Term 3 Week 7 - Thursday 5th September 2024
Note from the Principal
On Tuesday afternoon the Year 12 Visual Arts students’ major works were exhibited, and many parents, students, staff and friends of students came along to see the marvellous work that the students have completed across the course of their HSC year. The exhibition was accompanied by ‘background’ music from musicians from a variety of year groups; it was also a delight to listen to. I would like to thank all students and teachers for their participation in yesterday’s event.
There are a number of other HSC subjects that result in the culmination of a major work, including Drama, Music, Dance, Textiles, Design and Technology, English Extension II, Science Extension I, and Society and Culture. Most of these major works have been submitted now, with only Science Extension I and Music performances due next week. The commitment to study a subject requiring a major work is significant, and I congratulate all students who have done this successfully this year. I would also like to acknowledge their teachers who invest much time into ensuring students are successful in their projects. We look forward to hearing about students’ successes next term when the HSC results are released.
I would also like to remind you that Mercy Day is on Friday, beginning with Mass at 9.30am. All students are expected to be at school on Friday for the whole day. We also warmly invite all parents to join us for Mass in the Morley Centre at 9.30am.
Students are very much looking forward to this annual day of the celebration of our Mercy foundation. Throughout the afternoon activities we will continue our fundraising efforts for the Mercy Works Chicken and Egg project to improve the nutrition of expectant mothers and children in East Timor. I would like to thank in anticipation the team of teachers who have brought the day together and the members of the Parents and Carers Group for assisting with lunch on the day.
Mary Refalo
Principal
News From The Assistant Principal
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence has emerged in recent years as a transformative force in a variety of industries; education, health and business to name a few.. It is important that parents understand the advantages of AI in their child’s learning and also for future opportunities.
Teachers can deliver personalised learning to individuals based on analysis of individual student data. This personalised approach helps students to progress at their own pace, ensuring they receive the necessary support.
AI can create interactive and engaging learning activities. Gamifying learning is a successful strategy and AI can assist in this. AI can capture students’ attention and encourage them to put in a greater effort into their education. This greater engagement will no doubt lead to greater retention of new content and skills.
AI can fill in the gaps in education by providing access to learning opportunities and resources that may not be available. For example AI -driven learning platforms can offer tutoring, online courses and educational resources, making high quality education available to all students regardless of their geographical location.
As AI continues to change the job market, becoming familiar with AI will benefit students into the future and may well be crucial for future career opportunities and success. By integrating AI into schools, students can develop vital skills in data analysis, problem solving and critical thinking; all twenty first century skills which will prepare students for industries that will increasingly rely on AI.
Incorporating AI into schools and other educational institutions not only enhances learning experiences but also equip students with knowledge and skills necessary for the ever-evolving world.
As parents, understanding these advantages can help you support your child’s educational journey and prepare them for a very different future. Embracing AI in schools and education is more than technology. It is also about setting up a generation of learners to be ready to thrive in a digital age.
Michael Hall
Assistant Principal
From The School Counsellor
Raising Body Kind Teens
Parents and carers may be interested in an upcoming webinar with a focus on preventing body dissatisfaction and serious eating issues. The session will be delivered by experts from The Butterfly Foundation. They will provide information and practical tips to help parents better understand and promote positive body image in the home environment. It encourages all members of the family to be Body Kind; kind in the way they move, nourish, nurture and speak about their own body and others.
They will explore the following:
- How a positive body image protects against the development of serious body and eating issues
- Key influences on body image, including social media, diet culture and weight stigma
- Strategies to reduce appearance talk and body comparisons and increase body appreciation
- How to respond to negative body talk and appearance teasing/bullying
- How to support Body Kind eating, movement and self-care in our teens
- The power of role modelling positive body image and being kind to our own and all bodies
- Understanding warning signs and what to do if you are concerned.
Format: Live Virtual Presentation using Zoom
Length: 75 minutes plus 15 mins for questions
Time: 7pm - 8.30pm (AEDT)
Date: Tuesday, 17th September 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Registration is available here
Price: Free
R U OK? Day
R U OK? Day 2024 is scheduled for Thursday 12th September. This is our National Day of Action when we are each reminded that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?” and to be able to start a conversation on how you are travelling. Engage in meaningful conversations on R U OK? Day. Checking in with your family can make a profound difference in their mental health and wellbeing. You can explore these resources from the R U OK organisation.
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 02 9849 9100 during school hours.
Suzan Boulattouf
School Counsellor
Pray With Us
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
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
Week 9
- Year 11 Exams
- Year 10 Pastoral Care Seminar
- Year 9 Pastoral Care Seminar
- Year 8 Geography Excursion
- Year 8 Medieval History Day
- Bring It On Dance Competition
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:
Congratulations to Year 11 students Grace G. and Tarsha X. who have gained entry into the Step Up Into Teaching Program run by the Australian Catholic University (ACU).
Grace and Tarsha have shown a passion for education and are eager to make a difference in the classroom. They will undertake one week of intensive study during the September and January school holidays with other students from CSPD schools.
ACU offers this program to help students experience part of a university degree in teaching and could lead to an early offer. Well done on getting this far and for accepting the challenge of undertaking university studies while completing high school!