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