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- A Message from the Principal
- A Message from the Assistant Principal
- A Message from the Leader of Ministry
- Wati Discovery House (Years 7 and 8)
- Watha Endeavor House (Years 9 and 10)
- Bathu Horizons House (Years 11 and 12)
- A message from the External Sports Coordinator
- A message from the Leader of Learning CAPA and LOTE
- A message from the PDHPE Faculty
- A message from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education and Culture Teacher
- Upcoming Events - Term 2 2025
- Parish Mass Times
Bernard Burgess
Psalm 47:10-11
Your merciful love, O God, we have received in the midst of your temple. Your praise, O God, like your name, reaches the ends of the earth; your right hand is filled with saving justice.
Dear Catherine McAuley, Catholic College families
College Athletics Carnival
The end of Term 2 for our students concluded and was celebrated at the College Athletics Carnival on Thursday 3 July. Despite a week of very unsettled weather and the fear that perhaps a postponement of the carnival was likely, it was a relatively clear and even sunny day that welcomed our staff and many of our students who were both keen competitors and community-focused in their approach to this wonderful college event.
Such occasions are very significant in continuing to build community and college pride, and I applaud all who attended and made it an enjoyable day for everyone.
Team Coolock were the winners on the day with a total of 883 points, reflecting a great level of participation and competitiveness as was displayed in each of the other teams.
Thank you to all our staff who supported this event and to our students for their enthusiasm and commitment to the day.
Year 7 – 10 Semester Reports
The Year 7 – 10 Semester Reports would have arrived via Compass to all families in the final week of this term. These reports reflect a Semester’s work for a Semester’s learning growth, and it is hoped they will serve as a point of discussion at home between parents and carers and their children. The Parent / Student / Teacher conferences early in Term 3 are an additional opportunity for families to engage with their child’s learning through meaningful discussion with teachers. Attendance is encouraged at the conferences, including students as learners in the process.
I wish all families in the CMCC community a restful and joyful holiday break, and look forward to when we reconnect in Term 3.
United in Mercy
Bernard Burgess
College Principal
Claudette Stace
As another term draws to a close, I wish all our students, staff and CMCC families a happy and safe holiday period.
I pray that each person finds time for rest and that, in the quiet moments, you experience God’s grace.
To our teachers who have gone above and beyond this term to provide our students with the many opportunities to extend their faith, learning, and wellbeing, thank you for all you bring to the rich fabric of our school community
Defence School Mentor
As shared in my last NEST article, we are excited to be currently recruiting for the above role. Please follow the link for further details:
Defence Mentor Catherine McAuley Catholic College
Australian Council for Young People
On Tuesday, 2 July, Deena Clemson, Year 11 student and ACYP Chairperson, ran our very first ACYP meeting. This group is a new initiative introduced to the CMCC community this year under Deena’s leadership. While I’m not young enough to participate in the meeting, I was interested to see the topics discussed and share, with Deena’s permission, with our wider community. Student voice is an important part of the CMCC community, and knowing that our students not only care about our community but are also actively engaging in issues that affect our local, national and global community certainly gives us hope for the future.
United in Mercy
Siobhan Kelly
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Vinnies Winter Appeal
As we embrace the heart of winter, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous contributions to the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. Your support has provided warmth and hope to those facing hardship during this season. Your kindness reflects the spirit of giving encouraged by Catherine McAuley and we thank you. St Vincent de Paul will be collecting our donation bins at the end of the term.
Year 11 Leadership Retreat – Friday, 25 July
We are excited to announce the upcoming Year 11 Leadership Retreat on Friday, 25 July, at the Stockton Surf Life Saving Club. This retreat marks a significant step in our students' journey toward leadership roles within the college. The day is designed to deepen students' understanding of servant leadership, a model grounded in Catholic education that emphasises leading through service to others. Activities will include staff-led discussions, spiritual reflections, team-building games, and personal contemplation. The retreat aims to inspire students to embody the values of humility, empathy, and responsibility in their leadership endeavours and consider how to live out our Mercy values of compassion, courage, hospitality and faith in action as leaders of our student body.
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As we come to the end of Semester One, it’s a valuable time to stop and reflect on what we’ve been part of so far this year. We’ve had some unforgettable moments, like the energy, fun, and friendships formed at Year 7 Camp, and the thoughtfulness and connection shared during the Year 8 Reflection Day. These moments remind us of who we are as a House and as a community. Wati is about strength, unity, and living out the Mercy values each day.
Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, once said:
“The simplest and most practical lesson I know is to resolve to be good today, but better tomorrow.”
As we look ahead to Semester Two, this is our challenge: to be better tomorrow. That doesn’t mean being the best. It means taking what we’ve learned, how we’ve grown, and even the mistakes we’ve made—and using it to shape the way forward.
This morning, I’m also honoured to introduce our Mercy Value Awards for Term 2. These students have shown us what it means to live the Mercy way—not by doing big, dramatic things, but by showing up every day with integrity, kindness, and consistency. Catherine also said:
“Perfection does not consist in doing extraordinary actions, but in performing extraordinarily well the ordinary actions of every day.”
That’s exactly what these students do. They live the values quietly and steadily, and they make our community better because of it.
Congratulations to the Wati Discovery House Mercy Award recipients
| Year 7 | Year 8 |
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Angus Vaughan Elie Chuaa Elison Christie Eva Cashel Fox Wisemantel Harry Muchie Matilda Griffith Nicholas Holland Ruby Scholl Zara McCaull |
Alana Naicker Calvin Ross Dylan Wood India Hicks Isabelle Perkins Jacob Randall Lucas McManus Lucy De Souza Nathan James Nathan Sultana Owen Kempf |
Year 7
As Semester 1 comes to an end, I’d like to congratulate our Year 7 students on a wonderful start to high school. It was fantastic to hear so many students enjoying their first Athletics Carnival and getting involved in a range of extracurricular activities throughout the semester, including the school musical and various sporting events, each adding to the energy and spirit of our school community.
Looking ahead, we’ll begin Term 3 with a powerful live theatre performance from Brainstorm Productions – Verbal Combat – which addresses important topics such as (cyber)bullying, social media, friendships, and mental health.
Year 8
As Term 2 draws to a close, it's been heartening to see the continued unity and positive growth among our Year 8 students. Highlights such as our Reflection Day helped strengthen friendships and foster a stronger sense of belonging within the cohort.
This term in LEA, students reflected on personal choices, kindness, and resilience, guided by the Mercy value of Compassion. They explored practical strategies to support wellbeing and grow into confident, empathetic individuals.
I congratulate the students who were celebrated during our House Assembly who have consistently demonstrated these Mercy values, along with students who achieved 99% or higher attendance across Semester 1—an incredible effort that reflects commitment and responsibility.
United in Mercy,
Wati Discovery House Leaders
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At our recent End of Term Watha House celebration, we took the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the efforts of Watha Endeavour House students in Term 2.
Each day at Catherine McAuley Catholic College, we strive to achieve our mission which is to co-create learning environments where faith, purpose, fulfilment and joy are experienced by all. Monday’s House Celebration was a perfect example where our College Mission was alive and on show. Thanks must go to our Year 10 students who assisted with the composition of our morning prayer and the beautiful way they lead the community in prayer. Similarly, credit must go to those students who volunteered to deliver an address which reflected on the highlights of the term.
A significant highlight of the Assembly was the awarding of our Mercy Value Awards. These awards are presented to students who are nominated by their classroom teachers and recognise those individuals who demonstrate our College Mercy Values on a daily basis.
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Mercy Value Awards for their efforts in Term 2:
| Year 9 | Year 10 |
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Cameron Peel Cameron Watt Daisy Russell Emelia McCarthy Evana Joji Poppy Kinnane Sally Morgan Samantha Kurtz |
Broch Lloyd Sweeney Charli Ball Charlie McFadyen Giaan McLeay Hamish Vaughan Heidi Gibson Islay Scheerlinck Robyn Hewitt Simran Gulati Oscar Ceccato Rylee Nosworthy Simson Suroshan Trinity Bland Zac Hughes |
An emerging rite of passage within Watha House is the Footwork Fiends Dance Competition. Whilst this task is a formal PDHPE assessment task, it has grown to become a friendly competition allowing students to embrace the fun of dance, the camaraderie associated with choreographing and performing their routine with peers, as well as the opportunity to compete for the coveted trophy!
Congratulations to these years Footwork Fiends winners:
| Molly Jeffrey | Josie Parsons | Jada Stanley | Charli Ball |
Year 9 Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement Reflection
This term, our Year 9s have done more than just survive—they’ve stepped up. You’ve thrown yourselves into school life: completing your final NAPLAN, dancing during Wellbeing Week karaoke, competing in the Multisport Cup, and performing in our very first school musical. You’ve tackled exams, pushed yourselves outside your comfort zones, and supported each other in ways both loud and quiet.
But it hasn’t always been easy—and that’s okay. Growth doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from courage, reflection, and choosing to be better. As your Watha leader, I see the spark in each of you—the same spark our house represents: strength, passion, purpose.
At the start of the year, I asked you to rise like a phoenix. Now I ask you to become something even greater—a firekeeper. A firekeeper carries quiet strength, protects what matters, and lights the way for others. As Catherine McAuley said, “We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.”
Let’s carry that energy into Semester 2. Let’s be the fire that warms, not burns. That includes. That uplifts. Watha, be the firekeeper. Be the shining light.
Year 10 Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement Reflection
Year 10, let me say this clearly:
I am very proud of you.
Not just for the highlights – the wins, the top marks, or the standout moments. But for the growth. The effort. The way you kept showing up, even when it was tough. There’s been plenty of good this term, and some challenges too. But through it all – I’ve seen so many of you take small steps forward. And that matters more than you realise.
As you head into the holidays:
- Look after yourself : Get some rest. Move your body. Do something that brings you actual joy – not just a quick scroll.
- Look after each other : If someone’s quiet, reach out. If someone invites you into their space, be kind.
- Reflect : Ask yourself: Who do I want to be in Term 3? Not just what do I want to achieve – but who do I want to be known as.
Finally, as we enter the Winter holiday break, I encourage all students to take the opportunity to relax and recharge their batteries prior to entering into a busy Semester Two. Throughout Term 3, I will be taking a term’s Parental Leave, and I would like to thank Robert Bain, who will be the relieving Head of Watha House, and Madeline Stoneman, the relieving Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement for Year 10.
United in Mercy,
Watha Endeavour House Leaders
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Year 11:
As we approach the end of Term 2, it has been encouraging to see the continued progress and commitment from our Year 11 students. The start to their senior years has been a strong one, and we are now two-thirds of the way through the Preliminary course. While this stage of the year contributes to around 30% of their total marks, it’s an important time for students to reflect on their progress and identify areas for growth. Reports have been finalised and issued, providing a valuable snapshot of each student’s academic development so far.
Last week’s Parent/Teacher Interviews were a great opportunity for students and families to engage in meaningful conversations about learning and improvement. The feedback shared during these meetings will hopefully help students fine-tune their focus and strategies as they move into the final term of Year 11. We encourage all students to take a well-earned break over the upcoming holiday period, rest and recharge, ready to return energised for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
A reminder that the Year 11 Ski Trip will depart on Sunday, 20 July. Students attending the trip need to be at school by 9:30am for a 10:00am departure. We’re looking forward to a fun and memorable experience on the slopes, and the forecast promises some great snow this year! For those not attending the trip, school continues as normal, with valuable revision activities planned. Thursday will be a regular school day, and all students are expected to attend. We wish all our families a safe and restful holiday break.
Year 12:
The Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations will take place from Monday, 4 August to Monday, 18 August. These exams are a key milestone in students’ preparation for the HSC, offering a valuable opportunity to practise exam techniques, consolidate course content, and experience formal exam conditions. Students are only required to attend the College when they have a scheduled exam; however, the Library will remain open as a quiet study space for those who wish to use it. A detailed guide outlining all the necessary information for the Trial Exams has been emailed to students and should be read carefully to ensure they are well prepared. Students who intend to drive during the exam period must complete the driver permission form, which is available from Student Services. As the holiday break approaches, it is important for students to strike a balance between well-earned rest and purposeful study. Making time each day for revision alongside time to recharge will help support wellbeing and lead to greater confidence heading into the exam period.
United in Mercy,
Loretta Browne, Summar Harrison and Bronwyn Denham
Bathu Discovery House Leaders
Chris Tyrie
Sports Highlights
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Milla Doherty – Year 12 Selected in the Open Girls NSWCCC Soccer Team who recently competed in the NSW All Schools State Championships at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility. Well done Milla! |
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Luke West – Year 9 Selected in the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League First Nations Team. Currently competing in the U/15 ASSRL Competition in Townsville. Well done Luke! |
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Thomas Lynch – Year 9 Selected in the U/15 NSWCCC Cross Country team to compete at the NSW All Schools State Championships at Sydney International Equestrian Centre in late July. Well done Thomas! |
College Athletics Carnival – Thursday 3 July at Maitland Athletics Track
Congratulations to all students and staff involved in the CMCC Athletics Carnival on Thursday 3 July 2025 at Maitland Athletics Track. There was plenty of skill and school spirit on display in what was a great way to end Term 2. Go Eagles!
Elyse North
Year 12 Music Soiree
Congratulations to our Year 12 Music class on the completion of Task 3 and their Music Soiree at Musos Corner on Thursday 26 June. We are incredibly proud of the dedication, creativity and professionalism shown by each student as they took to the stage. Their hard work and passion for music were evident in every performance, and it was a joy to see their talents showcased in such a supportive and inspiring environment.
A special thanks goes to Mrs Louiza Mavros and her support of the Year 12 Music class, Mrs Michelle Burgess from St Bede’s Catholic College, for assisting with marking and giving learners some strong feedback to move forward to their HSC practical examination in Term 3. Finally, thanks is also extended to Alex Kurtz (Year 11) and Bastian Nolen (Year 9) for accompanying our Year 12 performers.
High School Musical
And that's a wrap!
A huge congratulations to the incredibly talented cast and crew of High School Musical! Your energy, dedication, and passion lit up the stage and brought East High to life. From the catchy tunes to the amazing choreography and heartfelt performances, you showed us all how to follow your dreams and reach for the stars!
Thanks also goes to our amazing audiences for your support, cheers, and standing ovations. Your energy made every performance even more special!
Lunch Time Resistance Training - THURSDAY BREAK 1 IN THE HALL
Resistance Training – Year 7 & 8
We had an awesome turnout last week — let’s keep it going! Come join us in the Hall during Break 1 every Thursday for a fun and quick 15-minute resistance training session with a mini group challenge, run by the PDHPE faculty.
Why join?
Over 30% of teens don’t meet muscle-strengthening guidelines, and 80% worldwide aren’t active enough. Let’s change that — together!
Bring a friend and let’s get stronger every day, starting today!
BLAZING BELLES - TUESDAY BREAK 1 IN THE HALL
Attention all girls! You are all invited to the hall during break 1 on Tuesdays, to play Just Dance, volleyball, soccer, basketball or just get moving!
We can't wait to see you! See the flyer attached for more details.
Leah Nowlan
Key Dates 2025 |
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| Term 3 |
Monday 21 July - Friday 26 September |
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Wednesday 23 July |
Year 7 - 10 Student Parent Teacher Interviews |
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Monday 28 July |
Year 7 - 10 Student Parent Teacher Interviews Pupil Free Day |
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Monday 4 August - Monday 18 August |
Year 12 Trial HSC Exams |
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Monday 8 September - Monday 22 September |
Year 11 Exams |
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Friday 26th September |
Pupil Free Day / Staff Development Day |
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Term 4 |
Monday 13 October - Friday 19 December |
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Thursday 16 October- Friday 7 November |
Year 12 HSC |
St Brigid’s, Raymond Terrace
(69 William Street)
Weekend Mass:
Saturday 5.30pm
Sunday 9.30am
Weekday Mass:
Tuesday 7.00am
Wednesday 7.00am
Friday 9.15am
St Christopher’s, Medowie
(On the site of Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie)
Weekend Mass:
Saturday 6.00pm
Weekday Mass:
Tuesday 5.30pm
Friday 5.30pm
Our Lady Help of Christians, Mallabula
(1193 Lemon Tree Passage Road)
Weekend Mass:
Sunday 7.30am
Weekday Mass:
Thursday 9.15am
St Michael's, Nelson Bay
(12 Sproule St)
Weekend Mass:
Saturday 5.00pm
Sunday 8.30am
Weekday Mass:
Tuesday 5.00pm
Wednesday 9.15am
Thursday 5.00pm
Friday No Mass
St Brigid's, Buladelah
(26 Buladelah Way)
Weekend Mass:
Saturday 5:00pm (1st, 3rd & 5th Saturdays)
Sunday 8:30am (2nd & 4th Sundays)
St Stephen's, Tea Gardens
(Witt St)
Weekend Mass:
Saturday 5:00pm (2nd & 4th Saturdays)
Sunday 8:30am (1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays)
Our Lady of Rosary, Karuah
(Tarean Street)
Weekend Mass:
Saturday 6:30pm (Vigil - 1st, 3rd & 5th Saturdays)
Sunday 8:30am (2nd & 4th Sundays)
St Peter-in-Chains, Stockton
(13 Dunbar Street)
Weekend Mass:
Sunday 9:00am
Weekday Mass:
Thursday 8.30am