Dear McAuley Families

We pray for those impacted by rain and flooding as we encounter another unusual term.  At the very least our COVID protocols are allowing for a relatively normal return to events and excursions which are keeping the calendar very full. 

Our Year 11 and 12 planning is making significant gains.  We continue to work through the process of staffing and allocations for next year.  Our Stage 5 (Year 9 & 10 students) are completing their Elective Subject choices for 2023 and our Year 11 students are working to finalise subjects and lines.  We are thrilled to be able to offer an outstanding range of academic, vocational and apprenticeship supported pathways for our Class of XXIV.

Offerings in Year 11 are:

• Studies of Religion (which is combined with a Cert II in Active Volunteering)
• English Studies/Standard/Advanced
• Mathematics Standard/Advanced
• Biology
• Business Studies
• Chemistry
• Design & Technology
• Geography
• Industrial Technology – Wood
• Primary Industries
• Sport, Lifestyle & Recreation (SLR)
• As well as a range of VET/TAFE courses supporting childcare, forestry, interactive gaming etc.

Building works will begin soon for the “Senior Hub” to be located adjacent to the Basketball Courts.  We have also submitted the next round of applications for the next stage of the Block Grant Authority (BGA) grants for the Primary campus.  There is an enormous amount of work happening in planning, programming and organisation for the future.  Grateful thanks to the amazing team of MCCS staff and CE personnel who are helping out.

We were thrilled to welcome our Kinder class of 2023 (the Graduating Class of 2035!) to their first Orientation Day yesterday.  They were a cheery and excited bunch, and will be a fine addition to our school under the love and care of Ms Groves.  Enrolments are strong with enquiries across all year levels at the moment.  We look to have 23 Kinders for next year and more than 50 Year 7 which is terrific.

Our work and progress here at McAuley are a direct reflection of the charism of the Sisters of Mercy who believed that “action” was the way to provide service and assistance to others. Our efforts in embracing the latest educational pedagogical methods, lesson delivery and expansion into the future are all based on serving the needs of our students and providing opportunities for them, whilst being able to stay at home with their families in our town.  I continue to be so excited as we move into the future.

We are currently finalising budgets and fees for next year and will give you detail as soon as we are able.  Catholic Education have advised there will be a 5% rise in fees and charges across the board which we need to calculate in terms of our own budget restraints and financial commitments.

The Honourable Kristy McBain has advised her availability to visit and open the renovations completed as the last stage of our BGA work in the Primary.  We will hold a ceremony on November 3 with guests from NSW Government and Catholic Education in attendance.

Mary our Mother… Look after us.

Eamonn Moore

Principal