Term 2 Week 5 - Thursday 29th May 2025
Note From the Principal
Last week I wrote to you about students’ upcoming assessment period and the importance of your daughter working well throughout this busy time to ensure she achieves her best in these assessments, and to apply the feedback that comes from her learning. This week I’d like to remind you that we have made available tutors in the school library on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons until 5.00pm, and on Thursdays until 4.00pm.
The tutors are ex-Catherine McAuley students who have achieved well at school and are now studying at university. Whilst they do not replace the role of the classroom teacher, they are well-positioned to support your daughter if and when she is stuck in her learning, and when she is completing her homework. There is no need to book in with a tutor, and there is no cost for this service. All students are welcome to participate in this program.
For your information, the school library, the Fr David Scott Resource Centre, is open each afternoon until 5.00pm and on Fridays until 4.00pm. Students are welcome to use this space as a place to complete homework or study in a collegial and collaborative environment, as many of your daughters already do.
This week 13 students in Year 11 have joined the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Adventurous Journey in the mud and wind at Camp Somerset in Colo. I wish them well as they make their way through the bush tracks. They are supporting one another to be safe and successful, and have been impressive in their attainment of the award to date. I look forward to seeing them with their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards when we are able to present them.
In other news about Year 11, teachers have prepared Year 11 reports, which will be available on the Compass parent portal in the next few days. The reports are excellent, and are testament that students are working hard and achieving well in all areas of their study and school life. Well done to Year 11 students.
Finally, the Tell Them From Me surveys close on Friday. We have heard from over 100 parents and carers, but we would like to have responses from 200 families. If you haven’t yet completed the survey, can I ask you to do so as soon as you are able? The data we collect from yours and your daughters’ responses is used to improve aspects of the school. The link is here for your convenience. We have also recently sent out a survey regarding your use of Compass. Thank you to those who completed it: your feedback will help us to improve this service to you.
Mary Refalo
Principal
News From the School Captains
Hello McAuley Community!
The leaders and staff have been working on an exciting initiative for our Strive for the 5 theme, and the launch of this was last Wednesday. This whole school assembly was an exciting one for the students and staff, and we want to share it with you!
We launched…. Strive for the 5 keyrings!! Each student received a beautifully designed keyring that encapsulates our theme for this year, with the five Mercy Values on it. It’s an amazing way for the students and staff to remind themselves to strive for excellence, hospitality, integrity, justice and courage. At the assembly, we played a fun ‘Family Feud’ video made by the student leaders, to reveal the theme and list places students could put their keyrings. On their bag, pencil case, drink bottle or school bag!! We have loved seeing them around school and remind the McAuley community to strive for the five Mercy values in everything you do!!
Strive for the 5 keyrings.
There are a lot of fun and exciting initiatives going on in our school this term. We had STEM Week last week which involved organised STEM activities in a celebration of the different disciplines of STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, which was a huge success. A big thank you to the Technology Leaders and all who participated, it is great to see McAuley building their STEM skills. This week, House Leaders from Ryan and Mercedes, organised Grade Trivia Competitions, giving students a chance to showcase their knowledge against other grades and donate to Parramatta Women's Shelter. Next week is Environment Week which puts sustainability at the forefront of our minds through a Repurpose Popup and Eco-swap Stall.
We want to thank all the leaders involved in these successful initiatives and remind everyone to be generous in participation and donations to our fundraisers!
Remember to Strive for the 5! See you next time…
Kaitlin and Emily
School Captains
Pray With Us
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Term 2 Week 6
- Years 11 - 12 Parent/Student/Teacher Meetings
- Year 7 Vaccination Program
- Year 9 Elective History Excursion
- CSDA Debating Competition Eliminations
Term 2 Week 7
- King's Birthday Public Holiday
- Year 12 Careers Expo at St Pauls Catholic College Greystanes
- Launch of the Parramatta Mercy Heritage Project
- Lifted Breakfast with the Bishop
- McAuley Sleepout for Parramatta Women's Shelter (Years 11 & 12 only)
- NSWCCC Cross Country Championships
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:
DUKE OF EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL AWARD - The school this week had thirteen Year 11 students, accompanied by Mr C. Foran, complete their Gold Duke of Edinburgh International Award Qualifying Journey. The Gold Award is the final and most demanding level of the Duke of Edinburgh Award and in addition to the physical recreation, skills, voluntary service and residential project components, the students are also required to undertake an ‘Adventurous Journey’.
The students were hiking and camping for four days along the Colo River in what was an exciting opportunity for them to engage with the natural environment and their peers, and gain new insights and skills.