Term 4 - Weeks 2 & 3 - 31st October 2025
- From the Principal
- Mission and Wellbeing (AP)
- Learning and Teaching (AP)
- World Teachers' Day
- Grip Leadership Conference
- Getting to know our Leaders
- From The Classroom
- Literacy Support
- Socktober
- Sporting News
- Library News
- Careers News
- Parent Information and Education
- Important Dates Term 4
- Parish News
- Advertisements
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
Socktober
Last Thursday, 23rd October, students were encouraged to wear crazy socks for Socktober, in support of Catholic Mission. The students raised just over $250, and Tracey House were the winner in the crazy sock soccer competition. Thank you to all students who participated and gave to this worthwhile cause.
A summary of the ‘Soccer in Socks’ competition is included later in the newsletter.
GRIP Leadership
Last week, our newly appointed Year 12 Leaders for 2026 attended the GRIP Student Leadership Conference at Southern Cross University in Coffs Harbour with other student leaders within the region. The conference was unique in that it focused specifically on training student leaders to leave with a clear vision, a solid understanding, and dozens of ideas for their time in leadership. We thank our Leader of Pastoral Care, Mrs Robinson and our Year 11 Coordinator, Mr Brendan Smith, for attending and supporting the students. The Student Leadership team have provided an article within the newsletter.
Uniform
The cooler weather last week saw some students arrive at school in a non-uniform jumper. I encourage students to come to the front office and check if their jumper is there. All lost property has been washed and is ready to go home. Many of these items do not have names. If your child has lost their jumper, please encourage them to come to the front office to collect a jumper.
I also encourage all parents and carers to clearly label uniform items so they can be returned to the rightful owner.
All students must be in the new school uniform by the beginning of next year. Attached are the student uniform guidelines. All students must wear the formal uniform every Wednesday and wear it with pride. The policy regarding students who do not follow our uniform policy is currently under review, and tracking of this through Compass will be improved.
We ask all families to continue supporting the college's policies and procedures.
College Uniform - Boys
|
SHIRT |
Junior – Blue with McAuley crest (shirts are worn out) Senior – White short-sleeve with McAuley crest (shirts are worn out) |
|
SHORTS |
College Charcoal Grey Shorts with College crest |
|
LONG PANTS |
College Long Charcoal Grey Pants with College crest (optional item) |
|
SOCKS |
Grey ankle |
|
SHOES |
Black POLISHED leather lace-up with heel. Sandals, boots and canvas shoes are not permitted. (Sport shoes are only to be worn on Sport Days) |
|
JUMPER / JACKET |
Maroon jumper with College crest and/or Softshell maroon jacket with College crest |
|
CAP/HAT |
Navy cap and/or Navy bucket hat with College crest |
|
JEWELLERY & HAIR |
See statement on Jewellery and/or Hair |
College Uniform - Girls
|
BLOUSE |
Junior – Blue with maroon piping with College crest Senior – White short-sleeve with maroon piping with College Crest |
|
SKIRT |
Maroon knee length College skirt with College Crest (Maroon bike pants may be worn under the skirt) |
|
DRESS SHORTS |
Maroon College dress shorts with College crest |
|
LONG PANTS |
Optional item - College Long Charcoal Grey Pants with College Crest |
|
SOCKS |
White ankle |
|
STOCKINGS |
Beige or maroon (Optional) |
|
SHOES |
Black POLISHED leather lace-up with heel. Sandals, boots and canvas shoes are not permitted. (Sport shoes are only to be worn on Sport Days) |
|
JUMPER / JACKET |
Maroon jumper with College crest and/or Softshell maroon jacket with College crest |
|
CAP/HAT |
Navy cap and/or bucket hat with College Crest. |
|
JEWELLERY & HAIR |
See statement on Jewellery and/or Hair |
Sport / PE Uniform - Unisex
If students do not have their correct sport uniform they are to wear normal uniform with a note of explanation and change into their sport clothing.
|
TOP |
Blue & Maroon College Sports polo with College Crest |
|
SHORTS |
Maroon Shorts with MCC logo |
|
SOCKS |
White ankle |
|
SHOES |
Sport joggers, NOT canvas |
|
TRACK PANTS |
(Optional - Sport Days Only) Maroon with MCC logo |
|
JUMPER / JACKET |
Maroon jumper with College Crest, Softshell maroon jacket with College Crest |
|
CAP/HAT |
Navy cap and/or bucket hat with College Crest. |
|
GIRLS SWIMMERS |
One-piece swimming costumes are to worn during sport lessons, swimming carnivals and activity days where swimming is an option. |
|
BOYS SWIMMERS |
Boardshorts or knee-length skins are to be worn during sport lessons, swimming carnivals and activity days where swimming is an option. |
Jewellery and Hair
Students may wear a maximum of two sleepers or studs in each ear. These are to be small, plain earrings.
Not permitted: Neckbands, as well as wrist and ankle-chains and ankle-bands, leather jewellery, visible facial piercings (such as nose, eyebrow, tongue, lip). Only clear nose spacers are permitted.
Hair is to be well-groomed and tidy. Long hair over the collar must be tied back. Extremes of hairstyle, including extremes of colours, are not permitted. Facial hair must be clean-shaven or well-groomed at all times.
Social Media Age Restrictions
To help parents prepare for the new social media age restrictions that take effect on 10 December, resources are shared within this newsletter. The core message is that this legislation is a delay, not a ban, designed to give young people under 16 more time to develop crucial digital skills and maturity before facing the pressures of age-restricted platforms.
These materials offer practical advice for parents on how to have gentle conversations with their children about potential feelings of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), conduct a joint social media check, create a Family Device Agreement, and access further support from the eSafety website.
Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing
World Teachers' Day – Celebrating the Gems in Our Community
Last Friday, October 31st, we celebrated World Teachers' Day—a wonderful moment to pause and recognise the outstanding dedication, generosity, and expertise of our staff. The 2025 theme, "Our school community is full of gems," could not be more fitting. Every day, our McAuley educators shine—nurturing student learning, forming young people of character and faith, and supporting well-being with care and compassion.
Over the past fortnight alone, we've seen countless examples of this commitment in action:
Academic & Creative Achievement: Our students shone brightly at the Jacaranda woodwork competition and exhibition under the expert guidance of Mr Bancroft and our TAS team. Thank you also to Mrs McLennan for leading PAT testing across Years 7–10—a powerful tool helping us understand and support each learner's growth.
Sporting Excellence: From victory in the Jaca Cup and strong representation in Senior Boys Cricket and Diocesan Volleyball, our students have excelled again—supported by coaches who give their time and heart. Thank you to all staff involved in preparing and supporting these teams.
Cultural & Experiential Learning: Our curriculum continues to come alive through rich experiences: Indigenous dance and cultural immersion programs, career insights, and the YES program. These opportunities broaden perspectives and deepen understanding—thank you to the staff who make them possible.
Faith Formation & Community Outreach: Our mission and service programs continue to grow, from Socktober fundraising and work with CFIA at Clarence Village. These experiences shape compassionate, active young people of faith—thank you to those who lead and support this vital work.
Our teachers and support staff are the gems of our McAuley community—quietly polishing the strengths, talents, and potential of every student who walks through our gates. We are incredibly grateful for all they do to make learning meaningful, faith alive, and a school where every young person can flourish.
PAT Assessments – Informing Teaching, Supporting Growth
Over the past week, our Year 7–10 students have completed their ACER PAT assessments in reading, maths and science. These tests give us a clear picture of each student's strengths and areas for growth, helping us personalise learning and ensure every student is stretched and supported. Teachers already use this data to plan targeted lessons, group students by learning needs, provide extension for high achievers, and implement focused intervention programs like MacqLit and LLI. PAT data also helps us monitor progress over time and enriches conversations with families as we work together to support student success. At McAuley Catholic College, we're committed to knowing our learners well—and these assessments are one crucial tool that helps us do just that.
Year 11 News
As our Year 11 students transition into their Higher School Certificate (HSC) courses this term, it is vital that they implement effective study techniques and maintain regular schedules immediately—rather than waiting until later in the academic year. By cultivating skills in focus, organisation, and work-life balance right from the start, they can build a solid structure to support their achievement and alleviate stress when assessments and final exams draw nearer.
We are hosting an information evening on Tuesday, November 4th, to provide essential support and guidance to our Year 11 cohort (and their parents). This session will be led by key staff, including Mrs Rouse (Careers Advisor), Mr Smith (Year 11 Coordinator), and Mrs Lee (Curriculum Coordinator). The goal is to furnish attendees with valuable insights and resources, helping to equip our students for the demands and rewards that lie ahead in their HSC program.
Advice for years 7-10: Consider turning Pressure into Purpose
As we move into the second half of Term 4, Years 7–10 will start feeling the pace lift. Assessments, revision, final projects and exam block (years 9 & 10)—this time of year can feel big, and yes, sometimes overwhelming. But rather than seeing this period as stress-filled, let's flip this and consider it a moment of opportunity.
This is where growth happens.
When you sit down to revise instead of giving up, persevere. In doing so, you're building more than knowledge—resilience. Like a muscle, resilience strengthens each time you push through discomfort or tackle something new. That strength will carry you into next year with confidence.
Remember: it's not just natural talent that leads to success—it's sticking with the work, even when it's difficult, that truly counts. Check your work, polish your responses, and take pride in the details. Excellence isn't accidental—it's a habit you practise daily.
Thank you for your continued support.
Dianne McGowan
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
World Teachers' Day celebrates quality teaching and inspirational teachers.
There are over 170,000 primary, secondary and early childhood teachers working in NSW. The event is an opportunity to recognise all teachers.
This year, World Teachers' Day was celebrated in NSW on Friday 31 October 2025.
The wisdom and expertise of teachers shines brightly in our NSW schools, communities, homes, and vibrant workforce.
Would you like to recognise a teacher who lights up our school community? Click on the link below to add a teaching gem to the interactive map.
https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/events/world-teachers-day-in-nsw
On Wednesday, 29th October, all the newly elected Year 12 school, house and vice captains were invited to attend the GRIP leadership conference at Southern Cross University in Coffs Harbour. The program specifically focused on shaping students into effective leaders using the core values of generosity, responsibility, integrity and community.
The first session was about the ‘challenges at our school’ which looked at common challenges within schools and how to overcome these as leaders. We selected challenges at our school and developed an action plan for the coming year to address these. We then had an optional session during our tea break which provided tips specific to house leaders about making an experience which is positive and supportive within our house. Throughout the day students completed numerous activities in their booklets which greatly encouraged students to interact with others from our school and other schools.
We also had two opportunities to choose between different sessions which were; 'What Makes a School Event Successful?’ and ‘Improving My Public Speaking’ and ‘Creating a Culture of Positive Friendships' and ‘Getting a New Idea Off the Ground’. These provided students with the opportunity to grow in areas which were challenging or to learn about new ideas. Each session was also broken up into engaging segments where the ‘loud noise boys’ would take the stage and conduct various games such as a dance competition and a song guessing game.
Overall, the day was a valuable learning experience and a great opportunity for us all to develop new ideas, step outside of our comfort zones and gain confidence in our recent roles as leaders. A big thank you to Mr Smith for driving us there on the bus and to Mrs Robinson for her support.
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Year 12 Active Volunteering
Year 7 Geography Fieldwork
In Week 9 of Term 3, Year 7 Geography students visited the World Heritage Iluka Rainforest. This fieldwork focused on the study of Landforms and Landscapes. Students were introduced to a variety of geography skills in-situ, including listening to the NSW National Parks Rangers, observing and recording the natural and human features of this protected environment. Our junior geographers recorded data on the importance and management of this unique remnant littoral rainforest. Our thanks to NSW National Parks for their support and for sharing their time, expertise and knowledge in the field, allowing students to fully appreciate the landform and landscape of the Iluka Nature Reserve and wider Bundjalung National Park.
Ready, Steady, Quit and River Dreaming
Our HEAL students had a special visit from Ready, Quit, Solid on Tuesday. Learning about the effects, risks and side effects of smoking and vaping. The students took away valuable information not only on how they can live a healthy and active lifestyle but also on how they can help and encourage family/friends who may be struggling.
We always enjoy the detailed presentations and open discussions the Ready, Quit, Solid team brings to their school visits, and we look forward to working with them again soon.
On Friday, our Aboriginal dance group had the opportunity to perform at River Dreaming in Grafton for the beginning of the Jacaranda season.
The students got to showcase the hard work they have put into learning our dance. This was also an opportunity for our students to represent their culture and be part of the experience alongside other schools, elders and community members.
Overall, the day was fantastic with plenty of talent and different performances, teaching our students the valuable lesson of embracing and continuing culture as a community.
A massive thank you to Bulgarr Ngaru for organising the day and allowing us to be part of it.
Year 11 Hospitality
Year 9 Assessments
Year 9
WordFlyers Program - English Exam and Assessment Preparation
As students prepare for this term’s exams and final assessments, we ask parents to continue to encourage their Year 7, 8 and 9 child to use the WordFlyers program as homework. These students have a fortnightly Assignment set on this online program. In particular, ask your child to focus on the grammar and punctuation lessons, as these skills will ensure they are able to express themselves clearly and correctly.
Just 45 minutes a week on WordFlyers will help your child to learn and practise skills that will assist their learning in all subject areas.
Matthew Lobsey
Leader of English
Soccer in Socks - Fundraiser for Catholic Mission
On Thursday 23rd October our school celebrated ‘Socktober’ to raise money for the Catholic Mission in Zambia for 2025. Students donated a gold coin and competed for their house in a ‘socker’ tournament at lunch wearing their crazy socks. The game was characterised by its competitive spirit, original socks, sportsmanship and lots of fun!. Tracey beat Mercy, and McCarthy beat Champagnat at first break. Then in the final between Tracey and McCarthy, the scores were locked and they went into a tense 5-person shootout. Though it was a close game ultimately… Tracey won! Thank you to everyone who participated and we look forward to seeing even more crazy socks next year!
Jacaranda Cup Champions!
On Friday 31st October, McAuley Catholic College, South Grafton High and Grafton High competed against each other in the Jacaranda Cup, a tradition within Grafton which promotes teamwork, fun and sportsmanship. To win the cup/shield, points are accumulated by winning games; whoever acquires the most points wins the trophy, as well as $500 for the school’s sports department. Three sports were played: league tag, soccer, and basketball.
The host also organised a golf simulator, where McAuley students achieved the highest scores! Elly Day won the junior girls' distance, whilst Annalese McKee cleared out the senior girls' distance. Owen Mortimer won the junior boys distance, whilst Frazer Stokes also smashed the senior boys distance.
For the McAuley League tag teams, the day was filled with anticipation and excitement. Each team had both wins and losses. A great thanks is owed to Mr Smith and Mrs Corcoran for their efforts and training put into these teams.
McAuley absolutely DOMINATED Soccer, winning every single game in the junior boys, junior girls, senior boys, and senior girls. Thank you to Mrs Light and Mr Burgess who organised and led the teams to their victories.
The basketball teams also saw triumphs and challenges, where Mr Tait can be thanked! However, overall, McAuley Catholic College played very well and should be proud and congratulated!
Eliza Corcoran
Leader of Sport
Spooks and Mystery
Students have been spellbound when the spooky end of the fiction meets a shocking murder mystery event. It has been a truly unique two week blend of story telling, detective work and an oddball blend of Grafton’s Jacaranda festival and Halloween to make ‘Jacaween’.
At the Mercy Library we hope that all students will find a storytelling genre that suits them, and in order to do this we encourage students to read new genres. Jacaween provides the perfect opportunity for students to read supernatural, horror and fantasy fiction and discover what lurks behind closed doors (or book covers).
In order to ramp up the suspense the students have been busy building up their lateral thinking skills and building up their detective techniques to become the ultimate sleuths in a murder mystery puzzle. It has been a lot of fun and looks set to be part of all future Jacaween events.
Enjoy the pictures of the library’s most recent Book Club event where students were able to enjoy some new books as well as getting some extra hints to reveal who the hidden murderer could be at last!
Linda Gleeson
Librarian
Another two weeks have passed and more opportunities are being offered to our students.
Year 10
Students should have returned their work experience forms by now, but if not please return them as soon as possible. Students will be given information on the expected code of conduct whilst on work experience and are expected to follow these rules, they will also find in their work readiness booklets what is required if they are unable to attend, eg they are sick. Please see the booklet attached. Relevant pages are on - Pg 5, 17, 19, 21, 22 and 23 MCC Work Readiness Activities
Opportunities to Study Short University Units for Year 10 or Year 11 Students
Next year students may be able to enrol in online courses at Southern Cross University or Newcastle University. These courses are to give students experience in university style studying.
The Southern Cross University courses are free six week online course and are available for the following subjects.
- Language and Learning in Your Discipline (Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore, Online)
- Introduction to Science for Health Professions (Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore, Online)
- Nature of Science (Online - Available Term 1 - 2026)
- A Culture of Enquiry (Gold Coast, Online)
Southern Cross University applications are open now and close 13 February 2026. Their course runs Term 1 from 9 March - 17 April 2026 (6 weeks in total)
Please see me for any other information or see their link for more information on the Scholars program https://www.scu.edu.au/engage/schools-engagement-program/scholars-program/
The Newcastle University courses are $400 and run from 9th February- 22nd May. These courses are for high performing students and are:
- Legal System and Method (LAW1010)
- Globalisation and International Management (BUSN1001)
- Foundations of Health and Disease (HUBS1417)
- Discrete Mathematics (MATH1510)
- Object Oriented Programming (SENG1110)
- Molecules, Cells and Organisms (BIOL1001)
- Society and Culture: an introduction to Sociology (SOCA1010)
- Creative Writing and Reading (ENGL1201)
Newcastle University applications close 11:59pm Friday 19th December. For more information please use this link www.newcastle.edu.au/study/pathways/high-performing-students-program
Successful participation in these courses should give entry points towards the respective Universities.
University Roadshow 2026 - Year 12 2026 Students
The University Roadshow will be visiting Grafton on February 17th. This is an opportunity for the Year 12 to meet with representatives from Universities to gain important information. The Universities attending are: Newcastle University, Southern Cross University, Armidale University and Charles Sturt. UAC, (The University Admissions Centre) will also be visiting to assist students. I will send out a letter about this excursion in the upcoming weeks. It is a short excursion to the Clarence Valley Anglican School.
Newcastle University Visit
In Week 2 we were lucky to have two presenters from Newcastle University; Sofia and Alex, who informed students on upcoming courses from their University plus bridging courses and diplomas. It was a short and informative presentation.
Thank you for reading this update. Please contact me if you have any questions or require any assistance.
Maria Rouse
Careers Advisor
Lost Property
If your student has been missing a jumper, please have them stop by the office as soon as possible to take a look through the collection.
Social Media Age Restrictions
Free Parent Webinar: Logged Off - Navigating the Social Media Ban with Your Child
Teen Mental Health - Free webinars for Parent & Carers
| OCTOBER |
| 31st - World Teachers' Day |
| NOVEMBER |
| 4th - Year 11 Parent / Student HSC Information Session |
| 7th - HSC Exams Finish |
| 8th - Year 12 Formal |
| 11th - Year 6 Orientation Day & Parent Evening |
| 17th - Staff Development Day |
| 19th - 21st - Year 10 Camp |
| DECEMBER |
| 1st - 5th - Year 10 Work Experience |
| 3rd - 5th - Year 9 Camp |
Please see below the latest edition of the Parish Bulletin:
A new way of preparing teachers comes to our schools
From 2026, our Catholic Schools in Tweed Heads, Pottsville and Coffs Harbour will be part of an exciting new program with Southern Cross University that reimagines how teachers are trained.
The Reimagining Teacher Education (RiTE) initiative will see Master of Teaching students learning in classrooms from the very first week of their studies. Instead of waiting until the end of their degree to gain experience, these Associate Teachers will spend two days a week in schools throughout their training.
What this means for our Catholic schools
- Extra support in classrooms for teachers and students.
- Fresh energy and ideas from aspiring teachers.
- Strong mentoring links between experienced staff and the next generation of educators.
Adam Spencer, Director of Catholic Schools, says our schools are looking forward to welcoming these student teachers. “Our students and staff will benefit from the added support and new perspectives, while these future teachers gain valuable experience in a real school community.”
Thinking of becoming a teacher?
If you’ve ever thought about teaching, this could be the time. Enrolments in the Southern Cross University Master of Teaching opens on 11 November 2025 with classes commencing early March 2026. With the RiTE program, you’ll not only study but also gain practical experience in our Catholic Schools from the start.
