Term 2 Week 1 - Thursday 28th April 2022
News from the Principal
School Activities Regain Momentum in Term 2
We have enjoyed welcoming back to school the Catherine McAuley students, after a well-deserved break. I am sure they have used this time for rest and rejuvenation. It is always exciting for teachers and students to see one another at the beginning of the term, when the holiday stories are fresh and the enthusiasm to rejoin the school community is so evident.
With Easter taking place on the middle weekend of the break, this year we have scheduled our school Easter liturgy for this week. The liturgy reminded us of the Easter story, and of its relevance in today’s social, political and economic context, in the school, local and global environments.
The timing of this event speaks to the presence of the Easter message all year round. We are reminded at Easter time of our commitment to our sisters and brothers, and to our world, and of the forgiveness and hope that sit at the heart of our Catholicism. This week’s Easter liturgy was a strong reminder of this Easter message.
A glance at the school calendar will confirm for you that the term is beginning with great momentum and considerable opportunities for students to become involved in both curricular and extracurricular activities. Participation in extracurricular activities is very important for students. It allows them to:
- extend themselves in an area of interest
- connect with other students with similar interests and therefore increase their social circles
- have a stronger sense of belonging to the school community, and therefore increase their happiness at school.
Please encourage your daughters to be as involved as possible in extra curricular opportunities, which are advertised through the Compass notices.
To support and grow student learning, there are also a number of professional learning opportunities for teachers taking place in the next few weeks.
COVID News
Thank you for continuing to let us know if your daughter is COVID positive or a close contact of someone who is COVID positive and attending school by sending an email to the absence email (mcauleyattendance@parra.catholic.edu.au). I remind you of the CMW COVID-Safe Student Guidelines and ask that you follow the advice therein.
We will receive one more consignment of Rapid Antigen Tests within the next few weeks (no exact date for this yet). These will be distributed to students and can be used in the case your daughter becomes a close contact and is required to test daily before attending school.
P&F Meeting
I would like to remind you that this term’s P&F Meeting is being held onsite next Tuesday evening. Parents will also have the option to attend via Zoom. Details have already been sent to you, and further details can be found elsewhere in this newsletter. Please remember to RSVP via the link provided.
The meetings give you an opportunity to hear about what is happening at school, and also connect you to other parents in the community. You are very welcome to attend.
Mary Refalo
Principal
Pray With Us
News Articles
This Week on Social Media
Follow Catherine McAuley Westmead on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for regular updates. One of the posts from this week is shown below:
The school is farewelling Mr Sammut this week who will have his last day on Friday. Mr Sammut has worked at the school for 10 years in his role of General Assistant. He has always been ready to help students and staff with endless requests such as “my locker won’t open”, “these tables need to be moved” or “these school banners need to be put up” and was a good person to go to for a joke. Students and staff will miss his friendly face and wish him all the best!
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Please see school calendar in sidebar for dates and details.
Term 2 Week 2
- Staff Professional Learning Day - Pupil Free Day. School Office closed until 11.30am.
- Athletics Carnival
- School Tours
- CSDA Debating Competition Round 2
- Years 11 & 12 Legal Studies Incursion
- Year 8 AFL Program
Term 2 Week 3
- NAPLAN Testing for Years 7 and 9
- School Tours
- CSDA Debating Round 3
- PDSSSC Cross Country
- Year 12 Careers Expo
- Year 12 Hospitality Excursion
- Year 12 PDHPE Excursion
- Year 8 Reflection Day