Principal's Report
Dear Parents and Carers,
In this weeks Gospel, Jesus sends out 72 disciples in pairs to go ahead of Him and prepare the way. He gives them a simple mission: to bring peace, heal the sick, and share the Good News that the Kingdom of God is near. They return with joy, amazed at the impact they were able to make through faith and service.
For our school community, this story reminds us that each of us is called to be a messenger of peace, hope, and kindness. Just like the disciples, we are not meant to do this alone. Jesus sends them out in pairs—showing us the power of teamwork, friendship, and supporting one another.
In our classrooms, playgrounds, and around the College, we can live out this Gospel by choosing to bring peace where there’s conflict, encouraging others when they feel down, and sharing joy in our everyday actions. Whether we’re a student or staff member, we all have the ability to make a difference by the way we treat others and live out our faith.
Jesus reminds us not to get caught up in praise or success, but to rejoice in knowing we are loved and known by God. That’s the true source of our confidence and purpose.
As we draw near the end of another vibrant and enriching school term, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible learning, growth, and community engagement we have witnessed at the College. Term 2 has been a celebration of student achievement, opportunity, and participation across academic, cultural, sporting, and faith domains.
Our senior students have taken every opportunity to deepen their learning, with participation in the HSC Business Studies and Economics Study Days. These experiences provided invaluable insights, exam preparation, and a strong sense of direction as they move into their final term of schooling. Similarly, our Physics and Chemistry excursion allowed students to engage with university-level resources and experiments, sparking both enthusiasm and confidence in the sciences.
Across year levels, we’ve continued to place a strong emphasis on personal development and formation. The Real Talk presentations for Years 7 and 9 offered students important opportunities to reflect on respectful relationships, online behaviour, and the dignity of the human person—complementing our Living Well, Learning Well framework.
We’ve also celebrated student talent and achievement through a broad range of academic and co-curricular activities. Students have represented the College with pride in the Mathematics Competition, the Chess club, and through enriching academic experiences such as the UNSW Presentation, Australian Defence Force Careers Talk, and the University of Newcastle Schools Visit Day. Our senior leaders also had the unique opportunity to visit Parliament House, gaining a valuable insight into leadership and governance.
The College has also remained active in agricultural education, with students participating in industry-focused visits to TRLX, UNE Farming Futures, the NCHA Futurity, and an Alternative Agriculture Tour. These experiences support not only the curriculum but also build pathways for future careers in the agricultural sector—a vital part of our regional identity.
Sport continues to thrive at McCarthy. Our students have shown determination and sportsmanship through their participation in Soccer, Rugby, Hockey, Basketball, Netball, and Tennis. Notable events included the MCC Athletics Carnival, Dio Javelin Trials, Dio Cross Country, and our students' enthusiastic support at primary school athletics events.
Culturally, our students have shone on stage and in the arts. Their involvement in the Tamworth Eisteddfod highlighted their creative talents and commitment to excellence. Our Chess club also continues to grow, developing strategic thinking and healthy competition among students.
Careers and vocational preparation were another focus this term, with White Card training ensuring students are prepared for future work placements, and the North West Careers Expo providing practical insights into post-school pathways. The St Edward’s Primary School visit reminded us of the strength of our connection with our feeder schools and the important role we play in nurturing future McCarthy students.
As we reflect on a term filled with purpose and positivity, I want to thank our dedicated staff, students, and families for their ongoing support. It is through our shared commitment to learning, wellbeing, and opportunity that we continue to thrive as a community.
I wish all families a safe and restful break and look forward to an exciting Term 3 ahead.
Michael Whitton
College Principal