Dear Parents and Carers

Amazingly this week is Week 6. The time is moving quickly through the term and finally Autumn is in the air.  I hope and pray that the predicted rain arrives to give our parched and scorched country some healing.

This week I will be away from school at the annual Archdiocesan Principals’ Retreat and system days in Bowral.  Here, I will learn about the directions Catholic Education want us to take in 2020 and spend some time reflecting on what has been a busy start to the year.  We will be led this year by Professor Br David Hall (a Marist Brother) who no doubt will lead us meaningfully through the time of retreat.

As I get to know our students and families better I am often asked what my first impressions are of McAuley.  I say with confidence my first impressions are excellent.  Our students in all classes have been welcoming.  They are friendly and honest and not the least afraid of a chat to be sure I am comfortable and know what’s what!

The staff are outstanding models of hard work and care.  I conducted a survey in the first couple of weeks and was thrilled to learn that care and connection for students was an outstandingly high priority.  Without positive relationships a school will flounder, and I have every confidence that we have a professional and hardworking staff who feel strongly connected to this school and community.

I have had the chance to meet all the staff by now and last week met Cameron Ellison who is looking forward to finally being able to better enjoy some of his long service leave.  Cameron, like many of you, has been impacted by the fires and has spent a great deal of time in recovery of plant, fences and so on.  Like so many families I have dealt with I admire Cameron’s positive outlook and resilience and look forward to his return to McAuley.

I know that a large number of our families have experienced some trauma and loss due to the fires and I continue to implore you to take good care of your physical and mental health.  The school has access to support and counselling and it is easy to organise help if you or your family members need it.  Some of our students are beginning to show some signs of trauma and anxiety as time moves on.  Please be very aware of changes in behaviour and take the advice and care that is available. 

Last Friday I spoke to the Secondary students about good study habits, organisation and routines.  By now all students should be into a good pattern of daily homework, reading and assignment work.  Please encourage the use of planners, calendars and diaries.  There are some excellent apps also that will help your son or daughter be on top of their study load and feel organised and calm.  Please model good organisation in your home as this example is very helpful to our children.

I leave you with a reflection shared by Miss Mason (our REC) about Lent… it is an excellent reminder about approaching life in a positive way – to think about gain and not loss…

“Just remember that Lent is renewal. It allows you the opportunity to not be ‘weighed down’ by the burden of trying to maintain ‘what you gave up for Lent.’ However, it gives you the possibility to ‘take up’ something which will enable you to grow spiritually…”

Mary our Mother… Look after us.

Eamonn.