Dear McAuley Families

It’s “Super Week” at McAuley! So many things happening… a reminder that school is so much more than reading, writing and class work. All of the experiences we provide our students add to the richness of their McAuley journey.

Yesterday (as well as Melbourne Cup celebrations and Book Week Dress ups) the school underwent Registration. Every 5 years schools are required to prove their fitness in facilities, finance, curriculum and community. This year, due to the COVID regulations the panel from Catholic Education conducted a “compliance registration off site” meaning they gained access to all of our records and met via Teams meetings with Executive staff. The brief feedback this morning was excellent. The panel in particular were impressed with the recent work we have completed in policy update and review, plans for buildings and refurbishment, improved Student Welfare Policy and of course the sheer hard work our staff put in for our students. I am grateful for the work of the Executive and all the staff to be ready for this huge event and humbled by the early feedback. Thank you to our Community Council for their excellent support and vision for the school also.  McAuley will be provided with a formal report containing commendations and recommendations in due course.

Tuesday, you will have seen the announcement of our new Assistant Principal. I join with you and the staff to congratulate David Turnbull on his appointment knowing that he will be an excellent leader in our school as we move into the next phase of our Strategic Planning and Curriculum work.

Yesterday we welcomed our Kindergarten class of 2021 for their first orientation.  We have around 20 excited new starters who spent a busy day with their teacher Mrs Crane, finding out what a day at “big school” will be like. They even managed to make it to my office to find the lost green sheep… there were a few planted around the school including (I am told) possibly a real live one!  If my maths is correct, they will be the McAuley Graduating class of 2031!  Something to think about!

Next Kinder Orientations are Thursday 12 November and Tuesday 17 November. 

Year 7, 2021 Orientation Day is Friday 27 November.

We have limited places available in those year levels and I would strongly encourage those families considering a McAuley education to get their applications in for next year.

It’s good to see classes being able to participate in sporting fixtures and local events again. Our Primary students performed well at NRL Gala Day at Gundagai recently with excellent feedback on their participation and behaviour. We have Cricket Competitions for Primary and Secondary students also this week. Physical activity is great for fitness and mental health and being able to enjoy this beautiful weather is surely good for us too.

I’ve recently stumbled across education writer and blogger Linda Stade. I recommend her Facebook page to you and checking in to see some of her excellent articles on schooling and parenting and in particular the partnership between the two. I loved this image shared this week which is a great reminder of the vital work we all do in forming young people who will one day be good husbands, wives, leaders and members of society. It is a job we take seriously and do with great joy at McAuley.

Mary our Mother… Look After Us.

Eamonn Moore

Principal