Term 3 Week 9 - Thursday 15th September 2022
News from the Principal
At Catherine McAuley, we take a great deal of pride in the many ways in which we excel, and we celebrate this excellence with you in a variety of ways. We are always very proud of the students of Catherine McAuley when they are striving for higher things.
Success, excellence and strong reputation, such as the one Catherine McAuley enjoys in the local area, are important to us, because a school that operates well and is well regarded provides the right foundation for other successes. These come when the small things are done well, because they become the basis on which to build greater success and excellence.
The correct wearing of uniform, the following of the Student Charter, and the adherence to general instructions are some of those small things that provide the basis for excellence in all areas. We often receive criticism for our focus on these small things, but we firmly believe that when these are attended to, then greater successes can follow.
I have linked both the Student Dress Code and the Student Charter, and I ask you to reinforce these with your daughters. As always, when we work together to provide the best education for your daughters, we are all more successful.
I hope you enjoy this CMW Weekly Review and all it has to offer.
Mary Refalo
Principal
News from the Religious Education Coordinator
On Friday, 9th September 2022, Australia awoke to the news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had died at her Scottish estate, Balmoral Castle. The Queen’s death has received much attention from the media and commentators. Earlier in the year, the Queen celebrated her Platinum Jubilee making her the first British monarch to reach this milestone. Regardless of whether you would prefer Australia to remain a constitutional monarchy or become a republic with our own Head of State, the Queen’s dedication to her duties and responsibility as sovereign cannot be disputed.
During her life, the Queen met numerous Heads of State, politicians, defence force personnel, volunteers and charity workers, health professionals, school children and people living ‘ordinary lives’. It might not be widely known but one of the Sovereign’s titles is 'Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England'. Despite the theological differences that exist between the Anglican Church and the Roman Catholic Church, it is appropriate for our Catholic Mercy community to review her life.
The ecumenical meetings between the Popes and the Queen have helped to ease the intense hostility that long existed between the Catholic and Anglican denominations. In 1951, HRH Princess Elizabeth first visited the Vatican, meeting Pope Pius XII. In 1961, now as the Queen, she met Pope Saint John XXIII. Interestingly, it wasn’t until 1966 that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Arthur Michael Ramsey met with Pope Paul VI, the first such meeting since the Reformation. During her reign she had meetings with Pope Saint John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.
While there will be a detailed analysis of the second Elizabethan era, including her predecessors’ involvement in the colonisation and dispossession of our First Nations sisters and brothers. However, it is important to remember what sustained the Queen during her long reign was her Christian faith.
Pope Francis has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in his message of condolence to His Majesty King Charles III. The Pope wrote that he joins everyone who mourns her loss "in praying for the late Queen's eternal rest, and in paying tribute to her life of unstinting service to the good of the Nation and the Commonwealth, her example of devotion to duty, her steadfast witness of faith in Jesus Christ and her firm hope in his promises."
For Christians, the Queen was one of many female role models who gave her life to the service of others and her annual Christmas message invariably highlighted Jesus Christ as a model of humble and generous service. In our Catholic tradition we are more familiar with the lives of Venerable Catherine McAuley, Saint Mary MacKillop of the Cross and St Teresa of Kolkata who also devoted their lives to following the example of Jesus through service to others.
Perhaps Queen Elizabeth in her 2014 Christmas message best expressed the importance of her Christian faith, “For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance, and healing.”
May we like the Queen, follow Jesus’ example of forgiveness, love, acceptance and healing in our daily lives.
Genevieve Banks
Religious Education Coordinator
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:
AROUND THE CLASSROOMS - On Tuesday Year 8 History students complemented their study of Medieval Europe with an interactive medieval performance. One of the highlights of this incursion was the chance to dress in some of the medieval clothing from the time including helmets, chain armour and dresses and examine close up the stocks and replica swords and shields.
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Term 3 Week 10
- Year 12 Graduation Mass
- Year 12 Graduation Ceremony
- Student Leaders 2022-2023 Conference
- Duke of Edinburgh Award Training Session
- Public Holiday - National Day of Mourning for Queen Elizabeth II
- Staff Professional Development Day
- Pupil Free Day
Term 4 Week 1
- HSC Written Exams commence
- Qualifying Duke of Edinburgh Camp
- Year 7 Vaccination Clinic