Term 2 Week 3 - Thursday 12th May 2022
News from the Assistant Principal
School Athletics Carnival
Last Friday the school was blessed with a beautiful sunny day for the School Athletics Carnival. Throughout the day, students participated in a range of competitive and non-competitive events that contributed points to their House. The sea of colour that was evident at Barton Park was a site to behold after many cancellations of school community events. We thank Ms Elizabeth Pasion and the PDHPE team in their preparation of the carnival and the House Patrons who worked with the Student House Leaders to ensure there was maximum participation from students.
Debating
Last Friday night was the first round of Debating. Catherine McAuley hosted the students from St. Patrick’s Marist College Dundas. Students from both schools prepared a structured argument on the following topics:
Year 7 and 8 - That free to air TV has become irrelevant to society
Year 9 and 10 - That politicians poorly represent their voters
Year 11 and 12 - That we should ban all political advertising across all media platforms
It was certainly great to be able to have the debates face-to-face again with an audience present. The results for the evening were that Catherine McAuley was adjudicated as winning five of the six debates. Congratulations to the students and coaches. Thank you to the staff and students who attended to support the teams as chairpersons, timekeepers and ushers for the evening.
School Captains and Year 8 SRC Initiative
The Year 8 students prepared the following address for students and presented via the School PA system on Thursday morning. We congratulate the girls for their thoughtful presentation of a sensitive topic. Students were reminded in Homeroom that if they felt any of the material presented or discussed was confronting for them, to remember they have a support network of people at school including their Homeroom Teacher, Year Coordinator, teachers or School Counsellors - Mrs Boulattouf or Mrs Rogers.
The Year 8 Student Representative council has come together to raise awareness about bullying. Friday 13th of May, is National “Do It For Dolly Day” day. Dolly was a 14 year old girl who was being relentlessly bullied online and sadly, took her life because of it. This day aims to spread awareness and support for those who are victims of all kinds of bullying for a kinder, safer world for all of us.
The organisation Dolly’s Dream is committed to changing the lives of teens who experience bullying by addressing its impact along with depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses that adolescents are faced with. To “Speak even if your voice Shakes” is a message of empowerment for all teenagers. The best thing for anyone being bullied is to tell a trusted person about it, even if you are scared to. The best way to help someone being bullied is to stand up and support them, even if you are nervous about it.
Dolly’s theme is to wear a splash of blue, which is why we have encouraged you to wear a blue accessory. You can wear or display this however you like both today and tomorrow as a symbol of support for Dolly’s Dream - “Speak even if your voice Shakes” . Why not use the accessories your peers are wearing to start up a conversation about Do It For Dolly Day - “Speak even if your voice Shakes” ?
Do It For Dolly Day is a day dedicated to unifying the community, spreading kindness, and standing up against bullying. So tomorrow and everyday, remember to be kind to everyone around you. Your words are powerful so speak up for what is right and use your words to make someone's day just a little brighter. We want everyone to know that you don’t need to be embarrassed about speaking up as there will always be someone to guide and support you on this journey. You are never alone.
Debbie Grigson
Assistant Principal
Pray With Us
- Prayer to Our Lady of Fatima - Feast Day Friday, 13th May
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:
Angel from the Year 10 Student Media Team interviews Ms Smith, Veritas House Patron; Adhithi, Veritas House Leader and Veritas students at the Athletics Carnival held last Friday.
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Please see school calendar in sidebar for dates and details.
Term 2 Week 4
- CSDA Debating Round 3
- Year 10 Careers Day
- Years 9 and 10 IST Incursion
- Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey Camp
Term 2 Week 5
- CSDA Debating Round 4
- Year 11 VET Business Services Work Placement