Term 2 - Week 1 - 28 April 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to Term 2! I hope the holiday break, especially Easter, was a time when you could stop, relax and enjoy some time with family and friends. I spent time visiting my youngest daughter, Alex, in Canberra before she ventured to Europe on a long-awaited back-packing holiday. I took the opportunity to attend Easter Sunday Mass at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Manuka to celebrate the Risen Christ and reflect on the meaning of Easter with a large multicultural congregation. Easter was the theme of our end-of-term Assembly where the Year 10 CSYMA  class presented a contemporary reenactment of the Stations of the Cross. 

In addition, while in Canberra I also visited the Australian War Memorial and the Last Post Ceremony in the Commemorative Courtyard, which occurs at the end of each day. A story of a soldier from the Roll of Honour is shared with those in attendance.

The day before returning to school this term we commemorated ANZAC Day and I sincerely thank all staff and students who attended Marches across the Valley, representing our College and paying their respects to all those who have served their country, who continue to serve and to those who have given their lives. Wreaths were laid at services in Yamba, Maclean, Grafton, South Grafton and Wooli. School Captain Kaydence Kilduff was given the opportunity to recite the prayer at the South Grafton service and Lynai Cotterill from Year 11 Modern History gave one of the 4 addresses at the Grafton ANZAC Day service. The theme of Lynai’s speech was the Bombing of Darwin, which she also presented at our own ANZAC Assembly last Thursday. Each student who participated in the marches and ceremonies will be recognised with a merit certificate at a year assembly in the near future.

Our week 1 Assembly and Pastoral Care lesson focussed on ANZAC Day. The assembly prayer was led by Mr Montford, and Mrs McGowan’s Year 11 Modern History students, and highlighted the importance of service, gratitude and resilience. In addition to the Address from Lynai on the Bombing of Darwin, Mr Imeson sang "I was only 19" and we also had 2 students who are Army cadets, Eli Honeyman and Seth Webster, present on stage in uniform for the ceremony which included wreath laying, the Ode, the playing of the Last Post and the Rouse. Thank you to Mrs McGowan for organising our school ANZAC Assembly.

Congratulations to Brooke Chapman

We were informed at the end of last term that Brooke Chapman of year 10 won the secondary section of the Royal Agricultural Society AB Paterson Poetry Award, a national competition. Brooke received her award and recited her poem at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, on Easter Thursday. Well done Brooke!

Term 2 Focus on High Expectations -  Learning, behaviour and participation.

As we start term 2 I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents and students of our School Improvement Focus of “High Expectations”. This theme projects across all areas of the College and it is important that all in the community support this focus - in their learning, behaviour, sport, uniform, camps and excursions. Our current 3-year Strategic Management statement is “From 2023 to 2025, McAuley Catholic College in collaboration with our Parish, families and the broader school community, will strive to provide an environment that promotes and celebrates high standards across all areas of College life. We will do this through a culture of continuous improvement and growth, and the belief that all learners can be successful.”  

Open Night Success & Enrolment Information

In the last week of Term 1, we held our annual Open Night. Over 150 families took this opportunity to visit the College to see for themselves what we have to offer. Many classrooms and other areas of the College were open with displays, videos, interactive activities and demonstrations on show. Staff and student helpers conducted tours, answered questions and entertained in various ways. A very big thank you to the 60 student helpers. Your participation and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated. If you know of anyone interested in attending McAuley please let them know our enrolments are open and filling fast! 

Radio Broadcast - Loving Life 103.1

On the day of our Open Night Loving Life 103.1, our local community radio station, did a live broadcast from the College from 11am - 3pm, promoting our Open Night and all that McAuley offers. Staff & students took the opportunity to tell the audience about the College and specific subjects or activities they were involved in. Thank you to Damian Fisher and the crew from Loving Life 103.1 for their great work on the day and your ongoing support of the College.

We have a regular Friday morning segment at around 7.45am on Loving Life 103.1 and I encourage you to tune in to hear what is happening at our school!

Staff Changes

Mrs Di McGowan is currently on leave so Mrs Margaret Bertalli is the Acting Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching for weeks 1 to 3. I welcome to our staff Teacher Assistant Scott Smith. We look forward to having Scott assist our staff and students for the next 3 terms. 

Grafton Show 

As a College we encourage our students to be involved in Community events, the most recent of these was the Grafton Show. We were awarded Most Outstanding School Display and first prize for our potatoes, fresh herbs, bush lemons and butternut pumpkin. Other news from the show - Congratulations to Janet Irwin who was awarded the Under18s Art Champion for her landscape painting. More news on the Show in the next newsletter!

Events this fortnight 

• Tell Them From Me Annual Survey (Students, parents & staff)
• Parent Teacher Student Interviews - Tuesday 2nd May
• Catholic Schools Week Mass - Friday 5th May at St Mary’s Church - Year 10 and Year 6
• Year 12 Retreat - 10 to 12th May
• Duke of Ed camp - 11 to 13th May
• Excursions 
• Theatre visit  3rd May (Yr 10 & 12 Drama & Yr 11 Adv Eng)
• White card course 8th May
• 11 Legal Studies Court House 8th May
• Yr 11 Industry visits 9th May
• Bill Turner Soccer 4th & 11th May
• Primex 2023, Casino 12th May (Stage 5 Ag & Primary Industry)

Enjoy the fortnight ahead,

Sincerely

Kate

Kate Thomson

Principal

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

Catherine McAuley

Year 12 Parent Teacher Student Conferences will be held next week Tuesday 2nd May.

Year 12 parents and students have had the opportunity to book sessions since the end of the last term. We encourage students and their parents to attend to ensure a positive last stage for the year 12 students' secondary education. 

Some Key Questions to support parents of year 12 at the conference include: 

1. How is my child progressing in their academic work in this subject? Are they meeting expectations?
2. Are there any areas where my child is struggling or needs extra support? How can I support my child in these areas?
3. How is my child contributing to class discussions and activities? Are they actively engaged in the learning process?
4. Are there any resources or programs available to help my child with their studies or prepare for future career goals?
5. What are some strategies my child can use to manage their time and prioritise their assignments in this subject and in other areas of their life?

Parent Teacher Student Conferences - (7-11)

The week seven-term one principal newsletter report detailed the overwhelming response to parent-teacher-student conferences for the 7-11 students. Mrs Thomson also indicated that there would be an opportunity on the year 12 night for school community members who could not get a booking last term to access their child’s teacher. Bookings were opened up to the rest of the school community at the start of this term.  Mrs Thomson indicated the following suggestions of questions you could ask your child’s teacher.

• What is my child learning?
• How is she or he doing?
• How do you know how he or she is doing?
• How can she or he improve?
• What supports can I provide, and can you provide if she or he is struggling? When can we check in again?

(from Clarity - What Matters Most in Learning, Teaching, and Leading by Lyn Sharratt, 2019)

Free Webinar: How to Help Get (and Keep!) Your Child Motivated 

Date: Wednesday 10th May

Time: 6:30 – 7:30pm 

Cost: Free 

Elevate Education will be hosting its first free webinar of the term for parents - How to Help Get (& Keep!) Your Child Motivated. Elevate Education works with our students, delivering high impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series you will learn how you can help better support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school.   Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night: 

• What impact does praise and reassurance have on your child’s motivation? 
• What are the best type of goals to be setting with your child?  
• How can you help your child create meaningful and lasting motivation? 

Di McGowan and Margaret Bertalli

McAuley College ANZAC Day Marches and Commemorative Assembly.

Our school proudly participated in community ANZAC Day commemorative activities across the Clarence Valley with a number of our students representing the College and local service and community organisations. Honouring and respecting the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served our country is important, and our student’s respect and pride were a privilege to behold. Thanks to our student leaders who represented McAuley Catholic College at various activities.

Grafton - Paige, Eva, Mischa, Tim, Sam

South Grafton - Ayla, Holly, Sahara, Kaydence

Yamba - Jorja, Sean, Harry, Stella and Sienna

Maclean - Nash

In addition to our involvement in the ANZAC Day marches, McAuley College also held a commemorative assembly to pay tribute to the ANZACs. We would like to congratulate Mrs McGowan’s Year 11 Modern History class, who worked with some of the Grafton Cadets to present the School ANZAC Day commemorative assembly. It was a moving and poignant ceremony that was well-received by the entire student body.

During the assembly, Lynai Cotterill presented her speech on the bombing of Darwin, which she had previously presented at the Grafton sub-branch memorial on ANZAC Day. The speech was a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifices the ANZACs and their families made during wartime. We were particularly impressed with the level of research and preparation that went into the speech and the dedication shown by Lynai to honour the memory of those who served.

We would like to thank Mr Montford, Year 11 coordinator, for his support with the execution of the assembly. At McAuley College, we know it is important to instil in our students a deep sense of respect and gratitude for those who have served our country. We are proud of the commitment and dedication shown by our students in honouring the ANZACs, and we know that this tradition will continue for many years to come.

Yr 12 Retreat 

The Year 12 Retreat will take place in Week 3 of Term 2 and is a great opportunity for the cohort to spend some quality time together. Retreats are an opportunity for students to explore relationships with friends, family and God in a reflective and non-threatening environment. Through prayer, reflection, discussion and sharing, students are led to a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships, their spirituality and their values that will help them in their life choices. 

The Retreat is one of the major focal points of Year 12 at McAuley Catholic College. Consequently, all students are expected to attend and parents are urged to encourage them to participate as fully as they can in this unique opportunity.  All information has been sent via Compass. 

• Date: Wednesday 10th May – Friday 12th May
• Venue: Yarrahapinni Youth Centre, Grassy Head 
• Facilitators: McAuley Catholic College Retreat Team
• Cost: The Retreat has been included in your College subject fee and needs to be paid before the Retreat
• Meals: All meals will be provided. Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle and morning tea for the first day 
• Accommodation: Accommodation will be in dorms
• Transport:  Bus Hire
• Times: Depart 9:00am MCC Clarenza on Wednesday and Return by 3:00 pm MCC Clarenza on Friday

Bill Turner Soccer Cup

Opens Diocesan Soccer Carnival - Lismore

In the coming weeks we will be inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process.

Insights into parent and staff communication, activities and practices at home, and parent voice on the school’s support of learning and behaviour all build an accurate and timely picture that we can use for practical improvements.

We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at McAuley Catholic College.  

The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You are able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using the URL below:

The safety of our students, families and staff is our highest priority. In order to best ensure this, the McAuley Catholic College leadership and staff, supported by the Catholic Schools Office, plan for a number of possible incidents, emergencies or natural disasters that could take place at school or during the school term. The events of recent years have reinforced how important this planning is and we all have a role to play when it comes to emergency management, including families.

Our students participate in various safety drills and staff participate through training and safety drills. We’d like to share with you the role of parents and families in emergency management.

School Lockdown

A number of the situations we plan for include a school lockdown as one of the immediate safety actions to ensure the safety of our students and staff. We understand that some may understand the word ‘lockdown’ to mean there is an immediate safety risk to all students. It is important to understand that when a school initiates a lockdown this may not be the case.

Depending on the situation, the purpose of a school lockdown will differ. A school lockdown may be a preparation step for an evacuation, or a school lockdown may allow emergency services access to an area of the school without having to navigate past students. Regardless of the purpose of a school lockdown, no one can be admitted to the school grounds other than emergency services.

Should we initiate a school lockdown, parents and families will be informed via text message and the Compass app notification. We will also inform parents and families as soon as the school lockdown has been lifted or if there are any actions required of parents and families. It is important that you do not attempt to attend the school during a school lockdown. We understand that you may be concerned however attending the school may also add risk to a possible emergency situation, block emergency services or impede an evacuation.

Natural Disaster

In the event of a natural disaster, such as flood or bushfire, the school leadership, supported by the Catholic Schools Office, will determine if it is safe for the school to open. If there is a probability the school may have to close part way through the day, the school will not open for that day as it is extremely difficult to evacuate a school site and ensure all students are able to go directly home safely.

In a bush fire or flood event it is important that parents and families have a plan to get your child/ren home from school, or into your care, at short notice. Please be aware that school buses may not be running and the school can not allow your child/ren to go home to an empty house or home with another parent without your permission.

Family Preparedness

How can you help us prepare for emergency situations? Please ensure that:

• You have downloaded the Compass app and have allowed notifications.
• Any changes to your contact details or custodial arrangements have been updated with the school.
• You have a bush fire/flood plan in place that all members of your family understand.
• In the event of a school lockdown or evacuation, directions in the parent notifications are

It is always our hope that these measures will never be needed but it is also our responsibility to ensure our school community is prepared and informed should the need arise. We thank you in advance for your support and cooperation.

Kate Thomson and Nigel McIntyre

Work Health and Safety Manager, Catholic Schools Office

The Cool Kids program

The 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 including 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) or worrying a lot 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 them with strategies to minimise its impact on themselves and others, including their family. This Term, small groups will meet weekly with one or two members of the Pastoral Care Team.

Topics covered in the program include:

• Learning about feelings and anxiety.

• Learning to think realistically.

• Parenting an anxious child.

• Fighting fear by facing fear (stepladders)

• Learning coping skills such as building confidence or problem solving.

If you think your child could benefit from this program in Term 2, or you would like more information, please contact Megan Barton, Student Support Officer, at megan.barton@lism.catholic.edu.au or Rob Imeson, Leader of Pastoral Care, at robert.imeson@lism.catholic.edu.au.

St Mary’s Primary School, Grafton and St Joseph’s Primary School, South Grafton are accepting applications for enrolment for Kindergarten, 2024.  Families wishing to enrol their child in either school may use the link below:

Families who have submitted their application to enrol will be offered an interview appointment in Term 2.  Places in the Kindergarten classes are limited and enrolment can not be guaranteed for late applications.

Please contact the schools if you require additional information.

Sincerely

Jacki Moore                                                   Danny Rankin

St Mary’s Primary School                             St Joseph’s Primary School
66422262                                                     66422899

Praying with Music

The Lord’s Prayer (It’s Yours) - Matt Maher
Going back to basics, Matt Maher puts one of the most famous prayers from scripture to music. The Lord’s Prayer (It’s Yours) is a fresh, contemporary interpretation of the words of Jesus. Currently #1 on the US Christian Airplay charts.

• Streetlights - ELEVATION RHYTHM

No matter how difficult the situation is, and no matter how far we’ve strayed, God our Father is always calling us home to Him.

• More of You - Kevin Quinn

There is much more to God than what we can see, and the more we experience God, the more of God we desire. Kevin Quinn explores this cry of our hearts through this beautiful, powerful ballad.

Wildfire

Deus - Lyric Video

As we explore the theme of grace, ‘Deus’ reminds us that no matter what we’ve done, God still loves us. We can always return to God’s loving heart which welcomes us regardless of our failures. Take a listen to ‘Deus’ and pray with Wildfire’s ballad of homecoming.

Please note COVID-19 is still present in our community. Rapid Antigen Tests are still available at the College. If you require additional tests please contact the College Office.

Please be reminded that students and staff CANNOT attend school if they are showing any symptoms of COVID-19. 

Students who are unwell

If a student is unwell, displaying any COVID-19 or cold and flu-like symptoms at any time, they CANNOT attend school and should undertake a rapid antigen test. 

If the rapid antigen test is positive and the student is unwell and/or experiencing any symptoms, they CANNOT attend school.

If the rapid antigen test is positive and the student is not feeling unwell and not displaying or experiencing any symptoms, they CAN attend school under the following conditions:

• the school office is informed of the positive test result, AND
• the student (over 12 years old) wears a mask for a period of 7 days in all indoor settings.