Our Lady of Mount Carmel School is swinging its doors open this Brisbane Catholic Education Open Week (28 April to 4 May 2025), inviting parents to an evening all about student wellbeing.
Parents and future students are invited to visit the Coorparoo school on Thursday, 1 May to hear from guest speaker Karen Young, author of the acclaimed children's book Hey Warrior, and learn more about the school's approach to supporting student wellbeing.
This inspiring session will explore ways to support children navigating anxiety, offering valuable insights for families and empowering future scholars.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Principal Warren Fields said in 2024 and 2025, Our Lady of Mount Carmel School has strengthened its commitment to student wellbeing after identifying an opportunity to better support the 27 per cent of students experiencing anxiety.
“Student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do,” he said.
"We recognise the importance of social and emotional learning, which is why we introduced the Second Step program in 2024 which is taught across all our classrooms.
“The program helps students develop essential life skills, fostering social awareness and responsible decision-making, helping them become engaged and compassionate global citizens.
"Inclusion, outreach, and a strong sense of belonging are also central to our school culture.
“We actively celebrate diversity and create a welcoming space where every student feels valued and supported.”
Warren said their goal was to provide students with the stepping stones to lead a successful life, through the many unique opportunities they offer.
“We have a dedicated student support team, including a school-based speech pathologist,” he said.
"We have recently also implemented a phonics program across all classrooms to ensure a strong foundation in reading and literacy for every student.
"Beyond the classroom, our students have incredible opportunities to grow and explore their unique interests.
“From the highly anticipated Sydney-Canberra trip to sporting competitions, and our Year 6 leadership program, we encourage students to challenge themselves and develop lifelong skills.”
Warren also said that their new Playground Buddies initiative was already making a difference.
“Year 6 students act as mentors in the playground, helping younger students build friendships, feel included, and enjoy a positive playtime experience,” she said.
"This also helps students develop a strong sense of social responsibility.
“Following our school motto, by Prayer and Action we follow Christ, our students raise much needed funds for initiatives like Caritas’ Project Compassion.”
At Our Lady of Mount Carmel sport and music is also an important part of the school culture.
In 2024 our students won the QC Cup Netball and BCE Rugby 7s North Side Competition for the Year 5 girls and Year 4 boys.
It hosts a musical at Chandler every second year and its junior and senior choirs proudly represent the school at the Queensland Catholic Music Festival annually.
The inner-city school boasts a well-equipped campus, featuring an onsite oval, a newly renovated library with dedicated reading areas, stadium seating, and a dynamic maker space.
Students also enjoy a vibrant playground, and spacious, classrooms designed for collaborative learning.
"Our school has been deeply rooted in the community since its establishment in 1937,” Warren said.
“We take great pride in our rich history, with many of our staff being former students who continue to uphold our legacy of excellence and care."
In 2025, Our Lady of Mount Carmel plans to restore the historic Brandsma Building, transforming it back into a dedicated space for Mass.
Open Week 2025
Discover the Our Lady of Mount Carmel difference! Parents and future scholars are invited to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School Open Day on Thursday, May 1 from 5.30 pm.
Meet the Principal and staff, explore the school’s newly renovated library, grab a bite to eat and something to drink, and get ready to learn about how you can support your child’s wellbeing.