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Hello Friends and Families
What an unusual start to term 3 this year. Two days into the new term and we went into lockdown. I am extremely proud of they way everyone managed and most especially the brand new Reception students and their families, particularly those for whom school is a brand new experience. For the most part, communication was clear and consistent and learning was able to continue. Thank you to you all.
In this newsletter we welcome the new students, their teachers Samantha Applebeee and Jaslyn Fryer and our new Acting Deputy Principal, Michelle Thomas. We are delighted to have you join our community and hope you love it as much as we do.
The middle school students are in the midst of overnight stays at Monarto Zoo, the girls were there on Monday overnight and the boys went today. From all reports it is a huge success and the 'best camp experience we have ever been a part of'. High praise indeed.
LLL Parent and Caregiver Survey
Dear Families,
You are invited to participate in a survey about your school's performance. Similar surveys will be administered to staff and students to enable us to capture a community snapshot.
All responses are confidential and will be used for school improvement purposes.
Completion of the survey is on a voluntary basis.
Your confidentiality
To protect your confidentiality all surveys are anonymous. All answers go directly to the National School Improvement Partnerships, where the results are analysed for your school. Answers from individual surveys will NOT be reported back to the school. National School Improvement Partnerships staff are bound by a Code of Ethics and follow strict professional conduct.
Use of the data
National School Improvement Partnerships will report the results to the school in an aggregated format so that individuals cannot be identified. To enable drill-down reporting, the information provided to the school will contain data based on background information. This anonymous data will be provided to CESA for reporting and consideration of support for schools.
How to complete the survey
For each statement, you are asked to rate how well you think the school is performing by circling one of six responses. The responses are numbered 1 to 6, with number 1 being the lowest or worst rating and number 6 being the highest or best rating.
There are no 'right' or 'wrong' answers. Your opinion is what is wanted.
Please be sure to answer all questions.
Some statements may be fairly similar to other statements. Don't worry about this. Simply give your opinion about all statements.
To get started
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- Go to www.NSIPartnerships.com.au
- Enter the Catherine McAuley School access code LLLPCM in the Start Questionnaire field.
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If you require more information or have any feedback, please contact Belinda Hurcombe. Email: Belinda.Hurcombe@cardijn.catholic.edu.au
Your time and consideration are much appreciated.
In Faith, Growth, and Unity
The Leadership Team
Catherine McAuley School
Welcome Michelle Thomas, Acting Deputy Principal
Next week (Week 5) we welcome Mrs Michelle Thomas to the Catherine McAuley School community. Mrs Thomas will be with us for the rest of the year to fill Ms Morrison's role while she is Acting Principal in Mrs Bennett's absence.
Thank you to Mrs Caldinez for her excellent job as Acting Deputy Principal for the first very hectic four weeks of Term 3.
With Mrs Thomas' arrival it means our Leadership Team for Term 3 and Term 4, 2021 is:
- Ms Angela Morrison - Acting Principal
- Mrs Michelle Thomas - Acting Deputy Principal
- Mrs Linda Caldinez - Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission
- Ms Courtney Starr - Inclusive Education Coordinator and Key Literacy Teacher
While these women make up our Leadership Team, Catherine McAuley School is proud to have a highly capable staff of teachers, early education providers, classroom support officers, professional support officers and administrators.
Introducing Mrs Thomas
Mrs Thomas is a highly qualified educator with nearly 30 years experience in the Catholic education system in Australia. She is the APRIM at St Francis Xavier School but is currently Acting Deputy Principal at St Augustine's School in Salisbury.
Mrs Thomas has a strong interest in the environment and creating sustainable communities.
"I know Catherine McAuley School is already stepping up with its green initiatives. I am looking forward to being involved and helping improve what we can all do to look after the natural world," Mrs Thomas said.
"I am also very much looking forward to meeting all the students and families and getting to know them. Catherine McAuley has a reputation as a school with a very strong sense of community and belonging, so I am very happy to be appointed Acting Deputy Principal."
Mrs Morrison thanked Mrs Caldinez for her work in the deputy role and welcomed Mrs Thomas on behalf of the school community.
"Michelle is well acquainted with the north and brings with her a real depth of knowledge on what it takes to make a great school community connected through learning and faith. We are delighted to have her on our team and know our entire school community will welcome her with open, but socially distant, arms."
Introducing our new social woker
Hi my name is Pia Carboni I am a social work student from Flinders University and will be completing my placement here at Catherine McAuley for the remainder of the year.
I look forward to meeting and working with the students and staff at Catherine McAuley School.
You may see me working individually with students, in small groups, or supporting in the classrooms as well as helping out in breakfast club and other community events.
I have already been very lucky to have been a part of the Year 6/7 girl’s camp to Monarto Zoo which I thoroughly enjoyed, it was wonderful getting to know the students and being involved in such a great experience.
I look forward to being a part of the Catherine McAuley school community and to meet as many people as I can.
If you see me in around please come and introduce yourself I would love to meet you.
Welcome to our new Reception classes
We have had so much fun the first four weeks of school in RJF (Reception Fryer) and RSA (Reception Applebee). We have been learning about what to do at school, where to play and learning lots of new things. We have been making new friends and exploring our new school. We can not wait to continue learning and discovering new things at school.
Have you noticed two of our students lately? They have been a bit hard to miss!
Alessio and Mufaro from 3C are the 'face of the school' this Catholic Schools Open Week, which runs from August 9.
The students have featured on billboards in Elizabeth Shopping Centre, on a bus shelter on Main North Road, in The Advertiser newspaper and across our digital channels.
Catholic schools from across the state took part in a photo shoot at Catholic Education SA's (CESA) headquarters in the city as part of the Catholic Schools Open Week campaign. A number of students, including Mufaro were selected to also be the face of CESA in the weeks leading up to open week.
Thank you to Alessio and Mufaro and their families for supporting the school with our Catholic Schools Open Week campaign. We are extremely proud to be represented by two such fine young people.
In Week 6 our school will celebrate amazing Australian authors and illustrators with the 2021 Book Week. This year's theme is “Old worlds. New worlds. Other worlds.”
There will be lots of story related activities for the classes and a DRESS UP DAY on WEDNESDAY AUGUST 25.
Look out for more details from your child’s teacher closer to the date. If you are looking for some costume inspiration or stress-less simple but effective ideas, take a look at this advice for parents.
Meanwhile, the children are enjoying the shortlist of books nominated for Early Childhood and Picture Book of the Year awards. You can see the lists of books at the Children’s Book Council of Australia website.
A quick reminder to all families that all adults accessing the school MUST:
- Wear a mask
- QR Check in
Only the families of Reception and Year 1 studetns are allowed to enter the school grounds unless you have a prior arrangement with the Leadership Team.
From the Canteen
Late Lunch Orders
Our cut-off for placing orders is 8:30 am.
Students who are late to place a lunch order by 8:30 am will need to go directly to the canteen, or alternatively, parents can call our Parent Help Line on 0413 575 800. Our Parent Help Line is available from 9:30 am Monday to Friday. Calls before 9:30 am, please leave a voice mail message and someone will return your call shortly after 9:30 am.
Forgot To Order Lunch?
Students who have forgotten to place a lunch order by 8:30 am will need to go directly to the canteen, or alternatively, parents can call our Parent Help Line on 0413 575 800. As an emergency backup, Rory’s canteen staff will always be able to offer a basic lunch.
Our Parent Help Line is available from 9:30 am Monday to Friday. Calls before 9:30 am, please leave a voice mail message and someone will return your call shortly after 9:30 am.
Rory's 2021 Canteen Menu
From OSHC
To book a spot before or after school, or for school holidays, please call the main OSHC phone number 8254 4198.
For parents who have not used OSHC before, please call the centre to discuss your needs. An information pack will be arranged for you to collect from the OSHC Office (located in the Joan Haren Performing Arts Centre). All forms must be completed and returned and the enrolment fee paid to OSHC prior to commencement.