Yr 12 student Zoe K., Duke of Edingurgh Gold Award Recipient with Principal Ms. Refalo and Teacher Mr. Foran.
A proud and historic milestone has been reached at Catherine McAuley Westmead, as Year 12 student Zoe K., becomes the first student in the school’s history to receive the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s International Gold Award.
The Duke of Edinburgh is a globally recognised youth development program that encourages young people to engage in four key areas: volunteering, physical activity, skill development, and of course, an adventurous journey. The participants set goals and complete activities across three levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold - to build life skills, resilience and responsibility
Over the past three years, Zoe had demonstrated remarkable dedication and perseverance while completing all the requirements of the The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program. Her journey included developing various skills such as learning sign language and crocheting beanies for miracle babies, improving her physical fitness through aerial workouts and dance, as well as serving her community by volunteering at her soccer club canteen.
Student Zoe K. with her proud parents.
A demanding component of the Award was the Adventurous Journeys that Zoe took part. These involved multiple days of challenging outdoor expeditions such as hiking for many hours at each level. Mr Foran, Duke of Ed Award Leader, stated “while initially terrified at the prospect she did not back away. She trained both physically and mentally. Hours on the treadmill, everyday, at the steepest incline possible. And willed herself to go beyond fear.”
Reflecting on the journey, when Zoe first heard about the programme in Year 9 she thought, “No way will I be able to do all of that, it’s too much.” However, now in Year 12 she enjoyed every part of it, treasuring the skills she gained and the friendships she formed.
This achievement would not have been possible without the guidance and support of Duke of Edinburgh Award leader and teacher Mr C. Foran, whose mentorship helped Zoe reach this outstanding milestone.
Students at the Gold Award Duke of Ed Adventurous Journey with Mr. Foran
Zoe received her Gold Award in front of the whole school community during the International Women’s Day Assembly last Wednesday, a fitting moment to recognise a young woman who truly embodies the spirit of perseverance, service and courage. Congratulations to Zoe, a truly inspiring accomplishment.
Holly Khamo | Media Assistant
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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10 Mar 2026
Celebrating a Historic Achievement – The Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
A proud and historic milestone has been reached at Catherine McAuley Westmead, as Year 12 student Zoe K., becomes the first student in the school’s history to receive the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s International Gold Award.
09 Mar 2026
From Facebook
✨CELEBRATING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS ✨ A historic moment for Catherine McAuley Westmead! Year 12 student Zoe K. has become the first student in our school’s history to receive the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Gold Award. Over three years, Zoe has showed incredible dedication through volunteering, developing new skills like sign language and crocheting for miracle babies, improving her fitness through aerial workouts and dance, and completing challenging outdoor Adventurous Journeys. Presented at our International Women’s Day Assembly, Zoe’s achievement is a true reflection of perseverance, courage and service. Congratulations, Zoe, a truly inspiring milestone! 👏
09 Mar 2026
From Facebook
AROUND THE CLASSROMS 👩🏫 ⚖ Mrs Stevens' Year 10 Commerce class consolidated their knowledge of Australia’s adversarial legal system through conducting a mock trial based on “The Three Little Pigs” story. The defendant, “Mr Pig”, was charged with the crime of killing “Mr Wolf”. Both the Defence and Prosecution teams presented compelling arguments. A jury of 12 members deliberated for 20 minutes before returning a verdict of “Not Guilty” as at least 10 members were convinced by the Defence’s evidence that Mr Pig had not intended murder. Mr Pig was free to leave. A fantastic effort from all the students involved! 👏🏻
08 Mar 2026
From Facebook
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT 👏👏👏 Congratulations to Year 8 student Kyra. P. who represented NSW at the School Sport Australia U15 Cricket Championship at the end of February. This event was held in Bunbury, Western Australia and the NSW Team won the silver medal. Kyra is very proud to have represented both NSW and Catherine McAuley at the national level. Congratulations Kyra on this great achievement!
08 Mar 2026
From Facebook
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS 👏👏👏 Congratulations to Year 12 student Jaaniya S. who played with the NSW CCC Cricket Team (Combined Catholic Colleges) in Tuggerah last week, winning the tournament, and has now been selected for the U19 NSW All Schools Cricket Team to play in the upcoming tournament in Queensland. Congratulations Jaaniya on this great achievement! Well done also to Year 9 student Lucy C. who tried out for the U19 NSW All Schools Cricket Team and although she wasn’t successful this time Lucy is the youngest player to be asked to trial for a senior team. This is a significant achievement in itself.
08 Mar 2026
From Facebook
YEAR 12 HOSPITALITY ☕👩🍳Year 12 Hospitality students spent last Friday at CBD College in Haymarket completing a Barista and Coffee Art Course. During the session, students developed their barista skills and were assessed on their coffee-making techniques. A great hands-on experience as they continue to build their industry skills. ☕
07 Mar 2026
From Facebook
AROUND THE CLASSROOMS ➡ Year 8 and Year 9 Japanese students enjoyed a creative cultural activity this week led by Rinno, our Japanese intern. Students took part in an origami workshop, learning the traditional Japanese art of folding paper to create shapes such as animals, flowers and other designs. It was a fun and engaging way for students to explore Japanese culture while developing their creativity and patience. 🇯🇵
06 Mar 2026
From Facebook
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS - How different things look today! An aerial photo of Catherine McAuley High School (as it was then known) in 1966. The raised platform at the front corner of the building had been set up ready for the blessing and opening on 6th November 1966.
06 Mar 2026
From Facebook
AROUND THE CLASSROOMS ➡ Year 8 History students stepped back in time today during an interactive session that complemented their study of Medieval Europe. 🏰 🛡️👑 Students listened, observed and took part in a presentation exploring daily life during the medieval period, as well as some of the significant events that shaped the era. A highlight for many was the opportunity to try on medieval clothing and learn about the weapons used during the time.
06 Mar 2026
From Facebook
POST SCHOOL OPTIONS ❓The Lunchtime Pathway Talks are in full swing, giving students the chance to hear directly from universities and industry providers about courses, entry pathways and career options. So far we’ve heard from: 🔹 University of New South Wales (UNSW) 🔹 Macquarie University Coming up: 🔹 Australian Catholic University (ACU) next week 🔹 MedEntry in the last week of term Next term we’ll also welcome: 🔹University of Sydney (USYD) 🔹University of Technology Sydney (UTS) 🔹University of Sydney - Women's College These sessions are for Years 10, 11 and 12 students and are a fantastic opportunity to explore degrees, alternative entry options, scholarships and campus life.
05 Mar 2026
From Facebook
LENTEN SEASON ✝️ This week, students were invited to take part in a shared community activity for the Lenten season. Using chalk, students wrote Bible verses or personal intentions on the Mercy Wall as a reflection for Lent. This meaningful initiative was organised by the Student Leaders of Liturgy.
05 Mar 2026
From Facebook
The Catherine McAuley Westmead Weekly Review for Thursday, 5th March is now available:
05 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Thank you to all the mothers and grandmothers of our Year 11 students who joined us for yesterday’s International Women’s Day Assembly and the special morning tea that followed. It was a wonderful celebration of women, with the 2026 IWD theme, ‘Give to Gain’, brought to life in such a meaningful and inspiring way. 💜
05 Mar 2026
From Facebook
AROUND THE CLASSROOMS ➡ Year 8 Technology students are exploring Engineering and Engineered Systems as part of Technology Mandatory. In Mr T. Munro’s class, students took on a creative engineering challenge using limited resources - just seven marshmallows and twenty sticks of uncooked spaghetti. Working in teams, they were tasked with building the tallest and strongest tower they could. The activity served as a hands-on introduction to the engineering design process, encouraging students to think critically about how engineers develop solutions to real-world problems. 🗼
05 Mar 2026
From Facebook
From next week, the school will be offering a Year 7 Study Session each Monday afternoon from 3.15pm - 4.30pm in the school library. The first session will take place on Monday, 9th March 2026. The purpose of these sessions is to ease the transition to high school and support students in establishing strong, effective study habits early in their secondary journey. We are pleased to share that former Catherine McAuley students will be available as tutors, working with students in small groups and offering 1:1 support where needed. Please note that students who attend must remain for the full duration of the session. Parents are asked to agree that students will be responsible for organising their own way home at 4.30pm. The school hopes this initiative will provide both practical support and confidence for our Year 7 students.