Principal's Report

Welcome everyone to what promises to be an exciting year of learning at McCarthy Catholic College. In the first few days we have welcomed many new students and staff to our community, as well as refreshing our learning relationships with ongoing students. We have been heartened by the enthusiastic way in which classes have begun with an attitude that is ‘fair dinkum’! As I have said many times before, what happens in the classroom is never about the final result. It is always about the attitude and the effort that precedes that result. If a student brings a ‘fair dinkum’ attitude (on time, prepared with correct materials, and ready to learn) to the classroom, there will be growth in learning. Consequently, when these early days of the year begin with that type of positive attitude it is important to highlight and encourage it.

The 2019 Annual Improvement Plan has three clear goals to promote excellence in education in a community which supports students and staff to flourish. As with most strategic language in education and business the ‘jargon’ can be a bit confusing at times. Nonetheless, the goals listed below mean a lot to the leaders and staff of McCarthy with regard to enhancing the learning of our students.

Goal 1: by the end of 2019 evaluate, design and begin to implement staff and student faith formation opportunities.

Goal 2: by the end of 2019 we will have commenced the implementation of a contemporary whole College approach to positive relationships that support learning.

Goal 3: by the end of 2019 we will commence strategic implementation of contemporary processes and strategies for teachers to effectively collaborate.

In short, we are aiming to:

1. Improve practical opportunities to grow closer to our God.

2. Improve learning relationships in the classroom between students and teachers.

3. Enhance collaborative opportunities for teachers.

In a contemporary world, where education is now more about how we learn rather than what we learn, we believe our work behind the scenes with staff will continue to enhance the outcomes of students.

Uniform

Without repeating the full content of Mr Larkin’s letter to families regarding the College uniform that was sent last week, and with the support and leadership of the 2019 Year 12 students, we are taking consistent steps to ensure our uniform standards are maintained to a high level. Please help your child present themselves well by purchasing the correct uniforms from Lowes or visit our Clothing Pool which has quality second-hand items available. If families are experiencing adverse economic or private circumstances, please contact a Leader of Student Care, Mrs Stuart or Mr Larkin confidentially, so we can work out a respectful way to ensure compliance with the uniform code. I especially note the better structures that have been put in place regarding the minimal wearing of the Sports Uniform. Note too, that all students other than Year 11 and 12 must have the new style of Sports Shirt and Shorts (with MCC embroidery) by the end of this first term please.

2019 Uniform letter.pdf

HSC 2018

The College community congratulates the Class of 2018 on their outstanding HSC results. Our hard working students achieved 13 Band 6s. The Dux, Isobelle Sullivan, is the recipient of the Sr Patricia Rowe Award for Dux 2018 with an ATAR of 94. Isobelle will receive her award in front of the College community in a few weeks time. We all look forward to hearing her address to the students to set an aspirational tone for our dedicated students.

Staffing

I welcome the following new staff to the College for 2019:

Mrs Deanne Battistuzzi (English), Mrs Heather Burke (English), Mr Jonathan Dean (Maths), Mrs Melissa Gamble (Agriculture), Mrs Julie Hodges (TAS), Mr Wade Leu (Science), Mrs Wendy Rheinberger (Student Support), Mr Tom Rindo (IT Support), Miss Millie Woolaston (PDHPE).

We also welcome the following staff on various contracts for absent staff - Mrs Wendy Bowden (for Mrs Kellahan), Mr Ryan Saban (for Mrs Deacon) and Mr Daniel McDonald (for Mr Chittick).

We congratulate Mr Ryan Saban on the announcement of his recent engagement to Anika.

2019 Role Changes

As I stated at the Awards Night ceremony late last year, contemporary education settings are nothing like the old paradigm where fear ruled and automatic respect for parents, teachers and Principals were a given. The modern educational paradigm, particularly for school leaders and middle leaders, demands a different skill set built on world leading professional standards for teachers and Principals. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that as an organisation committed to excellence, we choose to move boldly into that brave new world of contemporary educational leadership. We have brought on board a second Assistant Principal in Mr Michael Larkin and restructured the active role statements and duties of the entire Leadership Team. Coordinators have received new role statements and new titles (Leaders of Learning) focusing on the leadership of learning and Year Level Coordinators are getting an increase in allowance and a change of role title to Leaders of Student Care that will allow them more time to support case management of students with pastoral needs. The clear intent of these changes is one of effective leadership of learning and clear lines of active support for teachers in the classroom based on proven evidence and the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

While most of the staff names are familiar to ongoing families, the leadership titles are reflective of a current and future change in practice that will more directly facilitate the support of teachers to enhance student outcomes.

In practical terms for parents and carers, if there is a subject related issue please contact the individual teacher or the Leader of Learning. If there is a more global concern that involves a mixture of pastoral and academic issues please contact the Leader of Student Care. For any other matters contact our Administration Staff who will put you in contact with the appropriate Leadership Team member.

McCarthy Leadership Team for 2019

Principal: Mr Geoff McManus

Assistant Principal - Curriculum: Mrs Sally Sparke

Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care: Mr Mick Larkin

Leader of Mission, Spiritual Formation and Religious Education: Mrs Cate Allen

Leader of Teaching and Learning: Mrs Raelene Maxworthy

Leader of Student Wellbeing: Mrs Sharon Stuart

Leader of Pedagogy: Mrs Briony Martin

Leaders of Student Care:

Year 7: Mrs Melissa Bearup mbearup@arm.catholic.edu.au

Year 8: Mr Bernie Williams bwilliams1@arm.catholic.edu.au

Year 9: Mr Andrew Davy adavy@arm.catholic.edu.au