McCarthy Catholic College Newsletter

Principal's Report

Welcome to the 2025 School Year at McCarthy College!

 

Dear McCarthy College Families,

 

As we commence a new school year, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for what it may bring. It is with immense pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to all our new families joining the McCarthy College community, and a heartfelt welcome back to our returning families.

 

The beginning of a new school year is a time of fresh starts, new opportunities, and renewed enthusiasm. We are particularly thrilled to welcome our impressive cohort of 190 Year 7 students who are embarking on their secondary school journey with us. Their energy and eagerness are a wonderful addition to our vibrant school community. In total, we are delighted to have 944 students joining us this year, creating a dynamic and diverse learning environment.

 

As we prepare for the year ahead, we are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating educational experience for every student. Our dedicated staff have been working diligently to ensure a smooth and engaging start to the term.

 

This year, we are also incredibly fortunate to welcome 16 new members to our exceptional staff. Their diverse skills and experience will undoubtedly enrich our school community and enhance the learning experience for our students.

 

Please join me in extending a warm McCarthy welcome to:

  • Lea-Anne Vaughan (PDHPE)
  • Joshua Ambrose (PDHPE)
  • Sophie Greet (RE & IST)
  • Georgia Barnes (HSIE)
  • Adrienne Floor (Mathematics)
  • Martin McCabe (TAS)
  • Kay Davidson (EA)
  • Natalie Hammond (EA)
  • Clare Hartigan (EA)
  • Mei Gan (EA)
  • Brett Lobsey (ICT Manager)
  • And our invaluable Gap Year staff: Layla Dobson, Ethan Allen, Jude Delbridge, Charlotte Bridge, and Bella Fox.

We are confident that their passion for education and commitment to student success will make a significant impact at McCarthy College.

 

Ash Wednesday: 5 March

As Ash Wednesday arrives, we enter the season of Lent, a 40-day period of spiritual preparation leading up to the joyous celebration of Easter. This is a special time for our community to reflect, reconnect, and grow in faith.

 

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent and is a day of reflection and repentance. During Ash Wednesday students may receive ashes on their foreheads, typically in the shape of a cross. These ashes serve as a powerful symbol, reminding us of our mortality and our need for God's grace and forgiveness. Lent provides a wonderful opportunity for our community to journey together, growing closer to God and to one another. We hope this season brings you and your loved ones peace, reflection, and renewal.

 

School Fees

All families should have received their child's school fees account, which outlines a structured instalment plan designed to facilitate budgetary management for the current school year.

 

We wish to emphasize that the provided installment schedule pertains specifically to the current year's tuition and associated fees.

 

Any outstanding balances carried forward from previous years are not included in this plan. Consequently, we kindly request that families with existing arrears implement supplementary payment arrangements to prevent further accumulation of debt.

 

Traffic Management

Please be aware of the following traffic management guidelines for the College:

  • Traffic Flow: All vehicles entering and exiting the car park must adhere to a clockwise traffic flow, as indicated by the directional arrows painted on the asphalt surface.
  • Speed Limit: The posted speed limit within the car park is 10 kilometers per hour.
  • Exit Procedure: Vehicles exiting the car park must come to a complete stop at the designated "Stop" sign.
  • Parking: Vehicles must be parked within the designated marked lines.
  • Emergency Access: A designated Ambulance/Emergency drop-off point is located in front of the Administration office and is clearly marked with appropriate signage.
  • Pedestrian Crossings: Pedestrian access to the school across the car park is restricted to the designated pedestrian crossings. These crossings are located:
    • (a) From the Administration office across the car park to the steps.
    • (b) From the steps across the car park to the pedestrian access gate.
  • Lighting: The car park is equipped with lighting for use during night activities.

Updating Enrolment Details

Please be advised that if any personal information related to your child's existing enrolment has changed, it is imperative that you contact the office to update these details. This will ensure we maintain accurate and relevant records.

 

Contact details: Office 02 6761 0800 or email: mccadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au

 

Information Regarding Absence Notifications for School Events

This note is to provide clarification regarding absence notifications you may receive via text message.

 

Occasionally, students will be absent from regular classes to participate in school events, such as sports competitions, excursions, performances, or workshops.

Even when your child is attending a school-sanctioned event, you may still receive an automated text message informing you of their absence. This is a precautionary measure implemented to ensure:

  • Accurate Attendance Records: We maintain meticulous attendance records for all students.
  • Parental Awareness: We want to ensure you are informed of your child's whereabouts during the school day, even when they are participating in a school event.
  • Enhanced Student Safety: This system helps us quickly identify any potential discrepancies and ensure all students are accounted for.

Therefore, if you receive an absence notification and you are aware that your child is attending a school event, please be assured that this is a standard procedure.

If, however, you receive an absence notification and you are unaware of your child's participation in an event, please contact the school office immediately to clarify the situation.

 

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in maintaining accurate attendance records and ensuring the safety of all our students.

 

I encourage all families to stay connected with the college through our website, newsletters, and parent communication channels. Together, we can create a supportive and enriching learning environment where every student can thrive.

 

I look forward to seeing you all in the coming days as we embark on a successful and fulfilling 2025 school year.

 

Warm regards,

Michael Whitton 

College Principal