A scripture passage from the book of Jeremiah and the question “What is the Spirit saying to you as a young person in our world today?” were the focus of the recent diocesan Year 12 gatherings with Bishop Brian Mascord. Over three days, Bishop Brian visited six Catholic secondary schools throughout the diocese, spending time in conversation with more than 1,000 Year 12 students. The days provided opportunities for students to share their hopes, challenges and ask questions. 

"This year’s NAIDOC theme 'Heal Country, Heal Our Nation' is significant for me as a Catholic Aboriginal woman, my spiritual connection to country is inherent to my identity. It is more than a place it connects me to my faith and culture calling for all of us to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction. God’s gift of creation for all...."

— Reflection on NAIDOC Week 2021 and this year's theme, 'Heal Country!' from Karan Taylor, CEDoW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

The agenda of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia calls those attending the Council assemblies to “develop concrete proposals to create a more missionary, Christ-centred Church in Australia”.

The Council agenda, which has emerged from three years and several layers of prayer, listening, dialogue and discernment, will shape the program of the Council’s assemblies – the first of which opens on October 3 this year.

Eight curious and dedicated Year 5 students from St Therese Catholic Primary School, West Wollongong have been awarded the title of Illawarra NSW Regional winners of the annual Da Vinci Decathlon competition.

The recent construction of a contemporary hospitality trade training kitchen and cafe at Corpus Christi Catholic High School in Oak Flats has the whole school community excited—especially the students.

More than one hundred students across Years 7 to 12 at John Therry Catholic College, Rosemeadow, had the opportunity to put their questions to federal politicians Hon Tanya Plibersek, Shadow Minister for Education and Women; Dr Mike Freelander, Federal Member for Macarthur; and Mr Chris Hayes, Federal Member for Fowler, at a Student Leadership forum recently hosted by the school.

This week Australians join together in celebration of Reconciliation Week. The theme for 2021, ‘More than a Word-Reconciliation Takes Action’ urges us to take up the challenge to make a difference. At St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra, six Aboriginal and 18 non-Aboriginal students across Years 11 and 12, have embodied the 2021 theme by enrolling in Stage 6 Aboriginal Studies subjects. 

Roxanne Lillis is feeling pretty proud of her efforts, and well she should. The gifted visual arts teacher from Mount Carmel Catholic College Varroville has just been announced as the inaugural winner of the Zart National Teacher-Artist Prize – the first art prize for art teachers in the world. 

A celebration to mark the bicentenary of Catholic education in Australia was held on Dharawal land this week, with students from 45 Catholic schools across the Diocese of Wollongong—from the Macarthur, Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands—gathering as one community of faith.

‘Never give up’ and ‘have the courage to follow your dreams’ were some of the inspirational messages students at St John’s Catholic Primary School, Dapto, heard during an impromptu visit from international award-winning author, Kirli Saunders. 

We are often reminded of the phrase, act local, think global. At Mt Carmel Catholic College Varroville this phrase is being put into action in a Christ-centred way that fosters a sense of community and nurtures a culture of service through initiatives that promote stewardship and care for our Common Home.

Celebrating difference, acceptance, and inclusivity of people are at the heart of Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School’s identity. These qualities were on display when the school celebrated World Autism Awareness Month with a special day themed ‘We All Fit Together’ on Friday 30 April. 

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Wollongong have experienced a 17% increase in students over the past decade, with 2021 enrolments representing an almost 2% increase over last year’s figures.

Find out why more and more local parents are choosing to send their children to our Catholic schools...

Thank you to everyone who responded to our 'Have Your Say' surveys at the end of Term 1. One winner was randomly selected for each of the three surveys. Winners were notified by email in Week 2, Term 2.

Seaside sand modelling, rainbow mufti dress and sharing different classrooms – these were some of the highlights of a World Autism Awareness Day celebration at Ss Peter and Paul Parish Primary School Kiama.