Pope Leo - A Pope of Courage and Compassion
Our new Pope, Leo XIV, has just begun his journey as the leader of the Catholic Church—and he’s already showing signs of being a pope who will inspire a new generation. Before becoming the Pope, he was Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American who spent many years serving as a missionary in Peru. He worked closely with people in poor and remote communities, always focusing on fairness, kindness, and walking alongside those in need.

Pope Leo deeply believes in listening to everyone, including young people, and standing up for justice. He is passionate about building bridges between people, caring for the Earth, and ensuring that the Church is a place where everyone feels welcome.

For teenagers today, Pope Leo brings a message of hope: your voice matters, your choices matter, and your faith can make a difference. He reminds us that being Catholic means living with courage, compassion, and love in action.

Carmel Students Shine at Rotary Club Dinner
On Tuesday 13 May, two of our Rotary scholarship recipients, Year 12 student Carragan H and Year 11 student Isabella H, were invited to speak at the Rotary Club dinner in Cleveland. Both students shared their personal journeys and expressed gratitude for how the scholarship has supported their educational goals and opened up new opportunities. The evening also featured a stunning performance by Year 10 student Tyler R, who sang and played guitar beautifully, leaving the audience thoroughly impressed. It was a proud moment for Carmel College, showcasing the talent, determination, and heart of our students.

Laudato Si’ Week – Caring for Our Common Home

This week, students have been taking action for the planet as part of Laudato Si’ Week, inspired by Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home. Through Worship Wednesday, they learned about some of the world’s most urgent environmental issues, including climate change, pollution, and the loss of biodiversity. As a practical response, students have been recycling plastic bottles at school—each one making a small but important difference. It has been a week of learning, reflection, and action as we work together to protect God’s creation.

The Carmel Chop

The 2025 Carmel Chop is well underway, and our school community is once again showing incredible generosity and courage in support of Mater Chicks in Pink. This important cause provides care, comfort, and hope to women facing breast cancer—a disease that affects 1 in 7 Australian women, with over 20,000 new cases diagnosed each year.

Led this year by our passionate student representative, Emee S, the Carmel Chop has already raised over $20,000 with fundraising only opening three weeks ago. Since it began in 2021, the Carmel Chop has raised a total of $122,287, helping to fund life-saving medical equipment and improve patient care in Mater hospitals.

This year, 76 Year 12 students have made the brave commitment to either shave or cut their hair in a powerful act of solidarity. The donated hair will be sent to Sustainable Salons to be turned into wigs for cancer patients.

It’s a truly inspiring initiative, and we encourage everyone to get involved. Keep an eye out for upcoming fundraisers—every donation, big or small, makes a real difference.

Please support our students by making a donation here.

On Friday evening, our Year 11 and 12 students gathered with peers from four other Marist schools for a special Marist Connect Night. It was a fantastic evening filled with meaningful discussions, laughter, and new friendships. Together, students explored what it means to be a leader and how to live out the Marist way, with humility, simplicity, and a heart for others. The night was filled with inspiration and connection, reminding us of the strong spirit that unites all Marist communities.

Mrs Erin Hardy

Assistant Principal-Religious Education