Term 3 Week 5 - Thursday 18 August 2022
From The Principal
Welcome to the Week 5 edition of The Weekly Review. Within this edition you will find reports and photographs of students involved in a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
The increasing involvement of students in extra-curricular activities this year is wonderful, and it speaks to students who are involved and happy at their school. The research on students’ participation and involvement in activities outside of their normal classes speaks to the great benefits they gain from this. Most importantly, these students are happier, have stronger friendships, manage themselves more effectively, and contribute more to their families and societies. In short, it makes for stronger women. These characteristics are certainly desirable ones for all of our students, and I strongly encourage them to find extra-curricular activities they enjoy and to participate in them.
We also announced our new school leadership team for 2022 - 2023. Their names and corresponding portfolios / houses are attached. I wish to thank them for their service to the school community and for the tremendous responsibility they agree to when taking on these positions of service.
I hope you enjoy this edition of The Weekly Review.
Mary Refalo
Principal
The 2022/2023 Student Leaders.
News from the School Captains
Incoming Leadership Team Announced
Yesterday, the 2022-2023 Portfolio and House Leaders and Assistant Leaders were announced. This is a very exciting time for these students as they accept their appointment as those chosen to serve the school community in the upcoming school year. We have no doubt that they will represent their peers with pride, using their positions to encourage compassion, courage, justice, integrity and hospitality.
For those students who were not successful in their appointment, we applaud them for having the initiative to put themselves forward. Leadership is not defined by a badge or title but, in Catherine McAuley’s words, doing “ordinary things extraordinarily well”. As parents, we encourage you to talk to your daughter about how she can similarly contribute to the school community. For instance, putting her hand up to assist in the multitude of fundraising initiatives that will be run on Mercy Day or participating wholeheartedly in the upcoming House Cheer Off Competition.
Mercy Week
As Week 7 quickly approaches, anticipation continues to build for what has been titled ‘Mercy Week’.
On Tuesday, 30th August, Clare and Dobson are running a gift store during lunchtime as part of their Term 3 fundraising for the Chicken and Egg Nutrition Program. A message has been sent out to students encouraging them to look out at home for any unloved items that are unopened and in good condition that they could donate. Items can range from perfume and jewellery to sporting equipment and stationary.
On Wednesday, 31st August, the long awaited Cheer Off will be going ahead during Period 5 in the Morley Centre. The Cheer Off is a long standing tradition which builds House Spirit as our seven colour Houses battle it out in order to win points which go towards the overall House Cup. The House Leaders and Assistant Leaders have put in lots of effort to write and choreograph their cheers. Now it is up to each student to do their part and the winners will soon be decided!
Finally, Mercy Day takes place on Friday, 2nd September. This is a chance for the community to come together to celebrate the legacy of Catherine McAuley and raise more funds for Timor Leste. The Theme ‘Things That Unite Us’ gives students an opportunity to collaborate with each other and reflect on what they share. This could include their passions, a sport they do outside school, a favourite book or an outfit that reflects their cultural background (as our diversity is also something that contributes to unity)! There are so many avenues students can take and we are very excited to see what they come up with. Mercy Day is an important contributor to Term 3 fundraising and this relies on each student giving up a small amount of time during the day to assist in running stalls or activities. Please encourage your daughter to actively participate.
Victoria and Zara
School Captains
Pray With Us
Pope's Prayer Intention for August: To Pray for Small Businesses
News Articles
- Student Leaders for 2022 - 2023 Announced
- Extra Curricular Activities Back In Full Swing
- Year 8 Students Compete in Lions Youth of the Year Public Speaking Competition
- Introducing the McAuley & Marist Interschool Debate Club
- Strong Sisters to Perform At Upcoming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Conference
- Visual Arts Teacher Has Artwork Chosen for Fundraising Initiative
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:
Year 10 students attended their Reflection Day last Friday as they explored the theme of ‘Justice’ and examined why Parramatta is the Cradle of Catholicism in Australia. The students received input from the Very Rev Father Robert Rieding, Dean and Administrator of St Patrick's Cathedral Parramatta, Mrs Tracy Cowling, Year 10 Coordinator and Sr Helen Stannard RSM and attended the St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish Mass at 12.30pm.
The day gave students an opportunity for personal reflection and a chance to enjoy being in the company of each other after some intense decision making for subject selections.
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Term 3 Week 6
- Sport, Music, Co-Curricular Photos
- Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Journey
- Bishop of Parramatta Student Award for Excellence
- Year 12 Drama Practical Examination Marking
- Year 11 Drama In-School Activity
- Year 11 PDHPE / Fitness In-School Activity
- Year 10 Pastoral Seminar
- Year 9 Pastoral Seminar
- Year 9 Commerce Market Day
Term 3 Week 7
- Captivate Dance Arts Factor Eisteddfod
- HSC Industrial Technology Practical Examination Marking
- Mercy Day