Dear Carmel College Community,

As I sat down to write the final newsletter piece for this most remarkable of years, I went back and read what I wrote in the very first newsletter of the year. I wrote then about the sense of hope that the commencement of a new year brings. One of the lines was, “Yes there will be struggles and adversity but overall the pervasive sense  of hope is almost palpable – and it is wonderful”. Little did I have any idea at the time (February 7) of the struggles and adversity that our Carmel community would face this year.  However I am glad and humbled that through it all, hope prevailed.  It is this hope that we carry into the holidays and will have renewed by the Christmas Season.  At Christmas as we celebrate Jesus’ birth, we join in the hope that Mary and Joseph and all new parents feel when a baby is born.  In the infant, we see possibility, renewal, joy, acceptance and so many more things that lead us to go beyond ourselves.  We glimpse the divine. 

The Carmel family has been strong this year and the support shown by our community has helped all maintain hope. Our students, staff, parents and partners have all gone over and above in 2020 and have every right to be proud of their achievements. 

If you have had a tough year, I pray that this Christmas Season will restore your supply of hope.  I leave you with this quote from Isaiah which I think sums up 2020 best of all - “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31.

NEXT STEP SURVEY

Each year the Queensland Government surveys all Year 12 school leavers from March next year.  We receive a report from this survey which provides valuable data on our students’ destinations post school.  As this has been going for some time, it gives us good longitudinal data that we can use to inform our strategic planning.  I ask all Year 12 students to keep a look out for this survey next year.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Next week we will be mailing home a “Fridge Page” which contains all the important dates for the holidays and the start of next year.  Please keep an eye out for it and keep it handy for reference over the holidays.

Have a happy and holy Christmas and may 2021 be filled with the peace, joy and hope of the new born Christ.

God bless

Mr Stephen Adair
College Principal