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, 23^rd 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

31^st 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, 21^st 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