From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers, Staff and Students,

The past fortnight has been a vibrant and busy time at McAuley Catholic College, with learning, celebration, and community spirit on full display.

Staff Development Day – Investing in Our Future

Monday, 18 August,  is a pupil-free day for staff professional development. The focus will be on School Improvement and the development of our next Strategic Plan. Our theme is: "Listening to our Community. Shaping our Future"
As noted in our previous newsletter, the previously advertised Staff Development Day on Friday, 15 August has been postponed. This will now be a regular school day, and a new date will be advised shortly.

Celebrating Achievement

Our Semester 1 Awards Assembly on Thursday 31 July recognised the outstanding academic achievement and effort of our Year 7–11 students. Over 100 family members attended and enjoyed a celebratory morning tea.

Thank you also to all who attended the Parent–Teacher–Student Interviews in Week 3. Your engagement in your child’s learning is vital and valued. On display were the new Literacy Booklets we are promoting to parents, students and staff. We received a lot of positive feedback from parents and students, and we encourage all to use this valuable resource. 

✝ Celebrating Our Faith

On Friday, 8 August, we acknowledged the Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia’s first saint, known for her commitment to the poor and her belief in God. Mary lived by the motto “Never see a need without doing something about it.” Alongside Catherine McAuley and our Mercy values, we continue to be inspired by Mary MacKillop’s example. 

Born in 1842 in Fitzroy, Melbourne, Mary was the founding sister and

MothIMG_9847.jpger Superior of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. An outstanding educator, she was considered in many ways ahead of her time, seeing teaching and learning as a reciprocal process, instilling a culture of self-discipline through praise and encouragement rather than criticism. Her vision was to provide education for underprivileged children.  The photo here is from my recent work visit to Adelaide. This statue is outside St Francis Xavier Cathedral and is one of my favourite depictions of Mary MacKillop.



My visit to Adelaide was to participate in The Brown Collective 6Rs of Leadership Program. We were privileged to be at the Adelaide Oval, and a special message was placed on the scoreboard for our visit! 


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We also look forward to celebrating the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Friday, 15 August, with Mass at 10:15am, as this is a Holy Day of Obligation in the Catholic Church. The doctrine of Mary's Assumption into Heaven reflects the long insistence on Mary's importance in the Catholic Church.

Student Highlights

  • Year 12 – Halfway through Trial HSC Exams; extended library hours on Wednesdays (Weeks 5–9) are available for study.

  • Year 11 – Retreat moved to week 4.  Leadership nominations for 2025–26 open in week 5.

  • Year 10 – Participated in their Reflection Day with Michael Fitzpatrick and are preparing for Future Pathways interviews in Week 6. Other highlights coming up include SHINE and RYDA programs.

  • Year 8 – Enjoyed their Catch the Wave Reflection Day and camp at Coffs Harbour.

Looking Ahead

Key Dates

  • Monday 18 August – Staff Development Day (pupil-free)
  • Tuesday 19th August - Parent Education Session - Keeping our children safe online.

  • Tuesday 26 August – Year 10 Future Pathways Conversations

  • Wednesday 3 September – HSC Showcase

  • Thursday 4 September – Father’s Day Breakfast

  • Thursday 11 September – McAuley Fest

Parent Learning Event – Safe on Social

We are very excited to welcome back Kirra Pendergast for our Safe on Social Parent Evening, co-sponsored by Parent Assembly and the College.
Date: Tuesday, 19th August 5.45pm
Location: College Drama Room (P1)

Kirra has had a long and valued association with McAuley, and her expertise in helping families navigate the online world is both practical and eye-opening. When she last visited, over 100 parents attended — and many said it was one of the most valuable evenings they had ever been to.

We encourage all parents and carers to attend this important session — the online landscape changes quickly, and the more we know, the better we can support our young people.

Thank you for your continued support in all we do at McAuley. Together, we are building a community that reflects our core values of Respect, Compassion, Justice, Hospitality, and Excellence.

All the best for the fortnight ahead,
 Kate_11.jpg

Kate

Kate Thomson
Principal

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

Catherine McAuley