Term 4, Week 7 - 19 November - 2021
- From the Principal
- Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning
- ABC Heywire Competition
- Student Spotlight Stories
- Careers
- Student Leadership News
- Message from Fr Joe Jolloway on COVID 19 & Vaccinations
- COVID Restrictions and Information
- Parent Education and Support
- Prayer Time From The Soul
- Parish News
- Birthdays
- Advertisements
Dear Parents & Carers
There were a number of celebrations and acknowledgements this week at McAuley!
Congratulations to Anna Gillies on winning The University of Newcastle Business Plan Competition 2021! In our week 3 Newsletter, we announced Anna was a finalist in this competition with her Business Plan - “Lines and Designs” and her product concept -The Flippa Line. On Friday, Anna presented her business plan and product design to a panel of judges selected by the University of Newcastle and the 3 other finalists, via Zoom. Following the presentations and feedback to each of the finalists, it was so exciting to hear Anna announced as the winner! Anna receives a scholarship to the University of Newcastle and a generous monetary prize. The school also receives a prize for supporting Anna. We are so very proud of Anna and her achievement. She has been supported through this adventure by her family, friends and her teacher Mrs McLennan. Well done Anna!
Student Leadership - Year 10 & 11 leaders for 2022
Our student leadership team for 2022 has been finalised with our current Year 9 & 10 students voting for their representatives last week. Thank you to the numerous students who were nominated for these positions, and who presented a speech to their year group. It is encouraging for the community to know so many students are prepared to put themselves forward as a leader and represent their school and give their peers a voice. Congratulations to our Year 11 Leaders for 2022 - Jorja White, Stella Van Leest, Jude Kreis, Levi Veryken; and our Year 10 leaders for 2022 - Eva Patricks, Sienna Clifton, Finla’e Cassidy-Thomason, Theo Lobsey. A Badge Presentation will take place at the end of the year.
Farewell to David Ogg
On Friday Mr Ogg announced that he is stepping away from teaching after 52 years! David has been a casual teacher at MCC for the last few years and has contributed to the College in so many ways. He has made connections with the students and staff and the wider community through his teaching; art skills, workshops and artworks; and his spirituality and deep faith. He is a gifted storyteller and produced a series of videos for us last year which featured regularly in our newsletters. We wish David all the best in his future endeavours.
Janet Irwin - Heywire Finalist
Congratulations to Janet Irwin who is a finalist in the ABC Heywire Competition. The Heywire storytelling competition is open to high school-aged students in regional, rural and remote Australia. Please read about Janet’s achievement in this newsletter.
Congratulations to the Clarence River Historical Society - 90th Anniversary
Congratulations to the CRHS on the achievement of reaching their 90th year as a Society. Mr Mark Bellamy represented the College at the 90th-anniversary celebration on Thursday. Mark accepted a gift from the CRHS on behalf of Jacqueline Samms, our first placed Year 12 Modern History student. We thank the CRHS for their generosity and support and wish them all the best for the next 90 years!
COVID & Mask Wearing
A quick reminder that mask-wearing indoors is required by all students, staff and visitors when indoors and that everyone is expected to supply their own mask. Our mask supplies are now very low and we will soon be unable to supply masks freely. It has been noted by the Office staff that some students collect a mask up to 3 times a day from the office. We are discussing options for when our mask supply has been depleted. These may include contacting parents and carers and requesting they bring in a mask for their child or charging students for masks. I will keep you updated on this matter and in the meantime request that all students attend school with a mask and a spare.
Year 12
We continue to keep our Year 12 students in our thoughts and prayers as they complete their final HSC exams over the next fortnight. Plans are being finalised for their Graduation and Formal and we are looking forward to acknowledging and celebrating their many achievements in early December.
All the best for the fortnight ahead.
Yours sincerely
Kate
Kate Thomson
Principal
“We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.” Catherine McAuley
HSC
Our Year 12 students are continuing their HSC Examinations. Please keep all of these students in your prayers and thoughts as they complete their remaining exams over the next fortnight.
Assessments and Reporting Periods:
Term 4 historically moves very quickly, and this year has been no different. We have flown past the halfway mark and the assessment window is upon us. Students are encouraged to continue to revise their work and do their best with all learning experiences and assessments as we move towards the end of the school year. Students must work collaboratively with teachers to meet deadlines, implement feedback and improve the quality of responses.
For staff, these final weeks of the academic year mean extra marking and analysing collected data to complete each child’s report. Much thought, time and energy goes into this process ensuring the feedback and comments reflect each student’s ability to meet subject outcomes and school focus areas of Responsibility, Safety, Respect and Effort. I thank the teachers for their commitment to this process.
Many of our Year 11 students are also completing their first HSC assessments over the next few weeks. It is essential that our year 11 students re-familiarise themselves with our school assessment policies about absenteeism either the day before or the day of an assessment.
School Improvement:
Learning and Teaching Goal
In 2022 we will focus on learning for continual growth so that each student can continue to improve their academic outcomes.
- We will be focusing on growth in all areas but zooming in on writing
- We aim to ensure students know what they are learning about and what success looks like for each lesson
- We will help students understand assessments and how to improve
- Our students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and individually set goals
This week at assembly, we spoke to the students about the above points and asked them via a survey to give us some feedback on ways we can best help them engage in their learning. The student feedback will guide our understanding of what our students experience and support planning for 2022.
Professional Learning
Our staff meeting last week focused on Cultural Competency. The aim of the session was to ensure all staff developed knowledge and understanding of the Traditional Land and the History of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, as well as to ensure our school upholds inclusive and collaborative practices to meet the diverse needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
The activities enhanced the teacher’s knowledge of the correct terminology, protocols around excursions and advice for planning cultural lessons, and relevant guest speakers. We also spent some time unpacking the 8 ways of learning pedagogy and how these may be embedded in teaching programs.
It was a wonderful opportunity to support McAuley staff to ensure the best possible outcomes for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
A special thanks to the presenters, the McAuley Indigenous Education Workers Taylor Jarrett and Wil Bancroft as well as Aunty Doreen Flanders from the Catholic Schools Office.
Di McGowan
Assistant Principal, Learning & Teaching
It is with great excitement that we inform our school community that Year 10 student Janet Irwin has been announced as a finalist in the ABC Heywire competition.
The annual Heywire competition is open to people aged 15-22, living in regional or rural Australia. Heywire encourages young people to tell stories about their life outside the major cities in text, photo, video or audio format. Over the past 23 years, more than 11,500 young Australians have taken part.
Janet worked closely with her English teacher Mrs Rouse to write her story which focuses on how art, and in particular, painting, has helped her deal with the challenges around her disability. Mrs Bindon and Janet produced an accompanying video for the entry.
ABC journalist, Peter Gunders, informed Janet a few weeks ago that she was a finalist and since then Janet has been involved in facetime interviews and also a recording at the ABC Coffs Harbour radio studio.
Winners will be announced in mid-December. We wish Janet the best of luck in this competition and we are extremely proud of her and the way she has represented our school community.
Laura Hoade (Year 9)
Laura has consistently been a high achiever at McAuley Catholic College. She is an incredibly conscientious learner who excels in all of her studies. Laura involves herself in extracurricular activities and is involved in music, both at the College and within the Grafton community. Laura is a musician in the flute ensemble at the Clarence Valley Conservatorium, as well as a member of the junior ensemble at McAuley Catholic College. Laura is also a 2021 Junior Jacaranda Queen Candidate. With her hard work, effort and consistent high achievements, Laura continues to be a leader amongst her year group.
Timothy Van Der Vlist (Year 8)
Timothy is a Year 8 student here at McAuley Catholic College. Tim has achieved consistently across a range of subjects including Mathematics, History, Food Technology, Music and French. He particularly enjoys Science, Maths and French. Tim balances his school studies with walking the dog and archery. He also enjoys reading, playing soccer, martial arts, doing geometric drawings and athletics. Timothy has many talents and works diligently at all times.
Unfortunately, the Queensland University Tour has been cancelled this year due to the COVID-19. We hope to resume this very beneficial excursion in 2022.
Careers in Animation and VFX
Tuesday, 23rd November, 10 am – 11 am
This session is delivered by TAFE NSW and employers from the Animation & VFX industry. Learn about a career in post-production, digital and the VFX industry, a sector experiencing significant growth and opportunities across the North Coast
Register Launch Your Career in Animation and VFX - Launch your Career (eventsair.com)
Information Sessions for Students and Parents
Girls on Fire (Part One)
Monday, 22nd November 9:30 am – 10:30 am
- Overview of emergencies & how they are managed.
- Who are our emergency services and what roles are available.
- Fundamentals of community safety.
- Introduction to resilience
Register Girls on Fire (Part 1) - Mon 22nd Nov @ 9.30am - 10.30am
Girls on Fire (Part Two)
Thursday, 25th November 9:30 am – 10:30 am
- Meet the firefighters in our Emergency Services.
- What’s it’s like to be a firefighter & what is involved?
- Pathways to employment & building blocks to success.
- The need for inclusive, multi-skilled teams that connect with our communities.
- Community impact of emergencies & disasters.
- Building resilience
Register Girls on Fire (Part 2) - Thurs 25th Nov @ 9.30am - 10.30am
Rod Paton
Careers Adviser
Over the past couple of weeks, the student leadership team has gained many new members from the current Year 9 and 10 groups. These students; Eva Patricks, Sienna Clifton, Finla’e Cassidy-Thomason, Theo Lobsey from Year 9 and Jorja White, Stella Van Leest, Jude Kreis, Levi Veryken from Year 10 will become the future Year 10 and 11 student leaders for 2022. We would like to congratulate and warmly welcome our new team members.
In the previous week, Mr Butcher has started an initiative to promote fitness amongst students. This involves a weekly fitness challenge held each Thursday during lunchtime. Previously the ‘Sally up, Sally down’ pushup challenge was held and this time everyone is invited to participate in a plank challenge.
Briefly mentioned in the last newsletter, the student leadership team’s long term goal for the near future is to plant a single tree for each year group which will be placed around the school. The specific species of tree have not been decided but suitable candidates may be the Tulipwood, Lacebark, Yellow Ash, Eumundi trees which are native to Australia.
Also, our last fundraiser, Socktober was held on the 29th of October and we managed to raise $323.75 which will go to Catholic Mission to support vulnerable and disadvantaged children in Thailand.
Here is a repeat of the information from our last Newsletter, effective from the from the 8th November
Parents and carers onsite to support school operations
The NSW Government, supported by Catholic Schools NSW have announced that fully vaccinated parents and visitors are permitted onsite to support curriculum delivery, wellbeing programs and school operations. These include programs such as reading support, canteens, uniform shops and gardening.
As schools are not yet in a position to welcome visitors back en masse, please ring the school for an appointment should you wish to visit the school for other reasons. I rely on your understanding that appointment numbers and times are limited and are at the discretion of the school.
Please remember to bring your proof of vaccination when you come to school. You’ll be asked to show this proof at the front desk as you sign in to the school system and to Services NSW. Please remember these rules are required by the NSW Government. Your respect and patience towards our front office staff is appreciated.
OTHER COVID INFORMATION
Assemblies and presentations
Fully vaccinated visitors, including parents and carers are only allowed to attend if completing a specific role, such as presenting and at the invitation of the school.
All visitors must check-in using the school check-in and show proof of vaccination.
Community use
Community use will be allowed outside of school hours, per general community settings and with a COVID-19 Safety Plan, including any specific plans required under Public Health Orders. This includes P&F meetings.
Excursions and incursions
Some excursions will be allowed outdoors and indoors if the class cohort has sole use of the venue. Transportation to and from venues must maintain class cohorts.
Incursions will be allowed indoors or outdoors in cohorts.
Overnight camps or retreats are not permitted.
Transitions and orientations
Transitions and orientations will be allowed with restrictions. This information will be provided to parents of Year 6 students.
Mask Wearing, Hygiene practices and social distancing
All staff, students and visitors are to wear masks when indoors. (except where exemptions apply). Everyone is expected to bring their own mask to the College.
All staff, students and visitors are to adhere to good hygiene and health practices, which includes regular washing and use of hand sanitiser, coughing and sneezing etiquette, and wiping surfaces regularly.
Sport
Sport has resumed this week, under COVID safety regulations, to align with community settings.
Schools can make use of school facilities or local outdoor facilities (e.g. parks, ovals) but must minimise contact with those outside of the school cohort.
Transport arrangements will minimise mixing between cohorts. Masks are required on buses for staff and students in Year 7 and above (unless exemptions apply)
Kate Thomson
eSafety Parent Guide to Digital Technologies and Mental Health
The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT invites you to a free one-hour webinar designed for parents and carers of young people aged 10–18.
Details:
Monday 22 November 2021, 7.30-8.30pm
It will cover:
- what do to about accidental exposure to content about suicide, self-harm or eating disorders
- using games, apps and social media to support mental wellbeing
- the pros and cons of digital mental health platforms
- strategies for young people to support friends online.
Questions should be directed to clare.dunstan@ccsp.catholic.edu.au
Resources:
CCSP – Guide to digital tech and mental health – A3 Poster
CCSP – Guide to digital tech and mental health – A5 Flyer
Sextortion & Teens: What You Need To Know
"If you don’t send me a nude in 60 seconds I will send this image to some of your friends and say it is you"
This is the exact message a 16-year-old student received in her Instagram DM’s recently.
When she ignored the message, the perpetrator sent a cropped image of a naked young woman laying on a bed to some of her Instagram followers.
There was nothing she could do to stop it.
This is just one of many examples of sextortion we are hearing from students younger and younger. Sextortion is on the rise and we need to be able to talk about it.
So…what exactly is sextortion?
Sextortion is the practice of extorting money or sexual favours from someone by threatening to reveal evidence of their sexual activity. This is commonly played out when teens are sexting with peers (as a means to build trust) but once nudes or photos are shared they are then threatened with money - or their photos will be revealed to their friends, family, or Instagram/Snapchat followers.
In my business, Safe On Social, I have worked directly with students (like the 16-year-old girl mentioned above) who have experienced this. It’s an extremely traumatic, fearful, embarrassing, and stressful situation for the child at hand. Encouraging them to speak up is the most important thing we can do. They need to understand that if they are being threatened in any way we, the adults in their lives are here to hear them and help them.
Here are 3 top things you should be discussing with your teenage child or student today:
- Never accept DM requests through Instagram, assure them it will never be a friend (if it is, they will contact through other means). There may be a sinister side, and accepting a DM request is not safe.
- Let them know that they can always speak to you without judgment, that you will help them if they make a mistake online, and something goes wrong. They need to know that they should never be afraid to speak up.
- Know what to do when things go wrong. Make sure they know not to pay or respond to the demands at all. They should not engage at all. Teach them that they should take screenshots if something happens to have evidence if the authorities need to be notified. Report to local Police or Crimestoppers at 1800333000
Goodness is the theme of this week's edition of The Soul. We have included here extracts on Goodness that might interest you.
GOODNESS
“Truth helps us discern what is good” and “Goodness manifests as the flourishing of myself and others through love.” Bishop Greg reminds us that “I become good through correctly choosing good things,” while twentieth-century Catholic philosopher, Dr Jospeh Pieper, describes beauty as “the glow of the true and the good that flows out of every ordered state of being”.
Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven". St Therese of Lisieux understood that to be like a child is to recognise in one’s humility a way forward towards goodness. For her, humility reveals that we are good because God made us that way. She reminds us that Jesus is there to help us to overcome our weaknesses so that we can bring love to situations and people we find difficult. In this, Therese lived a life around becoming small; "Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, thereby a small kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love."
PRAYER
Burned out, overworked or depressed? Pope Francis is praying for you - Pope Francis has asked the world to join him in praying for people with depression for the month of November, drawing a connection between depression, overwork and burnout. “Overwork and work-related stress cause many people to experience extreme exhaustion,” the Pope writes. “Sadness, apathy, and spiritual tiredness end up dominating people’s lives, who are overloaded due to the rhythm of life today.”
Watch a video of the Pope’s address here:
Pope Francis invites young people to stand up (arise), to endeavour to live the call of the Lord, and to spread the Good News. Inspired by the original translation of St. Luke’s Gospel which gives the meaning of 'to rise up,' 'to awaken to life’ to what the Virgin Mary did after pronouncing her 'Here I am'.
The song, Jesús me dijo: Levanta-te!, ¡Levántate!, was written after a Lectio Divina experience, by Brother Ricardo Grzona, to offer an international experience to unite all young people to praise the Lord.
Please find attached the latest Parish Bulletins from Clarence Valley Parish.
