Catherine McAuley Westmead was established in 1966 by the Sisters of
Mercy and offers a comprehensive education for more than 1000 girls in Years 7
to 12. Inspired by its founder, Mother Catherine McAuley, the school aspires to
a God-centred way of life, which respects and affirms the dignity of each
person.

In embracing its Catholic Mercy heritage and charisma, the school
commits to excellence in girls’ education; empowers young women to be actively
involved in social justice; values diversity and inclusiveness; builds
community through hospitality; and fosters the development of the whole person.
The school is committed to the vision of Mother Catherine McAuley “To Perform
the Ordinary, Extraordinarily Well”.

Facilities: Excellent sporting facilities including an Olympic pool
(part of the Morley Centre), a large hall/liturgy space and a gymnasium with
two international-standard basketball courts, a weights room, netball and
tennis courts, hockey and soccer fields, well-equipped specialist rooms
including computer rooms, a drama studio, a hospitality kitchen and a
multi-purpose area, access to the latest learning technologies and mobile
computer labs.

Electives: There is a wide curriculum with NSW Board-developed
courses in all Key Learning Areas. Catherine McAuley caters for students with
special learning needs and offers an enrichment program for talented students. Language
support is in place for those from other language traditions. The school has a
careers adviser and offers a vocational program.

Sport: The school is a major participant in interschool
competitions. Sports offered include basketball, netball, softball, hockey,
soccer, swimming, tennis, volleyball, touch football, cross-country, athletics,
bowling and water polo.

Extracurricular activities: Academic competitions, Mock Trial and
public speaking, debating, Tournament of Minds, choral singing, music ensembles,
creative arts evenings, drama productions, modern dance, hospitality, foreign
travel, philosophy, St Vincent de Paul group and Amnesty International.

Welfare and personal development: The school recognises and values
the uniqueness, potential and dignity of each person. The home-room structure
is the basis of a strong pastoral environment. A peer support structure also
provides students with opportunities for friendship and communication. A
full-time school counsellor is part of the pastoral team led by the assistant
principal.

Special features: Religious education is compulsory for Years 7 to
10 based on “Sharing our Story”. Years 11 and 12 choose either studies of
religion or religious studies. The life of the school is celebrated in the
various liturgical events that characterise a Catholic school.