Principal's Page

Mothers' Day 

I would like to thank the Kindergarten team for the wonderful celebation of Mothers. Special thanks to Hannah Whitehead and Prue Clifton for organising the team to put on such and outstanding event from the stall to the breakfast. We sincerely appreciate the support of our staff and PACE members who helped make the event such a special occasion.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Mother’s Day liturgical celebration. It was wonderful to see so many mothers, grandmothers, and special guests sharing the afternoon with our students. Thank you Kindergarten teachers and LSOs for this special liturgy.

 Most importantly, thank you to all the mothers and carers for the love, care, and encouragement you give to our children each day.

We hope you all enjoyed a lovely Mother’s Day with your families.

Catherine McAuley Plan for Prevention and Management of Bullying

The Australian Government’s recent response to bullying in schools has focused on creating a stronger national framework, faster school responses, and greater support for students, parents, and teachers.

Key elements of the government response include:

• A national Anti-Bullying Rapid Review was launched in 2025 to examine how schools prevent and respond to bullying.
• Education Ministers accepted the review recommendations and developed a national implementation plan. 
• The government committed $10 million toward:
  • anti-bullying resources for schools and families
  • teacher support materials
  • a national awareness campaign. 
• A new National Framework for Addressing Bullying in Australian Schools was introduced to provide consistent expectations across all schools.
• Schools are now expected to begin responding to reported bullying within two school days. This may include:
  • contacting parents
  • implementing safety measures
  • providing wellbeing support
  • recording incidents
  • involving police or authorities where necessary. 
• By Term 1, 2027, all school sectors are expected to align their policies with the national framework and make those policies publicly available. 

The government response also recognises that bullying is a broader social issue involving schools, families, communities, and online environments. Current approaches emphasise:

• whole-school wellbeing programs
• explicit teaching of respectful behaviour
• early intervention
• student voice and reporting systems
• mental health support. 

For parents and schools seeking guidance, the national bullying support website Bullying. No Way! provides advice on reporting bullying, school responsibilities, and support pathways.

Bathurst Diocese has mandated all schools with the diocese to devise an Anti-Bullying Plan. Catherine McAuley has drafted a plan which will be published to the community once it is finalised. One of the strategies included on the plan is walk and talk with the Principal

Walk & Talk with the Principal - Listening. Connecting. Leading Together.

At Catherine McAuley, we believe that strong schools are built on strong relationships. When students feel known, valued, and heard, they are more settled, more engaged, and better able to thrive.

As part of my ongoing commitment to student wellbeing, voice, and connection, I am pleased to implement:

Walk & Talk with the Principal

Throughout the term, small groups of students will be invited to join me for a short walk to the church precinct at lunchtime. These walks provide a calm, informal space for meaningful conversation - away from the classroom and timetables.

Why Walk & Talk?

This initiative is intentionally designed to:

• strengthen positive relationships between students and school leadership

• provide students with an authentic voice in their school experience

• support wellbeing through connection, presence, and conversation

• listen to student perspectives, ideas, and aspirations

• reinforce that every child matters at Catherine McAuley

By creating time and space for these conversations, we continue to build a school culture grounded in trust, respect and belonging.

A Commitment to Student Voice and Wellbeing

Walk & Talk reflects our broader whole-school focus on creating a safe, settled and inclusive learning environment where students feel confident to engage, contribute and grow.

Students will be invited to participate across the year, ensuring that many have the opportunity to be involved over time.

I look forward to walking alongside our students, listening carefully, and continuing to lead a school community where relationships sit at the heart of learning.

Parent Engagement Network

The Bathurst Diocese has started a parent engagement network in order to discuss issues and to share stories amnd experiences across the diocese. Please find their first Newsletter attached here. PEN Newsletter 2026.1

Thank you Prue Davidson for representing Catherine McAuley at this network.