Term 2 Week 8 - Thursday 16th June 2022
News from the Assistant Principal
Importance of Self Reflection in a Student’s Learning Journey
In an article I read recently from Schoolbox, Andrew Norwood commented on the importance of self-assessment and self-reflection as enhancing the student’s learning journey. As students in Years 7 to 10 receive their school reports I feel it is important to reflect upon more than the marks but what is the report saying about your daughter’s learning journey.
Self-assessment and self-reflection is a powerful way to enhance a student’s learning experience. It plays an important role in teaching students not just what to learn, but also how they learn and what they can do to improve their learning outcomes. By incorporating tasks that require students to critically reflect on their work, processes and learning style; they are given the opportunity to identify gaps in their knowledge or skill set and achieve greater autonomy and deeper learning and metacognition.
Self-assessment and self-reflection involves students reviewing their work and reflecting on their learning progress. This helps students participate in and take ownership of their own learning.
Through self-assessment and self-reflection, students can:
- Evaluate their work against a set of criteria.
- Track their learning progress.
- Identify areas of strengths and weaknesses in their skill set and knowledge.
- Set realistic learning goals.
- Reflect on their learning style and processes.
- Act on feedback given from their teacher or peers to improve performance.
In preparation for the Parent / Student / Teacher online meetings scheduled for Thursday, 30th June 4pm - 7pm and Friday, 1st July 8:30am - 2:30pm, I would encourage parents to discuss with their daughter/s their report and review all aspects of the school report, not just the marks / grades. The Parent / Student / Teacher Meetings are opportunities for further feedback on your daughter’s learning journey. I encourage parents to take advantage of the opportunity to discuss your daughter’s progress with her teachers.
More information regarding school reports and Parent / Student / Teacher Meetings is included in the Need to Know section below.
Environment Week
Environment Leaders Charlotte Thomson and Emily Oliver, in collaboration with the Earth Action Committee, organised Environment Week. The week featured a range of activities raising awareness of environmental issues such as climate anxiety and how to make a difference, as well as discussions regarding the war on waste, climate justice and climate solutions. Some of the highlights of the week were the chalk murals, beeswax wrap workshop and the McAuley Thrift Swap Store. Through these events, students aimed to show other students and teachers (as well as the wider community) that individuals have the power to make a difference in the way they act as stewards of God's gift, and create a greater connection between our school and our land.
The McAuley Thrift Stall held on Friday, 10th June as part of Environment Week.
CSDA Debating Finals
Congratulations to our Year 7 Debating Team who won five from five debates and went straight through to the quarter finals in Term 3 Week 1.
On Wednesday evening the Years 8, 9 & 12 teams competed in the Round 1 Elimination Finals against Cerdon, Clancy College and St. Patrick's College via Zoom. Congratulations to Year 9 and Year 12 who have successfully made it through to the next round and will now compete in Elimination 2 this Friday for a place in the quarter finals to be held next term.
Ms Debbie Grigson
Assistant Principal
Year 12 Debaters: Amy, Victoria and Anita.
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:
McAuley students are battling it out, via lip syncing, all in aid of the Parramatta Women’s Shelter. Organised by Ryan and Mercedes the Lip Sync Competition gives students the opportunity to show off their immaculate lip syncing skills!
The heats began this week and on Wednesday it was Heat 2 - Years 11 and 12 students trying out for a spot in the final.
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Please see school calendar in sidebar for dates and details.
Term 2 Week 9
- Staff Formation Day - Pupil Free Day
- Breakfast with the Bishop Student Leaders' Forum
- CSDA Debating Elimination Round 3
- Mini Showcase
- Vaccination Program for Years 7 and 10 Students
- Year 12 Chemistry Excursion
- Year 9 History Elective Excursion
Term 2 Week 10
- Years 7 - 10 Parent/Student/ Teacher Meetings
- Pupil Free Day (Friday, 1st July)
- Year 12 Fitness and Hospitality Work Placements
- Year 11 2023 Subject Selection Talks
- Year 10 STEM In-school Activity
