Principal's Report

Walkathon Sponsorship

As you are aware, Australia is in the grip of a prolonged drought affecting 97% of the country. Our Senior student leaders, notably senior leaders are seeking the possibility of financial support from city Catholic communities, for our annual Walkathon, to aid our community during these difficult times.

As one of our annual social justice initiatives, the College conducts a Walkathon each September with the students walking for a worthy cause. Since the inception of the Walkathon 12 years ago we have raised over $220,000, with monies contributing to the construction of a school in Zambia, an orphanage in India, and a Medical Centre in Uganda.

Last year, the students of the College proposed to focus on an issue closer to our own community, assisting local farmers and families with the impact of the hardship of the drought. As a result, $15,000 was raised with monies distributed to the local community through St Vincent de Paul.

Farmers, local families and local businesses affected by the drought are often unwilling to seek financial support, and we as a Catholic community would like to assist them in any way, providing tangible relief for a short period of time. This year, increasing numbers of our own families employed in Tamworth and in surrounding towns are unable to support this cause due to job losses related to agricultural manufacturing and supply services, and the general decline in retail. As the drought has intensified many other impacts have emerged besides financial loss, such as social isolation, emotional impacts and rising mental health issues. As a rural community we don't often ask our city parishioners and Catholic school communities for help. However, this time it is different.

Donations of cash, vouchers for raffles and other contributions would be gratefully accepted. Cash donations can be deposited into the College's separate account - BSB: 082105 Account: 001013635 (please use the reference ‘Walkathon’).  Vouchers and the like can be posted to the College. 

Please contact your ‘city-cousins’ and friends to aid and support this extremely worthwhile cause.

We know this drought will end eventually. Farmers and the community are generally optimistic, chanting the phrase " we are one day closer to rain". On behalf of the McCarthy community, we thank you for your generosity in anticipation and we ask you to continue to pray to our Lord for plentiful rains, so that this devastating drought can be broken.

Uniforms

A strong reminder for all students to wear the uniform well and with pride, particularly in public places such as shopping centres and downtown. By wearing your uniform with pride you show respect to the people you meet and greet each day as well as representing your family well. No student should be wearing the Sports uniform on any other day than Tuesday please. Lowes are in the final stages of manufacture of the new uniform which should start to become available in early Term 4 - 2019. A reminder that there will be a two year phase-in period through 2020 and 2021 so that all students must have purchased the new uniform by January 2022.

Manilla Road

Just a reminder to students to please use the traffic lights on Manilla Road opposite Spotlight. As one of the busiest roads in Tamworth, we want to ensure that all students travel safely to and from the College and do not put themselves at risk by attempting to cross the road in an unsafe and unregulated manner.

Survey

An annual satisfaction survey of parents, students and staff will be conducted on behalf of all Catholic schools in the Diocese this term. The surveys are designed to gather feedback from parents, staff and students about our College and will be used to inform school improvement. Responses are confidential and individuals can not be identified. 

The surveys will be launched via email on 12 August and close on 23 August 2019 using the email addresses supplied to the school. If you do not receive an email with a link to the survey, you can access and complete the survey at the following link. https://www.research.net/r/McCarthyCCPARENT2019

Staffing News

I extend a warm welcome to Ms Madeleine Simmonds-Cutts who commenced recently as one of our Aboriginal Education Assistants. Madeleine brings a wealth of experience in her respective field and we are privileged to have her join our community.

HSC Trials 

Congratulations to our Year 12 students. HSC Trials conclude 19 August.

Thank you also to the generous and talented staff who offered many hours of their break time to deliver HSC Workshops over the recent student vacation period.

Mr Geoff McManus - Principal