From the Principal

As we conclude Term 1, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for the positive start to the 2025 school year. Your ongoing support, open communication, encouragement, and partnership have helped shape a strong and vibrant beginning for our College community.

Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews

Thank you to all who attended our Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences in Week 8. It was wonderful to have so many parents and students engaging in conversations about learning with the teaching staff. Year 12 Parent Teacher Student conferences will be held in week 1, term 2, Tuesday, 29th April. 

NSW Parliament Regional Roadshow

We were excited to be part of the NSW Legislative Council Regional Roadshow, which took place on Thursday, 3 April. Holly Cooper from Year 10 represented the College in the Public Speaking Competition, and three of our captains - Jasmine Chellew, Beau Thompson and Alicia Boehme participated in the Youth Forum.  These were fantastic opportunities for leadership development, public speaking, and community engagement. Students from Banora Point in the north to Grafton in the south proudly represented their school. As a College, we thank the President of the NSW Legislative Council (Upper House of the NSW Parliament), Ben Franklin, for the invitation to participate and the politicians who listened intently to the views of all students and young people present. 

Open Night Success

This week, we hosted our annual Open Night – a much-anticipated opportunity to welcome prospective and current families into our College. The evening was a tremendous success, with over 350 people visiting. More than 50 of our students proudly volunteered their time to assist with BBQ catering, coffee and cake service, learning area displays, and guided tours. Our students continue to be the College’s best ambassadors! Our School Captains led a short presentation explaining why McAuley is their school of choice. A special thank you to Loving Life 103.1 for broadcasting live from the College during the day and showcasing interviews with our talented staff and students.

Enrolments for Year 7 2026 Now Open

We are now accepting enrolments for Year 7 2026 via our College website. Applications close Friday, 23 May, with interviews taking place between 28 May and 20 June, with offers of enrolment being made on 3 July 2025. Please share these dates with family and friends considering McAuley for their children’s education.

Celebrating Easter at McAuley

On Thursday, our College gathered for our Easter Liturgy, a moving retelling of the Passion story, presented by our Year 10 Ministry class directed by their teacher, Chelsea Brown. Through the readings and symbols, we relived the story of Christ crucified and risen from the dead. The Year 10 and 11 Music class enriched the liturgy with their beautiful renditions of Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord) and a lovely song written by Year 11 student Annabelle Hourigan.

Easter is the heart of the Christian faith — a time of profound hope and new life. Pope Francis tells us that “Jesus Christ is risen! He alone has the power to roll away the stones that block the path to life… He is the Way: the way that leads to life, the way of peace, reconciliation, and fraternity.” Let us carry this message of hope and compassion into the term ahead.

ANZAC Day 2025

McAuley students and staff will again participate in ANZAC Day marches across the Clarence Valley. We encourage all student representatives to wear their full school uniform with pride. This is an important opportunity for our students to engage in community service and remembrance. Details of the various marches are outlined in the newsletter.

A Final Message of Gratitude and Peace

As we enter the holiday break, I again express my deep gratitude to our entire community. To our dedicated staff, our incredible students, and our supportive families — thank you for all that you do. May the Easter season fill your homes with joy, renewal, and peace.

I wish you all a relaxing, safe holiday.