Dear McAuley Families

The weeks are flying!  The calendar is full.  The mornings are cool.  Winter is coming!

There is a lot happening at the college at the moment.  Please be sure to keep a good eye on communications, diaries, and due dates.  This helps all of us (students included!) to lower anxiety and remain calm, successful and productive.

This week we began interviews for places in Year 7, 2025 and a smattering of places in other Secondary year levels.  As you will know demand is very high for the limited places, we are able to offer next year.  It is pleasing to meet young people and keen families who see McAuley as a place with:

• Strong academics
• Committed teachers
• High expectations
• Expanding facilities
• Positive and caring community

We aim to have letters of offer out as soon as possible to give people certainty about their future directions in education.

Kinder enrolments are strong also.  We look forward to hearing more about our Kindergarten offerings at the 2025 Information Session on 11 June at 5.00pm.  Please watch our socials and Compass for reminders.

Establishment works for the Primary BGA project are about to start with the provision of electrical for the temporary classrooms and administration spaces.  The timelines, so far, call for those buildings to be in operation at the start of Term 3.  The existing admin, toilet and Kinder and Year 5/6 classrooms should be demolished during the term break. 

Exciting times coming!  I understand that there will be disruptions and patience needed over the coming weeks and months but know we will have 21^st century learning, library, admin, and amenities spaces for future generations of McAuley students ready to go from mid-2025. Please see the concept design for an idea of what is to come.

Congratulations to our various sporting teams and individuals who have enjoyed success at high levels.  This success is a testament to the volunteers, coaches, trainers, and students who work to build their skills and capacity to a level of excellence.

Many teachers are assessing and testing in preparation for semester reports.  Please encourage good study habits at home. In the past few years, we have learned a lot about the science of the brain.  Our teachers employ science-based tools like explicit teaching and daily reviews to assist with recall and to move learning to long term memory.

The University of British Columbia (Canada) suggests these strategies to be a ‘savvy student’.

1. Space it out: multiple, short study sessions are the best way to absorb and retain information.
2. Test yourself in the same way you will be tested: use flashcards to list facts.
3. Lose the electronics: no phones, no computers. Pen and paper, handwritten notes cement facts better in the brain.
4. Don’t forget the great triad – Eat, sleep & exercise: it can be helpful to get up and walk for 5 minutes during study. Exercise fills the brain with growth hormones.

As parents we can assist and support these simple but very effective routines and ensure that our boys and girls are making the most of their revision and study time.

Mary our mother look after us.

Eamonn Moore

Principal