Dear Carmel College Community,

This year we have a strong focus on reading and I want to share why reading is so important for our students. Reading is more than just a basic skill; it's a way to open doors to new knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking.

In our digital world, it's easy for reading to take a backseat to screens and quick entertainment. But reading has unique benefits that go beyond the classroom. It helps build vocabulary, improves understanding, and fosters a lifelong love for learning. Plus, reading can relax the mind, reduce stress, and offer a healthy break from daily pressures.

At our school, we are dedicated to promoting a love for reading. Our library is filled with a wide range of books to suit different interests and reading levels. Our teachers and librarians work hard to encourage students to explore various genres and authors. We also host reading challenges, book clubs, and author visits to inspire our young readers. We have goal this year to increase library loans to 5000 fiction books borrowed.  This is an increase of 1.3 books per student.

Parents play a crucial role in encouraging reading at home. Here are a few strategies to help:

1. Set a Reading Routine: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading. It could be before bed or after dinner.
2. Discuss Books: Talk about the books your child is reading. Ask questions and share your thoughts.
3. Be a Role Model: Let your child see you reading. Your enthusiasm for books can be contagious.
4. Visit the Library: Make regular trips to the library together. Let your child choose books that interest them.

By creating a supportive reading environment at home, you can help your child develop a positive attitude towards reading and learning.

PARENT CONSULTATION MODEL

At Carmel we recognise parents as the first and foremost educators of their children and we seek to work in close partnership with families to promote student learning, wellbeing and engagement. Based on the principles of Epstein’s framework of Six Types of Involvement – sometimes called the “School-Family-Community Partnership Model, we engage with parents to enable, promote and facilitate highly effective collaborative, cooperative and seamless relationships between home and school. 

We have parent forums each term to provide consult with parents and provide appropriate input.  The first of these forums is on Tuesday 4 March with the ThinkUKnow internet awareness presentation.  I encourage all parents to come along and learn about young people and the internet.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS

Students who excel at school activities such as sport, debating, creative arts or academic competitions may be supported by the Parent Levy. To support families of students who make representative teams or groups at Regional, State or National level the following guidelines have been set to provide students with financial assistance.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for financial assistance from the Parent Levy, the following criteria must be met:

• The student must be currently enrolled at Carmel College for the calendar year
• Sports must be under the auspice of Queensland School Sport
• Other activities must be bona fide school representative events. i.e involve a clear definitive school representative pathway
• The application must be accompanied by a copy of the selection letter
• The application is to be received within the school year of the event
• The College has discretion to consider which events or activities may be considered for financial assistance and may review the principles in consultation with parent representatives.

Families can apply for a financial assistance grant of $200 for a student who is selected to represent the College for recognised school sport representation or other activity that is deemed suitable. Applications may be made once per calendar year per child.

Have a wonderful fortnight.

God bless,