Term 1 Week 11 - Thursday 6 April 2023
Notes from the Principal
Mercy Pilgrimage in Dublin
This week I have been lucky enough to have spent the week in Dublin experiencing a pilgrimage to Catherine McAuley’s homeland with other Principals from the Mercy schools in the Sydney area.
Throughout the week we have been blessed to gain some understanding of the important work Catherine herself did as a woman who knew she had to make a difference in a world that did not encourage women to do so. We have walked the streets of Dublin and imagined those who once lived in them, we have slept in Catherine’s house and thought about what it must have been like for her and her sisters to care for and educate others as they did, and we have prayed in the Chapel adjacent to her house for the strength and fortitude needed to live lives of mercy, as Catherine showed us.
The remnants of Catherine’s life help us to see clearly the important values that she taught us to prioritise.
- Her hospitality kept those around her physically and spiritually alive.
- Her integrity modelled the integrity we all deserve and are called to show in our daily lives.
- Her application of justice reminds us that our calling to Catholicism is based on a fair world for all.
- Her courage in making a difference to the lives of so many in her own time and in the time since she did her work is humbling.
- Her focus on excellence reminds us that we can all be better people, and that we ‘strive for higher things’ in all that we do.
- Finally, her mercy is the symbol of love and kindness, and models for us a Christian way to live with others.
Easter
This week brings us to the end of Lent and into Easter. The resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday comes each year to remind us of our Catholic commitment; that above all we ‘love one another as I have loved you’ (John 13:34).
Over the Lenten season we are asked to examine our consciences to understand our failings and to improve ourselves.
This Easter, let us pray together to be people of love for one another above all else.
Professional Learning Day
The first day of Term 2, 24th April, will be a professional learning day for all staff at Catherine McAuley. We will use the time to learn about teen mental health and to ensure our mandatory training in child protection and safeguarding are up to date.
The school office will be closed on 24th April so that all staff can participate in the professional learning day. Students are not required to be at school on this day, but we will look forward to welcoming them on Wednesday, April 26 for the start of Term 2.
Happy Easter to you and your families, and special blessings for a restful and joyful holiday.
Mary Refalo
Principal
The school community gathered together on Holy Thursday morning to commemorate the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
News from the School Captains
Hey, hey, hey McAuley! It’s your School Captains Jasmine and Jacinta.
It’s McAuley’s favourite time of the year… the holidays! Or should we say break instead! As always there have been a great number of achievements this term. We have seen the amazing talents and skills of students in public speaking, reading competitions, the swimming carnival and a number of academic achievements.
While this is an opportunity to wind down, it is important that we all keep up some hard work throughout the holidays to keep our minds sharp. This could include re-reading your English text, getting ahead, or doing some practice responses to hand in to your teacher for feedback. Feedback is definitely the gold standard for any high achieving student, so we urge you to use this time to get ahead of the game.
In saying this, we also stress the importance of permitting yourself time to recuperate from the challenges of this term. We understand the accumulation of assessments can be a daunting experience for everyone, to different degrees. For Year 7, we understand you were probably inundated with a handful of assessments and how intimidating it can be to navigate these unknown waters. It can make you feel as though you’re drowning, so it's extremely important that you manage your time wisely and take care of your mind and body so that you can remain above water. During these holidays, you could boost your mental health by trying a new sport, experimenting with mindfulness, spending time with people who make you feel at ease, and even just catching up on lost sleep! We hope everyone has enjoyed their first term back at school and is ready for the next!
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:
AROUND THE CLASSROOMS - Year 10 Global Connections students of Mrs Grima and Mrs Williams were tasked with creating a sustainable farm. The students had to write a pitch and create a 3D model aimed at the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The students then pitched their ideas to the class with justification of what they chose and why.
Some sustainable farming ideas used by the students included:
Crop rotation
Natural pest control
Local farmers markets
Permaculture
Self-sufficient backyard ‘farms’
Community gardens
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Term 2 Week 1
- Staff Professional Learning Day (Pupil Free Day)
- ANZAC Day
- Easter Liturgy
- Years 11 and 12 Drama Workshop
- PDSSSC OzTag Gala Day
Term 2 Week 2
- Year 12 VET Entertainment Industry Excursion
