It has been a busy week at Carmel School and although the end of term is almost visible in the distance, there is still so much left to do. I reassure myself that it feels this way each year, yet we always achieve what we need to in time for the end of term. It’s too early to be looking forward to the break at this stage, but the prospect of some time to read and relax late in ...

From the Principal

I sat in on an interesting evening presentation to a group of women leaders at AISWA this week, entitled ‘The Art of Patience’. It served to reinforce one of my personal failings, but did provide some interesting thoughts around the importance of being patient. We heard about the need to not be reactive and clamour for instant results, rather to reflect, walk more slowly and no ...

From the Principal

Sometimes endings are necessary before new beginnings can unfold. We are very proud of the Carmel cohort of 2023 Year 12 students, whose last week of school was an ending characterised by dignity, courage and integrity. A fabulous beach breakfast, bowling expedition, lunch and valedictory rehearsal made for a fitting final day of school. Now that they have celebrated, enjoyed v ...

From the Principal

Good morning students, teachers, parents, friends, Carmel VIPs, guests and, of course, our Year 12 valedictorians. A valedictory is a farewell address. It denotes the end of something – in this case, the end of your time at Carmel School. But it also denotes a beginning - it’s an end and a beginning. It’s the beginning of the next episode of your lives – lives which I am confi ...

From the Principal

It is at times like this that one realises the awesomeness of the people around them. I am in the lucky position of being surrounded by people who have this week shown their compassion, their resilience and their resolve. I have felt privileged to have worked this week with leaders at our school who have led with dignity and strength. I have worked with students who have contin ...

From the Principal

The end of Term 3 is upon us and looking back, it has been an extremely busy term. As I write this, our Year 12 students are in the throes of their exams and we have been really impressed with the way in which they have conducted themselves – their outlook was described to me yesterday as “cool, calm and collected”. Although I do understand that this outward calm may not always ...

From the Principal

The wisdom of youth... I always feel great pride during school assemblies. Last week we enjoyed a Founders’ Day assembly in which we honoured the late Dr Harry Hoffman AM obm and heard from his daughter Sue, about his life and the huge difference he made. We also recognised students’ efforts and contributions in our Colours and Honours assembly, which highlighted the opportuni ...

From the Principal

I lost sleep earlier this week after reading an article by some educationalists I have long admired, whose article entitled “The Future of AI in Education: 13 things we can do to minimize the damage” caused me great concern. I have previously confessed to a lack of any great interest in information technology. However, Chat GPT has been a revelation to me and I have thoroughly ...

From the Principal

Balanced Debate I was very impressed with the students’ presentations in this week’s High School assembly. Year 10 students prepared talks to illustrate both sides of the debate around the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum that has caused so much discussion in recent months. It was a great opportunity for me to talk to the students about the responsibility they will e ...

From the Principal

Opportunities This week was proof again that anyone who fears a small school has fewer opportunities for its students need not worry. The Parents and Friends Quiz Night on Sunday was a triumph – twenty tables of fiercely competitive community members vying for a prestigious first place, plus a successful raffle and silent auction to help raise funds for Menora Foundation. The ...

From the Principal