From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Year 12 have returned from their trial examinations and will now be finishing off their courses, revising, and preparing for their graduation at the end of the term. Time goes very quickly for our Year 12 students. Year 11 students are coming to the end of their preliminary courses, with an assessment week scheduled for week 9 of this term. They have had their 3-day Retreat in the last fortnight which had a focus on Leadership, as they take on the leadership roles of the College from term 4. Nominations are currently open (closing on Friday 16 August) and I encourage our Year 11 students to consider applying for a leadership role as an opportunity to serve others. 

The Year 10 reflection day facilitated by Michael Fitzpatrick was a great day and an opportunity for the students to reflect on their lives and those in their community. Reflection days and retreats are a very important part of the spiritual dimension of the College as we work together with parents to develop the whole person. Year 10 have a day at RYDA - Road Safety Education, sponsored by various local Rotary Clubs. This is a compulsory day for all of year 10, so all students are expected to attend.  RYDA features a highly engaging and memorable one-day workshop which front-loads students’ understanding of road safety and gives them the tools, habits and motivation to take action and stay safe on our roads as both drivers and passengers throughout their lives.

Thank you to the staff and students who attended the Year 8 Camp and SHINE (year 9 & 10 CSYMA classes) in the last fortnight. The reports from the staff and students indicate both events were engaging and worthwhile for all. 

In the last fortnight, we have had a number of opportunities to have parent involvement. On the 9th of August, an intimate gathering of interested parents listened to Chris Hudson talk about Motivating Teenagers. Chris is a well-known speaker and provided insight, strategies and reminders on dealing with teenagers (and those beyind the teenage years!). Thank you to our Parent Assembly co-ordinator, Chrissie Morrison for organising this event. 

Year 10 students and their parents participated in a new initiative called Future Pathways, coordinated by Di McGowan, AP - Learning & Teaching. The purpose of this event was to have a conversation about subject choices and options within the College and beyond post-year 10. 

Another initiative for the community was the College Senior Charity Ball, which is to be held on Saturday evening (20th August). At the time of writing this, I can say we are looking forward to the event, which is replacing the Deb Ball but keeping some traditions. The Ball has been organised by Mrs Maria Rouse and a committee of Year 11 students and staff. Proceeds from the night are assisting Stage 3 students from St Joseph’s Primary School, Woodburn, attend their school camp. As you know the community of Woodburn was severely affected by the 2022 floods. We look forward to letting you know in the next newsletter how the Ball went.

Coming Events:

  • Our first Year 6 Orientation Day is in week 6, with over 100 students attending this day. Enrolments are still being finalised for 2023, with a second orientation day planned for November.
  • The next big event to put on your calendar is McAuley Fest on Thursday evening, the 8th September. This is a family night and tickets are currently on sale. The following day - 9th September is McAuley Day!
  • For many years we have celebrated McAuley Day, except for the last 2, due to COVID! McAuley Day is our Feast Day where we celebrate our Mercy history and traditions and raise money for the Mercy organisation  Mercy Works, which supports those less fortunate than ourselves, modelling Catherine McAuley, and the Sisters of Mercy. Planning has started this week with Homerooms getting their activity ready and we look forward to a great (COVID safe) event.

You may have noticed that the large McAuley sign has been removed from the hill as you approach the College and a few surveyor pegs along the Big River Way. It is exciting to announce that the long-awaited bicycle and walking path is being constructed and should be completed by the end of the year, connecting McAuley to South Grafton. The work is being funded by the Federal Government through the Federal Road Safety stimulus program. Transport for NSW is working with Clarence Valley Council to carry out the work, which involves building about one kilometre of shared user path as well as a 26 metre bridge over Alipou Creek. I will let you know more details as they come to hand.

Enjoy the fortnight ahead

Yours sincerelykate.PNG

Kate

Kate Thomson

Principal

“We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.”

Catherine McAuley

P.S. The Charity Ball was an overwhelming success! Photos and news in the next newsletter.