Term 2 - Week 9 - 24 June 2022

Dear Parents and Carers

This term has come to an end very quickly and I thank all our students, staff and parents for your ongoing support of the College. This newsletter is a comprehensive read and I encourage you to immerse yourself in the various news items from students and staff.

To finish the term we have organised a NAIDOC celebration day on Wednesday 29th June. Students will be at school for homeroom, period 1 and a special NAIDOC Assembly promoting the theme Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! Following lunch students from each homeroom will participate in the annual Rachel Johnson Memorial Touch Football Competition. This is a sort-after trophy and we are looking forward to watching the hotly contested games that will be played throughout the afternoon. The day will finish with an end-of-term Assembly where the winners of the RJMTFC will be acknowledged. 

Parents are reminded that on Thursday 30 June the College will be open with limited supervision provided, due to the protected industrial action being taken by the staff. Friday 1st July is a Staff Spirituality Day which is a Pupil Free Day. 

Some important dates for Term 3:

Monday 18th July - Staff Development Day

Tuesday 19th July - Students return to school

Thursday 28 July - MCC Athletics Carnival 

2 - 4 August MCC School Review 

1 - 12 August Trial Exams for Year 12

1 - 31 August - Tell Them From Me Survey (Staff, Students & Parents)

20 August MCC Senior Charity Ball 

Tuesday 23rd August - Term 3 Parent Forum Evening

Thursday 8 September - McAuley Fest (evening)

Friday 9th September - McAuley Day

Thursday 22 September - Yr 12 Graduation

I wish you all a safe and relaxing holiday break.

Yours sincerely

Kate

Kate Thomson

Principal

“We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.”

Catherine McAuley

Week 9 Assembly

On Thursday the school held an assembly that focused on possibility and positivity. During the assembly, we looked at examples of famous people who made a difference in the world including Benjamin Franklin; Alexander Fleming and Michelangelo. These men dared to imagine that something was possible and proved it to be so, working hard to make a difference in society. We also acknowledged and celebrated our students’ success. There was an extraordinary amount of students who received an outstanding opal score for participation and application in all subjects. Those students with an average of above 9.1 / 10 were given merits.

Congratulations to the following students:

• Year 11 Students - Sienna Clifton, Mika Collard, Nash Crofton, Angelina Francescucci, Paige Thompson, Tylar Donohoe, Levi Vereyken, Jorja White; Jude Kreis; Paige Mackey; Jace Gilbert; Sean Sowell; Stella Van Leest; Kasia Samborski; Brigette Jamieson; Janet Irwin; Mayha Mead-Davis; Blake Felton; Eliza-Rose Bullen; Chelsea Hughes; Bree Irving.
• Year 10 Students - Susannah Miller, Eden Maitz, Molly Shaw, Joel Jain, Lani Mott, Eva Patricks, Christian Moran, Layla Bender, Theo Lobsey, Amy Shipman, Finla'e Cassidy-Thomason, Ayla Howell-McLachlan, Erica Power, Aiyana Death, Charlie Imeson, Molly Wiles, James Zimmerman, Laura Hoade, Sienna Clifton, Lucas Becker.
• Year 9 Students - Navah Crofton, Alexandra Harrigan, Beau Thompson, Timothy Van Der Vlist, Savannah Cheney, Amelie Collard, Sheridan Sutherland, Heidi Lewis, Axel Vereyken, Eliza Hughes, Georgia Shorrock, Grace Stackman, William Tait, Ava Whiley, Alizandra McPherson, Amali Rainbow.Wyatt Bullen, Ashlee Zimmerman, Karla Lewis, Bailee Hextall.
• Year 8 Students - Annabelle Hourigan, Eleora Nichols, Chelsea Gosper, Alanah Pitt, Tayla Mackey, Eve Van Leest, Millie Day, Tahlia Newman, Jackie Surawski, Jessie White, Annalese McKee, Kate Morgan, Xavier Cassidy-Thomason, Emily Newman, Elora Rainbow, Molly Dick, Raimi Mortimer, Grace Shorrock, Jack Wiles, Hazel Golding, Ivy Hiatt, Lilyana McPherson.
• Year 7 Students - Charlie Rainbow, Steffany Nudo, Sienna Sutherland, Lily Cameron, Kaneisha Nwaorgu-Thornton, Tara Commerford, Jed Rediger, Kane Patricks, Leela Teasdale, Brayden Cameron, Saidee Perich, Carol Johnson, Tully Waghorn, Maya Crowley, Madeleine Cassidy-Thomason, Judy Irwin, Mahala Hitchings, Paisley Padaychee, Matthew Hoade, Abbey Spears, Lucy Warwick, Liila-Grace Bullen, 

We also acknowledge some Gold, Silver and Bronze awards. Congratulations to all the students who achieved awards or merits and who were acknowledged at Assembly.  

The week 9 assembly was also an opportunity to acknowledge our year 12 students, all of whom are positive role models for the rest of the school. Our year 12s were presented with their year 12 badges and we wished them every success as they now enter the last term of their high school schooling.  

Year 12

Year 12 are reminded to plan their study time and revision over the holidays. Trial exams will start in term 3.

Year 11 2023 Enrolment

The Year 11 2023 enrolment process has now begun. Our current Year 10 students have received their Stage 6 McAuley Catholic College Course handbook 2023-2024 that details course outlines. A number of parents and students also attended the parent information evening in week 7 to speak with Mrs Lee and subject coordinators. I encourage all families to discuss with their children their best option for Years 11/12, and subject selections. We are also introducing a compulsory interview with parents and any year 10 student who would like to enrol at the school for year 11 2023. This will be in the form of a subject counselling interview on Tuesday 16th August (week 5). The booking process will be similar to parent-teacher-student conferences and time slots will be open during week 3 of the term. Please add this date to your calendar.

Year 7-11 Semester 1 Reports

Week 10 will see the publication of all Year 7-11 Semester 1 Reports.  Please take the time to go over the report as a family and look at areas of success for your child and where relevant possible ways for improvement. Parent-teacher-student conferences will be taking place in week 2. I encourage parents to take this opportunity to meet with teachers and support their children to set goals for semester 2.

I wish all students and staff a restful winter break and look forward to students returning to Term 3, recharged and ready for learning.

Di McGowan
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Informing School Improvement

As part of our focus on school effectiveness, next term we will participate in an online survey for students, teachers and parents – Tell Them From Me® (TTFM®). The survey will provide valuable feedback on what our students think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them. 

The Tell Them From Me® (TTFM®) Survey is a complete evaluation system for measuring student engagement, wellbeing and classroom climate, and other factors known to affect learning outcomes. Information is captured from

students in Years 7-12, parents and teachers, to guide decision-making, to monitor change for school planning and ultimately increase student wellbeing and success.

The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process. We are hoping the Tell Them From Me surveys will provide the rich data needed to achieve positive and practical change in our College. More information will be sent to parents early next term in preparation for the survey window in August.

Attendance 

Below is a set of procedures aligned with the student Non-Attendance Standard Operating Procedures from the CSO that we are working towards to support families and promote regular attendance of students. Early next term we will be contacting parents and issuing letters where there are significant attendance issues. 

An Attendance Concern means the following: 

1. Less than 95% attendance or; 
2. 3 consecutive days of unapproved leave; or
3. Any 5 days of unapproved leave or any other pattern observed (such as regular Mondays and Fridays away or habitual partial non-attendance).

The ongoing monitoring of attendance data is the responsibility of the College Wellbeing team and we are currently undertaking the following: 

Attendance Concern <95%

• Home Room teachers will have a discussion with the students in their Pastoral Care lesson to discuss concerns and provide strategies and support to improve attendance
• A session will be provided in Pastoral Care on the importance of attendance and attendance requirements 

Emerging Absenteeism <90% 

• A letter may be sent out to families detailing the attendance concern. Parents are encouraged to discuss this with their Year Coordinator.  

Chronic Absenteeism <80%

• Our Year Coordinators may phone home and discuss reasons for absenteeism and offer support for improvement with the families. 
• A letter will be sent out to outline the attendance concern. 

Complex Absenteeism <70%

• Our Pastoral Care Coordinator(PCC) or I will phone home and discuss reasons for absenteeism and invite parents to the College for a meeting with PCC and myself. At the meeting, we will discuss concerns, and create an Attendance Improvement Plan which provides strategies for improvement.

Our aim is to work with families and support families where there is a need to improve attendance. While families are legally responsible for the regular attendance of their children, school staff, as part of their duty of care, record and monitor part and whole day absences. The school has legal obligations to follow up with the family when non-attendance becomes a concern.

We do realise Semester One this year has been very disruptive and that the data does not tell the whole story. The data takes into consideration both full and partial absences and on careful analysis of the data sometimes there are valid reasons for absences and this has been verified by contact with the families. We encourage families to have regular contact with the Year Coordinators to discuss absences and thank those parents who already do this. 

Uniform Reminders 

As we near the end of term and prepare for Term 3, a couple of uniform reminders to consider:

Winter Options: We have been asked by parents and the student leadership team to consider providing some winter options for the students.  As you know we are in the process of making uniform changes. So in the interim period - for terms 2 & 3 - we have made the following options available, considering that additional changes are coming and wanting to reduce costs to parents:

• all students can wear the College tracksuit pants (and jacket) on sports day and when they have PE practical lessons.
• Boys can wear long grey dress pants
• Girls can also wear maroon dress pants.
• Girls can wear maroon, black or beige stockings

Jumpers - The only jumpers to be worn include, a Maroon “Gotcha’ with a monogram, Para Sport Jacket or Maroon Woollen College-Style Jumper. Remember to label all uniform items with the student's name. Many are left behind in the afternoon and are placed in the lost property bin for collection. 

Jewellery - Jewellery should be modest and kept to a minimum. Students may wear a wristwatch, a single neck chain, one simple ring and one bangle. Students may wear a maximum of two sleepers or studs in each ear. These are to be small, plain earrings. 

Neckbands, as well as wrist and ankle chains and ankle bands and leather jewellery, are not permitted. 

Excess jewellery will be confiscated by staff and returned at the discretion of the Assistant Principals or Pastoral Care Coordinator. All care will be taken, but no responsibility accepted. 

Nose Piercings - Visible facial piercings are not permitted. If your child has their nose pierced, they must wear a clear spacer during school time. 

Hair - Hair should be well-groomed and tidy - Long hair over the collar MUST be tied back. Ribbons and other hair ties are to be in school colours. Extremes of hairstyle, including extremes of colours, are not permitted. During the holidays is a perfect time to tidy the hair and get ready for the next term. 

These guidelines are in the Student Planner and students are encouraged to refer to this when unsure regarding uniform guidelines and the wearing of the Sports uniform.

SHINE unites Youth Ministry (CSYMA) students in Catholic secondary schools of the Diocese of

Lismore. The Youth Ministry program is offered to Year 9 and 10 students, allowing those with a willingness to nurture their faith an opportunity for Christian fellowship and spiritual formation.

With a continued focus on peer-to-peer ministry, the two-day SHINE event combines elements of praise and worship, inspiring keynote speakers, student testimonies, small group discussions, interactive workshops, prayer, Eucharistic Adoration and Mass. 

Senior Ministry Team members are invited to apply for roles as small group leaders, testimony givers and workshop facilitators.

An integral part of the Proclaim Lismore Student Discipleship Continuum, SHINE will again be held at St John Paul College in Coffs Harbour on Thursday 18th – Friday 19th August, with over 600 participants expected. Please join us in praying for its ongoing success.

Youth Ministry students from years 9 and 10 have been receiving permission forms from their youth Ministry Class teacher to attend SHINE. These are due by the end of this term.

Kathy Warby
Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing

New and Dangerous ‘Fainting Challenge’ Circulating TikTok

The Fainting challenge, known as the 'blackout challenge' and the 'thumb blowing pass out challenge,' has been circulating on TikTok.

Unlike other challenges like the Ice-bucket or the Manikin challenge, this can have severe short-term and long-term consequences.

I think many teenagers participate in this trend because they are curious about what it would feel like to have this brief moment of excitement to feed their curiosity. Being curious is a natural human trait, and it isn't a bad thing. But when it gets to the stage when it becomes a threat to your life and the people around you, it needs to end before it ever gets to this point.

Friends and siblings also impact decisions. If students feel they are missing out in their group, they will most probably decide to join in because they don't want to be the only one missing out. Students need to know that if they are uncomfortable with something, they don't need to participate. I think that, like many trends, it will continue to spread if it is cool and "fun" for others over TikTok. Allowing more and more people to see it and want to participate.

To say that this trend is dangerous is an understatement…

This new so-called "challenge" is when people hold their breath until they pass out. Students are doing this purposefully to get a brief high before passing out; so far, this challenge has only led to hyperventilation, seizures, and in some cases, hospital stents used to help revive the flow of bodily fluids. This trend can lead to brain damage and even death. Doctors have said this trend is similar to choking, drowning, and cardiac arrest. Leaving the brain with a lack of oxygen. Stopping oxygen flow to the brain for over three minutes can lead to brain damage and, for over five minutes… death.

As I have said above, this challenge can lead to many terrible things. So why do students keep doing it?

Most of the time, over TikTok, it is to be cool and keep up to date with the latest trends. To feel validation from friends and peers over social media. Many students don't properly understand how dangerous this trend is; it can end badly.

One of the most significant problems with this trend is that it can be done in students' bedrooms, out of sight (parents please ban phones from the bedroom and bathroom). This makes parents utterly oblivious to what is happening, limiting their ability to stop it. I think parents should try to keep up to date with things happening around Social Media so that they can talk to their kids about it and make sure they know they can come to you if they feel uncomfortable with something that they have seen on social media.

Because children are accessing Social Media from such young ages, there needs to be more awareness spread throughout Primary schools. Young people won't understand specific trends and will naturally want to try them. But by setting an example and helping them know that there are things on social media that can be harmful, they need to know that it is okay to tell someone about it if they see it. Parents are very busy, and it is hard to keep up with everything that children are being exposed to, but just being with them while they are online or checking in with them can always minimise the risks.

After a trend is started, it spreads like wildfire and continues to circle back. As you can see with this one, it has spread all over the TikTok, from kids in America to the UK, and now it is circling Australia again. Once it starts, it won't stop until the trend ends. I think that spreading awareness in the school environment is very important. Students need to know the dangers of this new trend and the trends that may follow, and they need to understand the risks that come with it.

Trying to control something like this is near impossible; you can try taking phones away or banning TikTok, but students will always find a way. Schools can best talk to their students and remind them that it isn't a game and that people have been seriously injured in the past and present.

Just hearing about the terrible things that have happened to kids from attempting this trend has made me realise how strong of a hold social media can have on young people and how strong the pull to complete these trends can be.

Whether you are a parent, student, or teacher, in the world of Social Media, you can only prepare, support, and bring awareness to young people so they will have the skills to be safe online.

Simple, compound and complex sentences

A focus for our students next term will be improving sentence structure. 

Sentences are made up of clauses. 

• Simple sentences contain just one clause.
• Compound sentences consist of two or more main clauses loosely joined by conjunctions – and, but, or, for, yet or so.
• A complex sentence has one main clause (which can stand on its own and make complete sense) and one or more subordinate clauses (which do not make sense on their own)

Complex sentences 

To explore and express the possible relationships between ideas, we can use more ‘sophisticated’ conjunctions – words like if, because, unless, when and although - which encapsulate those interrelationships.  

A complex sentence has one main clause (which can stand on its own and make complete sense) and one or more subordinate clauses (which do not make sense on their own).

Conjunctions like when, if, because, whenever are subordinating conjunctions.  When you put one at the front of a clause you automatically make it into a subordinate clause.  

In these complex sentences, the main clauses (not in bold) could stand on their own as simple sentences.  The subordinate clauses (in bold) begin with a conjunction and don’t make sense on their own.

In the following two sentences, the subordinate clause (in bold) is the second one.  The main clause (not in bold), which would make sense on its own, is at the beginning.

Year 10 Future Pathways Planning

The Year 10 Future Pathways Planning Day was held at the College on Thursday, May 26. The day provided students with the opportunity to explore different career pathways by engaging with a variety of people from within their local community. 

 The students rotated in small groups where they had the opportunity to hear about each presenter’s pathway to their current role, lessons that they have learned and what their day-to-day job involves. The presenters included -

• The Australian Defence Forces
• Alex Clark - Trainee Town Planner from Grafton City Council
• Darren Hayes - CEO from CHS Training, Grafton
• Rhys Comerford - representing Small Business
• Student Ambassadors from Southern Cross University
• Dylan Tight - Lead Design Manager, from Technical Services NSW Transport
• Engineers from Community & Safety Partner with NSW Roads & Traffic Authority.
• David Redman NSW National Parks And Wildlife Services
• Kate Carroll and Kylie Waghorn from TAFE NSW
• Elizabeth Argue - University of New England.
  
  Ms Lee and Mr Paton also spoke about subject selection for Year 11 in                2023.

The day was a highly successful venture that was designed to get students thinking about their future careers and the planning necessary to get to their destination. 

I would like to thank all the presenters for volunteering their time to attend and making the day so worthwhile. 

Year 12

Year 12 are reminded to check their school email as I am regularly sending information on University Open Days, early entry, the university application process and employment opportunities.

We have been discussing the university application process in Career Classes via  UAC ( NSW University Admission Centre ). Entry to Queensland Universities via QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre ) will be covered in the near future.

It is important that parents and students are aware that application closing dates for universities vary and may even vary depending on the course to be studied. Therefore, students need to research their courses thoroughly if they wish to attend the university of their choice and avoid disappointment.

 

Students have been made aware of Early Entry opportunities so far and have applied during Career classes.

Information Sessions for Students & Parents

CQUniversity | Open Day Online Chat Session - Thursday, 28 July 3pm (AEST) CQ Open Day Online Chat Session is a great opportunity to chat directly with the CQ expert staff about courses, student support services, scholarships, pathways, or anything else you'd like to know about studying with CQUniversity. If your students have questions about future study options whether it's TAFE or university, we are here to help. Register at cqu.edu.au/events.

UTS Upcoming events at UTS – Applying to UTS For students and parents, join UTS on 2 July 2022 for CQ Applying to UTS information session. Find out about different application options, including applying through UAC, the UTS Early Entry Program and pathway options. Students will also get a chance to ask UTS staff their questions. Register: https://events.humanitix.com/applying-to-uts-2022

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

Teach NSW  The NSW Department of Education offers fantastic scholarship opportunities for HSC students who are planning to study an initial teacher education course in 2023. Applications for the 2022 scholarship intake open soon, subscribe to be notified. tinyurl.com/scholarshipalerts

Whitehouse Institute of Design 

Australia WHITEHOUSE has now opened Early Entry for a February 2023 commencement for the Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design OR Interior Design OR Creative Direction and Styling. Further information for Year 12's is available via www.whitehouse-design.edu.au/early-offer-schemes-for-year-12-students. WHITEHOUSE is again offering the largest design scholarship in Australia through www.wool4school.com.

UTS Introducing the 2023 UTS Early Entry Program 

UTS Early Entry Program – Edge is back. Open to local and onshore international Year 12 students, applicants are assessed on their Year 11 results and can secure a place at UTS before their final Year 12 exams. Applications are direct to UTS and will open on 15 June 2022. Find out more here: www.uts.edu.au/early-entry.

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

Bachelor of Accounting Co-op Scholarship Program Round 2 applications for the UTS BAcc Co-op Scholarship Program will open on 1 August. Early closing date of 14 October. Online applications:https://www.uts.edu.au/study/business/business-courses/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-accounting For more information, kindly email carin.alberts@uts.edu.au.

Western Sydney University 

Save the date, registrations will open soon. Western Open Day on Sunday 14 August 2022 is your chance to discover everything Western has to offer. Explore presentations and student panels, meet academics, and current students and find out all about Western's early offer pathway, HSC True Reward. Visit: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/openday?cid=em:EGMT-CAA-news-open-day_jun22.

Western Sydney University 

Year 12 students can now apply for their course preferences directly through the Western Portal for free. Find out more information about scholarships, pathways and more. Visit: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/study/how-to-apply/hsc-undergraduate-applications?cid=em:EGMT-CAA-news-portal_jun22.

Rod Paton

Careers Adviser

YES Program - Photos courtesy of Grafton TAFE

Throughout Term 2, 38 Year 9 Students have been attending TAFE’s YES Program once a week. This insightful program gives students a taste of what courses are on offer through TAFE.

2022 Oceania Championships

Diocesan Junior Soccer Carnival

Our junior girl's soccer side had an impressive performance at the annual Diocesan Junior Soccer Carnival in Coffs Harbour. The girls were undefeated in their pool matches defeating St Mary’s Casino 4-1, St John’s Woodlawn 3-1, St Joseph’s Banora 6-0 and 0-0 draw against St Joseph’s Regional Port Macquarie.

These results saw the team finish top of their pool and the first team through to the finals. The girls played Xavier Catholic College in the final and ended up going down in extra time 2-1.

Congratulations to all players and a special mention to Navah Crofton, Lily Tough, Jasmine Chellew, Steffany Nudo, Hazel Golding and Melliah McCann for their outstanding skill and sportsmanship each and every time they ran out to represent the College.

CCC Hockey - Photo Gallery

Daily Examiner Netball Carnival

On Wednesday 25th March, 8 Netball teams travelled to the Grafton Netball Courts to represent our school in the Schools Cup/ Daily Examiner Netball Tournament. Other schools were shocked to see how many students were there to represent McAuley. Then our second bus arrived, adding to the intimidation. We commenced the day by acknowledging the Indigenous artwork of Aneika Kapeen, a proud Yaegl woman. Her work is now the feature of the senior netball uniforms for our school. We were extremely enthusiastic and proud to wear these for the first time during this event.

• 8 teams were selected during multiple lunchtime trials 
• 20+ training sessions were held within our school 
• 84 students attended this excursion 
• 35 bandaids were distributed throughout the day. 
• 41 games were played by McAuley 
• 50+games were umpired by students from our school
• A huge thank you goes out to our Umpires Convenors Jorja White and Eden Maitz who successfully had an umpire allocated to each and every game. 

Round 1 began at 9:30 am which saw our first win for the day when our 9/10 Girls beat MACLEAN. Round 2 alerted us to the fact that ST MARYS had developed a Year 10 Boys team who were aiming for the win from the get-go. By Round 4, our Year 8 Boys had the chance to terrify ST MARYS going down by a narrow two goals. The shooting style and handy bounce passes of Ollie Godfrey and Max Forwell were memorable in this particular game. 

• 7 / 8 Girls RED won multiple games on the day and finished 3rd
• 7 / 8 Girls BLUE won all games progressing them to the next level of competition 
• 9 / 10 Girls RED finished 3rd 
• 9 / 10 Girls BLUE finished 2nd progressing to the next level of competition 
• Both Ava Whiley and Sahara Powell won Most Valuable Player for their divisions

Our 9/10 Boys played a series of entertaining games throughout the day, including taking on our 7/8  boys. The hang time of James Zimmerman was only tested by Peter Hammond. Both our Year 7 / 8 Boys team and 9 / 10 Boys BLUE have progressed to the next level of competition. 

The Grand Final Daily Examiner was scheduled for 2:30 pm. After the first quarter, it was a 4-point draw. Minimal changes were made to the team's on-court positions resulting in them settling into the game and securing the 3rd quarter with a 5-point lead. With the fresh legs of Laynie Reinberger and Eliza Rose Bullen coming on in the final quarter, we were able to pull away with a 15-point win. Beth Goodall, Molly Imeson and Anna Gillies were accurate shooters throughout the game. Lauren Ferry, Grace Fels and Madi Newman showed strength in defence. Stella Van Leest and Jorja White controlled the midcourt and Sahara Powell won the player of the match as Centre. 

Our team CAPTAINS were responsible for carrying equipment, distributing uniforms, positioning players and providing positive feedback to their teammates. Each of these students should be extremely proud of their leadership throughout the day. This includes; Anna Gillies and Madi Newman, Charlie Imeson and Sienna Clifton, Zoe Bailey and Lilly Fisher, Lani Cole and Emily Newman, Raimi Mortimer and Molly Dick, Max Forwell and Liam Salvestro, Rhys Berry and Thom Austin, James Zimmerman and Lucas Becker. 

The comradery shown by our school was extremely intimidating for the opposition throughout the day. Having 84 students attend this excursion meant that we had many opportunities to cheer and applaud each time team McAuley were successful. A massive thank you goes out to Miss Thompson for allowing us to all attend this event. We understand how much large excursions can impact our school and we are grateful for this opportunity. The midday torrential rain didn’t even dampen the event. Of our 8 teams, 4 have been invited to the next level of the Schools Cup Competition due to be held on August 9th in Term 3. All Netball parents should keep an eye out for the next permission note for McAuley Netball. Congratulations to all players who were involved. We look forward to taking on even more Netball teams to represent our school in 2023.

Vinnies Cook-Up

Our Year 11 & 12 Catholic Faith in Action classes have been busy cooking for families in our local community. The classes are cooking on behalf of Vinnies, who will distribute these meals over the coming weeks. At least twenty families will benefit from Vinnie's cook-up this week, and hopefully, these and other families will continue to be supported, especially during the cold winter days.

Our Catholic Faith in Action classes has cooked various meals since the course started in 2021. A big thank you to the Hospitality staff, especially Katrina, who supported the students and teachers around the kitchen!

COMPASS - SCHOOL COMMUNICATION PLATFORM APP

Dear Parents, 

As part of a restructure across the Diocese we shall be moving to a new communication and school management platform called - COMPASS School Manager. The Compass platform will become our school community communication tool from 18 July 2022.  

The Compass platform is a web-based system that is accessible on any modern web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome and Safari) or by using the Compass School Manager iOS or Android App.  Every family receives a separate login to Compass, which we will provide to you. 

The Compass platform includes many different features and you’ll have the ability to:

• Receive notifications about school events, news and information
• Enter an explanation for absence 
• Communicate with your child’s teachers
• Update your family contact details (mobile phone & email)
• View your child’s timetable and the school calendar
• Download and view your child’s academic reports
• Book parent-teacher interviews
• Pay and provide digital consent for events (no more permission slips)
• Pay school fees

Over the course of the next week, each parent will receive a username and login (provided that we have a valid email or your correct email address).  If you share an email address with your significant other, then you will receive two emails with two unique log-ins. The email will look like this                        

To access the platform; 

SMARTPHONE ACCESS

1. Please be mindful that our College Portal has been used by our staff in a testing environment. There may be elements of this testing visible to you eg attendance data and discipline / awards testing. The Portal will be refreshed once the College goes live in Term 3.
2. Download the Compass School Manager App (Google Playstore OR Apple Store).
3. Wait for your unique username and log in to be emailed to you. This should be in week 10.
4. Open the app on your device. If you are already a member of a Primary School you will still have to complete items 5-8 below and create an account at the College.
5. Search for our school by searching for “Grafton” and then you will find “McAuley Catholic College -Grafton” 
6. Use the unique username and log in sent to you by email (week 10). 
7. You will be prompted to confirm your mobile phone number and email address, and create a personal password.
8. Read the welcome message that will be posted on our dashboard.

DESKTOP ACCESS

If you wish to use the desktop version of the platform please note the following;

1. Please be mindful that our College Portal has been used by our staff in a testing environment. There may be elements of this testing visible to you. The Portal will be refreshed once the College goes live in the New Year.
2. Once you receive your unique username and log in, open a new tab on your preferred browser, and navigate to https://grafslism-nsw.compass.education/ 
3. Use your unique username and password to log into the platform
4. You will be prompted to confirm your mobile phone number and email address, and create a personal password.
5. Read the welcome message that will be posted on the dashboard.

NOTE: Your unique username and password can be used to access the app and the desktop 

For more information you can visit Compass for Parents. For further assistance, email the school at james.hand@lism.catholic.edu.au

Informal Bus Stops

There are thousands of “informal school bus stops” used for picking up or setting down school children on rural school bus routes across NSW. They are generally agreed between bus operators and parents, and are not sign posted or developed as formal bus stops.

If your child needs to use a rural bus stop that doesn’t have signs or other safety infrastructure – think about whether it’s located in a safe spot that allows buses to stop away from the road, with good lines of sight in both directions, and includes a safe place for you to park your vehicle and wait. You can talk to your local bus operator or find more information in the Transport NSW document Advice for Choosing Locations of Informal School Bus Stops.