Term 3 Week 4 - Thursday 10th August 2023
Notes from the Principal
Over the next few days our World Youth Day pilgrims, Ms Banks, Miss Reynolds, Grace and Aradhana, will make the homeward journey back to Westmead after the conclusion of their pilgrimage to Lisbon to meet with thousands of other young people who came together to celebrate their faith. Whilst there have been many highlights for the student and teacher pilgrims, the purpose of their attendance is to strengthen their connection to their God, their faith, and to other Catholic youth, and to bring back to us at home their inspired commitment to their Catholicism.
We wish them a safe journey home and look forward to being filled with their inspiration.
Grace, Aradhana, Miss Reynolds and Ms Banks in Lourdes, France.
This week I invited a group of parents of students in Year 8 to school so that I could gather some feedback about the things that are working well at Catherine McAuley, and some of the things we can further improve to make yours and your daughter’s experience of school even better.
The feedback conversation highlighted quite a lot that is going well, including the high quality of relationships between teachers and students, and the support students have in their learning, the many opportunities students have to participate in extracurricular activities, and the strong friendships students have made at Catherine McAuley. An area we need to continue to improve is our use of Compass so that you can locate information more easily. We have begun a process for doing this and will request some more feedback from you about your Compass experience in the next few weeks.
All the best for a fabulous week, everyone.
Mary Refalo
Principal
Watch this short video to see Grace and Aradhana as they speak about their experiences. They appear at the 3.30 minute mark.
News from the Acting Director of Formation and Mission
HSC Trial Exams
As we approach the conclusion of Week 4 in Term 3, the dynamic atmosphere continues to thrive at Catherine McAuley Westmead. The Year 12 cohort is steadily approaching the culmination of their Trial HSC Exams, joined by Year 11 Accelerated SORI and Mathematics students who are also involved in this pivotal phase for the imminent HSC exams. Our dedicated team of teachers are diligently immersed in the task of evaluating scripts, poised to offer constructive feedback and invaluable insights that will enrich your daughter's HSC exam readiness.
Our Year 11 students are on the verge of wrapping up their Preliminary courses, poised to embark on their HSC studies in Term 4. In Weeks 8 and 9, it will be their opportunity to step into the examination arena for their annual assessments, showcasing the progress they've made throughout the academic year.
Year 10
On Friday 11th August, Year 10 will set time aside for their Reflection Day at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. This day will provide students with the meaningful opportunity for introspection and to think about their relationship with God. Students will delve into their spiritual connection with God and explore their potential as young women of Mercy, committed to fostering a more equitable and just global community.
Year 10 has been in the midst of their Stage 6 subject selections. On Monday 14th August, the Fr David Scott Resource Centre will be a hive of activity where Year 10, in the company of their parents/guardians, will finalise their choices with Assistant Curriculum Leaders of Learning, Curriculum Leaders of Learning and the Leadership Team.
Liturgical Calendar
This week, in the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church, we have celebrated three exceptional female saints. Firstly, Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, who co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph. As Australia’s first Saint, Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop was someone who championed the marginalised. Secondly, Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), a philosopher who was inspired by St. Teresa of Avila, converted to a Carmelite nun and tragically perished in Auschwitz despite protection efforts. Lastly, Saint Clare of Assisi, who was a contemporary of St. Francis, who embraced simplicity, founded the Poor Clares and dedicated her life to selfless service.
Daniel Nguyen
Acting 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:
Congratulations to Year 8 semester 1 Visual Arts students on their spectacular art works for the Mechanical Creatures being exhibited at the #Createwest exhibition at Parramatta’s Phive space. The unit encouraged them to explore tonal qualities in art making. Ms Refalo, Miss Breen and Mr Nguyen visited the exhibition on Saturday morning.
Need To Know
- Mercy Day 2023 Parent Information Letter
- Communicating With Teachers
- School Uniform Shop Update
- Minor Bus Timetable Change For Route 617
- Parents Have Free Access to 'Safe on Social' - an online survival guide for parents
- A Comprehensive Guide to Social Media Challenges: The Good, the Bad, and the Terrifying
- Volunteer With Vinnies
Upcoming Fortnight
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
Term 3 Week 6
- School Photos -Sports, Music & Cocurricular
- Year 1o RYDA Excursion
- Year 10 Geography Excursion
- Year 10 History Incursion
- School Tour Open Morning
- Parents Representative Council Meeting