Year 10 Geography students conducting fieldwork at Long Reef and Collaroy beaches.
From creative design projects to hands-on fieldwork and powerful historical insights, students have been actively engaging in a range of enriching learning experiences across the classroom and beyond.
Over the past few weeks, students across a range of subject areas have been engaged in rich learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom, showcasing creativity, collaboration and real-world learning.
Year 9 Textiles students with the cushions they created.
Year 11 Textiles and Design students with the bags they designed and constructed.
In Textiles, students in Mrs E. Maher’s Year 9 class created a colourful collection of cushions as part of their Furnishings focus area. Drawing inspiration from designers working across the textiles industry, from fashion and handbag designers to toy makers, students explored decorative techniques including embroidery and appliqué to bring their ideas to life. The finished pieces reflected both creativity and developing textile skills.
Year 11 Textiles and Design students in Mrs E. Maher’s class have also been showcasing their creativity through the design and construction of unique bags inspired by historical, cultural and contemporary influences. As part of their Design Unit, students incorporated fabric manipulation techniques along with key elements and principles of design to produce a range of impressive and highly individual works.
Year 10 Geography students conducting fieldwork at Long Reef and Collaroy beaches.
Year 10 Geography students recently took part in their coastal case study excursion to Long Reef and Collaroy beaches. During the excursion, students gained valuable hands-on experience conducting fieldwork, including measuring sand dune profiles, assessing weather conditions and vegetation, and observing coastal management strategies in place at both locations. The excursion provided an excellent opportunity for students to apply their classroom learning in a real-world environment.
Mr and Mrs Cosgrove of the St Mary’s Vietnam Veterans Association spoke to Year 10 History students about the Vietnam War.
Meanwhile, Year 10 History students had the privilege of hearing from Mr and Mrs Cosgrove of the St Mary’s Vietnam Veterans Association. Through Mr Cosgrove’s personal reflections and experiences as a soldier, students developed a deeper understanding of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War and the impact the conflict had on soldiers and their families. It was a powerful opportunity for students to connect with living history and learn firsthand from those who experienced it.
Year 10 Geography students
Mr and Mrs Cosgrove
Jacqui Hamilton | School Development Officer
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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17 Jun 2026
Try a Career Day @ CathWest Loyola Campus
Year 10, are you curious about trying a career...? Register for CathWest's 'Try a Career Day' at the CathWest Loyola Campus!
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Around the Classrooms
From creative design projects to hands-on fieldwork and powerful historical insights, students have been actively engaging in a range of enriching learning experiences across the classroom and beyond.
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From Facebook
Catherine McAuley Westmead recognised by the Sydney Morning Herald as among the top 130 schools achieving the biggest gains in literacy and numeracy across NSW! 🙌🙌
12 May 2026
From Facebook
🏃♀️ PDSSSC CROSS COUNTRY 🏃♀️ Last Friday 8th May, a group of students proudly represented the school at the PDSSSC Cross Country Carnival held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Horsley Park. Students from across the Parramatta Diocese came together for a day of competition and school spirit. Events were held for students aged 12–18, with the top six place-getters qualifying for the NSWCCC Carnival in June. Congratulations to all of our students for their outstanding effort and encouragement of one another throughout the day. A special congratulations to Sophie S. (Year 8) and Ziana P. (Year 7), who both received ribbons and qualified for the next round! 👏
12 May 2026
From Facebook
ENVIRONMENT WEEK 🌿 Today’s ‘Repurpose Pop-Up Stall’ showcased a range of handmade items created by students in the Earth Action Committee (EAC), encouraging the McAuley community to consider the environmental impact of mass production and the value of repurposing materials. Under the leadership of the Student Environment Leaders, the stall, held in Mercy Square at lunchtime, featured crochet bags, keychains, pouches, earrings, bookmarks, hair ties, AirPods cases and more, all thoughtfully handcrafted by students. All funds raised will support this term’s social justice cause, the Parramatta Women’s Shelter.
12 May 2026
From Facebook
BUILDING CONNECTIONS 🤝 Connections continue to form across year groups as the Year 7 students buddy up with Year 12. Last week, Clare and Veritas came together in Mercy Square as they sat down for a chat and a catch up. A simple but meaningful way to build connections, confidence and a strong sense of community. 🧡❤️ - Ms S. Malek
12 May 2026
From Facebook
AROUND THE CLASSROOMS ➡️ Students in Mrs E. Maher’s Year 9 Textiles class have created a colourful collection of cushions as part of their Furnishings focus area. Inspired by designers working across the textiles industry, from fashion and handbag designers to toy makers, students explored creative decorative techniques including embroidery and appliqué to bring their ideas to life. The class produced a range of beautifully crafted designs, showcasing both creativity and developing textile skills. 🧵🪡
12 May 2026
From Facebook
On Friday, 8th May Sir David Attenborough turned 100. Year 12 Geography and other Geography classes used this as an opportunity to say thank you to him for bringing the wonders of the natural world into our homes and inspiring generations of us to understand, appreciate, and protect the natural world. We acknowledge his amazing documentaries and lifelong commitment to environmental conservation and the important role he has played in raising our awareness of the natural environment and the urgent need to protect Earth’s ecosystems for future generations. Happy Birthday Sir David Attenborough!! 🌳 🌏 🐅 🦍 🐠🐢
11 May 2026
From Facebook
✨ ALTIORA WEEK FINALE - DAY 5 ✨ Last Friday, Mercy Square came alive at lunchtime with incredible live music performances as students gathered together to celebrate the conclusion of Altiora Week. 🎤 It was the perfect way to finish a week dedicated to creativity, curiosity and striving for higher things in our learning. From stepping outside comfort zones to showcasing talents, Altiora Week was a wonderful reflection of the school's motto and community spirit. 📚🧠 A special thanks to the 2026 Leaders of Learning Majerin P. and Tayana H. for leading such an engaging and inspiring week of activities, as well as Assistant Principal Mrs K. Kelly for supporting the leaders throughout the week and helping them bring it to life. Thank you to the student media team for capturing these performances!
11 May 2026
From Facebook
AROUND THE CLASSROOMS ➡ Last Friday, Year 10 History students had the opportunity of hearing from Mr and Mrs Cosgrove of the St Mary’s Vietnam Veterans Association. Through Mr Cosgrove’s personal reflections and experiences as a soldier, students gained a deeper understanding of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War and the impact the war had on soldiers and their families. 🪖 It was a powerful and memorable opportunity for students to connect with living history and learn firsthand from those who experienced it.
11 May 2026
From Facebook
✨👩🏼🎓 ALUMNAE RELAUNCH 👩🏼🎓✨ Register your interest here: https://forms.gle/ALfGXKpSKJyzdR2M8
08 May 2026
From Facebook
ATTENTION ‼ All parents and carers invited to the Term 2 Information Night!
07 May 2026
From Facebook
WOMEN IN STEM - 🤖 STEM learning is in action at Catherine McAuley this year, with Year 8 students engaging in hands-on discovery through the Unearthing Science: Digging Deep workshops, delivered as part of the Khuda Women in STEM program. Exploring real-world topics like soil science, climate and ecosystems, students are building critical thinking and investigative skills while experiencing how science applies beyond the classroom. This marks the beginning of an exciting year of STEM opportunities, with more to come. Thank you to the Year 11 Khuda Women in STEM student, Riana A., for these photos.
07 May 2026
From Facebook
DANCE STUDENTS 💃 Introducing the school’s Junior Solo Dance Artists - Grace L.(Year 7) and Kaitlyn G. (Year 8), both representing the school as Solo Lyrical Dance Artists. Students involved in the Catherine McAuley Dance Companies have the opportunity to audition as solo artists, with each student choreographing and performing their own original dance piece. Congratulations to the four students selected as Solo Dance Artists for 2026! 👏👏 Pictured are the two Junior Solo Dance Artists - Grace and Kaitlyn. There are also two Senior Solo Dance Artists who were also selected. The solo artists will perform at one of the upcoming events including the PDSSSC Dance Competition and the Captivate Arts Factor event, with two students performing at each event.