The Khuda Women in STEM program ran workshops for Year 8 students looking at soil science.
A busy year of STEM opportunities at Catherine McAuley have began with Year 8 workshops.
STEM activities have begun this May at Catherine McAuley, with Year 8 students taking part in the engaging Unearthing Science: Digging Deep workshops.
Delivered through the Khuda Women in STEM program, these in-school sessions will take place on Friday, 1st May and Friday, 15th May 2026.
The workshops provide students with the opportunity to explore real-world scientific concepts through hands-on investigation. Focusing on areas such as soil science, climate, and ecosystems, students will develop essential skills in data collection, analysis, and critical thinking.
Rather than simply learning theory, students actively engage in the process of scientific inquiry, planning methods, managing risk, and interpreting results. This practical approach helps students better understand how science applies beyond the classroom.
As one student shared, “STEM is about being curious and open-minded, using what we learn to explore new possibilities and make a positive impact.”
These workshops mark the beginning of a busy year of STEM opportunities at Catherine McAuley, with more events and initiatives to follow in the coming months.
Riana A. | Year 11 Khuda Women in STEM student
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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06 May 2026
STEM in Action: Upcoming Events in May
A busy year of STEM opportunities at Catherine McAuley have began with Year 8 workshops.
06 May 2026
Term 2 Social Justice Focus - The Parramatta Women’s Shelter
Students and staff unite this term to raise awareness and funds for women and children supported by the Parramatta Women’s Shelter.
05 May 2026
From Facebook
✨ALTIORA WEEK - DAY 2 ✨ Altiora week is in full swing, a week of celebration of striving for excellence in learning, growth and community, led by our wonderful 2026 Leaders of Learning. 📚 Day two kept the energy high with the 'Math Battle of the Brains' where Year 11 accelerated maths students and teachers went head to head in a fast-paced and competitive maths showdown. 🧠 The winners will be formally announced at the next school assembly. The excitement continues tomorrow with the McAuley Spelling Bee Grand Final in the Morley Centre at lunchtime. Get ready as Year 12 students and teachers battle it out for the title! 🏆 A special thanks to our student media team for the photos of todays event.
05 May 2026
From Facebook
💐 MOTHERS DAY STALL 💐 A fantastic array of gifts were available at lunchtime today at the much loved Mother’s Day Stall led by Ryan🩷 and Mercedes💙 Houses. Students were invited to visit and select a thoughtful gift to celebrate someone special in their life. A mothers day raffle also took place for a chance to win an 8 in 1 cooker! All proceeds will go towards the school’s social justice cause this term which is the Parramatta Women’s Shelter. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the vital support the shelter provides to women and children in the local community. Since its establishment in 2019, the shelter has assisted countless individuals and families, relying on ongoing donations to continue its important work Thank you to everyone who donated the items and to those who made a purchase!
05 May 2026
From Facebook
📚 ✏️YEAR 7 STUDY SESSIONS ✏️📚 The new Year 7 Monday Study Sessions continued this week, giving students a supportive space to build strong study habits as they begin their high school journey. Each Monday afternoon, students can work on homework, revise classwork and develop effective study skills with support from former Catherine McAuley students, who are on hand as tutors to provide guidance in small groups and one-to-one. It’s a wonderful opportunity for Year 7 students to gain confidence, stay organised and learn valuable study strategies. These sessions will be held every Monday from 3.15pm – 4.30pm in the school library. All Year 7 students are warmly encouraged to come along and make the most of this great support.
04 May 2026
From Facebook
✨ALTIORA WEEK ✨ Inspired by the Latin term which translates to 'higher things,' this week is all about striving for excellence in our learning and growing as a community, which fits perfectly with our school motto - 'to strive for higher things.' An initiative led by our 2026 Leaders of Learning, Majerin P. and Tayana H., this week celebrates intellect, curiosity and the pursuit of excellence. Each day this week will focus on a different subject area with activities designed to help every student explore their strengths, step outside their comfort zone and engage more deeply in learning. 📝 The week started with a vibrant chalk wall in Dobson Green at lunchtime, a fun way to share ideas and creativity. 🎨 Tomorrow will continue with the 'Math Battle of the Brains,' where year 11 accelerated maths students and teachers go head to head in a maths showdown!
01 May 2026
From Facebook
YOUR CHANCE TO STAY INFORMED ‼️ The Term 2 Information Night for parents and carers will provide an overview of key events and initiatives taking place this term. The School Principal will present an update, and a member of the Catherine McAuley staff will join as a guest speaker. ALL INVITED!
01 May 2026
From Facebook
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS 🎉 Students marked the school’s 7th birthday in 1973 with a joyful dance party in the space we now know as Coolock Court.
30 Apr 2026
From Facebook
This year, Year 10 students have been given the opportunity to volunteer at a St Vincent de Paul store on Thursday afternoons. Through this experience, students are supporting people in need and contributing to services that assist those experiencing poverty and homelessness. They are also helping to reduce waste by giving donated goods a second life and keeping quality items in circulation. Alongside making a meaningful community contribution, students are developing valuable retail skills including sorting merchandise, pricing items, and creating visual displays. They are also strengthening their teamwork and customer service skills in a real-world setting. A wonderful example of learning in action with purpose and impact. 🩵
30 Apr 2026
From Facebook
PUBLIC SPEAKING 🗣 At yesterday’s assembly, the school proudly recognised the achievements of students who participated in public speaking competitions throughout Term 1, demonstrating confidence, creativity and strong communication skills. 12 students, with two representatives from each year group, represented Catherine McAuley in the Catholic Schools Debating Association (CSDA) Public Speaking Competition with excellent results. Congratulations to all involved, with special mention to Year 10 student Heidi S. who achieved 1st place, and Year 7 student Olive D. who was awarded 5th place. Students also took part in the Clift Public Speaking Competition, hosted by the Rotary Club of Parramatta, which promotes excellence in public speaking across the region. Amelia L. and Christina L.G. represented the school with distinction, delivering thoughtful speeches on the topic 'Service Beyond Self'. Congratulations to all students involved! Their achievements reflect the strength of the student voice within our school community. 👏👏👏
30 Apr 2026
From Facebook
WOMEN IN STEM 🤖 Year 11 students are embracing exciting opportunities through the Khuda Program - a $100 million initiative funded by Robin Khuda, designed to support young women in Western Sydney to pursue pathways in STEM. Delivered in partnership with University of Sydney, the program provides hands-on learning experiences and guaranteed entry into STEM-related university courses, empowering students to build confidence, skills and future career pathways. The program involves six participating schools and runs across Years 11 and 12. Students involved attend sessions at the USYD campus once per term, allowing them to engage in learning experiences beyond the classroom. During the most recent school holidays students explored a range of practical STEM activities with workshops ranging from investigating how sunscreen and materials block UV rays using a spectrophotometer, to working with UV-sensitive beads that change colour with UV intensity, to coding motion sensors and designing towers to withstand earthquake simulations. The workshops gave students valuable insights into real-world applications of science. Programs like Khuda continue to inspire and equip Catherine McAuley students with the knowledge and confidence to pursue futures in science, engineering, medicine and technology.
30 Apr 2026
From Facebook
The Catherine McAuley Weekly Review for Thursday, 30th April 2026 is now available:
30 Apr 2026
From Facebook
LEST WE FORGET 🌹 On ANZAC Day last week 25 students from Years 7 - 12 attended the Parramatta RSL Dawn Service held at the War Memorial and Cenotaph in Prince Alfred Square, Parramatta. Accompanied by Assistant Principal Ms D. Grigson, Leader of Learning English Mr L. Grumley, PDHPE Teacher Ms T. Lee, and supporting parents, students respectfully joined the community in commemorating the service and sacrifice of those who have served our nation.
29 Apr 2026
From Facebook
👏🏻✨ ATHLETICS CARNIVAL ACHIEVEMENTS ✨👏🏻 Congratulations to these students!
29 Apr 2026
From Facebook
HOUSE CHEER OFF WINNERS!! 🙌 Congratulations to the joint winners of the 2026 Athletics Carnival House Cheer Off - Mercedes and Veritas, who shared 1st place with their outstanding cheers! 👏 👏 The judges found it very difficult to award the places as they said all the cheers on the day were of a very high standard. Final results: 🥇 Equal 1st: Mercedes & Veritas 🥉 3rd: Dobson 4️⃣ 4th: Coolock