Message from Director of Schools
Dear Colleagues,
As we approach the end of the term, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for the many ways you have contributed to creating positive learning environments and supporting the learning and well-being of the students in your care.
Throughout the term, I’ve had the privilege of visiting many schools and have attended a range of celebrations and events. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the dedication of staff across our wide-ranging and diverse settings, as well as the powerful role of school leadership in shaping a positive and faith-filled culture.
Our schools are truly communities of living faith- places of care, compassion, and high expectations, where respectful behaviour, positive attitudes, and active engagement are clearly evident.
You have worked tirelessly, given generously of yourselves, and made a meaningful difference. You are most deserving of rest, renewal, and time to recharge. Enjoy the holiday break when it arrives!
World Scholar’s Cup Global Round in Christchurch
Congratulations to students Xavier Crosby from St Francis Xavier in Hamilton and Eddie Dowdell from Holy Family in Merewether Beach for representing the region at the World Scholar’s Cup Global Round in Christchurch, New Zealand, from 20–23 September.
The World Scholar’s Cup is an international academic program that celebrates learning and teamwork in a fun and inclusive manner.
It combines debate, writing, problem-solving, and collaborative challenges across various subjects, bringing students from around the world together to compete in Christchurch.
Best of luck to both students as they take on this exciting global challenge!
Socktober 2025
On Thursday, 18 September, our Catholic Schools joined Catholic Mission to celebrate the launch of Socktober at St Joseph's Church, East Maitland, with a liturgy presided over by the Most Reverend Bishop Michael.
Socktober unites our communities to bring light and much-needed support to those less fortunate. Our Catholic Schools are coming together to raise vital funds to support efforts to eradicate famine in Zambia.
Annual School Visit
St Joseph’s Primary School, Gloucester, and St Joseph’s Primary School, Wingham.
I sincerely thank Amy Maslen and Mel Hunt, along with their staff, for their dedication to our students and the rural communities of Gloucester and Wingham.
Faith in Action: A School Community Living the Gospel
The annual school visit to St Joseph’s Gloucester this week showcased a vibrant and faith-filled Catholic community deeply committed to nurturing the whole child—spiritually, academically, and personally. At the core of the school’s mission is a Christ-centred education where Gospel values are not only taught but also actively demonstrated in classrooms, playgrounds, and staff interactions. This commitment is beautifully reflected in the development of the school’s new Vision and Mission Statement: 'To Learn, Grow, and Wonder,' which captures the essence of their educational and spiritual journey.
A strong emphasis on literacy and writing was evident throughout the visit. Students engaged in exciting opportunities to develop their creative and expressive skills, including a collaborative project with Anna Kerrigan, Education Officer from ASPIRE (Drama and Creative Arts), on a production based on their book Fire in the Tops, co-authored with Sami Bayly. This work is set to be released and shared with the community in Term 4. The school also welcomed author Therese Lloyd, who captivated students with stories from her books Arki and the Land of Light and Arki and the Cursed Caves, further enriching their love of literature. Teachers are using targeted rubrics and strategies to support students in becoming skilled and confident writers.
Strong partnerships with families and the parish were clearly evident, reflecting a genuine commitment to collaboration, mutual respect, and shared responsibility in the education of each child. It was a joy to witness a school that so clearly lives its Catholic identity and strives for excellence in all aspects of learning and community life. We take this opportunity to thank Amy Maslen, Adam McCann, and all the staff for welcoming us into their beautiful school.
St Joseph’s Primary School Wingham
Sincere thanks to Mel Hunt, Adam Buchtman, Shae Lapi-ann and the dedicated staff of St Joseph’s Primary School, Wingham, for their warm hospitality during the Annual School Visit on Wednesday. Nestled along the banks of the Manning River, St Joseph’s continues to thrive as a vibrant and close-knit community. Despite the challenges brought on by recent floods, the school has shown remarkable resilience, maintaining its commitment to authentic, inclusive, and nurturing education for students from Kindergarten to Year 6. Staff and student well-being remain at the forefront of all its practices, ensuring a safe, supportive, and flourishing environment for learning and growth.
The review team was particularly impressed by the school’s strategic focus on learning. In Writing, students engage with clearly embedded Success Criteria and Learning Intentions, co-constructed with them to promote ownership and clarity. Peer feedback and student-led conferences with goal setting are embedded practices that empower learners. In Mathematics, the use of embedded strategies, data walls, and the Numeracy Progressions supports targeted growth. A case management approach, combined with a robust tracking and data analysis cycle, ensures programs are responsive and effective. Regular data celebration meetings further foster a culture of achievement and shared success.
St Joseph’s lives its motto, “Growth in Unity,” through strong relationships, inclusive practices, and a shared commitment to excellence. From classroom interactions to community engagement, the spirit of unity was evident throughout the visit. The school remains a place where students are known, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.
With my best wishes,
Jacqui
