Term 3 Week 8 - Thursday 12th September 2024
Note from the Principal
Our celebration of Mercy Day was exceptional, and I would like to thank all involved in making it such a great community day for all of us at Catherine McAuley.
Mass at the beginning of the day was a beautiful reminder of the Catholic leadership Catherine modelled to us during her time in Dublin. The symbols we use to represent her life and works centred prominently during the Mass celebration, and the commissioning of the 2024 -2025 school leaders was a practical reminder that, as Catholics, those leaders are asked to lead with service.
The remainder of the day provided many opportunities for fun and plenty of food for students. We are proud to say that our fundraising efforts for the Timor Leste Chicken and Egg project were the highest they have ever been, with approximately $20,000 raised throughout the term from fundraising events and the purchase of Mercy Money. Students with remaining Mercy Money will be able to use it at future fundraising events.
In addition to thanking the many teachers and staff involved in this day, I would like to thank the parent helpers who assisted with the distribution of lunch. I would also like to thank you for supporting your daughters as they supported Mercy Day.
Enjoy the week ahead everyone.
Mary Refalo
Principal
News From The Assistant Principal
This year the Wellbeing Team has focused on the goal 'Building Resilience in students while maintaining mental and emotional wellbeing'. A strategy to build resilience has been for students to focus on the school values and the importance of communication.
At a recent form meeting Year 8 Ryan highlighted the school value of excellence. In their presentation they shared the following quote and what it means.
“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.
Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”
The girls explained that the quote by Marie Curie means fear often arises from a lack of understanding. By gaining knowledge and understanding we can reduce or eliminate our fears. This approach is essential for excellence because it empowers people to take on obstacles with confidence and push themselves.
Catherine McAuley provides us with the following quote:
“Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger."
A Year 11 student presented the following explanation of the quote as part of her presentation at a Year 11 form meeting.
In her wise words, Catherine McAuley teaches us a valuable lesson about the art of effective communication and emotional regulation. With her quote "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger," she highlights the importance of actively listening to others before expressing one’s own thoughts or opinions. By prioritising listening, we create a space for empathy, understanding, and cooperation. Additionally, Catherine McAuley reminds us to be patient in our speech, taking the time to choose our words carefully, as hasty remarks may lead to misunderstandings or hurt feelings. By advising us to be slow to anger, Catherine McAuley encourages us to control our emotions, fostering a more peaceful and harmonious environment. In embracing this profound mantra, we can cultivate healthier connections, resolve conflicts with grace and compassion, and nurture a deep sense of respect for one another's perspectives.
Please take the time to discuss these quotes with your daughter and how it applies to her learning and overall wellbeing.
Year 12 Graduation
In the last week of this term we formally farewell our Year 12 2024 class from Catherine McAuley with the celebration of Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Tuesday, 24th September at 5:30pm and the Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, 26th September in the Morley Centre at 9:30am.
All students will attend the Graduation Ceremony. As this is a formal event students will wear their winter uniform including school blazer, no jumper and stockings. At the conclusion of the ceremony students in Years 7 - 10 will change into their sports uniform for afternoon sport and Year 11 will have the opportunity to change their stockings to socks.
Debbie Grigson
Assistant Principal
Pray With Us
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
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
Week 10
- Student Leaders' Conference
- Year 12 Graduation Mass
- Year 12 Graduation Ceremony
- End of Term 3
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 12 student Sacha S. who has been awarded the 2024 Bishop of Parramatta Award for Student Excellence. This annual award is given to one Year 12 student from each Catholic school in the Diocese of Parramatta. It recognises students who witness their Catholic faith and achieve well in their academic, sporting, creative, vocational or community endeavours.