Principal's Report
Diocesan Pastoral Well-Being Conference
June 11 - 12 saw approximately 800 Catholic School staff come together at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC) for the Diocesan Pastoral Well-Being Conference 2019. The conference was a first for the Diocese and proved to be a valuable exercise in professional development and collegiate networking opportunities. The conference theme - Mission, Learn, Care, focused on strong pastoral care for students and staff, underpinning quality learning and teaching. McCarthy Catholic College Captains, Julia Hannaford and Cameron Martin, did a tremendous job as Master of Ceremonies for the event, giving up their ‘extra-long’ weekend to assist in introducing the Keynote Speakers as well as coordinating the required movement of a large number of adults from one workshop to the next. They were fine ambassadors of the College and authentic representatives of the quality graduates that grow out of our catholic schools. Julia even got to regale the staff with a couple of her ‘Dad-jokes’!
Use of Mobile Devices in Schools
As most would remember, a survey was conducted during Term One to determine the level of community advocacy for the potential banning of mobile phones at the College. Unfortunately, we only received 163 survey responses from a total of 661 families (25%). Those responses received were not strong, either way, in supporting or opposing the suggestion. Consequently, on the advice and with the support of the School Advisory Council, we are moving forward with further community consultation and education, to ensure that the ultimate decision has a higher proportion of College community support.
Consequently, I attach a link to the report from the NSW government that was commissioned in 2018 entitled ‘Review into the non-educational use of mobile devices in NSW schools’.
This review, lead by well-known psychologist, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, produced a series of evidence-based recommendations which need to be strongly considered by schools, families and government agencies. As a College, we will be considering these valid recommendations and seeking further College community consultation and support to ensure whatever processes are put in place, the decision will be informed.
In the meantime, please support the teachers, and their important work in the classroom, by ensuring that students are not called during class time. Almost 100% of the phone calls which disturb a class, or a group of students, are made by a parent. We ask if you need to get a message to your son or daughter to please call the College and we will ensure a message is passed on.
If you must call your child, please do so at break times:
Recess: 11:00am - 11:30am
Lunch: 1:30pm - 2:00pm.
Thank you for your support.
New Uniform Roll-Out 2020
After approval from the School Advisory Council, the College will now embark on a phase-in period of the new uniform. A link to a storyboard representation of the new uniform is presented below. All students will be expected to be wearing the new uniform by 2022. Year 10 are strongly advised to purchase the new uniform for their Senior years beginning in 2020. Our uniform provider - Lowes have begun the ordering process and expect to have a large proportion of the uniform in stock by late Term Three, this year, with all items available for the beginning of the 2020 school year. I offer great thanks to Mr David Jones (Lowes), Mrs Sparke, Mrs Burt and enthusiastic members of the Parents & Friends Association for their long, hard work in providing consultation and advice during the development phase.
Band success at Eisteddfod
Without stealing the thunder from Ms Swan’s article later in this newsletter, I offer hearty congratulations to the College Bands for their wonderful achievements in the recent Tamworth Eisteddfod. A 1st, two 2nds and a 3rd out of four categories is an outstanding achievement! Congratulations to all students who participated and worked so hard over many weeks to achieve such high awards. The results are a testimony to the talent, dedication and hard work of our wonderful music staff - Ms Swan, Mr McNeill and Mr Rindo. Well done everyone!
End of Term
A reminder that the last day for Term Two will beThursday 4 July with classes concluding at 3:00pm. Staff will be participating in an inservice on Friday 5 July. The College reopens on Monday 22 July at 8:45am for Term 3.
Welcome
We welcome the following student to the McCarthy community: Darcy Simpson-Craig (Year 9). As a community, we hope that her transition has been a smooth one and that she is enjoying the McCarthy community.
Mr Geoff McManus - Principal