Term 4 Week 8 - Thursday 1st December 2022

Notes from the Principal

As the year very quickly draws to a close, it is quite remarkable to note the very large number of school activities taking place. There have been excursions for each year group over the past week, including the Year 7 beach excursion taking place tomorrow.

Yesterday afternoon we held our Performing Arts Mini-Showcase; the first since COVID lockdowns postponed performance activities.  It was lovely to see the great skill of students involved in Dance, Drama and Music classes, and I congratulate them on the display of their learning to the school community. 

I would like to thank students for their participation in these activities, and also their teachers who continue to make the learning experience a very valuable one for your daughters.

I’d also like to remind you that your daughters’ semester reports will be available on the Compass Parent Portal next week, with Parent / Student / Teacher meetings taking place the following week. Meetings will be both online and face-to-face so that we cater effectively for your needs. We look forward to seeing you to discuss your daughter’s progress this semester.

Best wishes for an enjoyable week ahead.

Mary Refalo
Principal

News from the Assistant Principal

As we begin Advent and focus on the meaning of the candles on the Advent Wreath, we light the first candle, which is purple, symbolising hope. It is sometimes called the 'Prophecy Candle' in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah. Catherine McAuley this week put into practice the importance of being a candle of light and hope for many people as we started to journey through Advent to the coming of Jesus at Christmas.

House Patrons with Student Leaders launched the CMW Christmas Hamper Appeal. We support the Jesuit Refugee Service and Vinnies by contributing gift cards and other items to be distributed to families in the form of Christmas hampers across Western Sydney. Years 7, 8 and 9 are focused on building hampers for the Jesuit Refugee Service. Please see the link for more information on what to contribute to the hampers. Years 10 and 11 are building hampers for Vinnies. Please see the link for more information on what to contribute to the hampers.

To build community and celebrate friendship the annual Christmas photos with Santa were held on Monday and Tuesday for the cost of a gold coin. Due to popular demand we have extended this opportunity to next Monday, 5th December. At lunchtime on Tuesday, 6th December Student Leaders are holding a Snow Cone Stall to round off their fundraising for the Jesuit Refugee Service that has been our main focus this term.

As the term comes to an end we will celebrate the coming of Christmas with Christmas Themed Thursday. On Thursday, 8th December students may wear Christmas themed accessories with their sports uniform or school uniform. As students in Years 7 - 10 are involved in sport on Thursday afternoon they will need to wear joggers to meet Work Health and Safety requirements.

Week 8 has been a busy week at Catherine McAuley with students involved in a range of activities in addition to timetabled lessons, lunchtime groups, sporting finals and the celebration in our  Mini-Showcase on Wednesday afternoon. It was great to welcome parents to join our Years 7 to 10 students to watch the range of performances from our Music, Dance and Drama students. The Showcase provided students with the opportunity to put into practice with an audience what they have been working on within the classroom.  

Last Friday Year 10 in Geography and History deepened their understanding by exploring these topics in other environments. The Geography students investigated the causes and extent of development at Collaroy Beach by listing the biophysical and atmospheric conditions that combined to erode the beach in 2016 and explored the current management strategies by the Northern Beaches Council. The History students stayed at school and started the day with Ms Tang  talking about her mother’s experience as a refugee fleeing Vietnam in the early 1980’s and how coming to Australia changed her life. The students viewed a Anh Doh documentary and completed a reflection activity on refugees and the impact it had on their lives. The day finished with input from Brett Hunt about the Vietnam war, and the connection to the song “I was only 19”. It was a great incursion to finish up the unit of the Vietnam War and Australia involvement in the war.

On Wednesday, Year 9 and 10 French students visited the NSW Art Gallery and Little Snail French Restaurant to consolidate listening and speaking skills in French as well as broadening their  understanding of French culture, civilisation and gastronomy. 

Wishing all our families a Happy and Holy Christmas.

Debbie Grigson
Assistant Principal

Pray With Us

First Sunday of Advent

News Articles

• McAuley Students Spread Christmas Cheer
• Year 10 History and Geography Students Extend Their Studies

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:

PERFORMING ARTS MINI-SHOWCASE - A wonderful afternoon on Wednesday as the school gathered for the Performing Arts Mini Showcase! Performances from Drama, Dance and Music students. Well done to all involved!! Many photos from this event are available on the school's Facebook and Instagram pages.

Need To Know

• Jesuit Refugee Service Christmas Appeal
• Vinnies Christmas Appeal
• 2022 School Awards Ceremony
• Invitation to 2022 School Awards Ceremony

Upcoming Fortnight

Term 4 Week 9

• Years 7 - 11 Academic Awards Ceremony
• Catherine McAuley & Parramatta Marist Christmas Concert
• School Morning Tour

Term 4 Week 10

• Years 7 - 10 Alternative Program
• Years 7 - 10 Parent / Student / Teacher Meetings
• Year 12 HSC / ATAR Morning Tea

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