Term 2 Week 9 - Thursday 22nd June 2023
Notes from the Principal
This week’s Chapel Mass was held in Mercy Chapel at Catherine McAuley and was celebrated by Fr Christian. In his homily, Fr Christian talked to us about the importance of being kind and authentic (#bekindandauthentic).
The gospel of the day (Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18) reminds us to be authentic and true in the way we support others, and it reminds us that true kindness is genuine. Each person is a child of God, and therefore deserves inherent dignity.
Fr Christian made the connection to contemporary communication. In the same way that our support of one other should be true and authentic, so should our communication with one another, whether it is verbal communication or electronic communication through social media.
Fr Christian’s closing comment was to use the hashtag #bekindandauthentic. It was a beautiful reminder to take each of us into the day, and I hope it will be a nice way for you all to conclude your week and head into the weekend.
We look forward to seeing parents of Years 7 - 10 at next week’s Parent / Student / Teacher meetings.
Mary Refalo
Principal
News from the Director of Formation and Mission
At Catherine McAuley Westmead, we know the importance of extending the Mercy Value of Hospitality to all we meet. It goes more deeply than quenching a person’s thirst with a cup of tea. It recognises that we warmly welcome all to our community, especially those who may be different from ourselves. Throughout Australia, Refugee Week 2023 commenced on Sunday 18th June and will conclude on Saturday, 24th June. Refugee Week is an annual event that creates awareness about refugees and celebrates their wonderful contributions to Australian society. For refugees who are fleeing persecution and war, it is essential that they feel safe and welcomed in their new country.
The theme for 2023 - 2025 is Finding Freedom. The Refugee Council of Australia believes that the theme promotes harmony and togetherness as it unites individuals, communities and organisations from many different backgrounds behind a common cause.
The theme, Finding Freedom is a reminder that, regardless of our differences, we all share a common humanity and a desire to live in freedom. Through awareness raising at Catherine McAuley Westmead and through our Catholic faith, we know that every person is entitled to their inherent dignity as they “are created in the image and likeness of God” (Gen 1:27). When we can live freely, we are living without the fear of war, the assurance that our basic human rights are upheld and that the dignity of all is respected.
Lastly, the refugee story is not a foreign story in our Catholic faith. In the midst of the joy of Jesus’ birth, the Holy Family became refugees as they fled into Egypt to escape persecution (Matthew 2:13-15). At this moment of great vulnerability, the Holy Family found a safe dwelling place. May all those who are associated with Catherine McAuley and our country extend the Mercy Value of Hospitality, especially to our sisters and brothers in peril.
Genevieve Banks
Director of Formation and Mission
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:
SOCIAL JUSTICE - The battle has begun!! The Lip Sync Battle that is. Organised by both Mercedes and Ryan House as a fundraiser for The Parramatta Women’s Shelter students will be battling it out during the heats to see who will make it through to the final to be held next week. On Tuesday this week it was Year 11 students competing.
Need To Know
Term 3 2023 Significant Dates
Diocesan Adult Confirmation - 5th September 2023
Upcoming Fortnight
Term 2 Week 10
- Years 7 - 10 Parent / Student / Teacher Meetings
- Year 12 Formal
- Staff Formation Day
- School Morning Tour
- End of Term 2
Term 3 Week 1
- Staff Professional Learning Days
- Naidoc Week