Principal's Report

Dear Families

As we approach the end of another academic year, we reflect with gratitude on the growth and achievements of 2024. It has been a year filled with learning, resilience, and community spirit, and we thank our students, staff, and families for their unwavering support and commitment to making our College a place of faith, hope, and learning. As the festive season draws near, we prepare our hearts and homes to celebrate the joy of Christmas, remembering the true gift of Christ’s love. May this season bring peace and renewal and opportunities to spend cherished moments with loved ones.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of our 2024 Academic Awards. These students have demonstrated exceptional dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence in their studies throughout the year. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work and the support of their teachers and families. We are immensely proud of their efforts and the example they set for their peers, embodying the values of our College. May their success inspire all our students to strive for their personal best in all they do.

We also congratulate the recipients of our 2024 Sporting Awards, who have shown outstanding skill and teamwork this year. Their efforts have not only brought pride to themselves but also to our College community. Additionally, we celebrate the incredible talent of our Creative and Performing Arts students, who dazzled us with their artistry and passion at the recent CAPA Performance Night. Their love for their craft was evident in every performance, and we thank them for sharing their gifts with us. Both groups exemplify the diversity of talents and opportunities within our College.

We take this opportunity to sincerely thank Richie O’Halloran, Briony Martin, Fletcher Davis, and Geoff Shanley for their dedicated service to Catholic education as members of our School Advisory Council over the past six years. Their wisdom, guidance, and commitment to our College community have been invaluable in shaping the direction and growth of our school. We are deeply grateful for the time, and expertise they have generously contributed to ensuring the best outcomes for our students and staff. Their leadership and service have left a lasting legacy, and we wish them every blessing in the years ahead.

We extend our gratitude to all families who participated in the recent My School Survey. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping our College’s Annual Improvement Plan for 2025 and ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our community. Common themes from the survey included concerns about bathrooms, vaping, teacher feedback to students, student voice, and excursions. In response, we are pleased to announce that much-needed repairs and a fresh coat of paint will be applied to the College toilets during the January break. This year, we offered over 130 excursion opportunities, and while we are committed to providing enriching learning experiences, we are mindful of the financial pressures these can place on families. Looking ahead, Year 7 students will enjoy a three-day camp early in the year, with Year 9 students participating in a similar camp in Term 4. Our Year 11 camp will also continue as a vital preparation for Year 12. Thank you for helping us identify areas of improvement as we strive to provide the best possible education and environment for our students. 

We will also continue our commitment to promoting positive behaviour and student wellbeing by working in line with the Living Well, Learning Well framework. This approach focuses on addressing unproductive behaviours and reinforcing respectful and responsible choices within our community. In particular, we will remain proactive in educating our students about the dangers of vaping, ensuring they understand the risks associated with this behaviour. Together, we aim to foster a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where every student can thrive.

I would like to acknowledge and thank several staff members for their dedicated service to Catholic Education and to McCarthy Catholic College, as they prepare to leave our community. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Mrs. Katie Ebzery, Ms. Katherine Harvey, Mr. Craig Drew, Mrs. Lyn Maio, Miss Jekoya Nash, and Mrs. Bindi Walker for their significant contributions, care, and commitment to our students and school. We wish them every success and blessing in their future endeavors.

We also extend our sincere thanks to our Gap Year students—Charlotte Traill, Georgia Sheppard, Wyatt Allen, Sebastian Lawler, and Thomas McKenzie—for their invaluable support and dedication throughout the year. Your energy and enthusiasm have made a lasting impact, and we wish you all the best as you embark on the next chapter of your journey.

A special acknowledgement and heartfelt thanks go to Mrs. Susan Barrett and Mrs. Jane Burt for their extraordinary service to Catholic Education and to McCarthy Catholic College. Together, they have dedicated an incredible 82 years to the Armidale Catholic Schools System, with Mrs. Burt also contributing her talents at Our Lady of the Rosary before joining McCarthy. This remarkable milestone reflects their unwavering commitment to the education and care of countless students entrusted to them by our families. Susan and Jane, your passion, dedication, and service have left an indelible mark on our community, and we are profoundly grateful for all you have given to Catholic Education. We wish you every blessing as you embark on this new chapter of retirement.

Finally,  I want to extend my deepest thanks to our students and parents for your unwavering support and partnership throughout 2024. Your commitment to our College community is what makes McCarthy such a special place. On behalf of all our staff, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May this holiday season bring you joy, peace, and precious moments with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2025 for another exciting and rewarding year together. Stay safe and enjoy the well-deserved break.

Michael Whitton

College Principal