Assistant Principal's Page

Attendance Matters: With only a week till the end of school for 2024, it is easy to think that a few days away from school won't matter, however Attendance does matter!  Children need to be at school each day it is open unless ill or otherwise not able to attend. All schools are legally responsibile for the education of all school age students in NSW.  As partof the education system, we are responsible for making sure we know the whereabouts of each of our students on every day the school is open. Parents are required by law to let the school know where students are when they are not at school. All absences needs to be recorded for each day using the Compass App.  A medical certificate is required if a child is away for either an extended period of time, or if they are away often for medical reasons.  If this is the case, we would also require a medical plan from their doctor so we are able to support their medical needs. Extended holidays and other absences from school require Principal approval.  Students are expected to be at school for a minimum of 90% each year.  Even this high level of

 attendance can lead to gaps in a student's learning and problems catching up in future grades.  Attendance is a very important part of supporting the continued learning journey of all students, and should be given priority when making family commitments. For further information on attendance, please contact the school or visit the NSW Government website on Attendance : https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/school-community/attendance-matters-resources-for-schools/compulsory-school-attendance

Celebration days:    Some of our grades have already had their Grade Celebration Day, while we have several grades who will be enjoying this special day next week.  As we usually go off site for these days, it is expected that students will represent McAuley well by their behaviour and attitude.  Unlike excursions, which are based on Curriculum links, these days are not linked with learning, therefore if students are not showing they can follow the school expectations in the classroom and on the playground, they may not be eligible to attend these special days.  Any student who may miss out on these activities will be advised, and parents will be contacted to alert them to the risk of your child missing this lovely end of year social activity with their grade. Please remind your children of these school expectations.

Year 1 and Year 2 Intensive Swimming Course:  Our Intensive Swimming course for Year 1 and 2 students is underway, and is proving a wonderful experience!  Both teachers and children are speaking very highly of the skills and organisation of the course.  Thank you once again to the PACE Group, Mr Hudson and Mrs Flynn for their foresight and support with this opportunity.

New McAuley Assistant Principal For 2025:  I welcome Mrs Shannon Cain to my current role as Assistant Principal of McAuley for 2025.  I feel blessed that we have such a competant person taking over this responsibility.  Shannon will carry out these duties with competence, care and compassion and I wish her well in this position.

Year 6:  Congratulations to our Year 6 students on the conclusion of their Primary School studies and we wish them well in all their f uture endeavours. We are always happy to welcome back any of our McAuley students if they have an opportunity to visit, or like several of our exstudents, if they choose a career in education.

Christmas Event Next Monday:  The children have been working hard to learn their carols and we look forward to seeing everyone at our Carols Event on Monday evening!

Farewell: As this will be my last newsletter for the next 12 months, I’d like to thank everyone in the McAuley family for their support and friendship, and wish you all the Blessings of this Special Season. May you have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous and happy year in 2025.

Merry Christmas!

Robyn Petty

Assistant Principal