Dear McAuley Families

Things remain quiet as we slowly get into the rhythm of 2022. Our low COVID case numbers are surely a reflection of each individual’s efforts to follow protocols and be as safe as we can to protect those vulnerable people in our society.  Thank you all for that.  As always I will communicate daily with any reported cases or school exposures.

Thanks to the efforts of Lyn Bathgate and Maree Stewart we have been able to hold two swimming carnivals in a COVID safe manner.  This allows for those students who qualify to compete at higher levels and for our Kindergarten, Year 1 and 2 students to have a day out.  It is disappointing not to be able to have parent spectators at these events and enjoy community days but we must abide by the NSW Health Orders and Catholic Education Directives.  I know correspondence is going out regarding those students who will compete at Western Region Swimming next Thursday in Cootamundra and wish them well.

Catholic Education advised of some changes to the Level 3 Roadmap for Schools and I will communicate those in due course as needed.  As always the NSW Health website and Catholic Education Team are the reference point for any clarifications or queries.

Our Kindergarten class of 2022 has settled very well.  Thanks to Mrs Crane for her beautiful care and organisation. It is wonderful to see confident, bright and happy boys and girls who love coming to school each day.  It is also great to hear from our numerous new students and families how welcome and happy they are as they join our community.  All Primary Classes will have sent home information about curriculum being covered this term.  Teachers will also have communicated with you about weekly routines and expectations. Please always contact your child’s Class or Pastoral Care teacher with any questions or concerns in the first instance.

Families also will have seen the ICT User Agreement being sent home in hard copy for student and parent signature. I ask that each family has a conversation about this document and be clear about the agreements that are being signed off.  It is disappointing to note (not only at McAuley) a rise in cyber bullying and inappropriate use of technology.  Senior students need to be very aware that their actions could result in legal action and long term impact on employment and life prospects.  Please be very aware of what your children are doing with technology and be sure that they are being safe and responsible.  Following a stocktake those students who have not returned signed agreements will be unable to access the school networks.  Class and PC teachers will be following this up next week and across the remainder of the year.

Please also mark in your calendars the dates for our Term 1 Community Council Meetings.  Our Annual General Meeting in Week 5 will elect new office bearers for this year.  Following our substantial building program I am keen to have community input and efforts into a landscaping and outdoor master plan, equipment and community building activities.  An active Community Council is a great support to a school and after the interruptions of the last few years is an exciting goal for us in 2022.

You will also note our improved school crossing which was completed a few weeks back.  The school worked with council to access safe crossing grants and was successful in upgrading the crossing on a very busy Capper Street, making it more obvious and safer for our students.  Thanks also to our ever vigilant crossing guide, Ron for his care and dedication.

The road works at the Gocup Road intersection will impact bus pick up and road traffic soon.  We await clear directives from council on the impacts that might have and the changes we need in our processes. Again these works all flow from our desire to make our buildings, grounds and facilities, modern, clean, safe and functional for our students.

Mary our Mother… Look after us.

Eamonn Moore - Principal