Catherine McAuley Catholic College Medowie eNewsletter

Welcome to ‘The Nest’, the Catherine McAuley Catholic College newsletter. As those who have walked the journey to date with us know, we have been passionate about forging authentic links with our local community, traditional owners and physical environment. This has been expressed in the naming of our college houses (Wati Discovery, Watha Endeavour and Bathu horizons) and it will be evident in other aspects of college life as our community evolves.

In establishing the culture of our college, we wanted a central, unifying symbol (other than our college patron) for our community to rally around that would encompass our representative and sporting teams. We examined the flora and fauna of our local area and found that eagles are native to our region. Associated with the eagle is the nest.

A nest nurtures the young. It provides safety, security, belonging and, importantly, a home. Eagles are strong, graceful, nurturing, tenacious and agile. They are symbols of honesty, leadership and honour and are known for their courage, one of our four College values. To many Australian indigenous peoples eagles are revered and in cultures around the world they have become important symbols of heraldry.

This newsletter is the formal avenue of communication from our college to our families. We are all united in providing our young people with a strong sense of safety, security, belonging and, importantly, feeling of home.

Recognising the shared purpose of college and home, and having been inspired by these qualities, we welcome you to the next edition of ‘The Nest’.

Bernard Burgess

Psalm 77:29-30

They ate and had their fill,

and what they craved the Lord gave them;

they were not disappointed in what they craved.

It is a pleasure to be writing for the first time in The Nest as I commence as principal in 2025.

The welcome and support received by all staff new to the college this year has been overwhelming and very much appreciated. This support has come from staff, students and families and has certainly helped all to settle and become accustomed to life at CMCC.

As I outlined in my welcome letter in January, CMCC is first and foremost a Catholic school in the Mercy tradition. We have high expectations for learning and that is at the forefront of the work that happens in the school each day. I anticipate that the college and its families will work in partnership to ensure students abide by all policies and procedures including uniform expectations, respectful relationships and all aspects of the student code of conduct.

Staff look forward to working to ensure that each student achieves their personal best academically, in a school that supports and nurtures their faith life and wellbeing. Agreed understandings of all that we hope for in terms of student outcomes are highly valued and family connections are strongly encouraged.

Pope Francis has declared a Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025, and this theme will be carried throughout all liturgies and gatherings at CMCC this year. On Sunday 2nd March, Bishop Michael Kennedy will lead a Pilgrimage of Hope from Nobby’s Beach, along Newcastle foreshore to Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton before celebrating Mass at 10.00am. CMCC will be present with staff and students, and we invite and encourage as many of our families as possible to come along and participate. Following 10.00am Mass there will be a Festival of Hope in the Cathedral precinct along with the launch of Project Compassion 2025. There will be jumping castles and stalls for families as part of this event and all are welcome.

The first ever Year 12 cohort at CMCC have begun the year with great positivity and enthusiasm and it is a primary focus in the school this year that our first graduates are given every opportunity to achieve their best possible results. This will provide them with choices and lead them to their next phase in life. Post school pathways may include university studies or other paths of study and work, and we wish every CMCC Year 12 student the very best. We are committed to supporting them every step of the way.

School attendance holds great significance in terms of positive academic achievement for all students and Year 12 are of course aware of this and are expected to be present at school every day this year. Academic achievement is inextricably linked to “turning up”

Attendance expectations extend to all students throughout the school too. While sickness and the occasional unavoidable family event will prevent attendance for a small number of days each year for some students, it is important that school attendance is a priority if students are to achieve their personal best.

Family and Community Engagement or FACE is the term now used for families to come to the school to engage with staff and the school’s leadership, to hear about initiatives in the college and to have the opportunity to ask questions about any school related matters.

Wednesday 5th March at 5.30pm will be the first of the FACE opportunities this year and families are invited to come along to meet with new members of the college’s Senior Leadership Team, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit and hear about Student Wellbeing Walls in a presentation by Data and Analytics Leader at CMCC, Matthew Klopper.

A Compass invitation including an opportunity to submit questions with notice to the CMCC leadership group will be sent in the week prior to the FACE gathering.

I look forward to every opportunity this year to meet and get to know our families at FACE gatherings and the many other times and events at which we gather.

With best wishes to all in the CMCC community at the commencement of this new school year.

United in Mercy

Claudette Stace

Last week I had two students, after my first English lesson with them, tell me that they really liked my vibe. Of course, I thought it was a beautiful compliment, and it certainly warmed my heart, but I have also realised that what they were expressing is a deep understanding of how it feels to be part of this school community. I have received such a warm welcome from the staff and students at Catherine McAuley Catholic College that I can say, in all honesty, that I really like the vibe here.

The definition of vibe is ‘the mood of a place, situation, person, etc. and the way they make you feel.’ While the mood of a place and its people is intangible it is powerful. In education when we speak about school culture, we are really speaking about the vibe of a place that can be felt from the moment you enter the grounds.

The positive culture at CMCC is something that I have felt quite strongly over the last few weeks. The Mercy value of hospitality has been evident to me each day and the joy expressed by staff and students whenever we gather as a community has been palpable.

I am grateful for the contributions of all staff members that have been part of this community since its opening in 2021, particularly the work of the Foundation Principal and Assistant Principal, for they have laid the foundations of a positive school culture that will continue to flourish and thrive as part of an ongoing legacy in the Mercy tradition. A legacy that I am now humbled to be a part of.

United in Mercy

Siobhan Kelly

“We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.”

– Catherine McAuley

Welcome back to another exciting school year at Catherine McAuley Catholic College! As we begin 2025, we reflect on the spirit of hospitality that lies at the heart of our Mercy charism. Hospitality is more than a warm welcome; it is an invitation to belong, to be part of something greater, and to journey together in faith, learning, and community.

In keeping with this value, we have endeavoured to ensure that every student has felt truly welcomed into the school community for 2025. Our welcome liturgies have played a vital role in establishing this sense of inclusiveness and belonging, reminding us that we are all part of a faith-filled community.

This year has already been marked by significant liturgical milestones, the most special being our first-ever whole school liturgy as a Years 7-12 college. Our entire school community gathered for this historic occasion, beginning with a powerful Smoking Ceremony on Worimi land. This sacred ritual symbolised a letting go of past burdens and a renewal of spirit, setting a meaningful tone for the year ahead. Our liturgy provided a moment of deep reflection on the Pilgrims of Hope theme for the 2025 Jubilee Year. This theme reminds us to trust in God’s promises and to embody hope by living out our college values of compassion, courage, hospitality, and faith in action.

Additionally, our Welcome Year 7 Liturgy was a wonderful success, with our talented Proclaim musicians providing beautiful music that enriched the celebration. A highlight of the liturgy was the meaningful leaf artwork activity, where each Year 7 student placed a leaf onto the Discovery Tree in the middle of our Sacred Space. These leaves, decorated by the students, represented the Mercy value they wished to focus on this year—courage, compassion, hospitality, or faith in action. As the tree filled with their contributions, it became a powerful symbol of unity, reminding us that while each student brings their own unique intentions and goals, together they form the branches of one school community.

In the spirit of Catherine McAuley, who believed in the power of hospitality and a good cup of tea, students received a sugar biscuit, and parents were gifted a bag of tea as a small gesture of welcome and gratitude. It was fantastic to meet so many families and share this special moment together. Your presence and support mean so much to us, reinforcing the partnership between home and school that is essential to the growth and success of every student.

As we embark on this new year, let us continue to embrace the Mercy spirit of hospitality—welcoming one another with open hearts and serving as the shining lamps that bring light and hope to all those around us.

United in Mercy

Bronwyn Denham

It is an exciting time for Bathu House as we welcome our Year 11 students into the senior cohort. For the first time in our College’s history, we now have a complete Bathu Horizons House across Years 11 and 12, marking a significant milestone. This moment is not just about numbers; it is about unity, leadership, and the strength that comes with a full senior house.

We are also thrilled to welcome Mrs Summar Harrison as the Year 12 Leader of Wellbeing and Mrs Loretta Browne as the Year 11 Leader of Wellbeing. Their passion, expertise, and dedication will be invaluable in guiding and supporting our students through the challenges and triumphs of senior school. A special thank you goes to Mr Aaron Mahony for his outstanding work with Year 12 last year. We congratulate him on his promotion to Head of House – Wati (Years 7 and 8) and know that he will continue to have a meaningful impact on the students he leads.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate our students on a fantastic start to the year. Your commitment to your studies, the way you carry yourselves around the College, and your adherence to our uniform expectations have set a strong foundation for the year ahead. Your pride in being a Bathu student is evident, and it does not go unnoticed.

Key Reminders and Upcoming Events

Course Changes for Year 11
For those considering any course changes, please be aware that Friday, 21 February is the final date to adjust. If you wish to explore your options, please see Mrs Browne, Mrs Denham, or leave your name at Student Services.

Swimming Carnival – Friday
A highlight of Term 1, the Swimming Carnival is a key event in our College calendar. It is here that the leadership of our Year 11 and 12 students is crucial. Your enthusiasm, encouragement, and role modelling on the day will set the tone for our younger students and create an atmosphere of house spirit and participation.

Senior Leadership – Stepping Up in 2025

A huge thank you to the Year 11 students who attended our first leadership group meeting for 2025. Your initiative and commitment to shaping the culture of our senior cohort are commendable. Leadership is not about a title but about the way we serve, inspire, and elevate those around us. As Catherine McAuley reminds us:

"The simplest and most practical lesson I know is to resolve to be good today, but better tomorrow."

The Staff Senior Leadership Team is looking forward to working alongside you this year to create a legacy of leadership that will continue well beyond your time at the College.

As Head of House – Bathu, I want to express how excited I am to be working with you all as you enter this significant stage of your education. It is a great privilege to guide and support you as you navigate the opportunities and challenges of senior school. Alongside your teachers and Leaders of Wellbeing, we are here to ensure you feel empowered, encouraged, and equipped to succeed in all aspects of your schooling.

A Final Thought – Leadership Lessons from Ted Lasso

On our first day of 2025, I shared with Bathu House the 13 Leadership Lessons from Ted Lasso, and I encourage you to reflect on them throughout the year:

Believe in yourself and others.
Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing.
All people are different people.
Optimists do more.
Stay teachable.
Be curious, not judgmental.
Empower those around you.
Courage is about being willing to try.
See good in others.
Humble confidence is powerful.
Winning is an attitude, not a scoreboard.
Leadership is a service, not a status.
Success is not about talent but about being the best version of yourself.

I encourage you all to embrace these lessons as you lead, learn, and grow in 2025.

Looking forward to an incredible year ahead!

Scott Warnock

The summer holidays are always a wondrous occasion – a time for family and friends; long warm afternoons and a chance to recharge the batteries. I hope that our community took the opportunity to celebrate the successes of 2024, embraced the spoils of summer, and turn their attention to new goals in 2025. It gives me great pleasure to introduce myself as the Head of Watha Endeavour House, and in this first edition of The Nest for 2025, I wish to foreground some of the key elements of our House identity and culture.

At CMCC, our culture is shaped by our duel traditions – our Catholic faith and Mercy values and the identity and story of the Worimi people. Watha, an Gathang word for fire, represents the pursuit of passions that underpin our journey within the House. It is also a visual symbol and reminder of the strength and force of the Holy Spirit. It is this nuanced understanding of interplay between our Mercy Charism and the stories of the Worimi people which is so important for our Stage 5 students.

Our Watha Endeavour House candle and LEA candles are lit each time that we gather as a House.

This year, I have challenged the students of Watha Endeavour to embrace this cultural identity and seek to answer the following questions; what am I passionate about? How can I leverage these passions into areas of which I possess talent? How can I ignite behaviour which position me for future success?

Supporting and guiding the students in this journey are two fantastic Leaders of Wellbeing and Engagement, and a team of dynamic Learning Advisor teachers.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome Ms Taylor Joyce, the Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement for Year 9. Ms Joyce has been a valued member of the Catherine McAuley Catholic College community for a number of years now, and is returning from a period of leave. In the early stages of this year I have been impressed with Ms Joyce immense care that she displays for her cohort, always advocating for what is best for Year 9 learners. Combining this with her zest and energy for life, and there is no doubt that our newest members of the House will be quickly integrated into our culture.

In 2025, our Year 10 cohort are led by their continuing Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement, Mr Robert Bain. Like Ms Joyce, Mr Bain has returned from leave and is enthusiastically channelling Year 10 into their passions and endeavours. I am very excited and extremely grateful to be working closely with these two leading educators, who will no doubt support and guide their cohorts with grace and aplomb.

As was the case in 2024, each week in 2025 students will participate in a Learning Advisor session. This period, timetabled for Learning Session 1 each Monday, provides a consistent commencement for each school week with targeted, structured activities designed to improve the overall academic and well-being outcomes for each student.

In 2025, the following staff will be leading their LEA groups:

9LEA1	To be finalised	10LEA1	Ms Rendina
9LEA2	Mr Cawthorn	10LEA2	Ms Goggin
9LEA3	Mr Stephens	10LEA3	Ms Sproule
9LEA4	Ms Jordan	10LEA4	Mr Tonks
9LEA5	Mr Tomasella	10LEA5	Ms Burkett
9LEA6	Ms Lord	10LEA6	Mr Hunter
9LEA7	Mr Bellamy	10LEA7	Mr Bentley
9LEA8	Ms Mitchell	10LEA8	Mr Brosie

These LEA staff are a key person in the social, emotional, academic and spiritual journey of Watha students. I encourage parents and caregivers to connect with these staff members if you have any concerns about your son/daughter’s schooling and/or wellbeing.

I look forward to further strengthening the connections between the College, families and caregivers and Watha Endeavour House students in 2025 at liturgies, community events and amongst the vibrant life of the College. Should you wish to contact me personally regarding a matter, please do not hesitate to phone the College, or email me – scott.warnock@mn.catholic.edu.au

United in Mercy.

Aaron Mahony

The beginning of Stage 4 studies for Year 7 and 8 students at Catherine McAuley Catholic College has been met with enthusiasm, determination, and a clear commitment to the values of the College: faith in action, hospitality, compassion, and courage. This important milestone marks the start of an exciting academic journey for Year 7 students, who are guided by these core principles as they settle into their new environment and Year 8, as they step into role models at CMCC. As Wati Discovery House, our identify is filled with hope, mirroring our Term 1 theme “Embracing Opportunity”. It is a pleasure to work with Year 7 Leader of Wellbeing, Mrs Madeline Stoneman (replacing Mr James Moore for 6 weeks) and Year 8 Leader of Wellbeing Miss Lucy Koch in supporting Wati House.

I would like to extend my warm thanks to all families that attended the Year 7 Welcome Liturgy. This significant event provided an opportunity for students, families and CMCC staff to come together in prayer and reflection, acknowledging the importance of living their faith in both their studies and their relationships with others. The liturgy reinforced the idea that faith is not confined to the classroom; it is woven into every aspect of life, encouraging Year 7 students to begin their journey with a heart full of service and community. As they embark on Stage 4 studies, students are inspired to live out the values of the College in meaningful ways, both in their academic pursuits and in their interactions with their peers.

The upcoming Year 7 Welcome BBQ is another wonderful example of hospitality in action. This event, designed to bring together students, families, and staff, provides a welcoming environment where connections are made, and friendships are formed. It highlights the College’s commitment to ensuring that everyone feels included and valued. As a token of Catherine McAuley’s most prominent value, hospitality, we hope to extend beyond simply being kind; CMCC is about creating a supportive atmosphere where all members of the community can thrive. For Year 7 students, this BBQ offers a chance to feel at home within the College community, surrounded by those who are ready to support them throughout their academic journey.

Similarly, the Wati House assembly held last Monday 10^th of February was a special occasion for Year and Year 8. It served as a meaningful occasion for students to gather as a community, strengthening their bonds through shared experiences. This meeting emphasised the importance of compassion as students reflect on their roles within the College and the wider community, while looking at Gospel readings and Catherine McAuley as examples. As Catherine said, “Perfection does not consist of doing extraordinary actions, but in performing extraordinarily well the ordinary actions of everyday”. This sentiment provides an opportunity to recognise importance of working hard in small, meaningful areas in both academic and personal settings as we work together in 2025. The assembly also promoted students to value courage, reminding them that they can face challenges with resilience and determination, knowing they are supported by a community that cares.

In each of these events, whether it’s the Year 7 Welcome Liturgy, the BBQ, or the Wati House assembly, students my hope is that students feel welcomed, valued and heard. The goal is to embody the values of the College. Through these shared moments, they are experiencing the true meaning of community — a place where faith, hospitality, compassion, and courage come together to guide them on their journey. I encourage any families seeking support or further information regarding Stage 4 studies to please reach out to aaron.mahony@mn.catholic.edu.au. I thank all Year 7 and Year 8 students for their efforts to start the term and look forward to working with them, journeying together.

United in Mercy

Summar Harrison

It has been a privilege to welcome Year 12 back to Bathu Horizons House, now as young adults busily working towards their post school opportunities and deeply engaging with their chosen program of study. As the school year began, these learners marked an important milestone— their last ‘first day’ of school. This moment is one of both excitement and reflection, as they step into a year filled with many more ‘lasts’, and ironically so many ‘firsts’ as our original trailblazing cohort at Catherine McAuley Catholic College.

A key theme in my discussions with Year 12 this term will centre around being courageous and assessment ready.

In her Familiar Instructions, Catherine McAuley has this to say of courage: “Should we not then undertake our duties with great courage, for infinite is the love God has for those who repose in [God’s] protection?” With this in mind, I encourage Year 12 to approach their academic duties with great courage, I urge them to step out of their comfort zones; to build upon and maintain resilience, and, always, have the courage to seek support from the many avenues they have available to them at CMCC.

I will implore students to be assessment ready. Being assessment ready means planning, preparing and seeking feedback; however, it also relates to taking care of our wellbeing and developing our own processes that help us to be truly ‘assessment ready’. The University of Sydney has published a list of 8 student-backed study tips to support students tackling their HSC:

Start your day right – Win the morning, win the day.
Schedule your study – Organise your time to balance study with your other demands.
Be consistent – Make study a habit.
Beware of burnout – It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Get a good night’s sleep – Sleep is an ally.
Maintain motivation – Reward yourself after you complete each task.
Minimise distractions – Leave the phone outside of your study zone.
Be kind to yourself – And see Ms Harrison or Mrs Denham if this is becoming tough.

https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/help/advice/how-to-study-for-the-hsc.html

Attendance is more important than ever in this critical time of their academic career. Every learning session helps build strong study habits, reinforces learning, provides valuable opportunities for collaboration and support, and ultimately contributes to their final success.

Since their summer holiday break, students have hit the ground running. Our three College Captains recently attended the Port Stephens Leadership morning tea at Tomaree High School, hosted by MP Kate Washington where they had the opportunity to engage with other young leaders in the Port Stephens area. A huge thank you to Ms Barnett for facilitating this, and a thank you to our College Captains for representing our school in the greater Port Stephens area.

Upcoming opportunities:

After school study

The Ursula Frayne Library is available for students to attend supervised study between 3-4pm Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, along with the additional study sessions below. We encourage Year 12 students to use this resource. There are also several teachers offering their skills to support you in your study:

- Mr Hunter and Mr Wrightson are facilitating Physics study sessions on Monday afternoons.
- Mrs Bennis is offering an English ‘drop-in’ session Tuesday B week from 3-3:45pm.
- Mrs Jordan and Mrs Bowe are facilitating Standard Maths study sessions on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8am

Careers:

As always, Ms Barnett is eager to support you with careers related questions. Please pop into her office to see her during the following times:

- Week A – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (Break 1)
- Week B – Monday and Tuesday (Break 2), Wednesday (Break 1 and Before School)

United in Mercy

Loretta Browne

A warm welcome back to Catherine McAuley for the 2025 School year. I hope you and your families have had a relaxing holiday break and I look forward to working with you and your children this year. I am extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to again be the Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement with this special group of students and I am eager to see them grow further in Stage 6. I will be the contact for any wellbeing needs that may arise with students along with assisting with academic support links.

In Stage 6, we place a strong emphasis on uniform, as our senior students serve as role models for younger year groups. It was fantastic to see students wearing their new uniforms on the first day, and I have outlined clear expectations moving forward. The formal uniform must be worn every day with black leather shoes. The only exception is for students in SLR on Wednesdays, who may wear their sports uniform for the entire day. Students enrolled in Coaching are required to bring their sports uniform on the days they have this subject and change into it as needed.

Year 11 is an academic year of both great opportunities and challenges. Students have had the opportunity to start to choose their subjects this year and think about their next pathway beyond school. During the first few week’s students have had the opportunity to meet with their teachers and be informed about their chosen subject. I feel that many students have been shocked by the academic rigor of Year 11 and I am here to talk through any issues they are currently experiencing. Students will have until the end of Week 4 to make subject changes as we really want them in the right class and not missing too much content during these early weeks.

The expression of interest for the Year 11 ski trip went out last week. Unfortunately, we can only offer limited places due to availability of accommodation through the company we book through. I have a waitlist of students still interested but the event is now closed. We are currently finalising school fee check and then will send out a deposit request on COMPASS to hold student places.

I look forward to working with you all throughout the year and please reach out when the need presents. I can be contacted via email loretta.browne@mn.catholic.edu.au.

United in Mercy

Robert Bain

I hope you and your families had a wonderful and restful break. As we begin the 2025 school year, I would like to warmly welcome your children back to Catherine McAuley Catholic College. Year 10 is a crucial stage in their journey, and I am excited to support them as they continue to grow academically, socially, and personally.

Our school community thrives on the strong connections between students, parents, and the wider community. The foundation built over the past years has been excellent, and I look forward to working together to ensure our students continue to feel valued, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential.

This term, our focus is on Pride—pride in ourselves, our work, our relationships, and the way we contribute to our community. We want our students to take ownership of their learning, strive for excellence, and foster positive relationships with those around them. By embracing this theme, they will continue to build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self-worth.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Mr. James Moore for stepping in as Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement during Term 4 while I was on paternity leave. His dedication and care for the students were greatly appreciated, and I am grateful for the work he did in my absence.

Year 10 are extremely lucky to have such amazing LEA teachers this year, and parents and carers are encouraged to use these teachers as a point of call when discussing how they are going in Year 10.

Year 10 LEA teachers are below:

10LEA 1	Ms. Rendina Isabella.rendina@mn.catholic.edu.au
10LEA 2	Ms. Goggin Nicole.goggin@mn.catholic.edu.au
10LEA 3	Ms. Sproule Jemima.sproule@mn.catholic.edu.au
10LEA 4	Mr Tonks Lachlan.tonks@mn.catholic.edu.au
10LEA 5	Ms. Burkett Sarah.burkett@mn.catholic.edu.au
10LEA 6	Mr Hunter Daniel.hunter@mn.catholic.edu.au
10LEA 7	Mr Bentley Thomas.bentley@mn.catholic.edu.au
10LEA 8	Mr Brosie Christopher.brosie@mn.catholic.edu.au

As always, I encourage open communication, and I welcome any questions or concerns you may have. Please feel free to email me at robert.bain@mn.catholic.edu.au or call the school at any time.

Looking forward to a fantastic year ahead!

Lucy Koch

We are delighted to welcome you and your child back to CMCC for Year 8! As we embark on another exciting school year, we look forward to working together to support our students in achieving their best academically, socially, and personally.

Starting the Year Off Well

A strong start to the year sets the foundation for success. We encourage students to be organised, motivated, and ready to engage in their learning from day one. Ensuring your child has all necessary materials, follows a regular homework routine, and seeks help when needed will contribute to a productive and rewarding year.

At Catherine McAuley, we take pride in fostering a positive and respectful environment. This includes upholding high expectations in the following areas:

Uniform: Wearing the correct uniform with pride reflects a sense of belonging and responsibility. Please ensure your child follows the school’s uniform policy daily. A reminder that 3x instances of the incorrect uniform will result in a restore session. 3x restore sessions will be a suspension.
Learning: We expect all students to approach their studies with dedication, curiosity, and a growth mindset. Effort and perseverance are key to success. Students have access to our learner norms in every classroom.
Interactions with Others: Respect, kindness, and inclusivity are at the heart of our school values. We encourage students to be role models in their behaviour, showing courtesy to teachers, peers, and the wider community.

Key Theme for the Term: Kindness

Our focus for this term is Remember to be kind, because kindness always leaves the best impressions. Encouraging acts of kindness helps build a supportive and inclusive school culture where everyone feels valued. Whether it’s through small gestures or larger actions, kindness fosters strong relationships and enhances well-being. We invite students and families to embrace this theme and look for ways to spread positivity both at school and beyond.

We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to a fantastic year ahead. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

To action our focus of kindness, Year 8 spent time in LEA creating tips to deliver to the Year 7 students for a smooth transition to High School. I wholeheartedly appreciate the efforts and care that went into ensuring the messages they passed on were helpful.

The perfect example of kindness displayed often would be our one and only Jack McBlane. Jack was awarded the Young citizen of the Year for the Dungog Shire for his hard work and dedication to the Clarence Town Museum and for being an asset to our community. Anyone who knows Jack, knows this award was made for him! Well done, Jack.

United in Mercy

Madeleine Stoneman

It’s with great excitement that I officially welcome you to the CMCC community and introduce you to "The Nest", our fortnightly newsletter. This is your go-to source for key dates, essential information, and the latest highlights from our college life.

Allow me to introduce myself – I’m Madeleine Stoneman, the Acting Year 7 LOWE in James Moore’s absence. It's an absolute pleasure to be part of this wonderful community.

What a fantastic start our Year 7 students have had! From day one, they’ve demonstrated remarkable courage, strength, and hospitality as they’ve embraced the transition into College life at CMCC. A special shout-out is deserved by Aaron Mahony, Head of House for Wati, who has gone above and beyond to ensure our Year 7 students feel welcomed, supported, and excited about their high school journey.

Already, Year 7 have become immersed in College life, taking part in our Smoking Ceremony, the Opening Liturgy, and, of course, our heartfelt Year 7 Welcome Liturgy. It was truly special to see so many parents in attendance as we celebrated this milestone together. The Year 7’s have shown such respect, maturity, and reverence throughout these events, and it’s clear they’ve already embraced the spirit and culture of CMCC.

Academically, they’ve dived into their learning with enthusiasm, engaging in practical, hands-on experiences and showing a mature, inquisitive approach to every lesson. I’m incredibly excited to watch this remarkable group of students grow and achieve even more throughout the year!

Let’s make this year one to remember!

Key Dates

Friday 21^st February- College Swimming Carnival

Wednesday 5^th March- Ash Wednesday Liturgy

Wednesday 12^th March- College Open Day

Wednesday 12^th March- Monday 17^th March- NAPLAN

Friday 11^th April- Pupil free day

Key contacts

LEA teachers: Anastasia Griggs, Jordan Bowe, Jo Mark, Ellie Madden, Chris Tyrie, Josh Lo, Michael Crelin, and Marianne Walsh

Acting Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement: Madeleine Stoneman maddi.jupp@mn.catholic.edu.au

Wati Head of House: Aaron Mahony aaron.mahony@mn.catholic.edu.au

Please do not hesitate to contact the team with any concerns you may have

United in Mercy

Leah Nowlan

CMCC Indigenous Jersey

Last year our JAECG came together to design an Indigenous football jersey. They held meetings to discuss what they wanted the artwork on the jersey to represent and with help from local Indigenous artist Deb Jackson, they worked together to create a design that reflects Worimi culture and our College community.

About the artwork: This design celebrates our strong connection to Worimi culture and the unity within our College community. The Eagle (Gawul) on the front represents our College mascot, symbolising strength and vision. Surrounding the eagle are meeting places and travelling tracks, reflecting the journey of students and staff coming together as one. On the back of the jersey, the three College houses are represented through distinct colours: green for Wati House, symbolising the leaves of the tree and reflecting discovery and growth; orange for Watha House, where the gathering around campfires represents warmth and energy; and blue for Bathu House, where the symbol of water reflects the flow of knowledge and life. Throughout the design, the travelling symbols serve as a reminder of the student's journey through Wati, Watha and Bathu houses. This artwork is a tribute to the deep connection we share with Worimi culture, honouring the traditions and teachings that continue to shape and inspire our College community every day.

Lachlan Tonks

Welcome to the 2025 school year! As the Leader of Learning in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), I extend a very warm welcome to all families, particularly those new to the College.

As our College continues to grow, we welcome new PDHPE staff members in to our community. Ellie Madden, Maegen Morrissey, Oliver Stephens, Madeleine Stoneman and Chris Tyrie have joined the team and hit the ground running. Their dedication and passion for education will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing the learning experiences for our students, and I wish them fulfilment and success in their journey here at CMCC.

With the College continuing to grow, we welcome an exciting new chapter with our first-ever Year 12 cohort as they continue their HSC studies. We also welcome Year 11 as they embark on their Stage 6 journey. We wish all our students an enriching and rewarding experience in their senior years.

To ensure you're fully equipped to support your child's learning journey in PDHPE this term, your child’s classroom teacher has sent an email this week that details what your child will be learning, and the key products of learning they will produce throughout the semester. These emails are intended to serve as a foundation for meaningful conversations at home, encouraging you to engage with your child about their PDHPE experiences, their insights on various topics, and how they envision applying this knowledge to their everyday lives. We believe that such discussions not only extend learning beyond the classroom but also significantly enhance your child's understanding and appreciation of health and well-being.

In PDHPE, we continue to uphold high standards of dress code, especially regarding appropriate footwear and hats for all practical lessons. It is crucial for the safety and well-being of our students that they come prepared for physical activities with the correct gear. Please ensure your child has acceptable footwear, along with the College cap or hat, as outlined in the ‘Student Uniform and Appearance’ policy.

We look forward to another wonderful year ahead in PDHPE and are excited to see the growth and achievements of all our students.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss how you can further support your child's learning in PDHPE via your child’s classroom teacher, or at lachlan.tonks@mn.catholic.edu.au .

Emma Bennis

The CMCC English Faculty wishes families a very warm welcome to the 2025 academic year. We have welcomed three wonderful new staff to our team, Mr Michael Crellin, Mrs Jaclyn Wilton and Miss Abbey Lakajev. Both our new and existing team members have enjoyed welcoming your children to classes and getting to know them in the opening weeks of the year.

Our focus in these opening weeks has been to create predictable and effective routines so our learners can maximise their learning time.

Across our Years 7-10 classrooms this year:

· We have implemented a 30-minute block of explicit literacy instruction at the beginning of each Learning Session. This block is broken up into three ten-minute activities encompassing a specific skill, writing practice and reading for meaning. The activities are directly linked to the skills that students are learning and applying during their unit of work.

· Learners will have three short homework tasks across the term that support their learning and the creation of a sustainable home-learning routine. Class teachers will advise students of due dates across the term and these will also be available on your child’s class Teams page.

· Learners will have one summative assessment to work towards at the end of each term to demonstrate their learning. Full details of this assessment can be found on Compass and on your child’s class Teams page.

Ways parents can support their learner in Years 7-10 English:

· Ask questions about what your child is reading in class, what they liked about the text and what they didn’t like about the text.

· Support and encourage wide reading at home by reading together and asking about what your child has read. Ask them to summarise the main points, or to pick out particular words or phrases that stood out to them.

· Support your child to read over and revise their writing, checking for punctuation, grammar and spelling errors together. Sometimes it is useful to read writing aloud to check for fluency and clarity. See if there are any vocabulary words that could be improved by using an online thesaurus together.

In Year 11 & 12 English courses:

· All courses have been provided with their formal assessment notification for this term which is available on Compass and on the class Teams page.

· Standard and Advanced classes have been provided with a homework schedule to work towards throughout the term. Each short homework activity assists students to build the skills needed for their formal assessment task.

Ways parents can support their learner in Year 11 & 12 English:

· Help learners stay on top of their home-learning by supporting them to use a calendar or diary to plan out their homework and assessment work.

· Ask questions about what skills and content they are covering in class, have them try and summarise or recount their learning to you and the next steps they are taking to improve.

As a Faculty, we are committed to maintaining an effective three-way relationship between learner, school and home, so we welcome your communication at any time throughout the term.

Emma Bennis	emma.bennis@mn.catholic.edu.au
Kylah Hollingsworth	kylah.hollingsworth@mn.catholic.edu.au
Bianca Sibert	bianca.sibert@mn.catholic.edu.au
Tamara Carrigan	tamara.carrigan@mn.catholic.edu.au
Taylah Grainger	taylah.grainger@mn.catholic.edu.au
Michael Crellin	michael.crellin@mn.catholic.edu.au
Jaclyn Wilton	jaclyn.wilton@mn.catholic.edu.au
Scott Warnock	scott.warnock@mn.catholic.edu.au
Claudette Stace	claudette.stace@mn.catholic.edu.au
Anastasia Griggs	anastasia.griggs@mn.catholic.edu.au
Lisa Dionysius	lisa.dionysius@mn.catholic.edu.au
Abbey Lakajev	abbey.lakajev@mn.catholic.edu.au

Elyse North

Port Stephens Youth Battle of the Arts

Applications are now open for Port Stephens Youth Battle of the Arts.
Open to ages 12-18, and prizes for winners of up to $500.
Applications close Sunday 16 March.
For more information, follow the link to the application page: Battle of the Arts

McAuley Music Program

The McAuley Music Program continues to grow in 2025, with our dedicated team of private tutors, Ammiel Warner, Jo Loi, Brett Naylor and Chris Hope. We are also thrilled to welcome Rose Jervis to the team, who tutors violin. Learners are withdrawn for a 30-minute private music lesson with our talented crew of tutors. More information about private music lessons can be found on the flyer below, and if you have any questions, please contact Ms Elyse North via the College office or email me at: elyse.north@mn.catholic.edu.au

McAuley_Music_Program_2025.pdf

McAuley_Music_Program_2025 _pdf 1.18 MB

Richard Brown

This year we welcome two new staff members to the TAS Faculty, Joel Pollard as a TAS Teacher and Lorna Brown as TAS Assistant. They’ve both made a great start and are already having a great impact working with students and other members of the faculty.

Its been great to see our full complement of teaching staff and classes make a really positive start to the term and are already off and running! We’re also excited to have our Year 12 courses working towards their HSC!

This semester we have the following courses:

Year 7 Digital Technology or Food Technology
Year 8 Materials Technology (Textiles) or Engineered Systems (Timber)
Year 9 Timber
Year 9 Engineering
Year 10 Food Technology
Year 10 Industrial Technology Timber
Year 11 Design & Technology
Year 11 Engineering Studies
Year 11 Industrial Technology Timber
Year 12 Design & Technology
Year 12 Engineering Studies
Year 12 Industrial Technology Multimedia
Year 12 Industrial Technology Timber

Most students in Technology have been undertaking Onguard Safety Training (online training and testing software) so far this term and should have completed most of their tests already. Please encourage students to complete this as homework if they have not yet done so as they don’t want to miss out on any practical activities!

A reminder to parents that students in workshops and kitchens must wear fully enclosed leather shoes. If a student has sport on the same day as Technology, they are expected to bring leather shoes as well as sports shoes (leather trainers are acceptable)

Year 12 Multimedia students working on their Major Design Projects

Year 11 Engineering Studies

Year 8 Textiles

Year 10 Food Technology

Sarah Gardiner

"Hope does not disappoint" (Romans 5:5)

Pope Francis reminds us in Spes Non Confundit for the Jubilee Year 2025:

"Everyone knows what it is to hope. In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring."

As we begin a new year in Religious Education at Catherine McAuley, I’m excited to nurture the spirit of hope within our school community. Whether in the classroom, in conversations, or in moments of reflection, hope encourages us to look forward with faith and curiosity, embracing the journey ahead.

Welcoming New Faces

This year, we welcome several new teachers to the RE team:

· Maegen Morrissey

· Taylor Joyce

· Madeleine Stoneman

· Ellie Madden

· Oliver Stephens

· Thomas Bentley

We’re also excited to welcome our new Year 7 cohort as they begin their journey at CMCC. Their first term will be all about exploring what it means to belong to a faith community—starting with the idea of faith itself and how the Church’s story connects to their own experiences in a Catholic school. While the year ahead is full of unknowns, we encourage them to approach it with faith, curiosity, and hope.

What’s Happening in RE?

· Year 8 are the first to encounter our new curriculum, beginning with A Living Faith. This module explores what it means to be part of the Church today—its structure, mission, and how each of us can play a role in shaping its future.

· Year 9 will dive into life’s big questions about faith, meaning, and how people experience God. Through discussion, art, literature, and scripture, they’ll reflect on different perspectives and the role of wonder and awe in faith.

· Year 10 start the year with God and the Search for Meaning, tackling deep questions about suffering, evil, and belief in a loving God. They’ll engage with philosophy, scripture, and Church teaching to explore how faith offers hope in difficult times.

· Year 11 have stepped into their final stage of high school and settling into their chosen RE pathways. As they navigate new challenges and opportunities, we encourage them to embrace the hope that comes from learning, growth, and reflection.

· Year 12 are already deep into their programs. Studies of Religion students have received feedback on Task 1, while Studies in Catholic Thought students will receive theirs after submissions in Week 4. As they prepare for their final year, we hope they find reassurance in the progress they’ve already made and in the support of those around them.

No matter what year level, each student’s journey in RE is an opportunity to reflect, ask questions, and discover how faith connects with their own lives. Through learning and discussion, we see that hope isn’t just a feeling—it’s something we choose to carry with us in the way we think, act, and engage with the world.

I’m looking forward to all the ‘good things to come’ in 2025—here’s to a year of learning, growing, and walking together in hope!

Kylie Ellis

The finance office commenced the process of generating the 2025 school fees late last week. Parents will now see fee items appearing via their Compass tab. Once the billed items are generated, applicable discounts will be actioned over the remainder of the month (eg Health Care Card discounts for those parents that have provided a valid current HCC).

Parents are able to commence making fee payments at any time. At the beginning of March, parents will be emailed a copy of their annual fee account and are asked to commence payments as per the preferred frequency (weekly, fortnightly or monthly) prior to 31 March and then continue on that frequency to erode the fees over the course of each month and be finalised to a $0 balance by 30 November 2025. In April, any family that has not yet commenced fee payments will be deemed in arrears of the March component of the account.

When you receive your first statement, or if you do not receive a fee statement (check junk for hotmail accounts) if you believe it to be incorrect please do not hesitate to contact the finance office on finance@medowiecmcc.catholic.edu.au or 4068 1000.

We are confident that all parents of our students appreciate the necessity of maintaining a healthy cashflow for the school, as it is our children who benefit. Non-payment impacts future planning, developments, and resourcing.

NSW SCHOOL VACCINATION PROGRAM

Each year NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school vaccination program.

In 2025 the following vaccines will be offered:

Friday 28^th March – Year 7

Friday 2^nd May – Year 10

Friday 5^th September – Catch up for both Years 7 & 10

YEARS

VACCINE

NUMBER OF DOSES

Year 7

Human papillomavirus (HPV9) vaccine

Single dose

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine

Single dose

Year 10

Meningococcal ACWY vaccine

Single dose

To consent to the vaccination of their child, parents/guardians are advised to:

Enter the URL below into your browser, select the School Vaccination Program tile and follow instructions.
read all the information provided
complete the online consent form and give consent for which vaccine/s they would like their child to receive
ensure that their child eats breakfast on the day of the school vaccination clinic.

URL: Online consent URL https://engage.health.nsw.gov.au/engage

QR Code:

To improve vaccination completion, students whose parents/guardians have provide consent while in Year 7 or Year 10 and who miss vaccine doses at any clinic, will be opportunistically offered these vaccines at each clinic visit throughout 2025 (Year 7 or 10) & 2026 (Year 8 or 11).

Parents/guardians who wish to withdraw their consent for any reason may do so by amending their student’s online consent.

The Procedure for Withdrawal of Consent is available on the NSW Health website at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/withdraw_consent.aspx

A Record of Vaccination will be provided to parents by SMS once a student has been vaccinated. Parents/guardians should not assume that their child has been vaccinated if they do not receive this SMS notification.

NOTE: If you experience difficulty with accessing the online consent package, please speak with the School Vaccination coordinator.

Providing consent for your child to receive a vaccination at school - Immunisation programs (nsw.gov.au)

https://vimeo.com/877304083/da667f7044?share=copy

School_Opal_Card_Fact_Sheet.pdf

School_Opal_Card_Fact_Sheet _pdf 258.87 KB

McAuley_Music_Program_2025.pdf

McAuley_Music_Program_2025 _pdf 1.18 MB

Key Dates 2025
Friday 21 February	College Swimming Carnival
Friday 28 February	School Photo Catch-up Day
Wednesday 5 March	FACE Meeting 5:30pm Ursula Frayne Library
Wednesday 12 March	NAPLAN Year 7 and Year 9 commences
Friday 28 March	Vaccinations Year 7
Wednesday 2 April	Year 10 Stage 6 Pathways Information Evening
Friday 4 April	College Cross Country
Thursday 10 April	Last Day for Students
Friday 11 April	Pupil Free Day
Monday 28 April	Pupil Free Day
Friday 2 May	Vaccinations Year 10

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 5.30pm

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

Bernard Burgess

Claudette Stace

Siobhan Kelly

Bronwyn Denham

Key Reminders and Upcoming Events

Senior Leadership – Stepping Up in 2025

"The simplest and most practical lesson I know is to resolve to be good today, but better tomorrow."

A Final Thought – Leadership Lessons from Ted Lasso

Scott Warnock

Aaron Mahony

Summar Harrison

Loretta Browne

Robert Bain

Lucy Koch

Madeleine Stoneman

Leah Nowlan

CMCC Indigenous Jersey

Lachlan Tonks

Emma Bennis

Across our Years 7-10 classrooms this year:

Ways parents can support their learner in Years 7-10 English:

In Year 11 & 12 English courses:

Ways parents can support their learner in Year 11 & 12 English:

Elyse North

Port Stephens Youth Battle of the Arts

McAuley Music Program

Richard Brown

Sarah Gardiner

Welcoming New Faces

What’s Happening in RE?

Kylie Ellis

NSW SCHOOL VACCINATION PROGRAM

Key Dates 2025

St Brigid’s, Raymond Terrace

(69 William Street)

St Christopher’s, Medowie

(On the site of Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie)

Our Lady Help of Christians, Mallabula

(1193 Lemon Tree Passage Road)

St Michael's, Nelson Bay

(12 Sproule St)

St Brigid's, Buladelah

(26 Buladelah Way)

St Stephen's, Tea Gardens

(Witt St)

Our Lady of Rosary, Karuah

(Tarean Street)

St Peter-in-Chains, Stockton

(13 Dunbar Street)

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