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