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- Message from Director of Schools
- Catholic Schools Week Resources 2025
- Celebrating the 1700th Anniversary of the Nicene Creed
- Young Adult Retreat 2025 (27-29 June)
- Road Safety Resources
- Diocesan Risk Assessment template
- CEnet Future Forward: AI in Catholic Education National Conference, May 22-23rd
- Upcoming Catholic Learning Online (CLO) Webinars
- Diocesan Golf Day - 7th July 2025
Dear Colleagues,
Pope Leo XIV
With great joy and r
everence, I share the news of the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the successor of St. Peter and the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church.
This moment is of great significance for our faith and school communities. As Catholic schools, we are deeply connected to the life of the Church, and we give thanks to God for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in choosing our new pope.
We pray for Pope Leo as he begins his papacy. As a man known as a bridgebuilder and servant, who spent many years ministering to the poor in Peru, like Pope Francis, he offers us the gift of hope. May his leadership inspire us as we continue to witness to our faith, learning, and service mission.
Mother's Day – Sunday 11 May 2025
It is wonderful to hear of the many Mother's Day celebrations scheduled across our school communities today, with special liturgies, morning teas and activities taking place.
St Francis Xavier Primary School, Belmont welcomed Mums to join them for coffee and breakfast, followed by their Mother’s Day liturgy.
I extend my best wishes to all mothers, grandmothers and significant mother figures. The impact we have in the lives of our children can never be underestimated.
Creator God,
you weave together the threads of our lives.
We thank you for your special gift of motherhood,
for the miracle of our bodies and
the mystery of our being which gives birth.
Bless all mothers, those in our community,
those who are a part of our lives and
those who have gone before us into eternal life.
We ask this through Jesus our Risen Lord.
Amen
Reading: John 19:25-27
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son, "and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
Assistant Principals Focus on Accountability in Leadership Session - Friday, 9 May 2025
Fifty-five Assistant Principals from across the Diocese gathered today for a dynamic professional learning session facilitated by Catherine Jackson. The session centered on the theme of accountability—the day covered the building blocks of accountability: clear expectations, articulating the Why that is situated in context, and noticing/addressing behaviours. We considered the different types of accountabilities, including role accountability and the importance of focusing on outcomes/impact rather than activity.
Catherine McAuley Primary School – Construction update
We’re pleased to advise that construction work will re-commence for Catherine McAuley Primary School, Medowie.
The timeline changes due to the National Construction Code that impacted the ability to obtain a construction certificate have been rectified, and works will commence on Friday, 9 May 2025.
The Primary School build includes a new staff office and administration building, a library and hall, 15 general learning areas, outdoor playground areas, associated linkways, southern turning loop and car parking, services infrastructure, and hard and soft landscaping.
As noted earlier this year, Catherine McAuley Primary School, Medowie, will not open for the 2026 school year.
If you have any questions or need further information, you are welcome to contact Julie Mulhearn julie.mulhearn@mn.catholic.edu.au.
Annual School Visit – St Joseph’s Primary School, Merriwa
I sincerely thank Anne–Marie Peebles and her staff for their commitment to our students and the Merriwa community.
St Joseph’s is a small, rural Catholic school. Its unique school environment provides meaningful and inclusive learning programs. Thank you for your vital role in creating this nurturing and inspiring environment. In this environment, teachers work collaboratively to plan and deliver learning programs tailored to individual needs so that all students experience high levels of achievement.
With my best wishes,
Jacqui
The word “creed” comes from credo, meaning “I believe”. The creed is a concise summary of the essential elements of the Christian faith.
Since the early centuries of the church’s history many, possibly hundreds, of creeds have been formulated, at various times and in various places, by church councils or prominent individuals. A few are still widely used today; they include the Apostles’ Creed, the Chalcedonian Creed, the Athanasian Creed, and the Nicene Creed.
The Nicene Creed, whose seventeen hundredth anniversary we acknowledge this year on 20 May, is probably the best-known and most widely used creed in the worldwide church. It is an indispensable part of the liturgy used by Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, and most Protestant churches.
Mission & Evangelisation invites you to this premium formation offering with Associate Professor Joel Hodge, National Head, School of Theology, Australian Catholic University
Choose from one of two sessions at 3:30pm or 6:00pm as he immerses us in the history and theology of the Nicene Creed. This ‘deep-dive’ into ‘what we believe’ is not to be missed as we celebrate its 1700 years. This free event, over 2hrs, face to face, will become part of an ongoing formation series hosted at St John the Baptist Shrine, Maitland in 2025.
Session One – 3:30-5:30pm (for those not working or travelling a distance)
Session Two – 6:00pm-8:00pm (for those who wish to attend after work)
In between sessions, there will be a shared light supper for the departing audience and the arriving audience.
To register click here.
Pope Francis said young people are the here and now of the Church. Join us for the first young adults’ weekend of community, worship, input by incredible speakers, and an opportunity to encounter Christ's personal love. Single, married, all are welcome as we revitalise a presence of youth ministry and young adult accompaniment in 2025 and share our dreams for a future full of hope in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the event or to register. Alternatively, email our Youth Ministry Partner to learn more: dominic.drumore@mn.catholic.org.au
An updated version of the Diocesan Risk Assessment template is now available for staff to complete.
The Risk Assessment template helps staff identify and reduce the risk of any potential hazards that might occur as a result of an event, activity or initiative.\
You are most welcome to you us for the Diocesan Golf Day in the upcoming school holidays.
Important Information:
* The day will be held at Merewether Golf Club on Monday July 7th. 3 Person Ambrose format. Shotgun start at 8.00am. Arrive no later than 7.45am for final directions.
* The cost will be $65 per player ($195 per team)
* The event will be run in 2025 by Mark Hornby-Howell and Aaron Moon, with Aaron taking over in 2026.
This is what you need to do
Registration Information:
- Deadline: Ensure that your registration is completed by Wednesday 18th June to confirm catering requirements and player numbers.
- How to Register: Fill out the provided form HERE
- Payment: Make payment to the account nominated in the form, don't forget to identify yourself and then send email to Mark Hornby-Howell (markhh56@gmail.com) confirm your payment.
NB: It would be of great help if one person took on the payment of the team payment and they collect what is owed from the others. Naturally entering a team is preferable, however individual or 2 player entries are more than acceptable, and we will assist with forming a team.
As in the past, the earlier you pay the better the tee off hole you'll be located. So get your team/teams together, register, pay your entry fees and wait for further info.
Cheers,
Mark Hornby-Howell Aaron Moon
E:markhh56@gmail.com aaron.moon@mn.catholic.edu.au
