Next week will mark the middle of our very first term at the secondary campus. We have been genuinely pleased with the way that students have settled into the new environment and how they have responded so positively to the new routines and structure. We are very aware that there are important works that still need to occur such as the completion of the oval and the installation of additional shade, and we are continuing to work on these with the support of our Diocesan Office. The students have demonstrated an impressive level of flexibility during these early weeks in the new space and it has been great to see them working with us so positively.  Most importantly, the students have been very settled in their new learning spaces and we have been impressed with their outstanding behaviour and engagement.

Next week, we will celebrate the official Opening & Blessing of our new facility. On Tuesday 28 February we will have a large contingent of dignitaries and invited guests attending an official ceremony at the secondary campus. The ceremony will commence at 10:00am and will be followed by tours of the campus for our invited guests. During the ceremony, the buildings will be blessed and officially opened by our Bishop Michael McKenna. 

All students from Years 7-12 will attend and participate in the Opening and Blessing. This is an incredibly important occasion for our school community and students have been made aware of the significance of the event. Due to the formal nature of the ceremony, all students are asked to wear their formal uniform on 28 February. Please remind your children that they are not to wear their sports uniform that day.

Although the official Opening and Blessing on 28 February is for invited guests only, please remember that we have an Open Day at the secondary campus coming up on Sunday 12 March from 10:30am until 2:30pm which all current and prospective families are welcome to attend. 

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

Monday 27 February is a STUDENT FREE DAY for all students from K-12.

God bless

Angela Myles

Executive Principal

Students and Staff have made a wonderful transition to the new campus. As we are all aware, there are some elements of the school that still need some work. There have been some delays with the turfing of the oval which have been outside the schools control. There is a small amount of earthworks to be completed prior to the irrigation being installed. After the irrigation is installed the turf will be laid. The most likely scenario is that the oval is open for use at the start of next term. In the meantime, students have access to a grass area which can be used at both break times and also during PE classes. There have been a number of students that have failed to either bring their school hat to school or wear it during break times. Could I please ask families to ensure that your child has a school hat available to them.

One of the many changes in moving to the new campus is classes start at 8:50am, in the past we started the day with ACG, which contained administration time. If students arrive at school after 8:50am they must sign in via Student Services in the Administration Building. Being late to class could have a negative impact on your child’s learning as they are missing out on explicit instruction which may take place at the beginning of the lesson. 

Finally, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the students on their start to the school year. When I have taken visitors around the school they are very impressed with the engagement of the students and the positive use of space.

God bless,

Justin McCarney

Head of Campus - Secondary 

This year our Year 11 Ministry captains led Ash Wednesday liturgies in the chapel for each year group. They did a wonderful job and provided their own insights into the meaning and purpose of Lent. Below are a few extracts from the reflections they shared with students.

In Lent, we must remember that sacrificing something for a short period of time is a way to show self-discipline and gratitude as well as develop our understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice. Another big thing to remember is that we must not do things only for the sake of ourselves and sometimes the biggest acts of kindness are the ones that go unnoticed.

Klancie

40 days when you think about it, really isn’t that long. It’s a great chance for all of us to give back, show kindness, lend a hand and pick up some good habits. Even the smallest gesture can make the biggest difference. I’m sure if you start making these small decisions today, even after Lent they’ll just be a part of your regular life. 

Stella

Prayer brings us closer to God, and is something we can use to help others and ourselves. In the gospel, it was discussed once again how we should be humble, and not parade our good work around. Quiet prayer acts as a reflection, and a time of self enlightenment and exploration. Praying can cleanse our soul, and of others. Prayer can help us become more aware of suffering faced by many in the world, and gives direction on how we can change the world for the better

Jim

Project Compassion 

This week the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, which also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allows Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice.

We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. You can donate online via the Caritas Australia website at: lent.caritas.org.au    

We kicked off our Project Compassion fundraising with a wonderful pancake sale on Tuesday.

Year 12 Retreat

Last week Yr 12 went on retreat to Mulgoa. It was a wonderful few days away and the students really got into the spirit of the days. The theme of the retreat was “Courage to be Me” affirming students and inspiring them to be the best that they can be knowing that that they are created and loved by God.

Alexander Abbey

Leader of Mission K-12

Dillon Price

Leader of Wellbeing

University Roadshow - Inivitaion to Years 11 & 12 Monday 27 February

The University Roadshow is heading to Mudgee for one day only. It falls on our Pupil Free Day - Monday 27 February but I encourage all senior students to take up this opportunity to investigate university options prtesented on the day. Charles Sturt University (CSU); Southern Cross; The University of Newcastle and the University of New England (UNE) will all be in attendance. Short presentations from each university will occur followed by a ‘meet and greet’ where students can engage with the representative of the university of their interest and ask questions in regards to courses available; accommodation options and early entry programmes. 

It is rare that the universities come to Mudgee to meet students and this is a wonderful opportunity that should be taken advantage of if possible. Student’s won’t even miss class this year to attend!

Any student thinking of going to university after school should attend this session. I have asked students to email me their intention to attend so I can meet them. The meeting place is at the basketball courts next to the driveway leading up to the gym at 12.20pm. 

Students have been informed via their google classroom ADMIN page and in the Assembly lesson on Wednesday and have received the following information:

What - University Roadshow

When - Monday 27 February 12.30 - 1.30pm

Where - Mudgee High Gym

Who - Charles Sturt (CSU); Southern Cross; University of Newcastle (UoN); University of New England (UNE)

Wear - Neat casual clothes appropriate for a school excursion

Teacher -  Ms Blaney McCarthy- English meeting @ 12.20pm Dennison Street

University Early Entry programs Open for 2024

Year 12 students will be participating in a range of workshops to guide them through the University application process including early entry schemes.

Some Universities have opened up their Early Entry programs - getting in VERY early! 

It is critical that students start to think about what their plans are for 2024 and keep all options open - including applying for early entry schemes and places at a variety of universities.

We are currently trying to find a date on the calendar for a Parents session at the end of this term. This will be communicated when finalised.

Refer to the UAC link below for some basic Early Entry Offer information including links and dates for specific universities (UAC aligned uni’s only NOT an exhaustive list).

UAC - Early Entry Schemes

Navy Open Days and Information Sessions - @HMAS Penguin and HMAS Kuttabul this weekend.

An Open Day is a great opportunity to learn more about the trade, communications, IT & intelligence or leadership roles available in the Navy. Your students will meet current Navy personnel to receive expert insights and gain a first-hand account of their lives both on base and on board. By attending an Open Day they’ll learn more about the training and ongoing opportunities for growth and development and see if a career in the Navy is for them.

Even if they aren’t thinking about a career in Defence or are unsure of their next steps, the HMAS Penguin and HMAS Kuttabul Open Days may provide an exciting future they haven’t considered before.

HMAS Penguin Open Day

When: Saturday 25th February 2023

Where: HMAS Penguin - 7A Middle Head Road, Mosman NSW 2011

Registrations encouraged but not essential:

https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/events/event/HFD2R5F

HMAS Kuttabul Open Day

When: Sunday 26th February 2023

Where: HMAS Kuttabul - 12 Wylde Street, Potts Point NSW 2011

Registrations encouraged but not essential: 

https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/events/event/U91TGDE

Charles Sturt University Explore Days -  Now Open for Registration

Students interested in studying at Charles Sturt (CSU) should register for an explore day which is an opportunity to research courses; accommodation, and see university life in action. Guided tours are also available with current students. Explore Days will take place on all campuses:

Albury Wodonga - 7 March

Bathurst - 14 March

Wagga Wagga - 21 March

Port Macquarie - 28 March

The link below will guide you to the individual campus ‘Explore Day’ registration links and dates.

CSU Explore Days - Registration link

CSU Early Entry Scheme - Advantage Now OPEN Round 1 closes 31 March

Charles Sturt University operates a direct early entry scheme called - Advantage. More information will be provided at the University Roadshow on Monday 27 February but students must be aware that this is now OPEN and Round 1 closes on the 31 March. Students successful in Round 1 will be notified of an early entry offer in May! Even before the Trials.

CSU Medical Online Information Night- 29 March 6pm - 7.30pm Register below

Medicine Information Night is back again for 2023! These sessions are a great opportunity for anyone interested in applying to study the Doctor of Medicine at our Orange campus in 2024 and beyond. The online information night will include key course information, entry requirements, application process, scholarships and more, including the opportunity to meet our School of Rural Medicine team and hear from some of our current students about their experiences studying medicine. Prospective students, parents or carers, teachers and career advisors are all welcome. 

The CSU online medicine information night will be held via zoom on Wednesday 29th March, 6pm-7:30pm. Book your spot on the link below:

CSU Medical Information Night

Blaney McCarthy - English

Leader of Transition & Pathways

AFP Forensics Work Experience Program

Applications are now open for the AFP Forensics Work Experience Program!

The one-week program held in Canberra is for years 10-12 students who want to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), particularly in forensic science.

The first course will be held in May 2023 and the second in September 2023.

You have until 10 March 2023 to submit your application.

For more information and how to apply, click here: https://jobs.afp.gov.au/forensicsworkex

National Youth Science Forum

Nicole Jelbart

Science Coordinator 

Every Thursday in the Learning Resource Centre we have been running a craft club during break 2. In week 2 the students tested their origami skills making foxes, love hearts and rabbits and in week 3 the students challenged themselves making paper hyacinths. 

I look forward to seeing some more amazing creations made from the students.

All are welcome! 

Best wishes 

Jacinda Sugden 

Learning Resource Centre Manager

Dio Touch Football Trials 

Swimming Carnival 

On Friday 10th of February  most of the school went to Mudgee Pool to compete in our annual Swimming Carnival. It was a fun filled day full of competitive swimming.

We wish to congratulate all competitors who showed enthusiasm and competitiveness against their peers. We would also like to thank everyone who joined in the Novelty events to gain house points. 

The Belly Flop competition was a huge success with smashing flops from over 25 students. We wish to congratulate Darcy Smith on winning the Belly Flop competition. Throughout the day there was also a fashions of the field competition where students were judged on their creative flair and house spirit. Congratulations to Lucy Robins and Zara Savage for winning this fashions of the field. 

There were a number of very talented swimmers on the day and we wish to congratulate the students who will be attending the next carnival on Tuesday 7th March. We wish them the best of luck at the next carnival.

From the carnival the following students have gained age champion. Age champion means that they have swum in more than two events and have placed either 1st or 2nd in any event.

Lastly, the calculations are in and the house points have been tallied:

4th - Mackillop - 1143

3rd - Ozanam - 1329

2nd - O’Connor - 1716

1st - Romero - 2071

Congratulations, Romero House on winning the Swimming Carnival! We look forward to seeing the rivalry at the upcoming Cross Country on Monday 13th March.

Mrs Emma Nicholls

Secondary Sport Coordinator

Flexischools

Flexischools will continue in 2023 to be the schools preferred method to order from the canteens at both Primary and Secondary.

Please see the below flyers with some helpful tips from Flexischools.

Remember all orders need to be placed before 9am. If you have any issues when ordering, please call the Parent Help Line Number - 1300 361 769 - 8am - Noon daily.

Secondary Campus