Term 3 Week 3 - Thursday 3rd August 2023
Notes from the Principal
This week at Catherine McAuley gave us the joy of multiculturalism and language through activities facilitated by the Language Faculty.
We were sad to say farewell to our Japanese exchange students on Tuesday; we enjoyed their visit and the wonderful experience of sharing our respective cultures. During the week, students of French in Years 7 - 10 celebrated fabulous French cuisine during their crepe cooking day on Tuesday. Many thanks to the Languages teachers, Miss Nenchev, Sensai Reynolds and Mrs Tolhurst for arranging these activities for the students.
Presentation of certificates to our Japanese exchange students.
Year 8 French students holding the crepes they had made.
In other news, last term you gave us feedback through the Tell Them From Me survey. The results of this survey overwhelmingly indicate that you see the culture of the school as a positive one that enables your daughter to thrive. You also identified that there are some gaps in our sport program, and that we could be working on that aspect of school life. We have started reviewing this program and will implement the revisions as we move into Term 4. I would like to thank you for your feedback through this survey.
I hope you have a wonderful week.
Mary Refalo
Principal
News from the Assistant Principal
Mercy Day
Our school community celebrates Mercy Day at Catherine McAuley on Friday, 1st September 2023. Mercy Day is one of the most important events celebrated at Catherine McAuley Westmead. We extend an invitation to all parents to join us in our celebration and Commissioning of our School Captains and Student Leaders for 2023/2024 with Mass commencing at 9:30am in the Morley Centre.
Students change into appropriate theme dress, McAULEY REWIND: Decades from the 60's Onwards, after the Mass. Lunch is provided for students and as requested by students, will be a sausage sizzle with a meat, gluten free and vegetarian option. Students will indicate their preference via a Google Form, shared with them prior to the day.
Mercy Day is a day where we can help others by raising money for Mercy Works Charity – Timor Leste, Chicken and Egg Program. On Mercy Day students can participate in activities ranging from team games, disco, student-led activities, food stalls, drink stalls and a thrift stall. The cost of these activities will range from $1 to $5. Students will also be busking throughout the afternoon. There will be a café in Mercy Square and a fashion parade to highlight the theme of the day. We aim to fundraise $10,000 for Timor Leste during Term 3, so please financially support the range of events throughout Term 3 and the activities and stalls on Mercy Day.
For further information regarding Mercy Day please read the letter addressed to parents and carers.
Public Transport Concerns: The Importance of Considering Others While Travelling To and From School
From a school point of view the following comments are very disappointing as they do not reflect the behaviour of all Catherine McAuley students. The school does communicate these incidents to students and the students who are responsible are addressed in accordance with school procedures.
The majority of complaints the school receives from members of the public are regarding our students not standing on trains and buses for passengers. We know at times the girls offer their seats and adults say no. Regardless of the adult’s response students have been instructed to stand whenever there is an adult standing. The other concern is the noise of the girls on the train or bus. When they are using earbuds or earphones they speak louder than required. The school continues to remind the students at school assemblies, Form assemblies and via student notices of appropriate behaviour when in public.
This week the school has been advised by a member of the public of students opening the rear exit doors of the bus at the bus stop. These are exit doors not entry doors. This creates angst for the drivers and is dangerous behaviour. I have also been advised that students on Bus 7517 are not using appropriate language.
I would also ask parents to discuss with their daughter appropriate and respectful behaviour when travelling to and from school.
Safe on Social
As stated earlier in the year Catherine McAuley Westmead has partnered with Safe on Social to provide resources and information to better educate all members of our community in the area of cyber safety. Safe on Social delivers an online platform designed for parents, teachers and students as well as providing a number of webinars to empower and educate our community on the most current and most talked about cyber safety topics.
The Safe On Social Parent Program is an easy to use program you can access anywhere, anytime. Designed and taught by cyber safety experts with busy parents in mind, this down to earth, relatable and current content is how you can stay up-to-date with what your children are accessing and doing online, all the while educating, informing, and empowering yourself to have important conversations. Access to the Parent Program provides:
● Short, easy to understand videos on key online safety topics
● Resource Library for deeper knowledge and tips and tricks
● 24/7 email assistance from Safe on Social team of cyber safety experts
How To Access The Parent Program For The First Time:
To log into their online portal, simply click the link below, go to the ‘sign up now’ button, create your profile and enjoy immediate access:
Program URL: https://safeonsocial.thinkific.com/courses/parent-program
Discount code: sosparent100 (*please enter this code at the time of creating your profile and the cost will default to $0.00)
Program Dashboard
Once you’ve created your profile you can bookmark the URL below which is the student dashboard and will be where you can log in at any time to access the resources:
Dashboard URL: https://safeonsocial.thinkific.com/users/sign_in
Debbie Grigson
Assistant 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:
Around the Classrooms - The smell of crepes filled the air on Tuesday. French language students had a special treat as they attended an incursion which saw them learn how to make traditional French crepes.
Under the instruction from a French chef the students were able to use authentic language in a practical setting, use their French to respond to a person with whom they are not familiar and work cooperatively in a French speaking environment.
The added advantage of course was that there were many crepes to be eaten at the end!
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Term 3 Week 4
- Year 12 Trial Examinations
- Year 7 Activity Day
- Australian Brain Bee Challenge NSW State Finals
- Year 10 Reflection Day
Term 3 Week 5
- Year 11 2024 Subject Selection Interviews
- ANSTO Hackathon Incursion
- NSWCCC Netball Championships
- Student Leaders & Assistant Leaders 2023/24 Announced
- Year 12 Study Skills Session
- Year 11 EES Excursion
- Year 9 Commerce Market Day 1
