Term 1 Week 5 - Thursday 29th February 2024
Notes from the Principal
Yesterday I had lunch with the new students in Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 at Catherine McAuley. It was an opportunity to see them again and to check how they were getting on in their new school.
It was lovely to see them smiling and to hear how happy they are to be students at this school. They reported on how friendly and welcoming other students have been, and how their teachers have made them feel at home and supported in each of their classes.
New Student Welcome Lunch
In the next week we have two significant events taking place for the parents of students in Years 7 and 11. We noted in last year’s TTFM (Tell Them From Me) data that many of you feel there are not sufficient opportunities to visit and enjoy our school, and so we have been considering authentic opportunities to extend an invitation to you.
Firstly, on Friday afternoon we are hosting the Year 7 Welcome Afternoon. This is an opportunity for parents of Year 7 students to visit us, and for their daughters to show them around the school and to introduce them to their teachers. Students are greatly looking forward to this event and to hosting you on the school site, and we are looking forward to meeting you too.
Secondly, next Wednesday in the lead up to International Women’s Day on Friday, we are hosting a special assembly during which Donna Davis MP is addressing the school. We have invited the parents of Year 11 students to this event and to a special morning tea to follow. We are looking forward to a successful event, the first of its nature, so that we can make it part of our usual school calendar.
We warmly invite you to attend these events.
If you are yet to reply to the invitations sent earlier, I ask that you do so as soon as possible so that we cater accordingly. Please click on this link to RSVP to the Year 7 Welcome Afternoon if you are a Year 7 parent, and this one to RSVP to the International Women’s Day morning tea if you are a Year 11 parent.
Mary Refalo
Principal
News from the School Captains
Hey McAuley!
For those of you who don’t know, International Women's Day is coming up on the 8th of March. IWD marks a moment of celebration of the achievements and unwavering strength and resilience of women all around the world. At Catherine McAuley, as a community of Mercy women, it is imperative that we honour the struggle of women throughout our history, and the relentless fight for equality that has allowed our voices to not only be heard, but to be valued and respected. It is a time to come together and appreciate the contributions made by outstanding women, as well as to stand in solidarity with all women who continue to face challenges and discrimination today.
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Inspire Inclusion’, intertwining perfectly with our 2024 School Theme ‘Embrace, Excel, Empower’. What exactly does ‘inclusion’ in our society look like? What does it mean? It means to “recognise the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalised communities,” as mentioned by the official International Women’s Day 2024 Campaign. Not just women, but all members of society, should work to embrace one another and the differences that exist among us, allowing every person to feel equally appreciated for who they are and what they bring to the table. By supporting and lifting one another up, women are empowered to reach new heights, fostering a more equitable society for future generations to come.
Week Long Celebration For International Women’s Day
As a school community we will have a week-long celebration for International Women’s Day. Our Social Justice Leaders, Mikaela and Isabella, and our Years 8 - 10 MAG Leaders, have organised several activities that promote forging a more inclusive world for women. As we anticipate the arrival of this special event, we encourage students to keep an eye out for the following:
- From the beginning of next week the DIGNITY DRIVE begins; the collection of feminine hygiene products to donate to JRS until Monday 11th of March. Collection bags will be available to collect donations in each Homeroom. Through the DIGNITY DRIVE, we share the dignity, ensuring women in our local community have access to essential items
- IWD COLOURING COMPETITION, where students are invited to colour in inspiring women in Homeroom and during lunchtime. Students are instructed to write why this woman inspires them. The aim of this is to foster our creativity together as women and to gain insight into women who have forged 'inspiring inclusion'. Entries must be submitted by Friday 8th March!
- On Monday and Tuesday lunchtime there will be an IWD PHOTO BOOTH in the Dance/Drama rooms, where students are invited to share moments with their friends and capture the diversity and solidarity within our school community.
- On Wednesdays we wear...purple ribbons! The colour has been used to signify justice, dignity and loyalty to equality for women. This symbolises qualities we strive to embody as Mercy Women.
That’s all from us for now, don’t forget to Embrace Excel Empower!
Alyssa and Lea
School Captains
Pray With Us
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Term 1 Week 6
- Catholic Schools Week - School Tour Morning
- PDSSSC 15 Years Girls Netball
- International Women's Day Assembly
- International Women's Day Breakfast
- Year 12 Hospitality Excursion
- School Photos
Term 1 Week 7
- Year 9 Alliance Francaise French Film Festival
- Year 11 Visual Arts Excursion
- Years 10 and 11 French Excursion
News Articles
Our School on Social Media
Follow Catherine McAuley Westmead on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for regular updates. A recent post is shown below:
NSW ALL SCHOOLS TRIATHLON - Well done to the three Catherine McAuley students who represented the school as a senior team at the NSW All Schools Triathlon last week. This event was held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith.
Irene S., Samantha T. and Sophie S. competed for the last time in a school triathlon and teacher Miss Radisavljevic said that they all pushed to their absolute limits in what was a very hot day.