From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers, Staff and Students,

On Friday, 9th May, we woke to the news that a new Pope had been elected, and across the world, Catholics were announcing and celebrating with the words, " We have a new Pope!” Cardinal Robert Prevost will lead the Roman Catholic Church and will be known as Pope Leo XIV. The election process of Pope Leo was the fastest in a century. I explained the papal election process only the day before the announcement, at our school assembly. Since the election, much has been written about Pope Leo XIV, including by our Bishop Gregory, which we have included in this newsletter. We pray for Pope Leo as he leads the Catholic Church into the future. 

Despite the ongoing wet weather, we have held a number of activities for students and parents in the last fortnight. Thank you to the many mothers and grandmothers who attended our Mothers’ Day Breakfast on Thursday, 8th May. There was great conversation and sharing of food, and each guest received a small gift of a rose and a poem.  It was a beautiful morning to celebrate the gift of mothers. Congratulations to both the boys and girls Bill Turner teams, who have won their first round games. And we have finally been able to hold our school Cross Country event, albeit in a different format and on a modified track. The weather has greatly impacted the running of the cross country, with three postponements. Well done to Mrs Corcoran and her team for their creativity and perseverance. 

Congratulations are also extended to Kathy Warby and the Year 12 retreat team, and Year 12 students for an excellent retreat. I have only heard great things about the retreat, which was held at Yarrahapinni over 3 days and 2 nights. Retreats and reflection days are an important part of our faith formation and spiritual and personal development, and are integral to the holistic formation of our students. 

Staffing changes

Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching, Dianne McGowan, will be away weeks 4 - 10 of Term 2, and we wish her all the best as she enjoys her well-earned long service leave. Margaret Bertalli has been appointed as Acting Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching, and Leanne McLennan is the Acting Leader of Pedagogy. Ms Caroline Nicolle has been appointed to cover the teaching roles of these acting teachers.

Launch of Literacy resources for Parents at the School Community Group (formally Parent Forum)

Our Parent Forum is now known as the School Community Group. The term 1 meeting was postponed due to the flood event, so our first meeting will be held Tuesday 20th May at 5.30pm in the College Library. We encourage parents to come along as we launch our Literacy guide books. These have been developed to assist parents, students and staff. We would love feedback on the parent booklet, particularly from Year 7 and 8 parents and carers. Please come along or join via Zoom to find out what is happening in your school!

Launch of Grafton Regional Gallery - Scholarship

The Grafton Regional Gallery has recently launched the Gallery Foundation Scholarship for an emerging Year 12 artist. This is an exceptional opportunity for a Year 12 student in the Clarence Valley, and we are very fortunate that such an opportunity exists in a regional area. I encourage our eligible year 12 students to submit an application.  For more details, see the flyer in this newsletter.

Tell them From Me annual survey

As mentioned in previous newsletters, the annual survey - Tell Them From Me -  is open from 12th May (Week 4) and closes on 30th May. I encourage all families to complete the survey to provide us with feedback to help us improve and grow. This is part of our continuous commitment to school improvement. Each family will receive a link to the survey via email. 

Enrolments for 2026

Our interviews for Year 7 2026 will commence in Week 5 this term and will continue for approximately 4 weeks each Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. These are an opportunity for parents and students and staff to get to know each other, ask questions and start the partnership process of education at McAuley. Information on booking interviews will be sent to families who have submitted an application. First round offers will be made on or around 3rd July. Enrolment applications are still open for all interested families.

The College Musical 

Finally, our School Musical - A Midsummer Musical - will be held in Week 5! Tickets are now on sale. The excitement and nerves are building, and I thank all staff and students involved in creating this fantastic and entertaining event. Please come along on the 30th and 31st May.

All the best for the fortnight ahead

Kate

Kate Thomson
Principal

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

Catherine McAuley