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- Message from Director of Schools
- Catholic Schools Week Liturgy
- Mission and Evangelisation - Diocesan Local Churches Jubilee Pilgrimage Weekend, New Premium Formation Opportunity, Celebrate our Jubilee Artists
- Moree ‘Makaratta’ Immersion
- The Catholic Educator (Module B) - Friday 9 May 2025, Murray Room
- Call out from Comms and Marketing - Mother's Day
- Keep School Funding Fair
- ASPIRE SONG WRITING SHOWCASE
- Road Safety Newsletters for Term 2
- Schoolzine Live eNewsletter Demo - Open to all schools
- Opportunity Still Open: Participate in the 2025 PP&D Updated Document Trial
- Term 2 Webinars to Promote to Your Parents
Dear Colleagues,
Mother's Day – Sunday 11 May 2025
As Mother’s Day approaches, I think warmly of schools in our Diocese preparing to celebrate the remarkable mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers in their communities.
From handmade cards to heartfelt songs, each gesture reflects the love, gratitude, and creativity of children guided by dedicated teachers to honour this important relationship.Mother's Day reminds us of schools' vital role in nurturing appreciation, empathy, and the bonds that make families strong.
To each teacher who helps students say "thank you" in their special way, I thank you.
Thank You for our mothers and all who care for us with love.
Bless them for all they do each day —
their kindness, their patience, and their hugs.
Help us show our love and gratitude,
not just today, but every day.
Amen.
Keep School Funding Fair
Last term, we shared information with principals about the Keep School Funding Fair campaign launched by Catholic Schools NSW.
Research shows that less than half of Australians know how our school system is funded.
The Keep School Funding Fair campaign aims to explain the Australian school funding system to all Australians.
Both state and commonwealth governments contribute funds to support school choice and to ensure that every Australian child gets a high-quality education.
In Australia, school choice ensures that parents can choose a school that best suits their child's needs and their family values.
We believe the current means-tested school funding system is the fairest way to provide opportunities for all children and choice for all families. That’s why the campaign is seeking the support of the Australian community to keep school funding fair.
If you feel it appropriate, consider sharing an update about this campaign or some of these resources below in your following school newsletter. A poster for your school reception is attached.
Resources:
Watch the video to find out how schools are funded.
Sign up to the Keep School Funding Fair campaign or learn more here.
Read more detail about how Catholic schools are funded.
St Francis Xavier’s Primary School, Belmont
It’s always fantastic to have positive word of mouth from our families, especially when they are on a video, such as this parent from St Francis Xavier’s Primary School at Belmont.
Watch it here now:
Annual School Visit – St John’s Primary School, Lambton
I sincerely thank Shannon McGregor and her staff for their commitment to our students and the Lambton school community. St John’s is a single stream school, occupying a small environmental footprint, but big on passion and heart.
St John’s promotes a strong learning culture, encouraging all students to pursue the highest level of achievement. Our Walks and Talks revealed confident, articulate, reflective learners who keenly shared their learning goals and the influence of committed and caring teachers and staff.
Thank you for your vital role in creating a nurturing and inspiring learning environment. As we continue this journey together, I encourage you to take pride in the impact you make every day.
With my best wishes,
Jacqui
Diocesan Local Churches Jubilee Pilgrimage Weekend: Friday 16 May – Sunday 18 May
For one long-weekend only we are facilitating a chance to visit all eight sites of pilgrimage. This is an opportunity to truly embrace the Jubilee Year and compete your entire Pilgrim Passport. Visit one Church or visit them all.
Learn More: Diocesan Local Churches Pilgrimage - Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle
New Premium Formation Opportunity
Associate Professor Joel Hodge, National Head, School of Theology, Australian Catholic University will take us on a ‘deep-dive’ into ‘what we believe’ as we celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed.
For the first time, our St John the Baptist Shrine, Maitland will host this ongoing formation series throughout 2025 and beyond. Choose from one of two sessions at 3:30pm or 6:00pm for this free event, over 2hrs, face to face on Friday May 23.
Learn More and register here: https://nicene1700.eventbrite.com.au
Celebrate our Jubilee Artists
Join Bishop Michael on Saturday 31 May at San Clemente Catholic College to view the entries of the Jubilee Art Exhibition. He will reflect on the guiding scripture and announce the winners of the three categories: Primary School, High School and Adult. Artworks explore the theme, ‘Hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us (Rom 5:1-2.5)’.
Learn More and register here: https://jubilee-art-exhibition.eventbrite.com.au
Sign up to our monthly Mission & Evangelisation newsletter to keep updated with these and a whole lot more each month, direct to your inbox – Scan the QR Code now:
To be a Catholic educator, one enters into a calling to be builders of the Kingdom (or dream) of God, one lesson, one child, one interaction at a time. Catholic educators are privileged to ‘be’ the face of Christ, through their sense of inclusion, their joyful embrace of life and their unconditional love for each student. The whole school culture becomes an opportunity for an encounter with God.
The aim of this program is to build on the experience of Module A: Faith Story Witness in helping teachers of all ages and subjects to realise the importance of their role in Catholic schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. Staff will interact with up-to-date research, contemplative dialogue, prayer, and discussion to build on their previous understanding towards a deeper appreciation of their critical role in our Catholic schools.
To register please click on the link: The Catholic Educator (Module B)
Call out:
For Mother’s Day, we’d love to feature mums in our community who have done something extraordinary. Whether it’s a personal achievement or a display of strength and resilience that you believe deserves recognition, we want to hear their story.
If you know someone who would be great for this feature, please reach out to Hannah, hannah.rhodes@mn.catholic.org.au and Gemma, gemma.hunter@mn.catholic.org.au in our Comms and marketing team.
Additionally, we'd love to share your Mother's Day celebrations. Please send us some photos if you can
Term 2 Road Safety Newsletters are linked below for your information.
Click here for Term 2 Primary Road Safety Newsletter 2025
Click here for Term 2 Secondary Road Safety Newsletter 2025