Dear McAuley Families

It is with great pride (and some trepidation!) that I have been checking in on Year 12 as they begin their HSC Trial Exams in the College Hall this week.

For many, this is a reality check as they embrace the processes and events required by NESA and education authorities. Sadly, it is not much different process from my HSC days in the showground pavilion in Cowra almost 43 years ago!

It is exciting to note that these young people are on the brink of launching off on adulthood, study, work and careers. I know that they will hold close to their hearts our Mercy Values, our McAuley “Way” and the very special culture that we work to promote and sustain here at the College.

I refer you to the excellent HSC Co-works website “Your Guide to the HSC Trials 2025.” It includes valuable advice for students, along with a hepful '40 Days Out' Instagram series featuring daily coach tips.

These 3 tasks are an excellent guide to preparing for exam “reality” for our Year 11 and 12 students…

1. Practice questions without your notes. Do a short sample quiz daily without notes then go back and check.
2. Work on active recall. Use flashcards, notes, formulas and definitions. Make sure you can recall them easily.
3. Write practice questions to unseen essay questions under exam conditions. Practice answering past questions in the time allowed.
4. Hand write over and over… get your mind and body into condition.

Whilst we have some focus on our ATAR students I also send best wishes to our students who are embracing other pathways into the world. There are many local firms and employers that are keen to hire McAuley students, and I receive many calls and referee checks from these people. Be sure to check in with local firms and companies as you never know who is recruiting and for what!

Congratulations to our Mrs Katie Haley and her husband, Doug on the safe arrival of Annabeth. Mum and bub are doing well, and Katie passes on her thanks to staff and students for their best wishes and messages.

Enrolment offers for places in 2026 are being finalised this week. As usual, we have strong interest in all grade levels at the College but sadly do not have room for all who have applied.  Please keep in contact with the College as time progresses as family movement can sometimes open places.

Our Community Council and Mrs Bathgate are very much looking forward to a fun Trivia Night this Saturday to answer the question “Are You Smarter than a PE Teacher?” (I think we all know the answer to that!) My apologies that I am unable to attend and best wishes for a great social night of fun and competition.

Mary our mother, look after us.

Eamonn Moore

Principal