Dear Students, Families, and Staff,

As we reach the end of another school year, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to each member of our school community. This year has been filled with learning, growth, challenges, and many wonderful achievements. I am incredibly proud of the resilience, kindness, and dedication shown by our students, the unwavering support of our families, and the commitment of our staff who work tirelessly to make our school a place of opportunity and belonging.

As we enter the Christmas season, I hope you find time to rest, reconnect, and enjoy the company of those who matter most. May this festive period bring you peace, joy, and moments of reflection on all we have accomplished together.

I wish you a safe and happy holiday break, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for a new year full of possibility.

For those families that are leaving us, I wish you every success and happiness in the future.

Merry Christmas and warmest wishes for the year ahead.

Opening of the Reconciliation Walkway

On Thursday 4th December we officially opened our Reconciliation Walkway. We were very pleased to welcome special guests to this event, including the Executive Director of Catholic Education, Diocese of Bathurst, our consultant to schools, Mr Andrew Gee, Mr Phil Donato, and importantly, members of our First Nations Community.

As you walk through this space, you will see many colours, symbols, and animals that hold deep meaning on Wiradjuri Country. The blue represents the three rivers — the Macquarie (Wambool), Lachlan (Kalari), and Murrumbidgee (Marrambidya) rivers. The brown represents the land. The green represents our three Mountains — Mt Canobolas (Gaanha-bula), Mt Panorama (Wahluu), and Mt Macquarie (Guhanal Wanyi).

Our walkway includes the totem of our local area, the Biladurang (platypus). You will also find the animals that have been part of our NAIROC dances over the past two years: Dinawan (emu) Guya (fish) Gugaa (goanna) Biladurang (platypus). Our Gadi (snake) represents the Rainbow Serpent and our dreaming.

Our Muraany (white cockatoo) symbolises our connection to ancestors, spirits, and Country. We have also included the Gudhamang (turtle), symbolising wisdom, endurance, and resilience.

To the left of us, you will see our six totem poles, featuring mural designs by Sandon Gibbs-O’Neill. Four of these represent our school houses: Kabbarli – red, Woomera – yellow, Bennelong – blue, Euora – green.

Each pole also features our school values, standing strong as reminders of who we are as a community. Teacher and students, this walkway is a safe place for everyone. You are welcome to sit here, reflect, share stories, and show kindness to one another. Please respect and care for the beautiful walkway. With this beautiful gathering today, I am proud to announce the new name of this walkway. Aftermany ideas were considered, we have chosen the name: Ngumbaay-dyil — meaning “all together in one place (all are one).”

Christmas Event

Thank you to Mrs Anne Allen and Mrs Rebecca Hughes for the coordination of this wonderful event. Thank you also to the wonderful PACE committee who worked so hard to ensure everyone had a great time, with enough to eat and drink

Jo Flynn

Wellbeing At McAuley

Lucy Connor and Shannon Cain