Term 2 - Week 1 - 5th May 2025
- From the Principal
- Mission and Wellbeing (AP)
- Learning & Teaching (AP)
- Pope Francis
- Student Leadership Team
- ANZAC Day
- Sporting News
- Mothers Day
- College Musical - Midsummers Nghts Dream
- McAuley teacher returning to the Brisbane Stage!
- From the Classroom
- Parent Support & Education
- Dates to Note for May 2025
- NCCD Data Collection
- 2026 Enrolments
- National Road Safety Week
- Safe on Social Media
- Canteen Menu
- Parish News
- Advertisements
Dear Parents and Carers, Staff and Students,
Welcome back to Term 2! I hope the holiday break, especially Easter, was a time when you could stop, relax and enjoy some time with family and friends. I again spent Easter with my family this year, but this time it was at home. I attended Mass in my own Parish on Easter Sunday to celebrate the Risen Christ and reflect on the meaning of Easter and the importance of this in our lives today. As we know, the Easter celebrations concluded with the sad announcement of Pope Francis’ death, aged 88.
Pope Francis
It was with great sadness that we mourned the death of Pope Francis, and, at the same time, celebrated his life. Pope Francis was a true servant leader, carrying out his duties to the very end, greeting crowds in St Peter's Square on Easter Sunday. He led with love, care and humility.
I will cherish the two times I saw Pope Francis in person - 2014 in Saint Peter’s square, with my family and friends following my sister's wedding in Rome; and in 2019 on the MCC European Tour at the Colosseum for the Good Friday Via Crucis ceremony, a re-enactment of Jesus' crucifixion.
Much has been written about Pope Francis since his death on Easter Monday, and will continue to be written. We now pray for the Conclave as they select a new Pope to lead the Catholic Church.
Please see the tribute we have created to acknowledge Pope Francis and celebrate his life and work.
ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day was again during the holiday break, and I sincerely thank all students and staff who attended Marches across the Valley during their holiday, representing our College and paying their respect to all those who have served our country, who continue to serve and to those who have given their lives in service. Numbers were down a little from previous years, which we think was due to the wet weather. Each student will be recognised with a merit certificate at a year assembly in the near future. Wreaths were laid at services in Yamba, Maclean, Grafton, and South Grafton, and a few of our students were given additional responsibilities at various ceremonies. Raimi Mortimer of Year 11 Modern History gave an address at the Grafton service on the Battle of the Coral Sea, and Madeleine Schroder read a prayer at the South Grafton service.
Our week 1 Assembly and Pastoral Care lesson focused on ANZAC Day and highlighted the importance of service, gratitude and resilience. Raimi Mortimer gave the Address to the Assembly, and I congratulate Raimi on her research and presentation. In addition to Raimi’s address, students laid a wreath at the Cross, and the ceremony included the Ode, the Last Post, and the Rouse.
Fr Joe Holloway - Parish Priest
Bishop Greg Homeming has announced that our Parish Priest, Father Joe Holloway, is moving to the Parish of Kyogle, effective from the 1st of June. On behalf of the college community, I thank Fr Joe for his guidance, support, care, and presence at many school events. Fr Joe has been our Parish Priest and Chaplain of the College for 6 years, and I have enjoyed working with him. We wish him all the best in his move and new position at Kyogle. Fr Felix Ekeh has been appointed as Parish Priest of the Clarence Valley Parish. We look forward to welcoming him from Wauchope Parish.
Mother’s Day
This weekend we celebrate Mother’s Day, and I wish all our mothers (and grandmothers) a Happy Mother’s Day. I hope you can stop, feel special, and have an opportunity to connect with your family. Connection and relationships are very important, and this is a message we continue to promote in our school community.
We are hosting a Mother’s Day Breakfast on Thursday, May 8th, at 7.45 a.m. Mothers and Grandmothers are welcome to come along for some breakfast and a chat with staff and parents. This was a resounding success last year, so we ask that you RSVP to the College for catering purposes - see the flyer in the newsletter.
Staff Changes
We welcome to our teaching staff Mr Stephen Johnson, who is replacing Amanda Kennedy while she is on maternity leave for the next 12 months. Amanda and her husband Tim welcomed baby Sophie to their family on the 23rd of April. Libby Hughes has also joined the staff two days a week as a Teacher Assistant, replacing Elle Munro, who is also on maternity leave. We wish Elle all the best as she awaits the birth of her baby in the coming weeks.
Tell Them From Me Annual Survey - School Improvement
The annual survey 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.
The School Community Group - (formally Parent Forum and P&F)
The first meeting of the year of our School Community Group was postponed in term 1 due to the impact of the flooding event. Therefore, our first meeting will be this term on Tuesday, 20th May at 5.30 pm in the Library. At this meeting, we will introduce our newly created Literacy Booklets for parents, students and staff. Parents have expressed a need for a resource that would help them assist their children. I invite all parents to come along to this evening, where we will also have opportunities to ask questions and hear about what is happening in the College. No commitments are expected from the group, and there is no fundraising! It is an opportunity to find out what is happening in the College!
All the best for the fortnight ahead
Kind regards,
Kate
Kate Thomson
Principal
“We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.”
Catherine McAuley
Tell Them From Me Survey - Your Voice Matters!
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.
The results of surveys, such as these, help provide direction for future planning and open up areas for fruitful discussion between home and school, and we also use this data to inform our school improvement plans.
This year, we invite all parents/carers to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) survey. We value the role of parents and carers within our school community and 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.
- WHEN? Term 2 Week 3 (the survey will remain open for 2 weeks)
- HOW? You will be provided with a URL via Compass communication to access the parent survey and complete it online.
Prohibited Weapons in School
As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all students, staff, and visitors within all our schools, we want to remind families of the importance of following our school policies and procedures regarding prohibited weapons.
Prohibited weapons include all knives and blades, (with the exception of those required for school lessons), firearms, gel blasters/gel guns, 3D printed guns, slingshot, darts, batons, machetes, laser pointers, or similar articles and anything else that can be used as a weapon to intimidate or cause serious injury or harm, e.g., a screwdriver, chisel or hammer.
Possessing any weapon, whether real or imitation, is unlawful in any school setting and can result in both criminal charges and disciplinary action under our Student Suspension, Expulsion, and Exclusion Policy.
We ask all parents and caregivers to speak openly with your child about safety, responsibility, and respect for others. In Catholic education, we are guided by the belief that every person is made in the image of God, and we are called to safeguard their dignity. Your cooperation in upholding these expectations helps create a community of care, justice, and compassion.
Thank you for your support and commitment to a safe and faith-filled learning environment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I possess or use a Gel Blaster in NSW? No. Gel Blasters are illegal in NSW and are classified as firearms under state law. Possession or use of a gel blaster is a criminal offence.
- Can a student bring a knife to school? No. It is against the law to carry a prohibited knife in a public place or at school. Penalties include fines of up to $11,000, imprisonment of up to 4 years, or both.
- Are toy guns allowed? No. While toy guns may seem harmless, they are not permitted at school due to the potential to cause panic or confusion.
- What about imitation firearms? An imitation firearm is any object that closely resembles a real firearm. These are also prohibited at school, regardless of material or colour, and may be treated as real threats.
- Can a student bring a slingshot to school? Slingshots are considered prohibited weapons in NSW and cannot be brought to school under any circumstances or possessed by minors by law.
Statement on Pope Francis - Bishop Gregory Homeming
With the passing of Pope Francis, our hearts are marked by sorrow and quiet gratitude.
He was a man of profound humility - a shepherd who walked with the poor, listened with his heart, and saw Christ in every face. In his final suffering, he remained faithful, prayerful, and full of love.
Bishop Greg shares his appreciation for a pope who transformed the Church not with power, but kindness.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Proclaim Lismore Students aims to provide a comprehensive continuum of Intentional Student Discipleship Programs across the Diocese for students from Year 4 to Year 12. These gatherings aim to bring Catholic secondary students together to meet like-minded peers and to celebrate and meet with other young people who practice their faith.
In 2025, Year 11 students from our school will join students from other parish secondary schools in attending the Street Retreat experience in Brisbane. This experience will form, equip and empower students to return to their parish communities with a passion for social justice and a greater sense of the call of Jesus Christ to serve the poor.
Participants in the Street Retreat will spend from Thursday, 26th June to Sunday, 29th June, working on a range of social justice initiatives in Brisbane. Their participation may make a small contribution to those being served, but the event is first and foremost an exercise in discipleship formation.
There will be some cost to students attending the Street Retreat. The Diocese will meet the majority of transport, accommodation and some food expenses. However, students will be required to purchase some meals when they are out and about, and will be asked to make a co-contribution of $75.00 towards the overall cost of the program.
A large number of our students have already expressed an interest in this event. We can, however, only offer four allocation places. Any students who want to be considered are asked to collect a Nomination Form from Mr Howard or Jacob Somers (CYM). Attention should be given to the stated selection criteria, and they are due by Wednesday, 22nd May.
Kathy Warby
Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing
Last week's staff development day provided a valuable opportunity for teachers to reflect on the Bishop's Spirituality Module, consider school improvement strategies, and reinforce our ongoing literacy goal of enhancing reading skills.
At McAuley College, we offer various initiatives to support students in developing their reading abilities. These include small-group interventions in Stage 4, the Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) program for junior students, and the Renaissance Reading platform, introduced last year to help track reading progress and ensure Year 7 and 8 students engage with appropriate texts suited to their age and skill level.
In addition, our Learning Collaborative team is also actively creating new resources to continue supporting literacy for students, staff, and parents.
The Power of Reading
Reading plays a fundamental role in cognitive and personal growth. It strengthens brain networks, like exercise, which strengthens the body, helping slow cognitive decline with age. Beyond its academic benefits, reading improves mental well-being by easing stress, improving sleep, and boosting self-esteem.
Engaging with fiction enhances empathy and social awareness, fostering better communication and relationship-building skills. Reading also expands vocabulary, sharpens analytical thinking, and improves memory, focus, and creativity—qualities essential for success in education and life.
Reading encourages curiosity and imagination, encouraging individuals to seek knowledge, question ideas, and refine their writing skills.
A Teenager TED Talk session on The Power of Reading explored these themes in greater depth.
Looking Ahead: Establishing Strong Learning Routines
As we begin a new term, we encourage families to reinforce productive learning habits at home. Addressing any barriers to academic success will help students achieve their best. Ensuring they are organised and equipped with the necessary materials, reading daily, completing homework, and setting goals leading into Term 2 reports will pave the way for a successful term ahead.
Dianne McGowan
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
It was with great sadness that we mourned the death of Pope Francis, and, at the same time, celebrated his life. Pope Francis was a true servant leader, carrying out his duties to the very end, greeting crowds in St Peter's Square on Easter Sunday. He led with love, care and humility.
He showed the world, not just Catholics, the importance of caring for our environment, God's creation, and reaching out to the marginalised and poor in society, living out the words and actions of Christ. From the beginning of his Pontificate, Pope Francis asked us to get our "hands dirty", to be people of action, not just words. In 2013, he said, “I prefer a church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.”
At the WYD 2023 in Lisbon, Pope Francis shared this prayer, with todos meaning everyone:
"God loves us as we are.
Not how we would like to be,
not how society wants us to be,
he loves us with the limits we have,
with the defects we have,
and with the desire we have
to keep moving forward in life."
Who is the Church for? Todos, todos, todos.
Say it out loud: Todos todos todos.
Who is loved by God? Todos Todos Todos.
Who is welcome in the Church: Todos todos todos."
Pope Francis was a pastor of mercy, and he worked tirelessly to make the Catholic church more inclusive.
He also promoted the importance of service, and at McAuley, we often use the following quote from Pope Francis - "Our life spreads light when it is given in service. The secret of joy is living to serve." Pope Francis lived his life in this way.
May he rest in peace
Here are some additional readings, interviews, and videos for your perusal:
In Praise of Pope Francis by Andrew Hamilton, SJ - Link
Articles from Jesuit Australia - jesuit.org.au
- Brisbane-based Fr Frank Brennan SJ paid tribute to the Pope on multiple media outlets, including this ‘Breaking News’ video clip on 9 News and this segment on ABC Listen.
- Sydney-based Fr Richard Leonard SJ spoke to Sabra Lane for this segment on ABC Listen.
- Melbourne-based Fr Chris Middleton SJ, Rector of Xavier College, spoke to Andy Park for this segment on the ABC’s ‘The World Today’.
- Sydney-based Fr David Braithwaite SJ was interviewed on camera for this ABC News segment on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, as well as this ‘Today Extra’ segment on Channel Nine.
- Superior General Fr Arturo Sosa SJ gives a tribute to Pope Francis.
Over the holidays, several School Leaders attended Kevin Hogan's School Leaders Seminar on Monday, 14th April, at the South Grafton Ex-Services Club. The morning began with an Acknowledgement of Country delivered by one of our SLT Izayah Walker, setting a respectful tone for the event. The seminar then was led by Kevin Hogan MP, Federal Member for Page, who brought together student leaders from across the Clarence Valley. A highlight of the morning was the guest speaker, Troy Cassar-Daley, who opened with a few songs to ease into the session and connect with the audience. He then shared a powerful and heartfelt message about the importance of the decisions we make in life.
Troy spoke deeply about his personal history, his strong connection to family, and how his upbringing shaped his values and resilience. He explained that the choices he made in those early lessons played a crucial role in his journey to success. His words reminded us that leadership isn’t just about titles but about staying true to who we are and being mindful of the paths we choose. The event concluded with more music and group photos. Overall, it was an inspiring and insightful day that encouraged many young leaders to reflect on our own values and the kind of leaders we hope to become in the future.
Despite wet weather over the school holiday break, McAuley College students and staff proudly participated in community ANZAC Day commemorations. Many students represented the college and local service and community organisations, demonstrating a strong commitment to honouring our veterans.Alongside these external engagements, McAuley College also hosted a special commemorative assembly. A highlight of the event was the ceremony led by Mrs McGowan's Year 11 Modern History class, who developed a moving tribute that resonated deeply with the student body.
During the assembly, Raimi Mortimer presented her insightful speech on the Battle of the Coral Sea, originally delivered at the Grafton sub-branch memorial on ANZAC Day. Raimi's well-researched presentation was a powerful reminder of how close the war came to Australia and showcased her dedication to honouring those who served.
We thank Mr Monford for his contributions in coordinating the event. At McAuley College, we emphasise the importance of instilling respect and gratitude for our veterans, and we are proud of our students' commitment to this tradition, ensuring it continues for years to come.
- Opens: Austin Toyer & Zeplan Davies
- U15s: Zaden Nipperess
Grafton Athletes Shine at 2025 National Championships
Congratulations to Hazel Golding and Will Tait, who proudly represented Grafton at the 2025 Australian National Athletics Championships in the 400m Hurdles. Hazel competed in the Under-18 Women’s Final, finishing 7th in the nation with a new personal best of 1:06.81. Will ran an outstanding race in the Under-20 Men’s Final, claiming the Bronze medal with a personal best of 54.32. These impressive performances were part of a strong showing from Grafton, with five local athletes competing at this prestigious national event. Well done to all!
We wish all mothers a happy Mother’s Day on Sunday and hope you are remembered by your children.
The library is giving students a bonus chance to spoil their mum this Mother’s Day with a prize gift pack of chocolates and a book.
Students can enter the competition by borrowing a book and filling out a raffle ticket.
I hope you are the lucky mum, and, if not, I still wish you a relaxing day full of love.
Over the past term and into this one, students have been rehearsing A Midsummer Musical — a magical fantasy production inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with a bold and hilarious 1980s twist. This exciting show will take to the McAuley Catholic College stage in Week 5.
Our dedicated cast has been giving up sport and weekends to rehearse, learning lines, projecting their voices, and bringing their characters to life with energy and flair. Behind the scenes, the creative crew has been busy designing vibrant costumes and imaginative staging to transport the audience into the mischievous world of the play.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the show on Friday 30th and Saturday 31st May — it promises to be a night of fun, laughter, and theatrical magic!
Mr Conaghan, our Leader of Learning for Creative Arts and Languages, is returning to the Brisbane professional stage for one night this May!
21 years ago, he performed the lead role in the world premiere of Zigzag St. by Philip Dean. This Australian play was the very first production for La Boite Theatre in the newly built Roundhouse Theatre in Brisbane. This year, La Boite is celebrating its 100th birthday with a series of one off play readings of ten iconic plays from their long history.
In The La Boite Encore Play Reading Series, actors take the stage with scripts in hand, bringing landmark plays to life through dynamic, varied, polished performances. While not full productions, these readings are set to be a lively celebration of theatre in its rawest form and a tribute to the plays that have shaped La Boite through the years.
Mr Conaghan says he is very lucky to have this learning opportunity to reconnect with the professional theatre landscape and some of the highly skilled artists that create Australia’s theatre culture.
He’s also happy to share this daggy pic of the original poster from 2004!
Council of Catholic School Parents
The Council of Catholic School Parents is hosting a number of helpful webinars for parents on a variety of topics.
Parents may also like to subscribe to the ParentTalk newsletter, which provides interesting articles for parents in Catholic schools.
| May |
| 6th - Year 7 Lovebites- Group 1 |
| 7th - Year 7 Lovebites- Group 2 |
| 8th - Mothers Day Breakfast |
| 14th, 15th & 16th - Year 12 Retreat |
| 20th - Parent Forum Gathering |
Every year, approximately 1200 people are killed, and another 40,000 are seriously injured on Australian roads. Traffic injuries are the biggest killer of Australian children under 15 and the second-biggest killer of all Australians aged between 15 and 24. These numbers are growing every year but are preventable if we choose to Drive So Others Survive!
National Road Safety Week is an annual initiative from the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group, partnering with road safety organisations and the government. The week highlights the impact of road trauma and ways to reduce it.
During National Road Safety Week, we ask our local schools to help us remind pedestrians, parents, students, motorists, passengers, cyclists, and bus drivers that everyone has the right to get home safe. By instilling these values early on, we can help create future generations of responsible and safety-conscious people.
We encourage school staff and students to take the pledge and help promote road safety within their communities.
Resources and Cheat sheets from our SOS 2025 Library
Please find attached the latest Parish Bulletins from Clarence Valley Parish.
After this weekend’s Masses Fr Joe will be on leave.
He will return for 24th/25th May and his final weekend will be 31st May/1st June.
Farewell morning teas will be held on 25th May at Cowper following the 8am Mass & his last Farewell will be Sunday 1st June at St Patrick’s following the 9.30am Mass.
All parishioners are welcome and encouraged to attend the morning teas, in particular his last one at St Patrick’s.
