Term 4 Week 3 - Thursday 30th October 2025
Note From The Principal
This week at Catherine McAuley was a significant one in terms of our relationships with parents and future students.
On Monday and Tuesday this week all students enrolling into Year 7 in 2026 visited the school with their parents and carers to meet Catherine McAuley teachers as part of their transition program. The students and their families spent 30 minutes or so in conversation with a Catherine McAuley teacher, telling us about their achievements and needs. It was a wonderful way for us to get to know our newest incumbents and their parents, and we thank them for making the time to come to school to be part of these meetings.
The next stage of the Year 7, 2026 transition program is the Orientation Day being held on Friday, 14th November. I look forward to sharing news of this day with you.
In addition to this, the Parents and Carers Meeting was held on Tuesday evening. It was only a small group gathered for this term’s meeting, but it was a terrific opportunity to talk with parents and carers about the things that are happening at school this term. I’d like to thank those who attended; their contributions to the discussions were lively, positive and helpful.
In addition to the usual meeting, we also held the Annual General Meeting where we filled the leadership positions of the Parents and Carers Group. The 2026 positions will be held by the same team as those who held them in 2025. I would like to thank the team for the consistency and vibrancy with which they run the Parents and Carers Group, and for their constant support of the school and its programs. I look forward to continuing to work with them in 2026.
The leadership positions for the Parents and Carers Group in 2026 are:
- Chair Michelle McCann (daughter in Year 10)
- Vice Chair Shauna Gavin (daughter in Year 9)
- Secretary Vinko Laus (daughters in Years 11 and Year 8)
- Parents Representative Council Penny Wallace (daughters in Year 12 and Year 7)
Mary Refalo
Principal
News From The Acting Assistant Principal
Walk In Unity, Nourish Our Community
In this week’s assembly, our student leaders launched their 2025/2026 student leadership theme: Walk in Unity, Nourish our Community. The leaders have used the image of Catherine McAuley’s boot, representing the walking nuns who supported Catherine in bringing compassion and service to those in need, despite facing criticism for doing so, and a bouquet of flowers, reflecting our seven Houses.
The School Captains, addressed the school community using the words - unity, diversity and hospitality, and how these themes resonated with the student leadership team in the development of their motto. They encouraged all students to embrace their diversity, strengthen their talents and nurture our community through their words and actions.
Term 4 Fundraising Initiatives
The launch of the student leaders motto was timely as the Term 4 fundraising initiatives were also launched this week. This term our fundraising efforts will support the Jesuit Refugee Service. Our support will allow them to provide initiatives to empower refugees in our local community. Catholic Social Teaching principles invite individuals and communities to recognise the dignity of every person and to respond to local and global injustices with empathy and action. Our social justice program and initiatives are not just about raising funds but also about creating awareness and providing opportunities for our students to advocate for the common good of all. I encourage all students to engage actively in the social justice awareness raising initiatives this term.
Wellbeing Goal in 2025
Our Wellbeing goal in 2025 has been a focus on building resilience in our students. Resilience, the ability to adapt, recover, and grow from challenges, is one of the most important traits our students can develop. It helps them navigate setbacks, manage stress, and maintain a positive outlook when things don’t go as planned, which sometimes they don’t. Resilient students are better equipped to handle academic pressures and personal challenges. They see mistakes as opportunities for learning rather than signs of failure. This growth mindset fosters their well-being and confidence in facing future hurdles. As parents I encourage you to nurture resilience in your daughter by encouraging problem-solving, modelling perseverance, promoting connections and celebrating their efforts, not just their results.
Social Media Restrictions
Earlier this term, Ms Refalo wrote about the upcoming restrictions on social media. These restrictions come into effect on the 10th December 2025. The eSafety Commission has launched a dedicated online hub, with FAQs and support for parents/carers and educators. You can access this online hub here. They are also running a number of parent webinars to help parents understand the changes. You can sign up for one of these here. Below is a link to a further resource to support parents: Social media age restrictions, what you need to know - eSafety Commission information flyer.
Sharon Brincat
Acting Assistant Principal
Pray With Us
All Saints Day Prayer
Mercy Works Reflection - All Saints Day / All Souls Day
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Term 4 Week 4
- Year 12 HSC Written Examinations Continue
- Year 10 Exams Continue
- Year 9 Karis Ministries Mercy Values Seminar
- Year 12 2026 HSC Presentation
- School Morning Tour
Term 4 Week 5
- Year 12 HSC Written Examinations Conclude
- PDSSSC Badminton Gala Day
- Year 9 Career Development Day
- Year 7 2026 Orientation Day - Friday 14th November
News Articles
Our School On Social Media
Follow Catherine McAuley Westmead on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for regular updates. A recent post is shown below:
LIFTED LIVE 2025 - Last Saturday, Catherine McAuley students, including our Australian Catholic Youth Festival Pilgrims, joined young people from around the Diocese at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral for LIFTED LIVE! 🎶🙏
The evening began with a Vigil Mass for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv, and continued with a night of worship, music, and community. Thank you to Ms Pasion and Ms Banks who accompanied the students.