Learning and Teaching (AP)

In week 4, several staff members participated in our Celebration of Practice initiative. This provided a structured opportunity to engage in peer observation, participate in learning rounds, and have coaching conversations. Staff also reflected on their practice in line with the teaching standards, ensuring professional growth remains a priority across our school.

Whole School Message

At our week 4 assembly, I spoke about the criteria for our 2025 Semester 1 awards. Students were encouraged to:

✅ Strive to lift their current grades

✅ Aim for all "Always" ratings on their reports

✅ Stay organised and ask questions

✅ Show up consistently and put in effort

✅ Complete homework and study regularly

✅ Keep attendance high

Students were also challenged to reflect on what changes they would make to reach these goals. I encourage families to continue this conversation at home so that the focus on growth and improvement stays strong.

Year 12

Congratulations to our Year 12 students on managing the recent exam block and the impressive effort they have invested in their major works. The next four weeks mark one of the most important phases of the HSC journey. This period allows students to reflect on their results, evaluate their performance under exam conditions, and refine strategies around time management, study techniques, and resilience. Students are setting themselves up for success in their final stretch by identifying what has worked and what still needs attention.

Year 11

The Preliminary Exams begin in week 9. Students and Parents have received the exam timetable and information regarding the exam process. This exam block is a valuable chance to demonstrate capability and establish strong foundations for the HSC year. Over the coming weeks, I encourage Year 11 students to revisit and refine their goals. Writing them down, keeping them visible, and connecting them to a clear sense of purpose turns routine study into meaningful progress.

Remember: success is built not just on goals, but on systems. Consider:

• Creating a realistic study schedule
• Breaking large tasks into smaller steps
• Distributing time fairly across subjects
• Using checkpoints to track progress

Year 10

We look forward to welcoming Year 10 families to the upcoming Future Pathways Meetings today. These sessions are an excellent chance to connect with our senior staff, discuss subject options, and receive guidance for future pathways. For students planning to continue to the HSC, this is an essential step toward engaging in a challenging, externally moderated course of study.

Ahead of these meetings, we encourage families to review half-yearly reports and OPALs, which are all accessible on Compass.

I also challenge Year 10 students to establish strong study habits now. Waiting until senior school is too late - consistency built in Year 10 leads to a smoother and more successful transition into Years 11 and 12.

Extended Library Hours

McAuley Catholic College will host extended Library hours for our students in Year 11 and 12 as they prepare for the preliminary exams or consolidate their learning after the trials.

This will occur every Wednesday from week 6 - week 9 (27th August - 17th September) from 3:10 pm - 6:00pm

Thank you for your continued support.