Term 2 Week 3 - Thursday 5th May 2022
News from the Assistant Principal
I hope you are all settling back into the fast pace of school after a restful Easter break with your loved ones. With so much happening in the coming weeks, I thought I would use this opportunity to give an overview of the important events your daughter may be talking about around the dinner table at home.
NAPLAN
The 2022 NAPLAN assessments begin for our Year 7 and Year 9 students this coming Tuesday, 10th May. A letter was sent home last Friday detailing the arrangements for these assessments. All we ask of you in the lead up to next Tuesday is that you express to your daughter the need to take these opportunities seriously and to do her very best. We use this literacy and numeracy data to plan our educational programs at the school level and to deliver differentiated instruction at the student level so it is important that this snapshot data is an accurate reflection of each student's skill set at the time of these assessments.
Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Survey
Each year CMW asks our staff, students and parents to provide feedback via the TTFM survey. In 2022 the survey will be open between 30th May and 1st July. Please contribute to your daughter's school by providing feedback on the things you think are working well and the things you see as needing some improvement. More detailed information regarding your daughter's participation in the survey and your opportunity to contribute will be communicated to all families in Week 4 of this term.
Athletics Carnival
The 2022 CMW Athletics Carnival is being held tomorrow (Friday, 6th May) at Barton Park, North Parramatta. The students are incredibly excited to participate in this wonderful community day that will showcase some of the athletic talents of our students as well as provide an opportunity to further build on the strong House culture at the school.
2021 HSC Student's Destination Survey
The Term 2 P&F meeting was held this Tuesday evening and it was wonderful to be able to host attendees in person for the first time in over a year, as well as have a number of parents join us via a live stream link. At this meeting, our Principal, Ms Refalo, shared some interesting data the School Careers Advisor, Ms Chahine, had gathered from our 2021 HSC students. Some of the highlights include:
- 78% of students are studying at university
- 10% of students are undertaking further study/training at other institutions
- A high number of girls are entering the health, business and science career areas
- 63% of students received at least one early offer from a university in 2021
This data continues to strengthen the culture of McAuley girls doing amazing things once they graduate. It is a real testament to their hard work, the school's support, expert teachers and culture of high expectations and, importantly, your support of your daughter's education.
As always, if you require any further information about any of the above events, please don't hesitate to contact the school office.
Jaie Skinner
Assistant Principal
Pray With Us
From The School Counsellor
Friendship Challenges
As we are in the second term of the school year, some students continue to find their place and friends that will fulfill them. As parents and carers, it can be quite challenging to support your daughters with this. Sometimes you might feel at a loss for words and advice when your daughter comes to you with their hurt and pain experienced because of friendship struggles. Whether it is due to mean words exchanged, exclusion from social interactions, this experience is not unique to your daughter. It is very tempting to try to solve their problems for them. However, for the long term, we know that providing your daughter with the skills and self-confidence to develop healthy relationships and attend to conflict results in positive outcomes.
Most of the research and evidence from experts strongly suggest that, as parents, rather than acting as a mediator in your daughter’s relationships, we need to assist and coach them from the sidelines. This is an opportunity from each one of you to help them learn essential social skills, build resilience and empathy.
When they do approach you with their friendship difficulties, allow them to express their thoughts and feelings in a safe setting. They want to be heard, validated, and understood. Rather then responding to them in a passive way or minimising their struggles, make time to listen and empathise and then ask them if they stood up for themselves. We need to encourage them to confront their problems and not to simply put up with bad behaviour and empowering them with the right skills and strategies to be able to do so. You can stand by their side and work out a plan. This shows that you are there for them in the decisions they make. Knowing you are available and there to support them is what counts!
Finally, it is important to remind yourselves that you are dealing with teenagers, and they are learning these skills in a safe environment with caring adults. Remember, other teenagers are just like yours: growing, learning and changing. As they learn to figure it all out you can support and guide with compassion.
If you have any concerns about your daughter, feel free to contact the School Counsellors, Mrs Suzan Boulattouf (Mon- Fri) or Mrs Kathryn Rogers (Wed-Fri) on 9849 9100 during school hours.
Suzan Boulattouf
School Counsellor
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:
Around the Classrooms - Year 12 Chemistry students of Mrs Manoogian were this week in class conducting a butter experiment. Students made a buffer and then tested the effectiveness of their buffer when acids or bases are added to it.
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Please see school calendar in sidebar for dates and details.
Term 2 Week 3
- NAPLAN Testing for Years 7 and 9
- School Tours
- CSDA Debating Round 2
- PDSSSC Cross Country
- Year 12 Careers Expo
- Year 12 Hospitality Excursion
- Year 12 PDHPE Excursion
- Year 8 Reflection Day
Term 2 Week 4
- CSDA Debating Round 3
- Year 10 Careers Day
- Years 9 and 10 IST Incursion
- Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey Camp