Dear Colleagues, 

Book Week – Across the Diocese

Book Week Fun Kicks Off at CSO!
Book Week celebrations started early on Monday as staff at the Catholic Schools Office gathered for a lively morning of fun and creativity.

The day began with a staff meeting, followed by an energetic parade where everyone displayed their costumes.

It was a great way to set the tone for a week focused on the joy of reading and storytelling.

Book Week, Exploring the Diocesan Library

Book Week Sparks Joy Across Our Schools

Fun resonated throughout our schools this week as students embraced the excitement of Book Week. A much-loved highlight of the school calendar, Book Week brings our communities together to celebrate the magic and power of reading.

Students and staff alike dressed as their favourite book characters, filling classrooms and playgrounds with colour, creativity, and imagination. From storybook heroes to literary villains, the costumes sparked conversations, shared stories, and reminded us of all the joy that books bring into our lives.

Throughout the week, schools hosted a variety of engaging activities, including book-themed scavenger hunts, buddy reading sessions, storytelling under the stars, and creative writing workshops. Some schools even transformed classrooms into immersive literary worlds, allowing students to “Book An Adventure” and explore the theme in exciting and interactive ways.

Celebrating Student Achievement

On Tuesday, 1 April 2025, more than 3,000 students from 66 schools across Newcastle and the Hunter region gathered at the Newcastle Civic Theatre for the 69th Annual Combined Schools ANZAC Commemorative Event.

This year’s theme, Women in War – Their Australian Story, honoured the powerful and often untold stories of Australian servicewomen. The event was written and performed by students, with 12 Year 11 students leading the research and scriptwriting.

On Wednesday, 20 August 2025, students who contributed to the 69th Annual ANZAC Commemorative Event were formally recognised at a special gathering. Celebrating their dedication and creativity, the event saw students awarded Certificates of Achievement and Appreciation for their roles in research, performance, and production.

This moment of celebration underscored the significant impact of student-led storytelling and the importance of honouring service through education.

Staff Engagement Survey Update

Thank you to our schools and staff who have already had their say in the 2025 staff engagement survey. 27% of our staff have already shared their valued thoughts.

The survey is only open until next Friday, 29 August, so I remind you to encourage your staff to complete the survey as soon as possible.

Click through to complete the 2025 Staff Engagement Survey now.

The survey is an opportunity to anonymously share feedback about what we’re doing well and how we can improve, and your feedback will inform our future strategies.

Attached / below is a reminder that you can email your staff or place in a Teams channel.

Annual School Visit 

All Saints’ College, Maitland

I sincerely thank Tony McCudden and his staff for their dedication to our students and the Maitland school community.

The College shared its strong commitment to enhancing literacy instruction, with a particular emphasis on sentence structure, effective feedback, and amplifying student voice. It was impressive to see the continued focus on consistency across the school, with practices thoughtfully aligned to meet the unique contextual needs of the College community.

Reflective engagement with the Strategic Improvement Plan goals was evident, showcasing a deep commitment to ongoing improvement and prioritising student engagement. The College also shared a range of pastoral care initiatives and wellbeing programs designed to support students holistically.

The team is to be commended for their intentional alignment of the College Community Expectations with the College’s vision and mission, which are visible in classroom environments.

A continued high priority has been placed on student attendance, with thorough analysis and tracking of attendance and behaviour data. The College’s increased focus on positive reinforcement and the use of merit systems is a commendable approach to fostering a supportive and encouraging school culture.

System Leaders Day – Friday 22 August 2025

Today, our System Leaders gathered in partnership. Our day began in prayer, led by Bishop Michael, who also provided an exploration of the new Diocesan Governance and Management Structures and our shared commitment to Many Parts – One Body – One Mission. 

My address for System Leaders acknowledged the indisputable truth that faces many in our schools and our communities (though often carried quietly) is that we are weary…emotionally, physically and spiritually. The 24-hour news cycle, international unrest, political instability, unpredictable weather events, and this unrelenting, unforgiving rain… it all takes its toll.

Yet, amid it all, our principals continue to lead with courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment as the steady hands and hopeful hearts guiding our communities forward.

“May today be a space to breathe, to reconnect, and to remember that you are not alone. We walk this path together—with faith, with purpose, and with each other.”

With deep gratitude,

Jacqui

Please see below the following upcoming events:

Art & Spirituality Workshop- Toronto Parish 

Friday 12 September 

Art-making invites deeper self-awareness and connection with the world, serving to open the heart, awaken the Spirit, and explore the living meaning of faith. This workshop will offer participants a chance to engage in creative expression rooted in God’s creation, prayer, and reflection, nourishing both personal insight and spiritual growth. For more information and to register visit - Art and Spirituality Workshop - Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle 

Ecumenical Quiet Garden Day – MURRURUNDI 

Friday 5 September - 9:30am  

Step away from the busyness of life and enter a gentle, reflective space in the spirit of shared Christian friendship. This ecumenical retreat day invites all to pause, listen deeply, and discover anew the presence of God in stillness, nature, and community. Learn more: Ecumenical Quiet Garden Day – Murrurundi - Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle 

This event returns after the success in 2024, where the special program had 354 artworks submitted from students from Year 1 up to students in Year 12. We had both full class groups and individual students submit artwork from 24 diocesan primary and secondary schools. This year’s theme is ‘FINDING WOW IN THE EVERYDAY - How ordinary moments can be extraordinary.’

For ideas on how to create artworks with your students see the attached PDF.

Submissions can be made via: ASPIRE WOW Gallery 2025 Submissions

Tickets for the exhibition are also on sale now via: ASPIRE Catholic Schools Diocese Maitland Newcastle | Humanitix

Exhibition will run for 2 days only, so get your tickets now!

For more information or any questions please email lara.crockett@mn.catholic.edu.au

ASPIRE 2026 Production – AUDITIONS ARE NOW OPEN!!!

Register TODAY: https://forms.office.com/r/8MEB5G79rA

Further Information: https://www.mn.catholic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/0008436-CS-ASPIRE-2026-Info-Sheet-A4-INHOUSETRIMF-combined-1.pdf

ASPIRE Young Actors Program Presents “The Missing Diary”

• Fri 29 Aug 2025
• ⏰ 11am & 7pm 
• Performance Arts Culture Cessnock

Darren writes in his diary every day. He puts all his thoughts in there. What he thinks about people at school, the race for class president , even what he dreams about.. It comforts him to write things down until One day he can’t find his diary and he feels like his voice has been taken away. Join Aspire’ Young Actors program in this relevant original  play about friendship, imagination, and acceptance.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.mypacc.com.au/Whats-on/25-Aspire

ASPIRE WOW GALLERY - Submissions are OPEN

Your submission should be your own personal interpretation of ‘Finding WOW in the Everyday - How ordinary moments can be extraordinary.’ Your artwork can be created in any medium, it’s completely up to you! You will just photograph or film your artwork and submit via the form. 

Submit your artwork NOW: https://form.jotform.com/250408147207855

2025 Create Choreographic Program – Regional Workshops

ASPIRE invites interested students to participate in the Create Choreographic Project which offers Stage 2 and 3 students the opportunity to participate in an intensive contemporary dance and collaborative choreographic program.

Register TODAY: https://forms.office.com/r/wN49gqcfa8

Further Information: https://www.mn.catholic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025-FLYER-CREATE-CHOREOGRAPHY-Regional.pdf

2025 Create Content Choreographic Program

Spend two days creating a choreographic artwork to be filmed and edited by a professional director and videographer. You will work as groups and solo to achieve a unique choreographic video to use for show reel and content purposes.

Register TODAY: https://forms.office.com/r/EDURw28qhT

Further Information: https://www.mn.catholic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ASPIRE-Create-Content-Choreographic-FLYER-SENIOR-2025-1.pdf

2025 Senior Theatre Makers Program

ASPIRE’s Senior Theatre Makers Ensemble is for students in Years 9-12. This initiative is all about the devising process. Working as a company of theatre makers the group will create an original performance piece that will be shared at the end of the process at the Playhouse, Civic Theatre in Newcastle.

Register TODAY: https://forms.office.com/r/WZyavrb1kx

Further information: https://www.mn.catholic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/0008759-CSO-ASPIRE-STM-A4-01_TRIM-IN-HOUSE-WEBF.pdf

ASPIRE VOICEVOX - Secondary Choir Positions still available

The diocesan vocal program VoiceWorx is open to any diocesan student who wants to join a vocal group or choral ensemble and learn more about singing with like-minded students.

Register TODAY: https://forms.office.com/r/iniPJ8LbEH

Further information: https://www.mn.catholic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ASPIRE-VoiceWorx-Secondary-2025-FLYER.pdf

Students, parents, and careers advisors are invited to attend an information session about the St Nicholas Pathways’ Early Childhood School-Based Traineeship (SBAT) program.

The SBAT program provides students with valuable vocational training and real-world work experience, opening pathways to rewarding careers in early childhood education.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Learn about the structure of the program, including the balance between school and work-based training
• Obtain detailed information on the application process, eligibility criteria, and important deadlines
• Hear success stories from past SBAT participants
• Discover the different career paths available to graduates of the SBAT program
• Speak directly with experienced trainers and staff who can provide guidance and answer questions

Session details:

• Monday 25 August, 6pm – St Nicholas Pathways, 24 Hunter Street, Maitland
• Wednesday 27 August, 6pm – Online via Microsoft Teams (link provided following registration)

Click here to register - http://mn.shor.tn/SBATInfoSessions2025

These sessions offer valuable insight into the opportunities available through the St Nicholas Pathways’ Early Childhood SBAT program, supporting students to make informed decisions about their future.

Catholic Schools NSW is thrilled to invite early years educators to the 2025 Early Years Symposium.  

Date:          Thursday, September 4, 2025 (Term 3, Week 7) 

Time:          9am – 3pm 

Location:   Australian Catholic University - North Sydney Offices 

8-20 Napier Street Tenison Woods House North Sydney, NSW 2060 Australia 

Cost:           $160 

Click here to register - Tickets are limited!           

If you have any questions, please email our Education Officers – Early Learning

Bridie Stanger on bridie.stanger@mn.catholic.edu.au

Rachelle Mitchell on rachelle.mitchell@mn.catholic.edu.au

Attention: Secondary School Staff

Overview: Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is a 2-day course for secondary school staff. Participants will learn about adolescent development and the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, how and where to get help and what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective. The YMHFA course teaches adults how to assist adolescents who are developing any of the following mental health problems, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis:

Registration through MNPeople. Click Here for course link

Target Groups: Secondary school staff

Date: Tuesday 2^nd & Wednesday 3^rd September 2025 (Week 7, Term 3)

Time: 9am-3:30pm

Location: Toohey Room- Catholic Schools, 841 Hunter Street, Newcastle West.

Release: N/A

NESA Hours: 14 hours

For further information, please contact Vanessa Petersen or Renee Tyczynski.

This week, teachers from across all twelve secondary schools arrived at Catholic Schools armed for some serious mathematical problem solving, particularly focusing on Stage 6 Mathematics Advanced. In 2026, through Curriculum Reform, new syllabi will be introduced in all Mathematics and English courses across the State. The team were tasked with developing collaborative and aligned programs for the Mathematics Advanced Syllabus and challenged to embrace a range of pedagogies to engage students in this course. Together in teams, programs and resources were developed for topics such as Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, Trigonometric Identities and Equations, as well as all content areas for Year 11 in 2026. 

The power of collegiality was evident in this project, with the sharing of resources and insights into how to unpack complex mathematical concepts with students in a variety of ways. It was a rich experience to witness the level of collaboration and expertise of the staff involved in this project. I commend all participants for a highly productive and positive two days and to Bec Zammit for her vision in supporting a range of highly engaging experiences to switch on to new thinking in a mathematics classroom.

Figure 1: Ben Field - St Joseph's Catholic College Aberdeen

Figure 2: Lauren Stacey, St Catherine's Catholic College Singleton and Tracy Zander, Trinity Catholic College

Figure 3: Cheryl Wills St Joseph's Lochinvar and Tom Fairleigh, St Paul's Booragul

Figure 4: The Mathematics Advanced Collaborative Curriculum Writing Project Team

Since leaving the school setting to work within the office, I have gratefully kept connected to the life of school through our school’s newsletters. Last week I was reading the Principal’s message from St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar and was so inspired by Peter Antcliff’s message that I thought I would share this with our Diocesan School community.  For many years, I have had the privilege of working with the teacher mentioned in this article and know him to have the highest of expectations for his students and the greatest joy at seeing their finished products.  I thank Peter for being willing to share this story.

I don’t care how many times you’ve used them successfully—there’s always that moment of dread when you approach an alarm panel. You stride up confidently, fingers poised like a concert pianist, ready to punch in the code you’ve used a dozen times before. But then—bam! A rogue light flickers. A cryptic message flashes. And just like that, your blood pressure spikes and you’re suddenly questioning every decision you’ve ever made that has led you to be the one who has to navigate the alarm system.

So there I was, Tuesday night, after the Year 8 elective evening had wrapped up. The Leadership Team had done the rounds, ushered out the last lingering staff, and I was left to do the honours. The alarm panel awaited. I approached with the swagger of a man who’d done this successfully for two and a half terms. Code entered. I waited for the familiar beep, the comforting glow of green lights. Nothing.

No beep. No lights. Just a message: something, somewhere, wasn’t shut properly.

Cue the afterhours campus wander. Out into the dark my remaining colleagues and I went, searching for the elusive unsecured door. And then—light! The woodwork rooms were ablaze. As we got closer, we heard the unmistakable sounds of sanding, and hammering.

We opened the door and there they were—half a dozen Year 12 students, sleeves rolled up, goggles on, deep in the trenches of their HSC major works. Their teacher right there with them, guiding, encouraging, and clearly ignoring the concept of “home time.”

The first thing that struck me was the pride on display. There was no begrudging being there late, no glances at the clock or panic about a looming deadline, just heads down and tools in hand. All I could see were young people engrossed in their work, proud of their effort and their products. Also on full display was the commitment of their teacher, who despite having kids at home and been hard at it all day was still there, with his charges giving them every opportunity to succeed and reach their potential.

You could tell that this wasn’t their first after-hours session, it was routine. It was commitment. It was the kind of dedication that doesn’t get written into job descriptions but makes all the difference. Having been reassured that the alarms would be taken care of for me, I headed to my car both feeling proud and a little guilty. Pride in the student’s attitude and commitment and for the teacher’s dedication but also guilty because I was heading home after a long day and they were still at it.

It reminded me that education is a team sport. It takes the expertise of a passionate educator to set the standards, the commitment of home to encourage, guide and support their children but critically it takes action and engagement by the student. It is only when each of these elements are working together that we can ensure that our students reach the level of achievement which we all desire for them.

At the heart of academic success is a student’s willingness to take ownership of their learning. This means ensuring all tasks are completed with care and attention, and that deadlines are met consistently. It also involves proactive preparation—establishing a clear and realistic revision timetable that supports ongoing study rather than last-minute cramming. When students take responsibility in this way, they build habits that not only improve academic outcomes but also foster independence, resilience, and confidence in their ability to manage challenges both in and beyond the classroom.

And so, as I headed home on Tuesday night, I couldn’t help but reflect on what I’d just witnessed. Not just students working late, or a teacher going above and beyond—but a living, breathing example of what education looks like when everyone leans in. It’s messy, it’s noisy, it’s sometimes full of sawdust and late nights—but it’s also full of pride, purpose, and potential. Because when students take charge of their learning, when teachers show up with heart, and when families stand behind them, amazing things happen.

This important update regarding student BYOD devices should be included in your next school newsletter.

Please note that there is a separate body of work underway to ensure any staff and shared devices are upgraded to Windows 11.

Important Security Update for student BYOD Devices

Action is required for students with BYOD Windows 10 devices as Windows 10 will soon no longer be supported by Microsoft.

To ensure your student device security you should upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as possible.

Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 will end on 14 October 2025, meaning it will no longer receive critical security updates.

To stay protected and ensure optimal performance, it is strongly recommended that all students with BYOD Windows 10 devices follow Microsoft’s instructions and upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as possible. There is no charge for this upgrade.

Why this matters:

• Windows 10 will no longer receive Microsoft updates after 14 October 2025, leaving devices exposed to threats.
• Upgrading to Windows 11 helps reduce security risks.
• Student Work Protection: Staying current helps safeguard assignments, projects, and personal data.

Ways to install Windows 11 - Microsoft Support

Upgrade to Windows 11: FAQ - Microsoft Support

How do I check what version of Windows am I running?

Select Start > Settings > System, then select About. You then see Edition, Version, and OS Build information.

We encourage all families with Student Windows 10 computers to begin the upgrade process now to avoid last-minute disruptions. If you need assistance or have questions about upgrading, please reach out to the IT support team in our school.

Dear Principals,

As part of CSMN’s ongoing commitment to enhancing quality and effectiveness, we invite you to complete a brief survey regarding SchoolTV.

SchoolTV is an online platform currently available to all 57 diocesan school communities and offers a wide range of wellbeing resources to support families.

Complete the Survey Here

Your feedback will help CSMN better understand the platform’s perceived value and its effectiveness in supporting school staff as they partner with parents and carers to promote student wellbeing.

The survey should take no more than 5 minutes to complete. Please submit your responses by Tuesday, 26 August.

Thank you for your time and valuable insights.