Term 1 - Weeks 2 & 3 - 24th February 2025

Dear Parents and Carers, Staff and Students,

The past fortnight has been about settling in and setting up for the year. Year 7 students are settling in well to their new environment, making new friends and adjusting to the changes from primary school. Year 7 had a very busy week in week 3 with the issuing of their laptop computers, attending Unity Day and participating in various tests for reading and mathematics. 

At the end of week 2 each year we submit our enrolment numbers as part of a census process. This year, we are celebrating our first time with over 600 students, with enrolments sitting at 615. This is a wonderful achievement for our College and I look forward to further growth over the next few years.

An important start of the year tradition is our Opening School Mass, which was held on Wednesday and celebrated by Fr Joe and Fr Emmanuel. Our students are to be commended for their reverence from the time they entered the space until they left. Incorporated into the Mass was a badge presentation to our Year 11 and 10 student leaders and a student and staff pledge, where we ask each member of the community to pledge themselves to the College and all that it stands for. The student pledge was led by our Captain Beau Thompson, stating:

We the students of McAuley Catholic College commit ourselves to building a Catholic community of faith and action. We will work together to promote Gospel values and the dignity of all. We will accept responsibility for our learning and behaviour. We will cooperate with our families and school staff to strive for excellence in all aspects of college life.

Student Leadership team - Valentine’s Day

Well done to the SLT for their organisation of the Valentine’s Day fundraiser. This event appears to be a rite of passage for our senior students in terms of their dress-up and musical presentation! The funds raised will be going to Caritas as part of our Term 1 focus.

Participation

I take this opportunity to remind all our families that when you enroll your child at the College you agree to your child attending and participating in all aspects and events of the College. This includes the following events that are scheduled in the next fortnight: 

Ash Wednesday on 5th March, all students and staff will receive Ashes. A reminder that the Canteen will NOT be selling meat products on Ash Wednesday, which remains a day of fast and abstinence in the liturgical calendar.  As many of us know, Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a time of reflection, fasting and penance that prepares us for Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Our annual Swimming Carnival on Thursday 27th February.  All information has been sent out via Compass. It is exciting to be returning to the newly constructed pool at the Grafton Aquatic Centre. I wish all students and Houses all the best and look forward to the results of this day.

Ash Wednesday & Lent

Ash Wednesday is an important day in the Church Year, being the start of Lent.   Lent is the season for prayer, almsgiving - doing things for others, fasting and reconciliation. It is a time to think about ourselves and also beyond ourselves - to the chaos of the world and how we can make a difference to the lives of others around us. Lent is a good time to reflect on what we do and the impact we have on others. Sometimes we think we don’t need prayer or faith or spirituality, or the support of others. However, in times of adversity, in times of despair, of feeling helpless and sad - prayer has great power. It is often in times of hardship and adversity that we turn to our faith, to prayer, to Christ. And sometimes, this sets us on a path of discovery, or rediscovery, of our faith.  

As we enter the next fortnight, I ask that you keep Pope Francis in your prayers, praying for his health, comfort, and recovery. 

Enjoy the fortnight ahead.

Kind regards,

Kate

Kate Thomson
Principal

“We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.”

Catherine McAuley

HSC 2024 High Achievers Assembly

On behalf of McAuley Catholic College, I congratulate the exceptional students celebrated at our High Achievers Assembly in Week 2.

We welcomed distinguished high achievers Brooklyn Roach, Eva Patricks, Erica Power, Theo Lobsey, Lucy Day, Ayla Howell-McLachlan, Ashton Pullen, and Amelia Cox on stage. These students have exemplified excellence in various areas, and it was an honour to have them on stage.

The assembly highlighted our students' varied talents and skills, from academic success to achievements in the arts and sports. It was terrific to see such a breadth of experience among our graduates.

Two students from the class of 2024, Layla Bender and Mitchell Dick, were also acknowledged for their exceptional major works in creative subjects. Layla's projects in Art, Textiles, and Industrial Design, along with Mitchell's artwork and timber craftsmanship, were highlighted, particularly the Industrial Design projects that earned them nominations for the prestigious Shape 2024 exhibition.

Several year 12 students from the class of 2024 came to the assembly. They had recess with staff before speaking with our year 11 and year 12 students about strategies for success, the different approaches available in gaining an HSC, ways to apply for scholarships and accommodation, and the importance of keeping a balance over the last two years of schooling. Alongside the distinguished achievers, I would like to thank Laura Hoade, Liam Perich, Lucas Becker, and Rhys Berry for their time.

Thank you to all who attended and supported our High Achievers Assembly. We look forward to continuing to celebrate our student's accomplishments and encourage them to strive for excellence in all their endeavours.

Assessment Handbooks

Assessment handbooks containing crucial information about assessments in 2025 were distributed to students from Years 7-11 in Weeks 3 and 4. These handbooks outline the key assessment tasks, timelines, and expectations for each subject, providing a clear roadmap for students and parents to navigate the academic challenges ahead.

With the assessment period quickly approaching, students must plan their study schedules effectively and stay organised. Parents can support their children by encouraging open communication, creating a conducive study environment, and promoting a healthy balance between study and relaxation. By staying informed and proactive, the assessment period can be a manageable and even rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Year 7 News

I want to thank all the parents who attended the Year 7 Parent Information Evening. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to meet other Year 7 parents and teachers and foster community as their child starts at McAuley.

Highlights of the Evening:

Assessment Handbook Overview: An overview of the Year 7 Assessment Handbook for 2025 was provided, detailing important assessment tasks and timelines. NOTE - please look through this with your child

Chromebook Guidelines: Important information on Chromebook usage, internet safety, and responsible digital citizenship was shared (there is more information regarding this later in the newsletter).

Reading Tests: We discussed details about the PAT and Dibels Reading Tests, which took place on Wednesday last week. These tests help us measure and support your child's reading skills.

Accelerated Reader Program: Insights into the Renaissance Accelerated Reader program and D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) time were provided, which promote a reading culture.

Term 1 Sports Structure: We also shared information about the integrated sports sessions and how to stay updated via our Google Sports Classroom.

Dianne McGowan
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

Attendance Matters 

Students are expected to have above a 95% school attendance rate because days missed can add up to years lost. That’s why making sure your child comes to school every single day (unless genuinely sick) is important.

Maintaining a school attendance rate, ideally above 95%, is crucial for a student’s academic success and overall development. Here are several reasons why consistent school attendance is important:

• Continuous Learning. Regular attendance ensures that students are consistently exposed to new information and lessons. This continuity is essential for effective learning, as concepts build upon each other over time.
• Development of Learning Skills. School attendance is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about developing essential learning skills. These skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, are honed through active participation in the learning process.

• Establishment of Routine. Consistent attendance helps students establish a routine, promoting organisational skills and time management. These skills are transferable to various aspects of life and contribute to overall success.

If you’re having difficulty getting your child to school on time every day, contact the school so we can work together to find a solution.

Reaching out to the school is a proactive and constructive step if you're experiencing difficulties in getting your child to school on time.

Contact your child's Year Coordinator to discuss any specific challenges your child may be facing. Subject teachers can provide insights into the classroom dynamics and academic progress, helping to identify potential areas of concern.

Collaborate with the school to identify any underlying issues contributing to the difficulty in getting your child to school on time. This could involve academic challenges, social issues, or other factors impacting your child's motivation or wellbeing.

Read about School Avoidance here.

Responding to School Reluctance or Refusal - Strategies for Parents 

These guidelines are a general set of recommendations on how you (as a parent or caregiver) can reduce your child’s risk of school refusal and support their mental health and school engagement if they are having problems with school attendance. The strategies included in these guidelines are intended to apply to parents of both primary and secondary school-aged children.

The guidelines may be useful for parents who are worried about their child’s engagement with school and those whose child is already experiencing school reluctance or refusal. Each family is unique, so you may need to adapt these strategies to your specific situation.

These guidelines have been produced by the  Parenting Strategies Program (2022). Responding to school reluctance or refusal: Strategies for parents. Melbourne: Monash University. 

Strategies for Parents 

We deeply regret the delay in publishing our 2021 School Yearbook. Circumstances beyond our control have impacted the release, but we are delighted to share the digital link with you. This edition captures all the unforgettable moments and achievements from that year, celebrating the resilience and accomplishments of our students and staff.

The school will distribute hard copies of the yearbook to current Year 11 and 12 students enrolled at McAuley Catholic College in 2021. Additionally, any student with an older sibling enrolled at the school in 2021 will receive a hard copy.

Stay tuned for the 2022-2024 yearbooks

Welcome to Year 7 students and parents

Our Year 7 students have arrived bringing a passion for books and a love of the library. 

To celebrate their enthusiasm, I have created a new book club group called Reading Rocks. Students are invited to the library every Wednesday Week A to discuss their favourite books, get exclusive borrowing on new releases and play some fun games. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Reading is an important indicator of success in life. I encourage all parents to help build a love of reading in their children by discussing their favourite characters and stories with them to help reading become a shared activity.

INCENTIVES

The library offers several incentives to keep students passionate about reading in their high school years. The first incentive is Premier’s Reading Challenge and the second is Renaissance Reading. I will give more information about these two programs in future newsletters. 

In the meantime, enjoy seeing the video of our fantastic Year 7 students who have visited the library over the last three weeks.

Linda Gleeson

Librarian

Welcome back to school for 2025! I am replacing Rod Paton for the year and am excited to help students access career opportunities at McAuley. In Careers, students get access to information for courses, and jobs and apply for various positions or courses. They also research and plan their pathways by reflecting on their skills and areas they wish to develop. We create resumes and role-play mock job interviews.

The year has started quickly with year 12 already attending a Uni Roadshow at C.V.A.S. On this excursion, the students interacted with representatives from the University of New England, Southern Cross, Newcastle and Charles Sturt Universities. The excursion was informative and accessible for the students who learned about the Early Entry Process, UAC, courses, support services and accommodation. 

More opportunities for Years 11 and 12

There will be different opportunities for Year 12 and Year 11 students this year. Here are a few:

The next proposed excursion to a university is on March 25th to Charles Sturt University where students will attend workshops from different courses and research different career opportunities. Students will need to nominate for the different workshops. The excursion is free and will leave Grafton at 6 am and return by 5.30 pm approximately. The times will be firmed up soon and I will inform parents and students. This will be available first to Year 12, and then it will be offered to Year 11 if we have spare spots. The maximum number of students who can attend is 12. Please give your child’s name to me directly if you would like your child to attend.

On the 2nd of May, there is a proposed excursion to Armidale University of New England. More details will follow on this soon. Please email me if your child would be interested in this.

In Term four Year 11 will have a university tour to Queensland where we will visit different universities. More details will follow on this soon.

Year 10 - Applying for a USI

Year 10 have begun studying Careers this year. As a part of our program, they will need to apply for their unique student identifier (u.s.i), which is a number they will need for various educational courses. To access this number, they need to go to the usi site: https://www.usi.gov.au/students/get-a-usi. From here, they will fill out an online form that requires one piece of identification, such as a passport, birth certificate or Medicare card. They enter the details on the form. If your child needs any help, please give them a screenshot of their official documentation, and we can apply for their USI in the careers class.

Work experience

Later in the year, in term 4, week 8, 1st December to 5th of December, Year 10 will be going on a week’s work experience. Students should be researching their chosen workplace and liaising with them soon to ensure they can organise a spot there.

Courses for Senior students - Medicine or Dentistry

Any student from Year 12 who is considering studying Medicine or Dentistry needs to see me about how to access scholarships for completing the UCAT test and any information about this.

More courses and opportunities

University of Wollongong Future Me - Year 12

Six-week program at CUC Clarence Valley, ( Country University Centre, Grafton)

Helps to build awareness on pathway decision-making and builds a profile with the University of Wollongong. This requires no additional work required from students and is free. The registration date for this is 23rd February. https://www.uow.edu.au/engage/schools-parents/high-school/future-me/#dates

Southern Cross University  Scholars - Years 11 and 12

 This is a six-week program online supported by the Country University Centre. Students are completing a first-year uni subject in a chosen pathway

Students will need to complete two assignments within the six weeks and the courses will help them create a pathway with Southern Cross University. The final date for registration is 23/02/25

https://www.scu.edu.au/engage/schools-engagement-program/scholars-program/

ACU Step Up - Year 11

This is a year-long online program supported by the Country University Centre

Students are completing two first-year university subjects in a chosen pathway

Semesters are 12 weeks long.

Students will be in small classes with other Year 11 students.

Time commitment of a weekly lecture, and tutorial plus additional study time. https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/widening-participation/uni-step-up

The courses are linked to Health careers, nursing,  midwifery, paramedicine, Business or Exercise and Sports Science. The closing date for this application is 23/02/25

Applying for University - University Admissions Centre

The centre for applying to university in NSW, U.A.C. will not open until the first week of April. There will be more information about this to follow.

Charles Sturt has already opened course applications but students do not need to rush to apply as the closing date is late July.

Please contact me for any more information or requests to help your child secure opportunities. 

Thank you,

Maria Rouse Careers Adviser.

The Indigenous students had a great start to 2025, with a very warm welcome to all the new Year 7 students joining us at MCC. A staggered start for week 1 saw the Years 7,11 & 12 students return on Tuesday, then coming together as a whole school on Wednesday. Week 2 saw the kids more settled into the groove, with our first HEAL session for the year being an introduction to our Year 7 Indigenous students, getting to know more about them and building relationships with each other. 

We are super excited for the year to come, with plenty of language, traditional cooking and cultural events planned for this first term.

Wil Bancroft & Angus Field

Aboriginal Education Workers 

The Chromebook rollout for our year 7 students occurred in week 3. While this can be an exciting time for students, it will be their first personal device, and parents must discuss computer safety to ensure their online experiences are safe and enjoyable.

The school has had sessions with the students, but it is essential to know the following. 

1. Internet Safety: Ensure your child understands the importance of staying safe online. Talk to them about not sharing personal information online and not communicating with people they don't know. Please encourage them to report any suspicious activity to you or a trusted adult.
2. Social Media: Discuss the use of social media and the risks associated with it. Ensure your child understands that once something is posted online, it can be difficult to remove it.
3. Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying can be a serious issue and has become more prevalent with the use of technology. Encourage your child to speak to a trusted adult if they feel bullied, and discuss the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.
4. Time Management: Discuss the importance of managing time online and encourage your child to take breaks and engage in other activities.
5. Storing and Charging the device: Many parents set parameters around where and when the device can be used in the family home. This is a good time to promote the charging of the Chrome book in a central space and leave the child's packed school bag near the Powerpoint so they remember to pack the Chrome book for school in the morning. Students are not to bring their chargers to school.  We have a limited supply of chargers in the library where students can bring their devices and charge them at lunchtime. However, this is not to be a regular occurrence.

This year, we have partnered with cyber safety experts Safe on Social to support the safe use of technology. A digital safety session was presented to Year 7, 8 and 9 students last week, on Monday, 17th February, by Kirra Pendergast from Safe on Social. This session offered a comprehensive understanding of online safety, digital literacy, ethics, and the law. It also addressed the complex challenges teens and young adults face online, including such topics as: 

• AI, Deepfakes & Synthetic Relationships – What’s Real, What’s Not, and What’s Legal
• Digital Identity, Reputation & Legal Consequences
• Taking Control of Digital Health & Well-Being
• Navigating Group Chats, Social Media Pressure & Online Conflicts
• The Power of Speaking Up
• Sexting, Consent & The Law 
• Cyberbullying, Online Hate & Digital Harassment – What Works and What Doesn’t
• Building a Digital Presence (That Won’t Haunt You Later)
• Group Chats & Digital Drama
• Setting Boundaries & Staying Safe

Through our partnership with Safe On Social for 2025, we can offer our parent community complimentary access for the next 12 months to their “Parent Live Library’’. This online library is a constantly updated, honest, raw, no-nonsense resource designed to help you keep your family safe in today’s online world. 

How To Access For The First Time:

Simply click the link below, go to the checkout cart, and enter our unique school code as the Promo Code (the cost will default to $0.00), and you’ll be sent all the details on how to log in and immediately begin to use the resources.

• Program URL: https://www.safeonsocial.com/product-page/parent-essentials-cheat-sheet-library
• Promo code: KPMCCPARENT100
• (*please enter this code at the time of creating your profile, and the cost will default to $0.00)

If you have any questions about logging in or accessing the online program, please reach out to the Safe On Social team at: Jaclyn@safeonsocial.com

Access to the Safe on Social Parent Live Library will give access to:

• Practical Tools & Step-by-Step Guides to help you block inappropriate content effortlessly, manage screen time like a pro, and decode advanced topics like deepfakes, the fediverse (collection of social networking services) and sextortion.
• Real, Raw Videos by Kirra Pendergast, just like you were live at one of her parent talks but with more content than you could ever consume in one session.
• Cheat Sheets Straight-to-the-point walk-throughs for major platforms like Snapchat. Deep dives into lesser-known apps like CapCut and Telegram. No fluff – just the actionable tips and insights you need.

Together, we aim to empower our community on critical online safety topics and hope that providing free access to this unique program will provide your family with important information.

The Student Leadership Team (SLT) started the year on a high note, organizing several exciting events including a heartwarming Valentine’s Day celebration. With the race on to prepare for the love filled day, the SLT sent out Google Forms and set up lunchtime stalls, ensuring that no message of affection went undelivered. This initiative reflected our Catholic mission of spreading love, kindness, and community spirit.

On Friday, 14th February, love truly filled the air as the Year 12 cohort brought Valentine’s Day magic to life. Delivering chocolate hearts, heartfelt messages, and even surprise serenades! “At one point, it felt like the entire school was singing” joining in for classics like "Baby" by Justin Bieber, "Love" by Keyshia Cole, and "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction.

It was more than just a celebration, this initiative was also a fundraiser for Catholic Mission. Thanks to the generosity of our school community, the SLT raised an impressive $284.30! A huge thank you to Mr. Monford and all the staff for their support in making this day such a success.

Upcoming events include the Swimming carnival, so stay tuned!

Understanding the Law and Image-Based Abuse

In our connected world, digital devices and social media are a daily part of young people’s lives. While they offer ways to connect and share, they also bring risks—particularly in the form of image-based abuse, threatening and bullying behaviour.

Image-based abuse involves sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent. In Australia, this behaviour is illegal, with severe consequences for those involved. Young people may not fully understand the gravity of sharing intimate images, even in private contexts, and the lasting impact it can have. The use of generated artificial intelligence (Gen AI) images adds a troubling dimension, as realistic but fake images can be created and misused to target peers, staff, or others.

The Law: Sharing, or threatening to share, a nude or sexual image or video without the consent of the person shown is a crime in Australia. It is a criminal offence to:

• Share intimate images of a person without their consent.
• Threaten to share such images.
• Possess or create explicit images of minors, even if shared consensually among peers.
• Create or distribute Gen AI explicit images involving real or fake depictions of individuals without consent. 

How Parents Can Respond

1. Educate: Talk to your young person about the legal and emotional consequences of image sharing and the misuse of Gen AI technology.
2. Monitor: Stay aware of your young person’s online activities and encourage responsible use of technology.
3. Support: Let your young person know they can approach you if they encounter online harassment or pressure.

• Conversation Starters: Use open questions to discuss this topic with your young person.

‘Have you heard about image-based abuse? What do you think it means?’

‘What would you do if someone asked you to send a private image of yourself?’

‘Why is it important to think carefully before sharing images online?’

‘How can we protect ourselves and others from harmful online behaviour?’

The creation or sharing of inappropriate images—whether real or Gen AI—of peers, staff, or others will not be tolerated within our school community. We aim to partner with you in fostering a safe, nurturing environment where our students grow in faith, virtue, and knowledge. By raising awareness about image-based abuse, we can help our young people make wise choices and protect their dignity online. For more information: esafety Image-based Abuse

Parent Webinars

REMINDER: Parents & Carers are required to update their child's class/year in the Flexischools app for 2025, so orders can be distributed correctly during the day.

February

26th: Yr 7 Immunisations

27th: MCC Swimming Carnival @ Grafton Pool

28th: Incitare Incursion

March

3rd-7th: Year 12 Work Placement

5th: Ash Wednesday

12th: NAPLAN (Writing)

13th: NAPLAN (Reading)

14th: NAPLAN (Language)

17th: NAPLAN (Numeracy) & St Patrick's Day

20th: Close the Gap Day

20th-21st: LEAD