Welcome back to Term 2. I hope everyone had a restful Easter break with time to unwind and reflect on Term 1. As we begin this busy 11-week term, there is much to look forward to, including the Year 13 Ball, winter sports, drama performances, and a range of activities across all year levels—from Year 7 Jumping June and Year 8 dance, to senior retreats, wellbeing days, and careers and work experience opportunities. It promises to be another full and engaging term, including the highlight of Carmel Day on Friday 26 June. 

Last week a community broadcast was sent to all parents, caregivers and students. The purpose was to introduce new staff, share a few reminders about aspects of school life, and to highlight key dates and events. Please see the broadcast here if you did not receive it. I also encourage you to contact the front office to ensure your contact details are up to date if you have not already done so. 

At the end of Term 1, Progress Reports for all students were made available on the Kamar Portal. Progress reports are issued at the end of each term and show your daughter’s organisation, academic engagement, attitude to learning, and attendance in line with the STAR framework. Following the release of these reports, parent-teacher interviews are taking place this week and next week. Below are a few key points about the interviews: 

• When:
  • Week 1, Thursday 23 April, 12.30-7pm
  • Week 2, Tuesday 28 April, 12.30-7pm

• Please note that school will finish at 12.00pm on these days to allow time for interviews.
• If your daughter is under 14 years of age and requires supervision after 12.00pm, this will be available at school. Please email Jane Meurant jmeurant@carmel.school.nz to inform us if your daughter requires supervision.
• Note: School buses will run at their normal timetable.

• How to book:

• • Bookings are made via Schoolbridge – Conferences

• Who:

• • Parents and caregivers, along with students are welcome to attend.
  • If you have any questions regarding how to book interviews, please contact Mrs Sharlene O’Donnell, sodonnell@carmel.school.nz

This weekend, students are warmly invited to take part in the Takapuna ANZAC Parade and Service on Saturday 25 April, from 8:30am to approximately 10:30am. The parade will begin on Sanders Avenue, Takapuna, and proceed along Lake Road to the War Memorial at 7 The Strand. Carmel staff will be present at Sanders Avenue to help marshal students into the parade.

Students are to attend in formal school uniform (including blazer, tights, neat hair, and official badges). Participation in both the parade and service will count for 2 hours of service.

This is a meaningful opportunity for students to honour those who have served, while also supporting our Head Girls, who will be laying a wreath and reciting the Ode. Students are encouraged to be prepared to sing the National Anthem with energy and pride, with practice resources and background reading provided.

Over the term break, I reminisced with my children about our trip to Japan two years ago, especially in light of ANZAC Day, as we visited the site where my great uncle is buried at the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Yokohama. This weekend, I encourage our young women to reflect on what ANZAC Day represents. At the ceremony in Yokohama in 2024, the NZ Ambassador to Japan, Mr Hamish Cooper, reflected on the enduring legacy of ANZAC soldiers, highlighting their courage, compassion, comradeship, and commitment to a cause that required immense sacrifice. He challenged those in attendance to consider how we honour that legacy today, not only through remembrance, but by reaffirming our commitment to doing the right thing and contributing to a safer, better world for future generations.

I hope we can all reflect on this message and take assurance in the way our students at Carmel embody these values through their service to others, their engagement in school life, and the way they embrace opportunities with purpose and generosity of spirit. As we begin a new term, I encourage you to support your daughter in seeking out opportunities, especially those that challenge her and help her to grow in confidence, character, and capability.

Finally, as you will also see in the newsletter this week, a junior and senior student from each house was recognised and awarded the Spirit of Mercy badge. These students were identified by others in their house, their house leaders and deans, as young women who are excellent role models for all of us as we continue to try to live daily as women of Mercy. To these young women who were acknowledged and received the Spirit of Mercy badge, congratulations and thank you. Whilst there are many works of Mercy occurring in our community, thank you to all for the part you play, and may we all continue to strive to be the best we can be in all aspects of our lives.

As we begin this new school term, embrace the opportunities each day brings, both in and out of the classroom. Be a shining lamp, giving light to others in ways both big and small. And above all, continue to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with our God.