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- Message from Director of Schools
- MISSION AND EVANGELISATION - Upcoming Events
- Socktober Launch Mass – 18 September 2025
- Religious Education & Spirituality – Liturgy Symposium
- OLD VINYL FENCE BANNERS
- Student BYOD Devices important message
- HSC Study Workshops
- Important information about Career Education: Become Me
- HPGE St Patrick’s Wallsend Shines at Tournament of Minds
- Virtual Academy Nominations for 2026 Now Open
- ASPIRE upcoming events and programs
- Battle of the Bands- Secondary Schools Competition 2025
- WOW Gallery Submissions still open and Tickets ON SALE NOW!
- Primary Curriculum and Pedagogy Update - Curriculum Reform in Action: HSIE & PDHPE
- Secondary Curriculum and Pedagogy Update - HSC School Assessment marks due soon
Dear Colleagues,
26th Annual Diverse Learning Mass – Wednesday 3 September at Sacred Heart Cathedral
It was my great pleasure to gather with Bishop Michael Kennedy, alongside students, parents, educators, families, and friends for the 26th Annual Mass Celebrating Diverse Learning held on Wednesday evening- a celebration of inclusion, compassion, and the boundless potential that lives within every learner, especially those who are differently abled.
This mass unites our shared belief: that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and uplifted. It has enabled us to honour the dignity of diverse learners—not by focusing on limitations, but by embracing their unique gifts and the light they bring to our communities.
I offer my recognition to all who walk this journey.
To our educators and support staff: thank you for your tireless dedication, your creativity, and your unwavering commitment to nurturing both minds and hearts.
To our parents and carers: thank you for your courage, your advocacy, and your steadfast devotion to your children and to our schools.
And to our students—those who inspired the Mass. Your resilience, your joy, and your spirit remind us that learning is not a race, but a winding road, sometimes uncharted with unexpected twists and turns, often surprising, featuring magical detours and celebrated milestones. You help us see the world not just as it is, but as it could be—more hopeful, more inclusive, more tolerant, more patient, and more loving.
Together, may we create a world where every learner is joyfully acknowledged and truly belongs.
The school communities within the Holy Trinity Blackbutt North Parish and All Saints Blackbutt South Parish, as well as St Dominic’s Catholic College, lead the celebration, which included the following schools:
- St Dominic’s, Mayfield
- St John’s, Lambton
- St Therese’s New Lambton
- St Columba’s Adamstown
- St Kevin’s, Cardiff
- Corpus Christi, Waratah
- St James’ Kotara South
- Trinity Catholic College, Adamstown
Groundbreaking Ceremony celebrates next step for Catherine McAuley Primary School, Medowie
On Tuesday 2nd September, the official groundbreaking ceremony took place at the site of Catherine McAuley Primary School in Medowie, marking a significant milestone for our Catholic Schools. The new school will become part of the Medowie Education precinct, alongside Catherine McAuley Catholic College and St Nicholas Early Education, creating an educational route designed to support families across the region. The new school underscores our commitment to serving the needs of a growing population and offering more opportunities for Catholic education in the Port Stephens area.
Catherine McAuley Primary School will provide students with a purpose-built, faith-filled learning environment that fosters their academic, social, and spiritual development. The project demonstrates our commitment to providing families with access to high-quality Catholic education, grounded in strong values and a deep sense of community.
Celebrating 150 Years of Catholic Education at St Catherine’s College Singleton
On Monday, 1st September, I had the pleasure of joining the celebrations at the St Catherine’s Catholic College. The community joyfully came together to celebrate 150 years of Catholic education in Singleton. Students, staff, families, and parishioners united for a liturgy, reflection, and celebration to mark this historic milestone.
This event offered a meaningful chance to honour the deep-rooted tradition of faith and learning that has influenced many generations, while also looking ahead with hope and enthusiasm for the future of Catholic education in the Singleton area.
School Support Recognition Week 2025
This week, some of our Diocesan schools have participated in the DET’s celebrations of School Support Recognition Week 2025. This dedicated week highlights the invaluable contributions of school support staff—those behind the scenes who play a vital role in creating safe, inclusive, and thriving learning environments for both students and staff. From administrative officers and learning support assistants to maintenance teams and IT professionals, these individuals are the backbone of our schools. Their commitment, care, and tireless efforts ensure that every school day runs smoothly and that students receive support in all aspects of their educational journey. This week is not only a time to express our gratitude but also to recognise the professionalism, dedication, and heart that school support staff bring to their roles. Their work often goes unseen, but its impact is deeply felt. We take this opportunity to thank and uplift these essential members of our school communities. Their contributions matter, and we want them to know just how much they are appreciated.
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
On September 8, the Catholic Church celebrates the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God!
This feast day is celebrated exactly nine months after the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8.
Be sure to honour Our Lady and wish her a Happy Birthday as we look to her as our Spiritual Mother!
National Child Protection Week 2025 will take place from Sunday, 7 September, to Saturday, 13 September.
The event, coordinated by the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN), will focus on the theme "Every conversation matters: Shifting conversation to action" to encourage meaningful steps to strengthen child protection and create safer environments for children.
The week invites Australians to contribute to promoting the safety and well-being of children and young people.
Annual School Visits
I sincerely thank Dani Reed and Niamh Marzol, along with their staff, for their dedication to our students and the Edgeworth and Lochinvar schools’ communities.
St Benedict’s Primary School, Edgeworth
St Benedict’s shared their insightful focus on student goal setting, integrating it as a meaningful process to inform and improve student reporting. They highlighted how student data is being used intentionally across learning areas to monitor progress. A strong and consistent approach to data was straightforward, guiding future directions, promoting collaboration, and strengthening teamwork among teachers.
The school also showcased their holistic use of wellbeing data, promoting a shared sense of care and support. Their commitment to a collective approach was evident in the way data is shared to ensure every student is known, supported, and valued. The school’s dedication to student well-being was further reflected in its ongoing review and consolidation of PB4L practices, with a strong focus on consistent implementation and continuous improvement.
St Patrick’s Primary School, Lochinvar
It was a delight for me to attend the Annual School Visit for St Patrick’s Lochinvar, to be reacquainted with staff and students and witness the many developments being implemented. The executive and staff team are clearly dedicated to innovative learning practices and wellbeing initiatives, maintaining their focus on student outcomes. Thank you for the very warm welcome back!
St Patrick’s demonstrated a strong focus on analysing data and using multiple datasets to triangulate and effectively respond to student needs. Their commitment to consistent, school-wide practices was clear—particularly in implementing effective programs aligned with the new syllabus. Using data and reflective practice, there was a commendable effort to continually refine their approaches, ensuring high-quality teaching and learning.
The school also highlighted their strong commitment to student well-being, noting the review and relaunch of the PB4L framework, guided by meaningful data insights. A clear and commendable emphasis was placed on aligning PB4L with Josephite values and the Make Jesus Real initiative, creating a cohesive and values-driven approach. The school’s work to strengthen wellbeing structures and implement a clear, tiered support model reflects a deep dedication to consistency, shared responsibility, and ensuring every student is known and supported.
With my best wishes,
Jacqui
Schools are reminded to please check for any old fence banners around the school perimeter, particularly those that are torn or ripped. Please contact Tim, Gemma or Hannah in the Comms and Marketing Team to have them replaced where needed.
For the past 5 years, interested schools have been supported to embed career education beginning in year 5 and 6 through to Year 10 with Become Education.
Moving forward, schools are encouraged to continue their relationship with Become to build on the platform of career exploration and engagement. Kylie Peattie, Education Officer Pathways and Partnerships will continue to be your partner in this relationship, however support for the program from 2026 will now fall within the school’s budget.
We trust that there will be schools who will still be keen to engage in the program. Liv and Grace from Become may reach out to Principals or alternatively, click on this link to indicate your interest and for Become to provide you with a costing estimate, for inclusion your 2026 budget. Professional learning will continue to be offered by Become in a manageable, tailored, shorter format to meet the demands of schools and alleviate the pressure to find casual release.
We are committed to developing a Career Learning framework for the diocese that will include much of the evidence that career exploration should start in the primary years.
For any questions about Become or Career Learning please contact:
kylie.peattie@mn.catholic.edu.au or
geraldine.blake@mn.catholic.edu.au
Read LessSt Patrick’s Wallsend Shines at Tournament of Minds
The Tournament of Minds (TOM) is a prestigious problem-solving program that challenges teams of students from both primary and secondary years to think critically, collaborate effectively, and unleash their creativity. Designed to enhance the potential of young people, TOM develops skills in enterprise, time management, and teamwork as students tackle demanding, open-ended challenges in four disciplines:
- The Arts – requiring research and creative expression through dance, music, theatre, or visual arts.
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) – integrating STEM principles to solve real-world problems using creative and critical thinking.
- Language Literature – involving deep analysis and research of literary texts.
- Social Sciences – exploring ethical and moral issues confronting society in the 21st century.
This year, St Patrick’s Wallsend proudly entered two teams: one in the Creative Arts division and one in Language Literature.
Creative Arts Team: Harlow Betts, Abbey Rostron, Grace Binu, Rachel George, Ruby Neaves, Poppy Seib, Jaxon Broughton
Language Literature Team: Mia Headley, Olivia Lister, Maisie Johns, Jamie Chu, Agnether Njau, Layla Betts, Bailey Goff
Guided by our Gifted Education Mentor teacher, Ms Josette Nicholas, both teams gave up countless lunch and recess breaks to prepare their innovative presentations. Their hard work and dedication were evident on competition day.
While the Creative Arts team did not place this year, the Language Literature team triumphed, winning their regional division and earning a place to represent the Newcastle region at the State Finals in Sydney on Sunday, 14 September.
This marks the second consecutive year St Patrick’s has advanced to the State Finals - an outstanding achievement that reflects the depth of talent and commitment within our school community.
We are immensely proud of both teams for their creative thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. Congratulations to all participants, and best of luck to our Language Literature team as they take St Patrick’s to the Sydney stage!
This is the first year of the diocesan competition, featuring musical talent from schools in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese. Each school selected one band to be part of this competition. Bands performed to a packed Warners Bay Theatre and a panel of judges. The performances were outstanding with quality ensemble work and entertainment plus! And the very efficient and professional student stage crew were an excellent team.
Congratulations to “Alter Ego” from St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar- WINNERS of Battle of the Bands 2025:
Georgia Borg - Vocal
Samuel Bell - Keys
Parker Bullen - Lead Electric Guitar
Kai Mueller - Rhythm Electric Guitar
Alana Hili - Bass Guitar
Keeley Craft - Drum Kit
Congratulations to “UNTITLED” from Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie who were awarded MOST ENTERTAINING:
Isla Mawby- Vocal
Harry Martin- Electric Guitar
Spencer Merriman- Electric Guitar
Zachary Richards- Electric Guitar
Grady Weatherley- Bass Guitar
Samuel Edwards- Drum Kit
Performing Bands:
Citruss- St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton
Linkd- Trinity Catholic College, Adamstown
Mind Blank- San Clemente Catholic College, Mayfield
Feedback:
The environment backstage was positive and upbeat, and the performance day ran smoothly.
I think it was organised masterfully! I was thoroughly impressed with the show.
What a great opportunity for students. Such high-quality performance from all schools. Can’t wait until next year!
Jessica Lopez- Education Officer, Musical Director ASPIRE
Over two days, educators gathered for the Curriculum Reform – HSIE and PDHPE Day, a rich opportunity to explore how layering of resources, perspectives, and Catholic principles can strengthen teaching and learning across the new PDHPE and HSIE syllabuses.
The program was delivered on the first day in the VPS/Southern Cross Hall and on the second day it “went on tour” to Muswellbrook. Across both days, around 70 attendees engaged with the sessions, supported by more than 10 presenters.
The sessions began with unpacking how these elements can be embedded at the curriculum and programming stage. This was followed by practical workshops featuring worked examples and pedagogy in practice. Participants were able to engage directly with the resources, seeing first-hand how layering enriches curriculum content and deepens student engagement.
The success of the days was made possible through the collaboration of several Catholic Schools teams, including Curriculum & Pedagogy, Aboriginal Education, Religious Education & Spirituality, High Potential Gifted Education, Early Learning, and DIAL. Their combined expertise highlighted the power of cross-team collaboration in supporting schools to implement curriculum reform with confidence and creativity.
Contact: Julie Mulhearn
Julie.mulhearn@mn.catholic.edu.au
