival, they faced some of the toughest matches in the competition and fought valiantly throughout. Winning five of their round games earned them a place in the quarter finals. After one gruelling game and two overtimes, the girls secured 4th place in their division, placing 20th out of 64 teams overall. Congratulations to all the girls on this team:
- Mia S
- Izzy D
- Cara D
- Ruby B
- Isla H
- Shea H
- Olivia T
- Savannah H
- Issie R
- Kate B
Savannah H was awarded the team’s MVP for the tournament—a well-deserved recognition of her efforts.
From a personal standpoint, the memories I’ll take away from this tournament aren’t just about results, awards or performance. The week was a highlight of the year and well worth spending part of my holidays on. I highly recommend the experience to everyone. The laughs, bad jokes and friendships formed are all things I’ll cherish for a lifetime. Sharing these moments with such an incredible group of people made the carnival feel more like a holiday than a competition.
A huge thank you to all the teachers, parents and supporters who made this week possible. Mrs Brohman and Miss Morton dedicated two afternoons a week to train and coach the teams, and their efforts are deeply appreciated. Mr Hopkins, Mrs Smith and Mr Adair also played key roles in organising the event, managing the teams and helping wherever needed.
I wish the Carmel College teams of 2026 the very best and hope they enjoy the same amazing experience we did.
Jack Whitehouse
Year 12 Sport House Captain
9/10 Readers’ Cup competition
Our 9/10 Readers’ Cup team competed at Moreton Bay College this week, where their knowledge was tested on four different novels. There were 25 teams and our team came 10th.
Congratulations to Alexander N, Elise W, Kate L and Amelia H for their efforts.
Carmel Reading Challenge
The Carmel Reading Challenge is designed to help support and promote literacy within the school. It’s the perfect opportunity for students to visit the library with their PC, borrow a book (or two!) and earn House Points.
As part of the challenge, I’ve asked PC teachers to ask their students the following questions:
- What are you currently reading?
- Why don’t you read?
- What was the last book you read? What did you like about it?
- What was your favourite book from primary school?
As parents/caregivers, you might like to talk about what books you are currently reading or books you enjoyed when you were in high school to help further the conversation.
Book Week is coming…
Starting Week 5:
- Daily Trivia Challenges
- Awesome Prizes to be Won
Starting Week 6 - Book Week:
Monday: Book Pong Bonanza!
Back by popular demand! Test your aim and take your best shot at bookish glory.
Land the ball in the cup to win:
Books | Lollies | Bookmarks | Carmel Café Vouchers + more!
Tuesday: Silhouette Showdown
Can you guess who’s hiding in the shadows?
Match the silhouette to the character or story and win a prize!
Wednesday: Word Wizardry
Take on our Word Search and Crossword Challenges.
Find the hidden words, crack the clues, and show off your literary smarts!
Thursday: Badge Blitz
Get crafty and create your very own Book Week-themed badge to wear and keep.
Design it, decorate it, and show it off!
Friday: Book in a Jar Mystery
Can you crack the clues and guess the book hidden in the jar?
Put your detective hat on — prizes await the cleverest readers!
Showbags are on offer for the first five students who complete the daily activity during Book Week (Week 6).
Grand prize draw for students who complete all the activities!
Lolly jar competition, entries into two raffles and more!
It will be a jam-packed week, and we can’t wait to celebrate with the community.
Mrs Jessica Finden
Teacher Librarian
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Last week, Carmel College had the pleasure of welcoming nine Japanese students and one teacher from Nara Ikuei High School. Hosted by Carmel College families, these students immersed themselves in the Australian school experience for a week.
During their stay, the Japanese students paired with their host siblings, attending classes and participating in various language-rich activities. The focus was on using language in real-life situations and learning about each other's cultures and lifestyles.
The students also joined SECA activities, engaging in a wide range of sporting, art, and cultural activities with their Carmel College buddies. Despite the language barrier and being in a foreign country for the first time, our visitors integrated well into College life, experiencing the warmth of Australian culture and humour.
On weekends, the Japanese students explored the Australian lifestyle, enjoying the natural beauty, bushwalks, beaches, cityscapes, boat rides, and life in a typical Australian household.
A heartfelt thank you to the Carmel College families who hosted our visitors, making this exchange possible.
Ms Rachel Ward
Learning and Teaching Leader - Japanese
The Snapit Photographic Competition is an initiative organised by BCE. Open to students from Year 7 to Year 12, the competition provides a platform to showcase your artistic talent through the medium of photography. By participating, you can express your creativity, refine your skills and receive recognition for your work within the school community and beyond.
There is currently a wide variety of lost property items at Student Reception, including:
- Lunch boxes and bags
- Water bottles
- Uniforms
- Shoes
- Hats
- Jewellery
- Sunglasses and glasses
- Watches
- Keys
- Tech accessories and gadgets
If your child has misplaced any items this year, please encourage them to check Student Reception.
Important: Any unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity at the end of the term.
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 3 is outlined below:
The College has a great online ordering system for Tuckshop called My Student Account (MSA). This allows you to place all your school orders conveniently online. Please refer to the information in the documents below on how to place an order:
Thank you for your support.
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.