Message from Director of Schools
Dear Colleagues,
The Jubilee Launch set our communities on a pilgrimage journey. At this year’s Way of the Cross, we will continue the experience. This unique tradition is observed on the fifth Sunday in Lent.
I invite you to join me on Sunday, 6 April, to engage with other pilgrims and contemplate how we might be transformed into communities that radiate hope to the world around us as we walk the Way of the Cross.
When: Sunday 6 April, 3 pm (you are invited to gather from 2 pm)
Where: St Joseph's Catholic Church, Toronto (140 Wangi Road, Toronto NSW 2283)
What to bring:
- Walking shoes
- Hat
- Water bottle
- Insect repellent
After the pilgrimage, we will gather in the parish hall for afternoon tea.
The 2025 Newcastle and Hunter Combined Schools ANZAC Service
Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Civic Theatre Newcastle
I was most honoured to attend the Newcastle and Hunter Combined Schools ANZAC Service, bringing to life the experiences and contributions of Women in War. Stories were told about Nurse Marion Smith, who was of Aboriginal descent, during World War I; Gunner Valerie Blackett, a local from Stockton; and Nurse Vivian Bullwinkle, who both served in World War II.
There was also a focus on the Modern Defence Force, with Group Captain Wendy Horder (Royal Australian Air Force) from Aberdeen, Commodore Allison Norris (Royal Australian Navy), and Lieutenant General Susan Coyle (Australian Army).
The organising committee included students Zali Matzanke and Toby Kachur from St. Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton; Tyler Relf and Charlotte McGill from Trinity Catholic College, Adamstown; and Joshua Wolfson from the Aspire Program.
The Aspire Drama Ensemble included the following students.
Molly Drayton, St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead
Chloe Griffin, St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead
Ben He, St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton
Ivy Jones, Trinity Catholic College, Adamstown
Mia Kelly, Trinity Catholic College, Adamstown
Jackson O’Loughlin, St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm
Abbey Toshack, St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead
Mikayla Williams, St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton
Joshua Wolfson, Trinity Catholic College, Adamstown
ANZAC Day is a time for reflection, respect, and unity, and it was heartening to see our students come together to honour this significant occasion.
Your commitment to commemorating our history and paying tribute to our servicemen and women is truly appreciated.
Senior Leaders Retreat – Phase 3
Last week, 17 of our executive staff completed their final component of the Senior Leaders Retreat (We are Called and We are Challenged) on the peaceful grounds of St Joseph’s Spirituality and Education Centre in Kincumber. Over the past few days, the group had the pleasure of working with both Professor Br. David Hall (Dean of La Salle Academy, ACU) and RE&S, continuing to explore their roles as Catholic faith leaders. This 3-year program has seen this group journey together to examine the relevance of faith and the contested concept of the Catholic school as a faith community in postmodern, multicultural Australia. Their reflections and conversations demonstrated their unwavering dedication to Catholic education, as well as their commitment to making Jesus Christ known and loved by all members of their communities.
RE Scholarship Program 2025-2026
This year marks the introduction of a new initiative involving 24 staff members from our schools participating in the Religious Education Scholarship Program. This comprehensive two-year program, facilitated by BBI The Australian Institute of Theological Education (BBI-TAITE), will enable all participants to work towards a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education. The program is modelled on a cohort approach, with our staff journeying together in study and collaborative learning. Today marks the first face-to-face component of the program, during which participants will gather for two days. We wish them every success in their studies.
St James’ Primary School Muswellbrook and St Joseph’s College Aberdeen – School Visits.
I sincerely thank Aaron Moon, Veronica Rolfe, and their staff for their commitment to our students and the Muswellbrook and Aberdeen school communities. Your hard work, passion, and care shape not only the minds of our learners but also their character and future.
Our visit to St James underscored the school's commitment to its dual heritage, encouraging students and their families to incorporate the values and ideals of the charisms into their daily lives.
It was evident that the staff of St James work in partnership with their parents to recognise a shared vision and are focused on ongoing improvement. Students were confident in sharing their learning goals and gains and keenly showed off the new playground facilities, which include half-court basketball hoops.
Our visit to St Joseph’s Aberdeen was unique, showcasing the many and varied opportunities for the students in a rural setting. A highlight was the chance to speak to educators and students in VET and SBAT courses and see the agriculture setting in action, as students prepared cattle and alpacas for the Royal Easter Show.
Thank you for the vital role you play 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.
St James’ Primary School Muswellbrook
St Joseph’s College Aberdeen
As we approach the end of Term 1, I would like to take a moment to express my appreciation for your dedication, hard work, and commitment to the students in our schools. Your efforts have been instrumental in maintaining our standards of excellence and fostering a positive environment for our students.
I wish you all a happy holiday season and a joyful, peaceful Easter.
With my best wishes,
Jacqui
