Year 8 English students explored growth through 'Peeling the Onion'
This term, Ms Shipley’s English class have been reading the novel, ‘Peeling the Onion’ by Wendy Orr as part of their study on the concept of Growth.
The concept of the onion is central in understanding the main character's growth and identity, and to explore the concept further, Ms. Shipley brought in an onion to class to demonstrate.
At first, students were hesitant to cut into it, expecting their eyes to burn or sting, however that was not the case. The experience prompted a thoughtful discussion surrounding how their assumptions caused fear, steering them away from delving into the onion deeply.
This idea reflects the struggles that Anna, the main character of the book, faces after she suffers a life-altering accident.
From this, students learned that the concept of an onion is really powerful in understanding how we as individuals can challenge ourselves further by exploring the layers of our identity to get to the core of who we are.
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05 Nov 2025
Year 8 English: Exploring Growth Through ‘Peeling the Onion’
This term, Ms Shipley’s English class have been reading the novel, ‘Peeling the Onion’ by Wendy Orr as part of their study on the concept of Growth.
04 Nov 2025
From Facebook
CELEBRATING SCIENCE SUCCESS ⚛ At last week’s school assembly, Science students were recognised for their outstanding achievements in two prestigious international competitions - the International Chemistry Quiz (ICQ) and the Australian Brain Bee Challenge. In the ICQ, over 100 Catherine McAuley students from Years 9 - 11 put their scientific thinking to the test, with many earning Credit, Distinction and High Distinction awards.💡 In the Brain Bee Challenge, seven Year 10 students placed in the top 52 in NSW, with Maria J. achieving an incredible Top 10 placement in NSW! 🧠👏 Congratulations to all the Science students who took part in these competitions.
04 Nov 2025
From Facebook
AROUND THE CLASSROOMS ➡️📖 Ms. Shipley's Year 8 English class have been reading 'Peeling the Onion' by Wendy Orr as part of their study on the concept of Growth. The concept of the onion is central in understanding the main character's growth and identity and to explore the concept further, Ms. Shipley brought in an onion to class. 🧅 At first, the class thought that cutting the onion would burn their eyes; however, this didn't happen. Students discussed their assumptions, causing fear and steering them away from delving into the onion deeply. This is something that Anna, the main character of the book, struggles with after she suffers a life-altering accident. From this, students learned that the concept of an onion is really powerful in understanding how we as individuals can challenge ourselves further by exploring the layers of our identity to get to the core of who we are.
04 Nov 2025
Year 8 Student Finalist in Young Writers Competition
Well done to Year 8 student Ananya G., who has been selected as a finalist in the Cumberland City Council Young Writers Competition.
04 Nov 2025
Outstanding Achievements In Science Recognised At School Assembly
Catherine McAuley students continue to excel in the field of Science.
31 Oct 2025
From Facebook
JAPANESE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE 🇯🇵 Year 11 Japanese students enjoyed a wonderful day of cultural exchange on Tuesday as they visited the Japan Foundation Sydney in Chippendale. Students took part in interactive workshops exploring different aspects of Japanese culture - learning about the art of furoshiki (traditional wrapping cloth) and the etiquette of visiting a Japanese home. They also had the chance to dress in a yukata (a casual kimono-style garment) and try a traditional Bon Odori folk dance while discovering the customs and meanings behind Japan’s Obon summer ritual. 👘 👘 The day finished with a visit to a Japanese supermarket, giving students a real taste of everyday life in Japan! 🇯🇵
30 Oct 2025
From Facebook
INTRODUCING THE NEW SCHOOL THEME!! 👢 The school theme for 2026 and the remainder of 2025 was announced at the school assembly this week. ‘Walk In Unity, Nourish Our Community’ is the theme which has been chosen by the Student Leadership Team. Lara and Talia, Catherine McAuley School Captains, also unveiled the new theme logo to represent this message. “This theme aims to encapsulate the diverse nature of the students at this school, each with their unique cultures and talents, while displaying unity through our connections and mission of faith,” the School Captains told those gathered at the school assembly. The logo to represent the new school theme is a boot, to represent Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy who were often referred to as the ‘walking nuns’, holding a bouquet of flowers in House colours.
30 Oct 2025
From Facebook
The Catherine McAuley Weekly Review for Thursday, 30th October 2025 is now available via this link:
30 Oct 2025
From Facebook
LIFTED LIVE 2025 ✝ Last Saturday, Catherine McAuley students, including our Australian Catholic Youth Festival Pilgrims, joined young people from around the Diocese at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral for LIFTED LIVE! 🎶🙏 The evening began with a Vigil Mass for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv, and continued with a night of worship, music, and community. Thank you to Ms Pasion and Ms Banks who accompanied the students.
30 Oct 2025
Walk In Unity and Nourish Our Community
‘Walk In Unity, Nourish Our Community’ has been announced as the school theme for 2026!
29 Oct 2025
Year 10 Commerce Students Selected For The Macquarie Uni Bubble Tea Innovation Challenge Grand Final
Of the 10 teams selected from schools across Sydney to take part in the Grand Final of the Macquarie University Bubble Tea Innovation Challenge three of these teams were from Catherine McAuley!
28 Oct 2025
From Facebook
YEAR 10 COMMERCE 📉 Three Year 10 Catherine McAuley teams were selected as Grand Finalists in the Macquarie University Bubble Tea Innovation Challenge - an incredible achievement with only ten teams chosen from schools across Sydney! Team Zentro were awarded 2nd place and Team Tacos2day placed 4th overall, showcasing outstanding creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial flair. Congratulations to all the Year 10 Commerce students involved and to teachers Ms Nicolson and Mrs Noud for their guidance and support!
28 Oct 2025
From Facebook
AROUND THE CLASSROOMS ➡️ Last Friday, our Year 9 Visual Arts students from classes 9.1 and 9.2 hosted a creative “snack-and-selfie banquet” in the CS103 art room! 📸🍓🍰🥯 Exploring the art of flat lay composition, students arranged and photographed vibrant food displays inspired by Australian artist Whitney Spicer, whose work explores the beauty of food and table scenes through expressive colour palettes and composition. Students will then translate the images into their own painted interpretations. The lesson was filled with colour, conversation, collaboration… and of course, delicious food! The finished artworks will be exhibited at the CAPA Showcase on Wednesday 26th November.
28 Oct 2025
Year 9 Visual Arts Snack-and-Snap Banquet
A feast for the eyes - Year 9 students blend food, friendship, and creativity.