A warm welcome back to Term 4. It’s hard to believe we’re already nearing the end of the academic year, although we know there is still plenty of work to be done as we continue to support and guide our young women towards the completion of their studies.

Last term — as Term 3s often are — was a long one, but it was wonderful to see it end on such a high note. The Year 8 Ecofashion Runway was a real highlight, showcasing weeks of preparation and creative learning across multiple curriculum areas. It was also fantastic to see the school turn pink on the final Friday of term to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer — a vibrant show of compassion and community spirit.

During the term break, I was fortunate to spend time with our basketball team, who competed in the Secondary Schools Basketball Tournament in Palmerston North. It was a fantastic week, with teams from across the country competing with great energy and sportsmanship. Our team achieved some wonderful results and demonstrated determination, passion, and school pride both on and off the court. A huge thank you to our Director of Sport, Claire Magness, our coaches Chris Vaughan and Greg Brockbank and manager Beth for their guidance and support. Thanks also to the parents and supporters, some of whom made the trip to Palmerston North, for cheering our team on.

This week, it has been lovely to see our young women return to school for their final term. Tomorrow, as a college community, we will mark a very special milestone, 175 years since the Sisters of Mercy arrived in New Zealand. To commemorate this occasion, Carmel College will join with our fellow Auckland Mercy schools, St Mary’s College and McAuley High School, at the Victory Centre for a celebratory Mass. This will be a wonderful occasion and one we’re sure our students will treasure. Together, we will acknowledge and celebrate the work of the Sisters of Mercy and reflect on the impact their mission and values continue to have on us all today. We remain part of the circle of Mercy, a community that began in Ireland with Catherine McAuley and continues to live and grow in us all.

In the broadcast sent last week, see HERE, I mentioned that there is still much to be clarified regarding curriculum and assessment changes, and that negotiations across the sector are ongoing. As has been reported in the media, PPTA union members are currently voting on possible industrial action.

It is expected that results of the ballot will be confirmed by Saturday 11 October, and should the industrial actions proceed, strike notices will be issued to schools covered by the Secondary and Area School Teachers’ Collective Agreements within the required three-day notice period, as set out in the Education and Training Act 2020.

If all proposed strike action goes ahead, the timeline will be as follows:

As you will see, this planned industrial action includes Year 7 and 8 students being rostered home on Tuesday 14 October and Wednesday 15 October respectively.

Unfortunately, we will not be able to open for instruction for students on those days. However, we will be able to offer supervision for students under 14 years of age. A separate alert will be sent via SchoolBridge with further details.

While media coverage of these issues may create some uncertainty, I want to reassure you that we have an exceptional team of dedicated teachers, support staff, and administrators. Our focus remains firmly on our students and supporting them to complete the year to their full potential.

As also noted in the broadcast, our Proprietor Board  Carmel College Auckland Limited — has begun the process of developing a new Master Plan for our school property. This plan will shape the future of our learning spaces, facilities, and grounds for years to come.

Input from our community — students, parents, staff, and whānau — is vital to ensuring these developments reflect and meet our collective needs. I invite you to share your thoughts by completing the Community Master Plan Survey by Friday 17 October.

Link to google form for community survey: Master Plan Community Survey

Finally, as noted in the broadcast, there are many events ahead in the coming weeks. Please review the key dates listed in the broadcast and newsletter, and as always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the College.