Principal’s Update

Over the past week the students have received the 2018 Magazine, our first for Catherine McAuley College. When you take time to read it and reflect on the various articles, acknowledgements and the variety of events that were offered through the year it is evident that we are really very fortunate. It has been a busy year and there have been many highlights. To have such a quality publication ready before the end of the year is a great feat – well done to Ms Felicity Johnson and her team for making such a tight deadline and presenting this wonderful publication. Congratulations to Danika Wagner, Year 8, whose cover design captures what our community is all about, Living Mercy.

This year will be remembered as our first as Catherine McAuley College. Looking at the level of change that has evolved through the past eighteen months, one can only marvel at the flexibility and support that the whole community has given to our new identity, campus names, uniform, crests – the whole range. It is pleasing to see how quickly we have adapted. Some may have already forgotten that this is all in the space of just twelve months.

Through the holiday the Sister Aloysius Martyn Arts Centre will be completed and ready for occupancy. The Official Blessing will take place later in Term 1. The Canteen and Allied Health development at St Mary’s is progressing well and should be open later in Term 1. The other development gaining momentum is the planning for the sporting precinct at Coolock. The schematic design tender is being organised for early 2019. This is work being completed in partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo.

VCE Results and College Dux

Congratulations to the inaugural graduates of Catherine McAuley College on their excellent VCE results. Our students have been rewarded for their endeavours with some outstanding collective and individual performances in both the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) studies.

I am delighted to announce that our first Catherine McAuley College Dux is Matthew McDonald, with an ATAR of 99.3. The Dux Proximus is Luke Harris with an ATAR of 98.8, followed by Joshua Hamilton with an ATAR of 98.2. Click here to read more about the VCE results and College Dux.

Presentation Evening

Our apologies for the cancellation of the Presentation Evening. We were very disappointed, however local emergency services and various governing authorities advised there were significant potential risks. With many family members and guests travelling to the evening we thought it best to make this decision in time to give some warning. Those students being presented with awards will now be recognised, together with the 2018 Year 12 students, at the Laureate Assembly early in Term 1, 2019.

Headstart

Headstart ran for the last two weeks of term for 2019 Years 10 – 12 students. This important introduction allows students to gain some understanding of their subjects, curriculum and assessments for next year. It is a strong foundation for students to kickstart their studies. I encourage them to consider their holiday reading and preparation to further enhance their advantage.

Energy Breakthrough

I know a little time has passed since the Energy Breakthrough in Maryborough, but I want to recognise the work Miss Kylie Henriksen and her team of staff, students and parents who worked so hard before and during the event to perform so well – congratulations to all.

Transition – Year 7, 2019

I extend a warm welcome to our 2019 Year 7 students and parents who attended the Orientation Day and Information Evening. There are around 270 students starting at Year 7 and many other new enrolments across the school. So, a big thank you to the new families and new students who attended, and to the staff and students who supported these important transition events.

Employment & Apprenticeships

Congratulations and farewell to those students who have managed to gain employment and apprenticeships. It is a great outcome, seeing so many students achieving their pathway ambitions.

Staff Farewells

At the end of each year we farewell departing staff who are retiring or moving on to other schools, with several staff accepting redundancies this year. Our projections indicate that our school population is levelling off and the indicators for growth from 2020 are very positive.

Staff finishing in 2018 are: Robert Reaburn (35 years); Kevin Sharkey (21 years); Julie O’Keefe (16 years); Lauryne Fee (15 years); John McCullough (14 years); Kim Nolan (O’Brien) (10 years); Benjamin Goode (9 years); Eleanor Haring (9 years); Carmel Smith (9 years); Anne Boyd (8 years); Alice Lewis (8 years); Belinda McTigue (6 years); Denise Braddon (5 years) and Lisa Gattuso (3 years).

On behalf of our College community and Mercy Education Limited I thank each of these staff for their support and service to Catholic College Bendigo and Catherine McAuley College. The lasting relationships and your contributions to teaching and administration form part of the College legacy for future staff and students and we thank you for your efforts and dedicated work.

Thank you

On behalf of the College community, I thank our Governors, Mercy Education Limited and Catholic Education Sandhurst for their ongoing contributions and support. We also extend our thanks to the Advisory Committee members for generously volunteering their time and expertise. We are hopeful that there are other parents who might be willing to share their passion and knowledge in this forum next year.

Finally, the College staff thank each family for their support and wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable break.

Mr Brian Turner, Principal