Term 1 Week 8 - Thursday 16th March 2023
Notes from the Principal
NAPLAN Tests
The NAPLAN tests are being successfully conducted this week for students in Years 7 and 9.
You will have read about the changes to this test in 2023 in previous editions of The Weekly Review. Apart from the change in the timing of these tests from May to March, the way in which students’ results are being reported will also change. These changes allow teachers to use the information from this assessment to identify the next steps in learning for your daughters.
Farewell to Mr Clarke and Mr Forsyth
This week we farewelled Mr Clarke, a long serving member of the Administration Staff, and we have also learned that Mr Forsyth is leaving Catherine McAuley to retire from teaching.
Mr Clarke, who has worked at Catherine McAuley for 18 years, is going to work at another school in the Blacktown area. Mr Forsyth has worked at Catherine McAuley for 9 years, having worked at a number of other schools in his long and distinguished career as a Languages and Music teacher.
Mr Forsyth is currently on leave, but he is joining us on Friday, 31 March, so that we can bid him a warm farewell.
I know you will join us in wishing both Mr Clarke and Mr Forsyth all the very best.
Mary Refalo
Principal
News from the Assistant Principal
Growth Mindset
I recently spoke to Year 12 about their upcoming exams. I asked them, "When do you think we need you to be at your absolute best?" The common response was, "Now." They were surprised when I said, "No, in October." I went on to explain that we expect them to do their best in these exams and in their Trials but they have not yet finished the course. Along the way they will receive feedback. It is acting on that feedback and applying it to their next task that will see their understanding and skills grow towards their optimum performance that will be needed for their HSC exams.
I went on to tell the story of Lisa Curry. Lisa Curry was a swimmer in the 1980s and 1990s. At one time she held the Australian and Commonwealth record for all strokes except for backstroke. In an interview she did after retiring she said the saddest thing she hears when she meets up at school reunions is girls who say, "If only." They had as much talent as Lisa but were not prepared to put in the effort to be successful. I urged the girls to have no regrets. By doing what is expected and taking advantage of all that is on offer here at Catherine McAuley they could be successful and will not be uttering the words, "If only." Attendance, handing in draft essays, making the best use of study periods, attending extra classes, forming study groups, engaging in HSC online webinars are some of the strategies they could employ to be at their best in October.
These lessons though go for all girls here at Catherine McAuley. It does not matter where you start as long as you are making progress. As long as you are growing as a learner. This involves realising that you are the most responsible person for your success. Successful students manage their time, learn how to prioritise and are prepared to self advocate. In addition to all of this they make sure they look after their health and wellbeing by getting adequate sleep, following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and social involvement.
Please contact your daughter’s teacher if you are concerned about her learning progress or any other matter that would affect her realising her potential.
Michael Hall
Assistant Principal
Pray With Us
From The School Counsellor
Loneliness
We all feel lonely from time to time. Some people feel lonely when they’re surrounded by people, and others are totally OK on their own. Everyone experiences loneliness differently.
Loneliness is a feeling and like all feelings, it’s trying to tell us something. We all face loneliness at times in our lives. Feeling lonely lets us know that we aren’t feeling meaningfully connected enough with other people. It's trying to motivate us to do something different. This doesn’t necessarily mean having lots of people to hang out with, it’s about meaningful connections – feeling understood and supported. For some people, loneliness can feel overwhelming and can lead to feeling flat, sad and worried. Some people might also experience anxiety and depression. Loneliness is not always the same as being alone. Meaningful connections are such an important aspect for self-confidence, it is very important to take the time to help your daughter make solid relationships, in a number of places such as school, extended family, sporting or activity groups, and even pets and animals. For further information on loneliness, check the link below where you can find more information on loneliness: https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-kids-who-are-lonely/?
If you have any concerns about your daughter, feel free to contact the School Counsellors; Mrs Suzan Boulattouf (Mon-Fri) or Mrs Kathryn Rogers (Wed-Fri) on 02 9849 9100 during school hours.
Suzan Boulattouf
School Counsellor
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:
GRAND FINAL WINNERS - Well done to the Open Basketball Team who remained undefeated all day at the PDSSSC Open Basketball Gala Day held on Wednesday, 15th March at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre! The team won the grand final against St John XXIII Catholic College 39 - 17.
Results from other games were:
Game 1 against Caroline Chisholm 20 - 12
Game 2 against Nagle 32 - 17
Game 3 against St John XXIII 22 - 20
Game 4 against Delany 58 - 16
Semi Final against Caroline Chisholm 39 - 19
Grand Final against St John XXIII 39 - 17
Undefeated all day!!!
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Term 1 Week 9
- Year 8 Reflection Day
- Mercy 5 Senior Student Forum
- PDSSSC Open Soccer Gala Day
- School Cross Country Carnival
Term 1 Week 10
- Year 12 Half Yearly Assessment Block
- Year 9 Dance Excursion
- Year 9 Global Connections Excursion
- Year 7 Vaccination Program
- NSWCCC Swimming Championships