As we draw closer to the end of another busy and rewarding term, it’s a perfect moment to pause and reflect on all that’s taken place within our school community. The past week has been filled with energy and achievement and we are so proud of what our students, staff, and families have accomplished together.

Looking ahead to the final week of term, there are still some important moments and exciting activities on the calendar. Below are some of the highlights from the past week, along with a preview of what’s coming up. Thank you for your continued support and involvement—it’s what makes our school community so special.

Big Sing

Each year, our school choir continues to grow, not just in numbers, but in confidence, skill, and enthusiasm. With more voices joining in, it’s been wonderful to see students embracing new songs, harmonies, and musical challenges with such dedication and joy. 

Although results from the recent Big Sing competition were not yet available at the time of writing, we want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and commitment of all our choir members. Taking part in such a well-regarded event is a significant achievement in itself, and every student involved should be incredibly proud.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed from the singers and accompanists to the choir director and support staff.

Monsignor Tonks- 50 years since his ordination 

On Sunday, 15 June, the St Joseph’s parish community gathered to celebrate Monsignor David Tonks’ Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years since his ordination as a priest.

A packed church reflected the deep respect and love held for Monsignor Tonks. In his homily, he shared advice from Cardinal Tom Williams that he was given before teaching at the seminary;

• Be kind
• Don’t be a pre madonna
• Live as the Lord would, and represent Him through your life

Hearing this advice brought to mind the verse displayed above our school hall from Micah 6:8: “Act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God.” It’s a message our young women pass by countless times during their years at Carmel, and one we hope remains with them long after they leave, guiding them to become empowered, compassionate leaders who shape and challenge their world through the values of their Mercy education.

We are truly blessed to have Monsignor Tonks as part of our community leading with humility, supporting with compassion, and continuing to inspire us all through his faithful service.

Matariki

As we approach the long weekend to observe Matariki, it’s a meaningful time to pause and reflect on the significance behind this public holiday and the Matariki star cluster that rises in the winter sky.

Matariki marks the beginning of the Māori Lunar Calendar and holds deep importance within Te Ao Māori. It is a time for all of us in Aotearoa to celebrate our bicultural heritage and come together in shared reflection and joy. Central to Matariki are three guiding principles:

• Remembrance: Honouring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki.
• Celebration of the Present: Embracing the here and now with gratitude.
• Looking to the Future: Setting intentions and hopes for the year ahead.

When the Matariki stars rise on June 20th, 2025, communities across the country will unite under this year’s theme: Matariki mā Puanga: Celebrating Together. This theme highlights inclusion, diversity, and the power of coming together as one.

Last week Matua Maurice, Mrs Mackisack, and Mrs Sahinkaya led a professional development session for our staff, encouraging thoughtful ways we can honour Matariki both in the classroom and at home. They introduced us to five key concepts that we all can explore;

• Tākoha — Giving to others
• Hākari — Feasting and bringing people together
• Whakapapa — Genealogy; remembering those who came before us
• Papatūānuku — Earth Mother; connecting to the land beneath us
• Ranginui — Sky Father; connecting to the sky above us

It has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm and involvement of students this week in learning about and celebrating Matariki, both in the classroom and during lunchtime activities. These included videos and events thoughtfully created and shared by our student leaders, under the guidance of our Tu Wahine, Riley Redfern-Hardisty.

Carmel Day

Next Thursday we celebrate the Church feast for Our Lady of Mt Carmel, which falls on the 16th July. Carmel College is named for Mary, our Lady of Carmel and our devotion to Mary is seen in our school Motto ‘Mana Maria’, Mary as our guide.

At our Carmel Day Mass, our Head Girls will explain the significance of Mount Carmel, which is a mountain overlooking the plain of Galilee. This mountain became famous when the prophet Elijah, who lived many years before Jesus, was born. The Book of Kings tells how Elijah stood up to the 450 prophets of the false god Baal. Through his prayers, God gave Elijah the power to perform a miracle to prove that Elijah’s God was the true God. This happened on Mount Carmel.

Hundreds of years later, a group of European monks who had a special devotion to Mary, Our Lady, began to live on Mount Carmel and became known as Carmelites. Simon Stock, an Englishman, became the superior of the Carmelites and when they began to suffer harassment for their faith, they turned to Mary for help. On July 16, 1251, Mary appeared to St. Simon and promised her protection to those who followed her by wearing a brown scapular. 

The statue of Our Lady that is in the school foyer, which was gifted by the foundation pupils of Carmel, and whilst I am sure that many have walked past Our Lady some may not have noticed that a brown scapular rests over her hands.

At our Carmel Day Mass we will also celebrate what it means to be people of mercy.  Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, said that mercy is the path marked out by Jesus for all those who desire to follow him. Each student will receive a ribbon with this year’s school value on it to wear to Mass and at the end of Mass we will acknowledge four people in our Carmel Community for the particular way they have shown our values in action, walking the path of mercy. Keep an eye out on the college’s social media pages to see who will be acknowledged. 

Farewell to Father Mark

At our upcoming Carmel Day Mass, we will also take a moment to farewell and thank Father Mark, who has faithfully served as our school chaplain since 2022.

In his time at Carmel, Father Mark has provided much more than just spiritual guidance. He has walked alongside our community, offering human, pastoral, and religious support to both staff and students. Through his presence, prayer, and encouragement, he has helped many deepen their relationship with God and strengthen their connection with one another.

We are grateful for the kindness, wisdom, and gentle leadership Father Mark has shared with us. As we prepare to say goodbye, we do so with sincere thanks and warm wishes for the journey ahead.

Progress reports out next week

Progress reports will be sent out next week. These reports build on the information shared in Term 1, and you can expect two further reports at the end of Terms 3 and 4. The report is designed to give you a clear overview of your daughter’s progress in three key areas; organisation, academic engagement, and attitude to learning.

For students in Years 7–11, any available assessment results at the time of publication have also been included.

For students in Years 12–13, a second section contains results from completed NCEA internal assessments that have been marked, moderated, and finalised.

In addition, all reports for Years 7–13 include a subject-by-subject breakdown of attendance. We encourage you to use this report as an opportunity to talk with your daughter about her academic engagement, particularly in any subjects she may find more challenging. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact her subject teachers or Dean.

As we approach the term break, we hope your daughter has the opportunity to rest and recharge. To support her wellbeing and maintain learning momentum, we encourage simple daily habits such as reading for at least 20 minutes, engaging in 30 minutes of physical activity, keeping a regular sleep routine, and avoiding devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime.

This week is also Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we want to take a moment to acknowledge and sincerely thank all those in our community who give so generously of their time, experience, and skills. Your support plays a vital role in enriching the lives of our young women and strengthening the spirit of our college.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to nurture your daughter’s growth as an empowered young woman who, through a Catholic education in the Mercy tradition, is inspired to strive for personal excellence and contribute positively to her world.

In light of Carmel Day next week, our Carmel College School Prayer;

E te Atua Atawhai,
We thank you
for blessing Carmel College.

We give thanks for our Mercy foundation
and for all who have served our Carmel Community.

May Jesus, our teacher,
Mary, our Guide,
and Catherine McAuley, who showed us the path of Mercy,
inspire us:
to be women of service;
who respect others and creation;
who advocate for justice;
who show courage and care in all our actions;
and who walk humbly with you, our God.

Amen