Donna Davis MP, State Member for Parramatta with Catherine McAuley student leaders and staff.
Catherine McAuley and the current student leaders have been recognised in NSW Parliament for the school’s strong history of school leadership and determination.
The Student Leaders of Catherine McAuley have been recognised in NSW Parliament by local member Donna Davis MP, State Member for Parramatta.
Ms Davis presented a Community Recognition Statement in Parliament where she recognised and congratulated the students in their leadership roles. The names of the student leaders were read out and will now forever be in Hansard, the official written record of proceedings and debates.
The student leaders joined Donna Davis MP for a special Community Recognition Lunch last Thursday, 21st August held at the school. Also in attendance were School Principal Ms Refalo and members of the school leadership team.
Donna read out to the students the Community Recognition Statement which acknowledged that Catherine McAuley Westmead has a strong history of school leadership and determination. “Demonstrating values of faith and service is so important to being a school leader, as it presents a great opportunity for students to develop leadership and communication skills that they will utilise throughout their lives,” said the statement.
The role of school leader is so important to everyone within the school community as these young people are often the conduit between teachers, parents and their fellow students.
Donna also took the opportunity to chat with the students about their future plans, the need for more females in some professions, and current social justice issues the school is supporting.
Jacqui Hamilton | School Development Officer
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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AROUND THE CLASSROOMS ➡️ McAuley Café Experience! 😀 Mrs Bonello’s Year 12 Hospitality students turned the classroom into a vibrant café this week, inviting one teacher each to enjoy a freshly made hot beverage. From perfect pours to professional service, the budding baristas showcased their barista skills. ☕ ☕
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MERCY 5 JUNIOR FORUM 💦💧 A number of Year 9 students (Mercy in Action Leaders and students from the Environment Group), accompanied by Ms N. Mahajan, attended yesterday the Junior Mercy 5 Forum at Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College, North Sydney. Students learnt about the World Water Action Decade and how it ties in with the Mercy value of Stewardship. Students heard from two guest speakers who are working and living out the Catholic Social Teaching on Care for Creation, as well as participating in a walk around the nearby neighbourhood to observe water sustainability risks caused by humanity.
28 Aug 2025
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THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE SYDNEY 🎓 On Monday night a group of Years 10 and 11 students attended a formal dinner at The Women's College at the University of Sydney. This college provides residential and affiliate programs for young women attending a number of universities in the Sydney city area. Catherine McAuley students had the opportunity to tour the college, find out more about college life and experience one of the weekly formal dinners. By talking to current university students they were able to understand the support available to them while studying if they chose to be a part of the college.
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YEAR 9 EXCURSION ⛩🎌 On Tuesday, the Year 9 Japanese students visited the Japan Foundation at Central Park Mall Sydney. Students participated in various workshops, giving them the opportunity to immerse themselves and deepen their understanding of Japanese culture. Workshops ranged from learning how to wear the traditional Yukata👘 and practicing home-visit etiquette 🎎, to exploring the cultural significance of the Obon ritual and gift wrapping. It was a meaningful experience for all.
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The Catherine McAuley Weekly Review for Thursday, 28th August 2025 is now available via this link:
27 Aug 2025
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CONGRATULATIONS 🤩 Congratulations to Catherine McAuley staff member Jacky Zhou, Head of ICT Services, who was awarded last night at the Schools Industry Partnership Awards for his work in supporting the work placement program for Information Technology VET students. Congratulations Jacky!
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HSC CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS SPOTLIGHT 🎭 🎨 🎶 Last Wednesday, our Year 12 Creative & Performing Arts Showcase was an incredible celebration of talent! From stunning Visual Arts masterpieces to captivating Drama performances and moving Music, the Year 12 students truly shone. Swipe through to see some of the amazing artworks created by the Year 12 Visual Arts students. Congratulations to all the CAPA students for their creativity, passion and hard work!
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GIRLS IN STEM 🔬⚗💻 Catherine McAuley had two teams take part in the recent STEM MAD 2025 Parramatta Diocesan event with one team selected to take part in the STEM MAD Nationals event to be held in Adelaide in November. Both the Catherine McAuley teams were awarded a Highly Commended with Team ‘Cup Crunches’ developing edible plastic cups and Team ‘SunSync’ developing an app, connected to a wearable pin, to help remind people when they should reapply sunscreen. Mr M. Lennon accompanied the students to the STEM MAD event and said the students had a great day not only presenting their own projects but also viewing the presentations from other schools. The students also enjoyed attending workshops where they were engaged in problem solving and VR experiences.
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From Facebook
PARTNERSHIP WITH USYD 🎓 Catherine McAuley Westmead is one of six schools chosen by the University of Sydney to participate in their Khuda Program for women in STEM. The purpose of this program is to balance the gender inequity in STEM fields, and its focus is to raise awareness of STEM opportunities for women, and to build the confidence and competence of young women in this area. The program has been generated by Robin Khuda, owner of the data company, AirTrunk. The Khuda Foundation has made a $100M donation to USYD for the promotion of women in STEM, and specifically women from Western Sydney. Catherine McAuley has been chosen because of the school’s high number of students in Science and Maths subjects and an above average ATAR. The program will be implemented in Years 7 - 12, with incursions and excursions for students in Years 7 - 10 facilitated by Science and Engineering staff from USYD, and an Academy program for up to 13 students in Years 11 and 12. Debbie Vadasz, Senior Outreach Coordinator - STEM, Sydney Future Students, The University of Sydney, came to school to speak about this exciting new partnership to Year 11 students last week.
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Catherine McAuley STEM Students Highly Commended at STEM MAD 2025
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Student Leaders for 2026 Announced
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Catherine McAuley Student Leaders Recognised In NSW Parliament
Catherine McAuley and the current student leaders have been recognised in NSW Parliament for the school’s strong history of school leadership and determination.
26 Aug 2025
From Facebook
The Student Leaders of Catherine McAuley have been recognised in NSW Parliament by local member Donna Davis MP, State Member for Parramatta. Ms Davis presented a Community Recognition Statement in Parliament where she recognised and congratulated the students in their leadership roles. The names of the student leaders were read out and will now forever be in Hansard, the official written record of proceedings and debates. The student leaders joined Donna Davis MP for a special Community Recognition Lunch last Thursday, 21st August held at the school. Donna Davis MP