Mrs T. Hartman, Teacher Librarian, explaining to the Year 7 students how to program the Edison robots.
STEM continues to grow at Catherine McAuley, with students embracing opportunities to develop their skills, explore new technologies, and engage in learning beyond the classroom.
One exciting initiative taking place this term is the Year 7 CODE Club, a weekly program that introduces students to Python coding and digital technologies in a fun, supportive, and hands-on environment.
Held in the library during Monday lunchtime, CODE Club gives students the opportunity to build confidence with technology while developing valuable problem-solving and computational thinking skills. The program is facilitated by Years 11 and 12 students involved in the Khuda Women in STEM Program, alongside Technology Leader Cyrille and Mrs Hartman, creating a unique opportunity for younger students to learn from experienced student mentors.
Throughout the program, students have been learning the fundamentals of Python coding and applying their knowledge to practical challenges. One recent highlight has been programming Edison robots to navigate mazes, combining coding, creativity, and critical thinking to bring digital commands to life.
Year 7 student Ann S. shared that her favourite part of CODE Club has been “programming the Edison robot and learning how to create programs,” reflecting the enthusiasm and engagement students have shown throughout the sessions.
Initiatives such as CODE Club demonstrate how STEM learning extends beyond traditional classroom experiences. By encouraging curiosity, collaboration, and innovation, students are given the opportunity to develop skills that will support them across a wide range of future pathways and careers.
Looking ahead, STEM opportunities will continue later this month as Year 7 students attend the STEM Festival at the University of Sydney on 24th June. The event will provide students with the chance to participate in interactive STEM demonstrations, explore university life, and gain insight into future study and career pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
We look forward to sharing more STEM achievements, events, and opportunities throughout the year as students continue to innovate, create, and make a difference.
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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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16 Jun 2026
STEM Opportunities Continue to Grow at Catherine McAuley - Year 7 CODE Club
STEM continues to grow at Catherine McAuley, with students embracing opportunities to develop their skills, explore new technologies, and engage in learning beyond the classroom.
12 Jun 2026
From Facebook
👩🎓CAREER PATHWAYS 👩🎓 A group of Year 11 students recently visited the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to explore career pathways in health and sport. Through a range of hands-on activities, students gained valuable insight into fields such as nursing, sports science and midwifery. 🩺🧪 Students participated in biometric testing, learnt how physiotherapists strap a hand injury, practised wound dressing techniques used by nurses, listened to a baby's heartbeat in the womb, and much more. The experience provided both practical skills and a deeper understanding of the courses and career opportunities available at UTS in these exciting industries. - Ms J. Xuerub (Leader of Learning, Pathway and Partnerships)
11 Jun 2026
From Facebook
AROUND THE CLASSROOMS 🏺Creativity met history in Mr T. Fraser’s Year 7 History class as students brought their learning to life through a hands-on project exploring Ancient Egyptian burial practices and beliefs about the afterlife. Drawing on their knowledge of Egyptian tombs, students designed and constructed their own tombs, showcasing both their historical understanding and creativity. These photos highlight some of the impressive work produced by the class.
11 Jun 2026
From Facebook
BLANKET SEWING PROJECT 🧶 Staff and students have been busy knitting and crocheting blankets, scarves and beanies for the Parramatta Women’s Shelter. Students involved in the Blanket Sewing Project meet at least once each week to create handmade items that will be donated to support women and families in need. Thank you to everyone contributing to this meaningful initiative. 😍 Parramatta Women's Shelter Women's Community Shelters
11 Jun 2026
From Facebook
📣 ALL INVITED 📣 Join us on Wednesday 24th June and see the amazing work of the Creative and Performing Arts students at Catherine McAuley Westmead. 🎭 The art exhibition will be on display from 4pm and the music showcase will start at 6pm. See you then!
11 Jun 2026
From Facebook
The Catherine McAuley Weekly Review for Thursday 11th June 2026 is now available:
10 Jun 2026
From Facebook
AROUND THE CLASSROOMS ➡️ Mrs D. Bonello’s Year 12 Hospitality class launched CMAC Cafe for 2026 by inviting a teacher for a ‘Coffee and a Toastie’. ☕ Teachers were greeted at the door by students and invited to take a seat at one of the four nicely set tables available. Teachers were provided with table service while enjoying a winter ambience with the fireplace in the background. This was Year 12’s first experience running a cafe as a class and they worked extremely hard in both front and back of house. Mrs Bonello was proud of Year 12’s efforts and many positive reviews were provided by the teachers.
10 Jun 2026
From Facebook
THE BIG GIVE 💜 The generosity of the Catherine McAuley community was on display through The Big Give in support of the Parramatta Women’s Shelter. Thank you to everyone who donated essential items to help women and children experiencing crisis. Yesterday morning, students worked together to sort and organise the donations before they are delivered to the shelter. Every contribution will make a meaningful difference, and this collective effort is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together to support those in need. Thank you to all who took action and stood in solidarity with the women and children supported by the Parramatta Women’s Shelter. @Women'sCommunityShelters @Parramatta Women's Shelter
09 Jun 2026
From Facebook
SCHOOL ASSEMBLY 🔹 Last Friday’s school assembly featured a full and inspiring agenda. The Strong Sisters shared a presentation on Reconciliation Week, highlighting its significance and encouraging reflection across the school community. Year 12 student Georgia E.K. was also recognised for being named VET Student of the Year for the Western Sydney and Blue Mountains region. The assembly also featured the presentation of awards to the Altiora Week winners by the Student Leaders of Learning, while Year 12 Music student Gerardine M. captivated the audience with a beautiful piano performance. 📸 Thank you to Year 11 Media Team student Riana A. for these photos.
09 Jun 2026
From Facebook
👏STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS👏 Congratulations to Jessica C. and Cyrille R. who graduated from their Step into Uni courses at ACU in Strathfield on Tuesday, 2nd June. Both students completed two university level subjects, Jessica in Criminology and Cyrille in Business, alongside their Stage 6 HSC course. 🎓 Their commitment, resilience, and willingness to embrace new learning opportunities have helped them prepare for future university success. Completion of these courses will provide the students with an early offer into a relevant ACU degree where these Step Up subjects can be counted towards their degree. 👩🏫 It was also lovely to see three of our 2024 ex-students working as ACU ambassadors at the graduation. Patricia who is studying nursing, Alana also studying nursing and Alyssa who is studying Business with a major in accounting. These students also completed the ACU step up program, which is testament to its success. - Ms J. Xuereb (Leader of Learning, Pathways and Partnerships)
09 Jun 2026
From Facebook
💜PARRAMATTA WOMEN'S SHELTER💜 Last Friday was a busy but successful fundraising day, as the school community came together to support this term’s social justice cause, Parramatta Women’s Shelter. From a comforting hot chocolate and pancake stall hosted by Year 9 Dobson and Year 12 Caritas in the morning, to a popcorn and fresh fruit stall run by Year 8 Caritas and Year 11 Coolock at lunchtime. 🥞🍿🍓 It was great to see so many of our students supporting such a meaningful cause and standing in solidarity with those in need. Thank you to the house patrons, students and everyone who contributed and made the day a wonderful success.
09 Jun 2026
From Facebook
LIP SYNC BATTLE 🎶🎤 Heat 2 of the Catherine McAuley Lip Sync Battle was held today, with students involved entertaining an enthusiastic crowd. Those in the audience made a gold coin donation to support the Parramatta Women’s Shelter, with all proceeds going towards this important community cause. The competition continues as students compete for a place in the Grand Final later this term! 📸 Thank you to Tiara A., Year 11 Media Team, for capturing these photos.
09 Jun 2026
LIVING THE LEGACY OF MERCY
Students joined Mercy schools from across Australia for the second session of the AMSSA Student Virtual Conference, exploring how young people can live out Mercy values and create positive change in their communities.
05 Jun 2026
From Facebook
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS 🎉 The 31st of July 1989 is a day fondly remembered by many students who attended the school at the time. It was the day Peter Garrett, lead singer of the popular Australian band Midnight Oil, visited Catherine McAuley Westmead. The visit was part of the school’s Environment Week, with Peter attending as a guest speaker in his role as President of the Australian Conservation Foundation. “I remember that as a school we were all assembled in the top quad (now named Coolock Court) waiting with excitement for his arrival,” said former teacher Rosanna Torresan. “He encouraged us all to take action in some way towards saving the global environment from major damage. I felt that we were very privileged to have this world known celebrity come to speak to us on a subject that he was so passionate about.”
04 Jun 2026
From Facebook
YEAR 12 GEOGRAPHY 🌆 Year 12 Geography students explored the urban space of Darling Harbour yesterday. What makes up the Darling Harbour Precinct? How and why has it changed over time? What will it look like in future years? These are the questions the Year 12 students were armed with and keen to find answers for! The students undertook a range of fieldwork activities that reinforced their classroom learning on the character, changes and strategies that make this urban space what it is today, and how planning decisions impact the sustainability of Darling Harbour into the future. Mrs G. Noud, Leader of Learning - Social Science commented that, “If all people are as fully engaged and aware of the importance of various planning considerations for our future urban spaces as these students are, then we are in good hands.”