From the Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we head into the last few weeks of the 2022 school year, it is important that we finish well. All students are to be attending school each day and engaging in the learning activities and experiences, such as reflection days and excursions. School rules and expectations are to be followed by all students. Many activities and events have been happening in the last fortnight and will continue until the end of the year and these are highlighted in this newsletter.
Parent Forum Gathering - Term 4
Our Term 4 Parent Forum Gathering is Tuesday evening, week 8, 29th November. This will be a final gathering for the year. Parents can join in person at the Library from 5.30 for a light dinner ready for a 6pm start. Alternatively, parents can join via Zoom. Link here; passcode 473769. The Parent Education session will be on
- the School Improvement process and presentation of the Draft Strategic Management Plan for 2023 - 2025 for feedback.
- Parent Body Groups in Schools moving forward - CSO is collecting feedback on this area, so it would be a good opportunity to discuss and provide feedback. (see more details below)
Parent Body - Reviewing and Renewing - An opportunity to provide Feedback by 30 November 2022
In 2021, the Catholic Schools Office Executive deemed it both timely and necessary for a clear position statement to be developed that defines a mandated diocesan model/s for parent representative bodies, and that support is to be provided to schools to review and renew their forms of parent representation. The Working Party has developed a position statement and is now seeking more feedback from parents, staff and clergy. Janita Thomson, CSO Family Partnerships Lead, outlines this in the attached video. There is an opportunity to provide individual feedback or this can be done as a group at the Parent Forum Gathering on Tuesday evening.
Yr 12 Graduation Formal
Our annual Year 12 Formal, which was held on Saturday 12th November at The Grafton Racecourse, was a wonderful night. After another difficult year it was exciting that we could celebrate together - students, parents and staff. We also had in attendance special guests Mrs Jenny Allen, Acting Director of Lismore Catholic Schools and our Regional Services Lead Ms Tonia Tamblyn. Jenny provided some beautiful words of wisdom, based around our College Motto “To know wisdom” and our Mercy Values. Also present was Clarence Valley Counsellor Mr Peter Johnstone, representing the Mayor. Thank you to our parent representatives Kate and Tony Gallagher who gave a vote of thanks to the College on behalf of all families and a special thank you to our outgoing College Leaders Taylor, Matilda, Layla and Jonathan who again gave an outstanding address of memories, reflections and thanks. A copy of this is included in this newsletter. An additional thank you to our organising committee of Brayden Jamieson, Kathy Warby and Tony Ellis for making the night a success.
Year 10 Work Experience
I wish Year 10 all the best for their week of work experience. We see this as an important part of their education in terms of career planning and development. Thank you to the numerous businesses, organisations and individuals who have generously accepted our students into their places of work.
SLT - World Cup Soccer
Congratulations to the Student Leadership Team for their wonderful organisation of the McAuley World Cup House Competition, which finished on Friday with a grand final between Netherlands (Tracey) and Mexico (McCarthy). Round-robin games had been played over a few weeks, culminating in exciting quarter and semi-finals during the week. The grand final match was a 0-0 draw and went to a penalty shoot-out, with Mexico winning! Well done also to the staff who helped with the organisation and as members of the many teams!
Oval repair and upgrade
The College oval is undergoing major renovations and will be out of use from later this week. We look forward to using the fully renovated and repaired field when school returns in early February
Medicare Numbers
We have been advised by CEnet that in an effort to increase cyber security, student Medicare Numbers should no longer be stored within a Student Information System (SIS). Compass has advised that all pre-existing Medicare Numbers from all CEnet school portals, will be completed from 2/12/2022.
COVID reminders
With the increase in COVID cases in the community, we ask that families are vigilant in managing COVID and similar illnesses. This is outlined in the COVID section of the newsletter. Rapid Antigen Tests for students are available from the College Office
Heat
The weather is now very warm and therefore I ask students, via their parents, to consider the following;
- Students should bring their own water bottle to school. These can be refilled at water stations around the school. Water bottles can be taken to class.
- Stay out of the sun. There are many shade areas in the College. Air Conditioned classrooms will be opened for the students to use on days of extreme heat.
- Jumpers are discouraged in this hot weather.
- Hats are to be worn when students are in the sun.
Advent
This Sunday we began the Advent journey of waiting for the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ. This is a time when we prepare for Christmas. We are called to live in this time of waiting by loving and placing our trust in God, and by caring for one another, especially the poor, needy and vulnerable in our world - and for the whole of God’s creation. Pope Francis says to us “During this #Advent Season, let us ask the Lord to help us keep the lamp of faith alit in our lives, to be prepared to receive him, and that he fill us with peace and joy. (Twitter, Nov 26, 2022). And from our Parish Bulletin this week: As we prepare for Christmas this year, listening to and learning from the New Testament writers as they quote the prophets of old, let us pray that the Lord will deepen our faith in his abiding presence with us. Timothy J Buckley CSsR © Majellan Media 2022
Save the Date
Year 7 - 11 Liturgy and Prizegiving on the 14th December.
Kate
Kate Thomson
Principal
“We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.”
Catherine McAuley