McAuley News

In the last fortnight I have been lucky enough to attend the System Leaders Symposium, a conference initiated by the Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta and attended by the principals of each of the Catholic schools in our diocese. Over the next few years, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Parramatta are introducing a new curriculum in Religious Education for students of all ages. The purpose of the symposium was to challenge us, as Catholic leaders, to lead with compassion, love and inclusivity in a contemporary environment.

Speakers at the conference included Most Reverend Vincent Van Long Nguyen, Bishop of Parramatta; theologian, Dr Anthony Maher; and religious commentator, Francis Sullivan. We were, indeed, honoured to hear the wisdom of these contemporary religious practitioners and thinkers. They led us through a process of reflection of traditional ideas, and invited us to be challenged by past practices and to consider anew the role of Catholics in a modern world. They reminded us that, as Catholics, we are warm and welcoming, loving and forgiving.

The implementation of the new curriculum in Religious Education at Catherine McAuley has been in a trial process this year and implementation will take place over the next two years. So that you are informed about this new curriculum, parents and carers will be invited to attend an information night at school early in 2020.

As you read this newsletter, you will note the great activity of students at Catherine McAuley over the past weeks; there has been a lot happening for them, and their participation has been enthusiastic and dignified at all times. Your daughters are very impressive young women, able to juggle the demands of study and extra curricular activities. Teachers have recently prepared semester reports for students in Year 11, where their efforts have been highlighted. I congratulate all Year 11 students on their achievements, but especially those who have given their best in each of their classes and in their contribution to their school community.

Mary Refalo
Principal

It was lovely to have the Sisters of Mercy attend our school on Tuesday, 29th October for afternoon tea with School Principal Ms Refalo, Assistant Principals and Religious Education Coordinators. 

On Monday 11th November, Remembrance Day, we remember not only those who have died or suffered for Australia's cause in all wars and armed conflicts but we also remember the death of our patroness, Venerable Catherine McAuley. Sr Mary Sullivan RSM writes, “In the evening of Thursday, November 11, 1841, Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, died of tuberculosis at the Convent of Mercy on Baggot Street, Dublin - the first of twelve convents she had established in the preceding decade. She was surrounded by members of the Baggot Street, Booterstown, and Limerick communities”. 

At the time of her approaching death, Catherine was acutely aware of the time of day, evening turning into nightfall. In religious communities, the Great Silence (cessation of talking) commenced after night prayers until the next day. After her death, Catherine did not want her Sisters to feel miserable, so she gave instructions that the Sisters were to sit in the community room and seek sustenance in a ‘comfortable cup of tea’. 

Catherine’s wishes were followed and she was buried in the same way as poor people, in the earth, not placed in an expensive vault. A small cross marked her resting place. Today Catherine’s burial site is located in the Sacred Garden of Mercy International Centre. In 1994 when the restoration of the Convent of Mercy on Baggot Street was completed a plaque was placed on the wall inside the chapel at the head of the grave. Closely paraphrasing words from the 'Suscipe', a prayer Catherine McAuley had composed, the plaque reads: “My God, I am thine for time and eternity Catherine McAuley 1778-1841.” This prayer invites all who enter the door of the memorial chapel to remember the holy life of Catherine McAuley and to be encouraged and inspired by her simplicity and good example. Today, Catherine would probably be quite surprised to see her legacy and the impact that she continues to make in all corners of the world. As people of Mercy, it is very appropriate that we briefly pause and give thanks for the life of Venerable Catherine McAuley and for all who have followed in her footsteps..

Sr Mary Wickham RSM composed the following poem. The poem is situated in the room where Catherine died in Baggot Street. The words reveal the strong connection that exists between those in Catherine’s time and to those who continue her mission as people of Mercy.  

Baggot Street Suite: Catherine’s Room, Window

The warmth of a late summer Dublin evening reaches across acres of Georgian chimneypots and flows through two vast rectangles of light as I sit in the room in which a woman died over one hundred and fifty years ago, awed at the mystery of her calling, the grace which grew in her. What is she to me and I to her? She is present but elusive I know her and do not know her. She leaves broad brush strokes not minute disclosures, Her person less important than her spirit and her purpose. Not for our times, not for words, so much of who this Catherine was, it seems. I ask for some glimmer of knowing, some small window on her spirit, a blessing as I sit here, of kinship and connection, of mentor and sister-guide, of bonds across time, a mercy shared.

Ms Genevieve Banks
Religious Education Coordinator

Student reflections on the recent Senior Retreat held over Wednesday 23rd October to Friday 25th October 2019 at Crusaders, Galston Gorge.

“It was a great experience which allowed us to reflect and take time to think about what we want in our lives. It was good to see myself interacting with other students in the grade outside of my friendship group”. Aayushi K.

“It was amazing to the point where I forgot about everything else. There were many opportunities to reflect and be closer to God. I also enjoyed bonding with other people I wouldn’t usually talk to. I had the best possible experience which I will never forget. To be honest, I wanted to stay a little longer!” Janelle S.

“It was a good opportunity to stop and reflect on how far we have come since Year 7, and learn about ourselves and how to handle the next few years of our lives”. Aya S.

“Senior retreat was a great experience to develop closer relationships with God, our peers and teachers. This opportunity allowed us to reflect and realise our personal growth, create new friendships and memories”. Anjolie L.

“The senior retreat was a great break from everyday life as it allowed us to focus on our relationship with God. My favourite event was the midday meditation activities that allowed us to forget our daily stresses and focus on the present”. Maria M.     

View a video of the students at the senior retreat learning how to drum

A reminder to all families that students have 12 weeks of holidays each school year. These 12 weeks are the perfect time to plan family holidays. We ask that when you are planning holidays, please consult with either your daughter’s Year Coordinator, the Director of Studies or myself prior to booking any travel that falls outside of these 12 weeks. Year 11 students have now commenced their HSC course. All assessments count towards their final assessment mark which will be sent into NESA next year. It is very important that all students sit every assessment task to maximise their final assessment marks. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the school assessment policy which can be found on the student intranet.  

(provided by Enhance Learning Educational Services)

 If you are someone who freezes or has a mental blank during an exam or is overly anxious you may find that the heightened anxiety is reducing your ability to recall.

Remember that being as prepared as possible and not leaving your study until the last minute can make a big difference in reducing anxiety.  Start your study early and make a plan so that you have time to study what you need to without stress. It is also important to note that the more practice tests you do, the more familiar you are with the test so it will be less intimidating and you will be used to working under time limits.

If you feel anxious during an exam, a good strategy is to close your eyes for a moment and take some long, deep breaths. When you open your eyes do some of the questions you find easy or feel confident about. Meanwhile your subconscious will have a chance to recall the things you are struggling to remember. Another trick is try moving your eyes to different directions, ie looking up and to the left etc. This can also sometimes prompt recall.

You can visit the MANAGING STRESS unit for more strategies in the online Study Skills Handbook.

Learn more at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au.

Our school’s subscription details are: Username: mcauley   Password: 189results

The National History Challenge is a nationwide contest that encourages students from primary to secondary school to use research and inquiry-based learning to discover more about the past. Students are the historians. They can investigate their community, explore their own and their family’s past and consider ideas throughout history. The competition encourages the use of primary and secondary sources to critically analyse significant historical issues.

This year alone, thousands of entries were submitted right across Australia in various categories including: women’s history, wartime history, democracy, Asian history and Indigenous history.

So, it is a great honour that a Catherine McAuley student is a NSW Young Historian in this prestigious competition.

That student is Victoria C. of Year 9.

The theme for 2019 is ‘Power and People’ and students across Australia were asked to consider key people in history who have been revolutionary or advocates for change. 

Victoria was awarded the prizewinner in the Indigenous category of the competition and she was presented with her medal and certificate at the National History Challenge State Presentation held at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park last Thursday, 24th October. Victoria’s acceptance speech impressed the audience with her insights on Indigenous culture and her commitment to the study of history.

Here is an excerpt from Victoria’s acceptance speech:

I endeavoured to write something which would represent the oppression the Indigenous of Australia have faced. My aim was to encourage respect and understanding when it comes to the topic of Indigenous history. I myself am not Indigenous, but I am committed to being an ally for those people that feel the emotional consequences of an unfair history as I believe you should too.

Professor Shirley Randell AO PhD representing the National Foundation of Australian Women presented students with their awards and delivered a moving speech to the audience. It was her closing comments that resonated with all of those in attendance.

Don’t be afraid to speak up and speak out and use the critical analysis skills you have learnt in this wonderful competition, to think independently and wisely. It is your ability that will hold you in good stead. Just one powerful word, one powerful act – that is what makes a better world for all of us.

Congratulations to all of those students from McAuley who participated in the competition.

Special mention is made of the following Year 11 students. Judges from both State and nationally were impressed with the calibre of their entries:  Monique C., Zahra D., Sakira G., Sophia F. and Tram N. 

Ms Paula Reed
History Coordinator

When did you commence teaching at Catherine McAuley?
I started at McAuley in 2004 and have been teaching here for 15 years.

How long have you been teaching for?
I have been teaching for 23 years.

What other schools have you taught at?
I have been a teacher at Penrith High School, at Colyton High School and in Germany at The International School located in the Hannover Region.

What are your qualifications?
I have a Bachelor of Education and Science.

What do you enjoy about teaching at McAuley?
I love teaching Senior Physics and Chemistry.  I also enjoy coaching the school soccer teams.

What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy going to the beach, playing golf and eating out - I really love a big breakfast!

What advice would you give to students in approaching their studies?
 I would advise students to form a study group as the best way to learn is to teach others.

Our Junior Basketball Team played at the CCC Basketball Competition over two days on the 28th - 29th October. On the first day the team won two out of three games and made the quarter finals on the second day. They won the quarter final in what was a very tight and intense game. Unfortunately they then lost the semi-final but coach Miss Tyszkiewicz says that the girls showed great determination and teamwork and represented the school extremely well.

Well done to our Waterpolo Team who played at the NSWCCC Waterpolo Championships this week on Wednesday, 6th November. This gala day took place at Homebush and our team played four games against other schools from around NSW. We came 8th out of the 8 schools who played.

A special thank you to Ella T., Year 12, who came to support the team.

As Catherine McAuley currently has subscriptions to online careers resources, if students and parents have not yet joined, you are missing out! All students and parents are welcome, and it is never too early to access this information and be ready for the next stage of your daughter’s future.

These sites provide details on events, spotlights on various career areas and important information on industry trends and study areas that are worth knowing about.

The sites are:

www.studyworkgrow.com.au

Click on ‘Find your school’ and enter our school code: CATH19

Fill in your details to access the full site and also select your options for career news.

www.jobjump.com.au

Click on ‘I’m new’ at the top right corner. Enter our school name, and sign up using your school  the password: westmead

All students will benefit from receiving these events and articles, and are encouraged to attend careers events of an evening or on weekends, and the upcoming school holidays are also an excellent time to explore careers with family and friends.

Mrs Amanda Chahine 
Careers Adviser

Catherine McAuley Westmead is now accepting enrolments for Year 7 2021. The closing date for Year 7 2021 applications 1st round offers is Friday, 27th March 2020.

Parents and their daughters have the opportunity to tour the school campus at one of our upcoming school tours specifically for Year 7 2021 applicants, but open to any year group.

Tuesday, 12th November and Thursday, 5th December 2019

9:15am – 11am

These mornings will provide parents and students with the opportunity to tour our school on a normal school day. You will be able to view our school grounds and facilities, go into classrooms and meet our students and teachers. Enrolment packs will be available on the day. Please note that following these tours there will be no other school tours held until our Open Afternoon / Evening on Wednesday, 4th March 2020 between 4.00pm - 7.00pm.

Contact our School Reception on 9849 9100 to book a place on a school tour.

Applications for student travel in 2020 opened on Friday, 11 October 2019.

 Students progressing to year 3 and year 7 no longer need to re-apply if they:

·       are continuing at the same school

·       are residing at the same address

·       have not been sent an expiry notification from Transport for NSW.

 Where a student meets the new distance eligibility, the system will automatically update their entitlement. If they do not meet the new eligibility, they will receive an expiry notification via email.

 Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition which is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.

 Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.

 If students need to update their information or re-apply, they should go online to https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/updateDetails

 Applications need to be submitted before 31 December 2019 to ensure student entitlements are updated and their current entitlement/card is not cancelled. If their application is submitted after 31 December 2019, the system will automatically cancel an entitlement/card and a new one will need to be issued.

 Students in the Opal network applying for a SSTS or Term Bus Pass entitlement for the first time will receive their card at their nominated postal address. Cards will be mailed out from January 2020.

 Students residing in Rural and Regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the commencement of the new school year from their nominated operator, this may be distributed via the school or sent direct to their address. Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/Parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.