Dear McAuley Families

Bula!  Thank you to our Leadership Team and staff for allowing me the time to be away with my family to celebrate my 60^th birthday.  It has been quite a festival of surprises, celebrations, and special time.  Thanks to all who sent on their best wishes and thoughts, I appreciate that very much.  I’m living by this quote I found that says “Embrace the beauty of 60, where the wisdom of age meets the spirit of youth!”

Congratulations to our Class of XXIV who have navigated HSC trials very capably.  Our young men and women continue to impress and inspire me with their dedication and optimism.  Staff are busy planning their end of year events with much excitement and joy.  Year 11 (The Class of XXV!) are now preparing for their course exams which then lead them to begin their Year 12 studies in term 4. They too are rising to the expectations set for them and are working well as a team, supporting one another to do their best.

It's been great to see the Primary Building Project take off so smoothly.  Demolition should happen quickly during the next week or two.  I am so grateful for the hard work of the primary staff and the cooperation of our students to make the best of the restrictions (noise) and changes that have had to take place.  I am hearing many excited reports from budding construction workers who describe vividly the action and machinery that is taking place!

Over the coming weeks we begin the process of budgeting, planning and staffing for 2025.  I am already aware of a number of staff intending to retire and we hope to begin recruiting early for teaching and leadership positions for next year. Please keep an eye on local news and websites and encourage friends and family to consider joining our fantastic college staff.

The Tell Them From Me Survey closes today.  Thanks to those that took the time to respond.  The points raised and answers given form an important part of our Strategic and Annual planning processes.  This week we began the important work of Master Planning for resources, buildings and capital works on the Secondary Campus which projects the growth and needs of the College for the next decade.

Growth and change are always difficult, and I admire very much those members of our community who can embrace our vision and move optimistically forward.  We are facing a new world of learning and teaching and working with a changing population.  At the same time, we cannot shy away from our high expectations in terms of academic and pastoral care. 

Our school motto “Believe, Strive, Achieve” set out for us the foundation which will continue to move the College forward.  If nothing else Dolly Parton’s words are a focus… “If you want a rainbow, you gotta put up with some rain…”

Mary our mother look after us.

Eamonn Moore

Principal