Year 7 Visual Arts students, in the second half of this term, have been gaining a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ connection to country and identity.
As part of their learning the students have connected to the school’s local area and environment with a focus on sustainability. The students have been exploring the eel as the spiritual emblem of Parramatta and the school’s totem.
The deepening knowledge of Indigenous culture and perspective has also been strengthened by students learning about their focus artist Judy Watson, an artist with lineage from Waanyi country in Northwest Queensland. In addition, students have been examining Nathan Ferlazzo, an artist whose material practice has inspired their own artmaking in class. Students have been creating 2D artworks based on native Australian flora and fauna - which will be showcased as a collaborative project later this year.
Year 7 students Caitlin R. and Lucinda T. presented at the school assembly this week as they told the school community about the Year 7 Visual Arts students’ work.
Catherine McAuley Westmead
www.mcauleywestmead.catholic.edu.au
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17 Jun 2026
Try a Career Day @ CathWest Loyola Campus
Year 10, are you curious about trying a career...? Register for CathWest's 'Try a Career Day' at the CathWest Loyola Campus!
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08 May 2026
From Facebook
ATTENTION ‼ All parents and carers invited to the Term 2 Information Night!
07 May 2026
From Facebook
WOMEN IN STEM - 🤖 STEM learning is in action at Catherine McAuley this year, with Year 8 students engaging in hands-on discovery through the Unearthing Science: Digging Deep workshops, delivered as part of the Khuda Women in STEM program. Exploring real-world topics like soil science, climate and ecosystems, students are building critical thinking and investigative skills while experiencing how science applies beyond the classroom. This marks the beginning of an exciting year of STEM opportunities, with more to come. Thank you to the Year 11 Khuda Women in STEM student, Riana A., for these photos.
07 May 2026
From Facebook
DANCE STUDENTS 💃 Introducing the school’s Junior Solo Dance Artists - Grace L.(Year 7) and Kaitlyn G. (Year 8), both representing the school as Solo Lyrical Dance Artists. Students involved in the Catherine McAuley Dance Companies have the opportunity to audition as solo artists, with each student choreographing and performing their own original dance piece. Congratulations to the four students selected as Solo Dance Artists for 2026! 👏👏 Pictured are the two Junior Solo Dance Artists - Grace and Kaitlyn. There are also two Senior Solo Dance Artists who were also selected. The solo artists will perform at one of the upcoming events including the PDSSSC Dance Competition and the Captivate Arts Factor event, with two students performing at each event.
07 May 2026
From Facebook
The final group of Year 12 students have finished their volunteering at Ronald McDonald House for the term. 🥰 Each Monday after school, a small group of students generously give their time to support the Learning Centre, creating a welcoming and encouraging space for resident students. It’s an experience that is equally rewarding for everyone involved. We thank all the Year 12 volunteers for their commitment and compassion this term. Looking ahead, this meaningful opportunity will be open to Year 11 students next term.
07 May 2026
From Facebook
The Catherine McAuley Weekly Review for Thursday 7th May 2026 is now available:
07 May 2026
From Facebook
ALTIORA WEEK – DAY 4 🔍🧩 Altiora Week continued today with an exciting STEM Innovation Day, as students put their problem solving and teamwork skills to the test in a hands-on challenge to solve the mystery of the stolen jersey! Using clues, critical thinking and creativity, students worked together to uncover evidence, crack the case and identify the culprit behind the theft. A fun and engaging day of STEM learning.
07 May 2026
Year 9 Mother’s Day Liturgy and Morning Tea
The Year 9 Mother’s Day event held for the first time this year celebrated Catherine McAuley mothers and mother figures.
06 May 2026
From Facebook
✨ ALTIORA WEEK - DAY 3 ✨ Day three buzzed with excitement as our much anticipated Spelling Bee Grand Final took centre stage. 🐝📚 In a lively showdown, our Year 12 students went head to head with the teachers, putting their spelling skills to the test. The competition was fierce but full of laughter, camaraderie, and just the right amount of friendly rivalry. Tomorrow our STEM Innovation Day will give students the chance to get hands-on with a range of engaging science challenges and experiments as we celebrate Altiora Week.
06 May 2026
From Facebook
👩🏻🎓 EX-STUDENT PANEL 👩🏻🎓 This morning during form assembly, ex-students of 2025, Giselle B., Ella A., Florencia W., Isabella L. and Isabella G. joined us to reflect on their senior year of schooling and shared insights that might help our current year 12 students as they navigate their final year and plan for life post school. Thank you to our speakers who generously gave their time to be present, your insights and advice to students was greatly appreciated.
06 May 2026
From Facebook
YEAR 9 MOTHER'S DAY EVENT 🥰 This morning’s Mother’s Day Liturgy and morning tea was a wonderful celebration, welcoming around 180 special guests of our Year 9 students. The liturgy honoured mothers, grandmothers, aunts, big sisters and all those who play a nurturing role in our lives. Led entirely by Year 9, students shared prayers, sang beautifully and warmly hosted their guests, creating a meaningful and memorable morning for all involved.
06 May 2026
From YouTube
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY 💐 Catherine McAuley Westmead wishes all mothers and mother-figures a day that is blessed with love and gratitude!! Thank you to Year 11 Media Team students Aayushi G., Tiara A. and Riana A. for making this video.
06 May 2026
From YouTube
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY 💐 Catherine McAuley Westmead wishes all mothers and mother-figures a day that is blessed with love and gratitude!! Thank you to Year 11 Media Team students Aayushi G., Tiara A. and Riana A. for making this video.
06 May 2026
STEM in Action: Upcoming Events in May
A busy year of STEM opportunities at Catherine McAuley have began with Year 8 workshops.
06 May 2026
From Facebook
Students from the Khuda Women in STEM Academy recently took part in two enriching school holiday events at University of Sydney, gaining valuable insight into future pathways in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As previously posted, Year 11 students attended Day 2 of the Skill Development and Leadership Program, themed ‘STEM @ USYD’, where they engaged in hands-on, faculty-led activities and officially commenced their STEM Challenge. Working alongside academic leads and student ambassador mentors, students began collaborating in project groups and developing their ideas. Year 12 students participated in the ‘Spotlight on STEM’ event, which focused on career exploration. Highlights included a ‘Strengths to STEM’ workshop and a ‘Day in the Life’ session with Khuda Women in STEM ambassadors. Hearing firsthand about university experiences and career journeys was a standout moment, with many students identifying this as the most impactful part of the day. These experiences continue to empower students to explore STEM pathways with confidence and curiosity.
06 May 2026
Term 2 Social Justice Focus - The Parramatta Women’s Shelter
Students and staff unite this term to raise awareness and funds for women and children supported by the Parramatta Women’s Shelter.