Dear McAuley Families

Welcome back to Term 2.  I trust all enjoyed an excellent break.  The beautiful Autumn weather certainly was a joy and made the break even more special.

COVID 19 continues to impact our school and community and I thank you all once again for your efforts to follow the rules and regulations that are imparted on us by NSW Health and Catholic Education.  There were slight changes announced by CE on Tuesday which were communicated to you by Compass early in the week.  Please remember always to notify the school and NSW Health of a positive test result in your home.  The rules about masks have been relaxed somewhat but I ask that all be aware of the suggestions for students returning after isolation.  Any visitors on site need to notify Office staff that they are a close contact and wear a mask at all times.

On Tuesday we were blessed to be able to gather with our own staff and those from the local TBAG Catholic Schools (Tumut, Batlow, Adelong and Gundagai).  The day was facilitated by Luke Maher from CE and focussed on the theme of “Flourishing”.  I have long been a fan of positive psychology and was intrigued to be able to add a biblical focus to the notion of our own wellbeing, personal success and “flourishing.”

When we say we want our children to do well at school and be happy in life we too are hoping they can flourish.  There are numerous articles, websites and books (Martin Seligman’s “Flourish” is excellent).

Kids Matter and Mind Matters have some excellent pointers and flyers on their websites about how as parents we can help our children flourish through a passion for learning. 

1. Focus on the intrinsic rewards of learning. List 3 great things about every day.  Frame positive conversations rather than negative.
2. Create a nurturing environment where our children feel safe in expressing themselves and their feelings.
3. Model your family as a team. Collaborate in family time each week and create and sustain traditions like Sunday lunch or movie night so they become important and regular.
4. Encourage choice. Allow children to have a voice and have a say… being careful they do not always get their way.
5. Build routines, homework time, relaxing time. Be organised and use a family calendar and map ahead what the days and week will look like so all feel organised and on track.

I know from 30+ years of school experience that the students I see flourish are the ones who have great family support and those who are helped find their “passion” be it study, sport, music or whatever.  That positive focus builds great self-esteem and helps in all areas of life.

There are a number of events coming up so please be sure to be on top of your family schedule and be well organised as this helps lower anxiety in children (ours too!).

I’m really pleased to see Year 7 be able to head off to Narrabeen Sport and Rec Camp next week and thank their teachers for their family time in planning and supervising the camp.  Our Agriculture Elective Class had a successful trip to the Royal Easter Show in the first few days of the holidays and returned with great memories of an exciting few days.  Thanks to Mr Ellison, Mrs Stewart and Mr Hughes for their time and care for our students.

Mary our Mother… Look after us.

Eamonn Moore

Principal