Term 3 Week 2 - Thursday 1st August 2024
Note from the Acting Principal
This week we welcome Miss Stephanie Istephan to our Catherine McAuley community who will be working in the School Office as our receptionist.
In Week 2 of the term, we have much to celebrate as a community. We congratulate our Year 12 Debating Team who have made it through to the final of the CSDA Debating to be held on Friday evening at ACU Strathfield. We wish the girls well as they debate against Rosebank College on Friday evening. I would like to thank the girls who came to support the Year 12 Debating Team last Friday evening.
We celebrated as a community, International Friendship Day organised by our Student Leaders. The purpose of the day is to promote understanding, cooperation and togetherness among all people. In Mercy Square at lunchtime the girls were entertained by our music students while they made friendship bracelets. Also at lunchtime the House Leaders and House Patrons had Krispy Kreme Donuts on sale, raising money for our Mercy Works charity this term - the Chicken and Egg Project.
Our School Assembly on Wednesday celebrated the contribution students have made to Ronald McDonald House, student achievement in the Big Science Competition and a musical performance from the Glee Club. The School Captains addressed students on strategies to deal with procrastination and how to approach the school day. Their catch line was the way you spend your day is the way you spend your life. The habits that you carry out everyday, defines your weeks, your months, it essentially makes up your whole life and the person you become. I would encourage you to discuss with your daughter the strategies Alyssa and Lea outlined in their presentation.
We look forward to another week of learning, social justice initiatives and community building activities in the ways and words of Venerable Catherine McAuley:
“We must strive to do ordinary things extraordinarily well”
Debbie Grigson
Acting Principal
News from the Assistant Principal
Trial Exams
Next week our Year 12 students will begin their Trial Exams. If you have had a child do these exams in past years you will no doubt have some experience in how to support your daughter this year. If this is your first child to do the Trial Exams then you might wish to consider some of the following strategies that are part of the Sydney Morning Herald’s HSC Guide. This guide is talking about the entire year but there are some important things that particularly need to be focused on during an exam block.
Keep communication open: Regular check-ins are important during Year 12. Chats can be brief but use them to give positive feedback and share your personal experiences, to help students feel supported and less alone. Find ways to connect through common interests or hobbies.
Boundaries for technology: We know technology use can hinder students’ concentration, yet it is also necessary for study and relaxation. Discuss your expectations regarding both social media and gaming and agree on some boundaries.
Take breaks together: Regular breaks are crucial for Year 12 success. Family breaks can ease pressure and foster bonding. Schedule some simple activities that they like to do and use this downtime for informal check-ins.
Help to make home study-friendly: Many parents feel overwhelmed about how to support their teens through Year 12. Start with the basics, such as helping them set up a functional study space and stocking up on quick, healthy snacks.
Be aware of the warning signs of too much stress: Signs of excessive stress include sleep disturbances, changes in eating habits, low self-esteem, increased irritability, or health problems. If you notice any of these, talk to your teen about it, and seek support from ReachOut.com and your GP.
Something not specifically mentioned above is that if your daughter has a part time job they might need to cut back on their hours. Their employer should be aware of industry expectations of them to allow HSC students to focus on their exams.
I often say to Year 12s that we want them to be at their absolute best in October when they actually sit their final exams. These Trial Exams are the first time the girls will be examined on the entire course; in most courses. This is why they are called ‘trials’. Regardless of the mark, the most important thing your daughter needs to get out of this experience is to read the feedback they receive and act upon it. We often talk about getting a few extra marks each task. If your daughter acts upon the feedback they could gain extra marks in each section of the exam and move themselves from one band to the next; either from Band 4 to Band 5 or Band 5 to Band 6.
The students who gain ATARs above 90 increase their effort after the Trials. The biggest mistake your daughter can make is to switch off after their school assessment concludes with the Trial Exams. Those who achieve outstanding ATARs make sure they are at school every day. They make excellent use of their study periods. They take advantage of the tutors the school has employed. They attend extra classes their teachers are prepared to run. They hand in drafts for feedback. They keep their focus and increase their effort.
Year 11s will have their preliminary final exams later in the term. Everything above applies to them and to you as their parents. It is pleasing to hear that some Year 11 students are attending extra classes that their teachers are prepared to organise and deliver.
Please do not hesitate if you have any questions or concerns about your daughter’s preparedness and performance in these upcoming exams to contact their teacher or myself.
Michael Hall
Assistant Principal
From The School Counsellor
Western Sydney Local Health District is running several after-hour programs for Adolescents in the community. These programs include social building, quitting vaping and emotional regulations.
Sociability - This is a 14 week program starting from 21st August 2024 every Tuesday from 4.00pm - 5.30 pm at 65 High St, Parramatta. For registration, feel free to contact 8860 2500 or email WSLHD-HighStreet@health.nsw.gov.au.
Quit Vaping - This is a 4 week program looking at withdrawals, managing cravings and stress. For registration and further information, contact 9881 1230 or email WSLHD-WAAT@health.nsw.gov.au.
Rage - This is a strengths-based solution focused 4 week program starting from 5th of August till 26th August from 4pm – 5pm once a week. For registration, feel free to call 9881 1230.
Headspace Parramatta is planning to host a twist on Paint & Sip with 'Boba, Paint & Chat’. It offers a unique blend of creative expression, cultural exchange and meaningful conversations about mental health topics across different cultures.
When: Thursday 22nd August 5:30 - 7:30pm
Where: Headspace Parramatta
Who: All young people (12-25 years)
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/boba-paint-chat-for-cald-young-people-12-25y-tickets-943966187277?aff=oddtdtcreator
If you have any concerns about your daughter’s mental health, feel free to contact the School Counsellors; Mrs Suzan Boulattouf (Mon-Fri) or Mrs Kathryn Rogers (Wed-Fri) on 9849 9100 during school hours.
Suzan Boulattouf
School Counsellor
Pray With Us
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Week 3
- Year 12 HSC Trial Examinations
- Year 8 French Incursion
- STEM Mad Showcase
- Australian Mathematics Competition
- Parents and Carers Group Meeting
Week 4
- Year 12 HSC Trial Examinations
- Year 12 HSC Dance Practical Examination
- Year 10 Reflection Day
- Year 8 Maths Enrichment Day
- Year 7 English Incursion
- Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey Camp
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:
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY - Catherine McAuley was celebrating International Friendship Day on Tuesday with a celebration organised by the Hospitality, Culture and House Student Leaders. The day serves as a reminder to acknowledge and appreciate the friends who have positively impacted your life.
At lunchtime on Tuesday in Mercy Square there was friendship bracelet making, live music performances and a Krispy Kreme stall (which was raising money for Mercy Works).
