Catholic Schools Week – Annual Diocesan Education Mass – A special Event
April 8, 2013

More than 700 people gathered at the Co-Cathedral at St John Vianney’s, Fairy Meadow, for the Annual Diocesan Education Mass to celebrate Catholic Education in our Diocese. Bishop Peter Ingham celebrated the Mass and he was joined by 9 of his brother priests from across the Diocese.

Held during Catholic Schools Week, the theme of this year’s Mass was ‘Every Child Counts’ and in his homily, Bishop Peter spoke of the profound role of those who work in Catholic schools. He emphasised the importance of Catholic Education to benefit and develop young people to grow and live fulfilling, faith-filled lives.

Two new Principals, Tina Murray (St John’s Primary, Campbelltown) and Peter Dempsey (Nazareth Primary, Shellharbour City) were commissioned at the Mass with student leaders from their school standing by their side, as they pledged their commitment as the leaders of their Catholic school community. All new staff in the Diocese and beginning teachers were also formally welcomed and blessed by Bishop Peter.

In his address, Director of Schools Peter Turner, stated that 2013 would be a year of challenge, opportunity and growth. He stressed that those in attendance at the Mass were part of a practical expression of unity and support for Bishop Peter. The applause and affirmation for the Bishop was a very special moment during the celebration. 

A wonderful spirit was evident amongst the group and there were emotions of joy and pride during the Thanksgiving Reflection when many inspiring images of our kids and staff in our schools were displayed. The music and singing were a real highlight of the Mass.

In closing, Peter expressed his gratitude for the many people, particularly members of the CLARE team and a number of teachers, support staff, musicians and singers, for their efforts in organising the celebration. Fr Ron Peters, Principal John Walsh and the staff and parents of Good Samaritan Primary were warm and generous hosts.

Sincere thanks are extended to all who attended and participated in the celebration of this important annual gathering of our Diocesan Education community. Please view the photo gallery of this event...

Catholic Schools Week – No bullies at Stella Maris!
April 8, 2013

The first school in the Illawarra with no bullies! This was the challenge Senior Constable Ben Walsh presented to the Stella Maris Catholic Primary School community on 14 March 2013. Constable Walsh and Noel Henry, Head of School Service were invited to launch the anti-bullying plan and procedures that ‘won’t just sit on the shelf’ but, be a living document that the community can aspire to.

The children raised their hands to support this vision of the first school with no bullying behaviour. Principal Paul Brady explained how the plan and procedures will help students, parents and staff identify behaviours and actions to promote safe and happy children. The launch of the Plan was one of many activities held at Stella Maris during Catholic Schools Week.

Celebrations continued after the official launch with each class performing for parents, friends and official guests including Noel Henry, Head of School Service, Fr Geoff Allen, Gail Tarrant from the Catholic Education Office, P & F President Tracey Lockeridge and Vice-President Zann Kesby.  The big smiles from each student on stage showcased the fun and vibrancy in the school’s community. More...

Catholic Schools Week – Young Mary MacKillop proclaimed “Every Child Counts”
April 8, 2013

St John’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Dapto brought young Mary MacKillop to the school in the form of the Troubadour Theatre production “Young Mary”. This was a special celebration for the school in Catholic Schools Week. Students found the play, ‘funny and entertaining’, the actors involved students in the dramatisation of Mary’s early adventures and how Catholic Schools began in Australia.

It was a great insight into the early life of Australia and the challenges Mary experienced as part of the history of Catholic education and how different life is for students today. More...

Catholic Schools Week – Inspiring Excellence in Leading, Learning and Living the Faith
April 8, 2013

What makes a great vision? What makes a great school? St Michael’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Thirroul led by Principal Danny Sykes, worked together identifying the main areas of the school’s vision and just how they were going to ‘live out’ that vision with their Mission Statement.
 
To promote this Vision and Mission, the school launched their aspiration and outlined how they plan to promote it. This included the implementation of ‘The Leader In Me’ program to inspire students and staff to achieve excellence in leading, learning and living the faith.
 
Launched during Catholic Schools Week - technologically gifted students worked behind the scenes to showcase two short films “St Michael’s is a great school because....” and “Inspiring Excellence in Learning, Leading and Living the Faith”.  Other senior students successfully led the launch with the Principal, Assistant Principal and the Technology Coordinator. Fr Ken spoke of his support for the school and how the seven habits based on The Leader In Me program align beautifully with our Catholic faith and teachings.
 
The launch captured the imagination of students and clearly communicated the schools vision, using promotional packages designed for the present school community, prospective parents and future community school partners.
 
If the launch is anything to go by, the school already shows excellence in working together as a unified faith community! More...

Catholic Schools Week – Our Lady Help of Christians
April 5, 2013

Lady Help of Christians Catholic Parish Primary School, Rosemeadow celebrated Catholic schools week by opening their classrooms to family, a special school Mass and with a student talent showcase. More...

Catholic Schools Week – St Brigid’s host their 3rd Leadership Expo
April 5, 2013

On Thursday 14th March, St Brigid’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Gwynneville proudly held their 3rd Leadership Expo, showcasing the wonderful way they are ‘Developing Leaders of Faith, Justice and Learning’ in their school.

St Brigid’s is one of the many Australian schools that have embraced the The Leader In Me and 7 Habits leadership models.  These models support the staff of St Brigid’s in their aim to empower students to be the best they can be and do the best they can do, while developing essential life skills and leadership characteristics in students, so that they can thrive now and in the future.

The 120 visitors, including staff and students from other schools, other dioceses, the CEO and local businesses, were impressed by the way that the 7 Habits are not only integrated into the curriculum, but the traditions, systems and culture of St Brigid’s, Gwynneville. More...

Catholic Schools Week – Art Exhibition
April 5, 2013

St Joseph’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Bulli students had their creative talents on display in an art exhibition in the main school foyer. Artworks featured a focus on portraits with free and expressive ink and crayon drawings from Kindergarten, and bright oil pastels by Year 1, to very sophisticated representations in pastels and watercolours from Years 5 and 6.

Artwork from Year 3 and Year 4 reflected their learning about cultures with colourful kites and masks and Year 2 drew wonderful spiders on glistening webs. Year 1 also demonstrated their skills and creativity with their models of imaginary mini-beasts made from plasticine.

Catholic Schools Week – Cybersafety Workshops
April 5, 2013

On Monday, 11 March St Benedict’s Catholic College and St Justin’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Oran Park invited the Australian Communication Media Authority (ACMA) to speak to students, teachers and parents.  The events were hosted in St Justin’s new, state-of-the-art resource centre.

Mrs Naddezna Wilkins from ACMA engaged in discussion about broad ranging cybersafety issues with students in Years 3 - 6 from St Justin’s and Years 7 and 9 from St Benedict’s. She also made teachers aware of some of the newest internet trends and their implications. Finally, Mrs Wilkins led a thought provoking forum for parents regarding cybersafety and what parents could do to provide a safer online environment for their children. The event was a good beginning for Catholic Schools Week festivities in both schools.

Catholic Schools Week – Sharing Indigenous Culture
April 4, 2013

Holy Spirit College Bellambi, hosted their  ‘Sharing Indigenous Culture’ day for the second year.

Indigenous and non-Indigenous students from local Catholic primary schools were invited to join the Indigenous students at Holy Spirit College. They were treated to a Bush Tucker morning tea, and a day full of informative fun.

Sessions on the day included, a presentation from the Australian War Memorial about Indigenous soldiers in the war; Cultural Awareness by Kellie Evans and Painting with Uncle Kev Butler.

Catholic Schools Week – Holy Cross School Fete Fun
April 4, 2013

Lots of fun and happy faces at Holy Cross Catholic Parish Primary School Helensburgh School Fete on the 16 March. Holy Cross held it as their major Catholic Schools Week event this year. Slides, games, music, face painting plus more made for a great day! Please view the photo gallery of this event...

Reading Recovery Teachers Graduate
April 4, 2013

The graduation of six teachers as Reading Recovery Tutors took place at the Catholic Education Office in Wollongong at a special ceremony at the end of 2012. Principals and teachers were joined by staff from the Catholic Education Office including Peter Turner (Director of Schools), Anne- Maree Creenaune (Team Leader Curriculum & Pedagogy Team) and Ken Bryant, then school principal, who presented the certificates. 2013 is a special year as it represents the 20th anniversary of Reading Recovery in the Diocese of Wollongong. In the course, teachers teach fortnightly; observe and critique their own teaching and discuss the implications under the theory and procedures of Reading Recovery with the view of improvement or asking ‘where next?’ in their teaching. Training RR teachers who were awarded a “Course Completion Certificate” for the first year of their two-year training course:

Brett Murphy, St John the Evangelist Catholic Parish Primary School, Campbelltown
Katie Moon, St Justin’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Oran Park
Tanya Ernst, St Columbkille’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Corrimal
Marion Bull, St Anthony’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Picton
Diane Cunningham, St Clare’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Narellan Vale
Victoria Travers, Holy Family Catholic Parish Primary School, Ingleburn

Congratulations to these teachers for their participation in co-operative professional learning in Reading Recovery over a full year, obtaining a qualification that is recognised worldwide and being a significant part of the learning support culture in their schools. A special thank you to Catheryn Sale for her guidance and leadership of the Reading Recovery program. Please view the photo gallery of this event...

Update: Principal and Teacher Enterprise Agreements – Voting Process
March 27, 2013

Principals (Country and Regional Dioceses) Enterprise Agreement 2013 and Teachers (Country and Regional Dioceses) Enterprise Agreement 2013

The CEO and the Independent Education Union have developed proposed new enterprise agreements for teachers and principals. Those agreements will be subject to a vote of teachers and principals in the period between 5 and 15 April 2013. Information regarding those agreements and the voting process may be accessed at this link www.ccer.catholic.org.au/SchoolsFairWorkInfo/.

If you have taught casually since the start of 2013, you are eligible to vote on the proposed new agreement for teachers. Information about how to vote will be sent to you via e-mail on 5 April, or via post on 5 April or shortly thereafter. If you do not receive that information, and are eligible to vote, please contact Bill Jardine at the CEO Wollongong on 4253 0835.

Passion For God: Compassion For the Other
March 25, 2013

Passion For God: Compassion For the Other was the engaging theme for the REC and Liturgy Coordinators Retreat held recently at The Hermitage, Mittagong. The two day experience facilitated by Andrea Dean, Christine Carlton and the CLARE Team was an enriching time for nurturing spiritual formation and for exploring faith leadership in Catholic schools

It invited all participants to consider the challenge of the ‘Year of Faith’ to be active witnesses of what we believe and the implications of bringing this to birth within a 21st century spirituality. The retreat opened up a time to reflect on the foundation of our Christian faith which is ‘the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction’. Through a variety of creative processes and prayerful opportunities we were able to deepen our reflection on our own encounter with the Risen Christ which gives shape to our identity and calls us to participate with passion and compassion in God’s mission.

A highlight of the Retreat was the Celebration of the Eucharist with Bishop Peter Ingham. Please view the photo gallery of this event...

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