Our school was opened on the 7th March 1954, by the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition and was known as ’Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Primary School’. This was a time of amazing drive, determination and commitment by the whole community as parents and parishioners worked closely together to design, raise money and build a wonderful school. What the community may have lacked in resources at this time, they certainly made up for in spirit, goodwill and generosity.

When the Carmelite Fathers arrived in Hilton in 1956, the school’s name was changed to ‘Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School.’ OLMC was staffed by the Sisters of Nazareth from 1963 until 1992, when the first lay Principal, Mrs Margaret Sweetman was appointed.

After the withdrawal of the Sisters of Nazareth from the school and from Foley Village, (the aged care facility next door) OLMC was entirely staffed by lay teachers. The Carmelite Fathers however, continued to live next door at the Priory and a close and fruitful relationship between the parish and school was carefully nurtured – a relationship that has continued through the years to the present day.

From 1994 to 2000, the school embarked on a building programme to enlarge and modernise the facilities and grounds. This resulted in a new library, a modern Administration block and the creation of a Kindergarten classroom. The undercover area was also renovated and the playgrounds upgraded. Additional work included the addition of pergola areas behind classrooms, the completion of a new sports shed, upgrading of the lower oval and the development of an all-purpose playing court area.

Our Lady of Mt Carmel Feast Day

Mount Carmel was a holy place hundreds of years before Christ. There the prophet Elijah challenged the prophets of the pagan god Baal to a contest where the power of God was shown forth. Later, in the early centuries of Christianity, people who wanted to pray and grow close to God settled on the slopes of Mount Carmel. Scriptures speak of the beauty of Mount Carmel in Galilee. In time a monastery was built there.

In the year 1251, the prior-general of the Carmelites, Simon Stock had a vision of Mary. This day, the 16 July, then became the special feast day of the Carmelite Order. In the 18th century the feast was then extended to the whole church.

Crest and Motto

The Carmelites follow in the footsteps of the prophets Elijah and Elisha and the many holy men who lived and prayed on Mount Carmel in Israel. From the beginning, the men of Mount Carmel had a special devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Over time, the Carmelites travelled to other countries to preach and care for those in need. In 1881 they arrived in Australia and in 1956 to Hilton Western Australia. Our school crest is the Carmelite crest, which has been used for centuries. The symbols on the crest are Mount Carmel and three stars. The largest of the three stars represents Mary and the other two, the prophets Elijah and Elisha. Throughout their lives, Mary and the prophets Elijah and Elisha were faithful to God in truth, prayer and service. Their faith was fulfilled in Jesus.

The values of truth, prayer and service are important to the community of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School. As a community of believers, we celebrate our faith through prayer. By bearing witness to the truth of God’s love for each one of us, we promote self worth and an appreciation and acceptance of others. We give service to others by sharing our gifts and talents to create a just, respectful and supportive Christian community.

TRUTH

‘I am the way, the truth and the life’.
Jesus came to show us the way to the Father and to reveal the truth of God’s love for us. (John 14:6)

PRAYER

‘Mary said, ‘My heart praises the Lord; my soul is glad because of God my Saviour, for he has remembered me, his lowly servant!’ (Luke 1:45-48
Mary was the first disciple, and her life was a faithful example of service and prayer.

SERVICE

‘Lord God Almighty, I have always served you – you alone’.
Elijah and Elisha called on the people to serve the one true God. ( 1 Kings 19:14)