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- Library News
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- Photographic Competition
- Term 4 Awards Season- Save The Date
- Lost Property
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Dear Carmel Community,
As we progress through Term 3, a time when many of us are feeling the weight of tiredness, stress, and the seasonal colds and flus. I want to take a moment to remind everyone of the importance of kindness. In these challenging times, a simple act of kindness can make a world of difference.
Kindness is more than a nice gesture; it is a powerful tool that can uplift spirits, fosters a sense of community, and creates a positive environment for everyone. When we are kind to one another, we not only help others feel better, but we also improve our own well-being. Kindness has the power to reduce stress, increase happiness, and even boost our immune systems.
Ephesians 4:32, we are reminded, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other", reminding us that kindness is a reflection of God's love and forgiveness. By being kind, we are living out our faith and showing God's love to those around us. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it is easy to forget to be kind. However, it is during these times that kindness is needed the most. A kind word, a helping hand, or a simple smile can brighten someone's day and remind them that they are not alone. Let us all make a conscious effort to be kind to one another, especially during the last part of this term.
Let us all strive to make kindness a priority to ensure we grow as a supportive and caring school community where everyone feels valued and loved.
Parent Forum
Our Term 3 Parent Forum will focus on the Strategic Plan for the college into the future. As you know, we have been looking at what we might do differently to better meet the needs of students in a changing world. We have been driven by the question of “What would school look like if we invented it now?”. We are now in a position to outline some of the thinking that has occurred and would appreciate feedback from parents on these ideas.
To make the forum as accessible as possible, it will be held online this time around. While this format may limit interactivity, we hope it allows more people to attend and be able to gather questions and comments.
Full details and the link for the online meeting will be sent out early next week.
Staffing
This week we welcome back Mr Ryan Goleby from his leave to fill in for Mrs Rachel Ward while she is on long service leave.
Congratulations
Carmel continues to be a busy place with lots happening. Special mentions this week to the following:-
- The Year 9 debating team proudly reached the quarter finals, placing 14th out of 141 teams—a fantastic achievement, especially in a match against Brisbane Grammar.
- The SECA Athletics team who placed 3rd at the carnival on Wednesday.
- QCMF musicians who did very well and received a range of awards at the QCMF festival.
- The Science Team for their engaging Science Week activities.
- Year 11 students for a wonderful social last Friday evening.
- Students and staff who developed an appreciation for the homeless with the Mini Vinnies Sleepout last Thursday evening.
- Ms Desiree Anderson who received a Commendation in the category of Early Career Teacher at the BCE Excellence Awards.
Keep Cups
Do you enjoy a coffee on the go? You can now enjoy from a Carmel College ‘Keep Cup’. Help reduce waste and do your bit for the planet by using a Carmel College Keep Cup for your bean beverage. Cups are $10 and are available with your morning coffee on a Friday at the Café or via the Uniform Shop.
Have a wonderful fortnight – and remember to be kind.
God bless,
Mr Stephen Adair
Principal
The Carmel College community is celebrating a wonderful achievement, our very own teacher, Ms Desiree Anderson, has received a commendation for the ACU Award for Excellence as an Early Career Teacher in Secondary School at the Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) Excellence Awards, held on Friday, 15 August.
In 2025, 478 nominations were received from across BCE’s system of 146 schools. These awards honour the outstanding contributions of BCE staff and highlight the impact of innovative programs that support and nurture students to reach their full potential.
Brisbane Catholic Education Executive Director Dr Sally Towns congratulated all the winners and nominees and thanked them for their contributions to their school communities.
“The BCE Excellence Awards are one way we celebrate the extraordinary individuals and teams whose dedication brings our shared vision to life,” Dr Towns said.
“Your commitment inspires us daily as a faith-filled learning community, creating a better and more hope-filled future through your unwavering commitment and service.”
Congratulations, Ms Anderson! Your passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence inspires us all.
A Message of Thanks from Star of the Sea Primary School
Thank You Carmel College: A Beautiful Act of Shared Service
At Star of the Sea, our recent Feast Day celebration was not only a joyful occasion—it was a meaningful opportunity to live out our values of Love, Service, and Compassion through a whole-school Act of Service.
Together, our students and staff packed 175 Blessing Bags filled with essential items for those experiencing homelessness in our local community. These were donated to Night Ninjas Inc., who continue to make a real difference for people doing it tough.
This act of service was only possible because of the generous support from our wider community—and we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the students and staff of Carmel College.
Your donations of toothbrushes and toothpaste were a vital part of the Blessing Bags, and your kindness helped empower our students to take action and serve others with dignity and care.
Your contribution reminded us that when schools work together, we can create ripples of hope and compassion that reach far beyond our gates. Thank you for being part of this shared mission and for helping us show our students that faith in action is a powerful force for good.
Mini-Vinnies Sleepout
Last Thursday evening, our Mini Vinnies Sleepout brought the Carmel spirit to life. Students from across year levels gathered after school for a simple meal and an eye-opening experience that raised awareness—and tangible support—for people doing it tough in our local community.
Guided by two engaging presenters from St Vincent de Paul, students unpacked common myths about homelessness, learnt about the realities facing families and young people, and reflected on the Gospel call to serve. A warm sausage sizzle kept energy up!
Highlights:
- Learning that sticks: real stories from Vinnies volunteers helped students connect empathy with action.
- Generous hearts: families contributed a fantastic pile of blankets for local Vinnies outreach.
If your child would like to be part of Mini Vinnies or future service opportunities at Carmel, please encourage them to come and have a chat!
Mrs Erin Hardy
Assistant Principal-Religious Education
I can’t believe we’re already halfway through Term 3! This week, we’ve sent home letters for some parents to complete regarding their child’s “Unexplained” full-day absence. It’s important that we know where students have been and equally important that parents are aware when their child is not at school without permission. If your child will be absent, please log it via the Parent Portal. If you experience any issues accessing the Portal, feel free to contact Reception here at the College.
When it comes to absences, we want students to feel happy and supported at school. If your child is reluctant to attend for any reason, please reach out to their PC teacher or House Leader as soon as possible. Together, we can work toward resolving any concerns and improving the situation.
Sometimes friendship groups go through changes as far as shared values no longer aligning or people start to have different interests. Unfortunately, some students see teasing/ unkind comments as “just friendly banter…” but it can actually be “friendly fire…” and hurt those closest to us. This does not adhere to our College values of Positive Relationships as the Pastoral team have been working with friends who have had hurtful falling outs due to the “friendly fire” hitting the mark once too often. Occasionally, this has made students feel like not coming to school. If families could reflect on this, the discussion could help change this culture amongst some of our friendship groups.
Assessment is also in full swing, especially for our Year 12s, who are now preparing for their final exams and, for some, the beginning of their careers before year’s end.
In light of this, it’s a great opportunity to revisit some helpful strategies that support students in staying healthy and productive, so they can give their best. Renowned adolescent psychologist Andrew Fuller offers excellent advice on this topic. I encourage both parents and students to read his article Preparing for tests & exams, it’s full of practical tips to help students feel confident and prepared.
I wish everyone all the best for the next couple of weeks.
Ms Jacqueline Weidman
Assistant Principal: Student Wellbeing
It is always a fantastic outcome when pastoral and guidance teams come together in support of important causes. It was a pleasure for Ms Fiona Day and Ms Michelle Sams to accept the invitation from Ms Laura Steel (Romero House Leader), who tirelessly designed, collaborated and initiated two student led activities throughout the Bullying No Way: National week of action from 11-15 August.
For the first day of celebration, Ms Steele organised all Year 12 students, all of Romero, as well as some Avila, Champagnat and Polding to form a human sign saying “No Way” on the oval. This was captured by talented Drone Pilot Mr Troy Coggins. The results were amazing, parking further discussion about how Carmel College can support students and reduce bullying in educational settings.
In line with the theme of “Be Bold, Be Kind and Speak Up” and the colour purple, Ms Steele and Ms Day planned a picnic on the oval to celebrate day two of the action week. Staff were encouraged to wear the colour purple to signify their support of the theme and stance against bullying. The picnic brought together students, teachers, counsellors, CLT members, and pastoral and learning enhancement teams with picnic blankets, food, icy poles, and friendship-themed music.
We hope to elevate these types of whole school celebrations in the future, as they really are a wonderful way to connect and demonstrate Carmel College’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for our community. A big shout out to Ms Steele and the Pastoral and Wellbeing Team for a great action week.
Ms Michelle Sams
Guidance Counsellor
Student absences and extensions
As we move towards periods of assessment, it is timely to remind students of processes for special provisions, including extensions. Forms to request special provisions are available in Student Reception and on the Student Portal. These should be completed in cases of illness, or absence due to reasons like College representation, cultural obligations or unforeseen emergencies. If students are unsure if their absence qualifies for special provisions, they are always welcome to ask.
Special provisions are not available when students are absent from school due to holidays during term time. Our College policy is consistent with QCAA policies for senior students, providing for consistency. Where students are absent for reasons of personal choice, assessment must be submitted on or before the due date. Exams will be completed in the next available lesson.
Targeting skills for teaching and learning
At the recent staff collaboration day, teachers investigated student achievement data to identify trends and specific areas requiring further teaching. Knowledge and application of comprehension strategies was a particular skill that requires work. Thankfully we have already made some progress in this area with our Reading focus in 2025 and ongoing work in staff teams to develop relevant teaching strategies. This will continue into 2026 and we look forward to seeing improved results in this area.
Mr Frank Turtle
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching 7-9
Last week, Carmel College buzzed with excitement as students immersed themselves in the wonders of science during National Science Week. From creative experiments to thrilling encounters, the week was packed with hands-on activities that sparked curiosity and joy across all year levels.
Highlights included:
- Cyanotype Printing: Students harnessed the power of sunlight to create stunning blue-hued artworks, blending science and creativity.
- Psychology Illusions: Minds were bent and senses challenged as students explored how perception can be shifted through clever illusions.
- Stained Glass Window Activity: A colourful fusion of art and science, this activity let students design vibrant stained-glass creations.
- Sherbert Making: Tangy, sweet, and totally fun—students whipped up their own sherbert treats while learning about chemical reactions.
- Drone Adventure: Budding pilots took to the skies, navigating drones and capturing aerial views in a thrilling tech experience.
- Watermelon Explosion: With suspense building rubber band by rubber band, students watched watermelons burst in a spectacular display of physics in action!
- Wildlife Rangers Encounters: A crowd favourite! Students met a sugar glider, crocodile, lizard, snake, and kookaburra while learning about wildlife protection in a safe and interactive show.
A huge thank you to our dedicated Science Teachers and Laboratory Technicians for making the week unforgettable—and to our skeleton Ned, who joined in on the fun!
2025 QCMF
Congratulations to the Arts Co Music groups – CCM, Chorum, Rock Band – Commitments and Collective, Soul Band, Concert Band and Strings for their performance at QCMF last week.
Our ensembles achieved 1 Gold and 6 Silver Awards with Tye S also recognised with the ‘Award of Excellence’ for Bass Guitar in the Collective Rock Band.
QCMF is a major event for over 110 Catholic Schools in Queensland, Australia and New Zealand. Run as a festival, it is non-competitive, with each ensemble assesses against a set criteria for their category and able to receive a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.
Carmel College can be proud of the way out students represented the College throughout the festival. A HUGE thank you to our staff, families and supporters, whose encouragement and dedication helped make this achievement possible.
Arts Gala – A Window into Our World
We extend our best wishes to all Arts Co groups as they prepare for the upcoming Arts Gala on Friday, 29 August. The evening will showcase the incredible talents of our students through performances in music, drama, dance, and visual arts.
To complement these performances, our Year 10, 11, and 12 Hospitality students will prepare and serve a three-course gala dinner.
A reminder to our ticket holders: dress to impress in semi-formal or cocktail attire.
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
As SECA Season 2 comes to a close, we reflect on a term filled with energy, teamwork, and resilience. While it was disappointing to miss one round due to inclement weather, the two rounds we did play were a fantastic showcase of student and staff involvement across all sports.
From the fast-paced action of touch football and soccer, to the strategic plays in basketball and tennis, our students demonstrated not only skill but also great sportsmanship and school pride. The digital arena was just as lively, with students competing in e-sports and engaging in thoughtful arguments in debating.
It was inspiring to see such strong participation and enthusiasm from everyone involved. A big thank you to all the staff who coached, supported, and cheered on our teams, and to the students who represented our school with passion and integrity.
Please keep an eye out in Term 4 when preferences for SECA 2026 will be emailed to all students.
Bayside Athletics 12 YRS Update – Celebrating the Success
Recently, our talented 12-year-olds proudly represented our school at the Bayside District Track and Field Carnival held at Sheldon College. Despite tough competition, our students gave it their all, showing determination, teamwork, and school spirit throughout the event.
A special shout-out to Carter T, who had outstanding performances in the 100m and 200m events and earned a spot on the Bayside District team! Carter will now go on to compete at the upcoming regional carnival, and we wish them the very best of luck. Go Carter!
A big thank-you to Mrs Sally Miers, Mrs Katie Coggins and Ms Rachel Dove who supported our students throughout the two-day carnival.
Student Spotlight Achievements
Oliver T – Year 7 - MacKillop
Oliver represented Queensland at the National Diving Championships. Oliver dived extremely well and took home GOLD in the below events:
- 12yr Springboard
- 10-12yr Platform
- 12yr Knockout
It was a great week of divers coming together from all States to support each other, work together as a team and give 100% to achieve their individual goals. He was also able to practice his skills in commentating several events on livestream. Such a wonderful event and we are incredibly proud. Great work Oliver!
Peyton S - Year 8 - Polding
Peyton recently competed at the Brisbane Senior Short Course Swimming Championships that took place at Sleeman Sports Complex (Aquatic Centre) in July.
Peyton qualified for 7 events at this swimming meet and achieved incredible PB's across all of them. She also won GOLD and Brisbane Champion title for the 200m FLY (14 years) and placed 7th in the 100m FLY (14 years).
Well Done, Peyton!
Carter T – Year 7 - Avila
Carter competed at the Queensland School Sport Touch Football Championships in Roma last weekend. Carter has an outstanding carnival and was a member of the winning Met East team and gain selection into the Queensland Team that will travel to Victoria in October. Congratulations Carter and we wish you all the best for the National Championships!
Community Opportunities
Yours in Sport,
Mrs Kristy Wilkinson
Sport Program Leader
Write a Book in a Day: A Creative Success
This term, five enthusiastic teams comprising 35 students took part in the annual Write a Book in a Day competition. Their creativity and teamwork not only produced some fantastic stories but also raised nearly $3,500 for a great cause. Congratulations to all involved for their dedication and generosity and a special mention to Rory, Evie, Amelia, Lily and Nathan for leading their teams on the day.
Book Week Celebrations
Book Week was a vibrant celebration of literature and imagination. Students enjoyed a wide variety of activities, from book pong to word puzzles, guessing competitions and more. Some prizes were awarded throughout the week, and the final winners will be announced in the next newsletter—stay tuned!
Dress Up Day – 19 September
To wrap up Term 3, students are invited to participate in our annual Dress Up Day on Friday, 19 September. Everyone is encouraged to dress as their favourite character—no need to match the Book Week theme. Each student will earn a house point, and the best dressed from each PC will be showcased at assembly. Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed from each house. Please ensure costumes align with our Carmel values and expectations.
Textbook Returns and Library Resource Check
Students who are no longer using their hard copy textbooks are asked to return them to the library. This helps prevent damage and ensures resources are not misplaced. It’s also a great time to check on any borrowed library items. If students notice any issues with resources, they should speak with library staff.
Genrefication: Beginning in Term 4
After a recent vote, the majority of students and staff supported genrefying the fiction collection. Starting in Term 4, the library team will begin reorganising books by genre rather than author. This change aims to make it easier for readers to discover books that match their interests—whether it's fantasy, mystery, romance, or science fiction.
Library Hours and Tutorials
The library is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Some tutorials are held after school in the library—students should check with their teachers for specific times and locations.
Mrs Jessica Finden
Teacher Librarian
Follow us at carmelcollege_library for all your library news!
On Monday, 1 September, additional formal photos will be taken during the Co-Curricular Photo Session at Carmel College. This includes co-curricular group photos and individual ID images (retake, catch up and new students).
If your child is part of a co-curricular group or requires an ID photo, please ensure they attend in their formal uniform. Year 12 students must wear their senior blazers.
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.