Dear McAuley Families

I love this quote from Edith Sitwell as it defines winter for me and my family. Precious time to hunker down, get the slow cooker on and enjoy quiet times in hibernation. I believe we all need times like winter in our busy lives to physically slow us down and reconnect with those people and places we feel most comfortable in.

Uniform:  Thanks to much hard work and consultation the MCCS Uniform Sub-Committee are finalising future Uniform options. Clear directions and choices will be published in the coming days with Swans being able to stock all items required. The committee have worked to refine our uniform to make it more available, affordable, comfortable and usable for all students K-10. Please support the school by ensuring your children are in correct uniform.

Tell Them From Me Survey:  Staff, Years 4-10 students and families have been emailed the “Tell Them From Me” survey link. The survey closes on Friday 11 June at 4.30pm and we would like at least a 75% response rate. The unique link for the McAuley parent survey for McAuley is: http://tellthemfromme.com/h7gpp.

As you know the data and responses from this survey are an important part of our planning and future processes and this year will add value to our Strategic Plan 2021-2023 which is being formulated at the moment. Thank you as always for your candid input into the operations and future of our great school.

Western Region Athletics: Due to the rain and cold this week and next we have made the decision to postpone the Western Region Athletics Carnival being hosted at Tumut. Thanks to those who have already cooked or made arrangements to help out. A new date (most likely next term) will be advertised as soon as it can be organised. Thanks to Lyn Bathgate, Natalie Bartlett and helpers for their coordination so far.

Managing Big Emotions Workshop: We hosted a very informative and personalised workshop for parents with Rebecca Van Herk last week. Rebecca was able to tailor the workshop to answer both individual and group questions and provide some very practical advice on parenting. It is reassuring to know that we have a community that cares so deeply about being good mums and dads who can work in partnership with our school to guide our young people to be the best they can be.  There were a number of excellent resources forwarded to participants following the workshop. Should you like a copy of the articles and websites please let me know and I will send on.  

We are keen to continue with a series of parent education sessions and would welcome any suggestions into future activities and workshops.

Enrolling now for 2022:  Don’t forget we are enrolling now for 2022 with places especially in Kindergarten and Year 7 being offered. Numbers and enquiries are strong across all year levels. Please be advised (and let your friends know) of upcoming events next week in preparation for 2022:

• Kindergarten 2022 Open Morning and Parent Information Session Tuesday 15 June @ 10:00am.
• Year 7 2022 Parent Information Night Tuesday 15 June @ 6.00pm
• Year 7 2022 Student Orientation Day #1 Friday 18 June @ 9.00am.

As you know I am conducting parent and student interviews at the moment and it is really warming to hear so regularly that McAuley has such an excellent local reputation as a fine school and welcoming community. Thank you all for your positive talk and recommendations about our school.

Mary our Mother… Look after us.

Eamonn Moore, Principal