As we reach the midpoint of Term 1, it has been wonderful to see our young women actively engaging in life beyond the classroom and strengthening their sense of connection and belonging within our school community.
Last week’s Swimming Sports at Point Erin Pools was a fantastic example of this. While the competitive races showcased the talents of many of our students, it was equally heartening to see the enthusiasm and participation in the noodle races, relays and splash competitions. These moments brought students together in an atmosphere of excitement, camaraderie and house spirit. It was pleasing to see students and staff cheering one another on. I would like to acknowledge and thank our Sports Department and Sports Council for their excellent organisation, to all students who participated, and to the staff who ensured the day ran so smoothly.
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of visiting our Year 8 students at camp at Finlay Park. The girls were thoroughly immersed in a wide range of activities that challenged them to step outside their comfort zones. What stood out most was the encouragement and respect they showed one another. It is through trying new experiences, and sometimes failing before trying again, that our young women develop resilience, courage and confidence in their own abilities.
As we look forward to hearing more stories from Year 8 camp next week, we also prepare to farewell our Year 12 students on Monday as they head to Tongariro National Park for their annual camp. This long-standing and valued part of Carmel’s Year 12 programme combines retreat time with rich curriculum opportunities. Students will gather fieldwork data across subjects such as Biology, Geography, Media Studies and History. Next Wednesday, over 70 students are planning to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand’s great one-day walks. We hope for fine weather and a safe, memorable experience for all involved.
I would like to sincerely acknowledge and thank the many staff and parents who contribute to the planning and delivery of these camps. The preparation involved, including bookings, budgets, transport, police vetting, and detailed health and safety planning, is significant. This commitment ensures our young women can participate in meaningful and challenging experiences that foster growth and independence. It is often through these opportunities that they develop into the empowered young women we seek to nurture at Carmel College.
Today and tomorrow we welcomed a significant number of families to our pre-enrolment school tours. Our student leaders spoke with confidence and pride before guiding families around the school. These tours provide an important opportunity to share who we are as a learning community and what makes a Carmel education distinctive.
Please note that enrolments for 2026 close on Friday 13 March, as our school roll continues to experience pressure. If you, or someone you know, have any questions regarding enrolment, please contact Jane Meurant at admin@carmel.school.nz.
In closing, I share the concluding message of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, for Lent 2026 on the theme “Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion”:
Dear friends, let us ask for the grace of a Lent that leads us to greater attentiveness to God and to the least among us. Let us ask for the strength that comes from the type of fasting that also extends to our use of language, so that hurtful words may diminish and give way to a greater space for the voice of others. Let us strive to make our communities places where the cry of those who suffer finds welcome, and listening opens paths towards liberation, making us ready and eager to contribute to building a civilization of love.
