Term 4 Week 3 - Thursday 31st October 2024
Note from the Principal
This week we enjoyed our meeting with the Catherine McAuley Parents and Carers Group. It was nice to see those who attend regularly, as well as those who joined us for the first time. During the meeting we went through a summary of events that have taken place at school, as well as some of the things that are to come. We also went on a short tour of the new Performing Arts spaces, to everyone’s delight.
The Term 4 meeting also serves as the Annual General Meeting for the year, and during this time we elected the 2025 Parents and Carers Group. I am pleased to say that the group’s leaders are those that served so well in 2024, and whose names follow. I would like to thank them for their service and unfailing support of the school. Group members were also listed during the meeting; there will be an additional opportunity to nominate as a group member at the Term 1 meeting next year. Group members are simply a reference group for the elected members.
The elected members for 2025 are:
- Chairperson Michelle McCann
- Second Chair Shauna Gavin
- Secretary Vinko Laus
- PRC Representative Penny Wallace
I’d like to thank these parents, and all those who attend, for their commitment to the CMW Parents and Carers Group and to the school. We know we are stronger when we work together.
This week at school there are quite a lot of excursions for students. The excursion program supplements the learning that takes place in the classroom, offering students an alternative, real world mode of learning. Just this week, all of Year 8 students enjoyed a Pastoral Care seminar with Chris Doyle (Year 7 also had this opportunity last week), and tomorrow Year 7 are having a learning day at Taronga Zoo, Year 10 Geography will be conducting a field study at Collaroy, and Year 10 History will be on an incursion at school. It is a busy time for everyone.
I hope the week ahead is a good one for you all.
Mary Refalo
Principal
News from the Assistant Principal
On Wednesday, 23rd October at House Meetings, the House Patrons launched the 2025 Leadership Process. The following positions are available for students to apply for:
- Student Representative Council (SRC) Years 7 - 11
- House Representative - Years 7 - 9
- Liturgy Representative - Years 7 - 9
- Mercy in Action Group Representative (MAG) - Years 7 - 9
The role descriptions for these positions and the application information are available on the Student Intranet. Students considering applying for a Leadership position need to ensure they have met all the responsibilities outlined in the Student Charter and demonstrate through word and action the school values. To ensure Year 7 students have an understanding of the process, current student leaders have addressed Year 7 at an assembly on Tuesday. Mrs Joanne Rehayem, Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 7, and the Year 7 Wellbeing Team have been working with students who are interested in applying for leadership for 2025.
When processing student applications staff will consider the following areas:
- Attendance at school including school events
- Participation and involvement in school activities
- Engagement in learning within the classroom
- Evidence of respectful relationships with staff and peers
If the above areas have not been met to a high standard then the student’s application will not be considered. Applications close on Thursday, 31st October 3:30pm.
On Tuesday, 22nd October the School Captains, Portfolio and House Leaders were hosted for morning tea by the Sisters of Mercy Leadership Team. Sr Margaret Jones and Sr Margaret Sheppard led a discussion over a cup of tea on the qualities and challenges of leadership. The girls visited the chapel and Sr Margaret Sheppard shared with them the stories of courage and resilience of the first sisters who came from Ireland to Parramatta. The students outlined to Sr Margaret Jones their initiatives for the remainder of this year and next year, with the focus to be on the school values and continuing the work of the Mercy Sisters specifically with Parramatta Women Shelter, Mercy Works in Timor Leste and the Jesuit Refugee Service. Sr Margaret Jones and Sr Margaret Sheppard were thrilled to hear from the students of the awareness raising and practical actions that so closely reflected the spirit of the early sisters that came to Parramatta and the current Sisters of Mercy who are working in many places within our community.
As teachers and parents we are continually looking for ways to educate our young people on ways to stay safe online and the appropriate use of digital devices. Many parents in their conversations with Leaders of Learning Wellbeing inquire about resources and information that informs them on the tips and tricks to many social media platforms and apps available to young people. An excellent source of information is the eSafety Commission website. As teachers we refer to this site to answer many of our questions regarding social media and apps. For parents the eSafety Commission website has advice for parents and carers to help children and young people stay safe online and advice sheets about online safety. The range of topics in this section dedicated to parent includes:
- Issues and advice - gaming, grooming and unwanted contact, screen time.
- Parental controls - how to use parental controls and other tools to maximise online safety in your home.
- Children under 5 - ways to support young children to have safe and enjoyable experiences online.
- Downloadable resources - videos, books, information sheets, audio files, activities, family tech agreements, gift guide.
- Sexting and inappropriate photos - the risks involved with sharing photos and images.
- Cyberbullying - strategies to address cyberbullying and how to report cyberbullying.
- Webinars for parents and carers.
- Online safety for every family.
- Tips on the hard to have conversations.
I encourage parents to become familiar with the eSafety Commission website as it is a great source of information on all areas of technology for all age groups.
As a school community we continue to be concerned about the over reliance students have on their mobile phone and this dependence takes away opportunities for real time conversations. As a school community we need to provide guidance on the safe, responsible and respectful use of digital devices including mobile phones. The Leaders of Learning Wellbeing are presently reviewing the CMW Responsible Use of Digital Devices Procedures in light of the NSW Government regulations, CSDP Policy and Procedures and our school values. Any changes to the procedures will be communicated with staff, parents and students.
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 our 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. May these words of Catherine McAuley be our mantra for the coming week. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.
Debbie Grigson
Assistant Principal
Pray With Us
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Term 4 Week 4
- Year 12 2025 HSC Presentation for Parents
- Year 10 Exams
- Year 9 Career Development Day
- School Morning Tour
Term 4 Week 5
- Year 9 Academy U Innovation and Investigation Day
- Year 9 Global Connections Excursion
- PDSSSC Badminton Gala Day
- Remembrance Day
News Articles
- 2025 School Theme Launched - ‘Strive For The 5’
- Outstanding Achievements In The International Chemistry Quiz
- Dance Students Recognised At School Assembly
- Year 11 Japanese Students Deepen Their Knowledge Of Japanese Culture
- The Catherine McAuley Tutoring Program Continues
- Year 9 Student Accepted Into Alberta Ballet School Summer Program
Our School on Social Media
Follow Catherine McAuley Westmead on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for regular updates. A recent post is shown below:
YEAR 8 - The Year 8 students spent the morning together yesterday as they continued to ‘Share Their Story’. The Year 8 Pastoral Care Morning was led by Mr Chris Doyle, from Karis Ministries, who spent time with the students examining the mercy values and in particular the value of integrity. Through dance, song and lots of fun activities the students engaged joyfully in the session.