Term 3 Week 6 - Thursday 29th August 2024
News from the Principal
Having returned from leave on Monday, I have been thrilled to see the great many achievements of students this term already. Their experiences have been rich, and they have been challenged in their academic and sporting pursuits, as well as in areas of their own personal interests.
I would like to congratulate all students on their participation and successes this term. We know that students who are active and motivated in their learning, and who also participate in other interests are always successful in all areas of life, including their academic achievement at school.
I would also like to offer a sincere thanks to the teachers and staff at Catherine McAuley for making possible the opportunity of an excellent education and for providing so many and varied events, activities and programs for your daughters to be involved in. Without them, many of these opportunities would not happen.
I would like to draw your attention to some events taking place at school next week, further information about both of which is included in the Need to Know section of this Weekly Review.
On Tuesday afternoon, 3rd September the Year 12 Visual Arts major art works will be displayed on Level 3 of the BM Building. All families are invited to come and have a look at students’ works between 4.00pm and 7.00pm. The works are exemplary and are deserving of a grateful audience. We are also hoping to have some musical items performed throughout the afternoon.
Friday, 6th September is Mercy Day. You are invited to join us for a very special Mass to celebrate Mercy Day and to acknowledge the commissioning of the new school leadership team. Mass will be held in the Morley Centre at 9.30am. You may have heard your daughter talk about getting ready for this annual celebration of our Mercy history. It is a day where we honour Catherine McAuley, our founder, and what we have learned from her. After Mass, students will be given a simple lunch and will be able to participate in activities to raise funds for the Mercy Works Chicken and Egg campaign. We are looking forward to a fabulous day.
Year 12 students, as you know, are in their final weeks of school. This term they have completed their Trial Examinations and have been receiving feedback on these important assessments in preparation for their HSC examinations which take place early in Term 4. They will soon participate in their final Mercy Day, and Graduation in Week 10 will be upon us before we know it. I wish Year 12 luck in these final weeks of formal school education, and remind them to remain focussed on their studies and on applying the feedback they receive from their teachers. I also wish them joy as they experience the rituals and rites of passage associated with the final few weeks of school.
Finally, I wish to give you a quick update on the progress of the building works at Catherine McAuley. You may have noticed the demountable buildings at the front of the school have been in use all term and are providing a sound learning environment for the classes timetabled here. The work to the new Performing Arts area is progressing well, with completion expected by the end of this term. This area will comprise new dance, drama and music rooms, practice and rehearsal rooms, and a staff work space. The Performing Arts team are looking forward to moving into these new learning areas.
I am pleased to be back at school for the remainder of this term, and I look forward to seeing you at some of the school events scheduled between now and the end of Week 10.
Mary Refalo
Principal
Pray With Us
Need To Know
- Student Leaders for 2024 - 2025
- Mercy Day Mass Invitation
- Mercy Day Parent Information Letter (also sent out last week)
Upcoming Fortnight
Week 7
- Year 12 Visual Arts BOW Display
- Bishop of Parramatta Student Excellence Award Ceremony
- PDSSSC Athletics Carnival
- 2024 Arts Factor Dance Eisteddfod
- MERCY DAY
Week 8
- Year 12 HSC Design and Technology Practical Examination Marking
- Year 12 HSC Music Practical Examination
- Year 12 CAFS Masterclass Incursion
- Year 11 Exams
- Year 10 Academy U Event
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:
CHICKEN & EGG PROJECT - Last Friday night a number of Years 11 and 12 students spent the night at school raising money for the Mercy Works Chicken & Egg Project, whilst also raising awareness of the plight of the homeless and foodless. The students were each given a few coins to go and buy dinner at the local supermarket and then spend the night on the school grounds.