Director of Schools | Director's News

CEDoW's Lighting the Way Faith and Learning Recognition Awards

Posted 24 November 2022 by Catholic Education

The Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) Lighting the Way Faith and Learning Recognition Awards acknowledge the outstanding efforts of individual staff in schools and the Catholic Education Office who, in the course of their work, have been exemplary in one or more particular areas of educational endeavour.

Proudly supported by the Catholic Development Fund, the awards promote the value of professional and personal accomplishment in the ministry of Catholic education, celebrating excellence, passion, dedication of service, a love of work, and a commitment made to young people. 

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A message to teachers on World Teachers' Day

Posted 28 October 2022 by Catholic Education

Today, we celebrate World Teachers’ Day across Australia. A day to reflect, recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution of the teachers who bring our mission to life in Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong schools.

You make a positive and meaningful difference every day—educating, supporting and inspiring the children and young people in your classrooms, on sports fields, and everywhere you offer the great gift that is learning. Thank you for the important role you play in our schools and in our communities.

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CEDoW hosts CSNSW Board and NSW Directors

Posted 19 August 2022 by Catholic Education

This week, Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) was privileged to welcome representatives from the Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) Board, as well as the directors of NSW diocesan education systems, to our diocese.

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A Note of Hope, written to our Year 12 students

Posted 8 November 2021 by Catholic Education

For the past two years, you've been dealing with all the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and as you approach your final weeks of school you can look back at a time that no other Year 12 has ever experienced or had to navigate.

You’ve dealt with disruption, uncertainty, and anxiety and as a result of this event, you will be more resilient in the face of adversity. In these final weeks of school remember to breathe. Take one day at a time and focus on one thing at a time and don’t get too far ahead of yourself. Take your time to enjoy these final weeks of school life and enjoy the journey rather than focusing on the destination.

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World Teachers’ Day

Posted 27 October 2021 by Catholic Education

World Teachers’ Day, celebrated in NSW on 29 October 2021, is an opportunity to recognise all of the dedicated teachers and staff who serve the schools of our diocese. 

This year’s celebration coincides with the commemoration of 200 years of Catholic education in Australia. The themes for both events (‘Faith in the Future’ and #BrightFuture) inspire us to look beyond the here and now to the months and years ahead. From my perspective, it is easy to do this with great confidence because of you. 

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Life to the Full: A letter from Bishop Brian Mascord and Peter Hill

Posted 31 March 2021 by Catholic Education

The mission of Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong is to create vibrant Catholic school communities where every student finds meaning and purpose in life through continual growth in faith and improvement in learning. This purpose can only be achieved when students feel safe, supported and valued for who they are...

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Retired CEDoW Director of Schools, Peter Turner, honoured at farewell celebrations

Posted 11 February 2020 by Catholic Education

According to Chinese philosopher Confucius, 'if you’re lucky enough to find a job that you love, you will never work a day in your life'. This belief was shared by Mr Peter Turner, recently-retired CEDoW Director of Schools, who, at a recent event celebrating and honouring his lifetime commitment to Catholic education, gave thanks that he, indeed, had chosen work that he loved.

View our photo gallery and read more about how the CEDoW community acknowledged Mr Turner’s retirement with a Mass of Thanksgiving and a Farewell Dinner.

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Shining a Light on Leaders in Education

Posted 26 November 2019 by Catholic Education

For the past two years, Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong’s annual Lighting the Way Faith and Learning Recognition Awards have celebrated excellence, passion, dedication and commitment. This year’s event – which took place at the Campbelltown Catholic Club – was no exception.

As guests arrived at the venue, it was filled with conversation and laughter - amongst a group of the most outstanding leaders working in the Diocese of Wollongong.

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RFS Fire Advisory Warning – Catastrophic Fire Conditions

Posted 11 November 2019 by Catholic Education

Please be advised that the NSW Rural Fire Service State Operations Command has issued a Total Fire Ban Order for the entire State of New South Wales, from 00:01hrs Monday 11 November 2019 to 23:59hrs Wednesday 13 November 2019.

One of those precautionary measures, based on that advice means that the Director of Schools, in collaboration with the principals, has decided to officially close eight of our schools for tomorrow, Tuesday 12 November. Please see inside for more information.

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Position Vacant – Director of Schools, Diocese of Wollongong

Posted 27 August 2019 by Catholic Diocese of Wollongong

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong, Most Reverend Brian Mascord, is seeking to appoint a Director of Schools following the announcement that Mr Peter Turner will retire at the end of 2019. To commence January 2020.

Details to apply inside.

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Announcement from Bishop Brian Mascord: Retirement of CEDoW Director of Schools, Peter Turner

Posted 7 August 2019 by Catholic Education

"Dear Friends,

"I write to convey to you, the news that Mr Peter Turner has advised me of his intention to retire from his position as the Director of Schools at the end of 2019...."

Read more from Bishop Brian inside. 

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Art from the Heart: Director's Art Gallery 2019

Posted 28 June 2019 by Catholic Education

Kiwi fruit, pop art and landscapes – there was something for everyone on the walls of the Catholic Education Office, Marian Centre when the ground floor was transformed into an exhibition space, unveiling the annual Director’s Art Gallery Ceremony.

This year, the exhibition includes 19 students from four secondary schools and one K-12 school who have secured coveted positions in the showcase – with no shortage of talent.

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Thank you - Show the Love for Townsville

Posted 2 May 2019 by Catholic Education

I’m writing to express my gratitude for the prayers and support provided for the Townsville Catholic Education Office community, following the recent devastating floods.

The financial support for the ‘Show the Love for Townsville’ initiative, inspired by Brisbane Catholic Education, has been greatly appreciated. Over $4,000 has been raised in our coordinated efforts, with $2,000 of this donated at the Diocesan Education Mass.

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NAPLAN High Learning Gain Success for CEDoW Schools

Posted 11 April 2019 by Catholic Education

Contemporary resources, teacher professional learning and knowing every student personally. These are some of the elements which are helping Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) schools to excel – and their progress is earning them top outcomes.

This week, the nation’s NAPLAN test results were released with three Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong schools recognised as some of the state’s most improved performers - St Brigid’s, Gwynneville; St Clare’s, Narellan Vale and St Michael’s, Mittagong. These schools were identified to have shown 'substantially above average gain' in reading and/or numeracy achievement.

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"The future has a name, and that name is HOPE": hundreds of CEDoW staff gather to celebrate Diocesan Education Mass

Posted 9 March 2019 by Catholic Education

'The future has a name - and that name is HOPE.'

In the midst of Catholic Schools Week, the 2019 Diocesan Education Mass was a special and moving celebration for our CEDoW education community. It saw over 800 Catholic educators from all corners of our growing Diocese come together at St John Vianney Co-Cathedral in Fairy Meadow in a strong statement of unity and spirit, and celebrate not just who we are, but what we believe in. 

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Show the love for Townsville

Posted 4 March 2019 by Catholic Education

Students, families and staff from Catholic school communities in and around Townsville have been devastated by the worst floods ever recorded in the region. This comes on top of the devastating drought conditions which have severely impacted these communities.

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Winners announced for Lighting the Way Faith and Learning Recognition Awards 2018

Posted 19 November 2018 by Catholic Education

As guests filed into the Grand Ballroom of the Novotel in Wollongong, the passion and dedication of the attendees was clearly evident - a group of the most outstanding and innovative staff working in the Diocese.

The winners of this year’s Lighting the Way Faith and Learning Recognition Awards were revealed at a formal dinner on Friday 16 November, acknowledging achievement and significant career milestones of dedicated individuals.

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Engaging Authentic Student Voice: CEDoW Director’s Student Advisory Council

Posted 6 November 2018 by Catholic Education

The opening meeting of the Director’s Student Advisory Council was held at Studio5 located within the Emmaus Catholic Education Centre in Macarthur. It was the first meeting of a newly formed council which aims to offer insight and guidance to CEDoW and School Leadership Teams.

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Response to the National Apology to the Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse

Posted 22 October 2018 by Catholic Education

A joint statement from CEDoW Director of Schools, Peter Turner, and the Executive of the Catholic Principals’ Association of the Diocese of Wollongong, in response to today's National Apology to the Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse.

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End of Term Message

Posted 27 September 2018 by Peter Turner

As we come to the end of a busy, and for some schools, exceptionally challenging Term, I take this opportunity to thank each of you for your work, and to wish you a safe and enjoyable break.

This week has witnessed the graduation of our Year 12 students across the Diocese.

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Director’s NAIDOC Week message

Posted 2 July 2018 by Peter Turner

NAIDOC Week is an important time in our Catholic schools, where we celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - and in particular this year, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

WATCH the Director’s NAIDOC Week video message and a video from students across the Diocese who pay tribute to the incredible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in our CEDoW community, inspired by this year's NAIDOC theme: Because of her, we can!

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Director's Art Gallery

Posted 28 June 2018 by Catholic Education

Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong is proud to launch the Director’s Art Gallery 2018, showcasing a selection of exceptional artworks produced by secondary students from Years 8 to 12.

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Year 12 students speak of the life-changing opportunity of Catholic education

Posted 21 June 2018 by Catholic Education

Our Year 12 Gatherings with the Bishop were an opportunity for thousands of our Year 12 students across the Diocese of Wollongong to join together as one community and share their experiences, thoughts and ideas with each other and the newly-ordained Bishop Brian Mascord.

Several students spoke eloquently about the life-changing opportunity of Catholic education in the Diocese of Wollongong. Their offerings were insightful, heartfelt and a testament to the many special gifts and great benefits that a Catholic education has given them and their peers - in learning, faith and beyond.

Some highlights of these wonderful testimonies can be watched and read here.

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Happy School Support Staff Day!

Posted 13 June 2018 by Peter Turner

Today, 13 June 2018 is School Support Staff Day.

Along with our Bishop, I join with you in acknowledging the significant contributions of school support staff, each and every day across all our school communities.

If you can, please take time to thank them personally for their commitment and dedication in making our diocesan Catholic schools great, for every student, so that they can learn, grow and achieve in a safe and supportive environment.

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A 2018 Easter Message from the Director

Posted 28 March 2018 by Peter Turner

In this holy season of Easter, I convey my very best wishes to all involved in Catholic education right across our Diocese. I gratefully acknowledge the outstanding work you do in the service of our young people and our Catholic schools.

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“Be not afraid!”: 2018 Diocesan Education Mass

Posted 9 March 2018 by Catholic Education

Director of Schools, Peter Turner, has called on teachers and staff across the Diocese of Wollongong to “be not afraid” at the annual Diocesan Education Mass.

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Director's Art Gallery

Posted 15 June 2017 by Catholic Education

Last week at the Marian Centre Wollongong, we had the pleasure of hosting fourteen talented artists from four primary schools around the Diocese.

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HAPPY WORLD SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF DAY!

Posted 13 June 2017 by Catholic Education

Tomorrow, the 14th June 2017 is World School Support Staff Day. Along with our Bishop, I join with you in celebrating the significant contributions of school support staff, each and every day in our school communities.

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Introducing ... the Lighting the Way Faith and Learning Awards

Posted 9 June 2017 by Catholic Education

We are pleased to present a fresh and meaningful approach to the way the outstanding achievements and career milestones of our committed and dedicated staff, in schools and in the Catholic Education Office, are celebrated.

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Welcome to the New School Year

Posted 9 February 2017 by Peter Turner

With the new school year now underway, I write to wish each of you the very best for a rewarding 2017.

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Christmas Message to Staff

Posted 22 December 2016 by Peter Turner

As we bring the 2016 year to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for the myriad of outstanding things that have happened in our schools throughout the year.

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