Term 2, Week 7 - 8 June - 2020
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From the Principal
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Assistant Principal
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Quotes from Pope Francis
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KLA in Focus - Creative Arts
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PDHPE
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Careers
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Meet our Student Leaders
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Student Leadership Team
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Enrolments for 2021
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Celebrating 30 Years
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Parish News
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Parent Assembly Webinars
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Recipes by Cheryl
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McAuley Scarves
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Food for Thought / Stories as Told by Mr Ogg
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Birthdays
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Photo Gallery
Dear Parents and Carers
Life at the College has almost returned to normal, with 95% of our students at school. Last week we had a Welcome Back to School concert in the courtyard. Our Year 11 and 12 music students entertained the crowd and gave us thirty minutes of great music that displayed the depth of talent we have at the College. Well done to the Student Leadership Team for this initiative and to Ms Nicholls for the great work she is doing in the music classes. We plan to do this again before the end of the term, giving our junior students the opportunity to perform. We are looking for new opportunities to showcase the talents of our students.
The Student Leadership Team has also started the MCC Olympics. Twelve House based teams of 10 - 14 students from Years 7 - 12 are competing in 3 sports over 3 weeks! Exciting times ahead. Last week the Leaders held a brief “Opening Ceremony” with introductions of the Teams, an Oath and a Pledge. I look forward to being a spectator over the next few weeks.
Enrolments 2021
Our enrolment campaign is back in full swing and we have interviewed approximately 70 students in the last two weeks. Members of the College Leadership Team and Middle Leaders of the College have been assisting me with these interviews. It is exciting to meet our new students and their families. The interview is a brief opportunity to get to know each other. Further interviews will be conducted on Wednesday 17th June. We are also conducting interviews in Yamba on Tuesday 16th June and Maclean on the 24th June. Acceptance letters will be sent out to families in early Term 3.
Blended Learning Parent Survey - Voices from the Field Discerning the New Normal
A message from the Catholic Schools Office - The unprecedented response of schools in our Diocese to the COVID-19 crisis offers us a rich opportunity to engage in reflection and dialogue around the remarkable successes schools have achieved in such a short amount of time. Moreover, this also presents the moment to craft the ‘new normal’ for our schools by asking the question ‘What are we learning from this experience that will change the way we learn, lead and educate into the future?’
The Voices from the Field - Discerning the New Normal project aims to learn with and from our
schools and to allow schools to learn from one other, as we begin to reimagine the future of
education in the Diocese of Lismore. The project aims to capture answers to key questions from
students, parents, educators and leaders to help discern how schools might reshape learning and
teaching in light of recent experiences within their own contexts.
The CSO asks that you complete the attached form. Results from our school will be returned to us, so I encourage you to complete the survey as soon as possible.
Parent Survey on Blended Learning
Semester 1 Reports
Staff are in the process of completing Semester 1 reports for students in Years 7 to 11. In previous years we have conducted parent teacher interviews in early term 3. We are determining what form these interviews will take, based on advice and the restrictions being practised as a result of COVID 19.
Staff Development Days - Terms 3 and 4
We have made some changes to our plan for Staff Development Days for the remainder of the year. These are important days for staff to develop their skills through professional learning to improve outcomes for our students.
- 24th & 25th August (Term 3) - Whole school training in the Berry St Education Model (BSEM)
- 12th Oct (First day Term 4) - Differentiation & Technology
- An additional date for a fourth Staff Development Day is yet to be determined.
As a result of these changes Term 3 will start on Monday 20th July 2020.
Here is some information on the Berry St Education Model and why we are adopting this model into our practice. Simply stated the Berry St Education Model helps us build stronger relationships with our students and engage students to improve their learning and experience of school. It is based on Positive Psychology and character strengths. Berry_Street.pdf
Reminder about our COVID 19 safe practices:
Parents are asked to remind their children to do the following when at school:
- Wash hands properly and sanitize - hand sanitizer is in each classroom, outside the toilets, the canteen and at other places around the playground.
- Hand sanitiser in classrooms is to be distributed by the teacher or available from the teacher’s desk.
- Wiped desks regularly (before and after each class as a precaution). Door handles also need to be wiped.
- Wipe equipment before and after use.
- Practising social distancing with staff.
Excursions: There won't be any excursions this term. Excursions and camps for Term 3 will be on a case by case basis.
Sports: This term we will continue with school sport. Students will compete in Cross Country as our track is on site. Points will be earned for the House competition however it will not be a Carnival as in previous years. We will make a decision about our Athletics Carnival in the next few weeks. When students use equipment in PE or sport they are to wipe it down before and after use.
Have a great fortnight ahead
Yours sincerely
Kate
Kate Thomson
Principal
“We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.” Catherine McAuley
As we are now heading into the second half of Term 2 and the College is back to full operation, it is important that students transition appropriately. Our College Expectations of Responsibility, Respect, Effort and Safety are to be adhered to at all times. As McAuley Catholic College is built on cooperation, friendliness and integrity it is essential that students remember some of these points from the Student Code of Conduct:
- Students are to show pride in the way in which they wear their school uniform. The full College uniform is to be worn to and from school and at all times during the school day. We understand that PE classes are undertaking all practical lessons until the end of term and students are wearing their sport uniform more regularly. It is important to remember the following:
- Students who have a practical lesson (PDHPE/PASS/SLR) in periods 1 and/or 2, wear their sports uniforms to school and change at recess
- Students who have a practical lesson (PDHPE/PASS/SLR) in periods 5 and/or 6, can change at lunch and wear their sports uniforms home from school
- All boys should now be wearing ties
- Maroon jumpers are to be worn on these cooler days. Please ensure all uniform items are clearly marked with your child’s name.
- Students need to demonstrate politeness and respect for others at all times. This includes all members of our College community
- Regular attendance and punctuality at school and to all classes are essential in making sound academic progress. It is essential that students are arriving before homeroom begins. Many students are signing in late at the moment. A reminder that students who arrive late to school must present a note when reporting to the Office to obtain a late pass before going to Home Room or class.
- Once at school, students are to remain within the College boundaries and attend all classes as timetabled. If a student has a concern they must come to the office so that support can be arranged by the appropriate personnel.
Illness at School
In the event of illness or injury, students should report to the College Office. If a student is admitted to sick bay, parents/carers will be contacted. If your child is unwell in the morning and showing flu-like symptoms they should remain at home until they are well enough to return to school.
Music Devices/Earphones
These items are not banned from the College. However, if they are used in class it is only with the permission from the teacher. If they are used inappropriately or at the wrong time the item will be confiscated and placed in the Office for collection by parent/carer as per the mobile phone policy. Similar to laptops, all electronic equipment must be turned off at recess and lunch, this includes music devices and ear phones.
Kathy Warby
Assistant Principal
God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love for all the creatures of this earth, for not one of them is forgotten in your sight. Praise be to you! #LaudatoSi5
Twitter - May 25, 2020
We have such need of the light and strength of the Holy Spirit! The Church needs it to walk harmoniously and courageously in the witness of the Gospel. And the entire human family needs it so as to move out of this crisis more united and not more divided.
9:30 PM - Jun 2, 2020·
We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form. At the same time, we have to recognize that violence is self-destructive and self-defeating. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost. Let us pray for reconciliation and peace.
Twitter - Jun 3, 2020·
Twitter - Jun 5, 2020
PDHPE REQUIREMENTS WEEKS 6-10
From week 6 to the end of term 2, students in Year 7-10 will be involved in practical lessons for ALL of their timetable PDHPE lessons (PASS is different). Therefore this means that students will have between 4-5 practical lessons each fortnight with Thursday Sport on top of that. We understand that providing a clean sports uniform for every PDHPE lesson is going to be very difficult for many families. The College diary clearly outlines on page 11 "If students do not have their correct Sports uniform....bring a note of explanation from Parents/Guardians and change into their own sport (comfortable) clothing" for the lesson. Failure to provide a note from home will result in a uniform infringement of the PDHPE policy.
Students are still expected to wear their school formal uniform to school (unless they have a practical lesson period 1 or 2) and wear their school formal uniform home (unless they have a practical lesson period 5 or 6). Students are reminded also to use the College change-rooms during recess and/or lunch to be prepared for PDHPE lessons when the period begins.
Craig Nipperess
SBATS will continue to attend work and those with contracts on hold, may commence once the employer is able. Health and Safety in the workplace will be the focus for all students attending a workplace. This is the duty and care of the school.
Please note that Work Experience and Structured Workplace Learning have been postponed until further notice.
Careers Adviser
Opening Ceremony 3rd of June
On Wednesday last week, McAuley music students performed a variety of songs for all staff and students. This was a warm welcome back for students and other members of our College community who are beginning to return full time after temporary quarantine. Thank you to our senior year 11 and 12 music classes and Mrs Nicholls for organising fantastic performances. It was a great opportunity for staff and students to come together as a community again.
MCC Olympics 2020
The MCC Olympics commenced on Thursday of this week. This year we have 12 enthusiastic teams competing with one another in soccer, touch football and dodge ball. MCC Olympics will take place for the rest of the term. Keep updated with team captains and emails for any information as well as our McAuley Olympics Instagram page: @ MCC_Olympics
Please find attached the latest Parish Bulletin from Clarence Valley Parish
Ingredients
Method
Dumplings:
FOOD FOR THOUGHT 5
Mark 1
6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. 8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
John 13
3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.
In ancient Palestine there was an order of slaves and slave duties.
The second lowest slaves’ job was to undo the laces of sandals as the visitor or master came into the house.
That is what Jesus did. The lowest job.
The One who came from the highest heaven, to a backwater Roman occupied city, Jerusalem, to wash the poorest of the poor feet to set an example.
What an example He has set us.
An example for us, today! (David Ogg)
Brooke Crompton, Ruby Plowman, Liam Perich, Mackenzie Gooley, Huon Peers-Whiting, James Zimmerman, Lilly Fisher, Amali Rainbow, Liam Gazzard, Ella Gosling, Cody Lang, Heather McGhee, Sandi Skennar, Amelia Fels, Mateo Rundle, Zahli Shannon, Gabrielle Solway, Lilly Grace-Faulkner, Lucas Westbury, Declan Acton.