From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the end of another busy fortnight here at McAuley Catholic College, I am delighted to share some remarkable achievements and initiatives that have shaped our community in recent weeks. This term has been truly inspiring, reflecting the Mercy Values of Compassion and Justice we hold dear.

Soctober: A Testament to Our Compassion

One of the highlights of last week has been our successful participation in Soctober, a program exclusively run by Catholic Mission. I am pleased to announce that our students, staff, and the broader McAuley community came together to raise $290.60 for Mission Month. These funds will support programs benefiting children worldwide, aligning perfectly with our core values of Compassion and Justice. We are truly grateful for everyone's involvement in this worthy cause.

Academic Achievement and University Scholarships

Our students nearing completion of the HSC have been setting the bar high academically. I am thrilled to announce that some of our Year 12 students have been awarded prestigious university scholarships. James Grimshaw received the University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor's Award for Academic Excellence in Year 12. Mayha Mead-Davies and Paige Thompson also received the Vice Chancellor's High Achievement Prize from the University of New England. These accomplishments are a testament to their dedication and hard work, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements.

The HSC exams will finish Thursday, Week 4, and we keep our students in our thoughts as they make decisions about their future.

Another example of our academic achievements in the local community was the acknolwledgement that McAuley Catholic College once again was the most successful secondary school in the Jacaranda Festival Woodwork Display High School Student’s competition. The competition receives around 60 to 120 entries from up to 6 high schools in the area, and the recognition is a testmanet to the wonderful work in the TAS department.

Remarkable Sporting Achievements

Our sporting achievements have been outstanding this term for such a small school. Our students have been leading the way across the diocese in various events. We had four teams competing in the Clarence Valley High School Touch Football Shield finals, and our junior and senior boys were crowned outright champions. The McAuley U15 girls also achieved the runners-up position in the Northern Dio Volleyball. Furthermore, only last Thursday, our Senior Boys secured victory in the first round of the 2023 Downie Cricket Shield. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the students who participated and represented the college with sportsmanship and pride (and, of course, their coaches who have dedicated their time to supporting student success).

New Student Leadership Team and Their Initiatives

Our newly inducted student leadership team has been dedicated to improving McAuley College. Already, they have been driving various initiatives, including "Dodgeball in the Hall" to support our house competition and introducing colourful and vibrant artworks to brighten up Vinnie's room. They have run Soctober and are keen to hear the student voice about what matters most to McAuley students. I want to thank our student leaders for their commitment to enhancing our college community.

Celebrating World Teachers Day

On Friday, October 27th, we celebrated World Teachers Day. This year's theme, "Hats Off to Teachers," reflects the respect and acknowledgement that our dedicated teaching staff genuinely deserve. I want to thank our exceptional staff for their unwavering commitment to providing our students with such an outstanding holistic education.

Acknowledging Challenges and Praying for Peace

While we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students and community, we must also acknowledge the challenges we face. Fires in our local area and tragic events overseas affect our school community and the world at large. Let us pray for all those impacted by environmental issues and violence worldwide. In our way, may we respect the dignity of all we meet and lead lives of peace and harmony for the benefit of all.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our college community. Together, we will continue to nurture a thriving environment where our students can achieve their best and positively impact the world.

Dianne McGowan
Acting Principal