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- Message from Director of Schools
- MISSION AND EVANGELISATION - Upcoming Events
- 2025 Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships
- High Potential and Gifted Education
- Consultation on Multiple Policies until 8th August
- Communications & Marketing
- System Lead Curriculum and Pedagogy – Secondary
- NESA News
- Term 3 Road Safety Newsletters
Dear Colleagues,
Aspire 2025 – THE RISE OF BOZZ
I wish all students and staff involved in this year's exciting ASPIRE production, THE RISE OF BOZZ, the very best of luck for the upcoming performances at the Civic Theatre, starting next Wednesday.
This lively and fun-filled show is designed to entertain everyone, from young to old, featuring an impressive soundtrack that accompanies an original script.
As the final rehearsals are in progress, all six ensembles are working together and are sure to delight the audience with another unforgettable theatrical experience, showcasing the talents of students from schools across the Diocese.
Have a fantastic show!
Performances will be held at the Civic Theatre, Newcastle, from Wednesday, 30 July 2025, to Saturday, 2 August 2025.
You can purchase tickets by contacting the Civic Theatre Box Office on 4979-1977 or via the link below:
https://civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/all-shows/the-rise-of-bozz
Dress Rehearsal – Photos
Celebrating Excellence: UoN High Performing Student Program Graduation
On Wednesday, 23rd of July, we proudly celebrated the graduation of students from the University of Newcastle’s High Performing Student Program (HPSP) - an extraordinary initiative that offers eligible Year 9-11 students the opportunity to study first-year university units while still in school.
Students were awarded certificates for their achievements in first-year courses across Business, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences. While academic excellence was at the forefront, the ceremony also recognised the motivation, dedication, grit and perseverance that each student demonstrated throughout the program.
My sincere thanks to Maree Karaka, and the HPGE team, including Education Officers, Project Officers and GEMS, who have led this important initiative.
AFTER THE RAIN DOCUMENTARY
The video captures the extraordinary response to the Bishop’s Flood Appeal. It highlights the incredible efforts of students and staff at St Clare’s, Taree, who were on the ground helping with recovery efforts, as well as those from schools across our Diocese, including St Patrick’s, Swansea and St Francis Xavier’s, Belmont, who filled vans with much-needed donations.
Thanks to this collective effort, the appeal has raised over $160,000 in funds, alongside numerous donations of essential items and offers of pastoral support.
I want to sincerely thank all students and staff who contributed, and especially those who shared words of comfort and hope with the broader community. The response has been overwhelming, and the heartfelt video produced, truly shows the best of our Diocese in action.
I encourage you to watch the video and share it with your school communities.
Youtube link:
2025 Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships
A warm thank you to everyone involved in the 2025 Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championship. Your dedication, effort, and support were essential and genuinely appreciated. Whether you were on the sidelines, working behind the scenes, or managing day-to-day tasks, your contributions significantly contributed to the event's success.
I specifically acknowledge the efforts of our secondary teaching staff, Joel Penny, Brad Melville, Rowan Kelly and Nathan Koen, who accompanied the teams, providing expertise, organisational skills and support during the competition. Your commitment enabled us to provide high-quality opportunities, helping our students excel and shine on the national stage.
Two talented Maitland Newcastle girls, Emily Mccarthur from SFX Hamilton and Stevie Botham from SMCC Gateshead have made us proud by being named in the Australian schoolgirls' team. They've reached an incredible milestone in their sporting journey. In October, they'll proudly represent Australia in a match against Papua New Guinea. Such an exciting achievement!
Stevie Botham
Calling all St Therese’s Primary School, New Lambton
Alumni: Share your story as part of our Centenary Celebration!
We are delighted to announce a special celebration to commemorate a century of formation, learning, growth, and community at St Therese’s Primary School, New Lambton.
As we count down to this milestone, we warmly invite our cherished alumni to join in the festivities with their treasured memories and experiences. Whether you graduated from the school last year or fifty years ago, your story is part of our rich history, and we would love to hear from you!
Link: St Therese's 100 Years Celebration - St Therese’s Primary School
31st Annual Schools Support Staff Dinner – Newcastle City Hall Friday 21 November 2025
Just a reminder that I sent out an invitation earlier this week for the 31st Annual Support Staff Dinner to be held on Friday, 21st November 2025, at Newcastle City Hall.
This event is a yearly highlight — an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding work of our support staff, who contribute so much behind the scenes daily in our schools.
I would appreciate your help in encouraging everyone to attend. Please share the news and invitation with your colleagues, and let’s make this year’s dinner a memorable one!
Thanks in advance.
Annual School Visits – St Paul Primary School, Rutherford
I sincerely thank Stacey Mullin and her staff for their dedication to our students and the Rutherford school community. It was heartening to see the teamwork of the newly formed breakfast club, which has helped improve the well-being of the students. It was wonderful to see the strong Parish ties, evident in Fr George’s attendance and prioritisation of a family Mass once each term. The Parish also supports the Breakfast Club twice weekly and a craft group once a week.
Stacey spoke about the school’s book, ‘RainBeau,’ which students created last year as part of a week-long author-in-residence program. The aim of the program was for students to see themselves as authors and illustrators, while also promoting inclusivity for all children.
With my best wishes,
Jacqui
Two Maitland Newcastle girls are named in the Australian schoolgirls team
The last few weeks have seen selected students from the Maitland Newcastle Diocese representing NSWCCC at the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Tournament, competing against the other States and Territories across Australia. The following 15s Boys and 16s Girls travelled to Townsville in the last week of Term 2, and we congratulate them on a wonderful week of sportsmanship.
- Luke West represented First Nations Goanna’s team (CMCC Medowie) and was also named player of the match in the Goanna’s V WA game.
- Sybella Pike (SCCC Singleton) was named player of the match in the NSWCCC V NSWCHS game.
- Sienna Brumby (SCCC Singleton) was also named player of the match in the NSWCCC V QLD match.
- Ivy Hagan (TCC Adamstown) thrived throughout the event and was named NSWCCC Most Valuable Player of the Tournament.
- Zoe Figallo (TCC Adamstown)
In the final week of the holidays, our 18-year-old boys and Girls showcased their talent in Coffs Harbour. The Maitland Newcastle 18s Girls team was exceptional, making it to the semi-finals.
- Emily McArthur (SFX Hamilton) was a standout throughout the event & was rewarded with NSWCCC Player of the tournament.
- Stevie Botham (SMCC Gateshead)
- Summer Dowell (SJ Aberdeen) Named player of the match, NSWCCC V ACT
- Sophie Hedley (SJ Aberdeen)
The Maitland Newcastle 18s Boys contributing to the NSWCCC Team qualifying for the Grand final were:
- Diesel Hagan (SMCC Gateshead)
- Fletcher O’Doherty (SMG)
- Jace Cox (SMCC Gateshead)
- Chase Butler (ASC Maitland)
All four were outstanding throughout the tournament.
We congratulate Emily McCarthur (SFX Hamilton) and Stevie Botham (SMCC Gateshead), who have achieved the pinnacle of their sport by being named in the 2025 Australian School Girls team, which will take on Papua New Guinea in October. What an achievement!
Celebrating Excellence: UoN High Performing Student Program Graduation
On Wednesday, 23rd of July we proudly celebrated the graduation of students from the University of Newcastle’s High Performing Student Program (HPSP) - an extraordinary initiative that offers eligible Year 9-11 students the opportunity to study first-year university units while still in school.
Students were awarded certificates for their achievements in first-year courses across Business, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences. While academic excellence was at the forefront, the ceremony also recognised the motivation, dedication, and perseverance that each student demonstrated throughout the program.
A highlight of the event was the keynote from Tim, a former HPSP participant and current fourth-year Biomedical Science student. Tim reminded us that the HPSP is more than just a program - it's an aspirational pathway. He encouraged students to “aim higher, say yes to opportunities, and surround yourself with likeminded people.”
His parting message was powerful:
Find what lights your fire, believe in yourself, step outside your comfort zone, and lift others up along the way.
We are proud to share that one-third of the graduating cohort came from diocesan schools within our Catholic system - a reflection of the commitment to fostering high potential and gifted education across our schools.
We extend our sincere thanks to:
- Jacqueline Wilkinson, Director of Schools
- Patricia Humble, Assistant Head – School Improvement
- Liz Stokes, CSO System Lead – Pedagogy & Curriculum
…as well as our dedicated Principals, Assistant Principals, Gifted Education Mentors, Education Officers – HPGE, Project Officers, teachers, and families who supported and celebrated our students on this special day.
This unique program - offered only by the University of Newcastle - continues to pave meaningful and transformative pathways for our students.
Together, we are building a future where students are not only achieving, but thriving.
Thanks to Tim Bowd for capturing the moment.
Great to see our students also being represented in the Newcastle Herald today - University of Newcastle program preps future students | Newcastle Herald | Newcastle, NSW
HPGE Networking Day – Professional Learning
Gifted Education Mentors (GEMs), Project Officers, and Virtual Academy Educators will gather for a professional learning session designed to enhance leadership in high potential and gifted education:
Thursday, 14 July 2025
St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
MNPeople Professional Learning Link https://cdmn.elmotalent.com.au/learning/courses?courseview=520
Casual Release Code: No (occurs on the system-allocated GEM day)
World Scholar’s Cup – Hunter Valley Round
Another exciting opportunity on the horizon is the 2025 World Scholar’s Cup, hosted at St Philip’s Christian College, Cessnock on 7–8 August 2025. Selected students have been identified and will participate in four academic challenges - the Scholar’s Bowl, Team Debate, Scholar’s Challenge, and Collaborative Writing - under the global theme “Reigniting the Future.”
This is a unique chance for selected students from across the diocese to explore current global issues, develop critical and creative thinking, and build lasting connections with peers.
Virtual Academy Semester 2 – Units Commencing Week 2
Semester 2 Virtual Academy units will commence in Week 2 across the Diocese. We are excited to continue delivering rich, transdisciplinary learning experiences for our high potential and gifted students.
In response to newly emerging Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) data from our Year 7 cohort, additional selection opportunities into the Virtual Academy will be made available. Schools will be contacted directly regarding eligible students.
CogAT Administration Update
We are pleased to share that all CogAT data has now been successfully uploaded to Power BI, enabling access for Principals, Assistant Principals, and Gifted Education Mentors (GEMs). This ensures visibility of student ability data to support targeted planning and provision.
In addition, all secondary school CogAT data has been uploaded to Compass Data and Analytics, providing an integrated platform for ongoing monitoring and strategic decision-making.
CogAT Data Analysis and Next Steps
As we continue to analyse the recently collected CogAT data alongside schools, we are coordinating online Teams meetings with school leadership teams to unpack the data and identify appropriate follow-up actions.
These collaborative sessions will explore:
- How the data will be interpreted and shared with relevant staff
- How it can meaningfully inform teaching, learning, and extension strategies
- Identification of student needs for enrichment or intervention
We encourage the participation of the Principal, Assistant Principal, and GEM, with the option to include Pastoral Coordinators (PCs), Pedagogical Mentors (PMs), and Leaders of Learning (LOLs) as required. Each session is expected to run for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. If a meeting has not yet been scheduled for your school, we will be in touch shortly to arrange one.
For any questions regarding the above initiatives, please contact:
Maree Karaka
Leader of High Potential and Gifted Education
maree.karaka@mn.catholic.edu.au | 0428 120 620
The Diocese has introduced a number of new working draft policy documents and invites feedback from staff.
The consultation period closes on Friday 8 August 2025.
Here is the link:
The term 3 Road Safety Newsletters are jam packed with resources and links for schools to use for Curriculum, Wellbeing, School Newsletter Snippets or Guidelines all linked to road safety. There is funding from TfNSW for schools to use. Please see the link to a flyer on the bottom of the newsletters. Applications close August 8 and schools will be informed if they have been successful by August 15.
Please click the following newsletters: