Term 1 Week 6 - Thursday 2nd March 2023
Notes from the Principal
Last Friday evening we held a special welcoming to the families of our new Year 7 students. The students, now that they are familiar with their environment, enjoyed taking their families on a tour of the school. The students also introduced their parents and carers to the new friends they have made over the past weeks, and lots of parents were introduced to one another.
It was a wonderful celebration of our community, with well over 500 people in attendance. A light supper was served, and many musicians from Years 8 - 12 entertained us with their musical talents.
It was lovely to chat to families about the transition from primary school to Catherine McAuley, and to hear that the experience has been a positive one for the students.
I’d like to thank the many families who attended on Friday evening, and also the staff who prepared various aspects and who remained onsite to meet those families who attended.
Mary Refalo
Principal
News from the School Captains
Hey, hey, hey McAuley! It’s your School Captains Jasmine and Jacinta.
The upcoming week is one that is extremely significant in our school community as it marks our celebrations of International Women's Day (8th of March). It is about honouring the achievements of women all over the world. This is especially important in the Catherine McAuley community because we are always ‘striving for higher things’ and working to make our world a better place.
Our own personal inspiration is Catherine McAuley. She is an inspiring woman through her compassion and mercy for everyone around her. She saw that there were people suffering and worked to make a change. This International Women's Day we honour Catherine McAuley by living out these mercy values of excellence, integrity, courage, hospitality and justice which she held so strongly throughout her life.
On Wednesday, 1st of March, guest speaker Rosemary Kariuki began our International Women’s Day celebrations. She inspired the entire community by talking about her personal experiences being an African refugee in Australia and how she faced multiple challenges because of her identity. Rosemary never gave up and taught us that when we see that a change needs to be made, we must always work towards it. She spoke of the importance of having a community in which you belong and looking after those around us. She has been an inspiration to all of Catherine McAuley and we hope to follow in her footsteps in the face of adversity.
In the upcoming week you will be seeing many exciting things. We ask you to keep an eye out on the school’s CMAC Girls Instagram Page and Compass to see inspiring women profiles and an International Women’s Day video which were created by the leadership team and directed by the Leaders of Social Justice, Claudia and Alyssa, and edited by the Leaders of Technology, Ashyra and Grace. Each of the profiles made by a leadership portfolio take a look at an inspiring woman who has inspired them to excel in their dedicated fields. These profiles will also be displayed on the social justice notice board in Mercy Square. We encourage the students to wear a purple ribbon in their hair or pinned to their blouse on the 8th of March as a symbol of their acknowledgement of International Women's Day, and to stand in solidarity with all women around the world!
Until next time… stay merciful McAuley.
Jasmine Ong and Jacinta Abdulahad
School Captains
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:
Year 12 Hospitality students spent the day on Thursday last week completing a Barista and Coffee Art Course at CBD College, Haymarket. Students were assessed on their coffee making skills.
Students had to prepare a range of coffees in a short time frame and present them to the assessors. Teacher Mrs Maher said this course was a great “hands on practical course, which contributes to their competency outcomes for 'Prepare and Serve Espresso Coffee'.
Need To Know
- NAPLAN 2023 - New Proficiency Standards
- Assessment Handbooks
- How To Use The Westmead Catholic Community Kiss and Drop Area
- Catherine McAuley Westmead Parents and Carers Group
- Student Achievements Form - Let the School Know About Your Daughter's Achievements
- Catherine McAuley Westmead Book of Memories
- Beware of Suspicious Emails
- School Photos - Order Now or Incur a Late Fee
Upcoming Fortnight
Term 1 Week 7
- Catholic Schools Week - School Morning Tours
- PDSSSC Swimming Carnival
- International Women's Day
- Year 12 School Leaders International Women's Day Breakfast
- Year 10 Geography Excursion
- Year 10 History In-School Activity
Term 1 Week 8
- PDSSSC Open Basketball Gala Day
- PDSSSC Netball and Golf Selections
- Years 7 and 9 NAPLAN Testing