Aaron Mahony

As we reach the halfway point of Term 1 at Catherine McAuley Catholic College, I would like to take a moment to commend our Wati Discovery House students for their promising start. Year 7 students have shown incredible enthusiasm in engaging with the theme of Belonging, which is beautifully linked to the Mercy value of Compassion. A large number of students have embraced the call to create an inclusive and caring community, and it has been wonderful to witness their growth in understanding the importance of compassion in their daily interactions. Year 8 students, too, have demonstrated a strong commitment to the theme of Citizenship, drawing inspiration from Courage as they step forward as active and responsible members of both the school and the wider community. Their dedication to these values is a core focus of the Term 1 and it has been pleasing to see the younger members of our community aspiring to be their best.

I would also like to acknowledge the fantastic turnout at the Year 7 BBQ evening, which was an outstanding example of the community spirit that Catherine McAuley Catholic College is known for. The event was a wonderful opportunity to bring families together and warmly welcome our new families to the College. It was a clear reflection of the Mercy value of Hospitality, as we spent time together, shared in the joy of the evening, and made new connections. The sense of belonging that we foster here at Catherine McAuley is central to our mission, and it’s heartening to see everyone embracing that spirit with such warmth and openness.

In keeping with our commitment to Mercy values, both Year 7 and Year 8 students showcased remarkable spirit and sportsmanship at the swimming carnival. Their participation was a true reflection of our ‘have a go’ attitude, rooted in the Mercy value of Courage. Whether competing or cheering on their peers, students demonstrated resilience, enthusiasm, and a commitment to giving their best.

The energy from all involved was infectious, and it was inspiring to see the College community come together in the spirit of fun, competition, and camaraderie. We would like to wish the following students all the best of luck at the Diocesan swimming carnival, which will be held next Tuesday, 11th March: Mary Fogarty, Hugh Howard, Ryan Poole, Clair Cousins, Zavier Such, Lillie Traynor, and Logan Westcott from Year 7, and Lucy De Souza, Declan Northcott, Kynan Ogilvie, and Ruben Phillips from Year 8. We are all cheering for you!

Finally, during Monday’s House Assembly, we focused on the importance of being an Upstander and advocating for oneself and others—values that are central to our Mercy tradition. Students were encouraged to stand up for what is right, be bold in their actions, and make a positive impact in the lives of others. The following link is a great resource for families to utilise in the home environment Helping Teenagers Speak Up For Themselves. We also took the opportunity to remind all students of our Hands Off Policy, which is essential in ensuring that we care for one another and maintain a safe, respectful environment. Adhering to this policy reflects our Mercy values of Respect and Compassion—treating others as we would like to be treated and ensuring everyone feels safe and valued within our community. These values are at the heart of our college, and we look forward to seeing more of our students live them out throughout the year.

Thank you once again to our students, staff, and families for a wonderful start to 2025. We also wish Year 7 all the best as they prepare for the upcoming NAPLAN testing, which starts next Wednesday. For further details on NAPLAN and supporting your child, please visit NAPLAN for Parents & Carers. If you would like further information or support regarding the Wati Discovery House, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself at aaron.mahony@mn.catholic.edu.au  at any time.

United in Mercy