Term 2 Week 1 - Thursday 27th April 2023
News from the Principal
I hope that the Easter season and the term break have been joyful experiences for you and your families, and that you have returned back to your usual routines. We were very happy to welcome staff to school on Monday, and students yesterday, for what promises to be another full and productive term.
Last term I let you know that I was invited to participate in a pilgrimage to Dublin to learn more about our beautiful Mercy charism, and about Catherine McAuley, our foundress. It was, indeed, a very rewarding experience to be able to better understand the strength, resilience and compassion of a woman who inspired others to work with her to respond to the poverty that characterised Dublin at the time Catherine was called to serve. During my time at Mercy House, I was humbled by the approach she took to treating all with dignity and justice, and the exemplary level to which she worked, and allowed others to work.
During Wednesday morning’s Easter liturgy, I reminded students of the importance of excellence in all that we do: in our relationships with others and our call to love, in our commitment to our education and in our daily chores. Catherine McAuley was an ideal role model for all of us.
New Staff Members
This term I welcome two new staff members to Catherine McAuley. Ms O’Donoghue has joined us as the Leader of Learning Mathematics, and Ms Bonello has taken a position in the school administration team. I warmly welcome Ms O’Donoghue and Ms Bonello to the Catherine McAuley staff, and look forward to getting to know them better throughout the year.
Some Reminders
As I have written in previous communications, when we attend to the small things the big things take care of themselves. With the new term beginning, I would like to refer to some of the small things that, when done well, make school less stressful for students and allow them to focus on their studies. You may like to discuss these expectations with your daughters.
Meetings with teachers and school staff - There are times when you will need to see a teacher or Assistant Principal. Whilst we welcome communication from you, I ask that you make an appointment by calling or emailing to arrange an appropriate time for a meeting. This will ensure that the teacher or Assistant Principal is available for you, and you are able to see him / her without interruption. It allows important matters to be resolved most effectively.
The Student Charter - The Student Charter is accessible in the Student Planner. It sets out students’ rights and responsibilities and it reminds students to show respect for one another, for their teachers and for their environment. It provides a handbook for student conduct at school, in line with the school values.
Travelling to and from school - I remind students that in the mornings they should come directly to school. Students who alight from trains or buses are not to visit the Westmead shops on their way to school, but are to make their way directly to the pedestrian gate on Darcy Road for supervision in Mercy Square or the school library before classes begin.
- School begins at 8.30am, with the first bell for homeroom being rung at this time. Students are required to come into the school via the front office if they arrive late. All gates except the Darcy Rd pedestrian gate are locked at 8.35am.
- In the afternoons the T-Way on Darcy Rd can be very overcrowded and there is the potential for danger in this area. Students should be mindful that they are behaving in a way that maintains calm in this busy area.
- Gates 1 and 2 are closed between 3.00pm and 3.30pm each day to allow students to move to the Darcy Rd pedestrian gate and to leave the school safely.
Mobile Phone Policy - Students are expected to place their mobile phones in their lockers prior to homeroom and to leave them there until the end of the day. This allows them to get on with the important work of learning and it promotes stronger social skills and relationships. If you need to contact your daughter during the day, please feel free to call the school office and a message will be relayed to her.
Thank you for supporting us in providing the best possible education for your daughter at Catherine McAuley. When we work together we are most successful.
Best wishes to you and your daughter on a wonderful Term 2.
Mary Refalo
Principal
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:
ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICE - Thank you to the three Year 12 students who represented Catherine McAuley and the school community at this year’s Parramatta RSL ANZAC Day Dawn Service. The service took place at the Prince Alfred Square Cenotaph and the students laid a wreath on behalf of the school, one of only two local high schools to do so.
Thank you to Year 12 students Liya N., Samira A. and Sierra A.. Thank you also to the parents who accompanied their daughters and Ms Grigson and Mr Grumley.
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Term 2 Week 2
- Year 12 VET Entertainment Industry Excursion
- Years 9 and 10 CATHWEST Information Session
- Year 9 STEM Club Excursion - Metro Minds
- CSDA Debating - Round 2
- NSWCCC Netball Selections - 15 Years
- Parents and Carers Group Meeting
Term 2 Week 3
- Year 12 Careers Expo
- Year 10 Teen Mental Health First Aid Session
- Year 9 Reflection Day
- Year 8 French In-School Activity
- PDSSSC Cross Country Carnival
- School Athletics Carnival