Term 4 Week 9 - Thursday 8th December 2022
Notes from the Principal
This week I received the news that two students from Catherine McAuley reached out generously to a Ukranian family in their parish. The students knew the Ukranian family were refugees who had recently fled from war.
The students took it upon themselves to purchase and give Christmas gifts to the children of the Ukranian family because they wanted the children to know that they are not alone, and that they are welcome in their new land.
I was very proud of these students in particular, but of all Catherine McAuley students, because this story is an example of the strong understanding they have of what it means to be merciful. This example highlighted that they understand their place in the world, and the power they have to improve the lives of others. It certainly is a true Christmas story.
Today’s Weekly Review will be the final edition for the year, with a Christmas letter from me to come next week. This Weekly Review is quite detailed, highlighting celebrations of the week, student achievements and important information. Please take the time to read it closely.
Enjoy your preparations for Christmas this week.
Mary Refalo
Principal
News from the Religious Education Coordinator
After months of rain we have recently experienced a few warmer sunny days and for many people, it is finally beginning to feel more like summer. The change in temperature is not the only indication of a change in seasons. Around Sydney the jacaranda trees and agapanthus are displaying their brilliant purple flowers and the sound of cicadas indicate that summer has truly arrived. Just as the weather has transformed from one season to another, in our Catholic liturgical year, Advent is the time for transformation!
This coming Sunday is Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent. In Latin Gaudete translates as rejoice. For the first two weeks of Advent the focus is on the coming of the Messiah but on Gaudete Sunday there is a shift in focus, the Messiah is near. Our joyous anticipation is seen in the lighting of the rose coloured candle in the Advent Wreath and the rose coloured vestments worn by the clergy. Theologian Henri Nouwen described joy as “the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved and that nothing — sickness, failure, emotional distress, oppression, war, or even death — can take that love away.” In 2014 Pope Francis on this Sunday of Joy, encouraged people not to fret about unfinished Christmas preparations but to “think of all the good things life has given you.”
So on Christmas Eve as we listen to the opening words of the First Reading from the Prophet Isaiah “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Is 9:1) may we be responsive to the Star of Bethlehem. May we be more like the shepherds who, unlike so many others around them, sought Mary and Joseph. Together with open hearts they welcomed Emmanuel, God with us, the Christ Child, the original and greatest Christmas gift.
On 23rd December 1837, Venerable Catherine McAuley wrote to Frances Warde, “May God preserve and bless you and grant you all the graces and precious gifts reserved for this Holy Season”. May this be our Christmas wish for all in our Catherine McAuley Westmead community.
Genevieve Banks
Religious Education Coordinator
Photo taken by Ms Banks whilst on pilgrimage in January 2020 at the Church of the Resurrection, Abu Ghosh, Israel.
Pray With Us
News Articles
- Thank You to The Generosity Of Catherine McAuley Families
- Year 8 McAuley Students Act As Reading Tutors For Mother Teresa Primary School Students
- McAuley Science Students Visit The Westmead Institute for Medical Research
- Year 10 Student Graduates From The Future Is Bright Trades Program
- Year 11 Student Interviewed For Online Publication of the Greater Cities Commission
- Term 4 PDSSSC Grand Final Update
- Staff Recognised For Years Of Service To Catholic Education
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:
Lovely to see so many families at the first ever combined Catherine McAuley and Parramatta Marist Christmas Concert! $1800 was raised for the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. A particular thank you to the Catherine McAuley P&F who volunteered at the BBQ.
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Term 4 Week 10
- Years 7 - 10 Alternative Program
- Years 7 - 10 Parent / Student / Teacher Meetings
- Year 12 HSC / ATAR Morning Tea
Term 4 Week 11
- Years 7 - 10 Alternative Program
- Staff Professional Learning Day
- End of Term 4
Save the Dates
| Monday, 12 December Thursday, 15 December Friday, 16 December Monday, 19 December | Alternate Program for Years 7 - 10 Please click on this link to access the alternate program information |
| Tuesday, 13 December | Years 7 - 11 Parent / Teacher / Student Meetings Onsite from 1pm - 4:30pm Information provided with the Semester Two Reports |
| Wednesday, 14 December | Years 7 - 11 Parent / Teacher / Student Meetings Online from 9am - 2:30pm Information provided with the Semester Two Reports |
| Tuesday, 20 December | End of Term 4 |
| 2023 | |
| Friday, 27 January Monday, 30 January | Staff Professional Learning Days |
| Tuesday, 31 January | Years 7 and 11 students commence Term 1 |
| Wednesday, 1 February | Years 8, 9, 10 and 12 students commence Term 1 |
| Friday, 3 February | Opening School Mass |