What a wonderful week of reading we have had at Mt Carmel during Book week! A special thank you also goes to Susanna Jolly, who organised our Readathon and its many fabulous prizes throughout the week. There was much excitement with the draw for the daily winners. The book fair was a great success with lots of children and parents purchasing new books to read. Today’s character dress-up day had an amazing array of colourful and creative costumes – it was wonderful to see so much imagination on display! Thank you to all the families who got sponsors for the children and the contributions they made to our school.

Mt Carmel celebrated Catholic School’s day on May 28^th with a variety of activities. The day began with a beautiful Liturgy led by Tui class, reflecting on what we are thankful for, and the children’s hopes for the future. This was followed by a special morning tea treat from the PTA , with all children enjoying a tasty donut . Throughout the day the children took part in a range of activities including creating prayer stones, making friendship bracelets and origami cranes, Lego challenges, creative artworks and Ballet inspired dance.

Kakapo has started the term with their R.E strand “Te Rongopai - Good News”. During this time, we have been getting to know our way around the Bible and finding the good news that Jesus has left for us. Kakapo has been reflecting on the messages we have found in parables and other teachings of Jesus such as the Beatitudes. We have talked about what it could mean in our lives, as well as how we are going to put these words into actions.

Kakapo then worked collaboratively to create Beatitude posters that illustrate how we might live these messages in our life!

On Monday 7^th April, following on from our lessons about sustainability and the visit from the Tread Lightly caravan, our Junior School students embarked on the Local Area Walk with their class.  Each class visited a park, reserve, or green space within walking distance from school and collected rubbish which was audited upon our return to class.  We used this opportunity to learn more about our local area and do our bit for the local environment. On the day Ms. Hennessey was picked up by her friends in the NZ Fire Engine to meet the children on route. The students were very excited to see her join them on their trip.
Thanks to Brett Cochrane and his friends for arranging the for the Fire brigade visit to coincide with the walk.

The year 5 and 6 students took part in the Summer Field Days Interschool competition, participating in Touch, Cricket, T-Ball, and this year Badminton for the first time. Some children chose sports that had never played before and some played sports that they play regularly. Sadly, due to the inclement weather some of the field sports were cancelled, however, the children that played had fun even if they were a little soggy!
Well done to all the Mt Carmel students and a big thank you to all the parent helpers and drivers.

Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week, which is one of the most important weeks of the year . On Palm Sunday we celebrate Jesus coming back to Jerusalem as a King.
As Easter falls in the school holidays this year, the children from the junior school recreated the events leading up to and during Palm Sunday this week at school. Students from Pukeko classroom dressed up as Jesus and his followers and the rest of the junior school welcomed Jesus into the town. Pukeko classroom also had the washing of the feet followed by the Last Supper.
Photos here.
Have a Blessed Easter everyone  

On the 28th March our Year 5 and 6s visited Goat Island to investigate a marine reserve.  They had a fantastic time. This is part of the Mountain to Sea programme that highlights the uniqueness of our freshwater and marine biodiversity and provides an active focus on the conservation of these environments through education and action. The children were able to compare two marine habitats; Goat Island with the fresh water habitat from last weeks visit to Pourewa stream.

Tread Lightly Caravan

The Tread Lightly Caravan came to Mt Carmel last week, this is a mobile environmental classroom that visits primary and intermediate schools in the Auckland region.
Using fun interactive exhibits and activities, the programme teaches students what they buy and eat and how they travel and use energy has an impact on the environment. It integrates Western-science perspectives on environmental protection and restoration with Te Ao Māori customs and protocols. Students make pledges to reduce their environmental footprint and involve their families and friends in implementing them.

Jessika from College Rifles came to Mt Carmel again this year to organise some Rippa Rugby sessions for us. The children enjoyed practising their ball handling and running skills and it was a great chance to improve their hand- eye coordination and team building skills. It was fantastic to see the children having so much fun.

Last Monday Mt Carmel celebrated St. Patrick's day in style. The children came to school dressed in green. There was a gold coin donation in aid of Caritas.