Term 2 - Weeks 6 & 7 - 13th June 2025
Dear Parents and Carers, Staff and Students,
As we approach the final stretch of Term 2, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the past fortnight and look ahead to the coming weeks.
We are currently in a particularly busy and purposeful period in our school calendar. Week 7 marked the completion of our Mission Review, and I’m pleased to share that the verbal feedback from the review team was overwhelmingly positive. I extend my deepest thanks to the staff, parents and students who contributed so thoughtfully to this important process. We will receive recommendations from the review panel, which we will incorporate into our next Strategic Plan to ensure we focus on and strengthen our Catholic Identity and Mission.
Looking ahead to Week 9, we will undertake our ACER School Review, which will be conducted by a panel of four people, comprising both external and diocesan representatives. The panel members will be immersed in the school for three days and aim to interview at least 85% of the staff, as well as groups of students and parents. I am confident that the spirit of cooperation and dedication will carry us through this process. Any parents who would like to participate in the review can contact Katrina in the College Office. The conversation can take place in person or over the phone. These reviews are invaluable in helping us celebrate our strengths and identify areas where we can continue to grow and improve outcomes for our students. As mentioned above, the recommendations we receive from the review panel will also inform the development of our next strategic plan.
I’d like to thank our teaching staff for their ongoing efforts with assessment and reporting across Years 7 to 11. This is a time of immense workload, and I recognise the careful attention each person is giving to ensure our students and families receive accurate, fair and constructive feedback on their learning.
We have had a range of excursions and events in the last fortnight, including Art Gallery visits, Cross Country and Soccer competitions, Year 10 Careers Day and ADF visit, Year 11 Biology fieldwork, Volleyball teams in Armidale, History lectures and the Vinnies Sleepout. I am thankful to the many staff who organise and supervise these experiences that enrich the learning of our students, both within and beyond the classroom, helping to develop the whole person.
A special thanks to Kathy Warby, Tom Howard, Jacob Somers and the Mission team for the organisation and celebration of the Family Mass on Sunday 15th June at St Mary’s Church. It was a beautiful reminder of our shared faith and the importance of community.
Over the last month, a number of leaders and teaching staff have assisted me in meeting with prospective students and their parents, as part of the enrolment process, and it has been wonderful to meet so many keen and enthusiastic students who want to be part of our College community. It has been a privilege and a delight to have these conversations and share this experience with my staff.
One of our key focus areas at the College continues to be the implementation and use of consistent, predictable routines. Staff are asked to ensure they apply the agreed-upon practices in each lesson with our junior students. Research shows that having routines assists students' learning and their overall school experience. These routines help create a safe, ordered and positive environment where students thrive. Consistent, predictable routines can be applied to many aspects of life. I ask families to consider this when it comes to punctuality (to school and class), and wearing the correct uniform.
Thank you to the families who have paid their Semester 1 fees and to those making regular payments. Unfortunately, there are families with outstanding fees. This is a gentle reminder to settle these accounts within the next few weeks or to contact the College office to discuss payment options. It is a condition of enrolment that fees are paid in a timely manner. A reminder to our Year 12 parents & carers that attendance at the Formal is dependent on the payment of fees.
We have begun the Subject Selection process for Year 8 and Year 10 students. Families have received information about the process and subjects offered. We look forward to supporting students as they make decisions that align with their gifts, goals and aspirations.
Finally, our Athletics Carnival is at the end of week 8 - Friday 20th June, at Barnier Park, Junction Hill. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their talents and support their House with pride and enthusiasm. In week 10, we celebrate NAIDOC Week with a special assembly and the annual Rachel Johnson Memorial Touch Football competition, a great way to end the term. Please note that Thursday, 3rd July, is the last day of term for students, as Friday, 4th July, is a Staff Development Day. This is our spirituality day with a focus on our Mercy charisms and traditions.
Thank you, once again, for the countless ways in which you support the life of the College.
All the best for the fortnight ahead.
Kate
Kate Thomson
Principal
“We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.”
Catherine McAuley
Athletics Carnival
The 2025 Athletics Carnival will be held at Barnier Park, Junction Hill. This is a typical school day, and all students are expected to be present. Non–attendance on the day will need to be explained. This may be done via the Compass App, a note or a phone call to the College office.
Date: Friday, 20 June 2025
Location: Barnier Park - Terry West Athletics Field, Junction Hill
Departure Time: 8:45am from MCC Clarenza by Bus to Barnier Park
Return Time: 2:45pm from Barnier Park to MCC Clarenza
Transport: Buses will also be available to transport students to and from the College. Students can make their own way to and from Barnier Park.Exit passes must be presented to the students’ House Leader when their name is marked off. Notes need to state the time of departure, who is collecting the student and a contact number of the Parent/Carer.
Dress: Students may wear house-coloured clothing, appropriate for competing, or their sports uniform. Covered footwear is to be worn at all times.
Hats & Sunscreen: Students are expected to wear a hat during the day and use sunscreen (which will be provided).
Food: Students are to bring their own lunch and snacks.
Drinks: Students are to bring a water bottle.Attendance
Regular school attendance is essential for every student to achieve their full potential and expand their career and life options. Student non-attendance at school places the student’s learning, social and emotional growth at risk. Schools, in partnership with families, are responsible for promoting students' regular attendance and ensuring that non-attendance is addressed effectively.
While families are legally responsible for ensuring their children's regular attendance, school staff, as part of their duty of care, record and monitor both partial and whole-day absences. The school has legal obligations to follow up with the family when non-attendance becomes a concern.
In Week 9, emails will be sent again advising if your child's attendance is below 90%. These emails are an important way to communicate with families and begin conversations regarding the reasons for non-attendance. We aim to identify and connect the family with the school as early as possible to engage the student in support that motivates them to attend school and address challenging barriers.
Uniform
The cooler weather is upon us, and families are asked to order uniform items. The new uniform offers winter options; seeing students wearing long dress pants is great and provides a warm alternative. Please contact the Uniform Shop: https://mccuniformshop.com.au/
Yr 10 Love Bites
On Wednesday, July 2nd, Year 10 students will participate in the Love Bites program. The program, developed by NAPCAN (National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect), is a Respectful Relationships Education Program for young people. It aims to provide young people with a safe environment in which to examine, discuss, and explore respectful relationships. Love Bites programs take a strength-based approach, viewing young people as active participants who can make choices for themselves and their relationships when supported with information and opportunities for skill development.
The overall aims of the program are to equip young people with the knowledge needed to maintain respectful relationships, encourage and develop their skills in critical thinking, and assist them in problem-solving and communicating effectively.
The students will work through the types of abuse in relationships and warning signs of abusive relationships, navigating sexual relationships, and consent. They will be able to communicate behaviours that are acceptable and what behaviour ‘crosses the line’. These conversations will give students an understanding of how we respect each other's boundaries.
Year 9 Reflection Day
Our Year 9 students will undertake their Reflection Day this year with Dave Jorna from Project Hatch. Dave has a passion for working with young people and provides a balance of learning and fun that works effectively for all students involved. The program, ‘The Real Gift,’ will challenge students in a fun and safe way to explore their faith and what is important to them.
We look forward to this affirming experience and opportunity for spiritual reflection while building community.
The reflection day will be held in the College Hall on Monday, 30th June. Students are encouraged to wear their sports uniform, and lunch and morning tea are provided.
Street Retreat
Next week, Year 11 students Becket Albert, Mason Cone, Raimi Mortimer, and Felicity Higgins will join students from each of the other parish secondary schools to attend 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 deeper sense of the call of Jesus Christ to serve the poor.
The students will spend from Thursday, 26th 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.
The students will find the activities on the street retreat challenging and possibly confronting. Many activities run either very late at night or very early in the morning. While at Street Retreat, students will be moving around Brisbane visiting a range of placements, including drop-in centres, sorting warehouses, nursing homes, people with disabilities, food prep for the homeless, and Emmanuel City Mission, to name just a few. The retreat will culminate in a celebration of Sunday Eucharist.
We wish our students all the best for a great experience and look forward to hearing how our Social Justice programs can be developed based on their feedback.
SHINE
SHINE unites Youth Ministry (CSYMA) students in Catholic secondary schools of the Diocese of Lismore. The Youth Ministry program is offered to Year 9 and 10 students in the Ministry classes, allowing those with a willingness to nurture their faith an opportunity for Christian fellowship and spiritual formation.
With a continued focus on peer-to-peer ministry, the two-day event combines elements of praise and worship, inspiring keynote speakers, student testimonies, interactive workshops, prayer, Eucharistic Adoration and Mass. Senior Ministry Team members are also invited to apply to share testimonies and assist in facilitating Breakout Sessions.
The cost this year will be $70 per student. This contributes towards food and materials at the event.
Information has been shared through Compass and within the Ministry classes. Parents are asked to consent via Compass by Friday, 20th June.
Kathy Warby
The Student Leadership Team (SLT) has been busy with a number of exciting and meaningful initiatives! Recently, they took part in the Vinnies Sleepout and had the pleasure of welcoming the Parish’s new priest, Fr Felix, and participating in the Parish’s Feast of the Holy Trinity Mass.
Vinnies Sleepout was on Friday 13th and was a spectacular initiative coordinated with the ministry team and SLT. A range of activities were undertaken to grasp the reality of homelessness not just in the Clarence Valley but throughout Australia, and how Vinnies is a prime example of discipleship. Throughout the evening, students engaged in a variety of thought-provoking activities, including a scavenger hunt, mini-games, and the construction of cardboard forts. These experiences not only fostered empathy and reflection but also encouraged meaningful discussions about social justice and the importance of community support. This memorable night left a lasting impression on all who attended, and the SLT is enthusiastic about continuing this important initiative in the years to come!
On Sunday, 15th June, students took part in the Parish’s Feast of the Holy Trinity Mass at St Mary’s Church. Students were actively involved in several aspects of the celebration, including readings and participation in the musical ensemble. The Mass was led by our new Parish Priest, Fr Felix, and marked Trinity Sunday, the 1st Sunday after Pentecost. It was a joyful and spirit-filled occasion that brought the parish and school communities together.
Upcoming this Friday 20th June is our Athletics Carnival! Each of our four houses (Champagnat, Mercy, McArthy and Tracey) will go head to head to see who will win! We’re encouraging students to come dressed head to toe in house colours and bring their team spirit - participation is key. We’re looking forward to seeing Year 12 in their crazy costumes and supporting our houses on the side lines. We can’t wait to see you all there!
Ask Me What I'm Reading competition
At McAuley Catholic College, our teachers and staff members love to read. And now, thanks to a new competition in the library, they are sharing that joy of reading with the students.
The competition is called 'Ask me what I'm reading'. Students can work on their own or in a bigger group to complete a worksheet about what 36 participating teachers are reading. House points are on offer for each completed entry, and there are great prizes, including the latest Hunger Games book - Sunrise on the Reaping. Details and entry forms are available in the library.
The competition is based on research by Australian Reads, which suggests that students are more likely to read if they have a positive mentor.
The research found that 80% of students who are frequent readers said “a lot or nearly everyone in their life” enjoyed reading. Only 26% of infrequent readers said the same thing.
Additionally, students model their reading behaviour primarily on their parents (83%), but 40% looked to their siblings and 34% looked to their teachers.
Notably, an increasing number of parents are expressing a desire for their children to read more. In 2018, 73% of parents reported wanting their children to read more, compared to 82% in the latest results. For more information about key findings from Australia Reads, click here.
Year 12 After-School Study
Year 12 after-school study has commenced with the Library offering extended hours each Wednesday from 3:30-5:00 pm. All are welcome to have this additional time in the lead-up to the HSC Trials and HSC Exams.
To close out Reconciliation Week last week, our Aboriginal students proudly helped in preparing and serving a range of bush tucker-inspired treats for our entire school community to enjoy.
The students worked hard in the kitchen, learning and sharing knowledge around traditional ingredients and native flavours. The stall was a huge success, drawing in curious crowds and giving every student a chance to taste and connect with Indigenous culture through food. The variety on offer sparked conversation, curiosity, and celebration of culture.
The buzz around the stall reflected the growing interest and respect for First Nations knowledge, tradition, and identity within our school. It was more than just a food experience, it was an act of cultural sharing and reconciliation in action.
We would like to give a massive thank you to all the students who helped prepare, cook, and serve throughout the day. Your hard work, leadership, and pride in culture made this event not only possible but meaningful and memorable.
Events like this remind us that reconciliation lives in the actions we take through learning, sharing, and walking together.
Save the Date:
McAuley NAIDOC Assembly - Thursday 3 July, in the College Hall
* Performances * Dancers * Guest Speakers * Morning Tea provided
More details in our next newsletter.
Rachel Johnson Memorial Touch Football Competition - Thursday 3 July, to be held at Lower Fisher Park - more details to be sent via Compass.
Hello everyone,
It has been very busy in the world of careers this term. There have been a range of opportunities and events occurring.
Year 10
In Year 10 we will start making resumes and preparing for work experience in the final weeks of Term 2 and beginning of Term 3. Students need to complete short courses to be allowed to participate in work experience, which is an excellent practical experience for students to taste the world of work. Students should be researching various workplaces now so they are ready to participate in work experience in week 8 of Term 4. It is quite a lot of work to organise this, so they should be finding a place to complete their work experience now.
If your child needs to complete their experience earlier in the year, this can be arranged.
There are some students on work placement at present. These students are successfully working in a variety of locations. If your child would like this opportunity, there are specific procedures to follow, and they need to see me for information.
Year 10 Careers North Coast Exhibition visit
In week 6, all of Year 10 visited The North Coast Careers Exhibition in Coffs Harbour. There was a range of exhibitors informing students about different courses or job opportunities. Among the presenters were the Australian Defence Force, TAFE (which represented various faculties and subject choices), and the Universities of Newcastle, Armidale, and Southern Cross. There were also trade apprenticeship organisations, banks and employment agencies, to name just a short list of those on offer. The students had the opportunity to engage with the various stalls and research a variety of options.
Year 11
Students are researching career opportunities and workplace requirements as a part of our program in Careers. There will be an opportunity for all of Year 11 to attend a careers exhibition in Coffs Harbour in Term 3.
Scholarships
As mentioned in the last College newsletter, Annabelle Hourigan (Year 11) completed the High School Pathway Program with Southern Cross University. The Program prepares students for university studies by providing instruction in essay writing, research, and citation skills. Annabelle’s progress and performance were impressive, and she received a $10,000 scholarship from the University. Well done, Annabelle.
University Visits
In week 2, a group of Year 12 and Year 11 students visited the University of New England. They were given a tour of the facilities and access to different faculties where the professors and staff were happy to directly answer questions. The students enjoyed the day and were impressed by the small but friendly university. They also caught up with ex-students who are very successful at Armidale. These were Mayha Mead-Davies, studying Law; Jorja White, studying Education with Music; and Lily Nash, studying nursing. All of the students were enjoying their university life.
Year 12
University Applications
Applying for university is a big step for students, and parents can feel anxious too. Below are some facts on the process. Please contact me for more information.
By now, students should have had their PIN from the University Admission Centre for NSW (UAC) emailed to them. As explained in the last newsletter, the instructions are repeated again here.
The process for applying to university
In early April, UAC will issue students with a PIN to apply for courses, and we will have UAC booklets to help them research courses, as well as our Career Tools website, which contains a UAC booklet and information on all courses in Australia. They can then apply online for their desired courses. They make 5 preference choices for courses, and their ideal choice is their first preference. Their last choice is encouraged to be the course with the lower entry score in case you do not secure your ideal spot. Preferences can be changed during the process, so students are not locked in until the course offers are issued. People who may not be able to secure a university spot may also research a bridging course to lead them towards their desired degree. However, they should still apply for their degree course.
Here is a list of the key dates from the University Admissions Centre:
Code explanations and other information:
- The School Recommendations Scheme (SRS) is a scheme where students ask their school to recommend them for courses. It is suggested that all students tick this option.
- Early Bird applications close on 30th September - if the students do not submit their form by this date, they need to pay $215, as opposed to $82 if they pay by the Early Bird date.
- Students are not encouraged to apply for the same course at university as they do on the UAC form.
- COP means change of preferences close. This is because students can change their course choices up until a certain time. The time when they are finally locked in is 6th November. They are opened again for a window of time and then closed again on the 18th of December.
- Rounds being released means once the HSC results arrive on 18th December, universities will send offers of positions in their courses. If a student does not get straight into their chosen course, they may get into that course in the second round of offers. This is a sorting process and means that all places hope to be filled in the universities. More information on this will be released later.
Please see the UAC link to help you navigate the process.
How to apply to university through the UAC system.
1.How to start yor UAC application
2.How to manage your UAC application
3.How to review your UAC application following your ATAR result
Please contact Mrs Rouse if you need more information.
Mock job interviews
Students who are not applying for university are working towards researching jobs, applying for a real job for now or upon completion of school, and will produce resumes, cover letters and complete a mock interview for their chosen job. This will be presented to a panel of two teachers. The interviews are scheduled to start in Week 9 this term and will conclude early in Term 3.
Australian Defence Force
The ADF visited the school in week 7 and presented an information session on careers and opportunities in the Australian Defence Force. They interacted with the students and answered numerous questions. There are lots of opportunities in the defence forces, and this was an informative session. The representatives explained different roles within the defence forces and the application process.
They also have a pop-up information stall open seven days a week in Coffs Harbour Jetty. This will be stationed there until early August.
Jobs
Any vacant job positions continue to be advertised in the student notices or in the students' Careers lessons.
At present, there is a vacant position advertised at a local accountancy firm (WBS Accountants) - please refer to the Advertisements section of this Newsletter. The application closing date is July 31st.
University Scholarships
Scholarships for universities will not be available for a while, but we will research these next term.
The Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP)
This government body connects local industries with schools. RIEP is offering an introduction to careers in the health industry with indigenous students who will visit various health and medical centres. Wil Bancroft and Angus Field are offering students the opportunity to participate in this program starting next term.
If you have any concerns or questions, or if you know of any job opportunities or vacancies in a local business, please contact Mrs Rouse.
Mrs Maria Rouse, Careers
Diocesan Cross Country
On 5 June, we finally got to compete in the Diocesan Cross Country. Unfortunately, the students did not have the opportunity to run one of the best courses in the state, due to a very soggy track; however, McAuley students made the best of the situation and competed extremely well on the impromptu course at the Wiigulga Sports Complex in Woolgoolga.
McAuley had 38 athletes compete across most of the age groups, with the largest numbers in the 13’s and 14’s - well done to all students who competed on the day. As a whole group, we ran very well with several students competing at the front of their race:
| Frankie Grant 2nd | Owen Kelly 3rd | Anastasia Vereyken 3rd |
| Jasmine Iredale 3rd | Kane Patricks 3rd | Tara Commerford 6th |
| Willow Seivers 7th |
Netball News
Ava shines at CCC Netball: At the recent NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) netball trials in Sydney, Ava Whiley (Year 12) made it through to the Top 16 out of 120 regional team athletes - a fantastic achievement. Well done, Ava! Thanks also to Mrs Corcoran, who was the coach and manager for the Lismore Diocese team.
The Year 7 Cool Kids Program (developed at Macquarie University) is a world renowned skills-based program offered at McAuley Catholic College. The program teaches children/teenagers and their parent(s) how to better manage anxiety. There are a range of different types of anxiety experienced by children and teenagers. Anxiety may include: finding it difficult to be away from parents, being extremely shy, worrying about what others think of them, avoiding social and school activities (e.g. speaking to people, class presentations), worrying about everyday matters, potential dangers, and the future. Sleep difficulties, headaches, nausea, and difficulty breathing can be part of these feelings.
The program is designed to help children understand and learn about anxiety, and to provide strategies to minimise the impact on themselves and others, including their family. In Term 3, our Pastoral Care team will deliver the Cool Kids program during one class a week.
Content includes:
● Learning about linking thoughts, feelings and behaviour
● Learning how to think more realistically and helpfully
● Fighting fears by gradually facing fears (stepladder approach)
● Learning coping skills such as building confidence or problem solving
If you think your Year 7 child could benefit from this program in Term 3, or you would like more information, please contact Megan Barton, School Counsellor, at megan.barton@lism.catholic.edu.au
| JUNE |
| 20th - MCC Athletics Carnival |
| 26th-29th - Street Retreat (Year 11) - Brisbane |
| 30th - Year 9 Reflection Day (College Hall) |
| JULY |
| 3rd - NAIDOC Assembly and Morning Tea (College Hall) and Rachel Johnson Memorial Touch Football Competition (Fisher Park) |
| - Last day of Term 2 (Students) |
| 4th - Staff Development Day |
| Vacation Dates: Monday 7th July to Friday 18th July |
| 21st - All staff and students return for Term 3 |
Please find attached the latest Parish Bulletins from Clarence Valley Parish.
