Term 4 - Week 5 - 11 November 2022

Dear Parents and Carers,

It is exciting to see the progress of the bike and walking path from the College to South Grafton! We are looking forward to the opening of this new access option and thank Transport for NSW and Clarence Valley Council for their work on this project. 

Vaping has become a serious issue in our society, particularly with our young people, so it is important that we as a community educate ourselves about In this newsletter, you will find an invitation to participate in a Parent webinar with Paul Dillon on 17th November (7.00-8.30pm) an initiative of the Council of Catholic Schools Parents. We also have included information on vaping which is the first of a 3 part series for parents and carers. I strongly encourage you to be informed about vaping to educate your children on the risks and facts about this form of smoking. 

We recently sent home some information regarding possible industrial action on Tuesday 15th November. I have been informed that at this point in time the school will be operating as normal on this day. 

Also sent home at the end of last week was information regarding COVID-19, as there has been a reported surge in cases in the State. Please ensure you are familiar with the latest procedures if your child has COVID symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19

Excursion News

We have had students attending a number of excursions in the last fortnight including the Year 9 Child Studies class presenting their children’s books to students at St Mary’s Primary, where they received some honest feedback; Year 10 Ag students visited a local bee farmer (apiarist) and Year 10 & 12 art students visited our local Art Gallery. These curriculum-based excursions are an important aspect of the courses, as is engaging with the local community to provide context and relevance to courses. In addition to these, we have a group of stage 5 students attending the YES courses offered through TAFE. YES is the Youth Engagement Strategy that allows students to explore various career pathways. Through this partnership, our students are able to engage in courses in maritime studies, animal studies, hair & beauty, automotive and welding. 

Also important in our College is the participation in pastoral and faith activities. Last week Year 9 attended their first camp in a few years. Staff who participated in the camp have had nothing but glowing reports about the students. As I said in the previous newsletter our camps provide opportunities for students to engage and shine in an alternative space. Our Year 10 students will be attending their camp at Camp Kokoda this week. Students not attending will be completing alternative academic work. I sincerely hope we can revitalise our camp program moving forward into next year. 

Orientation Day - Parent night

A very successful orientation day was held last Tuesday for our year 7 2023 students. They participated in a range of lessons, a feedback session, and final preparations for their first day in 2023 (see dates below). That evening approximately 60 parents attended the Information session. A huge thank you to Jorja White, our Vice-Captain who represented our Captains on the night. Jorja did the meet and greet, led prayer and recounted her time as a Year 7 student and outlined the opportunities she has been given at the College. Parents were given the opportunity to give us feedback on why they have chosen McAuley as the school of choice for their child and their aspirations for their child. The feedback is greatly appreciated and can be found in the newsletter.

Enrolments

We are currently full in Years 7 and 8 for 2023 with waiting lists in both year groups. There are some vacancies in years 9, 10 and 11. 

Dates for 2023 School Year

• January 23rd, 24th & 25th - College Office is open 9am - 1pm
• January 25th - Staff Induction Day
• January 26th - Australia Day Holiday
• January 27th - Staff Administration Day (No students). College Office open 8.30 - 3.30
• January 30th - Monday: Years 7, 11 & 12 first day for 2023
• January 31st - Tuesday: Years 8, 9 & 10 first day for 2023

Events in the next fortnight include:

• World cup games continue
• Year 11 RRISK Seminar
• Year 10 Camp Kokoda
• 2023 Leadership selection from our current years 9 & 10 students
• Year 8 Surf Awareness day
• reflection days incorporating Lovebites presentation for years 9 & 10
• Year 12 Queensland Uni Tour and an emergency evacuation Drill. 

Well done Year 12 

Our new Year 12 students have stepped into their roles as leaders and seniors of the school. The Student Leadership Team’s World Cup Soccer competition is progressing well with exciting games being held each Tuesday and Friday; the year 12 boys led the National Anthem at our recent Assembly; they led our Remembrance Day prayer and participated in the weekly radio interview promoting the events of the week. 

As I finalise this newsletter article we are preparing the Year 12 of 2022 Formal evening. I wish each student of the class of 2022 all the very best as they complete their school journey but hopefully not their learning journey. Our Mercy values and traditions will continue to be part of their life and our school motto: "To Know wisdom” will also guide each person. 

Remembrance Day - 11. November. 2022

We always take time to acknowledge Remembrance Day at the College. This year - the 104th anniversary - Remembrance Day was incorporated into our Thursday Assembly and our PC lesson. Mr Montford led the school community in an acknowledgement of this special day when we remember Australian men and women who have served in war and peacekeeping activities. Remembrance Day does not glorify war – it honours the memory of all those who laid down their lives for Australia. As a mark of respect to those who have served, we stopped to observe one minute’s silence on Friday at 11 am. One thing we can do for the people who fought for our country is to continue the tradition of remembering them. Our Captains, Nash and Kaydence, represented the College at a Remembrance Day Service in South Grafton. 

In Flanders Fields    BY JOHN MCCRAE

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Kate

Kate Thomson

Principal

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

Catherine McAuley

Leadership and Service

As students in years, 9 and 10 who have nominated themselves for leadership positions prepare a speech to present to their peers this Thursday it is timely to think about what leadership at McAuley Catholic College represents. 

In John’s gospel, we are reminded of the importance of servant leadership and that no matter the position, the essence of leading is to serve those same people whom you lead.

John (13: 2-6; 12-17)

Jesus and His disciples were at Supper. Jesus knew that the Father had given Him complete power; He knew that He had come from God and was going to God. So he rose from the table, took off his outer garment, and tied a towel around his waist. Then he poured some water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.

After Jesus had washed their feet, he put his outer garment back on, and returned to his place at the table. ‘Do you understand what I have just done for you?’ he asked. ‘You call me Teacher and Lord, and it is right that you do so, because that is what I am. I, your Lord and Teacher have just washed your feet.

You, then, should wash one another’s feet. I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you. I am telling you the truth: no slave is greater than his master, and no messenger is greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know this truth, how happy you will be if you put it into practice!’

There are many students throughout the school who may or may not be in formal leadership positions that reflect the message of the above gospel passage. I would like to acknowledge some of our students who have been servant leaders during the last fortnight:

Nash Crofton and Kaydence Kilduff represented McAuley at the South Grafton RSL Remembrance Day service.

Georgia White represented the school and presented a student viewpoint at the Year 6 parent evening.

Noah Burchell, Sienna Clifton and Kaydence Kilduff represented our school at the Indigenous Youth Forum Lennox Head.

Year 6 second orientation day was adeptly supported by the following Year 8 students:

• Jai Teasdale

• Scarlett Mula

• Emily Dick

• Aaliyah-Scarlett Roach

• Kai Brossman

• Ivy Hiatt

• Maile Gilbert

• Azari Higgins

• Brylee Anderson

• Beckett Albert 

Year 8 Students represented the College at the Green Innovation Award Finals which were held at Southern Cross University last week.

• TJ Baker
• Joe Becker
• Beckett Albert

Year 12 News

A special congratulations to Lili Kreis who has been nominated for consideration in ARTEXPRESS, as part of the HSC Showcase season in 2023. Lili’s artwork pencil drawings of portraits brought to life the subjects she presented. This is an amazing honour and is a testament to all the hard work that Lili put into her major work and the dedication of Mr Ellis and the Creative Arts team who have fostered her talent during her time at McAuley College.

Year 11 News

Thank you to all those parents and students who attended the year 11 information evening in week 4. The presentations by Mr Paton (Careers), Mr Imeson (managing stress) and Mrs Lee (assessments) will support students’ readiness to take on the challenges of the next 12 months. By now all Year 11 students should have read the curriculum handbook and mapped out when the first assessment task for their subjects will occur. Weeks 9-10 are very busy weeks for many Year 12 courses and students need to be proactive in their study and preparation.

Year 10 News

This time of year can be very challenging for Year 10 students as they prepare for entry into either the workplace, TAFE or Stage 6 study in 2023. Week six will see half the cohort on a school camp that supports personal achievement and resilience whilst the other half are expected to be in organised work placements preparing them for life after school. 

During the coming weeks, students intending to complete the HSC will need to participate in some NESA-mandated requirements in preparation for Stage 6. Some of these requirements include All My Own work and participating in the National Minimum Standards Literacy and Numeracy tests. 

This is a time when students need to maintain routines and consistent standards, ensuring all set work is completed on time and that they are participating fully in their education. These actions will allow our year 10s to finish the year well and attain the best possible RoSA grades on their first formal academic qualification.

Elevate will provide another free parent zoom next week. This webinar held on Tuesday 29th November  @ 6:30 pm (AEDT), and  will be covering RESILIENCE  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

Register for free here

 Should you have questions or would like to contact Elevate directly, their details are listed below.

• 1300 667 945
• auaucoaching@elevateeducation.com

Di McGowan
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Vaping: Information & Awareness 

Vaping is on the rise in Australia and has become popular amongst teenagers and young adults. Alarmingly, a recent study has also shown that there is an increase in the number of primary school-aged children who are experimenting with vapes. There are many misconceptions about vapes being fairly harmless and that vapes in Australia do not contain nicotine.  

Our school is committed to the health and wellbeing of our students and will be including a series of informative resources for our parent community over the next 3  editions of our newsletter. We hope parents and carers use these helpful resources to:

• learn the facts about e-cigarettes and vaping,  
• recognise what a vape looks like,
• understand why vaping is attractive to young people and
• engage in positive conversations at home.

By working in partnership we hope to support our young people to make healthy choices.  

Please watch this informative 2-minute video which provides some key information about vaping and e-cigarettes. 

Key Information: 

• Vaping is the act of smoking e-cigarettes or ‘vapes’ that can look like metallic pens, USBs and other hand-held systems.
• Vapes use cartridges filled with liquids, which typically contain nicotine, artificial flavouring, and various chemicals. These can be harmful to the developing body.
• Research shows that 1 in 5 young people have vaped and nearly 80% of young people say it is easy to get a vape illegally at a shop or online. 
• Nicotine is especially addictive for young brains. It can cause long-lasting negative effects on brain development and can include impaired attention, learning, memory and changes in mood.
• You can find out more about vaping from NSW Health.

Conversation Starters at Home 

Start conversations about vaping with your child early. You could consider the following  questions or conversation starters: 

1. Are a lot of kids vaping at your school? Are your friends vaping? Be sure you don’t react, just listen.
2. What do you think about vaping? You may hear your child say that vaping is harmless. It’s important to share some good information with your child about the impacts of vaping.
3. Do you know what is in vapes? Share with them that they’ve tested vapes and they do not contain only water vapour and flavouring. Vapes can contain very high levels of nicotine and other toxic chemicals that damage the lungs. 

Parent and Carer Webinar

Last Wednesday, Year 9 Students; Joe Becker, Beckett Albert and TJ Baker presented their eco-friendly car wash idea at the final of the Green Innovation Awards in Lismore.

During Week 4 of this term, McAuley celebrated 'Jacaween' in the Mercy Library. Jacaween is a combination of Jacaranda and Halloween which entails decorating of the library and a number of competitions.

Competition Winners:

• Story/Poster: Senior - 1st Yazmin Shepherd, 2nd Isabelle Ellis, Junior - 1st Tracey Cassidy 2nd Lila Grace Bullen. These students received prizes. 
• Writing/Poster Comp House Points: 1st Tracey, 2nd Champagnat, equal 4th Mercy/McCarthy
• A daily Halloween and Jacaranda Trivia contest was also held during homeroom: 1st Mercy, 2nd Tracey, 3rd Champagnat, 4th McCarthy.

A big thanks to Tylar Donohue for all his help in decorating the library.

On Wednesday 9th November we travelled to Pindari Dam (near Inverell and west of Glen Innes) for the Year 9 adventure camp called Pindari Adventures. Students set up their own shelters securing tarps and sleeping in swags. The stars visible at night out there were incredible! We were very lucky with the weather and enjoyed three gorgeous sunny days. The night temperatures were really cold so it felt good being warm in our sleeping bags although some students wished they had brought more warm layers to sleep in.

The activities were excellent and included bushwalking, motor boats, bush survival, driving buggies, canyoning, a zip line drop into the dam, swimming and abseiling up a cliff called Goliath. We saw wild goats, guinea fowl, peacocks, kangaroos and even a baby brown snake?

The camp leader, Alfie, and his team (including Jake, John, Kirra and Bryce) explained each activity and how to complete it safely, as well as helping and encouraging us to face our fears along the way. 

The Year 9 students were a pleasure to take on camp. They showed bravery, strength, teamwork & resilience and had a lot of laughs along the way. Congratulations to camp Delta who were awarded the coveted Team Award trophy for Perseverance on the final day. Thank you to the teachers Rob Imeson, Deb Parkin, Rowan Butcher, Tahnee Joe and Brett Bowling who drove the school bus.

Sarah Nicholls
Year 9 Coordinator

The 2022 Grafton Jacaranda Festival ran from 28th October - 6th November and involved a number of our students and staff. Special congratulations goes to the newly crowned 2022 Junior Jacaranda Queen, Molly Cosgrove. This is a prestigious achievement and we look forward to following and supporting Molly as she embarks on this journey. Special acknowledgement goes also to 2021 Junior Jacaranda Queen Brooke Chapman and Junior Jacaranda Princess Aaliyah-Scarlett Roach who have been outstanding role models in the community during their reign. They will undoubtedly be valued mentors to Molly and all future candidates. 

The 88th Jacaranda Festival ran for 10 days and hosted 37 events, 50 entertainment acts and a number of prestigious arts and crafts exhibitions and competitions. Approximately 60 members of our school community participated in the event and we would like to congratulate and acknowledge them. 

Special mention goes to Julianne Gosper who took out the Grafton Regional Gallery Acquisitive prize, First Prize in Oil section and Second Prize in Sculpture Section; Ryker Montague for receiving a Highly Commended in the Grafton Art Club 2022 Jacaranda Exhibition and Bernice Pitt who was the Community Banner winner. 

If you would like to follow the festival in the future or view any photos from this Year's event please head over to the official Jacaranda Festival Facebook Page.

We congratulate the following Students and Staff In order of appearance during the festival:

• Brooke Chapman 2021 Junior Jacaranda Queen, Parade of Youth, Retrofest
• Aaliyah-Scarlett Roach 2021 Junior Jacaranda Princess, Parade of Youth, Royal Crowning Ceremony, Illuminate, Venetian Carnival, Newcastle Permanent Floats Procession (Ashley Albert Performing Arts Dancers), Retrofest
• Chelsea Gosper 2021 Junior Jacaranda Queen Candidate, Parade of Youth
• Molly Cosgrove 2022 Junior Jacaranda Queen, Parade of Youth, Venetian Carnival (Studio One Dance Academy), Retrofest
• Paisley Padayachee 2022 Jacaranda Festival Volunteer
• Oscar Enns Enns of the Earth (Illuminate), CVCON presents - Jazz Ensemble & Concert Band 
• Bernice Pitt Parade of Youth (Grafton Girl Guides), Community Banner winner, Newcastle Permanent Floats Procession
• Eva Patricks Royal Crowning Ceremony, Illuminate, Venetian Carnival, Newcastle Permanent Floats Procession
• (Ashley Albert Performing Arts Dancers)
• Holly Morrison Royal Crowning Ceremony, Illuminate, Venetian Carnival, Newcastle Permanent Floats Procession
• (Ashley Albert Performing Arts Dancers)
• Lexi Harrigan Royal Crowning Ceremony, Illuminate, Venetian Carnival, Newcastle Permanent Floats Procession
•   Ashley Albert Performing Arts Dancers)
• Jeannie Miller - Retrofest
• Tracey Cassidy - Retrofest
• Emily Dick Newcastle Permanent Floats Procession (Grafton Netball Association)
• Molly Dick Newcastle Permanent Floats Procession (Grafton Netball Association)
• Sarah Nicholls An Afternoon at the Proms, CVCON presents - Broadway At Its Best And Regional Youth Orchestra NSW, ‘Up Armidale Road’, Grace & Hugh and The Big ‘Ol Bus Band, featuring Clarence Valley Orchestra
• Alex Salvestro CVCON presents - Jazz Ensemble & Concert Band 
• Mark Conaghan CVCON presents - Broadway At Its Best 
• Jorja White Clarence Tunes Stage
• Eden Maitz Clarence Tunes Stage
• Nash Crofton Clarence Tunes Stage
• Georgia Salvestro Clarence Tunes Stage
• Rowan Butcher Clarence Tunes Stage
• Jeremy Stainlay Guitarchestra - Illuminate, JacaRok
• Kade McClelland Guitarchestra - Illuminate, JacaRok
• Sheridan Sutherland Guitarchestra - Illuminate, JacaRok
• Ezra Robertson Guitarchestra - Illuminate, JacaRok
• Laura Hoade Flute ensemble - Illuminate
• Ella Liquete Venetian Carnival, Clarence River Dance Academy, Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section
• Holly Cooper Venetian Carnival, Clarence River Dance Academy
• Lily Van Vyfeyken Venetian Carnival, Clarence River Dance Academy
• Hayley Liquete Venetian Carnival, Clarence River Dance Academy
• Corrie Wells Venetian Carnival, Clarence River Dance Academy
• Jai Teasdale Venetian Carnival, Clarence River Dance Academy
• Holly Swadling Venetian Carnival, Clarence River Dance Academy
• Emily Paterson Venetian Carnival, Clarence River Dance Academy
• Amy Shipman Venetian Carnival, Clarence River Dance Academy
• Leela Teasdale Venetian Carnival, Clarence River Dance Academy
• Saskia McGrath Venetian Carnival, Clarence River Dance Academy
• Bella Masters Venetian Carnival, Clarence River Dance Academy
• Alicia Boehme Venetian Carnival (Studio One Dance Academy), Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section
• Kayla Ellis Venetian Carnival (Studio One Dance Academy)
• Tylar Donohoe Newcastle Permanent Floats Procession (Grafton Vintage Motor Vehicle Club)
• Eliza-Rose Bullen Newcastle Permanent Floats Procession (BMX Bike Club)
• Liila-Grace Bullen Newcastle Permanent Floats Procession (BMX Bike Club)
• Wyatt Bullen Newcastle Permanent Floats Procession (BMX Bike Club)
• Steffany Nudo Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section
• Jasmine Iredale Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section
• Nina Bibby Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section
• Navah Crofton Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section
• Mahala Hitchings Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section
• Tayla Mackey Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section
• Grace Shorrock Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section
• Hazel Goding Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section
• Will Tait Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section
• Ruby Bowling Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section
• Eli Masters Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section
• Savannah Cheney Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section
• Alicia Boheme Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section
• Braith Martin Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section
• Caleb Ford Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section
• Jace Gilbert Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section
• Amelia Kroehnert Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section
• Kasey Broderick Jacaranda Woodwork Exhibition and Competition - School’s section

Jacaranda Woodshow 2022

Each year during the Jacaranda festival the Clarence Valley Woodworkers Association holds a major display for woodworkers in the Valley. The display features a school section where students can showcase their projects. This year McAuley students entered over 20 projects in total and once again proved the quality of their work with many awards. 

Congratulations to all entrants. Special award winners are: 

Year 7 & 8 Section - Tayla Mackey, Ella Liquete and Steffany Nudo

Year 9 & 10 Section - Will Tait, Ruby Bowling, Eli Masters, Braith Martin and Caleb Ford

Open Section - Amelia Kroehnert and Kasey Broderick.

Due to the efforts of our students, McAuley took out ‘The Most Successful School’ claiming $500 that will be used back in the Workshop to benefit further our students.

We must also thank the members of the Clarence Valley Woodworkers Association and The South Grafton Ex Servicemens Club for their support

Jacaranda Art Competition - Julianne Gosper

Prayer

• Tantum Ergo Sacramentum (Francesa LaRosa) - Tantum Ergo is the incipit of the last two verses of Pange Lingua, a Mediaeval Latin hymn written by St Thomas Aquinas. Traditionally, singing this prayer coincides with being in the presence of the Lord through Holy Adoration.
  

WILDFIRE