Dear McAuley Families

Welcome back to Term 3.  I hope that every family has made themselves aware of the email sent last week in terms of the current procedures we are undertaking at school in terms of the Covid “Road Map”.  We remain at Step 2.2 for the time being.  This simply means that all excursions, large scale gatherings, assemblies, working bees etc remain on hold for now. 

We continue to enforce higher level cleaning and hygiene standards.  I know it is disappointing that we cannot return to more normal school days, but we must keep the safety of our staff and students at the fore.

At all times, we rely on the advice of NSW Health as well as Catholic Education and Catholic Schools NSW directives.  Please be assured that our Executive Team are well aware and very careful that all our decisions and operational matters are in line with the most current advice.

Satisfaction Surveys: In the coming weeks all staff, parents and students will receive email links to the 2020 Satisfaction Survey process.  These surveys work to gauge each year the things the school is doing well and to seek advice on were we might be able to improve.  These responses then inform part of our strategic planning and budgeting processes for 2021. I ask your support in completing these surveys in an honest and constructive way.  Your opinions as a community are vital to our smooth operation and good reputation.  The responses are also included as part of each year’s Annual Report - available on the McAuley website.

Routine: Please work hard to ensure that your sons and daughters quickly get back into a smooth school and study routine.  Good planning and sound organization bring comfort and assist with student achievement and a lessening of anxiety for all.

Enrol Now:  We continue our 2021 Enrolment Campaign and soon begin the interview process for new students and families for next year.  We continue to grow in numbers due to our very good (and well-deserved) local reputation. Please encourage those family and friends you know with children starting Kindergarten or Year 7 next year to book a tour and complete an application online. Numbers so far for 2021 are positive though I am aware that a number of families are yet to complete the enrolment process.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can assist with questions or have a chat. 

Congratulations: Claudia and I were pleased to attend Parish Mass last weekend to help celebrate Father George’s 10^th anniversary as a priest.  I am personally very grateful to Father for his most positive support for us here at school and assure him of our continued prayers for him in his vital pastoral role in the local parish and schools.

Thank you:  Grateful thanks to our Primary teachers for their preparation and work for Parent – Teacher Interviews last week.  Thanks to those parents who made the time to come along and learn of some of the successes of your children and work to discuss some future goals.  A strong partnership is so important between school and family and leads to much improved outcomes for us all.  I hope the online bookings and electronic sign in assisted a smooth visit to school.

Uniform:  A reminder that all students K-10 must be dressed in correct school uniform.  Haircuts, jewellery and fingernails in extreme styles should be avoided (mainly due to safety factors).  Your support as parents is much appreciated if we are all on the “same page” with acceptable dress and appearance. A good and tidy school uniform should be worn with pride and clearly identify our excellent school to the local community.

Mary our Mother… Look After Us.

Eamonn Moore

Principal