Year 10 Academy U Hackathon
There are 10 Year 10 students who are participating in Academy U, a program run in partnership with Western Sydney University, and which is open to ten students in Year 10 each year.
These students follow the program through to Year 12, where they have the opportunity to complete a university level unit while undertaking their preliminary HSC.
Recently the students involved, Erin M., Keisha M., Emily P., Chanel C., Sandrina R., Shanelle W., Rhea A., Josephine C., Tanisha S. and Georgia E., attended a hackathon where they were challenged to develop a solution to a sustainability problem. Working in separate groups, with students from other schools who they did not know, they were asked to research an existing problem, develop an innovative and realistic solution, and then summarise this into a 60 second pitch.
Sandrina has written a reflection of the day below:
The main goal of the Academy U Hackathon was to address real-world challenges through teamwork and creativity. Working in groups, we brainstormed, developed and pitched our solutions to a panel of industry experts, which was a fantastic way to apply what we've been learning in class.
Throughout the day I faced several challenges including managing time effectively, navigating diverse perspectives, ensuring our ideas were feasible and honing my presentation skills. Despite these obstacles, I gained valuable insights, including the importance of critical thinking, collaboration and real-world application.
Engaging with industry experts made our work feel relevant and underscored the significance of our efforts. Overall, the Hackathon was an inspiring experience that empowered us to think critically about sustainability and develop innovative solutions, and I’m excited to see how our ideas can contribute to a more sustainable future!
Ms Joanne Xuereb | Leader of Learning Pathways and Partnerships
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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27 Aug 2024
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28 Sep 2024
From Facebook
CLASS OF 2024 🥰 The Year 12 students were presented with a graduation gift from the school at the Year 12 final assembly on Wednesday, 25th September 2024. Each Year 12 student was presented with a bracelet. This bracelet was designed by members of staff as part of the Mercy 5 Staff Formation Project. The bracelets recognise the Irish heritage of our patroness Venerable Catherine McAuley as each bracelet is engraved with ‘trocaire’, the Irish word for Mercy. Ms Banks, Director of Catholic Identity and Mission, told the students gathered at the assembly, “As the Year 12 graduates wear their bracelets may they remember the words from our school hymn, The Circle of Mercy - ‘That the Circle of Mercy is timeless’. May they journey through life living out the mercy values and continue to strive for higher things”.
27 Sep 2024
From Facebook
END OF TERM 3 🥳 🥳 That's a wrap for Term 3! The first day of Term 4 is Monday 14th October and is a Staff Professional Learning Day and is therefore Pupil Free. Students return on Tuesday 15th October. Enjoy the holidays!
26 Sep 2024
From Facebook
CLASS OF 2024 🥰 The Year 12 Graduation Ceremony today took place in The Morley Centre. 👏👏👏
26 Sep 2024
From Facebook
Congratulations to Ryan House who are the winners of the Catherine McAuley House Cup for 2024! 🩷🩷🩷 The House Cup was presented at the Year 12 Farewell Assembly held in the Morley Centre on Wednesday, 25th September. The House Cup is awarded to the House who has collected the most House points throughout the year. Points are obtained in a number of ways including House competitions, sports carnival results and merit certificates and awards received by students throughout the year. Place positions were: 1st Ryan 2nd Veritas 3rd Mercedes 4th Clare
26 Sep 2024
From Facebook
CONGRATULATIONS!! 🎉 Congratulations to the Catherine McAuley Westmead Class of 2024 who graduated today!
26 Sep 2024
From Facebook
CLASS OF 2024 GRADUATION - Congratulations to all Year 12 students who graduated today! A special congratulations to the students who received one of the special awards. 👏👏👏 The Catherine McAuley Award - Mikaela B.S. The Sister Eugene Dobson Award for Leadership - Alyssa A. Bishop of Parramatta Award for Student Excellence - Sacha S. Academic Excellence - Lea Z. Sister Barbara McDonough School Spirit Award - Amelia C. Ampol Best All Rounder Award - Rihana B. The ADF Future Innovators Award - Mahika C. The ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award - Shreya D. Reuben F Scarf Award for Commitment - Ella B. Sports Award - Alyssa C. & Sophie S. Service Award - Alicia D. Culture Award - Naydeen P.
26 Sep 2024
Year 12 Students Presented With A Gift From The School
The Year 12 students were presented with a gift from the school at the Year 12 final assembly on Wednesday, 25th September 2024.
25 Sep 2024
From Facebook
CLASS OF 2024 - This morning the Year 12 students organised a lovely morning tea for staff to say thank you for all their hard work with the students over the past six years. The Year 12 and Staff Morning Tea is an annual tradition at the school and one which the staff very much enjoy. 🍰
25 Sep 2024
From Facebook
CLASS OF 2024 🥰 So much emotion in these photos showing Year 12 being clapped out of school today as the whole school formed a guard of honour!
25 Sep 2024
From Facebook
The Catherine McAuley Graduation Mass was held last night, Tuesday 24th September 2024 at St Patrick's Cathedral, Parramatta. Students were joined by their families for a 'comfortable cup of tea' in the Cloister at the Cathedral following Mass. ⛪️
25 Sep 2024
From Facebook
THANK YOU 💕 Thank you to the Years 10 and 11 Student Leaders who assisted at the Year 12 Graduation Mass last night; as well as the Year 11 Hospitality students who helped with the catering. #hospitality #mercy #graduationmass #catherinemcauley #catherinemcauleywestmead
25 Sep 2024
Year 12 Graduation Mass
Year 12 students were reminded of the Mercy value of hospitality as they were presented with their graduation gift of a cup and saucer at the Graduation Mass on Tuesday night.
25 Sep 2024
Waste Free Wednesday Is Launched
In an effort to make Catherine McAuley a more sustainable and environmentally conscious school, a dedicated group of students have come up with a project to work towards achieving this.
25 Sep 2024
From Facebook
CLASS OF 2024 🥰 Year 12 students and their guests gathered together last night for the Year 12 Graduation Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. The Year 12 students were reminded of the Mercy value of hospitality as they were presented with their graduation gift of a cup and saucer before forming a ‘Circle of Mercy’ for the last time and proceeding out of the Cathedral to the recessional hymn Circle of Mercy.
25 Sep 2024
Year 10 Students Attend Two Day Entrepreneurship Workshop
Ten Year 10 students attended an ‘Impact Innovation Entrepreneurial Workshop’ run by The NSW Department of Education and the organisation Future Anything, who empower youth entrepreneurship in schools.