Term 2 Week 4 - Thursday 23rd May 2024
Note From The Principal
Planned Works On The T Way On Darcy Rd
This morning I met with representatives from Transport NSW to discuss planned works to improve the safety of the T Way on Darcy Rd. A large number of students from Catherine McAuley, as well as from Parramatta Marist High School, use the T Way to travel to and from school, and we have had some concerns about the ability of the infrastructure there to accommodate students.
The meeting today was to inform us that the T Way will be developed to include more concrete areas for students to wait on, as well as pedestrian fences to prevent students from straying out of the waiting areas. These features are due to be installed by the end of June. In addition to this, a new bus shelter will be erected in the T Way, and that is expected by the end of August.
We would like to thank Transport NSW for making these changes to accommodate students more safely, as well as Parramatta City Council for advocating for us in this area.
We are also looking forward to the launch of the light rail, which is being tested at the moment.
As these areas of transport improvements near completion, at school we will engage in road safety education to remind students about how to travel safely. I also ask you to talk to your daughters about this, so that they remain safe whilst travelling.
Parent Representative Council Event
I would also like to recommend to you this term’s Parent Representative Council event. At this event, being held on Monday, 3rd June, Shane Hardcastle will talk about how parents can support their children through each age and stage, as they consider the multiple education pathways available to them.
The Parents Representative Council events take place once each term, and the speakers who are invited to present are always high quality. Parents who attend always comment on how useful the sessions are. You might consider attending as a small group with your friends.
In other news, tomorrow I leave for my theology sabbatical to Leuven, Belgium. I am greatly looking forward to the learning I will encounter there. I will be away for two weeks, during which time the following changes to staff roles will take effect:
- Acting Principal - Ms Grigson
- Assistant Principal - Mr Michael Hall
- Acting Assistant Principal - Miss Brincat
- Acting Director of Studies - Ms O’Donoghue
- Acting Leader of Learning Mathematics - Ms Ghouhassian
Take care everyone. I look forward to seeing you on my return.
Mary Refalo
Principal
News From The Director of Catholic Identity and Mission
Earlier this week I was most fortunate to attend an International Catholic Schools Conference titled A Current of Grace. The conference was hosted by the Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, in partnership with the Australian Catholic University and Catholic Schools Youth Ministry International (CSYMI). It was a truly international conference with delegates from all over Australia and from many overseas countries.
While listening to the speakers my thoughts immediately were drawn to our Catherine McAuley community. Our young women of Mercy are faithful, courageous, loving and joyful. Whether they realise it or not, they are following the example of Our Lady. Who could ask for a better role model? In his homily for the Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church, Bishop Michael Gielen of Christchurch, New Zealand spoke about the importance of knowing and loving both Jesus and Mary.
It is no coincidence that the day after Pentecost Sunday, when we celebrated the birth of the Church, that on the following day we celebrate that Mary is not only Jesus’ Mother but she is the Mother of the Church, our Mother. Mary accompanied Jesus as he carried his Cross to Calvary and saw him take his last breaths. Despite her sorrow, Mary showed courage and trust in God. Jesus’ Resurrection showed that he could not be contained by a tomb. At Pentecost, Jesus’ promise is fulfilled when the Holy Spirit was gifted to the Apostles in the presence of his Mother.
Just as Mary faced times of uncertainty, we can be comforted and reassured as Mary was by God’s loving presence. May we draw inspiration from Mary and say “Yes” to God and allow the Holy Spirit to come into our lives, not only at Pentecost but everyday of our pilgrim journey here on earth.
Genevieve Banks
Director of Catholic Identity and Mission
Pray With Us
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Term 2 Week 5
- Year 12 PDHPE Excursion
- Year 10 Career Development Incursion
- Indigenous Veterans Service
- CSDA Debating Round 5
Term 2 Week 6
- Years 11 and 12 Parent / Student / Teacher Meetings
- School Athletics Carnival
- Year 12 Chemistry Excursion
- Year 10 Japanese Excursion
- Year 9 Elective History Excursion
- NSWCCC Cross Country Carnival
- CSDA Debating Round 6
News Articles
- Students From Across The Diocese Gather To Share Their Faith
- A Positive Return to Term 2 For Year 7 Students
- Catherine McAuley Students Through to State Final of Shakespeare Carnival
- Catherine McAuley Students Celebrate STEM
- Year 10 Geography Students Examine Environmental Change and Management At Collaroy Beach
Our School on Social Media
Follow Catherine McAuley Westmead on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for regular updates. A recent post is shown below:
PARRAMATTA WOMEN’S SHELTER - The Year 8 Veritas Bake Sale stall at lunchtime on Tuesday was VERY popular with a large variety of cakes, cookies and donuts on sale. All money raised will be donated to the Parramatta Women’s Shelter.