Dear McAuley Families

A touch of sun and warmth in the air gives a promise of spring.  It certainly remains wet and I thank our mums and dads for keeping on top of the washing of track pants and muddy shoes.  It is important that our boys and girls have activity and move during the school day.  Brain science over the last few years has really highlighted activity as a huge benefit to learning.  Many of our teachers now employ “brain breaks” to reduce stress and anxiety and open the

neurological pathways to better learning.  These short bursts of activity really provide a benefit to our students.  Dr Wendy Suzuki, author of “Healthy Brain, Happy Life” has also given a very popular TED talk on activity and learning.

She talks about treating the brain like a muscle. Exercise builds neurons (neurogenesis) and increases neuro-chemicals like serotonin which “helps your brain today and protects against neurological decay in future.”

Our revised school uniform enhances that ability to move and be comfortable.  I am very pleased with the uptake of the uniform and ask that families support correct uniform choices in all students (white socks, jumpers and suitable shoes included).  I am aware that some students leave home in correct uniform and arrive at school with a revised version.  Our Student Welfare Policy has uniform reminders built into an automated system.  Teachers will be conducting a uniform blitz over the next few weeks and reminding students about correct uniform as well as communicating with families.

An aspect of uniform that we are currently refining are the “additions” such as hair, nails and jewellery.  A revised appendix to our policy will be provided to Community Council at their next meeting for information and approval.  At the base of this area is a need for safety.  Students with long hair (below the shoulders), long nails, hooped earrings and multiple rings and bangles may be unsafe in sports, science or construction activities.  They will therefore be asked to tie back hair or remove jewelry as a safety request by staff.  Again, we expect support from our families in this aspect of tidy, safe and suitable uniform.

There has been a great deal of press lately about mobile phones in schools.  Our policy is clear, in that students are not to use mobile phones or devices on school grounds in break or class times.  Students may leave devices in their bags or place them in classroom pockets which are provided in Secondary Classrooms (or the office).  This removes distraction and allows for concentration on class work.  Teachers will enforce the rule that devices are not to be used at break times also.  We have had recent cases of students’ videoing and sharing fellow students and staff on social media.  This is a clear breach of the ICT Agreement signed annually by parents and students and will lead to consequences and removal of the device for collection by family members from the school.  Online threats of violence and the transmission of unsuitable or illegal images should be reported to the Police or the E-Safety Hotline (safety.gov.au).

As stated above we want our boys and girls to move, talk and interact with each other without the distraction of phones and devices during class and break times.

Progress continues in our Year 11, 2023 space.  Subject selections are being finalized in the coming days which will inform staffing for 2023.  We are about to advertise for teaching positions for 2023 across Primary and Secondary classes, part time, fulltime, permanent and temporary as we build our teaching and support team for next year.  Please encourage your friends and colleagues to consider joining our school at this most exciting of times.

Year 10 families will receive notification soon about fees and charges for Years 11 and 12.  We are hoping to negotiate substantial discounts and subsidies on fees, VET courses, laptops and uniforms to add to the attraction of remaining at McAuley for Senior Schooling. This will immediately provide a most attractive option to Boarding School Fees, travel and on-costs.  Again please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions or suggestions.

Mary our Mother… Look after us.

Eamonn Moore

Principal