Two students from the Strong Sisters Group, a small group of Indigenous students at Catherine McAuley, took part in the Welcome to Country which featured before Australia’s opening game against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday night last week.
Eva N. and Jordan B., both Year 9 students, joined with students from St Agnes Catholic High School Rooty Hill and Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park. The students had the privilege to work with creative director Mr Nigel Jamieson, who also directed the opening ceremony for the Sydney Olympics, and spent many weeks rehearsing.
Jordan and Eva ready for the opening of the FIFA World Cup
Eva said that she found the whole event so much fun. “It was such a fun experience and I like that I have now become close to Jordan and the other girls from the other schools. All the Aunties were very welcoming and kind and sweet with us”.
“Honestly the actual ceremony in front of the large crowd at the stadium was euphoric”, said Eva.
It made me feel very special. It was such a great experience. After we had finished we walked to the sidelines and the whole stadium cheered for us.
Jacqui Hamilton | School Development Officer
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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01 May 2025
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At the end of last term, the Year 12 PDHPE and Fitness classes travelled to the Australian Catholic University (ACU) BEST Hub in Blacktown for an immersive day of hands-on learning in sport science. Students were able to receive first hand knowledge from ACU staff, who are experts in exercise science, and who use advanced analysis technology for professional athletes looking to improve their performance. The students participated in the Wingate Test, an environmental chamber (where they experienced what it would feel like to train at high altitude) and used the biomechanics track. Tahlia and Emily, Year 12 students, said that they learnt a lot from the experience and are now able to apply these practical examples to their content in class to strengthen their knowledge.
01 May 2025
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AROUND THE CLASSROOMS ➡ Mr Taniane’s Year 10 Commerce class were today in class conducting a mock parliament session to help the students understand the process of parliament. Students had taken on the roles of Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Ministers, backbenchers, Independents and other roles which make up a functioning parliament such as the Serjeant-at-Arms, Speaker, Clerk and media. The Year 10 students were debating whether to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years. After much debate, and the occasional “hear, hear” from the backbenchers, the motion did not pass and it was a victory for the opposition.
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The Catherine McAuley Weekly Review for Thursday 1st May is now available:
30 Apr 2025
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LEST WE FORGET 🌹 Year 11 Modern History students led the school this morning in an ANZAC Reflection. Students and staff were asked to remember the Australian men and women who died or suffered in the great tragedy of war.
30 Apr 2025
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YEAR 7 😀 Year 7 returned for their second term at high school today, this time wearing their winter uniforms for the first time! Remember that students must wear their blazer to and from school and that stockings are part of the winter uniform. #year7 #winteruniform #catherinemcauley #catherinemcauleywestmead
30 Apr 2025
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STEM CLUB 💻 Students in the McAuley STEM Club had a unique opportunity at the end of last term as they took part in workshops run by Engineers Without Borders (EWB). Ex-student Liya Nagawkar, Class of 2023, is an Engineering student involved with EWB and she joined with her colleagues to run the workshops. Students were given the challenge of making both a prosthetic leg and a floating house. Mr Hall, Assistant Principal said that the students were fully engaged and spoke favourably about the workshops. The STEM Club will continue throughout Term 2 with ex-student Liya supported by other ex-McAuley students who are studying science and engineering degrees.
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From Facebook
WELCOME TO TERM 2 😀 Welcome to all students returning today for Term 2 2025! The autumn colours are beginning to show in Mercy Square. 🍂🍂
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Year 11 Students Invited To Share Their Thoughts On North Parramatta
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Year 11 Photography, Video and Digital Imaging (PVDI) students recently visited Parramatta Park, where they explored the park’s diverse and historically rich landscape through the lens of their cameras. From the heritage-listed Old Government House to the Dairy Cottage, the fruit bat colony, and the surrounding natural environment, students captured a wide range of perspectives and compositions. The excursion provided valuable opportunities to enhance their visual storytelling while developing technical skills in photography and image-making.
27 Apr 2025
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LEST WE FORGET 🌹 Emily G., School Captain and Lucy C., Year 8 laid the wreath on behalf of the Catherine McAuley community at the City of Parramatta RSL sub-Branch ANZAC Dawn Service on Friday. The service was held at Prince Alfred Square at 4.30am. Accompanying the students were Ms Grigson, Assistant Principal, Mr Grumley, Leader of Learning English and Ms O’Donoghue, Leader of Learning Mathematics. Thank you to Emily and Lucy who represented the school so beautifully.
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From Facebook
WELCOME TO TERM 2 2025 😀 Term 2 2025 begins on Monday 28th April for a Staff Professional Learning Day and is a Pupil Free Day. Tuesday 29th April is the Staff Formation Day and a Pupil Free Day. Wednesday 30th April is when students commence Term 2 in winter uniform.