Term 1 - Weeks 4 & 5 - 14th March 2025
Dear Parents and Carers, Staff and Students,
This newsletter was due to be published earlier this week, summarising weeks 4 and 5 of this term; however, last week we had to pivot quickly and prepare for the effects of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. An important aspect of the decision to close was safety - keeping our families and staff off the road as the cyclone approached. TC Alfred was at times a little unpredictable, and fortunately, he did not cause the damage expected. However, that said, TC Alfred did impact communities in northern NSW and southern Queensland. The rain we experienced here in Grafton and the catchment area of the Clarence River resulted in a major flood and consequently flooding on the Big River Way. Unfortunately, this meant we could not access the College for the last 4 days. I thank our community for their patience and understanding while we navigated this issue. I have included some photos of the flood in Grafton and near the College in this newsletter.
As we return to school, we will keep in our thoughts and prayers the communities and individuals impacted by the extreme weather event. I ask that students return to school ready to resume their studies with the correct equipment, uniform, and attitude. Year coordinators, homeroom teachers, and classroom teachers will check in with students regarding their well-being, as we understand some students have found it challenging to cope with the change of routine.
Thank you to all the parents and carers for your understanding and support in a situation beyond our control. The safety of our students, families and staff was paramount throughout this event.
NAPLAN and Assessments
Due to our unplanned absence in weeks 5 and 6, some changes have had to be made to assessments, NAPLAN, excursions, and events.
NAPLAN was due to start on Wednesday 12th March. Students are to bring their charged computer, earphones and a positive attitude. The new timetable for our Year 7 & 9 students is:
Monday 17th March - Writing
Tuesday 18th - Reading
Wednesday 19th March - Conventions of Grammar
Monday 24th March - Numeracy
Catch-up testing will occur on Thursday, Friday, and Tuesday.
NAPLAN provides us with important data that helps us target interventions and determine funding to support them. It is also used to determine whether our teaching strategies are effective in the classroom. We ask that all students complete these tasks to the best of their ability over the four days.
Assessment calendars for students in years 7 - 12 have been adjusted. The curriculum team will communicate these changes, and the calendars will be adjusted to show them.
GRG Foundation Scholarship launch
At the end of week 4, I had the privilege of attending the Grafton Regional Gallery for the launch of the Gallery Foundation Emerging Artist Scholarship. In November 2025, $5000 will be awarded to a Year 12 student from the Clarence Valley. This is a wonderful initiative of the Gallery Foundation and the GRG, and I thank them for their generosity and support of the creative arts among our aspiring students.
Parent Forum Gathering
Due to the impact of the recent weather event on our College calendar, this term’s Parent Forum will be postponed to Week 4 of Term 2 - Tuesday 20th May. The following parent events are scheduled for the next few weeks:
Week 9, Tuesday 1st April - Parent teacher interviews for Years 7 - 11
Week 10, Tuesday 8th April - Open Night 2025
Week 2, Term 2 Tuesday 6th May - Year 12 Parent, Teacher, Student interviews
Sam Dougherty Memorial Indigenous Scholarships
Each year we receive a generous donation from the family of Sam Doughtery to support our Indigenous students in years 10, 11 & 12. Application forms have been sent home and are to be returned as soon as possible.
Swimming Carnival results:
We have been waiting to announce the results of our recent carnival, which took place on Thursday, March 27th. We took the opportunity to do this today in our special assembly, and we congratulate McCarthy House on their excellent win and the Age Champions—well done!
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday was celebrated last week on the 5th of March. We gathered as a united college community to participate in our Ash Wednesday liturgy and embark on our faith journey toward Easter and new life.
Lent is the season for prayer, almsgiving - doing things for others, fasting and reconciliation. Often, Lent is associated with what we choose to give up. But it is also a time to consider what we can give. Pope Francis reminds us that almsgiving—donating money, goods, or time to those in need—"sets us free from greed and helps us to regard our neighbour as a brother or sister. What I possess is never mine alone." Once again in 2025, we are supporting Caritas through Project Compassion to “Unite Against Poverty” this Lent.
Enjoy the fortnight ahead.
Kind regards,
Kate
Kate Thomson
Principal
“We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.”
Catherine McAuley
LENT and Ash Wednesday
Last week we celebrated Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. During this time, we focus on giving and living out our Mercy value of Compassion. Students are encouraged to support Project Compassion throughout this time.
This Lent, we’re invited to Unite Against Poverty with Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. This year is especially significant as we celebrate the Jubilee Year - a time of renewal and solidarity.
Project Compassion 2025 shares three stories from around the world:
Toefuata'iga - (Toy-foo-ah-tah-ing-ah) a young student from Samoa who faced severe water shortages at her school. Thanks to Caritas Australia and the generosity of supporters like you, her school now has a 10,000 L water tank improving hygiene and allowing the teachers to prioritise education.
Lam from Vietnam, born with short stature, Lam faced social exclusion and limited employment opportunities – through the I-SHINE program, Lam is now a freelance graphic designer.
Irene from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who faced immense challenges after losing her father to war and raising her children in poverty. With support from Caritas Australia, Irene received vocational training in sewing and farming and can now support her whole family.
Watch our Introduction to Project Compassion film HERE - be inspired by 3 powerful stories of resilience and strength, and learn the impact that your support can have on vulnerable communities around the world. Students can support Project Compassion 2025 through the donation boxes in their homeroom. Thank you for standing with Caritas, as they Unite Against Poverty this Lent.
2025 Sacramental Program
This year, our parish is celebrating the Sacraments of Confirmation, First Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation.
Confirmation: Tuesday, May 20 (Week 2 of Term 2)
First Holy Communion: August 23/24 & Sept 13/14 (Term 3)
If you wish for your child to celebrate these initiation sacraments this year, please contact Tom Howard (thomas.howard@lism.catholic.edu.au) or leave a message at the college office.
The students will undertake a guided program at school beforehand. Regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation, we intend to start mid-March (not too far away).
Requirements: These sacraments complete the Sacraments of initiation after being baptised into the church beforehand. Please contact the parish office (admin@clarencevalleyparish.org.au) or ring 66439017 for more details about these prior requirements.
Kathy Warby
Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing
Celebration of Practice
During week 4, over 24 teachers participated in various activities aimed at professional growth and collaboration. Some of these teachers visited colleagues' classrooms, presented a demonstration classroom or had teams of staff visiting their class in the 'around the grounds' option:
- Demonstration Classroom: Teachers observed their colleagues' lessons, which showcased effective teaching practices. This experience encouraged group debriefs, feedback sessions, and goal-setting, leading to enhanced individual teaching methods.
- Around the Grounds: Teachers gathered valuable insights into different approaches by observing multiple classroom settings for the same year group. This collaboration reinforced our collective commitment to high standards and shared responsibilities.
- P2P Observation: Peer-to-peer observations focusing on specific practice areas fostered a supportive atmosphere of mutual learning. The subsequent debriefing sessions and goal-setting ensured that professional development has a lasting impact.
The lessons observed demonstrated a thoughtful approach to teaching and learning across various subjects. A few that I can comment on include the following: in the Year 10 mathematics class, the gradual release of responsibility and careful pacing allowed students to build confidence and mastery. The Year 9 commerce lesson was engaging as the teacher creatively illustrated with 'blind tastings' how companies make their products unique, capturing students' interest. The Year 9 agriculture lesson encouraged critical thinking as students explored the complexities of herding sheep. Using question shells in the Year 11 class effectively supported students' cognitive load, making learning more manageable. Additionally, the group research activity in year 8 religious education and the ‘third teacher’ concept in the Year 8 science classroom highlighted how students could independently access key information and resources, fostering a sense of autonomy and resourcefulness.
The Celebration of Practice Week will happen each term to enhance the implementation of our pedagogical framework, promoting teacher collaboration and partnership. I acknowledge our Leader of Pedagogy, Mrs Bertall, and all the staff involved. This initiative has reaffirmed our commitment to continuous improvement, leading to better student learning outcomes.
NAPLAN, or the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy, evaluates students' skills in these crucial areas at a specific time. Annually, students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 take part in assessments covering writing, reading, language conventions (including spelling, grammar, and punctuation), and numeracy.
This year, McAuley will be starting the NAPLAN test window on Monday 17th March. This delay allows schools to return to normal routines, support students who are isolated to return to school and provides teachers with confidence that we are not rushed in commencing the assessments. We are confident that our school will adapt the current timeline and ensure an opportunity exists for the tests to be completed.
When they return to school, Year 9 and 7 students must have a fully charged laptop. Headphones, earphones, or earbuds must also be available for the spelling and numeracy tests.
These tests help teachers identify their students' educational needs and plan support mechanisms. Students must understand the purpose of these assessments and approach them seriously.
To get ready for NAPLAN 2025, students and parents can utilise the public demonstration site available below:
In addition, Mrs McLennan emailed home to students mid-week five the following resources to familiarise students with the types of questions they might encounter:
- Year 7: Year 7 NAPLAN Questions
- Year 9: Year 9 NAPLAN Questions
Thank you to Mrs McLennan for all her work facilitating these external tests.
School Based Assessments impacted by the current Flood Event
Due to the school closure in Week 6 caused by the recent flood event, adjustments to assessment timelines have been made to ensure minimal disruption to student learning. Year 12 teachers have contacted their students via email to provide updates and support. For Stage 6 students with individual concerns related to the flood impact, completing the misadventure process is strongly recommended. Changes to assessment schedules for other year groups will be communicated as soon as possible. Rest assured, staff are mindful of the need to avoid overloading students with assessments while adhering to the school’s policy guidelines. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time.
Public Speaking Competition
McAuley is thrilled to introduce a public speaking competition for students in Years 10 to 12, offering a pathway to the Regional round in Grafton and the state-wide Public Speaking Competition hosted by the Parliament of NSW. This initiative provides an excellent opportunity for students to refine their public speaking skills, build confidence, and potentially represent our school at the regional and state levels, with the Grand Final held at the prestigious Legislative Council Chamber. The school competition will be held soon. Thank you to Mrs Gleeson for facilitating this opportunity.
Staff
Several teachers are returning from leave and filling full-time positions as the school expands. I would also like to welcome the new staff to McAuley. Please see the photos and information following this article.
Dianne McGowan
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
McAuley Swimming Carnival 2025: Records Broken and Champions Crowned
On the 27th of February, we had our first carnival of the year, the Swimming Carnival, which was a resounding success, with students showcasing outstanding talent and sportsmanship at the new Grafton Olympic Pool. It was a fantastic day filled with fierce competition, school spirit, and plenty of fun.
A huge congratulations to McCarthy House, who claimed the Championship House title for 2025, followed closely by Champagnat, Tracey, and Mercy. The competition was intense, but McCarthy’s depth and determination saw them take home the top honours.
A special mention goes to our Year 12 students, who celebrated their final swimming carnival in style, dressing up in their best 80s outfits. Their enthusiasm and participation in all events added to the vibrant atmosphere of the day.
Our staff had a wonderful time racing in the staff-student relay. This year, the ladies' team featured eight teachers competing against eight senior girls from the four colour houses, while the men’s team took on four senior boys. The ladies emerged victorious over the senior girls, while the senior boys claimed victory against the male teachers.
A huge thank you to our dedicated teaching staff, who ensured the smooth running of the day, and to all parents, grandparents, and carers who came along to support our students. Your encouragement and involvement truly make these events special.
Record-Breaking Performances
Our talented swimmers made waves, with several students setting new school records:
Clarence Dougherty (12 Boys, McCarthy)
- 50m Freestyle – 31.87 sec
- 100m Freestyle – 1:13.65
- 50m Butterfly – 39.11 sec
Reed Batinovic (MC, McCarthy)
- 50m Breaststroke – 43.27 sec
Archie Pope (15 Boys, Tracey)
- 50m Freestyle – 26.34 sec
- 50m Butterfly – 30.49 sec
Hudson Batinovic (Senior MC, McCarthy)
- 50m Freestyle – 25.34 sec
- 50m Breaststroke – 34.62 sec
- 50m Butterfly – 26.58 sec
- 50m Backstroke – 29.87 sec
- 100m Freestyle – 56.81 sec
- 200m IM – 2:28.22
Deja Little (13 Girls, Mercy)
- 50m Breaststroke – 41.62 sec
Sophie Sutherland (14 Girls, Champagne)
- 50m Freestyle – 29.64 sec
- 200m Freestyle – 2:24.69
Age Champions
The following students were crowned Age Champions for their outstanding performances across multiple events:
12 Years:
- Girls: Lola Dougherty (McCarthy)
- Boys: Clarence Dougherty (McCarthy)
13 Years:
- Girls: Sanne Little (Mercy)
- Boys: Reed Batinovic (McCarthy)
14 Years:
- Girls: Sophie Sutherland & Stella Skeels (Champagnat)
- Boys: Kydan Jones (Champagnat)
15 Years:
- Girls: Heidi van Leest (McCarthy)
- Boys: Archie Pope (Tracey)
16 Years:
- Girls: Sienna Sutherland (Champagnat)
- Boys: Taj Angelo (Champagnat)
Seniors:
- Girls: Sheridan Sutherland (Champagnat)
- Boys: Hudson Batinovic (McCarthy)
4TH MERCY 526
3RD TRACEY 560
2ND Champagnat 810
WINNING HOUSE = McCarthy 932
Looking Ahead
The next big event on the swimming calendar is the Diocesan Championships in Alstonville on March 26th. We wish all our qualifying students the best of luck as they represent McAuley on the bigger stage.
Congratulations to all swimmers for their efforts, and we look forward to another exciting swimming season ahead!
On Thursday the 27th of November we had our swimming carnival. It was a great day where our four houses competed against each other in the hope of taking the swimming carnival title. There were many great costumes across our year twelve cohort with our 80’s costume theme. Lots of fun was had by all, especially during the relays and the teacher vs student relay. We’d like to thank our sports coordinator Mrs Corcoran and all of our teachers who organised the day.
Coming up in week 7 this term is LEAD, an overnight ministry event for all year 11 and 12 students across the Lismore Diocese. We hold this overnight camp at school and it is one of the highlights of the year, where we welcome students from Port Macquarie to Tweed Heads. The two-day experience includes live worship music, small group activities, breakout sessions and adoration. It is a special event for students to grow within their faith and make new connections, friends, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Grace Stackman
Student Ministry Leader
Lismore Diocesan Touch Football
Congratulations to the following students who made the Lismore Diocesan Touch Football teams:
Here are some photos of the Clarence River in flood, taken from the Grafton Boulevard - where many locals come to view the flood!
Saturday 8th March - 11.00am
Sunday 9th March 9.30am
Monday 10th March 10am
From Euston Place Monday 10th March
Photos of the Big River Way - near the College
The Risks and Realities of AI Abuse
As advancements in generated artificial intelligence (Gen AI) continue to shape the digital landscape, it is crucial to be aware of how this technology can be misused, especially within the context of online safety for our young people. AI-generated content, including fake images and videos, is becoming increasingly realistic and accessible, posing new challenges for schools, families, and communities.
What is Gen AI Abuse? It refers to using Gen AI technology to create, alter, or distribute content that can harm individuals. Examples include:
- Deepfakes: Manipulated videos or images that appear authentic but are entirely fabricated.
- Gen AI Explicit Content: Realistic but fake images created without consent.
- Identity Manipulation: Using Gen AI tools to impersonate someone online.
The Impact on Young People: AI abuse can target young people and staff, leading to severe emotional distress, reputational harm, and legal consequences. For students, the ability to create or share such content may feel like a joke, but the repercussions are far-reaching and long-lasting.
Our School’s Stance: We uphold the values of respect, integrity, and dignity within our Catholic community. The creation or sharing of Gen AI content that harms others is strictly prohibited and will result in serious consequences.
How Parents Can Respond:
- Stay Informed: Learn about AI tools and their potential for misuse. Discuss these risks openly with your young person.
- Encourage Empathy: Help your young person understand the human impact of their online actions, emphasising kindness and respect.
- Promote Accountability: Teach your young person to think critically about the content they create or share and its potential consequences.
- Support Reporting: Encourage your young person to report inappropriate or harmful content, whether they witness or experience it.
Conversation Starters for Parents:
‘Have you come across Gen AI content, like deepfakes or altered images? How do you think they could be used positively or negatively?’
‘Do you think there are ways we can make certain what we are seeing online is real?
‘How can we ensure that the technology we use is helping, not hurting, others?’
‘What would you do if you saw someone sharing fake or harmful content about someone else?’
By working together, we can equip our young people with the knowledge and values to navigate these emerging challenges responsibly. Let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and faith-filled community for everyone.
Safe on Social
Just a reminder that we have partnered with Safe On Social for 2025 and our parent community can access the “Parent Live Library’’. This online library is a constantly updated and designed to help you keep your family safe in today’s online world.
How To Access For The First Time:
Simply click the link below, go to the checkout cart, and enter our unique school code as the Promo Code (the cost will default to $0.00), and you’ll be sent all the details on how to log in and immediately begin to use the resources.
- Program URL: https://www.safeonsocial.com/product-page/parent-essentials-cheat-sheet-library
- Promo code: KPMCCPARENT100
- (*please enter this code at the time of creating your profile, and the cost will default to $0.00)
If you have any questions about logging in or accessing the online program, please reach out to the Safe On Social team at: Jaclyn@safeonsocial.com
Together, we aim to empower our community on critical online safety topics and hope that providing free access to this unique program will provide your family with important information.
March
17th - 25th: NAPLAN - Yerars 7 & 9
20th: Close the Gap Day
20th-21st: LEAD
21st: White Card Course
Yarrawarra Bush Tucker Walk HEAL group)
26th: Dio Swimming Carnival
Year 12 Biology - Embryology Lab Excursion
27th: Transitus
Dio Basketball
Year 12 Geography, Solitary Islands Fieldwork
28th: School Photos
Please find attached the latest Parish Bulletins from Clarence Valley Parish
