Term 2 Week 8 - Thursday 19th June 2025
Note from the Principal
This week Year 12 students are on their Senior Retreat, having left yesterday morning and returning tomorrow afternoon. For the students, this is an important time for them to grow spiritually and emotionally, and to take stock of the spiritual direction of their lives as they move to the end of their school education.
Students are working with leaders from the Passionist Youth Retreat Team, who have created a program for students that complements Catherine McAuley’s Catholic Mercy charism. In addition to the opportunity for spiritual development and personal growth, students are taking their time together to solidify their friendships in this last part of their school lives.
We are looking forward to hearing from the students when they return tomorrow.
Student reports for those in Years 7 - 10 are being prepared by their teachers at the moment, with reports ready for distribution next week. These reports provide very important feedback about your daughter’s academic progress and learning dispositions in each subject. For each student, there will be an opportunity to reflect and to consider how she might be able to improve her results and participation in each of her learning areas.
For many students, this is a time to shine: so many students are working hard and are making good progress at school, in both the learning areas as well as in their participation in the extra curricular life of the school. I congratulate these students. At the same time, the report can be a reminder to some students that more is needed from them.
Parent / Student / Teacher meetings will take place the following week in both a face to face and an online format. It is important that you attend these meetings with your daughters, as it allows you to clarify aspects of her report and her progress at school. Information about the meetings and how to book times for them will be sent to you via Compass with the notification that her report will be available on the Compass Parent Portal. We look forward to seeing you at the Parent / Student / Teacher meetings.
Finally, there have been some incidents of accidental damage to students' laptops. Often, a laptop is left on the floor and is subsequently trodden on, or is accidentally knocked out of a student’s hand. Too often, students’ laptops do not have a protective cover which may prevent some damage. Laptops are the responsibility of the student, and so any cost incurred through damage is the responsibility of the students involved, and is not a school cost. To prevent damage to laptops, can you please take some time to talk to your daughter about this and to ensure she has her laptop stored in a protective case.
Mary Refalo
Principal
News from the Assistant Principal
We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Years 7 - 10 Parent/Student/Teacher Meetings, an important opportunity for us to work together in supporting your daughter’s learning journey.
Parent / Student / Teacher Meetings will be held on:
- Thursday 3rd of July - in person (1pm - 7pm)
- Friday 4th July - via zoom (9am - 2pm)
These meetings are a valuable chance to discuss your daughter’s progress, celebrate achievements and address any challenges. This may well spur your daughter on in the second half of the year to challenge herself and achieve what she is truly capable of. By attending, you’ll gain insights into your child’s strengths, learning habits, and areas where we can partner to help them thrive. By attending you hear directly from your child’s teachers about their academic progress and wellbeing. You will have the opportunity to share your perspective and work with teachers to set meaningful goals and build positive relationships with our school community. It also shows your daughter that education matters.
We encourage all parents and carers to attend. Your involvement makes a real difference in your daughter’s education.
We will use the Compass portal for bookings. There will be a link shared with you in Week 9. Bookings will open on Friday 27th June at 9.00am and close on Wednesday 2nd July at 9.00am. Please be aware of the closing time as it cannot be reopened.
Thank you for your ongoing support. We look forward to seeing all parents and carers and their daughters.
Michael Hall
Assistant Principal
Pray with Us
Need to Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Term 2 Week 9
- 2025 CAPA Mid Year Showcase
- Year 12 Formal
- Year 11 Biology Excursion
- Year 10 Global Connections Overnight Fieldtrip
- Year 8 Japanese Drum Incursion
- PDSSSC Dance Competition
- CSDA Debating Competition Final
Term 2 Week 10
- Year 12 Chemistry & Physics Kickstart Workshop
- Year 12 CAPTIVATE HSC Group Performance Exhibition
- Year 10 Vaccination Program
- Years 9 & 10 Visual Art Excursion
- Years 7 - 10 Parent / Student / Teacher Meetings
News Articles
- Launch of the Parramatta Mercy Heritage Trail
- Catherine McAuley Now Has A Rugby League Team!
- Year 12 Student Awarded 2nd Place In The WorldSkills Australia Business Services Competition
- Year 12 Students Complete Australian Catholic University ‘Uni Step-Up’ Program
- Students Explore STEMC Careers With Transport for NSW
- Students Dive into the Future at AI STEM Career Incursion
- Students Explore Future Pathways at St Paul’s Careers Expo
Our School on Social Media
Follow Catherine McAuley Westmead on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for regular updates. A recent post is shown below:
LIP SYNC BATTLE - The heats for the Catherine McAuley Lip Sync Battle have begun and on Tuesday it was acts from Years 9 and 10 and on Friday it will be acts from Year 7. Students made a donation to Parramatta Women’s Shelter to watch the performances. The final of the Lip Sync Battle will take place later this term.
