We’ve had a smooth start to the year and been happy to welcome a number of new students into our classes. Initial phone calls home have proved a delight, hearing about how impressed parents are with the Carmel welcome and the high-quality learning that started right from the beginning of the academic year. Although we know what a good job we do, it certainly is marvellous to hear it from families joining us from other schools.

We are keen to provide as many chances as possible for our new parents to meet and chat with current parents, as well as to give opportunities for all of the School community to get together. This has gotten off to a good start, with parent information evenings for PP to Year 2, and Year 3 to 6 in the Primary School. In the High School, parent sessions have been run for Year 7 parents, Year 10 (with a focus on future careers and pathways for Year 11 subject selection), and Year 12 (with a focus on pathways for Year 12 and beyond). We also enjoyed a well-attended coffee van on Wednesday – clearly caffeine is a desirable draw card, first thing in the morning.

Our fabulous P&F has arranged a sundowner for parents to get together and meet up off campus for a social event on Sunday 26^th February. If you can, please make the time to attend and meet some new Carmel parents that you may not know, as well as catching up with old friends. It would be lovely to see as many of you as possible – please contact Michelle Berg [0421 960 961] to register your attendance.

The first Carmel Playgroup of the year took place on Wednesday and excitement abounded as twenty adults and their children planted marigolds for Tu Bishvat, tasted apples, sang songs and generally had a fabulous time. Thank you to Mrs Bolton, Morah Irit and Mrs Creasy for such a successful start to the year.

On a couple of health and safety notes, please may I request that parents encourage their children to put sunscreen on before leaving for school? In the High School, having a roll-on sunscreen in their bag or locker will also encourage them to re-apply during the day if necessary. ÌýAs well as encouraging its use during Physical Education lessons occurring outside, we have a supply in reception should it be needed.

The other safety issue that regularly rears its head is that of driver safety on Cresswell Road at drop off and pick up time. Parents often ask me why I haven’t ensured the safe driving and parking of all concerned and I have to regretfully explain that I actually have no jurisdiction over what happens on the road outside the School – my influence stops at the fence! However, I would like to request that all parents drive carefully and mindfully outside the School, as well as following the rules of the road. There is a mini roundabout that we can use to turn around rather than doing a five point turn in the middle of the road and would make it safer for students, who are asked to cross at the official crossing.

I can only imagine how hard it would be to deal with an accident directly outside the School and am obviously keen to avoid this at all costs.

As I write this post, I am looking forward to so many things – the Primary School clubs start next week and many students are taking advantage of the opportunities available to them. There is an impressive list which you can view on our website, hereÌýand I can’t wait for my first board games session on Tuesday after school. There is also the Year 11/12 dinner dance on Sunday night which has been planned so beautifully by Mrs Messina and Ms Bughiu and which promises to be a spectacular event.

I hope all of our Carmel families enjoy a lovely weekend.

Ìý

Shabbat shalom.