Term 2 - Weeks 2 & 3 - 16th May 2025
- From the Principal
- Learning & Teaching (AP)
- Mission and Wellbeing (AP)
- Pope Leo XIV
- A Midsummer Musical!
- College Musical - Ticket Purchases
- School Community Group
- From the Classroom
- Indigenous Education
- Sporting News
- Mother's Day Breakfast
- 2026 McAuley Enrolments
- Gallery Foundation Emerging Artist Scholarship
- Dates to Note for May 2025
- Parent Support & Education
- Rural and Regional school travel
- Parish News
- Safe on Social Media
Dear Parents and Carers, Staff and Students,
On Friday, 9th May, we woke to the news that a new Pope had been elected, and across the world, Catholics were announcing and celebrating with the words, " We have a new Pope!” Cardinal Robert Prevost will lead the Roman Catholic Church and will be known as Pope Leo XIV. The election process of Pope Leo was the fastest in a century. I explained the papal election process only the day before the announcement, at our school assembly. Since the election, much has been written about Pope Leo XIV, including by our Bishop Gregory, which we have included in this newsletter. We pray for Pope Leo as he leads the Catholic Church into the future.
Despite the ongoing wet weather, we have held a number of activities for students and parents in the last fortnight. Thank you to the many mothers and grandmothers who attended our Mothers’ Day Breakfast on Thursday, 8th May. There was great conversation and sharing of food, and each guest received a small gift of a rose and a poem. It was a beautiful morning to celebrate the gift of mothers. Congratulations to both the boys and girls Bill Turner teams, who have won their first round games. And we have finally been able to hold our school Cross Country event, albeit in a different format and on a modified track. The weather has greatly impacted the running of the cross country, with three postponements. Well done to Mrs Corcoran and her team for their creativity and perseverance.
Congratulations are also extended to Kathy Warby and the Year 12 retreat team, and Year 12 students for an excellent retreat. I have only heard great things about the retreat, which was held at Yarrahapinni over 3 days and 2 nights. Retreats and reflection days are an important part of our faith formation and spiritual and personal development, and are integral to the holistic formation of our students.
Staffing changes
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching, Dianne McGowan, will be away weeks 4 - 10 of Term 2, and we wish her all the best as she enjoys her well-earned long service leave. Margaret Bertalli has been appointed as Acting Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching, and Leanne McLennan is the Acting Leader of Pedagogy. Ms Caroline Nicolle has been appointed to cover the teaching roles of these acting teachers.
Launch of Literacy resources for Parents at the School Community Group (formally Parent Forum)
Our Parent Forum is now known as the School Community Group. The term 1 meeting was postponed due to the flood event, so our first meeting will be held Tuesday 20th May at 5.30pm in the College Library. We encourage parents to come along as we launch our Literacy guide books. These have been developed to assist parents, students and staff. We would love feedback on the parent booklet, particularly from Year 7 and 8 parents and carers. Please come along or join via Zoom to find out what is happening in your school!
Launch of Grafton Regional Gallery - Scholarship
The Grafton Regional Gallery has recently launched the Gallery Foundation Scholarship for an emerging Year 12 artist. This is an exceptional opportunity for a Year 12 student in the Clarence Valley, and we are very fortunate that such an opportunity exists in a regional area. I encourage our eligible year 12 students to submit an application. For more details, see the flyer in this newsletter.
Tell them From Me annual survey
As mentioned in previous newsletters, the annual survey - Tell Them From Me - is open from 12th May (Week 4) and closes on 30th May. I encourage all families to complete the survey to provide us with feedback to help us improve and grow. This is part of our continuous commitment to school improvement. Each family will receive a link to the survey via email.
Enrolments for 2026
Our interviews for Year 7 2026 will commence in Week 5 this term and will continue for approximately 4 weeks each Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. These are an opportunity for parents and students and staff to get to know each other, ask questions and start the partnership process of education at McAuley. Information on booking interviews will be sent to families who have submitted an application. First round offers will be made on or around 3rd July. Enrolment applications are still open for all interested families.
The College Musical
Finally, our School Musical - A Midsummer Musical - will be held in Week 5! Tickets are now on sale. The excitement and nerves are building, and I thank all staff and students involved in creating this fantastic and entertaining event. Please come along on the 30th and 31st May.
All the best for the fortnight ahead
Kate
Kate Thomson
Principal
“We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.”
Catherine McAuley
Opal Changes
We have implemented some changes following a review of our OPAL (Ongoing Participation and Application Log) program, which involved gathering feedback from students, parents, and staff. The OPAL program is designed to provide timely insights into the nature and quality of student participation and application across all subjects.
The OPAL rubric scale has been modified to a score of 1 to 5, and the criteria have been slightly adapted to align with this scale. Students and parents will receive more detailed information about the changes via email in the coming week. Term 2 Opals will be published at the end of week 5.
Thank you to the members of our College community who took the time to respond to this survey.
Years 9 and 10 Exam Block and Year 12 Trial Exams
We are reintroducing a small exam block as part of the formal assessment schedule for students in Years 9 and 10 for selected subjects. These exams will take place in Week 5 of this term.
The Trial HSC Exam period is fast approaching for Year 12 students. They will receive their timetables via email in Week 4. Additionally, students should have received an email from NESA containing their individualised HSC examination timetable.
As students navigate this vital phase of their education, we encourage the Year 12 cohort to stay focused on their goals, push themselves to excel, and maintain a healthy balance. The journey to the finish line is challenging, but with dedication and perseverance, success is within reach.
Literacy Skills Booklets
McAuley Catholic College is committed to maintaining high literacy standards across all subjects, ensuring our students develop strong reading and writing skills to support their academic success and personal growth.
We are excited to introduce our newly created Literacy Skills Booklets for Year 7 and 8, designed to reinforce essential reading and writing practices. These booklets provide structured guidance for students, helping them refine their work through drafting and editing and seeking valuable feedback from teachers, peers, and parents.
Recognising the key role of parents and carers in fostering literacy development, we invite you to contribute your insights at the Week 4 School Community Group (formerly the Parent Forum). Your feedback is invaluable in shaping how these booklets can best support families in aligning with school expectations and encouraging regular reading and writing practice at home. More information about the meeting can be found at the end of the newsletter.
Together, we can create a unified approach to literacy development, empowering our students to meet and exceed expectations. We look forward to hearing your thoughts!
Dianne McGowan
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
Tell Them From Me Parent Survey
In the coming weeks, we will be inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process.
We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community, we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at McAuley Catholic College
The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
You are able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using the URL below:
Pope Leo XIV
Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, the Chicago-born prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Pope Francis, was elected the 267th pope on May 8th, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
We give thanks for his ministry, leadership, and faithful service to the Church. In this newsletter you will find a letter from Bishop Greg Homeming OCD outlining more details about our new pope. Welcome, Pope Leo XIV
Proclaim Lismore aims to provide a comprehensive continuum of intentional student discipleship programs across the Diocese for students from Year 4 to Year 12. These gatherings bring Catholic school students together to meet like-minded peers and to celebrate with other young people who practice their faith.
Youth Ministry Classes are currently offered to Year 9 and 10 students in Catholic secondary schools, allowing those interested in nurturing their faith an opportunity to develop skills in peer-to-peer ministry. These Youth Ministry classes use a Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Australia (CSYMA) program.
SHINE offers students an opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ and the Church, to experience dynamic faith, to be equipped for ministry and living the Christian life, and to be empowered to impact the Church and the world. It is an opportunity to gather and share an experience of faith.
Students in the Year 9 and 10 Ministry classes will receive more information about this fantastic opportunity.
Year 12 Retreat
Last week, Year 12 students went to the Yarra Adventure Centre for their retreat. The theme of the retreat was “Finding Hope for the Future”. The students spent quality time reflecting on their qualities and characteristics and planning for the future. Throughout the retreat, they worked in small groups and as a year group to reflect on their journey to this point, as well as their relationship with others and with God.
It was an amazing retreat, where the students enjoyed each other’s company and shared in many highlights of their final time together in an overnight experience. The students were open and positive, and the staff were very proud of how the year group conducted themselves. It was a pleasure to be on retreat, and I would like to thank the staff who dedicated their time to ensure the students had a positive experience. Thank you to Ms Nicholls, Mr Howard, Mr Burton, Mrs Doyle, Angus Field, our College Youth Minister (CYM), Jacob Somers and the CYM from St John Paul College, Oliver Dwyer.
A most memorable event for the staff and students, and one we will all treasure.
St Vincent de Paul College Sleepout
To reinforce our understanding of all people in society, including the homeless and those suffering from mental health issues, the College will hold a Sleep Out on the grounds on Thursday, 5th June, for students in Years 10-12 only. The idea is that students will spend the night at school to experience homelessness and develop empathy for those suffering in our society.
The Sleep Out will begin after school on Thursday and end at 8.20 am on Friday. Supervision will be provided overnight, and students can bring their things for school on Friday.
Those involved will be provided with a simple meal and entertainment before sleeping under the fixed covered area near the canteen. Normal supervision, school rules and boundaries will be followed on the night.
A collection of clothing, blankets and non-perishable food for St Vincent de Paul is a part of the Sleep Out Appeal. A gold coin donation will be collected to cover the costs of the meal.
Students are to bring their sleeping bags or blankets, a thin mattress, pillows and adequate clothing for a night outside. Extra food and drink are not to be brought to the College as this is against the purpose and atmosphere of the evening. Students are encouraged not to use electronic devices (including mobile phones) during the Sleep Out.
Parish Family Mass
All families are welcome to a Parish Family Mass on Sunday, 15th June at 8 am at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Grafton. Our students will be involved with the parts of the mass, including reading, offertory and music ministry.
A Morning Tea will follow the mass. All families are welcome to attend, and we look forward to this parish and community event.
Kathy Warby
Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing
Pope Leo XIV - A statement from Bishop Gregory Homeming
Since early term one, students from year 7-12 have been working very hard to prepare for our musical ‘A Midsummer Musical’, an 80s take on the Shakespeare play ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream’ with songs and costumes from the 80s. To prepare for the production on Friday, the 30th, and Saturday, the 31st of May, students and staff have been coming to school on weekends and school nights to ensure the production is ready for the stage. Year 7-10 have been giving up their sport times and seniors their studies. We are also lucky enough to have a live band made up of students from many year levels, led by Ms Nicholls, who have been working just as hard to prepare. It will be a night filled with laughs, lots of romance, fairies, royals, and lots and lots of mayhem. I highly encourage everyone to buy tickets, as it will be an enjoyable show to experience.
Annabelle Hourigan
- Show Dates: Friday, 30 May & Saturday, 31 May
- Venue: McAuley Catholic College Hall
Marshall Notaras Hardwoods - Industry Visit
Our Year 11 Timber class recently gained invaluable industry insight with a visit to Marshall Notaras Hardwoods in South Grafton. Guided by Paula and Donna, students witnessed the complete timber processing journey, from raw log to finished product. This experience illuminated the crucial structural and technical aspects of the industry, alongside the vital environmental considerations in responsible sourcing and waste management. The emphasis on stringent safety protocols throughout the operation further highlighted the practical demands of the field.
This immersive visit provided a powerful link between classroom learning and real-world application. Students gained a deeper appreciation for the complexities of timber milling, understanding the factors that contribute to a successful and sustainable business. The Year 11 Timber class will now prepare an industry report with Marshall Notaras at the centre.
We extend our thanks to Marshall Notaras Hardwoods and especially Paula and Donna for their informative tour, which has significantly enhanced their understanding of the timber industry.
Close the Gap Day
On the 14th May, our Indigenous students had the opportunity to bring a friend to this year’s Close the Gap Day.
The heart of the event was all about cultural connection and working together to help close the gap in our community. The day was filled with energy and pride, from live music including one of our very own year 12 students - Logan Cone having the opportunity to perform, Cultural performances, interactive stalls and a special visit from NRL players.
It was a truly memorable experience for our students, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s event!
A huge thank you to Aneika Kapeen and the amazing team at Mudyala for putting together such a powerful and inspiring day.
HEAL
The HEAL students have had a fantastic start to Term 2! We kicked things off in Week 1 with a group catch-up, followed by some traditional cooking activities in Week 2. Looking ahead, the rest of the term will focus on deepening cultural learning, with students excited to explore language stories and continue cultural cooking sessions in the coming weeks.
This term, we will also hold our annual Reconciliation assembly, followed by cultural activities, NAIDOC celebrations, and the Rachel Johnson Memorial Touch Football Gala.
We look forward to the busy term ahead, filled with many cultural opportunities and community engagement for our Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students.
Wil & Angus
AEW's
Diocesan Tennis Carnival
On Wednesday, McAuley Catholic College participated in the Diocesan Tennis Carnival held in Lismore. We entered four teams: Open Boys, Open Girls, Junior Boys, and Junior Girls.
Our Open Boys team included Callum Tait, Sam Carroll, Fletcher Grainger and Taj Giggins. The Open Girls team featured Judy Irwin and Sophie Newman, with sisters, Addison and Pippa Brown, playing as the second double. In the junior division, Callum Cameron and Kallen Perich represented the boys, while Pippa Fennessy and Indie Bolland played for the girls.
The rain held off, allowing all games to be played. Our students had a great day on and off the court, enjoying friendly games and making new friends from schools across the Diocese.
Well done to all players for their effort and sportsmanship!
Bill Turner Soccer - Round 1 MCC vs South High
What a fantastic day on the soccer field for our Under 15's Bill Turner teams! Both the boys' and girls' teams faced off against South High, and both emerged victorious in impressive fashion.
The girls put on a stellar performance, securing a decisive 3-0 win. Their teamwork and skill were evident throughout the match, resulting in a well-deserved clean sheet.
The boys matched their counterparts with an equally dominant 4-0 victory. Their attacking prowess and solid defence proved too much for South High.
It was also wonderful to see our students proudly sporting the new school soccer strips – they looked fantastic! More importantly, both teams played with exceptional spirit and sportsmanship, representing our school with pride.
Congratulations to all players on both teams for their outstanding efforts! We extend our best wishes to the girls as they prepare to take on Maclean High in Round 2, and to the boys as they gear up to play Grafton High. Good luck in the next stage of the knockout competition!
On Thursday, May 1st, we hosted our second-ever Mother's Day Breakfast at McAuley Catholic College, and it was a truly special occasion. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the mothers, grandmothers, and carers who attended, filling the morning with warmth, connection, and celebration.
The event was a fantastic success, featuring delicious food prepared by our dedicated hospitality students and wonderful conversations shared in the welcoming atmosphere of Catherine's Café. Check out some great pics on our Facebook page. Our mother figures play an invaluable role in shaping our community, and it was a privilege to express our gratitude for their continuous support and contributions.
A huge thank you to the staff and students who helped organise the event, especially Lalya Warren, the TAS team, and the SLT, as well as those who prepped, served, and cleaned up afterwards. It was a great chance to join our families for the morning.
We are excited to honour our fathers and father figures later this year. Father's Day is officially marked on Sunday, September 7th, 2025.
The Gallery Foundation Emerging Artist Scholarship has been created to support young creatives in the Clarence Valley local government area.
The $5,000 annual scholarship aims to highlight the talents of young people, enhance connections of young emerging artists with the Grafton Regional Gallery, and advance culture in the region – a major aim of The Gallery Foundation.
The scholarship is open to graduating Year 12 students who have completed studies that year in one or more of the following subjects as part of the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC):
- Visual arts
- Visual design (11/12)
- Ceramics
- Design & Technology
- Textile & Design
- Industrial Technology
- Photography, video, and digital imaging
Key Dates:
- Student applications open: Monday 16 June 2025
- Student applications close: Monday 15 September 2025
- Scholarship finalists notified: Friday 10 October 2025
- Awards Presentation: Wednesday 19 November 2025
Please note, students are to *SELF NOMINATE* to be in the running for the scholarship.
Applications will be submitted via the Grafton Regional Gallery website, open from Monday 16 June 2025.
For full application details and information, download:
Emerging Artist Scholarship Terms & Conditions
Please email gallery@clarence.nsw.gov.au if you have any questions.
| May |
| 20th - School Community Group (Formerly Parent Forum) |
| 21st - Year 10 Immunisations |
| 21st, 22nd & 23rd - Year 11 Hospitality Seaworld Excursion |
| 23rd - Dio Cross Country |
| 23rd - Enrolment Applications Yr 7 2026 close |
| 29th - Country Cup rugby league |
| 30th - School Musical Night 1 |
| 31st - School Musical Night 2 |
Free Online Summit - Raising a child with ADHD
Parents are invited to register for the FREE International ADHD Parenting Summit, featuring leading global experts, practical strategies, and real-life advice to help children with ADHD thrive. Accessible online from anywhere. 26th - 28th May. Register here
ParentTalk
Parents may like to subscribe to the ParentTalk newsletter, which provides interesting articles for parents in Catholic schools.
Upcoming Livable workshops
Please find attached the latest Parish Bulletins from Clarence Valley Parish.
Resources and Cheat sheets from our SOS 2025 Library