Dear McAuley Families

Welcome back to Term 3. I know there were a number of families who had travel plans interrupted by the COVID situation yet again (ourselves included). Many have not seen interstate family members for quite some time and some have family internationally that they must feel desperate to be able to see again. It is a strong reminder to us all to enjoy every moment and hold our family members close to us.

Sadly, we are seeing a rise in anxiety amongst our young people who no doubt are reflecting the hesitation and fear that is portrayed in the press and society generally.  With that comes change in mood, clinging to home and family with some negative behaviours. Michael Carr-Gregg has excellent advice on his website (www.michaelcarrgregg.com) which recommends eight steps, websites and apps that may support our young people (and us!) during these times.

The 8 secrets of wellbeing and websites/apps that can help:

1. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it (ecouch/this way up/Moodgym)
2. See life as it is, but focus on the good bits (Three Good Things)
3. If you want to feel good, do good (The Kindness App)
4. When we are together, everything is better (Happify)
5. Be active, rest, relax (Couch to 5K)
6. There is more to life when you stop and notice (Headspace/Smiling Mind)
7. Find time to lose yourself in what you love (Blinklist)
8. It helps to know what you are looking for (Bucketlistly/Soon)

The situation is fast moving, with regional areas in lockdown as I write. Rest assured, McAuley remains prepared for any eventuality and our staff are working hard to be prepared for any situation. I remain in awe of their energy and flexibility as well as their commitment to keeping our days as busy and normal as possible in these uncertain times.

Our communication is aimed at being timely and as simple as possible. At all times we rely on guidance from Catholic Education and NSW Health. (Please refer to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/what-you-can-do-nsw)

Thank you for your support in remaining away from school grounds and in only visiting the school if essential. The wearing of face masks is recommended for all essential visitors and students in Year 7 and above and I thank you again for your support in this area.

Please keep an eye on social media and know that any important announcements will be communicated via email to ensure all families receive the information.

Rebecca Van Herk Workshop:  Many parents enjoyed meeting with Rebecca and working through understanding their children’s “big emotions”. We had Rebecca booked to return in mid-August but due to being in lockdown in Sydney she has had to cancel. I know many will be disappointed to read this (as I was). We look forward to working with Rebecca later in the year if at all possible.

Uniform:  Our last Community Council meeting spent some time refining the uniform options that have been suggested. At this week’s meeting the Community Council hope to make more progress on finally making a clear way forward with uniform. It’s great to see a number of students already wearing the warmer jackets and sloppy joes on these cold days.

Community Council Meeting:  Reminder about our meeting this week. The meeting will be held in the Hall Classroom TONIGHT, Thursday 22 July at 5.00pm. Masks, physical distancing and QR code check in required.  For those wishing to join the meeting on MS Teams please register with the school office by 2pm today.

Western Region Athletics Carnival: The carnival is “on hold” at the present time as restrictions make it impossible for competitors to travel outside of their local areas. 

Seasons for Growth:  A reminder to register your interest if you believe your sons or daughters might benefit from the “Seasons for Growth” program.  This program assists young people who have had “big life changes” – loss, separation or similar.  Please contact Shannon McCabe for more details (Shannon.McCabe@vinnies.org).

Mary our Mother… Look after us.

Eamonn Moore

Principal