Term 4, Issue 13 - 10 DECEMBER 2021

PRINCIPAL'S LETTER

As we approach the end of the year I would like to thank the wonderful students of Catherine McAuley for their dedication to their school and their studies. Whilst there have been some challenges for all of us this year, there have also been many highlights, and these have made for a successful and joyful year.

We were thrilled to acknowledge students who have achieved the highest academic successes during the Academic Achievement Assemblies today. I would also like to acknowledge the many successes of so many other students enrolled at this school. We are proud of them and their achievements, and we know you share our pride in the great work your daughters do.

Gratitude, as always, is extended to the teaching and support staff at Catherine McAuley for their continued care and education of your daughters. I know you greatly appreciate their expertise and generosity to each of the students at this school.

Some of our teaching and school staff have completed their contracts or are continuing their careers in other schools. I would like to thank these teachers and school staff for their contributions to Catherine McAuley and wish them all the best for their futures. The permanent teachers and staff leaving us this year are Mrs Wilson, Mrs Bleakley and Miss Kendrick, and we also farewell temporary staff who are leaving us: Mrs Sabeh, Mrs Zorabi, Mrs Wood, Mrs Swann, Miss Barone, Mrs Bielinko, Mr Young, Miss Kayrooz, Mrs Kirtinia and Mrs Hopley.

Mrs Muggleton will also take a period of extended leave in 2022. We wish her a happy leave period and look forward to welcoming her back when she returns to Catherine McAuley.

I would also like to thank you, the parents and carers of students at Catherine McAuley, for your continued support and trust in us throughout the year. 

As the joyful Christmas season approaches, we wish you and your families the blessings of the coming again of Jesus and we pray with you as we are reminded of the gifts of love and mercy that are given to us again at Christmas.

Mary Refalo
Principal

AWARDS CEREMONY SUMMARY

The Years 7, 8 and 9 Awards Ceremony was held today between 9.30am - 11.ooam. The Years 10 and 11 ceremony was also held today between 11.30am - 1.00pm. A summary of the major awards is shown below.

Year 7

Catherine McAuley Award - Prasidha P.

Junior Sportswoman of the Year Award - Zoe L.

Year 8

Catherine McAuley Award - Niamh M.

Year 9

Catherine McAuley Award - Naydeen P.

Year 10

Catherine McAuley Award - Daanya A.

ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award - Reya R.

ADF Future Innovators Award - Jasmine O.

Year 11

Catherine McAuley Award - Amy H.

Macquarie University Future Leaders and Achievers Award - Amy H. and Angelina M.

Parliamentary Award - Kayleigh F.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Thank You From Jesuit Refugee Service

JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has written to the School Principal to thank the McAuley community for their support of JRS this year. A copy of this email is below.

On behalf of the JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) family, I would like to sincerely thank you for the solidarity shown with your kind and extremely generous donation yesterday (6.12.2021)

Your support is very appreciated, as it will help JRS in its mission to accompany, serve and advocate on behalf of the forcibly displaced and vulnerable refugees and asylum-seekers in our community.

Prior to Covid 19, these children, women and men (from all races and religions) were primarily struggling on a daily basis but many have now been even further disadvantaged.

The extended lockdowns, loss of jobs and income have combined to really intensify their desperate situations and the past year has certainly been challenging.

Our emergency relief and foodbank services have been tripled yet JRS still faces a waiting list of those in need of assistance. 

During the extended lockdown, we had to shift to direct relief payments to cover groceries and/or rent, medication, essential living and hygiene items, school needs etc. for those in dire need. 

Fortunately, our Foodbank service recently returned to self-collection and deliveries of food and essential items to help over 800 people (including 300 children) across Sydney each week.

The JRS foodbank and emergency relief services are complemented by our employment program, specialist casework and legal support, psycho-social support with specialist services for women and their children experiencing, or at risk of sexual and gender-based violence. 

Mary, please accept our heartfelt thanks for enabling JRS to not only offer life-changing support but services that provide a sense of belonging within the community and hope for a brighter future.

With sincere gratitude,

Colette Thompson
Philanthropy Adviser, Jesuit Refugee Service - Australia 

Thank You From St Vincent de Paul Society

The School Principal has also received a letter from the St Vincent de Paul Society thanking the school for our compassionate support this year. A copy of this letter is below.

IN MEMORIAM

Death of Sr Mary Agatha Dunn who was at the school between 1974-1976

Former students at the school in the 70s may remember Sr Agatha who sadly passed away on 12th November 2021. She was 93 years old and living at the Stella Maris Aged Care Facility, Cronulla.

A Mass was offered in the M.M. Clare Dunphy Memorial Chapel, Our Lady of Mercy Convent, Parramatta on Friday, 26th November at 10.30am and followed at the North Rocks Catholic Cemetery, North Rocks.

May she rest in peace.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR TERM 1 2022