Newsletter

Thursday 17 May 2007

Dear Parents,

The lack of rain in our part of the world and what to do about it has become the single-most talked about issue on people’s lips at the moment. Concern for our future without the water we are used to having, to use and waste, is having a positive impact on our behaviour. We now make more effort to conserve water; we use every drop for a good purpose and we have become accustomed to going without some things that we thought were essential, such as weekly car washes. However, there are other behaviours that could do with our attention, which have even more impact on our quality of life, and these behaviours are caused by too much of some things.

The recent Bishops’ Social Justice Statement summarized in the newsletter of the Federation of Parents and Friends Associations of Catholic Schools Qld, decries the nation’s culture of waste and busyness, warning that Australians are victims of the disease of affluence. The Catholic Bishops argue that levels of consumption have harmed the environment and depleted natural resources, while the pursuit of comfort has served to only increase anxiety levels.

Australians have only to check the freezer or cupboard for food gone bad to realize the country had become a throwaway society, the bishops say. They suggest that we leave electrical appliances on, use petrol for unnecessary trips, and switch on air-conditioning at the first sign of discomfort.

Television, mobile phones and computers were consigned to the scrapheap when new models offered no improvement of quality of life. A culture of “busyness” prevents boredom but denies time for family and friends, they believe.

The Australian Catholic Social Justice Council cited an Australia Institute study that claimed more than $10 billion is spent each year on products and services that no one uses. This figure was probably conservative, the bishops said. The director of the Edmund Rice Centre, Phil Glendenning who launched the statement said public activism is a fundamental tenet of faith. “We can’t build a more just world if we do not challenge existing structures and oppression,” he said.

Swimming Survey - This survey has attracted a large number of responses. So far approximately one third of families have returned completed surveys. As tomorrow, Friday 18^th is the last day for returns, all families are urged to reply. Your thoughts and opinions are valued and will contribute greatly to the decision-making process.

Volunteers - Have you signed up and returned your forms to school? All parents are encouraged to complete sign and return the School Volunteer Register Sheet and the Volunteer Suitability Declaration Form. To be a volunteer at school in any capacity parents are required by legislation to know and understand their responsibilities to make our school a safe place for all students. Completed forms enable school staff to quickly check the availability of parents to accompany excursions, help with classroom activities and generally assist with school functions. If you have misplaced your forms, a quick call or visit to the school office will see them replaced.

Fun Running/Cross Country - The efforts of parents in partnership with our Physical Education Teacher to put before school running on each morning from Tuesday to Friday have resulted in enough kilometers so far to run to Japan. The return journey is now happening. The numbers of students, mums and dads, little sisters and brothers who are also contributing is fantastic. The positive by-product of this before school activity is the increased alertness students display in class after participating in exercise. Next term it is hoped that skipping will make a comeback before school.

Read our Collection Challenge - Mount Carmel does not do things by halves. For those among us who think heaven is a quiet corner, a good book and no interruptions, the “Read Our Collection” is on, and will run to Book Week in term three. Everyone is invited to participate in our attempt to read the 6,000 plus titles in our fiction collection. The 800 mark has been passed already in the first week. Once a book is read, students are able to cross if off the lists which are displayed on all our walls and doors. We obviously have many enthusiastic readers as participation in this activity is great. Students are very excited and interest has been reignited in series such as The Famous Five. Parents are encouraged to take this opportunity to read a chapter aloud to your children over a period of time – particularly something that they wouldn’t read on their own. My personal favourites for this purpose have always been “The Secret Garden”, and “King Soloman’s Mines.”

Encourage your children to participate by reading as many books as they can – picture books are also included, many of which have an extra element just for the adults who read them aloud to children.

Happy running and reading!

Regards

argo Dixon

Principal

FROM OUR APRE

Geraldine Goode

CLASSROOM PRAYER - This week I have had the pleasure of praying with each of the Prep classes and with 3CH at their class Mass. The significance of the Gospel’s account of Jesus blessing the children was made apparent as I prayed with these children. Children pray with their heart and soul – they reverently say the words of familiar prayers and heartily sing praise to God through their songs and accompanying actions. Parents who are witnesses to this prayer must also be touched by God’s presence. Jesus chooses children to help us refocus again on God’s love and presence in our lives. They are the ones who can model to us how to be prayerful. If you have the opportunity to pray with your child either at home or at school through assembly prayer, class prayer or Mass, I hope you will experience this wonderful sense of being with God.

FAMILY MASS - This Sunday we will have a perfect opportunity to pray with your children as well as the parish at Family Mass. Thanks to the many children who volunteered to help us pray more deeply through their active involvement. The musicians will inspire us all to join in the singing and there are plenty of actions to join in with as well. The P&F will also have a sausage sizzle for sale after Mass. At the last Family Mass, many families stayed for dinner and enjoyed each other’s company. Let’s make the most of this fine, warm weather and have the biggest group ever at Family Mass and the sausage sizzle.

VIRTUE OF SELF-DISCIPLINE - This virtue is one that is explored on a regular basis throughout all year levels in the school and also one that we need to revisit as adults. Self-discipline is all about self-control. It is getting yourself to do what you really want to, rather than being tossed around by your feelings like a leaf in the wind. You don’t lose control of yourself when you feel hurt or angry, but decide how you are going to talk and what you are going to do. With self-discipline, you take charge of yourself.

ASSEMBLY PRAYER -This week 1N will share their thoughts about how God created them as individuals and give thanks and praise to Him for their uniqueness. Please join us if you can at 11:00 to share their prayers and song. Next week 5/6R will lead prayer.

A reflection on Prayer by Henri Nouwen in Here and Now

To pray is to move to the centre of all life and all love. The closer I come to the hub of life, the closer I come to all that receives its strength and energy from there….When I pray, I enter into the depth of my own heart and find there the heart of God, who speaks to me of love. And I recognise, right there, the place where all my sisters and brothers are in communion with one another. The great paradox of the spiritual life is, indeed, that the most personal is most universal, and that the most contemplative is most active.

Enjoy your week and say a special prayer for someone you love. Geraldine

RESOURCE CENTRE NEWS

Maureen Twomey

READING CHALLENGE: READiscover - Our challenge is to read our Fiction collection.  Our resource centre has 6968 books in the fiction collections.  In the first week of our challenge our students, teachers and parents have managed to read 749 books – about 10.7% of the collection. Congratulations on a great beginning.  The number of resources borrowed by each grade level is as follows:

• Prep -  117
• Grade 1 -  117
• Grade 2 – 92
• Grade 3 – 157
• Grade 4 -  92
• Grade 5/6 – 122
• Grade 7 – 58

AUTHOR VISITS: Krista Bell will be visiting our school on Wednesday 23 May to talk with students in Year 4, 5, 6 and 7.  Krista will meet with the classes at the following times:

· Year 7 - 11am

· Year 5/6 – 12

· Year 4 – 1.45pm

Students can bring personal copies of her books for signing if they wish. 

Jacqueline Wilson will be visiting Lourdes Hill College on Tuesday May 22.  For further details contact Noeleen Fleming on3399 0419

Leigh Hobbs will be in Brisbane at Rosalie Parish Hall, Paddington on May 29 for an evening session commencing at 6.30pm.  This session is for adults and includes wine and food.  Leigh will be selling books and available for signings.  Further details are available at the Children’s Book Council website at www.cbc.org.au/qld  and RSVP can be emailed to tbuckley@padua.qld.edu.au

Book Fair – Our school will be holding a Book Fair from Tuesday 29 May to Monday 4 June.  During the Book Fair the resource centre will be open from 8am -3.30pm for parents to view and purchase books.  All proceeds from the Book Fair go to the purchase of books for the resource centre.  Many thanks for your support of this activity.

COMPUTER CLUB TERM 2 - Please note the following dates for Computer Club in Term 2:

• Wednesday 23 May
• Wednesday 30 May
• Wednesday 6 June
• Wednesday 13 June
• NO COMPUTER CLUB Wed 20 June last week of term

CURRICULUM SUPPORT TEACHER

Margaret Rockett

SSR (Self-Selected Reading) - It is very pleasing, to see how enthusiastically the children have embraced the challenge to read all the books in our Fiction Collection.

Last week I outlined some of the incentives for the children, one of them being, the invitation for the children to write a brief response to the book they have just completed reading. A number of possible responses have been placed in a folder on the common drive titled, Book Reviews. I also mentioned that I would be in the library Tuesday lunch; to help children type up their responses. Some of the responses will then be chosen to go into the newsletter.

Some of the possible responses are:

Characters

· Who are the main characters in the story?

· Does a character do things that are good/bad? What?

· Do any of the characters change? In what way?

· Do you know anyone like a character in the story?

Plot

· What are the main things that have happened in the story?

· Who has a problem? Is there one problem or more than one?

· How is the problem solved? How do you know?

Mood

· How did you feel while reading this story? Why did you feel that way?

· How did the author make you feel the way you did?

· Does the mood of the story change? How?

Author

· Who is the author?

· What do you know about the author?

“The more you read, the more things you will know.

The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

^{- Dr. Seuss,}

SPORT NEWS

Gayle Dinnen

X-COUNTRY - Congratulations to all runners who performed so well in the St Edwards Invitational X- Country Championships last Thursday at Daisy Hill. Mount Carmel was awarded 4^th place overall in Division A. A special mention to the Boys Junior Team who came 2^nd in Division A out of 10 schools and the Boys Intermediate Team who came 3^rd in Division A also out of 10 schools.

LYTTON TOUCH TRIALS - Congratulations to students who took part in the Lytton Touch Trials last week. Those students have been selected into the squad and will train and perform in fixtures later this term. Well done.

LYTTON SOFTBALL TRIALS - Lytton Softball Trials (11 &12 yrs) take place on Wed 23^rd May. Please see me TOMORROW if you are currently playing team Softball and are interested in being nominated for trial selection.

FUN RUN NEWS – Next Tuesday 22 May at the Morning Fun Run it will be “RUN WITH YOUR BUDDY DAY”. Come along and join in the fun.

JUNIOR RUGBY COACHING CLINICS – 25 & 26 JUNE AT BALLYMORE. For more information log onto www.redsrugby.com.au or phone 3354 9333.

TUCKSHOP NEWS

Vikki-Anne Partis & Kelly Collins

Tuckshop Rosters for week ending 25.5.07.

Monday 21 May Group 7; Linda Ruedinger, Rosemary Falconer, Cassie Spowart.

Wednesday 23 May Group 1; Luisa Pigozzo-Brown, Joanne Holyoak, Margaret McMahon and Michelle DiSavia.

Friday 25 May Group 4; Nicole Nasser, Sonya Parer, Marti Guardala and Lesley Simpson.

Thank you once again to all of our wonderful volunteers.  Our children enjoyed the participation of Father's at the Tuckshop for the May sausage sizzle. Thank you to Rod Siller, Steve Keating, Tony Rush and Rob Jansen. Happy Lunching, Kelly Collins and Vikki-Anne Partis.

SCHOOL NEWS

FETE UPDATE – This year’s fete’s profits will go to ‘Cool the School – Enhancing the School Environment’

Thank you to all those parents who have sent in the ‘behind the Scenes’ helpers forms. Remember if you will be helping in any way on the fete day, you will need to fill out the Student Protection forms (available from the Office). These need to be returned to the office by TOMORROW.

As of next week, we will be asking for items to be brought into school. The first of these is packets of wrapped lollies. If each family brought in at least one packet that would be great (boxes will be placed in classrooms for next week). In the next few weeks we will be reminding you to send in for Lob a Choc and Tombola.

In the mood to clean out your house??? Why not send any books, videos, DVDs to our 2^nd hand stall, as well as clothes/shoes for our pre-loved clothes stall. Watch the newsletter for when these can start coming in.

We will also ask each family to donate at least one plate of goodies for the cake stall. This will be done in the week prior to the fete when cake trays will be sent home.

The Fete Committee has been busy and is working on having many stalls undercover in the shed this year.

We Need Prizes!! – do you have something that could be used as a prize for the multi-draw or do you know someone who has a business and could donate a prize? Please send to the Office marked “Fete”. We are also on the look out for children’s prizes for a few stalls.

A reminder also for recipes to be sent in and wine for Chance Cellars stall. Thank you. Fete Committee.

RECIPE BOOK UPDATE - Recipes are still needed for ALL categories of the Mt Carmel Recipe Book, 2007.  From Entrees to Desserts and all stops in-between!  Do you or your children have a favourite recipe that is always sure to please?  We are also welcoming any 'handy home hints' or little ideas for a new twist on an old theme.  All recipes must be received by FRIDAY 8th JUNE. Please send recipes as soon as possible to Sam Murphy (murphysp@bigpond.net.au) or Kathryn Tominaga (hktomi@ozemail.com.au) or via the office

CHANCE CELLARS - Many thanks to the families who have so generously donated wine for our new “Chance Cellars” stall at our Fete. Please keep those bottles coming in. Remember, all wine bottles are to be delivered to the school office upon your child’s arrival at school in the mornings or alternatively, contact either Louise Perknikovs on 0419 704 789 or Sharron Lynch on 0421 401 562 to arrange collection.

MOTHERS DAY STALL - We hope you all had a lovely Mothers Day.  We would like to thank all those Mums who helped with wrapping, curling those bows and selling of the gifts.  Much appreciated.  Look forward to seeing you at the Fathers Day stall!!      Angela and Sam

CONGRATULATIONS!! Congratulations to Xavier Bell (7P) who was selected to be part of the Brisbane Central Rugby Union Team and Taylah Munroe (7P) for being selected in the Brisbane Hockey Team. Both students will play in the State Titles in the June/July holidays.

VIRTUAL WALK TO JAPAN - HOW FAR HAVE WE TRAVELLED? 3,445km WHERE ARE WE NOW? Over the Timor Sea. We have passed the Katherine Gorge and Darwin in the Northern Territory and are approaching Zumalai, East Timor. We are only a few days away from meeting up with our sister school in Zumalai! HOW CAN WE ALL BE INVOLVED IN THE MT CARMEL WALK TO JAPAN? All kilometres run/walked in class P.E. lessons, morning ‘fun runs’ and walking to and from school will be tallied. Collect tokens at the morning fun run and present them to your class teacher for tallying. If you walk to or from school, ask Mum or Dad to record your distance on the tally sheet sent home (extra copies available at the office) and return it to school, signed by a parent at the end of term.

Y’S UNIFORMS have advised that they will be selling out the brown fleecy track suit paints for $10.00 a pair and remaining fleecy jackets will also be reduced by $5.00.

MT CARMEL CARNIVALE - If any families are interested in donating an item for the silent auction or lucky door prizes for the dinner dance would you please contact Jane 3847 4107 or Wendy 3394 3540.

A very big thankyou to Cliff and Juanita Tarr from Ray White Real Estate Coorparoo who have generously offered to sponsor the live band for the Mt Carmel Carnivale night.  Tickets are already being booked so get your tables organized and get ready to hit the dance floor.

PARISH FUNDRAISER - WALK FOR WATER – June 3^rd – Come along and enjoy a pleasant stroll along Bulimba Creek from Carindale Shopping Centre to Minnippi Parklands at Carina. All monies raised will go towards the purchase and installation of water tanks for the church. Meeting time is 11.30 at the picnic shelter in the park on the corner of Winstanley St & Burbiton Court. For further details contact the parish office on 3397 1987 or collect a flyer from the school office.

ARE YOUR DAUGHTERS ACTIVE ENOUGH? QUTs Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation (IHBI) is looking for girls aged between 8 & 12 to participate in a study to gain a better understanding of their daily energy expenditure. The study will involve free-living energy expenditure measurements for one week using different techniques. We are looking at the best way to easily measure and predict energy use and physical activity in children.

Volunteers will be required to attend the QUT’s Kelvin Grove facilities on 3 occasions. The first session will be around 1 hour, the second one around 30 minutes and the third session around 15 minutes.

By taking part in the study volunteers will be provided with a complete report of their energy needs (number of kilocalories required per day), physical activity patterns and physical fitness.

For more detailed information about this study, please contact Mr. Paulo Amorim (QUT PhD student) by Email: p.amorim@student.qut.edu.au and ask for the “Participant Information Package”.

PARENTING GIFTED & TALENTED CHILDREN – If you are the parent of a gifted or talented child the Parenting & Family Support Centre at UQ would love to hear from you!! Phone 3365 7304 or email alina@psy.up.edu.au

AFTER SCHOOL HOURS CARE

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK INCLUDE:

Monday – Butterfly Craft, Board Games (Connect 4 & Monopoly), Adventure Playground

Tuesday – Body Volleyball, Harma beads & Felt Craft

Wednesday – Cheerleading, Board Games & Harma Beads

Thursday – Soccer, Drawing & Harma Beads

Friday – Miniature Gardens, Harma Beads & Board Games

Have a great week & thank you from Grace, Janelle & Jess

Feel like a chat and a laugh??

To raise funds for Carmelite projects in East Timor

the Friends of Zumalai

are holding

An Autumn Card Festival

at hall of Little King Movement,

cnr Carl & O’Keefe Sts, Buranda

on Tuesday 29 May

with morning tea at 10.00am and a luscious lunch..

Challenge Fr Lawrie to Trivial Pursuit

Play cards or Mah Jong or just relax and chat!!!

$20

For more details: Louise Godwin 3394 2328

Somerville Tournament Reply Slip

Name/s:
Class/es:
Telephone:
My child/ren can attend the chess tournament on Sunday May 27:
I will/won’t be able to transport my child/ren.
I am available to stay for the duration of the tournament if required. (10.45am to approx4pm)
Entry fee of $10 is enclosed.
Signed (parent):	_____________________________
Please return via chess lesson, school office or email by Tuesday 15^th May for us to organise players into teams.

Brisbane Teams Tournament Reply Slip

Name/s:
Class/es:
Telephone:
My child/ren can attend the chess tournament on Wed May 23:
I am available to stay for the duration of the tournament if required. (10.45am to approx4pm)
Entry fee of $10 is enclosed.
Signed (parent):	_____________________________
I will/won’t be able to transport my child/ren.
Please return via chess lesson,school office or email by Tuesday 15^th May or earlier for us to organise players into teams.

** POSITION VACANT **

Are you looking for a part-time job, working school hours? Do you enjoy working with children? Then read on…

Our school tuckshop has a vacancy for an energetic person, to work three days per fortnight.

The successful candidate will, most importantly, be enthusiastic and possess a positive outlook. They will be patient and able to relate to children, with an ability to sometimes “read their mind” (sounds like most parents doesn’t it?).

If you are interested in finding out more about this position, please leave your name and contact phone number with the school office.

Position closes Friday, 25 May 2007.

Community Notices:

SCHOOL HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS FOR YOUR CREATIVE CHILD – Australian Acting Academy. Phone 3371 8599 or www.actingacademy.com.au

ST COLUMBAN’S COLLEGE CABOOLTURE – Inaugural Community Open Day embracing past, present & future. Saturday 26 May 9am – 2pm. For more details go to www.stcolumbanscollege.qld.edu.au.

ST KEVIN’S SCHOOL FETE, 249 Newman Road, Geebung. Saturday 2^nd June - 10 am to 4 pm. Food Stalls, Craft Stall, Entertainment, Huge Cent Auction, Trash & Treasure & more. Rides include Giant Slide, Rock Climbing, Wave Swinger, and Jumping Castle. Wrist bands on the day $28 each or pre-purchase from the school office for $23.00.

HOLLAND PARK ART SHOW 2007 – Queen