Dear Parents and Carers,
Lent is the season for prayer, almsgiving - doing things for others, fasting and reconciliation. Last week in Mass we were reminded of the chaos of the world and how we each contribute to it through our own lives and the lives of others around us. This is reflected in the common attitude of “this is our world and we can do what we like with it”. Lent is a good time to reflect on what we do and the impact we have on others. On Sunday Fr Wilbur, a visiting priest from Tweed, gave a homily on the importance of prayer and the strength it provides, especially in times of contention and need. This resonated strongly with me because last week, as a College, we experienced the importance of prayer, and the strength it can bring to individuals and a community, as we came together to pray for the full and speedy recovery of Molly Imeson (year 10) and for her immediate and extended family.
I have wondered, at times, if our message of “faith and action” is really heard in our school community. My query was answered on Thursday and Friday and I do think our community “does get what we are about”, as I was able to witness the power of prayer; the power of gathering as a faith community that is based on the words and actions of Jesus Christ. The College community was given the opportunity to come to a Mass for Molly at lunchtime on Friday - which was an opportunity to pray for Molly’s recovery, for the family with her, and to support each other. The room (P1) was overflowing with students ! It was a special moment in our school and made me a little emotional to be there and feel the strength, hope and care in the room. Each person was there for their own reason but as one we respectfully prayed together.
Sometimes we think we don’t need prayer or faith or spirituality or the support of others. However, in times of adversity, in times of despair, of feeling helpless and sad - prayer has great power. It is often in times of hardship and adversity that we turn to our faith, to prayer, to Christ. And sometimes this sets us on a path of discovery, or rediscovery, of our faith. Fr Joe put out an invitation to come to Mass again - all are welcome.
We continue to pray for a full recovery for Molly and for all her family. We also take time to think about and pray for all those in our community and beyond who are unwell, lonely, troubled or who have lost their way.
In my first newsletter I said I would outline my focus areas through this newsletter column. A major focus for me and the College is RELATIONSHIPS. This encompasses student, staff and parent relationships. Ultimately we are about students and ensuring they have opportunities to grow and develop in all facets of their life. In a recent article in the Daily Examiner I stated we are student focussed and faith based, and we make a conscious effort to build strong relationships.
I have had the pleasure of visiting our feeder primary schools and these will continue in week 7. The purpose of the visits is to promote McAuley as the best option for secondary schooling - particularly as we are a continuation of their Catholic education. We also take the opportunity to promote the upcoming OPEN NIGHT (17th March). For each visit I take past students back to their school. This is usually year 7 students and students from either year 10 or 11. I enjoy hearing what they have to say about McAuley - the canteen is always a popular topic as is friends and “freedom”. But they also talk about the learning they do, the subjects they like and the older students mention the care they receive and relationships they have with their teachers (without prompting from me). So far we have been to St Joey’s Sth Grafton, St Mary’s, Grafton and St Joey’s Maclean. It is important for us to continue to build on the relationships we have with our primary schools and ensure they become stronger, because we have so much to offer each other..
We have been collecting data on relationships for a number of years now and as a result of this data have implemented some strategies to improve relationships. One of our major investments last year and this year is in the implementation of the Berry St Education Model (BSEM). The students are learning about character strengths in PC lessons, and other aspects of BSEM and its various strategies are being implemented in lessons across all KLA’s. To find out more about Character Strengths go to https://www.viacharacter.org/ and take the free survey to discover your character strengths. This could lead to an interesting conversation with your children.
Other News
In the next few weeks I will be seeking feedback from parents, students and staff on the 2020 school photos - the product and the process.
Please return promptly the General Permission and Verification of Details form. It is vitally important that we have up to date information from all families. The due date for return is Friday 13th March
Thankyou to all parents who continue to support our policies, particularly uniform and mobile phones. Some students are struggling with aspects of our rules and we appreciate the efforts parents make to support the College to ensure our students understand and follow our rules. A gentle reminder to students that all long hair is tied up - this includes boys that choose to have a hairstyle that is short at the front and long at the back (known in my youth as a Mullet!). Also hats are not to be graffitied. Any student with a graffitied hat will need to purchase a new one. Alternatively, a new hat will be billed to parents if a purchase is not made in a timely manner.
All students received an OPAL score in week 5. Congratulations to those that achieved pleasing scores. Students and parents / carers should use this information as timely feedback and students now take necessary action to improve their participation and effort in their learning. Class teachers and year coordinators can assist by discussing issues and giving strategies to the students who need to improve..
FInally, our Open Night is on March 17th. You will notice a lot of advertising of this event and enrolments up and down the Valley. Please encourage all interested families to come along on this night.
Yours sincerely
Kate
Kate Thomson
Principal
Quotes from Pope Francis
#Lent is the perfect time to allow ourselves to contemplate the pain of those who suffer without anyone to help them. It is the time to turn compassion into concrete acts of solidarity and care. Mar 7, 2020 Pope Francis @Pontifex
In this favorable time of #Lent, may we listen to the voice of the Lord. The more we are fully engaged with His Word, the more we will experience the mercy He freely gives us. Mar 7, 2020 Pope Francis @Pontifex