Term 4 - Week 3 & 4 - 8th November 2024
- From the Principal
- Learning & Teaching (AP)
- Mission and Wellbeing (AP)
- From the Classroom, Camps & Excursions
- Sports News
- Careers News
- Aboriginal Education News
- Support Staff Appreciation & Recognition
- From the SLT
- From the Library
- Renaissance Reader
- Dates to Note for November
- Parent Support & Education
- Flexischools App - Online Canteen Orders - Reminder
- Parish News
Dear Parents and Carers, Staff and Students,
Our newsletter this week is full of reports on the many activities the students and staff have been involved in over the last few weeks. It also includes parent education and support opportunities that I encourage you to engage with. In addition, the Careers section provides important news on year 10 work experience, ADF opportunities and STEM scholarships. The newsletter and our social media posts are great ways to stay informed about the College.
Acting Principal Term 4
This will be my last newsletter for the year as I am taking leave for the remainder of the term to undergo knee surgery and recovery. In my absence, Kathy Warby will be Acting Principal from the 11th to the 29th of November, followed by Dianne McGowan from the 2nd to the 20th of December. Further acting positions will be appointed, and you will be notified in due course. I wish Kathy, Di, and my leadership team all the best. I know they will do an excellent job in my absence, and I thank them for their ongoing support.
2024 Jacaranda Festival
The Jacaranda trees of Grafton and the Clarence Valley have been spectacular this season, and the Jacaranda Festival, a fantastic community festival for the town and the Clarence Valley, has now been completed for the year. I congratulate all of our students and staff who have been involved in a myriad of activities, including concerts, sports, parades, and art and woodwork exhibitions. Congratulations to the TAS faculty for the many pieces of woodwork entered into the Woodwork display. Many students received a prize, with the College receiving an overall award for Champion school. Well done to all involved. I also congratulate the newly crowned Jacaranda Queen Anna Jabour, a former student of McAuley!
On Friday, November 1st, a large number of students participated in the inaugural Jacaranda Cup. This initiative, led by Matthew McKee from South Grafton High School, involved students from the high schools in the Clarence Valley competing in one of three sports: basketball, league tag, or soccer. This year, we competed against South High and Grafton High and came out winners of the overall trophy! Congratulations to all the students who represented the College and to the staff who coordinated and supervised at each venue.
Year 12 Formal
The Year 12 Formal is the final event for our Year 12 students, where they will celebrate the completion of 13 years of schooling. We look forward to celebrating with parents and students and I sincerely congratulate all our students for achieving this milestone. The HSC exams will finish on Friday 8th of November, and I thank our students for the way they have conducted themselves during this time.
Camps
Our year 9 & 10 camps are on in the next few weeks. Thank you to the parents, students and staff who have supported these important activities, which we see as an integral part of our Pastoral Care program as they promote well-being, teamwork and leadership as well as bonding within the year group. Unfortunately, a number of students in both years 9 and 10 have elected not to attend the camp. We will continue to evaluate the continuation of such activities in the future. Students not attending camp are to attend school.
Fees
This is a reminder to all families that College fees are to be paid in a timely manner. We currently have a substantial amount of fees outstanding that need to be paid as soon as possible. Fee payment is part of enrolment in the College, not an optional extra, and I thank the families who honour their obligations. If you find yourself in a position of hardship, or you are behind in your payments please contact the College and book a time to speak to Nicholas Littlewood regarding payment plans. Parents and carers with outstanding fees, who ignore our requests are jeopardising their child's enrolment at the College.
Parent Forum Term 4
The scheduled date for the term 4 meeting will be communicated to all families shortly.
World Teachers’ Day
We observed ‘World Teachers’ Day’ on Friday, October 25th, an international celebration of the contribution teachers make to the world around them. We can indeed be very proud of the work our teachers do here at McAuley, and on behalf of Fr Joe and Fr Emmanuel and all members of our community, I thank them most sincerely.
All Saints (1 November) and All Souls (2nd November) Feast Days
November is the month of Remembrance—traditionally, the month in which the Church remembers those who have died. The Month of Remembrance commences on November 1st, with All Saints’ Day, a feast celebrated by Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, and Anglican Churches. This is then followed on November 2nd with All Souls’ Day, where we remember and pray for the dead. Please keep in your prayers all those who have gone before us in this month of Remembrance.
Last year, I was in Zagreb, Croatia, on the 1st of November - All Saints Day - and it was intriguing to observe the importance of this day. Even though it was a public holiday with very little open, I was able to participate in a walking tour of the city, and my guide, Marco, explained not only the history of the city but also the importance of this day and the traditions of the people. The streets were filled with stalls selling flowers and lanterns for people to take to the cemeteries to honour the dead. We observed streams of people, young and old, mainly in family groups, walking to the local cemetery. Family gatherings were a significant focus of the day and evening, with restaurants booked out. This experience was an unexpected highlight of my travels.
All the best for the term
Kind regards,
Kate
Kate Thomson
Principal
“We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.”
Catherine McAuley
World Teachers Day
We celebrated World Teachers' Day earlier this term to recognise our teachers' commitment and dedication. Every day, our McAuley teachers inspire students to achieve academic and sporting success, nurture their spiritual growth, and support their emotional well-being. When we look back to the last fortnight as an example of the results of our staff commitment, I have noted the following: We have had McAuley students excel in the 2024 Jacaranda woodwork competition & display under the guidance of Mr Bancroft and the TAS department (Thank you to Mr Bancroft and the TAS KLA); Place first and second in the Diocesan Volleyball (thank you to Ms McInnes and Mr Tait); Take out first place in the Jacaranda Shield (well done Mr Bancroft, Mr Burgess, Mr Butcher, Mrs Don and Mrs Light); Representation at the Nicholas Downie Cricket (thank you Mr Montford); Promote incursions and excursions to broaden our student's horizons (Thank you to Mrs Green and the HSIE team for the WW1 sessions; Mr Paton and Ms Joe for careers talks; Mrs Robinson for the primary school visit; Mrs Nicols and Mrs Green for a cultural immersion; and Mr Day for the YES program). Some of our year 9 students also supported the Year 5 Exuro Retreat (thanks, Ms Brown). We continued our social justice and outreach programs with the BBQ trailer and the Socktober fundraising for Catholic Mission (Thank you, Ms Brown, Mr Howard, Mrs Doyle and Mrs Don). We are grateful to all our teachers for their extraordinary work to create a positive learning environment and fantastic opportunities for our students.
Assessment and Reflection in Term 4
As we move into Week 4 of Term 4, our students are well aware of the upcoming assessment deadlines and the expectations around their learning. This term, they will continue to be assessed on their knowledge, understanding, and skills, and they will also be given opportunities to reflect on their progress. Term 4 is a time for students to focus on their strengths and identify areas for further growth.
PAT Testing Completed
Recently, all students participated in PAT testing for science, numeracy, and reading. The results from these assessments will provide teachers with valuable insights into each student's growth and areas to focus on. We were delighted to see so many students well-prepared, with laptops charged and ready. Special thanks to Mrs. McLennan for overseeing the smooth facilitation of these assessments. This preparedness is a testament to the student's commitment to learning and assessment readiness.
Year 12 2025 Information Session
Our Year 11 students have now embarked on their HSC pattern of study. On Tuesday, November 5th, parents and students were expected to attend a session hosted by Mr Paton, our Careers Advisor and Mrs Lee, our Curriculum Coordinator. This session offered insights and resources to support our students on their HSC journey, preparing them for future challenges and successes.
YES Program
This term, students in Years 9 to 11 also have the opportunity to participate in the YES (Youth Engagement Strategy) program, coordinated by Mr. Day, our VET Coordinator. Through this program, students gain hands-on experience in vocational education across various areas, including Barista training, Conservation, Music, Film and TV, and Hair and Beauty. By attending TAFE NSW campuses one day per week, students can explore potential career paths and build skills that will benefit them in future study or work.
Dianne McGowan
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
Spirit On Country Conference
Last week, Wil Bancroft, our Aboriginal Education Worker, and I attended the Spirit on Country Conference, run by Catholic Schools NSW and hosted by the Armidale Catholic Schools. The conference theme was Learning Together, Then, Now, and Always.
The 3-day event, presentations, workshops and on-country experiences supported our development of intercultural skills and knowledge and built understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through:
- the awareness of history
- the learning of intercultural and cross-cultural skills
- a deepened awareness of what supports the creation of inclusive, intercultural classrooms.
We enjoyed an invaluable journey to the heritage-listed Myall Creek Memorial Site and learnt about its story. This on-country experience was made even more special by the staff and students from within the Armidale Diocese, who prepared their students to deliver the reflection journey in traditional language and English. The bronze plaque at the Myall Creek Massacre and Memorial Site reads:
‘In memory of the Wirrayaraay people who were murdered on the slopes of this ridge in an unprovoked but premeditated act in the late afternoon of 10 June 1838. Erected on 10 June 2000 by a group of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians in an act of reconciliation and in acknowledgment of the truth of our shared history.
We Remember them (Ngiyani winangay ganunga).’
At the site, we came together in unity and through reflection and learning, we gained a deeper awareness of the history and the importance of the site for reconciliation.
A strong theme that many guest speakers spoke to during the conference was that truth-telling brings healing. We can all learn from this message as we work towards reconciliation. As educators, we play an enormous role in developing intercultural skills and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It was an excellent opportunity to learn together, consider ways to improve educational outcomes, and champion reconciliation among families and communities based on our improved understanding of culture.
Prohibited Weapons Procedures
The Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools (DLCS) is committed to ensuring that schools are safe places for students, staff and other school community members. As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all students, staff, and visitors within all our schools, we want to emphasise the importance of adhering to our school policies and procedures regarding prohibited weapons.
It is unlawful for any student to possess a prohibited weapon within our school premises or during off-site school events or activities. We firmly believe that carrying a weapon in these settings is unjustifiable and contrary to the safety and wellbeing of our school community. Every student deserves to feel safe and secure while at school, and we remain committed to ensuring that this right is upheld.
What is a prohibited weapon?
Prohibited Weapons include all knives and blades, (with the exception of those required for school lessons), guns, gel blasters/gel guns, 3D printed guns, slingshot, darts, batons, machetes, laser pointers, or similar articles and anything else that can be used as a weapon to intimidate or cause serious injury or harm, e.g., a screwdriver, chisel or hammer.
Response by the School
If a prohibited weapon is brought onto school premises or during school-related activities, we will immediately contact the police. Safety measures, including lockdown procedures if necessary, will be implemented to ensure the protection of everyone in our community.
Consequences
Students found in possession of prohibited weapons face both legal consequences and disciplinary actions as per our Student Suspension, Expulsion, and Exclusion Policy.
What steps can parents and carers take to contribute to the safety of our school?
- Ensure awareness of laws and regulations: Familiarise your child with laws and regulations regarding weapons and knives.
- Monitor lunch box contents: Avoid packing knives or tools in your children's lunch boxes, pencil cases, or craft kits.
- Communication with school: Reach out to the school principal if you have any concerns regarding your child's safety, wellbeing, or any instances of bullying behaviour.
- Supervise online activities: Restrict and supervise the online device use of primary-aged students, and monitor and discuss the online activities of secondary-aged children.
- Be vigilant of social media use: Keep an eye out for signs that your child may be using social media in unhealthy ways, including accessing disturbing content such as violence, extremism, hate speech, or the promotion of criminal actions.
We encourage all parents and carers to have open and ongoing conversations with your child about their learning and wellbeing. As members of our school community, we are called to protect and nurture one another, both spiritually and physically. Your cooperation in reinforcing these safety measures is invaluable in maintaining a secure and nurturing environment for all members of our DLCS community.
Kathy Warby
Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing
On Monday, 28th October, Year 9 History students participated in the WWI Living History interactive presentation. Shane Blackman provided students with the opportunity to engage with WWI artefacts and replicas, as well as historical accounts from soldiers of the time, reflecting the purpose and significance of each item and building empathy with student understanding. We would like to thank Shane for his knowledge and expertise and for giving students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the study of Australia and WWI.
Year 9 Commerce
They have done it again - Jed Rediger and Kane Patricks under the pseudonym of “Cashy” have taken out the Business Studies Round 2 Stock Exchange Competition at McAuley. The box of Cadbury Favourites and bragging rights means winners are, indeed, grinners!
About the ASX games: Students receive a virtual $50,000 they can invest over a 10 week period, in over 300 companies listed on the ASX. The prices students buy and sell at are the same prices as they would get in the live market.
By participating in the simulated game, students were able to
- Develop their knowledge of the share market
- Learn how to research companies
- Discover the importance of wise investment decisions
- Gain a greater knowledge of economic and world events
- Begin to learn more about investing, which is beneficial for their future
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Leanne McLennan
Commerce Teacher
Jacaranda Woodshow 2024
Each year, as part of the Jacaranda Festival, the Clarence Valley Woodworkers Association presents a prominent exhibition for woodworkers across the Valley. A key highlight of this event is the dedicated schools section, which allows students to proudly display their projects and craftsmanship. This year, McAuley students showcased over 30 projects, impressively upholding their reputation for excellence and earning numerous awards in the process. These awards were presented by the Jacaranda Royal Party of 2024. We extend our congratulations to all entrants, with special recognition to the award winners:
- Year 7 & 8 Section – Frances Fenner, Chloe Edwards
- Year 9 & 10 Section – Azari Higgins, Ruby Egen, and Maile Gilbert
- Open Section – Tom Kenny, Layla Bender, and Mitchell Dick
Through the exceptional efforts of our students, McAuley was honoured with the title of "Most Successful School" and received a $500 award, which will be reinvested in our Workshop to further enrich student learning. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the members of the Clarence Valley Woodworkers Association and The South Grafton Ex-Servicemen's Club for their continued support.
Adam Bancroft
Leader of TAS
Stage 5 Child Studies Excursion
Students in Child Studies have been studying a topic called “Children and Literature”. They have been exploring the various forms of books for young people and how authors engage young readers. For their Assessment task, they wrote and illustrated a children's story and then travelled to St Mary’s primary school to read their stories to the kindergarten students. This opportunity allowed our child studies students to engage with young people and further enhance their skills in working with young people. Our child studies teachers, Mrs Robinson and Mrs Corcoran, were very impressed with the quality of the books produced.
Clarence Valley High Schools Touch Football Shield
On Tuesday, October 22nd, McAuley students travelled to Yamba after recess for the Clarence Valley High Schools Touch Football Shield Competition (formerly known as the Daily Examiner Shield). Teams competed in the Boys' and Girls' divisions of Year 7 / 8 and Years 9, 10, and 11.
Our senior boys' team was outstanding once again, playing some well-constructed “McAuley Touch.” We blooded a few new young players in Cruz Sewell, Sonny Watts and Mason Cone. They fitted into the team exceptionally well as they were already familiar with McAuley processes. The team went through the round games undefeated, with three comfortable wins against Grafton 4-0, South 5-0, and Maclean 5-1. McAuley faced Maclean High in the final. Even though the score ended 3-2, the boys always looked comfortable with Zeplan Davies, Austen Toyer and player of the tournament Zethan Nichols, leading from the front.
Our junior boys team also made the final, but unfortunately, it was a different outcome. In the round games, they lost to Grafton 4-3, defeated South 7-2 and beat Maclean 6-0. The final was up against Grafton High, and McAuley was looking to turn the tables. It was a very close game with scores locked at 2-all with time running out. Grafton managed to capitalise on our costly errors and utilised their superior speed to score a match-winning try just as the siren sounded. It was a great effort by all, with Zaden Nipperess and Cooper McLennan playing exceptionally well.
McAuley’s junior girls went through the round games undefeated. Unfortunately Grafton High was too strong in the final with McAuley going down by 1.
McAuley’s senior girls improved each game over the afternoon into the evening but struggled to combine and remain consistent.
Well done to all students involved, and congratulations on your valiant efforts while representing McAuley proudly!
Craig Nipperess
Teams Coordinator
Dio Open Volleyball Championships
On Friday, October 25th, MCC fielded two Open Girls' teams and one Open Boys' team in the Diocesan Volleyball Championships in Coffs Harbour.
Well done to all involved in organising and collaborating for this fantastic event, which has been received really well by the students. A huge congratulations to our staff and students, who proudly represented McAuley and had a tonne of fun! We look forward to defending our title at next year's event.
There is a wide range of specialist military positions, support roles, traditional and technical trades, and professions, from medicine to engineering. Many offer full vocational training and nationally recognised qualifications, along with travel, unique experiences, and ongoing development opportunities.
To ensure you have the most up-to-date information on the opportunities available in the Navy, Army and Air Force, explore the ADF Careers website to help find their ideal role in the ADF.
For students looking to join the ADF sooner, they may wish to consider a priority role:
Scholarships for women aged 18 - 20, who are commencing a relevant*
STEM related degree in 2025
*please check the website to ensure that the degree you are undertaking qualifies for the Women of STEM scholarship programme: www.womenofstem.com.au
Applications Open - 18 December 2024
To help provide opportunities for young women, the ACS Foundation launched the Women of STEM Scholarship Programme for women aged 18-20
These scholarships are open to female students entering their first year of a relevant* STEM degree at an Australian University in 2025.
The Women of STEM Scholarship program is a national program & provides successful candidates with financial grants of $5,000 per year for the life of their University degree (maximum of 5 years). In 2024, 5 (five) scholarships were awarded to exceptional female students around Australia.
Applications for 2025 Scholarships Close @ 5pm(AEDT) Friday 7 February 2025
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AIE Open Day - Saturday 16 November 2024
Do you have students interested in games, film and animation? Open Day is an opportunity for them to take the next step!
- Explore the range of careers and meet industry professionals.
- Discover courses from Certificates right up to Degrees.
- AIE Graduates have worked on Fortnite, Elden Ring, Mad Max: Fury Road, Avatar, Spiderman and much more!
Date: Saturday, 16 November 2024
Time: 10am - 3pm
IENA – American Summers Camp Program :
American Summer camps run for at least 9 weeks typically starting late May/Early June and finish mid to late August and you need to be available to work the entire 9 weeks (one week staff training and then 8 weeks of kids at camp). Plus we work with up to 800 Premier Summer Camps right across the USA!
We are your Visa sponsor for camp plus travel for 30 days before your camp starts and 30 days after camp (optional).
You must be 18 by June 1, the year you want to go. You can apply while you are 17.
Applications open in May for the following year's program (and are open now for the 2025 camp program)
Summer Camp is perfect for anyone who:
- is fun, enthusiastic, passionate about helping and being a role model/leader to children
- loves doing a wide range of activities including: sports, performing arts, arts/crafts, water activities, outdoor adventure, horse riding, gymnastics, extreme sports and more! In fact, camps offer over 200 non-academic activities and hire staff who just love participating, leading or coaching in any of them! Don’t worry camps hire people who are at all levels from beginner to advanced. There is something out there for everyone!
- is looking to gain leadership, professional development and work-related skills in teaching, outdoor ed, disability studies, human movement, social / community/youth work, event planning, tourism/hospitality (just to mention just a few)
- wants to gain life skills.
Working at Camp and traveling will give you a better grasp on what you want to do with your future, helps you be more focused and committed (which is great if heading to Uni). You will even:
- improve your communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity skills.
- be paid at least US$2,2550 (about AU$3,300)
- receive free food/accommodation while at camp for 9 weeks plus 4 months of insurance.
We have a long history of securing a camp placement for everyone who applies and goes through the process at camp. For the 2024 camp program everyone was placed by Mid April 2024.
Top level service and support from today till you return from camp! Our staff have up to 32 years industry experience!
American Summers Camp Job Fair:
- On Sunday, 8th December, 2024: Sydney, 11:30am – 3:00pm at the Grace Hotel, Wilarra- Yurra room Level 2, 77 York St, Sydney. 11 American Summer Camps will be in attendance to interview and hire staff to work at their summer camps June – August 2025. These camps will be hiring for over 400 positions for summer camp 2025!
- For those graduating seniors looking for a Gap year, or who are still not sure what they are doing next year, this will be an amazing opportunity for them to attend, interview and get hired to work at an American Summer Camp in 2025. More details about the event and camps attending can be found at this LINK: https://mailchi.
mp/iena/american-summers-dec- camp-job-fairs-get-hired-on- the-day
How to apply?
1. Visit our website click on apply and follow the steps https://americansummers.
2. Complete an easy online application form, follow the steps for us to get you interviewed and then get ready to start checking out the camps and setting up camp interviews!
Rod Paton
Careers Advisor
River Dreaming
On Friday 25th October, our Indigenous dance group had the honour of performing at River Dreaming for the opening of the Jacaranda Festival. It was a meaningful experience, filled with a strong sense of community that made our students feel both welcome and proud.
It was amazing to be able to see all the other schools and groups perform their dances, inspiring us all.
We extend our gratitude to the team at Bulgarr Ngaru Aboriginal Medical Corporation for inviting us to be part of this special day.
HEAL Women's Cultural Tour
Recently, our female Aboriginal students had the opportunity to embark on a cultural tour of significant women’s sites around Maclean, Iluka, and Woody Heads, including Maclean Lookout, The Pinnacle Rocks, and the Iluka rainforest walk. The tour was guided by Aunty Deidre Randall, a respected Yaegl elder who shared the rich history and cultural importance of these places with the girls.
This experience was invaluable, as it allowed our students to learn directly from an elder and connect with the heritage of their local community.
We extend a huge thank you to Aunty Deidre for her time and the wisdom she generously shared with our girls.
Celebrating Our Science Technicians: Maz and Ash
Science Technician Appreciation & Recognition (STAR) Week is a special time for schools across Australia to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible work of our science technicians. Here at our school, we are immensely grateful for the expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm that our technicians, Maz and Ash, bring to our science department every day.
Maz and Ash are the backbone of our practical science lessons. From setting up complex experiments and ensuring our labs run smoothly to maintaining safety and inspiring a love of science in our students, their contributions are truly invaluable. They make it possible for our young scientists to explore, discover, and engage with hands-on learning.
Their behind-the-scenes work often goes unseen, but the impact of their efforts is felt by every student and teacher who steps into our science classrooms. Maz’s meticulous attention to detail and Ash’s innovative problem-solving make our labs places of excitement and discovery.
This STAR week, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Maz and Ash for everything they do. Thank you for your professional support, your wealth of knowledge, and your dedication to making science come alive for our students. You are our science stars, and we are so grateful to have you!
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Recognising our school counsellors/school psychologists: Megan Barton, Belinda Chapman and Siobhan McNamara
Friday, 8th November 2024, is School Counsellor and School Psychologist Recognition Day.
This year’s theme, "Little Moments, Lasting Change," captures the essence of the invaluable work our counsellors do every day. They have provided little moments of listening, understanding, and connecting that have supported students, families, and staff in noticing their needs and strengths, persevering, and growing.
Megan, Belinda, and Siobhan, we are so grateful for your skills, professionalism, and dedication to your role in supporting our staff and students. We extend a huge thank you for your hard work this year.
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On behalf of the Student Leadership Team
Dear Parents,
Parenting can be hard, and there are many opposing belief systems and advice about how to bring up your children to be the best adults that they can be. At the Mercy Library we understand these problems, after all, Ann and I are mothers (and grandmothers) ourselves.
We have a collection of nearly 100 books to help with all your parenting questions for tweens and teens. Some are general books, while others deal with specific topics such as self-harm, alcoholism, and anxiety. If you are interested, please come to the library or send me an email, and we will organise book borrowing for you.
Click here to view the library collection.
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In other library news, our Year 8 students have had a great time decorating the library for Jacoween (a unique combination of Halloween and the Jacaranda Festival). I hope you like what they have done!
Linda Gleeson
Librarian
All year 7 and 8 students at McAuley Catholic College have been engaging in the Renaissance Reading program with the aim of encouraging them to read wider and more complex texts to build their language and comprehension skills.
The students have had an incentive program to reach 1,000,000 words that will finish in Week 7 this year. Each child who reaches the 1 Million mark will be invited with his or her parents to the school for a morning tea with the Assistant Principal. Please use this opportunity to check in with your child and see how they have committed to the program.
If you are interested in your child’s growth and commitment to the program, you can contact me or your child’s English teacher.
Linda Gleeson
College Librarian
November
9th: Yr 12 Formal Dinner
11th: Remembrance Day
Dio Golf Championships, South West Rocks
11th - 13th: Yr10 Camp GABC - Tea Gardens
12th: Yr 6 Orientation Day + Parent Information Evening
13th: Yr 11 Visual Art Excursion - Grafton Regional Gallery
15th: TAFE Yes Program
18th: Mark Bellamy Memorial
18th - 20th: Year 9 Camp - Tyalgum Ridge Retreat
STEM MAD National Showcase for qualifying students
19th: Dio Netball Gala Day, Grafton
25th: NRCC U16s Boys Cricket
26th: NRCC U16s Girls Cricket
27th: Mercy House Rewards Day
Online Safety - Essential Conversations
The Catholic Schools Office of the Lismore Diocese has provided essential information regarding childrens' safety online and resources for parents and guardians in a recent communication article sent to schools across the Diocese. We will be including a topic item from this article in each Newsletter from Term 3, Week 3 - Term 4, Week 9
Online Safety Essential Conversations:
If your young person receives a random nude or inappropriate image or video of someone, you want to feel confident in what their actions will be.
The person in the image or video may be the one who shared it with your young person, or someone else may have shared it without the person in the image or video even knowing.
An essential conversation to have with your young person is about the two appropriate ways they can respond to an unwanted image.
Tell the sender it’s not cool
If your young person knows the sender, encourage them to tell the sender not to share any more images or videos like that. Encourage your young person to practise saying “no” in ways that feel comfortable and to tell you if this happens so you can help.
Take action
- If your young person doesn’t know the sender, ask them not to respond and to block the sender.
- Ask them not to forward it to someone else or delete it.
- Report this to the police. Also, if it was sent through social media, a game or another app you can report it directly to the service or platform.
Encourage your young person to tell you if they keep getting unwanted images.
Read more at Raising Children Sexting and teenagers: practical steps for problem situations. If you have any concerns about your young person please contact the school. It is important for the school to know any wellbeing issues that may impact on learning and behaviour at school.
As mentioned in our previous newsletters, the College offers lunch orders online through the Flexischools app. Please see the attached flyer to get started.
Please find attached the latest Parish Bulletins from Clarence Valley Parish