From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers, Staff and Students,

The past fortnight has been about settling in and setting up for the year. Year 7 students are settling in well to their new environment, making new friends and adjusting to the changes from primary school. Year 7 had a very busy week in week 3 with the issuing of their laptop computers, attending Unity Day and participating in various tests for reading and mathematics. 

At the end of week 2 each year we submit our enrolment numbers as part of a census process. This year, we are celebrating our first time with over 600 students, with enrolments sitting at 615. This is a wonderful achievement for our College and I look forward to further growth over the next few years.

An important start of the year tradition is our Opening School Mass, which was held on Wednesday and celebrated by Fr Joe and Fr Emmanuel. Our students are to be commended for their reverence from the time they entered the space until they left. Incorporated into the Mass was a badge presentation to our Year 11 and 10 student leaders and a student and staff pledge, where we ask each member of the community to pledge themselves to the College and all that it stands for. The student pledge was led by our Captain Beau Thompson, stating:

We the students of McAuley Catholic College commit ourselves to building a Catholic community of faith and action. We will work together to promote Gospel values and the dignity of all. We will accept responsibility for our learning and behaviour. We will cooperate with our families and school staff to strive for excellence in all aspects of college life.

Student Leadership team - Valentine’s Day

Well done to the SLT for their organisation of the Valentine’s Day fundraiser. This event appears to be a rite of passage for our senior students in terms of their dress-up and musical presentation! The funds raised will be going to Caritas as part of our Term 1 focus.

Participation

I take this opportunity to remind all our families that when you enroll your child at the College you agree to your child attending and participating in all aspects and events of the College. This includes the following events that are scheduled in the next fortnight: 

Ash Wednesday on 5th March, all students and staff will receive Ashes. A reminder that the Canteen will NOT be selling meat products on Ash Wednesday, which remains a day of fast and abstinence in the liturgical calendar.  As many of us know, Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a time of reflection, fasting and penance that prepares us for Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Our annual Swimming Carnival on Thursday 27th February.  All information has been sent out via Compass. It is exciting to be returning to the newly constructed pool at the Grafton Aquatic Centre. I wish all students and Houses all the best and look forward to the results of this day.

Ash Wednesday & Lent

Ash Wednesday is an important day in the Church Year, being the start of Lent.   Lent is the season for prayer, almsgiving - doing things for others, fasting and reconciliation. It is a time to think about ourselves and also beyond ourselves - to the chaos of the world and how we can make a difference to the lives of others around us. Lent is a good time to reflect on what we do and the impact we have on others. Sometimes we think we don’t need prayer or faith or spirituality, or the support of others. However, in times of adversity, in times of despair, of feeling helpless and sad - prayer has great power. It is often in times of hardship and adversity that we turn to our faith, to prayer, to Christ. And sometimes, this sets us on a path of discovery, or rediscovery, of our faith.  

As we enter the next fortnight, I ask that you keep Pope Francis in your prayers, praying for his health, comfort, and recovery. 

Enjoy the fortnight ahead.

Kind regards,

Kate

Kate Thomson
Principal

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

Catherine McAuley