Term 1 Week 11 - Thursday 11th April 2024
Note From The Assistant Principal
As we come to the end of Term 1, I congratulate students on their commitment to their studies and thank teachers who have guided them through a range of learning experiences both formally and informally in the classroom and beyond. I specifically highlight Year 7 students' smooth transition from primary school to high school, they are now immersed in the day to day life of a Catherine McAuley student.
Thank you to the many teachers who have worked with students to organise and host fundraisers to support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion appeal. These events have not only raised funds to improve the lives of many families, and help break the cycle of poverty and inequality for an entire community, but also raise awareness of the importance of working together as a community and how we can bring about change. These events have provided students with the opportunity to build community within their homeroom and with other homeroom groups. Thank you to the House Patrons for overseeing the fundraising events and working with teachers and homerooms to plan and execute these events. The Catherine McAuley community Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion appeal has raised over $9300.00. In Term 2 our focus will be on supporting the Parramatta Women’s Shelter led by our Student Leaders from Clare, Mercedes and Ryan House.
Years 7 & 12 Coolock worked together this week on a spider drink fundraiser.
Another highlight of the term has been the involvement of students and staff in a range of community activities. These activities include the swimming carnival, sporting events, Harmony Week, Mercy in Action activities, volunteer reading program, International Women’s Day, Holy Week activities and the Good Friday Walk, community forums and workshops and a range of lunchtime activities. All these opportunities engage students to work together and meet other students from their year group and other year groups.
During the break I encourage students to stay engaged with their learning by reading a novel and reviewing their class work from Term 1. Students in Years 7, 8, and 9 need to ensure they are up to date with all their work and students in Year 10, 11 and 12 should take the opportunity to prepare study notes on the work they have completed this term. In addition to staying engaged with their learning, students need to have screen free time, exercise daily ensuring they are having some time outdoors each day and maintain a regular sleep pattern with no electronic devices in their bedroom.
Students will return to school on Wednesday 1st May in their winter school uniform, wearing their blazer to and from school each day.
As we conclude the term I share with you Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for April.
Debbie Grigson
Assistant Principal
News from the School Captains
Hey McAuley!
Can you believe it’s already Week 11? As we’ve made it to the end of the term, we’re sure you’re all reflecting on the past 11 weeks just as we are, thinking about all of the amazing things that you’ve experienced, as well as some things that you feel you could’ve done better.
Sometimes as students we look back and feel that we could have done more, especially when we have come to feel overwhelmed by our studies, a skill that you’ve been working towards, and overall tackling big tasks. We have definitely felt overwhelmed before, but this is where consistency comes in. Being consistent in your practice means doing your math homework everyday, reading a few pages of your book every night, setting aside 30 minutes to practise an instrument, even on the days where you don’t feel like doing anything. Doing something small every day is more powerful than spending a whole day working on something, followed by a week of no work. The more you do each day, the easier it becomes overtime. I’m sure we’ve all learnt by now that it is better to study a little bit each day in the weeks leading up to an exam, than to cram it all in the night before! No one likes that feeling and at the end of it, you won’t be able to achieve your best results. It is repetition of an act, even if it's a little action, that will take you far.
With the holidays approaching we remind everyone to take care of yourselves, prioritising your mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. While our Years 11 and 12 students are tasked with revising content and preparing for the term ahead, it’s equally important for both our seniors, as well as our entire school community, to carve out time for self-care, relaxation and rejuvenation in preparation for Term 2. Success comes with consistency, and it is being consistent in both our work and relaxation that enables us to regain the motivation we may have lost towards the end of the term. It’s normal to face dips in motivation, but it’s important not to spiral into negativity or self-doubt when facing these challenges. This is most likely an indication that you need to take a break to recharge and refocus, and lucky for all of us, that break starts in a few days!
To maintain consistency and regain motivation here are a few things we recommend that you do:
- Create a realistic routine for yourself and try your hardest to stick to it! This is what allows you to develop the skills of consistency and discipline
- Ensure your routine allows time for studying, as well as the things which bring you joy, and take care of your wellbeing. These things can include:
- Spending quality time with family and friends
- Exercising eg. going for walks
- Practising mindfulness through prayer and meditation
- Journaling, to help express how you’re feeling or reflect on your current state
- Pursuing creative hobbies like drawing or playing an instrument
- Set realistic goals for each day; when you give yourself too many tasks you could begin to feel too overwhelmed to even start!
- Stay connected with supportive friends and family who can offer encouragement and accountability
By prioritising consistency and self-care, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges of Term 2 and beyond. Keep up the great work and enjoy the well-deserved break ahead!
That's all from us for now, don't forget to Embrace, Excel, Empower!
Alyssa and Lea
School Captains
From The School Counsellor
As the school holiday approaches, I thought I would share this special event that is happening on 18th April. The Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Youth Health and Youth Council have organised a ‘Check-In 4 Health’ Day at Parramatta Library. This event is scheduled during Youth Week 2024.
This is an opportunity for young people aged 12-24 in Western Sydney to attend a variety of workshops. These include 3D printing, virtual reality, terrarium making and tote-bag design. They will also have various stalls with health clinicians available to conduct health checks including blood pressure, blood sugar levels and oral health. The event is completely free and lunch is provided.
Date: Thursday 18th April 2024
Time: 10:30am - 2:30pm
Location: Parramatta Library – Level 3 at the PHIVE (Parramatta Square)
Registration is required, so please follow the attached link: https://forms.office.com/r/zEcDqp3ydC
In addition, as Term 1 ends, it is important to reflect on your daughter’s achievement and accomplishment and the importance of enjoying the break to relax and recharge. However, if you daughter needs mental health support, do not hesitate to reach out to the services listed below:
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Lifeline: 131114
Mental Health Access Line: 1800 011 511
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Headspace: 1800650 890
Parent Line: 1300 1300 52
Dial 000 in a life-threatening emergency.
Susan Boulattouf
School Counsellor
Pray With Us
Pope's April Prayer Intention: 'For the Role of Women'
An article from The Catholic Outlook
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Term 2 Week 1
- Term 2 Commences
- Staff Professional Learning Days
- ANZAC Day Commemoration
- PDSSSC OzTag Gala Day
- CSDA Debating Round 1
Term 2 Week 2
- Kids' Lit Competition
- Big Science Competition
- PDSSSC Cross Country
- CSDA Debating Round 2
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:
On Wednesday, 3rd April our Year 11 Geographers ventured out to the Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre, Field of Mars Reserve, East Ryde for some hands-on fieldwork to support their study of 'Earth's Natural Systems'.
The students met the trees, took their measurements and learned how to gather lots of data using different instruments on a whole range of factors vital to our natural world. Mrs Noud, Leader of Learning Social Science, said they had a great day out among the eucalypts, joined by the kookaburras, learning all about how our earth works in the hope of being able to better look after it.
