McCarthy Catholic College Newsletter

Principal's Report

Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – 15 August

 

Last week the Church celebrated the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, one of the most important Marian feasts in our Catholic faith. On this day, we remember and rejoice that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life.

 

The Assumption reminds us of Mary’s unique role in God’s plan of salvation. Her life of faith, humility, and trust in God stands as a model for us all. Mary’s Assumption is also a sign of hope for us—what was fulfilled in her is the promise for each of us: that we are destined for eternal life with God.

 

As Pope Francis reminds us, “Mary shines forth as a sign of sure hope and comfort for the pilgrim People of God.” On this feast, we are invited to place our lives in God’s hands, as Mary did, and to walk with faith and trust towards the fullness of life in Christ.

Let us pray that, like Mary, we may always say “yes” to God and bring Christ’s love into the world.

 

Staffing Update

 

We are pleased to welcome the following staff to our College community. Each brings enthusiasm, skill, and commitment to supporting the learning and wellbeing of our students. We look forward to the valuable contributions they will make as part of our team.

  • Mr Isaac Post – PDHPE
  • Mr Chad Fisher – PDHPE
  • Mr Conor Smith – PDHPE

  • Miss Mollie Ratcliffe – PDHPE

     

Building Update 

 

Our new building project continues to progress strongly. The roof is now complete, with electrical and plumbing services roughed in. Windows and doors have been ordered and will be installed in the coming weeks. Inside, wall structures are being placed, allowing us to see the vision of the new learning spaces coming to life. It is an exciting stage of development as we move closer to welcoming students and staff into these modern facilities.

 

Principal-Parent Information Evening

 

Our next scheduled Principal–Parent Evening is fast approaching on Tuesday, 26 August. The focus of this session will be the impact of social media and practical strategies to assist parents at home.

 

We are fortunate to have our College Psychologist, Miss Emma Stilinovic, leading this session. This is a valuable opportunity for parents and carers to hear from an expert in the field and to ask questions relevant to their own family experiences.

 

We encourage all parents to join us for what promises to be an engaging and informative evening.

 

First Four Weeks Term 3

 

It has been a rapid start to Term 3. Our Year 12 students have just completed their Trial HSC examinations and will now use the remaining time to refine their skills and strengthen their content knowledge in preparation for the HSC in Term 4.

 

The first four weeks of Term 3 have been filled with a wide range of activities and opportunities for our students, including:

 

  • St Michael’s NAIDOC event
  • Year 11 Geography field trip
  • Minimum Standards testing
  • Post Year 10 information session
  • McCarthy NAIDOC Week & Assembly
  • Environmental, Chess, and ICAS Writing competitions
  • Our Brothers program
  • ACS Diocesan Athletics Carnival
  • Year 12 Bunnings BBQ fundraiser
  • MacKillop House Mass
  • St Edward’s Kindergarten Orientation
  • Walk the Land & Taste excursion

These events highlight the breadth of opportunities available to our students and the richness of learning that extends well beyond the classroom.

 

Parent reminder - Uniform and Mobile Phones

 

I would like to remind parents and carers that, as part of our partnership and shared expectations, all students are required to wear the full College Winter Uniform on Mondays and Fridays. This includes the College tie and black leather shoes (not streetwear shoes or runners). The uniform is an important sign of community and belonging, reminding us that we are all part of McCarthy.

I also ask that parents remind their children that if they bring a mobile phone to school, it is at their own risk. The College is not responsible for any damage or loss of personal devices. All phones must remain in students’ bags during the school day. Year 7 remains without mobile phones and must hand them in to the front office each day. 

Thank you for your support in helping us uphold these expectations.

 

Thank you

 

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all parents and carers for your ongoing support of our College. Your partnership is vital in nurturing a strong learning community where every student can grow and thrive. We are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us and the encouragement you provide your children each day

 

 

Annual Satisfaction Survey 2025

 

An annual satisfaction survey of parents, students and staff will be conducted on behalf of all Catholic schools in the Diocese this term. The surveys are designed to gather feedback from parents, staff and students about our school and will be used to inform school improvement. Responses are confidential, and individuals can not be identified. The surveys will be launched via email on Monday, 25 August 2025 using the email addresses supplied to the school. If you do not receive an email with a link to the survey, you can access and complete the survey via the following link. https://www.research.net/r/McCarthyCCPARENT2025  The survey will close on Wednesday, 3 September 2025.

 

 

Regards

 

Michael Whitton 

College Principal