The wonderful thing about allowing kids to experience consequences is that it allows them to be taught far in excess of our own wisdom or skill.

Most children grow up and leave home to pursue productive and happy lives. They will have some serious and some minor ups and downs. Happily, parents don’t have to have all the answers, because of all the experiences they have allow their kids to experience and figure things out for themselves as they go.

If we are worried about our children being prepared to be happy and successful in life, one of the best things we can do is to stop insulating, cushioning and intervening.

Of course, parents can’t let go completely. We have a critical role, guiding and advising. We can provide perspective or advice, and help them brainstorm solutions to problems. We do this, incidentally, based on what we have learned through our own experience — often from consequences we experienced.

Life presents each child with an intensive, personalised, highly effective curriculum. Be grateful for all they are learning.

I encourage all parents, carers, teachers and students to download our SZapp - which will further assist you to stay connected with McAuley. You will be able to view and access school newsletters, documents and get instant notifications from us. The app will be another contact point for parents - it is our aim to provide many platforms which will assist you to keep up to date with happenings at McAuley. Please refer to the link below my letter for details on how to download SZapp.

On Tuesday 20 secondary students travelled to Goulburn to compete at the Archdiocesan Swimming Carnival.  All students swam well, representing McAuley proudly. Jacob Ambrose and Gabriella Olsen swam their way into the State Carnival and will proudly represent the Archdiocese team later in the term. 

Our Primary Swimming Team will travel to Narooma on Monday 4^th March to compete in the Primary Archdiocesan Swimming Carnival. We wish Georgie Austen, Eric Bartlett, Zahli Dean, Sid Roche, Daniel Stiles and Macy White all the very best. We are very proud of you all. 

Zahli Dean will represent the Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese this Friday in Wollongong. Zahli will also be playing Basketball as a member of the Archdiocese team.

I would like to thank Leanne Adams, who this week has resigned from her long-standing position of Canteen Coordinator. Leanne has been a valued member of our staff and we wish her well in life outside McAuley. Keep in touch Leanne.  

Next week the Easter Season commences in the Catholic Church. McAuley will celebrate the Burning of the Palms ceremony on Tuesday 5^th March followed by Ash Wednesday Mass on Wednesday 6^th March. Parents and friends are invited to join the school for these important celebrations. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lent, a time for fasting and pray.

Wishing everyone a happy week,

Kerrin Henderson - Acting Principal

In addition to our Schoolzine Website, we have SZapp ready for download for all parents, grandparents, teachers, students and carers. Please click on the link above. 

SZapp allows you to stay connected with McAuley and to view and access school newsletters, documents and get live notifications us. Download our app today. 

Our School Community Council has organised a special Chocolate fundraiser to coincide with Easter 2019.

All families are asked to take a box of chocolates to sell to families, friends or work colleagues. ($4 each individual packet, $80 per box). Full payment, or any unsold chocolates, are due back to school by Friday 22^nd March.

You can pay the $80 via Qkr! if this is easier. 

This fundraiser has the potential to raise great funds for our school – but we need your help to ensure it is a success. If you have not already ordered a chocolate box - please contact Libby (email below) at school and a box will be sent home with your child. Thank you so much for your support. 

McAuley’s first Parish Mass last Saturday evening, was presented by a large number of our 2019 school leaders.

It was extremely pleasing to see so many of our leaders make the effort to be at Saturday evening’s Mass and show their commitment to the role that they have been chosen to fulfil by their peers. These students are a credit to their parents and our school and we congratulate them and acknowledge how proud McAuley is of our 2019 school leaders.

It was also heart-warming to see so many students also attend our Parish Mass to support their McAuley leaders. Those present at Mass were Abby Skein, Emily Mudie, Genevieve Mason-Elliott, Darcy Halloran, Jordan Sanbrook, Jude Moreno, Natalie Mather, Sophie Dean, Hunter Stiles, Daniel Stiles, Reuben Phillips, Aidan Turnbull, Riley Hotham, Abby Skein, Sophie Dean, Dusty Hood, Paige Kelly, Billy Cribb-Kelly and Zoe Carter. A fantastic effort from all of these students. We look forward to our  next parish Mass which will be on the 23^rd March at 6pm and will be celebrated by the Stage 4 students and their Pastoral teachers Mrs Piper, Mrs Dumbrell, Mr Turnbull and Mr Hughes.

LENT
Next week marks the beginning of Lent.

To mark this special time in the Church year, we will gather next Tuesday - Shrove Tuesday - to burn palms which were used during Palm Sunday last year as we recalled Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The ashes that were produced will be blessed with holy water on Ash Wednesday and they were used to mark our foreheads with a sign of the cross. This special cross is a reminder for us to follow Jesus during our Lenten season. For the next forty days until we come to the celebration of Easter, we pray that the light of Christ will help us to live simply and to reach out to those who are in need during Lent. 

Prayer

God our Father, you have called each one of us by name and have bought us together in your love. Be with us during this coming Lent and help us to walk humbly with you, our God. Amen.

 Anita Mason - Religious Education Coordinator

In the Australian bush, fire is a sign of cleansing and new life.

Many animals of the bush are destroyed by fire. The trees have learnt to adapt to these changes and quickly regrow and thrive on the nutrients from the ashes.

New seedlings grow in the bed of the ashes. Ashes are a symbol of a new beginning. The ashes which will be placed on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday, are a symbol of change and a new beginning.

Just like the Australian bush the ashes are a sign of a new beginning and of renewed growth.

With perfect weather conditions last Tuesday, the McAuley Catholic Central Secondary Team consisting of Coleby Duck, Jacob Ambrose, Liam Buckley, Chloe Turnbull, Maya Stiles, Polly Roche, May Roche, Lucinda Roche, Angus Williams, Lily Webb, Gabirella Olsen, Ellisha Olsen, Kai Skein-Bruijns, Elly Dumbrell, Sophie Dean, Emily Mudie, Cassie Brennan, Mack Walker and Molly Baron headed to Goulburn after gaining selection for the annual Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Swimming Carnival. Many new records were set with some very impressive individual swims. 

The strong swimming team of 19 enjoyed a great day in Goulburn with plenty of competitive times and PBs gained. 
The school would like to thank all parents & coach Max Hargreaves who helped out on the day. Also special thanks to the Ambrose family for supplying the shades. 

Best wishes to the Year 5/6 children who will trial for Archdiocese Teams in League, Hockey, Soccer and Netball in Lyneham. 

Please complete the note which has gone home to students CAREFULLY - completing the payment/registration options correctly. Click on the link below for a copy of this letter. 

School banking at McAuley is on FRIDAYS! 

It's never too late to join this program (through the Commonwealth Bank).

Please ring the school for an application form or see Trish Toohey in the Primary Office on Friday!

All parents are reminded of the CANTEEN NETWORK MEETING which will be held on Tuesday 5th March from 10am to 1pm. If you have an interest in healthy eating or can bring some great food ideas for our canteen - please come along! A delicious lunch will be provided at not cost. 

Our Primary Canteen Roster for next week is as follows: Monday 4th March - Kristy McPherson, Wednesday 6th March - Marg Clarke, Sue Clarke and Karen Clarke, Friday 8th March - Sylvia Flynn. Thank you ladies for your suppport.

Our outgoing Canteen Coordinator, Leanne Adams has asked me to personally thank everyone for their support with Canteen over the past decade. Leanne has enjoyed your help and your friendship. THANK YOU one and all.

NO MEAT! ASH WEDNESDAY next Wednesday 6th March. As is the Catholic tradition, there will be no meat availabe in our Canteen next Wednesday. No pies, sausage rolls, no chicken etc. All salad products will be available, along with fish- finger wraps or rolls. If your child accidentially orders a pie, sausage roll or any other meat, they will be given a toasted cheese sandwich instead along with any change. Thank you for your support. 

Dont forget our Qkr! app for ordering your lunch on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.

Tumut SHOW - THIS Saturday 2nd March at the Show Ground. Lots of great things to see and do. Come along and support your local Show. McAuley students will have a school display in the Pavillion.

Adelong SHOW - Kids Zone - The Amazing Race. Sunday 10th March. Fun activities, team games, competitions, Op Shop Fashion Parade and much more. Entries will be taken from 10am onwards. 

SNOWY VALLEYS COUNCIL. Clean Up Australia Day. 8am this Sunday 3rd March. Clean up around your own area or register or more information from Martin mcanteros-paz@svc.gov.au 

TUMUT YOUTH COUNCIL COLOUR EXPLOSION - 11am to 2pm Bull Paddock. Saturday 6th April. More info from mmazzini@svc.nsw.gov.au. 

Tumut Day VIEW Club (a valued part of 'The Smith Family') offering support and friendship, skills development, enriching experiences, and give the satisfaction of making a difference in your community. If you would like to join this great club or maybe find out more, call 1800805366 or visit www.thesmithfamily.com.au/view 

TUMUT EASTER MARKETS. Good Friday and Easter Saturday. Boys Club Hall - 9am to 4pm both days. Free entry. Great bargains. BBQ, tea and coffee. Bookings and more info from 02 42322337.

Children’s Mosaic Classes. Monday and Wednesday afternoons at 3:30pm to 5:00pm. Cost involved. More info from kerriebellette@live.com.au or 0407265828

Pilates Mat Class with Jaime. Do you need to increase your core stability? Correct muscle imbalances? Improve your posture. 45 minute classes on Saturday 8am @ The Gym. Tuesday 5:15pm @ St Mary's Hall. $15-00. Bookings essential via Facebook. Or call 0420309301

Piano/Keyboard Lessons: Individual lessons available, during school hours at McAuley. Ages 6 years and up. Ring Vanessa Hall for more details on 0448609479.