Term 2 Week 2 - Thursday 9th May 2024
Note From The Principal
The Catherine McAuley Catholic Identity Survey period has now concluded, with good numbers of participants having completed the survey. There was a high level of engagement with the survey, with most students and staff having completed it, and also many families who participated. The data is available in an initial format, and on first glance it tells us that the Catholic identity evident at Catherine McAuley is strong and reflects the contemporary theology of our church and mercy charism.
The analysis materials provided by the Catholic University, Leuven, (KU Leuven) describe Catherine McAuley as a ‘[dialogue] … Catholic school that chooses explicitly to stress its Christian inspiration, while at the same time taking seriously its multicultural society.’ (Pollefeyt, D., & Bouwens, J. (2010). The Victoria Scale.)
My study leave at KU Leuven late in the month will be an opportunity to understand the data more deeply. I look forward to sharing my insights with you.
On another note, the school canteen has winter stockings and school scarves available for students who may need these items. Stockings cost $7.95 and scarves are $25.00. Both items will be available from the canteen in Terms 2 and 3.
With Mother’s Day on Sunday, the staff at Catherine McAuley send all our very best wishes to all the mothers and mother figures in our community. We hope you have a lovely day with your families.
Mary Refalo
Principal
News From The Assistant Principal
In the month of May Catherine McAuley Westmead acknowledges the importance of Mary the mother of Jesus as a role model for women, particularly in our context as a Catholic School in the Mercy tradition. We celebrate her significance by praying the Angelus each day at 12 noon and gathering on Friday at lunchtime to pray the rosary led by our student leaders.
We also acknowledge the month of May as 'Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month'. It is fitting that the Parramatta Women’s Shelter is the focus of our social justice initiatives for Term 2.
Mary the mother of Jesus is a role model for how as a community and individuals we need to care with compassion and commitment, treating all people with respect and dignity. Mary was the woman who believed and willingly accepted the will of God, enabling her to play a significant role in the saving work of Christ and therefore upholding the dignity of each person who is created in the image of God. We too today must also be enablers to ensure each person is treated with dignity and respect.
On Wednesday at the school assembly our guest speaker was Julia Fleming, Education Officer, Women’s Community Shelters, who outlined the important role the Catherine McAuley community can play in supporting our most vulnerable women and children of Western Sydney. The Parramatta Women’s Shelter provides safe havens for women and their children. They offer vulnerable women at risk of homelessness or domestic violence shelter, active case management, support, dignity, self-esteem and a chance to start anew
Julia’s presentation was inspiring and informative, providing practical ways our students can make a difference particularly for the children. The money raised this year will support the programs and the specialist child support workers needed. I have included the link to Julia’s address so parents can discuss the contents of the presentation with their daughters.
The House Patrons and Student House Leaders of Clare, Mercedes and Ryan Houses will take the lead this term in promoting events and raising awareness associated with the Parramatta’s Women Shelter, specifically information associated with domestic and family violence prevention.
I acknowledge the work by the House Patrons, Student House Leaders and many staff, students and families that donated to our Mother’s Day Stall raising over $1800 for Parramatta Women’s Shelter. I encourage you to donate if you are able to the Parramatta’s Women's Shelter via our the schools QKR app.
By supporting Parramatta Women’s Shelter and raising awareness and discussing the issues associated with domestic and family violence, we as a Mercy community are carrying on the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy and Catherine McAuley, following in the footsteps of the ‘walking nuns’ who went out to the disadvantaged, firstly in Dublin then in Parramatta, to bring practical support and hope. We have the chance to help change the lives of Parramatta’s most vulnerable women and children.
Debbie Grigson
Assistant Principal
Pray With Us
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Term 2 Week 3
- Year 10 Geography Excursion
- Year 10 History Incursion
- Year 11 French Study Skills
- PDSSSC Football Gala Day
- CSDA Debating Round 3
- Parents and Carers Group Meeting
Term 2 Week 4
- School Tour Morning
- Year 12 Music Excursion
- Year 9 Reflection Day
- CSDA Debating Round 4
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:
LIBRARY AMBASSADORS - At the school assembly this week the 2024 Library Ambassadors received their badges. These students support the library and help students find their next great read.