From the Principal
Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and Students,
The term is now well underway, and the past few weeks have been filled with activity. This newsletter highlights the many events and achievements across our College community. We are proud of our students and staff for their enthusiastic participation in a wide range of academic, sporting, cultural, and social justice activities. You’ll also find information to help parents understand the new laws on social media use.
2025 Jacaranda Festival
The Jacaranda trees of Grafton and the Clarence Valley have been spectacular once again this season. Congratulations to all our students and staff who contributed to the many events, including concerts, sporting competitions, parades, and the woodwork exhibition.
A special mention goes to the TAS faculty and students for their excellent work displayed in the Woodwork Exhibition, where many students received prizes and the College was named Champion School. Our Aboriginal dance group also performed beautifully at River Dreaming in Grafton to mark the beginning of the Jacaranda season. Well done to everyone involved.
Year 12 Formal
The HSC exams conclude on Friday, 7 November, and I commend our students for the maturity and commitment they have shown throughout this period. We look forward to celebrating the end of 13 years of schooling at the Year 12 Formal on Saturday, 8 November. This is a very special occasion, and I sincerely congratulate our Year 12 students on reaching this important milestone.
Student Leadership Team
Our newly elected Student Leadership Team has begun their journey with great enthusiasm and commitment. They recently attended the GRIP Student Leadership Conference, where they participated in a range of activities designed to develop their leadership skills, confidence, and teamwork. It was wonderful to see their energy and engagement as they connected with student leaders from other schools, shared ideas, and reflected on what effective leadership looks like in our community.
We look forward to working with this inspiring group of young leaders as they come together to represent their peers and contribute to the life of our school. In this week's newsletter and throughout the term, we will get to know each of them as they share a profile of themselves.
Camps
Our Year 9 and 10 Camps will take place over the coming weeks. Thank you to the parents, students, and staff who have supported these important experiences, which form a valuable part of our Pastoral Care program. Camps promote wellbeing, teamwork, leadership, and strengthen bonds within the year group. Please note that students not attending camp are expected to attend school as usual.
World Teachers’ Day
On Friday, 31 October, we celebrated World Teachers’ Day, an international day of recognition for the outstanding contributions teachers make to communities around the world. We can be very proud of the dedication and professionalism of our teachers and staff here at McAuley.
Reminder - Staff Development Day - Crossing Cultures, Hidden Histories
A reminder that on Monday, 17th November, the staff will participate in a Staff Development Day. The course Crossing Cultures Hidden Histories will be delivered by a Catholic Schools Office Team of trained facilitators.
We look forward to this day and remind parents and carers that students will have a long weekend.
Kind regards,
Kathy Warby
Acting Principal
“We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.”
Catherine McAuley