Dear McAuley Families

It is good to see a predictable rhythm start to appear around school. As we cycle through our first 10-day timetable we can iron out small bumps, clashes and classes.  Again, I implore you all to be sure that your sons and daughters (no matter what year level!) have good rest, sound organization and study habits.  This builds comfort, lessens anxiety, and brings better results.

Our Archdiocese is receiving quite a deal of media attention over the Bold Goals that have been set and the standardization of methodology and instruction across our schools. The first goal “Every student should be a competent reader” has been realized at McAuley through our structured phonics approach in lower primary school through InitiaLit programs K-2, MiniLIt Sage and MulitiLit in higher levels.

We know that efficient reading and comprehension sets learners up for success.  Our early intervention strategies work to be sure that difficulties are recognized early and quickly worked with to improve understanding, build skills and results. Science tells us that sound skills in reading has many benefits:

1. It reduces stress and helps relaxation.
2. Improves memory and concentration.
3. Strengthens writing skills and expands vocabulary.
4. Enhances knowledge, and,
5. Increases imagination and creativity.

Direct instruction methods are being used in our classrooms also.  Teachers last year and this year are undertaking many hours of professional learning in direct instruction methodology.  As a school we will work on introducing facets of direct instruction through “High Impact Teaching Strategies”. Your children may already be talking to you about teachers “checking for understanding” or completing “daily reviews” which are short, sharp ways of cementing facts and learning.  These scientifically backed approaches mirror the leading-edge work that is happening in Year 11 in Virtual Learning where we are providing expert teachers to ensure high level outcomes in our Stage 6 classes.

These are exciting times for us at McAuley, made even more special by the fact that we already have a strong reputation for the care and concern we show for our students and community.

Information will be coming home to make clear our expectations around uniform in the coming days.  These revisions were approved at our last Community Council meeting last year and by the staff at our meeting this week.  There is a focus on safety – especially shoes, jewellery and make up.  We need to be sure that our students are wearing appropriate and safe apparel.  Comfortable shoes are good, but we also need to be sure that they are safe to run and play, sew, cook, dig and mix chemicals in.  Leather runners are preferred in Secondary for many practical classes. We will support families by sending home the approved policy with easy-to-understand graphics so that you can assist at home with correct uniform.

Grateful thanks to Miss Mason and her helpers for the work that went into arranging our Opening School Mass on Wednesday. The celebration was a great beginning to our school year. This year will bring many firsts and celebrations as we move into an exciting future.

Mary our Mother, look after us.

Eamonn Moore

Principal

School Fees

As you are aware, many school finance functions rolled over to Catholic Education in January. There is a delay in the provision of BPAY details and release of 2023 School Fee Accounts.

CE apologise for the inconvenience and have reassured us that they are working to resolve this as quickly as possible.

On Tuesday 21st February it is Shrove Tuesday. We will gather at 10:40 on the PRIMARY campus, to burn the palms from Palm Sunday last year to create  ash for Ash Wednesday. 

The day preceding Ash Wednesday is popularly known as Shrove Tuesday. It is also frequently called Pancake Tuesday or Fat Tuesday as well as by its Latin name, Mardi Gras, which when translated from the French also means “Fat Tuesday.”

But it is the name “Shrove” that shows its religious origins. Shrove is the past tense of the English verb “Shrive” which means to obtain absolution for one’s sins by way of confession and by doing penance.

Shrove Tuesday remains an important day of observance for Catholics and Christians to prepare for Lent and the Lenten fast.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday - 22^nd February 2023. Pope Francis has called for everyone to remember that Lent symbolises a time of new beginnings and Christ's victory over death. 

There will be Mass for students from Year 5-11 in the Church commencing at 10:20.

Anita Mason

Religious Education Coordinator

On Wednesday we celebrated our Opening School Mass. We were able to gather for the first time as a K – 12 school.
The Mass was a great beginning to the school year where the Student Representative Council for 2023 were formally commissioned.
Many thanks to Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn Director Mr Ross Fox, other special guests and parents for attending.

Ash Wednesday is next Wednesday February 22nd.

There will be NO MEAT ORDERS at the canteen.

Ms Julie Piper will be running Maths homework support on a Wednesday afternoon for Secondary students. In the library from 3:15 till 4. Students can work on class work, Hot Maths or bring questions with them.

The target group is Year 11 but anyone is welcome to join.

WEEK 2 & 3 STUDENT OF THE WEEK

WEEK 2 & 3 RESILIENCE AWARD

Yesterday McAuley had it's annual swimming carnival. It was a great day, although a little hot.

Our Age Champions and Runner up are

Selected students in Primary will now head to the Western Region Carnival in Young next Thursday February 23.

Secondary students and Primary students who qualify at the Western Region Carnival will travel to Queanbeyan for the Archdiocesan Carnival on March 7th.

Year 3 enjoying the afternoon outdoors and sketching the church as part of their History lesson. 

The Tumut Parish Sacramental Program will commence with a Registration Meeting next week for all students and their parents/carer, eligible who wish to receive a Sacrament in 2023.

This important meeting will be held in St Mary's Hall on Wednesday 22^nd February commencing at 5pm. Fr Joe, Tumut's new Parish Priest, has asked that ALL those who wish to be part of the program, attend this meeting to register and make a commitment to the program.

Parents are requested to bring the completed Registration form(attached) as well as a copy of their child's baptismal certificate to this meeting.

Year 3: Reconciliation

Year 4: Holy Communion

Year 6: Confirmation

First Reconciliation 2023 Registration.

Holy Communion 2023 Registration.

Confirmation 2023 Registration.

If you have any questions, please speak to Fr Joe or the parish secretary Sue Hall 69474599

NSW Parents, guardians, carers or students can apply for 3 x $50 vouchers, totalling $150 for each eligible student.

The vouchers can be used:

• towards the cost of school uniforms, shoes, bags, textbooks and stationery
• At a registered business

For more details visit the  Service NSW website

All primary classes have been doing Gymnastics over the last two weeks.

Gymnastics will continue through Term 1 as part of students PE lessons..

Daniel with a big 68kg pumpkin.

Careers Newsletter 9 February 2023 Master

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