We regularly hear of the importance of connectedness and belonging in achieving positive mental health outcomes. There have been so many instances of connectedness and belonging at and around ¼«Æ··´²îæ» during the past couple of weeks, it’s hard to know where to start when describing them!

OKC Ari Range’s prize-winning film was shown at the Burswood Telethon Community Cinema and a group of us led by Mr Duthie enjoyed watching it alongside 18 other students’ films under the stars, with a sell-out crowd.

Purim was a fabulous day of costumes, Megillah readings, games, activities and socialising. High School students and children from the Primary School had lots of fun together and although sliding around in a sea of foam on the oval didn’t appeal to me, it was clearly one of the most popular activities on offer.

The Year 6 students were also lucky enough to be treated to the Carmel Academy of Performing Arts’ special rehearsal of High School Musical – a wonderful chance to show the talented performers amongst this group an example of the sorts of opportunities to belong that will be offered to them at the High School next year.

Chatting in the Kadima foyer during the parent/teacher/student interviews this week was another example of the warmth and connectedness that is so prevalent at ¼«Æ··´²îæ» â€“ parents catching up with other parents, teachers providing their professional advice on next steps to students – a lovely reminder of the importance of learning and how it is valued by Carmel families.

We were also grateful to receive a visit this week from Father Michael, Rector of Mazenod College, Lesmurdie, who wanted to express his solidarity and tell us of the prayers that are regularly offered for Israel and the Jewish community at Mazenod. It’s always good to hear of such support being offered in places where we might not automatically know that people outside the immediate Carmel community are thinking of us.

As I write this article, I am particularly looking forward to tonight’s UIA women’s division event at the JHub. I am told that the event is sold out and the speakers are going to be impressive. Yet another example of community connectedness and belonging. As an outsider who has been warmly welcomed into the community, I have felt firsthand the benefits of belonging and I am grateful for it.

Julie Harris

Principal