First Year 12 cohort at McAuley Catholic College begins the academic year

McAuley Catholic College Year 12 students Russell Guppy and Oliver McKay are thankful to be able to continue their education at their school.

Nineteen students started their final year at McAuley Catholic College last week – the first Year 12 cohort since the school extended their classes from Kindergarten to Year 12.

Principal Eamonn Moore said it was an exciting time and a historic year in the growth of the college.

“It has been a long-held dream that McAuley offer education to Year 12,” he said.

“Many of our graduates this year will have been at the College since Kindergarten. This is a historic time for us not only to offer Stage 6 classes but to be able to offer flexible packages to our students. Virtual learning, VET and TAFE options are allowing our boys and girls to be at home with their families pursuing opportunities to build strong futures.”

Year 12 student Russell said remaining at McAuley had brought significant benefits to his educational experience.

“For me, being able to complete my schooling at McAuley has meant a much smoother transition, as I did not have to change schools and adjust to a new environment,” he said.

“It also means I didn’t have to go to boarding school and can continue with my sports training.”

Fellow student Oliver agreed.

“It made becoming a senior easier because you know most of your teachers and classmates,” he said.

“Friendships continued. I also got to stay with my family and I could keep my part-time job.”

Community Council Chair and Year 12 parent Lyndal McKay said the community was grateful to Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn for the introduction of Years 11 and 12 at McAuley Catholic College.

“This is something that was needed for children and their families to finish their schooling in a Catholic school close to their home,” she said.

“As a parent of a Year 12 student, I am very grateful for the care and consideration given to our first Year 12 graduates. I feel their interactions and relationships with their teachers (who they have known for their entire journey) has put them in great stead for the HSC.”

Last year, the first Year 11’s completed their penultimate year of study at the college, with most students electing to stay for Year 12 this year.