FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear McAuley Families
It seems amazing that first term is done and dusted! We have quickly returned to normal and have had very busy days over the last few weeks with sacramental programs, sporting trials and community events. As I have said before, school is so much more than 'readin’, writin’ and ‘rithmatic' and we continue to work to make McAuley a place of opportunity and positivity for our students.
I was able to enjoy some leave and family time last week as we had 21st and 18th birthdays in the same week! Fearghus was also in a Canberra musical so we had some busy family days together celebrating those important milestones. Thanks to David Turnbull and the Executive staff who looked after things capably in my absence.
As we move to celebrate Easter we are quickly reminded by the situation in Brisbane that the COVID crisis is far from over. Please take care in the break and keep an eye on hot-spots and regulations if you travel. You may need to notify the school on your return from certain areas and self-isolate. I ask that for the benefit of all in our community that you remain abreast all of regulations and Government and Health Department requests.
Special prayers for Fran Clarke. Fran is taking leave next term to deal with a medical issue. I know she takes with her an enormous amount of love and so many prayers for a quick recovery. Our beautiful support of one another is certainly a hallmark of this place.
Mrs Hughes (Poss) remains in touch and her treatment is progressing well. She too is grateful for the many prayers and strong community support she is receiving.
Easter is a time of very mixed emotions. As we walk the road and events of Holy Week we often focus on the betrayal, suffering and death of Jesus. We easily forget the joy of the resurrection and the hope for the future that brings with it. Christ’s resurrection is a sign of overcoming tragedy and proclaims hope in the human condition. By rising above and solving our broken relationships, sharing love and life with others and making our actions good ones we too are ‘resurrected’. I pray that each and every family are able to share time and joy with one another over the Easter season.
Building Program: It is very exciting to see the building works get under way in the Primary School. This stage of the program will renovate the classroom areas and provide updated learning and flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for those rooms. We aim to create more light and flexibility in those areas. I remind all students, staff and families that the areas behind the fences are strictly out of bounds and are not to be entered at any time. Should you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.
Eucharist: Congratulations to our students who celebrated the Sacrament of Eucharist (Communion) last week. Thank you to our staff and families for their commitment to the sacramental journey of their children. Thanks to Miss Mason and Mrs Bathgate for their preparation and work.
Well done also to our Year 8 and Year 9 students who travelled to Temora for Youth Retreats this week. The feedback from students and staff was excellent. Thanks again to Miss Mason, Mr Ellison and Ms Dougherty for their time and support of our students.
Community Council AGM: Our community Council AGM was held last week with a good number of parents in attendance. Elections were carried out and 2021 office bearers were elected:
Chair: Natalie Bartlett
Deputy Chair: Lucinda Clay
Secretary: Ros Piper
Treasurer: Mel Pearce
Parent Reps: Lyndal McKay, Sarah Roche, Karen Lindley, Karen Clarke
Teacher Reps: Lyn Bathgate, Jeanette Dumbrell
Fundraising: To be filled
Uniform Sub-Committee: Mel Pearce, Natalie Bartlett, Jeanette Dumbrell, Lauren Roche
I thank all these parents for their support of the school and look forward to a productive 2021 with some projects and fundraising ideas being discussed.
The uniform sub-committee will meet to examine further uniform supply issues and ideas to refine our school uniform into the future. We want to be ready for winter uniform to be clear, affordable and comfortable.
Thanks to our staff for their untiring efforts to make learning and school days interesting, challenging and enjoyable for your sons and daughters.
School resumes for Term 2 on Tuesday 20th April. Monday 19th April is a staff development day and is pupil free.
Mary our Mother… Look after us.