Term 3 - Week 7 - 2 September 2022
- From the Principal
- Assistant Principal - Mission & Wellbeing
- Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
- Pastoral Care News
- Safe on Social Media News
- Senior Charity Ball
- McAuley Fest - R U OK Day
- McAuley Day
- Careers
- Library News - Book Week
- From the Classroom
- Sport
- Parent Support & Education
- Prayer Time - From The Soul
- Parish News
- Birthdays
- Advertisements
Dear Parents and Carers,
In the last newsletter, we were preparing for the Inaugural Senior Charity Ball and what a wonderful night was had by the 300 guests with $7600 raised! The purpose of the event was twofold - to come together as a McAuley Catholic College community, giving our year 11 & 12 students an opportunity to be senior students of the College, and secondly, to support the community of St Joseph's Primary School Woodburn who lost everything in the floods earlier this year.
Due to COVID restrictions, we have not held a Deb Ball for the last two years which gave us the opportunity to rethink and re-invent such an event. Part of the re-invention was to create an opportunity to be able to give to a community in need, as well as incorporate the aspects of the Deb Ball such as - bringing the community together, teaching young people the art of traditional style dances, providing an opportunity for young adults to present themselves in formal attire, participate in traditions and create memories. At the Charity Ball, the students danced the Pride of Erin and the Progressive Barn Dance, cut a beautiful cake and had the opportunity to have professional photos taken with family and friends. It was great to see so many guests join in a round of the Pride of Erin, smile, laugh and socialise with friends.
Thank you to Mrs Rouse and the Year 11 students (and their parents) who worked so hard for weeks to put this event on. To the students who collected raffle prizes and sold tickets - thank you. To our numerous sponsors who we have listed in the Ball section of the newsletter - thank you. We were joined on the night by Member for Page Kevin Hogan and his wife Karen, and the Mayor of Richmond Valley Council Mr Robert Mustow and his partner, Narelle Cole. We appreciate your attendance at our Ball and your generous support.
Helping others less fortunate than ourselves is an important part of our Social Justice message, so we feel very privileged to be able to assist the students in stage 3 (years 5 & 6) at St Joseph’s Primary, Woodburn to attend their school camp in Canberra.
McAuley Fest - RU OK?
This Thursday 8 September, please come along to our 2nd McAuley Fest, a night of music, entertainment, an art exhibition, food, and community! The evening starts at 5pm in the College Hall, with tickets on sale for $5 a person or $15 a family. All performers and artists are from the College community (staff and students). As this coincides with RU OK day there will be activities between acts to acknowledge R U OK?
McAuley Day
This Friday we will celebrate our Feast Day - a very special day in our school calendar. All students are expected to attend and are encouraged to bring along some extra money to participate in fundraising activities organised by each homeroom. All money raised will go to Mercy Works which continues to help those in need.
Year 12
Year 12 students are in their final weeks and we encourage them to “finish well”. This is an important time to consolidate their work to ensure they are ready for their HSC exams next term. In addition, a number of activities have been organised for year 12 which will culminate in their Graduation and Prizegiving Liturgy on Thursday 22nd September at 9.30am. Congratulations to all our students who have recently completed their major works (IT- Timber, Visual Art, Textiles & Design) and those preparing for performances (dance and music).
Year 11
Year 11 students are finalising their leadership team for 2022 - 23. Congratulations to all students who have been nominated for positions and are maturely engaged with the leadership process. School Captains will be announced this week and House Captains next week. I wish year 11 all the best as they start their preparation for Preliminary course assessments which will be held in Week 9. You will find more information about this in Mrs McGowan’s article.
Enjoy the fortnight ahead
Yours sincerely
Kate
Kate Thomson
Principal
“We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.”
Catherine McAuley
McAuley Day
Friday, 9th September is McAuley Day. This day of celebration acknowledges our Mercy traditions and the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley.
McAuley Day is one of the highlights of our school year where we celebrate our traditions and come together as a community of Faith and Action. The money raised on the day supports Mercy Works programs by the Sisters of Mercy.
Mercy Works is a not-for-profit charity organisation supporting long-term development projects in Australia and the South-East Asia Pacific region, including Papua New Guinea, The Philippines and Timor-Leste. They work with some of the most challenged and vulnerable people and communities towards dignity and self-reliance. They transform their future by improving health, enhancing social wellbeing and expanding educational and economic opportunities. Within Australia, they work with five First Nations projects as well as refugees and asylum seeker students in schools and adult literacy programs. Attached are two projects that Mercy Works supports within Australia
We encourage all students to support Mercy Works on Friday by bringing along some money and donating through participation in Homeroom Activities.
Parents and Carers are welcome to attend the Opening Liturgy starting at 9.30 am. A detailed letter outlining the day is attached.
Excursions
In the last newsletter, I spoke about the importance of ensuring all permission notes and money for excursions are handed in and paid on the due date. We have started trialling excursions through Compass as of last week. Parents and careers are now able to give consent and pay through Compass.
Parent Access - When an event that has online consent/payment enabled is published, as parents you will see a notification on their dashboard.
When you click the notification, you will be taken to your Action Centre page. Here you will see events awaiting their consent/payment on the Action Centre tab.
To consent/pay online for an event, you will need to click the ‘Awaiting consent and payment’ button for that event. This will take you into that specific event. You will see an option to download a manual form if needed. You will then need to work through the aspects of the event.
When all the required information is entered by the parent, if payment is required for this event they can select their payment option from the drop-down and then click 'Process'.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding this process please contact the College Office for support.
Year 12
The last few weeks for Year 12 are fast approaching and this will be a time of great celebration reaching a significant milestone in their lives as they complete their secondary education. The following outlines some key dates and times for the students and parents and carers.
Final week of term 3 - This week will consist of a range of activities as follows:
- Monday,19th September: Last day of formal classes
- Tuesday, 20th September: Parent breakfast (8:00 am) College Community Service Day
- Wednesday, 21st September: Teacher/student Challenges and Awards, Mystery fun day
- Thursday, 22nd September: Graduation and Awards in College Hall commencing at 9:30 am
- Saturday, 12th November: Graduation Dinner/Formal
Year 12 Awards Ceremony and Graduation Liturgy
The Year 12 College Awards Ceremony and Graduation Liturgy will be held in the College Hall on Thursday 22 September starting at 9:30 am. Parents are invited to help celebrate this milestone in your child’s life.
A detailed letter will be sent out this week to outline some important information for Year 12.
Our Year 11 Catholic Faith in Action Class travelled to Clarence Village Aged Care home in Queen Street to help clear some of their grounds and lend support where needed. We certainly hope this is the start of a regular visit to organisations catering to our older generations.
Days like this help our students make sense of the course, which is Catholic Faith in Action. The amount of work our students completed was exceptional. The 9 students excelled in providing a service to a community that needed assistance. They left Clarence Village with a sense of achievement in helping others.
Turning up, we were not sure exactly what we would do, but After three cattle-truck loads of logs, branches and clippings, we felt we had helped people and made a difference to the community at the Clarence Village.
We thank the people of Clarence Village, especially Penny, for making us welcome. We enjoyed not only the residents and workers alike but the well-catered day. Morning tea (Caramel slice was the winner) and a ‘better-than-bunnings’ sausage sandwich were washed down with a plentiful supply of drinks. And some of us enjoyed a healthy watermelon treat as well. To finish the day, we all enjoyed a zooper dooper.
Tom Howard
Class Teacher
Kathy Warby
Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing
A Focus on Learning
Parents and families are encouraged to take a genuine and close interest in the work of the school and are welcomed as partners in their children’s learning. During our recent school review, an area for improvement that was identified by the independent reviewers was learning and teaching, specifically looking at ensuring that the school ‘privileges high-quality, evidence-based pedagogical practices that maximise the learning and wellbeing and success of every student’.
We have also asked parents students and staff to complete the Tell Them From Me survey which we hope will also give feedback on student and parent experiences to guide our next steps.
The sanctity of learning is a big focus at our school and we expect that all our students try in classes and do not disturb the learning of others. Parents can help by supporting the school with following up on homework and ensuring students are prepared for and have the correct equipment for classes.
Year 7 2023 Orientation
On Tuesday week six McAuley hosted over one hundred prospective Year seven students. The orientation involved an experience of different lessons such as PDHPE; Drama; Literacy Activities; Science; Art; Ancient History and Religion.
The prospective students were welcomed into our caring community that lives out the values of Catherine McAuley in their daily practices. It also was an opportunity to make new friends, understand the expectations of the school and have questions answered. Thanks to Mrs Hill, and Mrs Robinson for the organisation and implementation of the day, the staff who took on extra lessons, and our year ten and year seven helpers.
Year 7 and 8 Debating
Last week the following students travelled to Port Macquarie to represent McAuley in the year 7 and 8 Debating competition:
Kane Patricks, Judy Irwin, Mahala Hitchings, Tully Waghorn, Tayla Mackey, Emily Newman, Xaiver Cassidy Thomason and Annabelle Hourigan
Both teams won two of their debates and should be very proud of their efforts. Thank you to Mr Bowling for driving the bus and Mrs Rouse for all her work as coach and coordinator.
NAPLAN 2022: Student reports
NAPLAN 2022 reports for parents and carers were posted in week 7. As a College, we will be analysing these results to celebrate the wonderful learning that has occurred at the school and look for key areas or gaps that the school will focus on moving forward to improve student learning and help each student achieve +1 with their learning (one year’s learning growth for one year of learning). We use this data and other data sources to establish the learning progress for each student. We look forward to sharing these results with our community.
Year 11
Year 11 exams start week 9 Thursday 13th September. Mrs Lee has met with all year 11 and outlined expectations. They are listed below:
- The exam timetable has been shared with students via email
- Students may stay at home when they have no exams, but study spaces will be provided at school (this might be a better option for many students).
- Students must be at school at least 20 mins before the start of an exam.
- Students may go home after morning exams if they only have one exam but they must sign out through the office. NB: Late arrival is ok they have an afternoon exam.
- If Students have two exams on one day they are not permitted to leave the school premises between exams.
- The illness/ misadventure (IM) process in your assessment handbook must be followed in the event of I/M.
- Students are expected to be in full school uniform at any time they are at school.
Year 12
Year 12 Students are receiving their Trial HSC exams back and have reflected on areas to work on leading into the HSC exams in term 4. The school has also implemented Extended Library Hours to support year 12s, providing a space to collaborate working together to get the best academic results. These hours apply on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for weeks 7-9. Information has also been shared with families about the end-of-term celebrations.
HSC Resources: Support for Parents
The latest edition of Parent Talk provides helpful information including tips to support their child during the HSC and access to free headspace webinars and a cyberbullying webinar facilitated by the eSafety Commissioner. Please share with your school community.
HSC Resources: Webinars for students
The State Library of NSW is hosting free webinars to support HSC students preparing for exams in English, History and Society and Culture.
The webinars will run from Monday 12 September to Wednesday 14 September. Students can enrol by following this link
HSC Expectations: COVID – Smart HSC exam Protocols
NESA has released their COVID-Smart HSC Exam Protocols for 2022. These can be found on the NESA Website
Di McGowan
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
To all Parents, Staff and Students,
I hope this finds you well and looking forward to the holidays after what has felt like a long term. I only have one issue I’d like to raise with you all in this newsletter, that issue being “safe play” at our College.
Weather-wise, this year has been like no other with our oval being closed for the majority of the year. Students have been forced to play/sit under the covered areas and restricted to our courtyard and multi-court for outside play. I think it’s fair to say there has been some tension in the playground as a result, with students being unable to access the larger space of the oval to burn off some energy during the day.
This has led to an increasing number of incidents involving excessive “hands-on” behaviour in our playground and on bus lines in the afternoon. Students have had many warnings this term that “hands-on” play is not allowed at our College. I am taking this opportunity to remind parents, staff and students that those students who ignore our warnings will be removed from the playground. Safety is a huge priority at our College and I am hopeful for the support of parents and staff with this.
Thankfully, we have managed to open a section of the oval in the last week for play. Let’s hope that extra space gives students the opportunity to let off some steam appropriately.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Take care,
Rob Imeson
Leader of Pastoral Care
FREE Discord & Group Chat Webinar
After the recent news out of an elite school in Sydney, my inbox has been flooded with questions from schools and parents about social media, in particular Discord, and the behaviours of students using it.
Device use, group chats, the need for connection – all of these issues have hit home and many questions display worry and distress. Schools and parents are seeking fast and reliable support and information.
As much as I wish I could reply to all messages and emails individually, it’s just simply not possible. This is why I am hosting a FREE webinar this coming Monday night to address your concerns and answer your questions about Discord and group chats.
Questions will be answered live in real-time, so please submit yours (confidentially) in advance to wecanhelp@safeonsocial.com and join me for an important online safety discussion. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, professional, carer, you’re all welcome and encouraged to join.
What: Discord & Group Chat Webinar
When: 7.30 pm - Monday, 5 September 2022
Link to Join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83869705647?pwd=SHd0VW4zZ3NybjF5d3RkOWlnRHErZz09Online Radicalisation - Are you safe from it?
September Parenting Content
Senior Charity Ball Raffle - To support flood-affected primary school students at St. Joseph's, Woodburn
- 1st Prize - Boyd Adams
- 2nd Prize - Maria Rouse
- 3rd Prize - Arnott Family
- 4th Prize - Amy Brennan
- 5th Prize (Bag of Avocadoes from Kevin Hogan) - Cindy Smidt
100 Club Winners:
- 1st Prize - Isaac Day and Bailee Hextall
- 2nd Prize - Kathy Warby and Tony Ellis (both donated back)
- 3rd Prize - Kate Thomson and Kathy Warby (donated back)
Thank you to our sponsors
McAuley Fest - RU OK? Thursday 8th September from 5pm!
Ticket Payments:
The College is now taking direct deposits and payments by EFTPOS over the phone.
If paying by direct deposit:
BSB 062 546
Account no. 00922065
Description: MFest+Surname
Please ensure you fill in the description field correctly so we can match the payment against your name and the McAuley Fest event.
If paying by EFTPOS over the phone
Phone the College and ask to purchase ticket/s to the McAuley Fest event.
Courses & Workshops for Students
Consider a Gap Year with the Department of Home Affairs in 2023: The Department of Home Affairs is offering a 12-month gap year to year 12 students graduating in 2022. The gap year will begin in February 2023 and positions will be based in Parramatta, NSW. Contact entryprogramsandpathwa
- La Trobe University Bundoora Health Information Management: Offered as an undergraduate or a master's course. https://www.latrobe.
edu.au/courses/bachelor-of- health-information- managementCareer opportunities across Australia. Contact: merilyn.riley@ latrobe.edu.au or j.lee4@ latrobe.edu.au for information about on-line and face-to-face options. - UNSW GIE Club is running a FREE biomedical engineering workshop in the school holidays! High school girls in Years 7 – 12 are invited to join the UNSW Biomedical Engineering Students’ Society (BESS) in-person workshop to design a navigation device for vision-impaired people in the afternoon of Monday 26 September. Places are limited to 30 and filling up. More info: https://www.eventbrite.
com.au/e/unsw-girls-in- engineering-club-biomedical- engineering-workshop-tickets- 392248926097 - The University of Queensland Young Changemakers Program: Year 11 students are invited to apply for the UQ Young Changemakers Program, a 4-day on-campus experience which provides an inspiring opportunity for students to discover, learn and engage with UQ’s academic community and like-minded students. 27 - 30 November 2022, UQ St Lucia campus, Brisbane, https://young-
changemakers.uq.edu.au/ - National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) If you are passionate about a career in performing arts, NIDA offers courses in acting, costume, design, make-up, musical theatre, props, scenic construction, stage management and technical theatre. NIDA’s practical-based training and industry connections ensures graduates enjoy successful careers in theatre, dance, opera, events, tv and more. Apply before September 30.
- ACU Year 12 Revision Webinars Join ACU for a series of free online webinars run by experienced Year 12 exam markers and assessors. They’ll guide you through how to respond to possible exam questions and offer plenty of tips and strategies along the way. Register now: https://www.acu.edu.au/
about-acu/events/year-12- revision-webinars. - HSC Masterclasses - September Holidays: Sit for a day with an expert teacher to ACE your final HSC exams. Masterclasses are held for all major subjects at both UTS & Macquarie University in the upcoming September holidays. Read more at https://inspired.edu.au/ or call 1300 677 336.
Information Session for Students & Parents
- Sydney Design School. Do you love interiors? Australia's award-winning interior design school is hosting an Info Session on Wednesday 7 September at 6pm. Find out more about their accredited interior design qualifications delivered on campus and online. Join them at Sydney Design School 2/40 Oxley St, St Leonards, Sydney 2065. Register to attend here https://bit.ly/3Alfnu7.
- ACU Online Open Day 2022 If you need more information about choosing ACU, want to chat to staff about the courses ACU offer, then Open Day is for you. Join us online on Saturday 10 September 10am – 2pm. Register now: https://openday.acu.edu.
au/. - Sydney Actors School and Sydney Film School You're invited to attend the Open Houses at Waterloo Studios, Sydney. Tour the state-of-the-art Film & TV studio and learn why Sydney Actors School and Sydney Film School offer the most practical, hands-on accredited programs in Australia. To register, please click on the following link: https://www.eventbrite.
com.au/e/sydney-actors-school- and-sydney-film-school-open- house-tickets-308344626077. - Western Sydney University On 13 September, students can discover Western’s early offer and pathways programs, and explore how to apply for university and get an offer without ATAR, at the Discover Western Webinar. Learn more and register https://www.
westernsydney.edu.au/future/ student-life/events/western- webinars?cid=em:EGMT-CAA-news- DWW_aug22. - Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School – Open Day 8 October at the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School Open Day, in Leura, NSW. Discover how world-class training can lead you to a successful career in hotel management. Experience campus tours and workshops, hear from speakers, enjoy lunch and chat with a Course and Careers Adviser. Register: https://www.torrens.
edu.au/whats-on/open-day/ bmihms-open-day. - Western Sydney University HSC Study Session: Western will offer free online HSC study sessions delivered by qualified teachers, covering 14 subjects such as Chemistry, English, Maths and more, from 26 to 30 September. Find out more and register here: https://www.
westernsydney.edu.au/future/ student-life/events/free-hsc- study-sessions?cid=em:EGMT- CAA-HSC-SS_aug22
Job & Work Experience for Students
- STUDY AND WORK Participate in an Australian Traineeship Program to start your career as a Dental Assistant and get qualified with a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting. Get paid above trainee award wages and enjoy other incentives, while you learn on the job. Please apply at: https://www.studyandwork.
com.au/job_details/dental- assistant-trainee. - Long Track Pantry 2023 Gap Year Applications Open - Have an adventure and learn hospitality skills in your gap year! We offer 6 and 12-month gap year placements. Accommodation available with flexible workdays and hours. Apply today! www.longtrackpantry.
com.au or email careers@longtrackpanty. com.au for more information.
Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways
- ACU Veteran Entry Program An alternate entry pathway into your dream course, the ACU Veteran Entry Program is available to current and former serving members of the Australian Defence Force, as ACU as their partners, spouses, and children. Applications are now open and assessed on a rolling basis. Apply now: acu.edu.au/veterans.
- ACU Guarantee closing date Guarantee your place at ACU before your Year 12 exams. ACU Guarantee offers eligible Year 12 students a place at ACU based on their Year 11 results. Applications close 23 September 2022. Apply now: https://www.acu.edu.au/
study-at-acu/admission- pathways/acu-guarantee. - Western Sydney University. The College is the official pathway provider into Western Sydney Uni. Current and non-current school leavers can apply now and until 17 October to start their University Foundation Studies or Diploma programs in Term 3 and guarantee a place at Western. Find out more https://www.
westernsydney.edu.au/future/ study/application-pathways/ the-college?cid=em:EGMT-CAA- news-the-college_aug22.
Traineeships, Cadetships, Apprenticeships - Information & Opportunities
- Careers at Council Local Government is a great place for students and school leavers to start their career. A huge range of traineeships, apprenticeships and cadetships are available in councils across NSW. Visit Careers at Council https://www.
careersatcouncil.com.au/entry- level-opportunities/ for more information and our Jobs Board https://www. careersatcouncil.com.au/jobs/ for vacancies available now. - Master Builders Association of NSW are the heart of the building industry. Master Builders are here to help young people become a quality apprentice or trainee. Our 3-week entry level Pre-Apprenticeship training program provides an introduction into both the industry and a carpentry trade prior to commencing an apprenticeship. For further information go to our website https://www.
mbaapprenticeship.com.au/mbas- pre-apprenticeship-program/. - Apprenticeship Engagement Forum (AEF) The Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Service (AATIS) and AEF have produced 3 great videos featuring young women in non-traditional trades. Carpentry - Candace - Link: https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=rWCsPRC0QiE Signs & Graphics - Chrissy - Link: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=qO5z4kHg2uU Painting & Decorating - Megan - Link: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=gcQcsAXgWq8.
Rod Paton
Careers Adviser
Last week we celebrated Book Week. Every day there was a book-themed quiz for homerooms to enter and Champagnat 7 (CH7) was the most successful homeroom and received chocolates. Champagnat was also the most successful house followed by Mercy, McCarthy and Tracey. House points will be included in the House Cup that will be announced at the end of the term.
A number of writing competitions were also held and the winners were Ava Pollock, Tracey Cassidy and Hailey O’Grady.
On Friday we held the Book Week parade! A big thanks to all the staff and students who dressed up. The staff dressed to the theme of 'Australian Book Characters'. Amongst the student's prizes for best dressed were awarded to Frances Bertali, Maddy McPherson, Tyler Donohue, Jessie White and Aayliah-Scarlett Roach.
Once again thanks to everyone who participated in Book Week.
Industrial Technology Timber - HSC Projects
Hospitality and Food Tech
Staff Vs Student Table Tennis
Athletics Carnival
On Friday, 29th June, we held our Annual Athletics Carnival at Junction Hill. There was a great atmosphere on the day and all students and teachers need to be congratulated for their enthusiasm. Well done to the following students who were awarded the title of Age Champions:
- U12 - Taya Murphy and Jesse Daley-Malone,
- U13 - Mahala Hitchings and Kane Patricks,
- U14 - Hazel Golding and Timothy Van Der Vlist,
- U15 - Navah Crofton and William Tait,
- U16 - Sienna Clifton and Mitchell Dick,
- Opens - Sahara Powell and Levi Vereyken and Andrew Dyball
House Championship Points
- 4th place went to Tracey on 862 points,
- 3rd place went to McCarthy on 1210 points,
- 2nd place to Champagnat with 1178 points and
- congratulations to Mercy house who won with 1474 points.
A special mention goes to the following students who broke records on the day.
- Duke Orr broke the 1998 13 Boys 400m record with a time of 58.56.
- Xavier Cassidy-Thomason broke the 2007 13 Boys Shot Put record with a distance of 10.83m.
- Will Tait broke the 2021 15 Boys 400m record with a time of 58.56 seconds.
- Sahara Powell broke the 2018 16 Girls Shot Put record with a distance of 9.61 meters.
- A special mention goes to Hanna Tait who competed in her last school athletics carnival, breaking her own long Jump with a distance of 4.95m. Hanna now holds a record in almost every event which is an amazing achievement.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Nipperess, Mr Humphries, Mr Tait, Mrs Corcoran and Mrs Robinson for their help and expertise in organising such a huge event.
Diocesan Athletics Carnival
PRAYING WITH MUSIC
WILDFIRE
- No Limits - Proclaim Lismore Wildfire - To celebrate the theme of SHINE 2022, No Limits to God’s love, Wildfire composed this uplifting and groovy song.
Please find attached the latest Parish Bulletins from Clarence Valley Parish.
