Donna Davis MP, School Principal Mary Refalo and Year 11 students at a special afternoon tea on Tuesday, 3rd March 2026 to acknowledge their extraordinary efforts.
Catherine McAuley students recognised in NSW Parliament
Catherine McAuley students were recognised in NSW Parliament last month with Donna Davis MP, State Member for Parramatta, making a Community Recognition Statement to acknowledge the work the students have done for the Parramatta Women’s Shelter.
Last year the Year 10 students took part in the ‘Walk The Talk Respectful Relationships Education Program’ which seeks to educate students about the elements of healthy relationships and the nature and characteristics of relationship abuse and coercive control. The program was delivered by Dannielle Miller OAM, Director of Education, Women’s Community Shelters / CEO Enlighten Education and ex-student of Catherine McAuley, Class of 1987.
In addition to taking part in this program the students were also involved, as was the whole school, in raising funds for the Parramatta Women’s Shelter. It is these efforts which were recognised.
A transcript of the Community Recognition Statement from the Hansard written record is below:
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION STATEMENT
WALK THE TALK PROGRAM – WOMEN’S COMMUNITY SHELTER
Ms DONNA DAVIS (Parramatta) – It is an honour to celebrate the initiatives undertaken by the Year 10 students at Catherine McAuley Westmead. They raised over $15,000 in donations, gift cards and essential items for the Parramatta Women’s Shelter under the 2025 Walk the Talk program. The impressive array of fundraising activities including a sleep out, bake sales, food stalls and creative activities like crocheted blankets was further complimented by the creation of two videos to build awareness of domestic and family violence, and how to seek help.
Students also contributed to a large butterfly collage of handwritten notes from the community representing unity and empowerment. Special acknowledgement goes to Dannielle Miller OAM and Julia Fleming of the Walk the Talk team at Women’s Community Shelters and to all students from Year 10 including Victoria Mc. who addressed the audience on behalf of the school.
It is very inspiring to witness the extent of community youth engagement in our electorate, and for our schools to be paving the way as platforms of progress. I wholeheartedly congratulate the students at Catherine McAuley Westmead for their incredible contribution to our community.
Donna Davis MP
State Member for Parramatta
Wednesday, 11 February 2026
Catherine McAuley Westmead
www.mcauleywestmead.catholic.edu.au
More News
14 Apr 2026
5 Ways to Build Better Learning Routines at Home
The habits your child builds now will shape how they thrive in high school and beyond. Here's what the research and local educators say actually works.
05 Apr 2026
From Facebook
May all Catherine McAuley families encounter the light of Christ and be blessed at Easter by the Risen Christ. 🌅
04 Apr 2026
From Facebook
PROJECT COMPASSION ✝ Students have shown incredible support for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion this term, raising awareness about water inequality and helping fund vital programs to reduce water poverty in communities in need. 💧 Some of the stalls held this past week included a Years 7 & 12 Dobson Easter Stall and a Year 7 Veritas Bake Stall. Well done to all students involved!
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL 2026 – Year 12!! 🤠 Year 12 students celebrated their final Athletics Carnival in style on Tuesday, embracing their ‘cowgirls’ theme with plenty of energy and school spirit! Held at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre, just moments away from the upcoming Easter Show, the theme was a perfect fit. A fantastic way to mark their last carnival - full of fun, memories and Year 12 spirit! 🐄👏
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL 2026 🏃 4 Person Open Relay! The final race at the 2026 Athletics Carnival was the 100m 4 Person Open Relay, which produced a thrilling finish - the staff team came agonisingly close to taking the win! In the end, however, Caritas proved too strong. The final standings were: 1st Caritas, 2nd Staff, 3rd Veritas, 4th Coolock, 5th Ryan, 6th Dobson, 7th Clare, and 8th Mercedes.
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL 2026 🏃♀️ Fastest Girls at the School! The 100m Open Final, otherwise known as the ‘Fastest Girl Race’, is always an exciting end to the athletics carnival each year. Congratulations to all competitors! The final results for 1st, 2nd and 3rd were: 1st Clara F. Year 11 Caritas 2nd Bailey S. Year 12 Ryan 3rd Claire F. Year 8 Caritas
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
The Catherine McAuley Weekly Review for Thursday 2nd April 2026 is now available:
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Yesterday, on Holy Wednesday, the Liturgy Leaders, accompanied by the Liturgy Choir, led the school in praying The Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross are a beautiful expression of the core of our faith, which is that Jesus embraced the dramas of every human life, our triumphs and failures, our joys and sorrows. All students and staff gathered for this moving liturgy. ✝
02 Apr 2026
Records Fall as Students Shine at 2026 Athletics Carnival
The 2026 Athletics Carnival was held at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre on Tuesday, 31st March.
02 Apr 2026
Year 9 Students Connect at Mercy 5 Formation Day
Ten Year 9 students represented the school at the Mercy 5 Formation Day, joining peers from across the Mercy network for a day of connection, reflection and action centred on eco justice and Mercy values.
02 Apr 2026
Model UN Conference Experience
Students engaged in global issues through debate and diplomacy at the Model UN Conference.
02 Apr 2026
Year 9 Dance Students Inspired by Guest Artist
An exciting guest artist workshop has given Year 9 Dance students a deeper understanding of musical theatre and performance.
01 Apr 2026
From Facebook
On Saturday 28th March, a group of students from Year 10 Global Connections and Years 11 and 12 Legal Studies participated in the Model United Nations (UN) Conference hosted by OLMC. 🌏 Students took on the role of delegates representing UN member states including Germany, Malaysia, Nepal, Norway, the Dominican Republic and Liechtenstein. As delegates, they wrote and debated amendments, and voted on resolutions that would impact all countries, while collaborating with students from a range of Sydney schools. The experience strongly connected to their studies, linking to ‘Political Geography’ in Year 10 Global Connections and the ‘World Order’ topic in Legal Studies. Throughout the day, students worked alongside peers from MLC, OLMC, PLC and Marist, building both their knowledge and confidence.