Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Caregivers

In my observations over the past few weeks, I have witnessed a wonderful appreciation for learning within our classrooms.  

Walking through our classrooms, I have felt a sense of calm and cooperation, where conversations centre around learning rather than behaviour. This speaks volumes about the positive learning environment we cultivate together inline with our Living Well, Learning Well Framework. I am impressed by the vested interest our collective staff have on learning from each other, placing student learning at the forefront of their discussions. Their dedication is truly commendable and reflects our collective commitment to student growth and development. The Dominican Sisters and Blessed Edmund Rice and the generations of brothers and sisters who helped found this College with their commitment to education for all, service and community would be so proud.

College Captains 2025

We are excited to announce the appointment of our College Captains for 2025: Natasha Lees and Jack Benjamin. Both Natasha and Jack have demonstrated exceptional commitment to our school values and are well-prepared to lead our community with passion and integrity.

As College Captains, Natasha and Jack will take on the vital role of serving others, a core element of leadership at our College. They will work collaboratively with staff, students, and parents to ensure our school remains a safe and welcoming learning environment for all. Leadership is not just about guiding others but about making decisions that uphold our shared values and supporting every member of our community.

Leading with integrity, Natasha and Jack will be role models who inspire others by their actions. They are committed to fostering inclusivity, respect, and a sense of belonging, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to grow and thrive in a supportive setting.

We look forward to their contributions in 2025 as they embark on this important journey of leadership.

Year 12 - Week 10, Term 3

As we enter the final few weeks of the term, we would like to acknowledge the significant milestone our Year 12 students are approaching. They are in the final stages of their schooling journey, preparing for their upcoming HSC exams. These weeks are a mix of excitement, reflection, and focus, as they balance their studies with the reality of saying goodbye to their school years.

We invite you to join us for two key events that mark the culmination of their time at our College. On Wednesday, 25 September, we will celebrate their journey with a special Graduation Mass at St Nicholas Catholic Church commencing 6:00pm. This will be a moment of gratitude and blessing as we send them forth into the next chapter of their lives. Following this, on Friday, 27 September, we will hold their final school assembly, where the College community will come together to honour their achievements and bid them farewell.

We know this is a meaningful time for both our students and their families, and we are committed to supporting them as they prepare for the HSC and the transition beyond school. Thank you for your ongoing support during this important phase.

Student Mobile Phone Expectations

McCarthy Catholic College is committed to providing our students with the greatest opportunity for successful learning in our classrooms. Our approach on mobile phones at school is Phones turned off and out of sight which is in line with our Living Well, Learning Well framework.

The rationale for this approach is to maintain focus on learning in classrooms, remove distractions, and promote positive social interactions. 

This approach connects to our Living Well, Learning Well framework for social  behaviour where students can expect the following:

■ I am safe (removal of phones increases my safety)

■ I am valued, respected and cared for (removing the distraction supports my wellbeing)

■ I am a learner (limiting distractions increases my opportunities for learning)

As a learning community, McCarthy Catholic College is committed to the successful learning of all students. We ask that parents and carers of our students speak to and revisit the school's expectations around mobiles phones with their young person and support us in our endeavor to provide calm and productive learning environments for all students. 

Right to Disconnect Laws

As of recently, New South Wales has introduced "Right to Disconnect" laws, a significant step in ensuring a better work-life balance for employees across all sectors, including education. These laws recognise the need for boundaries between work and personal life, particularly when it comes to after-hours communication.

In essence, the Right to Disconnect gives employees the right to disengage from work-related tasks outside their contracted hours, unless otherwise agreed upon. This means that schools, like all workplaces, are required to respect the personal time of teachers and staff, limiting after-hours emails, calls, or work demands, except in cases of emergencies or it is a reasonable expectation aligned to their responsibility (camp, excursion etc). It's a move towards protecting mental health and reducing burnout, which is especially relevant in the demanding field of education.

But this law isn’t just one-sided—it's a reminder for all of us, including parents and caregivers. The right to disconnect goes both ways. Just as schools are committed to not contacting parents after hours unless absolutely necessary, we also ask that parents respect these boundaries when it comes to contacting teachers and school staff. It can be tempting to send a quick email in the evening or ask a question on a weekend, but under these new guidelines, staff are not expected to respond until regular working hours.

By embracing this balance, we can ensure that both school staff and families have the personal time they need to recharge and care for their well-being. Ultimately, a healthy and well-rested school community benefits everyone, especially our children, who thrive when the adults around them are supported and functioning at their best.

Thank you for your cooperation in creating a respectful and balanced environment for all!

God bless.

Michael Whitton

College Principal