Principal's Report
Congratulations to our 2026 College Captains
We are delighted to announce Matt Manzano and Charli Manning as the College Captains of McCarthy Catholic College for 2026.
Both Matt and Charli bring a strong history of leadership to this role, having each served as School Captain at their respective Catholic primary schools St Joseph’s and St Nicholas. Their journey reflects not only their commitment to leading with integrity but also their willingness to serve their school communities with humility and generosity.
At McCarthy, we see leadership as more than a title — it is a responsibility rooted in the values of servant leadership. True leaders inspire by example, put the needs of others before their own, and work to build a culture where every student feels valued and supported. Matt and Charli embody these qualities, and we are confident they will lead our College with faith, respect, and courage.
We congratulate them warmly and look forward to the positive impact they will make on our community in 2026
Canonisation St Carlo Acutis
This past weekend, the Catholic Church joyfully celebrated the canonisation of Saint Carlo Acutis. Carlo died in 2006 at just 15 years of age, yet his life has already become a powerful model for young people around the world.
Carlo was, in many ways, a typical teenager. He loved soccer, enjoyed computer games, and spent time with his friends. Yet, what made him extraordinary was his unwavering love for the Eucharist and his deep faith. He attended Mass daily, prayed the Rosary, and used his passion for technology to create a website that catalogued Eucharistic miracles. In doing so, he showed that faith and modern life do not stand apart—they can be beautifully integrated.
For our students today, Carlo’s life speaks volumes. He reminds them that holiness is not about perfection but about making intentional choices to live with kindness, and generosity. His story tells young people that they can embrace technology while also using it responsibly and creatively to make a positive difference in the world.
Carlo’s motto—“To always be close to Jesus, that’s my life plan”—is a powerful message for families as well. It encourages us to guide our children towards lives that are faith-filled, purposeful, and outward-looking.
As a College community, may we continue to draw on Saint Carlo’s example to inspire our young people to seek God in the everyday moments of their lives, and to use their unique gifts to serve others with joy.
College events
The past few weeks at McCarthy Catholic College have been marked by a diverse range of activities that reflect our commitment to learning, faith, and service.
We were privileged to welcome NRL referee Ashley Klein, who provided valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and decision-making under pressure. His reflections offered our students encouragement to strive for excellence in both sport and life.
Our Agriculture students engaged in valuable learning experiences through the AgQuip excursion and a farm study excursion, where they explored current industry practices and the future of sustainable farming.
Faith formation remains central to College life. The whole school joined together for the Feast of St Dominic, celebrating the values of truth and compassion. In addition, our students assisted the Year 6 students at St Nicholas in their preparation for Confirmation, offering leadership and support to younger members of our faith community. The College also supported the annual St Nicholas Parish Picnic, strengthening our parish-school partnership.
In the area of sport, our basketball teams achieved notable success at the Diocesan Carnival, a testament to their teamwork, dedication, and the guidance of their coaches.
Several other programs have provided rich learning opportunities: Year 11 students attended the Young Drivers Expo, focusing on road safety and responsibility; Child Studies students supported classes at St Edward’s; and our chess and environmental teams continued to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and leadership.
The College also celebrated Father’s Day, welcoming fathers, grandfathers, and carers to share in the occasion and recognise their invaluable role in our community.
Finally, our Year 12 students are preparing diligently for their HSC examinations, making use of Connection with Education tutorials to strengthen their learning and readiness for this important milestone.
I extend my gratitude to staff, families, and our parish community for their ongoing support of these initiatives, which ensure our students experience a holistic education that nurtures both character and capability.
Regards
Michael Whitton
College Principal