Learning and Teaching (AP)

In Week 6, our Leader of Curriculum (Mrs Lee), the Leader of Pedagogy (Mrs Bertalli), and I had the privilege of representing McAuley Catholic College at the Australian Catholic Education Conference (ACEC) 2025. We joined over 1,400 Catholic educators, leaders, clergy, parents, and guests gathered under the inspiring theme “Hope, Anchored in Faith,” reminding us that our faith remains our foundation even amid profound change.  

Key Takeaways for Learning & Teaching Excellence

• Professor Dylan Wiliam, emeritus professor of educational assessment at UCL, delivered a compelling keynote titled Everyone Counts. He urged us to shift from "performance to learning", "fixed ability to time-to-mastery", and to focus on narrowing achievement gaps - a message deeply aligned with our pedagogical framework.
• Dr. Simon Breakspear encouraged us to work smarter - not harder - by focusing on what truly matters in the classroom. His insights remind us to stay focused on what will maintain maximum impact on our students' learning.  
• Dr Steve Constantino shared powerful strategies for engaging families - not as one - off events but through ongoing, intentional processes that deliver real results.

This conference reiterated that Catholic schools form the whole person - spiritually, emotionally, socially, and academically - through our unwavering commitments to:

• High - quality teaching and learning
• Faith formation and values education
• Inclusive, supportive school environments
• Meaningful partnerships with families and communities

Practicum Teachers

Over this term, we have had practicum teachers in Science, English, and Art. I want to acknowledge these teachers and their dedication to honing their craft under the mentorship of our exceptional staff. Thanks to Nardia Hill, Tony Ellis, Jessica Stainlay, Brendan Smith, Katrina Don, and Fiona Passmore for working with these new teachers. Your generosity and professional leadership make a real difference to our future teachers.

Year 12 HSC Major Works Showcase

Congratulations to our Year 12 students for their outstanding presentations at the HSC Major Works Showcase held last Wednesday evening. Your creativity and hard work were evident. Now that all major works have been submitted, our students can rest assured: They have done a fantastic job. A heartfelt thank you to the parents and community members who supported the evening, and to our dedicated teachers who guided the students and made the event a success.

To our Year 12s: Please continue working closely with your teachers during these next three crucial weeks - every day in class matters. Your presence, engagement, and unity as a cohort will propel you through this final stretch. The school will continue to support you with regular Wednesday study sessions in the library and additional study sessions during the school holidays - details will follow soon.

Year 11 VET Work Placements

In Week 6, our Year 11 students have been building their preliminary course competencies through VET Work Placements. These vital experiences help develop technical skills, deepen industry understanding, and guide career thinking. Thanks to all the employers for welcoming our students and Mr Isaac Day, our VET Coordinator, for orchestrating these practical learning opportunities with his team.

Year 11 Preliminary Exams Information

Students and parents have been provided detailed information regarding their upcoming preliminary exams, beginning in Week 9 on Tuesday 16th September. Attendance at these exams is compulsory.

Students are not expected to be at school if they do not have an exam. However, supervised study periods will be available for students who do not have a scheduled exam during a particular time slot. Students may go home after a morning exam or arrive at school later if they have an afternoon exam. Normal school processes regarding signing out / signing in are expected.

All students must be at the College at least 30 minutes before the start of any exam, and they must stay on the school premises between exams if they have both a morning and an afternoon exam.

Students can only leave after a morning exam if accompanied by a parent/carer or if they have submitted the appropriate permission to drive form. Additionally, students are only permitted to leave with a driving student if both students have completed and submitted permission to drive forms.

Write a Book in a Day

What a wonderful day it was for our junior writers! Mrs Janson and Mrs Gleeson expertly facilitated the Write a Book in a Day competition. The newsletter will provide more details, but I wanted to acknowledge our motivated Year 7 – 9 students who spent hours creating illustrated chapter books for children in hospitals. The room buzzed with creative energy - seeing such talent and collaboration was extraordinary. Thank you to Mrs Jenson and Mrs Gleeson for guiding our students through this meaningful event.

Additionally, Mrs Janson made a beautiful contribution at the Father's Day Breakfast, meeting dads and grandads to promote our parent literacy resources and chat about the books they're currently enjoying. These moments of community and engagement reflect our excellence and hospitality. 

Thank you for your continued support.