Dear McAuley Families

Isn’t it good to get back into a routine? The students I see and speak to seem really happy to be back, busy and engaged, learning and interacting (so do their teachers!).  For me it has really highlighted schools as human places where relationships are at the fore of all we do.  The energy and enthusiasm our students bring with them gives life to us all. 

Primary Fence:  Great news to see the Primary Fence along Capper Street be replaced this week.  An ex-pupil of mine was in the crew and was very complimentary about the good manners of their primary school “supervisors!” Thanks to the Community Council for their long and hard efforts to have this job completed.  Thank you also to Catholic Education who fully funded the project.

Block Grant Project:  We continue to consult with CE and the Architects to refine the plans for the renovation of the Primary Classrooms on the southern side of the campus.  We have around $1.2m of government funding and hope that the project will be underway this time next year.

Basketball Courts:  You might know that McAuley received a $20,000 Bushfire Grant from the Commonwealth Bank to re-surface the Secondary Basketball Courts.  After a re-submission I was thrilled to have that funding increased to $35,000 to enable the installation of hot mix as the surface. The job should be completed soon and will be a fabulous resource for our students and town.

Enrol now:  We are currently accepting enrolments for 2021 across a number of year levels.  Our main entry points are Kindergarten and Year 7.  Please see our website and/or ask for a card from the school offices to encourage family and friends to choose a McAuley education for their sons and daughters.  We offer a clear point of difference from local schools in offering a faith based, holistic education with an emphasis on robust literacy and numeracy skills from K-10.  Our strong and welcoming community is a stand out and I know our parents and students are the best marketers we have.

Information about Open Days and Information Sessions will be publicised as soon as we negotiate the regulations around physical distancing.

Fees: As Catholic Education advised last term, School Fees have been delayed and will be sent home this week.  I remind you that there are processes and supports in place for those families who have been impacted by the COVID virus through their income or employment and have received government support.  Please contact the school offices for more information. 

Excursions and Carnivals:  We have been directed not to conduct any excursions or carnivals this term.  This cancels a number of events and others (such as Yr. 7, 2021 orientation days) on hold.  We continue to cross our fingers and plan for the Yr. 10 Tasmania Tour and Yr. 9 Pambula Excursion.  More details to come.

Mary our Mother… Look After Us.

Eamonn Moore

Principal