Dear McAuley Families

As we listen to the endless coverage about the death of the Queen I am reminded we are going through yet another “moment in history”.  We certainly have had our fair share over the last 3 years!

I reflect on the Queen as a leader, who remained humble and focused on relationships – meeting each person where they are at.  She certainly showed skill at adapting to change and must have experienced so much change in her 70 years as Queen.  She also demonstrated strong commitment to training and mentoring those around her.  King Charles has endured a remarkably long apprenticeship! She was a person of faith also who relied on that as her foundation, during both the times of joy and sadness in her life. 

We can learn much from Queen Elizabeth in terms of being a collaborator.  A leader who knows they don’t have all the answers but seeks information and uses that to make a well informed and balanced decision.

Aside from that she showed a motherly care and concern, using her sense of humor and fun to make people feel welcome and at ease.  The Queen’s example provides us with much to learn from as we reflect on a long and very public life of leadership.

As next Thursday (22 September) has been proclaimed a National Public Holiday, McAuley will be closed for all classes, staff and students. We will return on Friday 23 September for the last day of term.

Please note change of date for Term 3 Awards Ceremony which will now be held on Friday 14 October @ 2.00pm. (Week 1, Term 4).

I am happy to announce the following round of staffing appointments:

1. Welcome to Patricia Marsh who has been successful in replacing Libby McGruer as Primary Receptionist.  Trish will now work full time in the Primary Office.  Already a familiar face and phone voice, we are pleased to have Trish’s long experience and skills to support our students and families.
2. Following Wendy Hill’s decision to retire after her leave this year, we advertised for the position of Learning Support Teacher.  A panel consisting of Stephen Barnard (Senior Officer Disability Wellbeing & Inclusion), Natalie Bartlett (Community Council Chair) and Christine Baron (Principal, St Patrick’s Gundagai) conducted interviews last week and appointed Libby Black to the role from 2023.  Libby has been acting in this role with Jo Dougherty to cover Wendy’s leave this year. As part of our planning for 2023 we will further allocate learning support loads in Primary and Secondary.
3. Sarah Lu has been successful in gaining an English teaching position in Stage 6.  Sarah comes to us with a wealth of Year 11 and 12 experience in teaching and leadership.  She has been an HSC & NAPLAN marker so brings outstanding knowledge and skills to us. Sarah will join us in Term 4 for planning and assistance with Stage 6.
4. Graham Brown will join the staff from THS as a Stage 6 teacher also.  Graham is an experienced, dedicated and student focussed teacher who also brings a highly impressive skillset to our staff.
5. We welcome back Mrs Greacen to Secondary classes next term following her leave and thank Mr David Edwards for his excellent work in Geography, Art and Hospitality this term as he covered for Julie.

As advised, we have extended the closing date for the other advertised Primary & Secondary jobs that will be offered next year.  There will be some permanent positions offered which I know are very attractive to those considering joining us at McAuley. Please refer to the Catholic Education, Canberra website for details and applications.

National Day of Mourning:

As mentioned, our last day for Term 3 will be next Friday 23 September.  Classes will return on Monday 10 October (Week 1 Term 4). 

Some important end of year event dates are below for your planning:

Mary our Mother… Look after us.

Eamonn Moore

Principal