Dear McAuley Families

This week we acknowledge Sorry Day in our community.  We especially support our First Australian families and friends on this anniversary of the apology made by Prime Minister Rudd. My hope is that our school and community can continue to support and develop a culture that is rich, diverse and understanding of all different cultures and traditions.

Almighty and loving God, you who created ALL people in your image,

Lead us to seek your compassion as we listen to the stories of our past. You gave your only Son, Jesus, who died and rose again so that sins will be forgiven.

We place before you the pain and anguish of dispossession of land, language, lore, culture and family kinship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced. We live in faith that all people will rise from the depths of despair and hopelessness. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have endured the pain and loss of loved ones, through the separation of children from their families.

We are sorry and ask God’s forgiveness.

Touch the hearts of the broken, homeless and inflicted and heal their spirits. In your mercy and compassion walk with us as we continue our journey of healing to create a future that is just and equitable.

Lord, you are our hope. Amen.

NAPLAN:  Well done and thank you to our Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students who completed National Assessment testing last week.  I was pleased to see all students approaching the assessments with a positive attitude and make strong efforts.  Results will be made available to families later in the year.  NAPLAN test results, although a ‘point in time’ result are used for a number of strategic and funding decisions made both at school and by Catholic Education.  Grateful thanks to Mrs Dumbrell, Mrs Black and our many teaching and support staff who worked to organise and supervise the sessions.  Should you have any feedback in this regard please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Tell Them From Me Survey:  Each year students from Years 5-10, staff and parents complete a satisfaction survey on the operations and various aspects of the school.  This year’s survey is a slightly different format.  Final areas and questions are being confirmed now prior to the release of the test.  Please take the time to respond constructively and comment on the areas of strength and areas to develop at McAuley.  Details will be sent home in the coming days.

Sporting Events:  Elsewhere in this Newsletter you will see reports of a number of sporting events our students have attended both locally and in Canberra over the last two weeks. It is pleasing to have continual positive feedback and comment about our McAuley students’ good sportsmanship and excellent manners.  Thank you all for your fair play and great efforts.  Thanks to our families also for your support in providing so many outstanding opportunities for your sons and daughters.

Religious Education Planning:  You might be aware that the Archdiocese is currently rolling out a new Religious Education Program, based on the Archdiocese of Brisbane documents.  We have been able to release teachers at various times to undertake planning of new units.  This week (Thursday and Friday) we welcome Mrs Bernadette Scott from CE Canberra who will work with staff from K-10 evaluating and planning for Terms 3 and 4.  Classes will be covered internally in a variety of ways to ensure teachers are able to collaborate and plan.  Our REC, Miss Mason is doing an excellent job leading this curriculum change and the work produced by our teachers is an example for other schools.  Thank you all for your hard work and insight.

Enrolling now for 2022:  Don’t forget we are enrolling now for 2022 with places especially in Kindergarten and Year 7 being offered.  Details of Orientation Programs and Information sessions will appear in various local press, Facebook and communications.  Please encourage those who might be uncertain about a Catholic Education at McAuley to contact me for a tour and chat about what our school can offer to their family. The future looks bright for our school and the Executive Team and staff are working hard to embrace and maximise the potential of our school as a ‘point of difference’ with strong academic support and results, as well as a strong pastoral and wellbeing framework.

Managing Big Emotions Workshop:  Don’t forget as part of our Parent Education Sessions we are offering a workshop on “Big Emotions” (conducted by Be You facilitators) next Wednesday at 5.30pm.  Please RSVP so we have an idea of numbers.  This will be a very interactive and practical session for all interested parents. Session flyers will give further detail.

Building Works: The building works on the Primary Campus are moving along, with the pouring of the slab this week and walls going up.

Mary our Mother… Look after us.

Eamonn Moore

Principal