Term 2 Week 9 - Thursday 27th June 2024
Note From The Principal
Your daughter in Years 7 - 10 received her report through the Compass Parent Portal yesterday. Her report is the culmination of her learning and participation so far this year, and it represents both her achievements and her efforts this semester. I’m very proud to say that most students’ reports are excellent, demonstrating a focussed application to their learning and participation in classes and school activities.
I say to students often that when their attendance is excellent and they participate in extra curricular activities at school, their academic achievement is also excellent. This is because attendance and participation are indications of a person who is committed, organised, has good social networks and is resilient; all dispositions of a good learner. I have summarised this in the attached slide show that accompanies the address I gave students at yesterday’s assembly.
For some, however, there is the need for some reflection over the break; I encourage students whose report was not as good as it could be to consider how they might apply themselves more diligently next semester. As her parents and carers, this is something you may wish to talk to her about.
Next week we will have the Parent / Student / Teacher meetings. Information about how to book these was sent home with the report yesterday afternoon. Please make times for this important feedback opportunity with your daughter’s teachers as soon as possible so that you don’t miss out. For your information, and to coincide with the Parent / Student / Teacher conferences, I am attaching a guide to how we look forward to working with you in all our interactions together, including during meetings and phone calls: please see the CSPD Family and School Partnership Principles here.
Tomorrow, as you know, will be a Pupil Free Day and all staff will be involved. Therefore the school office will be closed for the day. The staff will share our annual Formation Day, the theme of which is ‘Faithfulness in the Parramatta Way and the Mercy Way’. Bishop Vincent Long will work with us in the first part of the day to explore ‘Faithfulness in the Parramatta Way’, and in the second part of the day Caroline Thompson from Mercy Partners will lead us to better understand ‘Faithfulness in the Mercy Way’. In the afternoon we will spend time supporting an event that St Patrick’s Parish Parramatta is holding, the Jesuit Refugee Service lunch, as well as providing and packaging resources for women who have need of the services of the Parramatta Women’s Shelter. We look forward to this day, and to the formation it will provide us to fuel our personal and professional lives.
Mary Refalo
Principal
News From The Director of Catholic Identity and Mission
The Jesus Boat, 1st Century Fishing Boat from the Sea of Galilee housed in the Yigal Allon Museum
Last Sunday was the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time and we heard Mark’s account of The Storm on the Lake (Mark 4:35-41). Mark tells us that after Jesus had taught the crowds in parables, he had a desire to cross the lake and go into the Gentile region. Jesus’ request is given to his disciples who were predominantly competent seafarers and fishermen. As the disciples are navigating the lake, Jesus falls asleep in the stern of the vessel. It is during this time that the weather suddenly changes and a “great storm of wind” (Mark 4:37) arises. Despite their experience and expertise in sailing, the disciples are fearful for their lives and awaken Jesus.
In response to the desperate pleas of the disciples, Jesus “rebuked the wind and silenced the sea” (Mark 4:39) and the storm subsided. Jesus then questions the disciples about “their fear and lack of faith” (Mark 4:40). Mark concludes by saying that the disciples “were filled with awe” (Mark 4:41). They are beginning to grow in their understanding that Jesus was both fully human (his need for rest and sleep) and that he is truly divine (only God has power over nature).
This passage in Mark’s Gospel reminds us that just as there can be storms on the Sea of Galilee, as we journey through life we encounter storms. All storms pass, they do not continue to rage forever. If we are not to perish during the storms of life, we must trust in Jesus and have faith in Jesus. Jesus will give us guidance and help and we do not need to solely rely on our own resources. When we heed Jesus’ message of peace and calm, we know that Jesus will guarantee us safety on our journey.
Senior Retreat
During Week 8, Year 12 participated in their Senior Retreat at Cru Lake Macquarie. For the majority of our students the three days and two nights away from home was a step into deep waters. The theme for the retreat was Walking the Same Road. The retreat was facilitated by the Passionist Youth Retreat Team (Tom, Sinead and Emma) and students were accompanied by Catherine McAuley staff, Mrs Cowling, Ms McGlone, Mrs Bain, Mrs Howlett, Ms McCaul, Mrs M King, Ms Raja, Mrs Noud, Mrs Grima, Mr Taniane, Ms Shipley, Ms Kelleher, Ms R Reynolds and Ms Banks. On Thursday afternoon, Ms Refalo was able to join Year 12 on their retreat. Also thank you to the numerous people who greatly assisted in the behind the scenes preparations for the Senior Retreat.
The retreat was more than spectacular sunrises and sunsets and generous meals at a beautiful location. It was an opportunity for Year 12 to spend time together away from their everyday lives and reflect upon what changes and improvements would be necessary to go forward together Walking the Same Road. Through icebreaker games, input sessions, journalling, small group discussions, meditation and Liturgy, Year 12 were truly able to connect to each other through trust and compassion. At the conclusion of the Retreat with the support of their peers and the knowledge of God’s love, Year 12 truly felt that they could remove their masks and authentically be themselves. Personally, I would like to thank Year 12 for placing their trust in the retreat process. I sincerely hope that they will remember their collective joy and love and sense of community as they complete their secondary education and begin their post school lives.
Our students will encounter obstacles, challenges and storms as they journey through life. May the friendships forged here at Catherine McAuley make that journey easier for our young women of Mercy. Like Venerable Catherine McAuley may our loving trust and hope in God, help all to weather the storms of life. Fr Terrance Klein writes, For us Christ is a lifeguard; he is shelter from the storm; and he is the surety that it will pass.
Ms Genevieve Banks
Director of Catholic Identity and Mission
Sunset Cru Lake Mac
Year 12 2024 Senior Retreat, students
and staff
Students at the Retreat
Pray With Us
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Term 2 Week 10
- Year 12 Geography Fieldtrip
- Years 7 - 10 Parent / Student / Teacher Meetings
- End of Term 2
Term 3 Week 1
- Staff Professional Learning Days (Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd July)
- Pupil Free Days (Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd July)
- Students Commence Term 3 (Wednesday 24th July)
- Year 12 Legal Studies Excursion
News Articles
Students Graduate from WSU Academy U and ACU Step-Up Programs
Academy U and Uni Step-Up Graduations
Year 10 Global Connections Field Trip Student Report
PDSSSC Years 7 - 9 Soccer Gala Day Report
Our School on Social Media
Follow Catherine McAuley Westmead on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for regular updates. A recent post is shown below:
Last night we had our Creative and Performing Arts Mid Year Showcase where beautiful Semester 1 art works were displayed, and a music concert entertained a very appreciative audience. Congratulations to all students in Years 7 - 12 who participated, and thank you to the teachers who prepared students to achieve excellence.
AROUND THE CLASSROOMS: