Newsletter October 17 2025
- From the Principal
- From the Community Council
- McAuley Art Exhibition
- Year 10 Work Experience Week
- NSWCCC Boys Basketball Championships
- Back to the Future - The Musical Excursion
- Orientation 2026
- 2026 Intentions
- Kindergarten Bus Safety Excursion
- Year 4 Science Fun
- Sunny Days
- Swap It!
- Integrating Focus Term 4
- Fire Cadets
- Primary Campus Landscaping
- Canteen Help
- Tumut Library
- School Student Travel
- Careers Bulletins
From the Principal
Graduation Week – Class of 2025
During the final week of Term 3, we celebrated our Graduating Class of 2025 with a series of memorable ceremonies, each honouring the achievements, growth, and leadership of our students.
Graduation Mass – Wednesday 24 September
We began with a beautiful Graduation Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, wonderfully organised by Miss Mason and celebrated by Father Joe. This moving service gave students and their families the opportunity to reflect on the journey each graduate has taken through McAuley, celebrating not only their academic achievements but also their growth in faith, character, and community spirit. The Mass offered a moment of gratitude and hope, reminding us all of the values that underpin our College and the support that has guided students to this milestone.
Valedictory Assembly – Thursday 25 September
The following day, we gathered for the Valedictory Assembly, where staff and families shared heartfelt messages, and Year 12 presented a reflective video capturing their time at McAuley. Students received their Graduation Certificates, Year 12 Reports, retreat keepsakes, and a special school gift — a customised Frank Green bottle.
During the assembly, we celebrated several awards:
Catherine McAuley Awards
Presented to students who have consistently lived out the Mercy Values, this year’s awards recognised Respect and Excellence.
- Rahn received the Respect Award for the genuine regard he shows to both peers and staff, consistently demonstrating kindness and thoughtfulness.
- Sydney received the Excellence Award for his commitment to achieving goals with balance and good humour, while supporting and representing the College whenever needed.
First in Course Awards
Our Year 12 students were also recognised for their outstanding academic achievements:
- Sebastian – Mathematics Standard 1, Software Engineering
- Russell – Design & Technology, Mathematics Advanced
- Alana – Primary Industries
- Eddie – Studies of Religion
- Jude – Earth & Environmental Science, English Standard
- Rahn – English Studies, Sport, Lifestyle & Recreation
- Sydney – English Advanced, Modern History, PDHPE
- Gigi – Studies in Catholic Thought
- Jaida – Hospitality
- Ruben – Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics Standard 2
Special Awards
We also celebrated students who have made exceptional contributions across leadership, STEM, service, and alternative learning pathways:
- ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award – Sydney, recognised for his initiative, teamwork, and leadership both in school and the wider community.
- ADF Future Innovators Award – Russell, celebrated for his curiosity, creativity, and achievement in STEM subjects.
- Ampol All Rounder Award – Sydney, acknowledged for excellence across leadership, service, community, sport, and the arts.
- Reuben F. Scarf Award – Isabella, awarded for her persistence, dedication, and strong work ethic.
- Michael McCormack Award – Gigi, recognised for outstanding citizenship and meaningful contributions to the school community.
- Joe McGirr Award – Zahli, celebrated for her commitment and achievement in an alternative educational pathway.
A highlight of the assembly was the handover of College leadership from the 2025 Captains and Vice-Captains – Eadie, Phoebe, Jude, and Sydney – to our newly appointed 2026 leaders. Leadership at McAuley is about service, inspiration, and fostering community, and our 2025 leaders exemplified these values with dedication and integrity.
2026 College Leaders:
- Captains: Matt and Matilda
- Vice-Captains: Reese and Emma
The ceremony also included the symbolic passing of the Mercy Cross, which bears the names of all McAuley graduates since 2024 and represents the transition of responsibility, leadership, and the continuation of our Mercy Values. The assembly concluded with the joyful tossing of caps and countless photos to mark this milestone.
Year 12 Formal – Friday 26 September
Our celebrations concluded with the Year 12 Formal at Riverside Café, a wonderful evening of reflection, laughter, and joy. The Formal provided a more intimate setting for students, staff, and families to honour the graduates’ achievements, share memories, and celebrate the bonds formed during their time at McAuley. It was a fitting farewell to an exceptional group of young people.
A sincere thank you to Ms Roche and Mrs Ryan, whose dedication and care ensured a seamless and memorable week of celebrations for our Year 12 students.
As our graduates now commence their HSC Examinations, I encourage them to be kind to themselves and to each other. Your hard work, commitment, and perseverance will now shine, and we are proud to support you every step of the way.
Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2025!
Mary our Mother look after us,
Eamonn Moore
Principal
Year 12 Graduation Mass
Year 12 Formal
Valedictory Assembly
From the Community Council
Family Trivia Night – 24 October 2025
Are you smarter than a PE teacher?
Get ready for a fun-filled evening of laughs, friendly competition, and great company at our Family Trivia Night! Bring your family and friends, test your knowledge, and help spread the word — it’s going to be a fantastic night for all ages!
Gather your friends and book your table now! If you’re coming on your own, we’ll make sure you have a seat and great company on the night.
New Bubbler & Bottle Filler for the Secondary Campus
We’re thrilled to share that a new bubbler and water bottle filling station will soon be installed on the Secondary Campus!
Our Community Council has proudly contributed $4,000 to support the SRC’s project — a fantastic initiative valued at over $13,000. The new unit includes a chiller system, water filtration, three bottle fillers, and three bubblers — perfect for keeping our students hydrated through the warmer months.
A big thank you to Lyn Bathgate for her time and effort in organising this upgrade for our school community.
Community Council Meeting - 06 November 2025
McAuley Art Exhibition
We hope you can join us on Wednesday 29 October from 6:00pm for the opening of our McAuley Art Exhibition in the College Hall.
Year 10 Work Experience Week
During Term 3, our Year 10 students were out gaining valuable insight into the world of work across a wide range of industries, including agriculture, trades, education, hospitality, and health.
A huge thank you to the local businesses and industries who generously hosted our students and provided them with such meaningful opportunities. Your support helps our young people develop skills, build confidence, and explore their career aspirations for the future.
NSWCCC Boys Basketball Championships
Basketball Superstars
Back to the Future - The Musical Excursion
On Wednesday, a group of students from our Secondary Campus travelled to Sydney to see the critically acclaimed musical Back to the Future. The students had an absolute blast, describing the show as funny, clever, and exceptionally well done.
The production brought the iconic film to life with incredible performances, music, and special effects that left everyone amazed. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience live theatre at its best, while also enjoying a fun and memorable day out together.
Excursions like this not only offer a cultural experience but also inspire creativity, teamwork, and a love of the performing arts — and this one certainly did not disappoint!
Orientation 2026
2026 Intentions
Kindergarten Bus Safety Excursion
A few weeks ago, our Kindergarten students took part in a hands-on bus safety excursion.
With the help of Vicki Bye – Makenna’s Grandma – and the team from Goode's Coaches Tumut, students learned how to travel safely on a school bus and then put their learning into practice at the McAuley bus stop and crossing areas.
This important experience supported their classroom learning about road safety, helping them become safe passengers, careful pedestrians, and confident travellers.
Well done, Kindergarten! 💙👏
Year 4 Science Fun
This week, Year 4 enjoyed a fun (and very messy!) Science lesson exploring solids, liquids, and gases.
Students discovered that some materials are tricky to classify — like custard mixed with water, which has properties of both solids and liquids. It was a hands-on way to learn about the fascinating world of matter!
Sunny Days
Enjoying the warmer mornings
Swap It!
We have recently become a SWAP IT school!
SWAP IT is an evidence-based and award-winning program that has been implemented in more than 860 schools. It’s all about encouraging the school community to make small and achievable swaps in the lunchbox, from sometimes foods to everyday foods.
These small changes, sustained over time, can lead to big improvements in student health, wellbeing, and learning! Look out for SWAP IT messages to help you 'swap' for healthier lunchboxes! Find tips on the SWAP IT website: www.swapit.net.au/tips
A parent booklet to pop on the fridge has been sent home this week to primary campus families.
Integrating Focus Term 4
The role models for Term 4 are Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello who are the Australian of the Year Award Local Heroes for 2025.
Vanessa and Hannah run Cafe Stepping Stone, a social enterprise café that empowers women from migrant, refugee, and other disadvantaged backgrounds. The café provides employment, on-the-job training, and qualifications, targeting women facing barriers like limited English, minimal work experience, or homelessness. Through inclusive practices and community-focused events, they create a supportive space that builds skills, confidence, and social connection.
Fire Cadets
Congratulations to our amazing McAuley students who are part of the Tumut Riverina Highlands RFS Cadets! 💙
A few weeks ago, these outstanding students took part in the Australian Fire Cadet Championships, hosted by the NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW RFSA in the Southern Highlands. The event brought together young firefighters from across Australia and New Zealand.
Our cadets did an incredible job, taking out 1st place in the Cadets Light Tanker and Hand Tool event! 👏
The Championships were about much more than competition — they celebrated teamwork, resilience, leadership, and the strong sense of community service shown by these inspiring young people.
Congratulations Cadets
Primary Campus Landscaping
The Primary Campus was a hive of activity over the holidays with the start of our new landscaping project, completing the final stage of our total campus upgrade! 🌿
A new pathway is being created to allow parents to drop off and collect their children via Capper Street. We’re hopeful this will help ease parking congestion during those busy morning and afternoon times.
We can’t wait to see it all come together — stay tuned for updates!
Canteen Help
Tumut Library
As October is Mental Health Awareness Month, we are inviting the community to share what brings them joy by filling out a note and adding it to our display board at Tumut Library. We hope this encourages personal reflection on positive thoughts and activities, as well as sparking conversations within the community.
School Student Travel
Applications are now open for 2026 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel.
Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2026.
Students progressing from year 2 to year 3 and from year 6 to year 7 need to re-apply.
Where a student meets the new distance eligibility, the system will automatically update their entitlement. If they do not meet the new distance requirements, they will receive an expiry notification.
Students who change address, school, campus location, have repeated a year or received an expiry notification for their school travel entitlement need to renew or update their details before the end of term 4. This will ensure that schools can endorse applications before the end of the year, so students travel entitlement can remain valid for the start of the 2026 school year.
Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition that is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.
Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.
Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.
All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.