Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

When I write the last newsletter for term three I always feel quite emotional as soon we will bid farewell to our Year 12 students and our school always feels a little empty once they have left. Our Year 12’s will complete their last formal lessons on Monday week 10 and have spent the last few weeks enjoying their final days at McAuley Catholic College. This has looked different for each student, with HSC music performances, HSC Language exams, excursions, McAuley Fest, McAuley Day, Teacher/Student sports and community work being some of the many activities that were available to them. All these events have needed to be organised and, once again, our staff need to be acknowledged to ensure our students are afforded these opportunities. I know that the students appreciate all you do. 

I would like to congratulate the cohort for ‘finishing well’, for turning up and getting everything they can from their school experience; for being involved and having a go. It was an honour and a pleasure to have taught students in this cohort and I wish them every success for their future.

A Focus on Learning

The Tell Them From Me (TTFM) survey results will support the school review results and also give feedback on the teacher, student and parent experiences to guide our next steps in school improvement. 

The ‘intellectual engagement’ section of the TTFM student survey asked about student perception of interest, motivation, effort and goal setting. It will come as no surprise that this component of the report identified that students who are interested and motivated are more engaged in their learning and are achieving better results. 

At McAuley, we would like each student to be engaged and find success. Parents can help by supporting learning at home; talking to their children about the value of education, talking to their children about what they are learning; supporting the school with following up on homework and ensuring students are prepared for and have the correct equipment for classes. 

At the end of week 10, the OPAL report will be sent to parents of Years 7 to 10 students. This is a great way to continue the conversation about the nature and quality of student participation and application across all curriculum areas.

Year 12

We encourage all students to take a balanced approach to their studies during the weeks leading up to the HSC exams. Eat well, get enough sleep, maintain a morning routine, get outside and exercise, and make your study area a comfortable space. Complete practice papers and submit them to your teachers for marking. It is never too late to make a difference!

During the upcoming spring school holidays, there will be a number of optional workshops implemented for year 12 students and the times and days for these have been posted on the year 12 Google Classroom. 

We look forward to seeing you in full school uniform for your first English exam on the 12th of October. Please be at school at least ½ hour prior to any scheduled HSC exams. For more information regarding the HSC exams including the HSC timetable please familiarise yourself with the NESA site. The school will be communicating further with students and parents leading into the exam period. As always if you have any specific questions or concerns please contact the school.

Once the exams are over -  HSC ranks are available after the final HSC exam has finished and the HSC results are released from the 15th of December 2022. Please go to students online for more information. 

Year 11

The preliminary exams finished in week 9 and staff will be returning papers as soon as possible. At this time, it is common for some year 11 students to reconsider their subject selections and determine what subjects they are intending to carry into the HSC year. There will be documentation sent out early term regarding confirmation of subjects for the Higher School Certificate credential.