I came across the following article this week and thought how well it fits into the current 'reading culture' at McAuley. Staff have participated in numerous professional development opportunities over the past few years and have adopted new strategies within the classrooms to enhance the development and student attitude towards reading. It is very refreshing to hear students ‘buzzing’ about the latest books they have read, which author they are currently enjoying and which shop sells the best books!

Our hope is that this love of reading continues into adult life.

LETTER TO A YOUNG READER

Dear Children

I want to share something with you — and that is how much I loved books when I was your age. Of course, back then there was no Internet, no television — we learned everything from printed books.

We didn’t have much money when I was a child and I couldn’t afford new books, so most of what I read came from our library. But I also used to spend hours in a very small second- hand book shop. The owner was an old man who never had time to arrange his books properly. They were piled everywhere and I would sit there, surrounded by all that information about everything imaginable. I would save up any money I got for my birthday or doing odd jobs so that I could buy one of those books.

Of course, you can look up everything on the Internet now. But there is something very special about a book — the feel of it in your hands and the way it looks on the table by your bed, or nestled in with others in the bookcase.

I loved to read in bed, and after I had to put the lights out I would read under the bedclothes with a torch, always hoping my mother would not come in and find out! I used to read curled up in front of the fire on a cold winter evening. And in the summer I would take my special books up my favourite tree in the garden. My Beech Tree. Up there I read stories of faraway places and I imagined I was there. I especially loved reading about Doctor Doolittle and how he learned to talk to animals. And I read about Tarzan of the Apes. And the more I read, the more I wanted to read.

I was ten years old when I decided I would go to Africa when I grew up to live with animals and write books about them.

And that is what I did, eventually.

I lived with chimpanzees in Africa and I am still writing books about them and other animals. In fact, I love writing books as much as reading them — I hope you will enjoy reading some of the ones that I have written for you.

Acknowledgement: Jane Goodall, A Velocity of Being: Letters to a Young Reader

Community Council News

Arron Taylor has resigned from his position of chairperson of the McAuley Community Council. We thank Arron very much for his leadership over the past 4 years. During this time the council was able to fundraise over $20,000 and built the primary lunch shelter and the school bus shelter. We appreciate Arron’s time and commitment to McAuley.

The next Community Council Meeting will be held Thursday 21st March at 5pm. We are hoping to find enthusiastic parents who would like to be active in the school via the council. It is not an onerous task. Meetings twice a term. All council positions will be declared open. Please come along if you would like to be involved. We would love to see you.

School Uniform

Thank you to parents for your continued support in ensuring your child/ren are wearing correct school uniform. A requirement at McAuley, particularly for secondary students is black leather school shoes. This is a safety requirement as students are participating in practical lessons, Wood Work, Food Tech, Science, Agriculture and at times come across hazardous or heavy objects. Black joggers are NOT permitted as school shoes. Joggers to be worn on sports days only. We appreciate your support. 

Hoping everyone is enjoying the cooler weather,

 Kerrin Henderson

Acting Principal

in addition to our Schoolzine Website, we have SZapp ready for download for all parents, grandparents, carers, teachers and students. 

SZapp allows you to stay connected with McAuley and to view and access newsletters, documents and get live notifications from the school. Please click the link below:

A lovely and reverent "Shrove Tuesday" ceremony was presented by our school leaders: Abby Skien, Jack Beavan, Emily Mudie, Jordan Sanbrook, Reese Keenan, Dustin Hood, Zahli Dean and Daniel Stiles this week.

The blessed palms from last years Palm Sunday were burnt to create ash which were used in our Ash Wednesday Mass. 

The beautiful photos tell the story.....

Year 3/4V students, Meg Parry, Hudson Manuel and Sophie Webb marked with the Ash Wednesday cross this week. Remember God Loves You!

On Wednesday, students from Years 3-10, along with a large number of parishioners, gathered in the Church for Ash Wednesday. Father Namora led a very reverent and respectful service. He spoke to the congregation about the importance of the Liturgical Season of Lent and highlighted examples of Lenten actions.

Well, here we are half way through Term One!

We 'show-case' our Kindergarten students this week. The class is working hard, settled and happy with many firm friendships being forged! 

We hope you enjoy our Kindergarten gallery below:

YOUR HELP IS REQUIRED....PLEASE!

Kellie Duedney, our relieving Canteen Coordinator would love your help in our Secondary Canteen (especially on a Friday). This can be just be an hour. Any time you can offer will greatly assist her.

Kellie is very keen to keep our Canteen operational and thriving. But she can only do this with assistance. If you have any time, or if you know of anyone who might like to offer an hour a week (retired etc, new to town) please tell them to ring the school. 

PRIMARY CANTEEN ROSTER NEXT WEEK

Monday 11th - Toni Laney, Wednesday 13th - Susie Peacock, Friday 15th - Fiona McMahon. Thanks ladies. 

Thanks to Ros Piper who is covering our Primary Canteen this Friday for Sylvia Flynn who had other commitments. 

Dont forget our QKR! app for ordering your lunch on a Monday, Wednesday or a Friday. Click below for download instructions. 

Year 2-4 Parents and Carers are reminded of the excursion to the Wagga Civic Theatre on Thursday March 21st for the children to see the wonderful stage performance of "Billionaire Boy". Cost of $28 needs to be paid by Friday 15th March. Please pay via our QKR! app or via the Primary Office. 

"Billionaire Boy" is based on the book by David Walliams

Twelve year old Joe has everything a boy could ever want, from a golden underwater Ferrari to his very own cinema. Joe and his Dad have more money than you could imagine, but what Joe really needs is a friend. When Joe arrives at his new school, life really gets tough. Facing the school bully, his Dad’s new girlfriend and the world’s worst school canteen, Joe is about to learn that money might buy you a lot in Raj’s shop, but it can’t buy you everything.

David Walliams’ best-selling books comes to life on stage for 6-12 year olds - and their adults! Don’t miss this original Australian adaptation as the team behind Mr Stink and The 13-, 26-, 52- and 78-Storey Treehouses live on stage return with songs, laughs and yes, that cat sick and sweet potato mash from the canteen…

Some great, 'hands-on' measurement lessons were enjoyed by students in Year 3.4B this week. 

McAuley Aboriginal students have the wonderful opportunity to attend a Wijadjuri Language and Culture Camp which will be held at Borambola Sport and Recreation Facility on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th May. Please return the Permission Note which has been sent home with your child.

This camp will only go ahead if enough interest is recevied. 

We are excited to have added another great reading program for your children at McAuley. The new program myON Reader profides unlimited access to a broad collection of authentic digital texts that are available for online and offline reading. The program dynamically generates a list of just-right titles for each student that matches his or her current interests and year level. 

The first time your child logs on they will be required to complete a short quiz in order to assess their reading/comprehension level to ensure the perfect book is recommended. 

Head to: 

Type in McAuley in the school name and click on the pop-up that comes up.

Enter: Username is the start of the child's normal network log on name eg: jblogs01. Password is student.

Sign in, enjoy and if you have any questions, please contact Mr Roche or ring the school. 

You will be aware an individual class-group from McAuley visit the residents from Blakeney Lodge each week. One of the activities the Blakeney ladies enjoy with our Secondary students, is having hand massages and their nails painted.

Our supplies are dwindling, so if you have any soft shades of nail polish, nail polish remover or any hand creme you would like to donate ....... we would be most grateful. Please leave any donations at either office. 

Thanks Kerrie Ambrose who has already sent in supplies!

Congratulations to all McAuley students who participated in the annual Tumut Show last Saturday. We had many prize-getters from pet rocks, Lego, painting, cooking, flower arranging, horse events and campdrafting. What a talented group of students we have!

Our school prepared a beautifully, pink and pretty "Year of the Pig" display! Thanks to teachers Sharon Wyse and Janeanne Gray for coordinating this display - it looked fantastic. 

Well done McAuley!

TUMUT MINOR LEAGUE: Invites all players to register for the 2019 season. $75 per person. Registration Link on Tumut Minor League Website. Or contact Jayson 0427 509 757. Dont forget Tumut Minor League is registered for the 'Active Kids Program' - click on the link below. 

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. 

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.