Term 4, Week 2, Issue #24 2024

Dear Families,

I hope you and your children have enjoyed a restful break and a wonderful start to Term 4! It’s hard to believe we are already entering the final term of the school year, and as always, it promises to be a busy one. Our Catholic Schools are vibrant places of learning, filled with excitement and opportunities for growth in faith and spirituality.

It’s wonderful to see all the students in their summer uniforms, perfectly suited for the warmer days we’ve already experienced. Please remember that hats are essential whenever students are outside, as the sun can be quite intense during the summer months.

Last term ended on a high note with the Catherine McAuley Cup Run and Colour Run. Congratulations to Mercy House for their Cup Run victory! Most importantly, a heartfelt thank you to all students and families for raising an incredible $21,702 for the ‘Do It For Dolly Foundation’, helping to make a stand against bullying. Your effort is greatly appreciated!

This term, we began by celebrating our dedicated teachers during World Teachers’ Day. The teachers enjoyed a breakfast followed by a Liturgy, where a few students shared their heartfelt reflections. We are truly fortunate to have such committed educators working with our wonderful students. Here are some reflections from our students:

• "Thank you to all the teachers for protecting us and helping us to learn."
• "Thank you to all teachers for helping us make ‘A’ choices."
• "Thank you to all our teachers for supporting us whenever we need help. It means a lot."

As mentioned, Term 4 is packed with activities. Here’s a general overview of what’s planned:

• Excursions for Year 2 and Year 5
• Small Mercies
• All Saints and Souls Liturgy
• Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival
• Catherine McAuley Feast Day
• Remembrance Day Liturgy
• Our spectacular Carols Night at Starplex Theatre
• Reception Nativity Performance at St Ann’s Church and JHPAC
• Year 6 Mercy Awards
• Class Swap Day to assist students with their transition
• Year 6 Retreat Day
• Year 6 Graduation Night
• Year 6 Aquatics Day

As we embrace the days ahead, let us pray for God’s protection over our children:

Dear God,

We thank You for the children of Catherine McAuley School. We are grateful for Your blessings throughout the school year and for watching over them during their learning and activities. Thank You for Your constant presence in our lives.

Amen.

Yours in Faith, Growth & Unity

The Leadership Team
Marc, Krystina, Maria and Rebecca

Remembrance Day

On Monday 11^th November Week 5, our campus will pause for Remembrance Day. 

At 11:00am on the 11th of November 1918 a peace agreement was signed between Germany and the Allies, ending World War One.

Now that date every year is called Remembrance Day.

Remembrance Day is a day where we remember those that sacrificed their life so we could have peace, and remember those that have served and are still serving.

A Minute of Silence

Every year at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, nations around the globe fall silent for one minute to remember those who have served their country.

Red Poppies

The Flanders Poppy was one of the first plants to grow on the battlefields of France and Belgium. After WWI, silk poppies were sold on Armistice Day with proceeds going to a charity for the Returned Soldiers League (RSL).

Last term we all enjoyed the annual Catherine McAuley Cup Run and Sports Expo. Blessed with fantastic weather, students participated in a morning full of activities and fun. It was great to see families join us for the morning and cheer on our Cup Runners and applaud students showcasing their skills during the Sports Expo. The Sports Expo was a wonderful display of students’ physical abilities and talents.

The much-anticipated Catherine McAuley Cup Run was again a highlight with the Reception to Year 3 students cheering on our Years 4 to 6 runners as they finished the race. Congratulations to Heath Hitchmough (Year 6 – Harley House) and Indiahna Coplestone (Year 6 – Harley House) who were the first boy and girl runners to cross the finish line.

Below are the place winners for each House.

The overall team placings for the day were:

1^st – Mercy
2^nd – John Smith
3^rd – Harley
4^th – John Coolock

Thank you to everyone involved for their support in providing a morning full of fun and activity.

Great work everyone!

PE Co-ordinator
Fabian Chevalier

The new uniform is in production and will be available in the next few weeks.

We have scheduled two uniform pop-up store days in which you'll be able to view, measure and order. Times are still to be confirmed but it's looking like 9am-3pm.

The days are:
- Friday 22nd November
- Friday 6th December

An email will be sent out closer to the date.

The latest edition of The Southern Cross can be found here.

• Teach children critical life-saving skills
• Teach basic swimming skills
• Equip kids with the knowledge to stay safe in, on and around the water.