Term 3 - Weeks 2-3, 8 August 2025

Dear Parents and Carers, Staff and Students,

The past fortnight has been a vibrant and busy time at McAuley Catholic College, with learning, celebration, and community spirit on full display.

Staff Development Day – Investing in Our Future

Monday, 18 August,  is a pupil-free day for staff professional development. The focus will be on School Improvement and the development of our next Strategic Plan. Our theme is: "Listening to our Community. Shaping our Future"
As noted in our previous newsletter, the previously advertised Staff Development Day on Friday, 15 August has been postponed. This will now be a regular school day, and a new date will be advised shortly.

Celebrating Achievement

Our Semester 1 Awards Assembly on Thursday 31 July recognised the outstanding academic achievement and effort of our Year 7–11 students. Over 100 family members attended and enjoyed a celebratory morning tea.

Thank you also to all who attended the Parent–Teacher–Student Interviews in Week 3. Your engagement in your child’s learning is vital and valued. On display were the new Literacy Booklets we are promoting to parents, students and staff. We received a lot of positive feedback from parents and students, and we encourage all to use this valuable resource. 

✝ Celebrating Our Faith

On Friday, 8 August, we acknowledged the Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia’s first saint, known for her commitment to the poor and her belief in God. Mary lived by the motto “Never see a need without doing something about it.” Alongside Catherine McAuley and our Mercy values, we continue to be inspired by Mary MacKillop’s example. 

Born in 1842 in Fitzroy, Melbourne, Mary was the founding sister and

Mother Superior of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. An outstanding educator, she was considered in many ways ahead of her time, seeing teaching and learning as a reciprocal process, instilling a culture of self-discipline through praise and encouragement rather than criticism. Her vision was to provide education for underprivileged children.  The photo here is from my recent work visit to Adelaide. This statue is outside St Francis Xavier Cathedral and is one of my favourite depictions of Mary MacKillop.

My visit to Adelaide was to participate in The Brown Collective 6Rs of Leadership Program. We were privileged to be at the Adelaide Oval, and a special message was placed on the scoreboard for our visit! 

We also look forward to celebrating the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Friday, 15 August, with Mass at 10:15am, as this is a Holy Day of Obligation in the Catholic Church. The doctrine of Mary's Assumption into Heaven reflects the long insistence on Mary's importance in the Catholic Church.

Student Highlights

• Year 12 – Halfway through Trial HSC Exams; extended library hours on Wednesdays (Weeks 5–9) are available for study.
  
  
• Year 11 – Retreat moved to week 4.  Leadership nominations for 2025–26 open in week 5.
  
  
• Year 10 – Participated in their Reflection Day with Michael Fitzpatrick and are preparing for Future Pathways interviews in Week 6. Other highlights coming up include SHINE and RYDA programs.
  
  
• Year 8 – Enjoyed their Catch the Wave Reflection Day and camp at Coffs Harbour.

Looking Ahead

Key Dates

• Monday 18 August – Staff Development Day (pupil-free)
• Tuesday 19th August - Parent Education Session - Keeping our children safe online.
  
  
• Tuesday 26 August – Year 10 Future Pathways Conversations
  
  
• Wednesday 3 September – HSC Showcase
  
  
• Thursday 4 September – Father’s Day Breakfast
  
  
• Thursday 11 September – McAuley Fest
  
  

Parent Learning Event – Safe on Social

We are very excited to welcome back Kirra Pendergast for our Safe on Social Parent Evening, co-sponsored by Parent Assembly and the College.
Date: Tuesday, 19th August 5.45pm
Location: College Drama Room (P1)

Kirra has had a long and valued association with McAuley, and her expertise in helping families navigate the online world is both practical and eye-opening. When she last visited, over 100 parents attended — and many said it was one of the most valuable evenings they had ever been to.

We encourage all parents and carers to attend this important session — the online landscape changes quickly, and the more we know, the better we can support our young people.

Thank you for your continued support in all we do at McAuley. Together, we are building a community that reflects our core values of Respect, Compassion, Justice, Hospitality, and Excellence.

All the best for the fortnight ahead,

Kate

Kate Thomson
Principal

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

Catherine McAuley

Supporting Student Growth and Academic Success

As we enter the heart of Term 3, the school's focus remains on learning, preparation, and celebrating student achievement.

Celebrating Academic Achievement

Our Semester 1 Awards Assembly was a wonderful celebration of student achievement and commitment. Students from Years 7 to 11 were recognised for academic excellence and their ongoing demonstration of our College Expectations: Safety, Effort, Respect, and Responsibility.

It was heartening to see so many parents, carers, and extended family members in attendance, joining us to acknowledge these student successes.

A complete list of award recipients is included later in this newsletter.

Parent–Teacher–Student Conferences (Years 7–11)

Thank you to all families who attended our recent Parent–Teacher–Student Conferences. These evenings continue to be valuable opportunities for students to reflect on their learning, engage in meaningful conversations with teachers, and set goals for improvement.

We were particularly pleased to see so many students actively participating—articulating what helps them succeed in class and discussing how they can continue to improve.

The evening also allowed us to showcase examples of student work and introduce families to the Parent Literacy Strategies and Resource Book, designed to support reading and writing at home in partnership with the College. This resource, developed collaboratively with staff, is included below.

Year 12: Trials Nearing Completion – But the HSC journey isn't over

As it is week 4, our Year 12 students are entering the final week of their Trial HSC exams—a significant milestone in their final year of schooling. We commend them for their hard work and commitment during this demanding period. Our external exam supervisor has been overwhelmingly positive about how McAuley students have approached these exams.

However, it is essential to remember that the journey is far from over. The HSC examinations still account for 50% of their final results. What happens in the next six weeks of school will be critical in shaping each student's success. These final weeks at school can make all the difference—academically and in helping students feel confident and well-prepared. We urge all students to stay focused, make the most of available support, and strive for their personal best.

When the trial exams  are returned to students, it will be essential to consider the following:

• Students must carefully review teacher feedback to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Now is the time to rework essays and responses, correct errors, and refine arguments or techniques.
• A consistent and dedicated study routine is essential—from revising notes to completing past papers under timed conditions.
• Most importantly, students should proactively seek teacher feedback and engage in ongoing dialogue about improving further.

We also have many Year 12 students completing the finishing touches on their major works over the remainder of the month, and we would like to invite the school community to acknowledge the incredible talent of our students at the HSC Showcase, which will be held at the College Library on Wednesday, September 3rd, from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Year 11: A Time for Focus and Preparation

While our Year 11 students will be away on retreat during the first part of this week, I'd like to take this opportunity to remind them—and their families—that only seven weeks remain in the Preliminary HSC Course. Thus, now is crucial for students to consolidate their learning and prepare thoroughly for the upcoming Preliminary Exams. 

We encourage all Year 11 students to continue developing a consistent homework and study routine. Proactive preparation will enhance their performance and build confidence and resilience in their learning.

Year 10: Planning for the Future

This term, our Stage 6 subject selection process continues with a significant milestone: the Future Pathways Interviews, scheduled for Tuesday, August 26th.

These compulsory interviews involve each Year 10 student and at least one parent/carer. They are essential for helping students make informed decisions about their senior study pattern and potential post-school pathways. Families are asked to book their interviews by Tuesday, August 20th (letters were sent home last Friday with instructions for the booking platform).

During the interviews, students will:

• Meet with subject specialists / Middle Leaders
• Receive personalised guidance and answers to their questions
• Review and, if necessary, adjust their current subject selection sheet

Students not returning to McAuley in 2026 are also required to attend. These students will meet with our Careers Adviser or Pastoral Care staff to explore alternative educational or work-related pathways.

Should you have any questions about the booking process, please don't hesitate to contact the College Office.

Thank you for your continued support.

At our recent Semester 1 Awards Assembly, students from Years 7 to 11 were recognised for academic excellence and their ongoing demonstration of our College Expectations: Safety, Effort, Respect, and Responsibility.

A complete list of award recipients appears below - congratulations to all.

Principal's Certificate for Academic Achievement:

Principal's Certificate for Consistently Displaying the College Expectations: 

Year 8 Geography Fieldwork - Water in the World

On Monday and Wednesday of Week 3, students in Year 8 Geography completed their Fieldwork studies at Shannon Creek Dam to develop their geographical skills and enhance their studies of Water in the World.

Students listened to a presentation by Chris and Charlie from Clarence Valley Council and recorded data on the purpose, construction, operation, and management of the dam. Students were guided across the dam and sp
illway and down to the pump station and natural creek beds. Students were able to identify the impacts of the Dam on the natural environment as well as explain the importance of this resource. Practising and enhancing skills in field sketching and recording observations was also a focus for the fieldwork.

Our sincerest thanks to Chris and Charlie, and the Clarence Valley Council for their support and for sharing their time, expertise, and knowledge in the field, allowing students to bring their studies to life!

Year 8 Food Technology

Our Year 8 Food Technology class has been working hard and recently created some yummy taco burgers!

Year 9 Food Technology

Our Year 9 Food Technology class has been busy making mango lassi.

Year 9 Food Technology

Year 9 Food Technology students conducted a detailed nutritional comparison of popular butter‑chicken convenience meals and a homemade version prepared from scratch. 

Year 12 Hospitality

Some teachers were lucky enough to be treated to tea and cake served by our Year 12 Hospitality students. 

Book Week and Author visit

YA Author, Hayley Lawrence will be running a series of inspiring workshops on Friday, August 22 as part of the Mercy Library Book Week celebrations.

Lawrence’s books have made a huge impact in the Australian Young Adult publishing industry as she was shortlisted for the Children’s Books Council of Australia (CBCA) awards in 2023 for her book The Other Side of Tomorrow and there is industry buzz that she will be shortlisted again in 2026 for her book Into the Wild.

The CBCA judges said about “The Other Side of Tomorrow”: The author handles the intense emotions of the story deftly and without artifice - every laugh and tear the reader experiences is earned. [It is] Absolutely heartbreaking and real.”

Lawrence’s writing journey highlights her personality strengths of dedication, empathy and determination. Always wanting to be a writer, she followed the serious path of Law, but when she turned 30, she knew that it was time for her to take a chance and devote her time to completing a novel. It wasn’t easy for her to balance her role as a mother of five children, her career as a solicitor and all the other demands on a working mum. However, once she started, there was no turning back.

She has published six novels, and a new one will be released shortly. You can see all her novels on the school library website: https://tinyurl.com/265wqpnz. I have also included a picture of Hayley Lawrence and the covers of two of her most recent books in this article. We are obviously very excited to have someone of Lawrence’s ability share her skills and wisdom with a selection of our students. She will be running workshops for 12 selected students from each age group from Year 7 - 10, and the Advanced English students from Year 11 and 12. Please keep a lookout on Compass for a permission note to come.

Lawrence’s visit is part of the Book Week activities for 2025. Book Week will be held from Monday, August 25, until Friday, August 29. Note that this is a week later than most other schools. 

The theme this year is ‘Book an Adventure’, and we are super excited to see what the staff and students dress up in as part of this theme. The list is endless, and I keep thinking of more possibilities - it could be a spy adventure like Alex Rider, a space adventure like The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, a pirate adventure like Treasure Island or a fantasy adventure like Artemis Fowl.    

All students are encouraged to get involved in the many activities over the week, which include an escape box challenge, scavenger hunts, quizzes, house point challenge and, of course, the most important event - the Book Week dress up day on Friday, August 29. If you are new to MCC, you will find out that the students and teachers love to dress up and get into the spirit of the event. I hope you will too!

Take a look at this video to get inspired for Book Week.

Librarian & History Teacher

Again, it has been another busy two weeks in the careers world.

Year 12

Many of the students are finalising their university applications. Some early entry offer dates for the first round of offers have already elapsed. However,  for the University of Newcastle, the date is 29th August and for Southern Cross University, the date is 30th September. For the University Admissions Centre (UAC) the forms must be submitted by 5th September. All students should apply for the school's recommendation scheme.

UAC INFORMATION TALK - Unpacking the University Admissions Process - 19 August 2025

The University Admissions Centre (UAC) will be presenting an online information session at the College on Tuesday, 19th August. Representatives from the centre will be there to give key pieces of information or respond to questions from students or any interested staff. This is mainly aimed at Year 12, but any interested Year 11 students may attend too.  This will be for  40 Minutes at lunchtime. The venue for the talk will be L8.

Please see previous newsletter articles on the UAC process, or please feel free to contact me for any advice.

Scholarships

Students should be researching various scholarships at this stage.

Year 11 

Year 11 attended a post-careers workshop in week 2  at the Coffs Harbour Education Campus. This was an excellent opportunity for students to research career pathways and make contacts for work opportunities.

The exhibition included over 50 presenters and included presentations from a plethora of universities, including the University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of Canberra, University of Tasmania, University of Newcastle, University of New England, Griffith University and Southern Cross University. There were a whole host of TAFE NSW courses, businesses and industries present as well, including the Coffs Harbour Bypass, Serco, Costa and Faircloth & Reynolds.

The students spent the morning researching different career opportunities at the various presentation stands and were able to talk directly to the presenters to find out key facts and requisites for career choices. They also accessed information about courses, apprenticeships, accommodation, job opportunities and scholarships. 

Some Year 12 students also attended this event.

Unserious Careers Roadshow - Presenter  Alana Killmartin  Year 10 and Year 11

Alana Killmartin presented a careers  talk for year 10 this week. She is touring Australia and presenting an engaging perspective on career mapping. The talk was engaging and interactive and the topics she covered include:

• Removing the pressure to figure out your entire career by the time you leave school. 
• Building a strong Career Support Team.
• Everyone has at least one Career Superpower: which one is yours?
• Your career is only one part of your life. What other goals would you like to kick after school?

Year 10 Work Experience

All students should be organising a place to complete Work Experience in Term 4 (Week 8, 1st - 5th of December). This is a great opportunity to experience the real world and test different career options or working environments. All students are completing a short course to prepare for work experience in class. There will be a lot of preparation and paperwork required for this process, and this will take some time to get organised.

All of the required documentation can be found on the Career Tools website, which the students have access to.

Note: Please refer to the last edition of the College Newsletter for a detailed description of the process for Work Experience, including screen shots and 'how-to' instructions.  Click here.

UPCOMING PLANS

There will be a tour of Queensland Universities for Year 11 in Term 4.

The dates are  4th - 5th December. There will be limited spots, so as soon as the information is posted, students will need to respond.

Southern Cross University proposes to visit the school on 5th September.  They will be available for advice for Year 11 students, and will run career information and games sessions with Years 11 and 10.

JOBS! JOBS! JOBS!

• There are jobs at the local mills Harwood, Broadwater and Condong. These are apprenticeships for electricians, fitters and boilermakers. Students need to see their careers classroom or year group classroom for the details.
• Transport for NSW - there are also apprenticeship and trainee programs for Transport NSW.
• Local government apprenticeship and cadet programs
• Students need to see their careers classroom or year group classroom for the details on all of these positions, or see Mrs Rouse for assistance. The deadline dates are tight, so they need to be quick to respond.

Thank you.

Mrs Maria Rouse

Careers

Book here via Eventbrite.