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:

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.