Easter and Caritas Fundraising: A Term of Generosity

As we moved through Lent and into the Easter season, it was great to see our school community come together to support Caritas and raise money for people in need. Each House took a different approach, and it’s been fantastic to watch the creativity and energy on display.

• Polding House hosted a Breakfast BBQ, kicking off the day with bacon and egg rolls and raising funds at the same time.
• Champagnat House ran a coin collection challenge, with PC groups competing to see who could bring in the most coins—every cent counted!
• Avila House focused on giving in more ways than one, collecting jumpers to donate as well as money for Caritas.
• MacKillop House held a Sausage Sizzle and face painting, which was a hit with students across all year levels.
• Romero House also ran a Sausage Sizzle, adding a bake sale into the mix that brought in a great crowd (and some very tasty treats).

Although Caritas fundraising officially wraps up in May, we’ve already seen some amazing contributions. A full update on the total amount raised will be shared next term.

Thanks to everyone who got involved—whether you donated, helped out, or just showed up to support your House. It’s been a real team effort and a great example of putting our values into action.

Looking Ahead to Holy Week and Easter

As we come to the end of Term 1, we also prepare to enter Holy Week—a sacred time in our faith that leads us to Easter Sunday. It’s a week that invites us to slow down, reflect, and remember the journey Jesus took through suffering, sacrifice, and finally, new life.

On Friday morning, our school community gathered for a special Easter Liturgy, led by our Year 12 Drama students & Ministry Leaders who brought the Stations of the Cross to life. Each station reflected the real emotions and challenges of Jesus’ final moments—but also the quiet strength and hope that ran through the whole story. This liturgy was made even more special with a beautiful dance from some of our talented dance students to the song, ‘I am Barabbas’, and Carmel Chorum’s rendition of the song ‘Only Hope’.

At the heart of Holy Week is hope:

• Hope through suffering – that even when things are painful, we’re not alone.
• Hope in never giving up – that courage and kindness still matter, even when it's hard.
• Hope in waiting – that light will come, even if we can't see it yet.
• Hope in the resurrection – that love is stronger than death.

One Gospel moment that captures this beautifully is when the risen Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene. At first, she doesn’t recognise him. But when he gently says her name—“Mary”—she knows it’s him. That personal encounter reminds us that Jesus sees each of us.

Here’s a simple prayer to carry into Holy Week:

God of hope,
In our struggles and questions,
Help us to remember your presence.
As we walk through Holy Week,
Fill our hearts with the light of Easter joy.
May we be people of hope,
In our words, our choices, and our care for others.
Amen.

Wishing all Carmel families a peaceful Holy Week and a joyful Easter. May this season remind us that there is always hope—no matter where we are on the journey.