Dear McAuley Families

The term is certainly moving on with more rain predicted unbelievably. We are certainly busy keeping things on track whilst beginning to recruit, plan and prepare for 2023.

In the Year 11 space, there is a great deal happening:

• This week we are conducting staffing interviews for Stage 6 English and General Teaching position/s.
• Students have indicated their preferred subjects/pathways for Year 11 and 12
• We are meeting to finalise subject offerings for 2023 (both face to face and virtually). Also the TAFE and VET courses we may be able to offer in the coming years.
• Finalising costing for student laptops and fee discounts.
• Organising leasing and provision of laptops to staff to begin in 2023
• Working with CE to obtain portable buildings for an extension of our learning spaces whilst finalising our Facilities and Building Master Plans.

We aim to keep you informed as much as possible as we progress into this exciting space in the future of Catholic Education in our local area.

There is also time to meet and consult with the current Year 10 students, staff and families to begin a consultation process about other future needs and plans. We met and discussed questions and suggestions about:

• Year 11 and 12 uniform – a Graduating Class of XXIV shirt being designed and looking to order
• Leadership models and roles for Years 10-12
• Study/learning/social spaces
• Timetabling (K-12)
• Camps, excursions and formals

As a school we are keen to get parent input into many of these ideas, plans and suggestions.  Right now we have more questions than answers but look forward to many robust and rewarding discussions in the coming weeks. As I have said regularly we have the chance to offer a tailored package to our students who will be excellently resourced, carefully guided and cared for in a small and well supervised cohort.

Secondary students this week have been reminded of our school expectations in regard to uniforms and mobile phones.  As previously advised, we are refining the additions to our uniform policy in terms of hair, nails and jewellery expectations.  At the base of these refinements is the need for safety. Many hooped earrings, necklaces, rings and bangles can present a risk in terms of certain sports, lessons and activities and need to be removed or not worn at all. This guideline is similar for long hair which is a safety risk in labs, practical experiments and kitchens. 

Students were also reminded that mobile phones are to be kept in bags or classroom pockets during the school day.  If a student has a need to use a phone during the day they are to use it in the front office.  The sharing of photos or videos without consent is a serious offence and may be referred to Police.  Students who are using phones at incorrect times will be asked to bring the device to the office for collection in the afternoon.

The school expects your support in these matters, understanding that as parents we all want our children to be safe, well and comfortably dressed, active and engaged without the distractions of devices, jewellery or hair choices.

Our Community Council spent a great deal of time and effort in revising our uniform options and it is pleasing to know that we are well ahead of many other schools in terms of a uniform that allows for comfort and activity, as well as being non-gender specific.

It seems that many COVID restrictions continue to ease.  So far we have had a small impact on staff and student absences (certainly not what was predicted) and hope to reinstate many of our community and family events in Term 4.

I will be attending the National Catholic Education Conference (NCEC) in Melbourne from Sunday to Wednesday next week, along with leaders from our Archdiocese and others Australia wide. It will be a great opportunity to learn how the face of education has changed (and will continue to) due to the impacts of COVID and the predicted teaching shortages.  I look forward to feeding back some great ideas as we plan for an exciting future at McAuley.

Please remind your friends and neighbours that we are enrolling for 2023 and have places available in Kindergarten, Years 7 and 11 for those seeking a faith based education anchored in science of learning principles with strong, literacy, numeracy and social skilling programs in place.

Happy Father’s Day to those fathers and father figures in our lives for Sunday.  Our Dad’s occupy a special place in our hearts. I know I will remember my own Dad with love not only for his quick Irish temper, but his fierce loyalty and love.  God bless.

Mary our Mother… Look after us.

Eamonn Moore

Principal