Term 2 Week 5 - Thursday 30 May 2024
Note From The Acting Principal
Year 9 Reflection Day
Last Friday Year 9 students gathered together at St Patrick’s Cathedral for their Reflection Day centred around the Mercy Value of Excellence and a focus on Our Lady in the Month of May. The students explored the meaning behind the school motto, ‘Strive For Higher Things’ and how they can implement the habit of excellence into their daily lives. The day not only focussed on their relationship with God but fostered a sense of community and motivation amongst the students and also reinforced the importance of striving for personal and academic growth.
The girls joined the parish community for Mass to celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lady Help of Christians and also had a tour of the Cathedral to explore the many symbols of our Catholic Faith throughout the Cathedral precinct.
I congratulate the Year 9 students who led part of the day that highlighted the importance of Mary and the Rosary.
Year 9 Liturgy Leaders
Students touring St Patrick's Cathedral
National Reconciliation Week
In acknowledgement of National Reconciliation Week the Strong Sisters group has led the school community in the following ways:
- reading the National Apology on Monday during homeroom
- asking students to wear an orange ribbon in the spirit of reconciliation
- providing video resources to be played during homeroom throughout the week
- promoting reconciliation through messages in Compass over the week.
The video Acknowledging the Stolen Generations on National Sorry Day - Behind the News provides a succinct and informative overview of our history that generated discussion within the homeroom and for students to gain a greater understanding of the need for Reconciliation within our community. The theme for National Reconciliation Week, ‘Now More Than Ever’, is a reminder to us all that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue’. Our prayer this week has been for all Australians, both First Nations peoples and the many late arrivals in this ancient land. May the National Sorry Day and the start of Reconciliation Week renew our pledge to work together on truth-telling, healing and mutual respect.
Students from the Catherine McAuley Strong Sisters
Years 11 and 12 Parent / Student / Teacher Meetings
In the past week Years 11 and 12 students have received their school report. I encourage parents to discuss with their daughter the information provided in the report for each subject. Can I suggest two guiding questions for the discussion may be for your daughter to identify what she has achieved in each subject and where she needs to put her efforts to improve in each subject. I encourage parents to schedule appointment times with their daughter’s subject teacher at the upcoming Parent / Student / Teacher meetings to be held next Wednesday, 5th June 3:45pm - 7:00pm. For your information this was the Year 11 letter and Year 12 letter sent to parents with the relevant links.
Debbie Grigson
Acting Principal
News From The School Captains
Hey McAuley!
Last week, the halls of Catherine McAuley were buzzing as we celebrated STEM Week! Led by our Technology Leaders, students across all year groups came together to embrace the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a week-long celebration of discovery and innovation.
We believe that every opportunity is a chance for growth and learning, and STEM Week was no exception. By actively participating in activities, our girls expanded their horizons, developed new skills, and discovered the endless possibilities that await them in these exciting fields.
Why is STEM Important For Women?
- Representation: Provides an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the achievements of women in these fields, who have historically been under-represented.
- Awareness: Raises awareness about the gender gap in STEM and the importance of diversity in these fields, promoting dialogue and action towards making these environments more inclusive.
- Inspiration: Seeing successful women in these fields can inspire young women to pursue their interests or career aspirations in STEM. Role models play a crucial role in empowering individuals to overcome barriers and take risks.
- Networking and Support: STEM Week events, such as the ones held at Catherine McAuley last week, yield opportunities for networking and mentorship, connecting young women with similar interests.
During STEM Week at McAuley, every day represented one letter of STEM, and our Technology Leaders Naydeen and Rochelle led the girls through these lunchtime activities:
- Science Monday; The girls did a collection of science quizzes.
- Technology Tuesday; Our leaders held a typeracer competition, where you have to type a generated paragraph as quickly and accurately as possible for your car to move forward - the fastest car was the winner!
- Engineering Wednesday; The girls engaged in a spaghetti and marshmallow tower building challenge!
- Maths Friday; Sharp shooter, a 1v1 competition to see who says the answer first after rolling 2 dice.
As we reflect on the success of STEM Week, we are reminded of the importance of seizing every opportunity that comes our way. Whether it's participating in STEM activities or pursuing our passions and interests, we encourage everyone in our school community to embrace each opportunity with open arms, work towards excellence and empower each other as we do so!
That's all from us for now, don’t forget to Embrace, Excel, Empower!
Alyssa and Lea
School Captains
Spaghetti and marshmallow tower building challenge!
Spaghetti and marshmallow tower building challenge!
Pray With Us
Pope's Prayer Intention for June - For Those Fleeing Their Own Countries
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
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
Term 2 Week 7
- Year 12 Careers Expo
- Year 10 Vaccination Clinic
- Year 10 Global Connections Overnight Excursion
- Year 7 Activity Day
- CSDA Debating Elimination Round
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:
AROUND THE CLASSROOMS - Year 11 Design and Technology students of Mr Munro have finished their first assessment task for the year. The students were required to conduct a case study on a chosen textile designer. Firstly, the students needed to research the designer and then create a fabric design in Illustrator inspired by them. The school sent the fabric designs to the textile company Mereton located at Penrith who printed the fabrics.
The students then used their printed fabrics to create a textile product within a time frame of three weeks. Mr Munro said he is very proud of the variety of designs and choice of textile products.