Catherine McAuley students volunteered at the recent Parramatta Homeless Memorial Service.
On Friday, 19th June, a group of Catherine McAuley students volunteered at the Parramatta Homeless Memorial Service, supporting the event through acts of service and connecting with members of the local community.
Year 10 student Jillian D-B. reflects on how the experience challenged her perspectives, deepened her understanding of human dignity, and reinforced the importance of compassion and empathy.
Volunteering at the Parramatta Homeless Memorial was a deeply transformative experience that confronted me with the stark realities of homelessness.
During our service, we set up tables, served soup, and engaged in meaningful conversations with the attendees. Building these heartfelt connections allowed me to look past stereotypes, putting a human face to the community.
This experience taught me to view all members of our community as equals, deserving of unconditional respect, love, and compassion. Additionally, the memorial service provided a powerful opportunity to honour those who have passed away, including deceased members of the homeless community. Remembering them as valuable individuals reminded me of the inherent dignity within every person and our duty of dignity, as well as empathy.
Jillian D-B | Year 10
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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06 Jul 2026
Serving with Compassion at the Parramatta Homeless Memorial
Catherine McAuley students volunteered at the recent Parramatta Homeless Memorial Service.
05 Jul 2026
From Facebook
NAIDOC WEEK 5th July - 12th July 2026 🖤💛❤️ As part of this year’s commemorations, students at Catherine McAuley, in collaboration with the Jarara Cultural Centre, have created a significant collaborative artwork titled Our River, Our Sky, Our Country, Our Story. The piece has been developed to honour the 2026 theme, “50 Years of Deadly”, marking half a century since the formal establishment of NAIDOC Week. The artwork will be gifted to the school community and displayed during the NAIDOC Week period at Westfield Parramatta, located opposite SUPRE, throughout the school holidays. It will be formally presented to the school in Term 3, Week 2, at the school assembly. Created by the Catherine McAuley Indigenous ‘Strong Sisters’ group, the artwork reflects deep cultural storytelling and connection to Country. The fifty woven raffia circles represent the practice of intergenerational knowledge sharing through weaving, symbolising the ongoing strength and continuity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. The composition is divided into three sections representing Country, waterways, and sky. The Parramatta River features as a central element, acknowledging its significance to the Burramattagal, Wangal, and Wallemudegal peoples. The night sky includes constellation markings, including the ‘emu in the sky’, a celestial guide used for navigation and seasonal understanding. The earth-toned section reflects the Strong Sisters’ collective commitment to cultural learning, unity, and shared identity, expressed through student handprints layered into the work. This artwork stands as a powerful expression of culture, connection, and community, and a meaningful contribution to NAIDOC Week 2026 celebrations.
03 Jul 2026
From Facebook
END OF TERM 2 2026 😀 Look forward to seeing students when they return for Term 3 on Tuesday, 21st July 2026.
02 Jul 2026
From Facebook
🔬📚 LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM 📚🔬 On Friday, 26th June, Year 11 Biology students ventured to Camp Kedron in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park for an immersive fieldwork experience. From comparing the unique Ridge and Valley ecosystems to testing water and soil quality, identifying native tree species and discovering fascinating creek macroinvertebrates, students brought their classroom learning to life through hands-on scientific investigation. 🌱 Despite the cold weather and muddy conditions, the students embraced every challenge with enthusiasm, teamwork, and a genuine commitment to their studies.
02 Jul 2026
From Facebook
The Catherine McAuley Weekly Review for Thursday, 2nd July 2026 is now available:
02 Jul 2026
From Facebook
FOOTBALL GALA DAY ⚽ A fantastic effort from the Years 7-10 PDSSSC Football Gala Day Team! Competing at Jamison Sports Park last Friday, the team remained unbeaten throughout the pool rounds, recording two impressive 2-0 wins and two determined 0-0 draws without conceding a single goal. Their outstanding teamwork and defensive strength secured them a place in the semi-finals, where they were defeated by a strong Gilroy side. Ms I. Ticchio said that throughout the day, the students demonstrated resilience, determination and outstanding sportsmanship, supporting one another and representing the school with pride in true Mercy spirit. Congratulations to all players on an excellent tournament! 👏 👏 👏
01 Jul 2026
From Facebook
On Friday 19 June, a group of Catherine McAuley students volunteered at the Parramatta Homeless Memorial Service held at St Patrick’s Cathedral, supporting the event through practical service and meaningful connection with members of the local community. Students assisted with setting up the service, served soup, and spent time speaking with attendees. Year 10 student Jillian D-B. reflected that the experience encouraged her to see all members of the community as equals, deserving of unconditional respect, love, and compassion.
01 Jul 2026
From Facebook
🎭 SHAKESPEARE SUCCESS 🎭 On Sunday 21st June, a group of talented students proudly represented the school at the 2026 Sport for Jove Shakespeare Carnival State Final, achieving outstanding results as they brought home 1st and 2nd place in their categories. The Ensemble team was awarded 1st place in the state for their performance of Othello, whilst the Physical Theatre team achieved an impressive 2nd place, demonstrating exceptional creativity, commitment and passion for the performing arts.🏅 The Sport for Jove Shakespeare Carnival is a festival that brings together hundreds of like-minded drama students from across New South Wales. Students present performances inspired by the works of William Shakespeare through a range of theatrical forms including physical theatre, dance, music, ensemble performance, smart film and more. The crown is displayed proudly in the library. Congratulations to the students for achieving such great wins!
01 Jul 2026
From Facebook
SCHOOL DEBATING 🗣 Congratulations to the Year 11 Debating Team on reaching Elimination Round 3 of the 2026 Catholic Schools Debating Association (CSDA) Competition. The team concluded their campaign after a closely contested debate against St Vincent's College, Ashfield, tackling the topic of globalisation and inequality. Well done to the Year 11 Team on making it this far in the competition and well done also to all students who represented Catherine McAuley in CSDA Debating this year. It has been another successful season.
30 Jun 2026
From Facebook
🎵 LIP SYNC GRAND FINAL 🎵 The stage came alive at lunchtime yesterday, Monday 29th June, as finalists brought unforgettable performances, incredible energy and crowd-favourite hits in the battle to be crowned this year's Lip Sync Champions! From the iconic moves of Michael Jackson to Pitbull party classics, the students pulled out all the stops for the title. Congratulations to ‘Jackson 6–7’ for taking out the 2026 title, and well done to every performer who took to the stage and made the event one to remember. 🎤 A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful guest judges, Julia Flemming from Women's Community Shelter and Tania Smith from Parramatta Women's Shelter, for joining us and supporting this special event. And a huge thank you to everyone who came together to support such a worthy cause, demonstrating proudly the Mercy values of the school. 🫶
30 Jun 2026
Shining Lamps: Be the Light of Mercy
A group of Years 10 and 11 students recently attended Session 3 of the Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Association (AMSSA) Conference.
29 Jun 2026
From Facebook
🎤 LIP SYNC GRAND FINAL 2026 🎤 A special thank you to guest judges - Julia Flemming from Women’s Community Shelters and Tania Smith from the Parramatta Women’s Shelter for attending the highly popular Lip Sync Grand Final at lunchtime today. All funds raised from this event are donated to this term’s social justice cause, Parramatta Women’s Shelter. Thank you to everybody who came together to support this worthy cause. 💜 More photos from the grand final to come soon! Parramatta Women's Shelter Women's Community Shelters
29 Jun 2026
From Facebook
CAPA MID YEAR SHOWCASE - 🎨 Highlights from the Creative and Performing Arts Mid Year Showcase. These photos show Year 8 ‘Kindred Spirits’ Portraiture Paintings and Year 9 ‘Beauty & The Beast’ - Vanitas / Memento Mori Drawings.
29 Jun 2026
From Facebook
CAPA MID YEAR SHOWCASE - 🎨 Highlights from the Creative and Performing Arts Mid Year Showcase. These photos show Year 11 ‘Kaleidoscope’ - Body of Work and Year 9 ‘Botanica Propulsions’ - Cockatoo Island.
29 Jun 2026
From Facebook
CAPA MID YEAR SHOWCASE - 🎨 Creativity was on full display at the CAPA Mid Year Showcase last week, with students proudly sharing their incredible artistic talents. These photos capture the vibrant work of the Year 7 students, featuring their Nature’s Palette - Lizards and Succulents artworks and ceramics, alongside the colourful Kindred Spirits portrait paintings created by the Year 8 artists.