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