Past News Items (2004)

Reading Recovery Graduation 2004

The Wollongong Diocese Reading Recovery Graduation was held at the end of 2004. View the photo gallery of this event.


St Paul's, Albion Park

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Vicki Attenborough newly appointed Principal being welcomed to the school by Father Peter Tien at St Pauls Catholic Primary School, Albion Park.


New School Named

The Most Rev Peter Ingham, Bishop of Wollongong has welcomed the approval of the Development Application for a new High School at Oak Flats by Shellharbour City Council. After consultation with his Council of Priests and the Diocesan Schools Council, the Bishop has announced that the name of the new Catholic High School planned to open in 2006 will be Corpus Christi Catholic High School.

Bishop Ingham explained the school's name is a time-honoured Latin expression which literally means 'the Body of Christ'. It takes us back to the Lord Jesus promising to nourish his followers with his body to be given in sacrifice for the salvation of the world (Jn 6:25-59) and to the Last Supper, when the Lord said over the bread and the cup of wine, "This is my body, this is my blood, do this in memory of me." (cf 1 Cor 11:23-25).

Pope John Paul II said in 2003, "The Eucharist (the body of Christ) is the most precious possession the Church can have in her journey through history."

On this year's celebration of Corpus Christi (10 June), the Pope announced that a special Year of the Eucharist would commence with the International Eucharistic Congress in Mexico in October 2004 and conclude with the Synod of Bishops in October 2005 on 'The Eucharist: source and summit of the life and mission of the Church'.

Corpus Christi Catholic High School's first stage building program will appropriately coincide with the Year of the Eucharist.

There is also a local connection across this area with pelicans. The pelican has been used in Christian art from the late Middle Ages, in the Renaissance and in the baroque period as a symbol of the Eucharist, the Body of Christ. The pelican is found particularly in baroque art as an ornament on altars, on sacred vessels, on tabernacle doors and on priestly vestments.

Foundation Principal Announced

The Director of Schools for the Diocese of Wollongong, Gregory B Whitby has announced the name of the foundation principal of the newly approved High School at Oak Flats, Corpus Christi Catholic High School. The principal will be Ms Jenny Allen (pictured).

Ms Allen comes to Wollongong from the Diocese of Broken Bay where she was for five years the successful principal of Mercy College, Chatswood. Prior to that appointment Ms Allen was for six years, the Foundation Assistant Principal of Aquinas College at Menai.

"I welcome Jenny to her new and challenging position. The establishment of Corpus Christi Catholic High school at Oak Flats will be an opportunity to provide the best modern learning we can to our latest secondary students," Mr Whitby said.


Reading Recovery Graduation 2004

The Reading Recovery Planning Group - Ken Bryant and Cheryle Brennan (principal representatives), Alison Lane (Support Teacher representative), Elise Moore and Amanda Jolley (teacher representatives) organised the 2004 Reading Recovery teacher graduation, with the Tutor (Catheryn Sale).

Michael King (Head of Education Services) presented the course completion certificates to: Noni Jaffrey, Catherine Zammit, Catherine Everton, Joanne Ilias, Trish Coffey, Jane Spouszka, Claudia Maganja, Donna Small and Anna Arthur Worsop.

Please view our photo gallery of the Event.


Year 6 Science Fair
St Peter and Paul Primary School Kiama

The Year 6 children at Ss. Peter and Paul School, Kiama recently held their Science Fair and presented it to the school and parent community. The students formed groups to research and present a science project on a particular scientific area of interest.

They researched background information during Integrated Learning sessions and from their research they formulated a hypothesis and then designed an experiment to test their hypothesis. A Science Booth was then designed by the group so their experiment and research could be displayed in an interesting and informative way. The Science Fair was a great success and the school and parent community were very impressed with the knowledge the children had gained from their research as well as the confidence they displayed when presenting their results.

The Year 6 students all agreed that the Science Fair has helped them to understand Science and Technology and have heaps of fun along the way.


Resource Centre Blessing & Naming
Fr Leo Stevens

Over fifty invited guests recently joined in a ceremony to dedicate the Religious Education Resource Centre at Bellambi in honour of the late Father Leo Stevens. Fr Stevens who was instrumental in the original establishment of the Centre was the Director of Catholic Education, Diocese of Wollongong 1970-1975 and the Director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine from 1975-1995.

Members of Fr Stevens family and friends as well as previous workers at the Centre including Sister Phyllis McCann and Sister Leonie McGuire, joined with Bishop Peter Ingham in the liturgy which acknowledged Fr Stevenís contribution to the provision of Religious Education Resources to teachers and Catechists over many years.

The Centre now supports the Religious Education ministry in parishes, schools and other faith formation ministries within the Diocese.

Please view our photo gallery of the Event.


Wollongong Diocese 8th Annual CDF Sports Awards Evening

Thursday 18 November, 2004

The Diocesan Sports awards was held to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our primary and secondary students and teachers. The evening featured special guest speaker Brendan Joyce from the Illawarra Hawks. The Sports Council were once again pleased to announce the Catholic Development Fund as the major sponsors.

Photo Galleries of the night are available here; Teams Awards, Primary Medallions, Secondary Medallions, Ched Towns Awards, Primary Reds, Secondary Blues, Most Outstanding, Vince Villa Awards and the Dance Performers. Schools can contact John Sparks to request any original photo images.


Class Act Performing Arts 2004

Photographs of the Wollongong Diocese Class Act 2004 Performing Arts spectacular are available for viewing on this site.  Schools are welcome to use these images or can email David Emery (noting the photo image name) for the original photos for use with magazines and end of year presentations.


Meeting of Assistant Principals

Assistant Principals from both Clusters gathered at Campbelltown Catholic Club on 11 November. The Agenda included:

  • Discussion of the Assistant Principals Professional Development Planning and Review. This was led by Anthony Kenna, St Michael’s Nowra and Paul Moroney St Paul’s Moss Vale
  • Annual School Report update, Kay Blundell, Education Officer
  • Education Services Update. Michael King. Head of Education Services
  • Employee Services Update. Jane Comensoli. Head of Employee Services
  • New South Wales Institute of Teachers. Geoff Hicks, Professional Officer
  • Feedback of Religious Education Curriculum. Mark Raue Head of Religious Education Services
  • Discussion of possible agendas for meetings in 2005
  • Sharing of School Renewal Plans.

John Tubridy Head of Cluster led the Assistant Principals in a Remembrance Day Ceremony.

Bev Meddows Assistant Principal of Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School Kiama was thanked and congratulated by John Tubridy for her many years of outstanding service to schools in the Diocese. Bev retires at the end of the school year.

Andrew Heffernan was congratulated on his appointment as Assistant Principal of Stella Maris Catholic Primary School Shellharbour from 2005.


St Johns Dapto Learning and Teaching Communities Project

As a result of the 2004 St Johns Learning and Teaching Communities Project, Stage 3 teachers and students have been supporting each other by reflecting on their learning, and in doing so, developing fresh perspectives on existing knowledge and pedagogy.

The development of a framework for professional development has provided Stage 3 staff with opportunities to further develop their skills in ICLT. This knowledge is being utilised for web-based learning and multimedia presentations.

A website has been developed to document the project’s development.


Public Speaking Competition

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The Catholic Development Fund Diocesan Public Speaking Final was held at St Pius X Catholic Primary School, Unanderra on Friday 29 October 2004.

Primary schools in the Diocese nominated students from Years Five and Six in the regional competitions. From this, six students from Year Five and six students from Year Six were selected to compete in the Finals.

The adjudicators congratulated the students on the excellent standard of public speaking. Mr John Tubridy, Head of Cluster Services presented the awards and complimented all students on their presentation of informative and entertaining speeches.

Listed below are the winners.

Year 5
1. Annie Farrugia - Stella Maris, Shellharbour
2. Stephanie Gleeson - St Paul's, Camden
3. Sarah Goodwin - St Paul's, Albion Park

Year 6
1. Sarah Liddle - St Paul's, Albion Park
2. Samantha Masterson - St Peter & Paul's, Kiama
3. Alison Galea - St Paul's, Camden

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Differentiation: Road Maps for Learning

“Differentiation: Road Maps for Learning” professional development course recently held, examined the importance of recognising the different needs of the students in a class and the various ways of catering for the different learning styles. The 2 day course was developed by Cynthia McCammon, Leanne Woodley and Belinda Hughes and was attended by both primary and secondary teachers from across the diocese.

Over the two days teachers looked at current research in this area and the various ways this could be applied in the classroom. One of the many strategies explored was a Blooms/Multiple Intelligence Matrix, which the participants were then asked to develop for their own class.

Examples of completed matrixes that you may wish to use are available below. these are in MS Word format. Thank you to the participants for their effort and time that went into preparing the matrixes.

Blooms MI Matrix
Blooms MI Matrix - Stage 1
Blooms MI Matrix - Year 1
Blooms MI Matrix - Year 3
Blooms MI Matrix - Year 6
Blooms MI Matrix - Year 7 Maths
Blooms MI Matrix - Year 9 Science


Wollongong Diocese 8th Annual Sports Awards Evening

Thursday 18 November, 2004.

The 8th Annual Diocesan Sports Awards will be held to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our primary and secondary students and teachers. The evening will involve special guest speakers and the Sports Council are pleased to announce the Catholic Development Fund as the major sponsor.

We are looking forward to another great night More details are available on our Sports Awards page.


Catholic Schools Celebrate Staff Achievements

Bishop Peter Ingham made presentation of certificates to forty nine recipients in the Annual Catholic CDF Excellence in Schooling Awards recently held on Thursday September 23 in Wollongong. Sponsored by the Catholic Development Fund the top recipients were presented with accounts to the value of $1,000.

Celebrating and recognising the work and dedication of staff in the areas of Leadership, Pastoral Care, Teaching and School Support the awards are new in their fourth year.  Relieving Director of Schools, Mark Raue in praising the recipients gave recognition to the inspiration behind their establishment in the energy of Director of Schools, Gregory B Whitby.

Over 140 guests including local Federal members of Parliament Jenny George and Michael Organ attended the presentations. Sharon Bird represented the Leader of the Opposition Mark Latham. Another highlight of the Awards was the music and songs which featured talented Year 6 St Pius X, Unanderra, student Emma Rodgers.

Key Recipients for 2004 included:

Please view our photo gallery of the Event.


St Brigid's and St Francis Xavier I.T. Expo Sharing Night

PhotoThe staff and students were very excited about our ICLT Expo held last Wednesday evening, 15th September at the Illawarra Steelers Club Auditorium. The night was organised to showcase the learning that was achieved across all curriculum areas, as a direct result of the Learning and Teaching Communities Project undertaken by St Francis Xavier’s and St Brigid’s Primary Schools.

The night was an excellent opportunity for the students to demonstrate the many successes they have achieved throughout the year with the help of Information Communication Learning Technology, their peers, and their teachers. Our staffs have embraced changes in educational frameworks and should be commended for their innovative attempts to make education meaningful and motivating for the children in their classes.

For those who attended, I’m sure it was very obvious the amount of work needed to prepare for the night. Our entire staff worked together to learn, plan, prepare and organise the evening. We also had a team of people on Wednesday who set up the venue and displays and I thank all for their team work and efforts. Mr Brendan Dickinson did a fantastic job coordinating the Expo and was supported with a great deal of assistance by Mr Jeff DeBattista and Ms Nicole Carey-Barr. Their enthusiasm was inspirational for the children. Well done to all the children who presented on the night. They all did a great job in front of such a large audience.

Bishop Peter Ingham, Mr John Tubridy (South East Cluster Head) and CEO staff attended, along with over 200 parents and friends from both school. They were very excited at the results of the program and the work of both staff and students. Mr Greg Whitby the Director of Schools for the Wollongong Diocese, who was unable to attend, received very positive feedback and phoned through his congratulations to the staff and students on a great night. A fax sent through from one of our families summarise the comments we received from so many families.


Opening of St Columbkille’s Parish School Garden

corrimalThe Opening of St Columbkille’s Corrimal Parish School Garden Celebrated our unique Australian environment and our Aboriginal heritage.

With the first signs of Spring in the air the staff, students, parents and friends of St Columbkille’s parish school gathered to officially open their Australian native garden. With the financial assistance of a Franciscan Earthcare grant the garden was designed and developed for its beauty, as a place of refuge for local wildlife and as gathering place for the school community. Recognition was given to the local Dharawal people on whose country the school had been built, the awesome escarpment that is the backdrop to the area surrounding the school and to those saints in the Catholic church such as “St Francis of Assisi” and “St Fiacre the gardener” whose lives heighten our awareness and relationship with our unique Australian environment.

Please view our photo gallery.


WAL Annual Dinner

The Women and Leadership Annual Dinner was held at Villa d’Oro on 18 August 2004. Our speaker was Bernadette Wood, Manager of the Illawarra Area Health Mental Unit based at Shellharbour Hospital. Bernadette stepped in at the last minute, as the advertised speaker Fay Jackson (Consumer Advocate for Illawarra Mental Health) had suddenly taken very ill. Bernadette spoke about child and adolescent mental health and the impact on students and families in our schools.

Please view our photo gallery.


Focus on Mathematics

As part of the commitment in assisting schools in the implementation of the new K-6 Mathematics Syllabus, several workshops have been held in five regional areas across the Diocese. Strands that have been covered include Addition and Subtraction, Multiplication and Division and Data. These sessions have been well attended by all staff and Principals.

The sessions have provided opportunities for collegial interaction and professional dialogue. Each session has incorporated hands-on activities grounded in theory. It is intended that Patterns and Algebra will be the focus of the Term 4 workshops.

More news and information is available here.


Oak Flats High School Community Consults

The second evening of community consultation for the new Catholic high school at Oak Flats took place on Monday 26 July. The meeting was held at Nazareth Catholic Primary School, Shellharbour City. The topic of pastoral care was discussed and many suggestions were raised by the group of over 20 parents. Speakers for the night were Mr Michael King, Head of Education Services, and Ms Kerrie Hayes-Williams, Education Officer for Pastoral Care, from the Catholic Education Office. The group were also addressed by Mr Mark Raue, Relieving Director of Schools.

The next consultation evening will be held on Monday 30 August at 7.00pm at Nazareth  Catholic Primary  School where the topic will be the administration and organization of the school.

More news and information is available here.


Certificate of Special Education - Autism Spectrum Disorder

Spec EdTwenty-five graduands, representing fourteen Diocesan Primary schools and the Catholic Education Office, graduated on the 23rd June with a Certificate of Special Education - Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The course was developed through a partnership with the University of Wollongong to provide professional development for teachers who are teaching a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Throughout the four days of the course, participants had the opportunity to learn from a diverse range of speakers who brought with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of Autism.

Congratulations to all the participants on achieving this qualification.

Please view our photo gallery...


Field of Hearts

The Field of Hearts is a visual installation project launched in the ACT on UN World Refugee Day, June 20th 2003. Andrew Hall of Public Servants for Refugees proposed the idea for “Field of Hearts” to be held in Canberra on June 4, 2004. It would be a similar idea to the successful 'Sea of Hands' concept in support of Aboriginal Native Title and Reconciliation. Andrew envisaged that the Field of Hearts could provide a vehicle for people to symbolically express their support for the human rights of refugees and asylum seekers and to oppose our government’s heartless treatment of them. The idea was for multi-coloured hearts to be decorated, signed and prepared with refugee rights, slogans and images which would culminate in a visual installation project, the Field of Hearts.

Catholic schools within the diocese of Wollongong were invited to make hearts for the Canberra installation. In total approximately 5,000 were made.

For further information on the liturgies held in schools, the event in Canberra and the photo gallery are available here.


A Journey Through Space & Time – Year 6 Ss Peter & Paul School Kiama

SpaceOn Monday 7th June, Year 6 children from Ss Peter & Paul School Kiama were involved in an innovative and exciting educational experience. After attending school all day the children returned to the classroom at 6pm to continue learning about Astronomy and Space. The out of school activities were part of an integrated learning program called 'A Journey through Space and Time'. The unit of work incorporated all key learning areas and was developed by Associate Professor David McKinnon from Charles Sturt University.

On Monday night the children were involved in a variety of activities as they discovered the vastness of our universe. They used their classroom computer to take control of the CSU Remote telescope in Bathurst. They were about to tell the telescope where to point in the night sky above Bathurst and then view the objects they had researched (stars, planets, Messier Objects). The children navigated the telescope through their computer and once their object was located they used the telescope’s electronic camera to photographed it and downloaded the image to their computer. The children processed the images and printed them to produce a photograph of the object they viewed through the telescope. 'I couldn't believe that we were actually controlling the telescope in Bathurst and we were in Kiama' said Brendon.

Read more details and view the photo gallery...


Indigenous Education News

Congratulations to Jenni Tillet, Aboriginal Education Assistant at St John the Evangelist, Nowra. Jenni was sponsored by the Diocese of Wollongong to complete a Diploma in Education (Aboriginal Studies) at the University of Sydney. She recently graduated and is now completing a Bachelor of Education (secondary).

The Wollongong Catholic Education Office acknowledges the commitment this has taken and Jenni’s contribution to the education of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in her school.

We also appreciate her ongoing work with the Diocesan Aboriginal Education Planning Group on behalf of teachers and students across the Diocese.

Jenni is pictured here with Linda Burney, member of Parliament for Canterbury.


Certificate of Religious Education 2004

Teachers from across the Diocese were presented with a certificate for their successful completion of the Certificate of Religious Education Course (NSW) at a ceremony held recently at the Catholic Education Office. The presentation of certificates took place during a Liturgy of the Word and was attended by principals from the Catholic schools in the diocese. Bishop Peter Ingham addressed the graduates and presented their certificates and Greg Whitby, Director of Catholic schools congratulated the teachers on their achievement and thanked them for their commitment to Catholic education.

View more details and photo gallery...

Twenty three teachers successfully completed the course this year and thirteen of those were able to attend the ceremony. Those who completed the course were:

Natalie Amadio

Susanna Harris

Danielle Campbell

Jane Littrich

Clare Cerniauskas

Stephen Lo Cascio

Lisa Costabile

Melissa Murphy

Rita Cremona

Christrine Nunes

Maria Disibio

Don Perna

Franciene Doherty

Mia Pudya

Jolene Elliott

Kate Runko

Celia Elphick

Sharon Smithers

Lisa Giles

Monika Trauth

Vanessa Hanns

Julieann Trotter

Claire Hargreaves

 


Journey 2004

Journey photo‘Listen with the ear of your heart’ – St Benedict
This was the mantra as seventeen enthusiastic companions walked with each other on the recent Journey Experience at Kerever Park, Burradoo. And listen with their hearts they did as they explored the changing shape of God in their lives.

Through the capable facilitation of Anna Warlow sgs and her Team (Margaret Ann Kelly sgs, Veronica Griffith sgs, Beth Riolo and Pat O’Gorman) the Journey Companions enjoyed a time of stillness and connectedness, a time of reflection and challenge, a time of contemplation and action as they were led along a sacred path to that deepest part of themselves where God dwells.

The ancient symbol of the ‘Mandorla’ was used as a creative way of exploring at a deeper level the challenge to move onwards and inwards. The meandering search for wholeness and authenticity was given focus through the words of wisdom: ‘It is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the end’.

Journey was indeed a time of grace in action – hospitality and goodness, passion and challenge, space and silence – these were the blessings of the days at Kerever Park.

Further details can be viewed here.


Parents and Friends Forum

Please meet the newly formed Diocese Of Wollongong Parents and Friends Forum (DoWPaFF).

The primary aim of the Parents and Friends Forum will be to assist in the development of meaningful and authentic partnerships between parents, school communities and parishes, and identify common goals based on shared values.

DoWPaFF is a body of enthusiastic parents representing a broad cross section of schools and parent involvement. Our intention is to create an immediate impact through the introduction of high profile initiatives, while at the same time developing a strong and stable framework for the establishment of an ongoing working executive.

DowPaFF committee members are (L to R) Phil Harris (Vice President), Scott Gordon (CCSP Representative), Sofia Halligan (Secretary), Michelle Duncan (Treasurer) and Graham Estriech (President).

Further details can be viewed on the DowPaFF web site.


25 Years Service to Catholic Education

25 YearsStaff from across systemic and congregational schools in the Diocese of Wollongong were presented with Certificates of Service at a mass and presentation ceremony recently held in Wollongong. At a special mass at the St Francis Xavier Cathedral on Wednesday May 19, Bishop Peter Ingham spoke of the contribution made by dedicated staff in our schools over a minimum of 25 years service. This contribution has helped to shape the lives of thousands of young people.

Director of Schools, Gregory B Whitby, congratulated staff for their ‘vocation, dedication and service.’ In recognising the 42 staff who qualified this year and the 37 who were able to be present on the night, Mr Whitby spoke of the role that each of them played in the continuing story of Catholic Education. ‘You have built on the foundation of the sacrifices of pioneers, religious and lay, who established schools and brought awareness to the young of their inherited faith and Catholic culture and of their potential as educated citizens.’ He thanked each and every one of the recipients for the work they had done in the evangelising mission of the Church.

View more details and photo gallery...


Certificate of Special Education

Special EdIn Term 2, twenty-five teachers from Primary schools across the Diocese commenced the Certificate of Special Education (Autism Spectrum Disorder). The course has been developed through a partnership with the University of Wollongong and the Catholic Education Office. It has been designed to address the professional development needs of teachers who teach students with autism in mainstream or specialised settings.

The participants will gain up to date information about the causes of autism and the major issues affecting teachers, families, and individuals with autism. The course focuses on extending teachers' networks and in teaching the skills that will enable them to be confident and competent in working with students with autism. Throughout the course, a range of speakers have provided practical and interesting information. The final day of the course will be the 23rd of June with a focus on positive behaviour strategies and will be presented by staff from the Autism Association. The day will culminate in a graduation ceremony for all participants.

View more details...


St Brigid's Official Blessing and Opening

St Brigid'sThe Official Opening and Blessing of the new extensions to St Brigid's Primary School, GWYNNEVILLE by the Most Rev. Bishop Peter W. Ingham D.D. Bishop of Wollongong took place after the 9.00 am Mass at St Brigid's Gwynneville on 2 May 2004.

The building consists of a new Library/Teacher's Resource Room, 3 Classrooms, Reading Recovery Room and Withdrawal Room.

View the Photo Gallery from this Event.


Walk Safely to School Day

 

Walk Safely to School Day was held on Friday 2 April, 2004. Parents and carers walked to school with their Primary School children promoting safe pedestrian behaviour and the health benefits of walking.

Primary schools from the Diocese, registered to be involved in this initiative were:

  • Holy Cross Catholic School Helensburgh
  • St Michael's Catholic School Thirroul
  • St Clare's Primary Catholic School Narellan Vale
  • St Francis Xavier's Primary School Wollongong
  • St Francis of Assisi Catholic School Warrawong
  • St John the Evangelist Catholic School Campbelltown
  • St Joseph's Catholic School Bulli
  • St Pius X Catholic School Unanderra
  • St Thomas More Campbelltown
  • St John Vianney's Primary Fairy Meadow
  • St John's Catholic School Dapto

View the Photo Gallery from this Event.


Inclusive Education For A Quality World

The effective inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms continues to be a priority and focus of the Catholic Education Office (CEO), Wollongong. This priority is reflected in the mission to provide all children with quality education that fully develops their talents and capabilities.

For the second year, in collaboration with the University of Wollongong, the professional development initiative Inclusive Education for a Quality World was implemented to support secondary teachers who teach students with learning difficulties in Diocesan schools.

The initiative aimed to build awareness of individual student needs and a greater understanding of Special Education.  The participants were able to develop an understanding the current pedagogy for inclusive education. They were also able to gain skills in developing, modifying and implementing successful strategies that cater for the diverse learning needs of the student in their classes.

The 24 secondary teachers participating in the course received a post-graduate certificate, Certificate of Special Education (Learning Difficulties) at a graduation ceremony held on April 2. The Dean of Education, Prof. Barry Harper and Dr. Deslea Konza, the course presenter, were in attendance to present each graduate with their certificates.

The graduates are have become ambassadors for students with a special needs in their schools and a valuable resource to support others. Congratulations to each graduate.

View the Photo Gallery from this Event.


A Visit by Dame Marie Clay

A visit by Dame Marie Clay, the founder of Reading Recovery, was hosted by the Catholic Education Office from 10-12 March, and organized jointly by CEO and DET Reading Recovery Tutors: Catheryn Sale, Marion Howatson and Jenny Jones. The visit commemorated 10 years of Reading Recovery implementation in both education systems. In the Diocese of Wollongong 127 teachers have had this significant professional development in early literacy learning, and they have offered the opportunity of literacy intervention to over 3000 of our 6 year old children.

Dame Marie met with the Leadership Team  and two primary principals (Ken Bryant and Cheryle Brennan) at the Catholic Education Office to discuss factors that allow for the great success of Reading Recovery in the Diocese. She also met with the 2003 Focus -Teaching Group, as she was very interested in their professional insights teaching their most challenging children for successful outcomes; the Reading Recovery Planning Group (made up of professional stakeholders: principals, Support Teachers and current RR teachers) who guide the implementation with the Tutor; and the Diocesan Literacy courses that aim to get all children off to a good start at school.

Dame Marie then spent two days presenting and answering questions at the Berkeley West Reading Recovery Centre. One day was for current CEO and DET Reading Recovery teachers; and the other was for school administrators.

The time that Dame Marie spent with us is an affirmation of the joint efforts of our work in the area of early intervention. She has a high profile in literacy learning, particularly through the International Reading Association; and at 78 years of age, we were indeed privileged to have her with us for so long.

View the Photo Gallery from this Event.


Education Mass, 2004

Education Mass 2004The 2004 Education Mass was recently celebrated at the St Francis of Assisi Parish Church at Warrawong. The Parish Priest, Fr John Magri, and school principal, Paul Longobardi, welcomed representatives of the 42 Catholic schools to their parish and a great sense of hospitality was provided by the local Warrawong community.

The Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Peter Ingham and numerous diocesan clergy who showed their support for Catholic schooling with their attendance. A key feature of the Mass was the commissioning of three groups of people. The newly formed Diocesan School's Council, newly appointed Principals and teachers beginning their teaching vocation, were all commissioned by Bishop Peter in a moving ceremony.

In his homily, Bishop Peter spoke positively of the importance of teaching as a ministry in the Church. Many dignitaries were present at the Mass, including state and local members of parliament and representatives of the various Religious orders who have a presence in the diocese. Wonderful music and singing was provided by local groups and added to the joyful nature of the celebration. We look forward to the 2005 Education Mass which will celebrated in another region of the diocese.

View the Photo Gallery from this Event.


RE Curriculum Launch

On Wednesday 11 February 2004, Bishop Peter Ingham officially launched the new Religious Education Curriculum for the schools of the Wollongong Diocese.

In a vibrant, enlivening celebration, the Bishop joined with Principals, Religious Education Coordinators, students, parents, Priests and others to bless and commission the new curriculum for Years 3 to 10.

View the Photo Gallery from this Event.


CEO Wollongong Computer and Peripheral Purchase Program for Systemic Schools (updated 23/3/04)

Details of the CEO computer purchase program are now available. Schools are able to purchase computers with a standard software install and installation from both PCS Australia, AppleCentre Wollongong and ComputersNow. The Acer and Apple details are here. Includes both Desktop and Laptop details. Details on Computer Peripherals including Printers, Cameras, Storage, projectors and scanners are available here.


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