As we enter the last few days of the school year for 2024, I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their valuable contributions to the McAuley community this year. We are blessed to have great families support us and trust us with the educational journey that their children are on. I would like to mention the staff at McAuley who continually go above and beyond in their quest to provide a great education for our students and families. Their contributions have been exemplary. 

Retiring teachers

On Thursday, we recognised the staff who are retiring from McAuley. A huge thank you must go to the Community Council for arranging gifts on behalf of the College. It was great to see Community Council representatives, Mel Pearce and Krissy Angus come along to show support.  

Mrs Julie Cross is leaving after being with McAuley for the last 3 and half years. Julie has played a significant role in establishing Stage 6 schooling, teaching both Chemistry and Earth & Environmental Science to our senior students. Julie has also been in the role of Stage 5 Coordinator for the past year. 

Mrs Jeanette Dumbrell is officially leaving McAuley after 22 years of teaching at the College. Jeanette has accepted the position of Religious Education Coordinator at St Marys in Batlow. She has been a tireless and dedicated educator who has always put students first. 

Ms Fran Clarke is retiring after 21 years of service at McAuley. Fran has been instrumental in driving student academic achievement at McAuley. She was one of the pioneers for introducing the BYOD program into our College and has always been at the forefront of curriculum development. Prior to McAuley going to Stage 6, Fran made sure that students were well prepared for life after McAuley.

Ms Sharon Wyse is retiring after over 35 years of service to McAuley. Sharon has been an extremely well respected teacher. When I talk to ex McAuley students in the community, they all remark that Sharon was a great teacher and that they learned so much from her. Sharon has always maintained high standards of education and taken an active interest in preparing students for the workforce. 

On behalf of the McAuley community, I would like to both thank and congratulate these teachers for their service.  Our College has been extremely lucky to have had these dedicated teachers as part of our team.  

School reports

Semester 2 school reports were released yesterday for students from Kinder to Year 10. They are available to view in the Compass Parent Portal. These reports show the academic growth of the students and from a parental point of view to allow you to have a conversation with your children about the positive work that they have done throughout the year. If you would like to discuss the school report with your child’s teacher, please contact the College to make a convenient time to talk.

Awards assembly 

Our End of Year Awards Assembly is on Monday in our College Hall starting at 6pm. Awards recipients should have been notified via Compass of their impending award. I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all of the students getting awards as it is a reward for the hard work that they have put in throughout the year. We have also been extremely fortunate to have local businesses and organisations sponsor our Awards. The list of sponsors will be on the program at the Awards night and are listed below. On behalf of the College, I would like to thank these businesses for their support. 

School return dates 

Please note some important dates for the return to school in 2025.

• Staff return for their first day of school on 31 January
• Monday 3 February is a pupil free day
• Tuesday 4 February: Students for Years 1-6, Yr 7 & Years 11 & 12 return
• Wednesday 5 February: Years 8,9 & 10 return
• Thursday 6 February: First day for Kindergarten 
• Friday 6 February: College Swimming Carnival

I hope that everyone has a great Christmas break and is able to enjoy their time with family and friends. 

Mary, our mother, look after us.

David Turnbull 
Acting Principal