Dear McAuley Families

The issue of cyber bullying has been under the spotlight this week with the visible impact on ABC TV reporter Stan Grant being highlighted.  Sadly, we are not immune at McAuley and receive reports of issues from a growing number of Secondary and Primary families. It is almost impossible for schools to deal with these matters as they happen away from our grounds and supervision.  The comments are often cruel, thoughtless, and threatening. It seems anyone can hide behind the internet and say what they want. 

Please look to the E-safety Commission website for resources and advice. Never hesitate to report threats and violence to the Police and always talk to your boys and girls.  These types of issues are very often under reported or left until the situation is dire.

Linda Stade pleads with parents to be “in charge” of internet usage in our homes.  Indeed, she says that children should not be alone in bedrooms with internet connected devices.  She writes about the “six basic truths about kids online:”

1. Kids will occasionally do silly things online (even good kids!)
2. Not everyone online can be trusted
3. Conflict among young people escalates online
4. Kids tend to be less inhibited online
5. Many seek validation and acceptance online
6. Kids are especially vulnerable to technology addiction (read about the TikTok “Rabbit hole!”

The terrible fact is that online bullying can be relentless, and phones can transmit hate and anger all throughout the night to our young people.

It is important that we adults model good habits in terms of our internet usage and actions.  Our children watch and listen to use more than we ever realise, so please be conscious of those things as we move forward into the very connected future of learning and living. 

Maree Stewart lost her beloved mum, Pauline, to brain cancer on Mother’s Day and Kerry Croft her father Geoff recently.  I know their families have so much appreciated the prayers and support offered by our McAuley family over the past weeks.  It is in times like this that our care and concern for one another is so practical and valued.  Thank you all. 

Thanks also to those families who reached out to support and compliment our staff and students after our recent lockdown situation. As my notification stated, the safety of all involved was our priority.  Please do not be alarmed by the urban myths that are circulating about weapons or assaults on staff.  None of that is true. We have high expectations for the behavior of our students, and I can assure you that we have great boys and girls who are happy and cooperative at our school.

Catholic Education are sending a consultant firm to refine our policies and procedures.  We look forward to ensuring that we are demonstrating best practice in terms of our lockdown and evacuation processes.

Over the coming weeks we will be carrying out a concerted enrolment campaign for 2024.  Places are available at our main entry points (Kindergarten, Year 7 and Year 11, 2024). We are in the position of having wait lists for a couple of year levels.  Please be sure to encourage your friends and family to consider a McAuley education in a school with proven academic results, strong and authentic pastoral care and a true community who supports and cares for one another.

Mary our Mother, Look after us.

Eamonn Moore

Principal