School Captains for 2024 Announced

Congratulations to Alyssa A. and Lea Z. who have been announced as the 2024 School Captains.

Congratulations to Alyssa A. and Lea Z. who have been announced as the Catherine McAuley Westmead School Captains for 2024!! Alyssa and Lea will begin their roles in Term 4 this year after the current school captains graduate.

Alyssa and Lea were very strongly supported by both staff and students. “Lea and Alyssa are committed students who have a strong understanding of the values and practices that underpin school culture at Catherine McAuley”, said School Principal Ms Mary Refalo. “They are already both focussed on leading and participating in school activities, events and culture, and they ensure the purpose of these opportunities aligns with the school’s values and direction”.

Alyssa says that she was passionate to put herself forward for the role of school co-captain because of her strong belief in the Mercy spirit at Catherine McAuley. “The spirit of Mercy is that sense of compassion and comfort when a student in need is uplifted by a friend.

School Principal Ms Mary Refalo standing with Alyssa and Lea after the announcement for the new School Captains was made.

The spirit of Mercy is embedded into the foundation of our school and it flourishes in all that we do here”, said Alyssa as part of her nomination speech. Alyssa has represented the school in debating, public speaking and Kirby Cup competitions. She has been a school tour guide showing prospective parents and their daughters around the school and has demonstrated her leadership skills in her role as Assistant Leader of Social Justice.

“Catherine McAuley didn’t achieve greatness by staying where she is comfortable”, says Alyssa. “To me being a school captain isn’t about the title or the badge, it is about helping students understand that they constantly have the opportunity to strive for higher things and McAuley students always take that opportunity”.

Lea says that to her being a Mercy leader ultimately means being a servant leader. “Central to Mercy leadership is the act of serving others as it enables one to fully embody the values of Catherine McAuley and Jesus Christ”, she says. Lea is currently the Assistant Leader of Liturgy and in this role has led the lunchtime rosary, proposed prayers for school assemblies and represented the school at various masses and events. Lea has also been a school tour guide and open day ambassador, participated in the Eco Mercy 6 Group and the Western Sydney University Academy U Program.

Lea says that she firmly believes that the spirit of Mercy is the glue which holds the school together. “In times of conflict the spirit of Mercy serves as a guiding light leading us towards common ground. The spirit of Mercy instils hope within us and safeguards the marginalised”. Lea continues, “As a student at Catherine McAuley I know that we have the power to nurture the Mercy spirit. Continuing the legacy of Catherine McAuley and her Mercy works, I am grateful that I can be a part of this special journey with you all”.

Congratulations Alyssa and Lea! Catherine McAuley Westmead is confident you will lead the school well.