Past News Items (July – 2007)

Illawarra Schools Vocational Training Awards
December 14, 2007

On 27 November Workplace Learning Illawarra hosted the Illawarra Schools Vocational Training Awards where a number of our VET students, Teachers and Coordinators received awards for their outstanding efforts and work in VET. I'm sure that you join with me in wishing them congratulations!

• Cathy Maitland, Holy Spirit College - Excellence in VET Coordination and Teaching
• Carolyn Cowan, St Joseph's Catholic High School - Excellence in VET Teaching (Hospitality)
• Glenn Lowe, St Joseph's Catholic High School - Excellence in VET Teaching (Construction)
• Chris Shelton, St Joseph's Catholic High School - Excellence in VET Teaching (Construction)
• Ashlee Owens, St Mary's Star of the Sea College - Retail Student of the Year
• Lauren Galliner, St Mary's Star of the Sea College - Business Services Student of the Year
• Benjamin Linnett, Edmund Rice College - Metals and Engineering Student of the Year
• Andrew Borg, St Joseph's Catholic High School - Gold Medal Worldskills Construction Competition
• Ben Bucchorn, Edmund Rice College - Silver Medal Worldskills Hospitality, Commercial Cooker

A number of other students form Holy Spirit, Edmund Rice, St Joseph's and St Mary's were also presented with Certificates of Meritt. It was a great night and I felt very privileged to be able to witness so many of our VET teachers and students receiving recognition for their outstanding efforts! Please view the photo gallery of this event...

Holy Spirit College's Saint Vincent de Paul Appeal
December 13, 2007

This year Holy Spirit College, Bellambi wanted to assist some families who need extra help this Christmas as suggested by Saint Vincent de Paul. The school has chosen not merely to make this a part of a religious exercise but to show themselves that justice and compassion are the ways they live their lives.

It is a responsibility and a way of life to assist others and thus learn who we truly are. This is the Christian ideal of Jesus whose whole message is contained within a justice framework.

There has been a generous response from the students and staff in making Christmas more special this year for families struggling at the moment and as we pray for them, we hope these small gifts will bring some joy.

Braille Awards
December 12, 2007

Students from Catholic Education, Wollongong were well represented at the Australian Braille Authority Awards night on Thursday, November 22. The Australian Braille Authority-NSW held their awards at Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club and a number of students and staff in Diocesan schools  received awards for their achievements:

Junior Primary Section - Accuracy in Braille. Jackson Grange St Pius X Primary, Unanderra 
Senior Primary Section - Proof Reading in Braille. Brendan Prior St Joseph’s, Primary, Bulli
Junior Secondary Section - Presentation of Story and Title. Kieren Bryne St John the Evangelist High School, Nowra
Senior Secondary Section - Special Overall Application to Braille Yasmine Young Mt Carmel High School, Varroville.

Catholic Education Vision Support Teacher, Therese Campbell and Delores Jones School Support Officer, also received a medallion for their teaching of Braille. The audience was also entertained by an impressive recount by Yasmine Young and Jessica Stuart about their experiences learning Braille.

Primary Public Speaking Awards
December 12, 2007

Primary Schools Public Speaking Finals were held at the end of October at St Pius X, Unanderra. All speakers were a credit to their schools, both in the delivery and content of their speeches, which showed a strong sense of social justice, awareness of issues impacting on young people and effective use of humour. Paul McCann, Head of School Services presented certificates to all participants while Tony Sanderson Manager of the Catholic Development Fund presented the winners with their trophies.

St Patrick's Launches New School Badge
December 11, 2007

Parents and friends, students, staff, (past and present), parish pastor and Franciscan sisters from the Port Kembla Parish together with representatives of the Catholic Education Office gathered in the hall at St Patrick's on Tuesday November 27 to officially launch the school’s new logo. A lively ceremony included student singing and a powerpoint presentation detailing the three main periods of the school’s history: 1918-1977: Josephite Sisters; 1977-1995: Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus; 1995-present time: Lay Principal leadership.

CDF Sports Awards
November 29, 2007

On Friday 23 November the Diocesan Sports Council staged the 11th Annual CDF Diocesan Sports Awards to recognise the outstanding achievements of both students and teachers from primary and secondary schools. The evening was proudly sponsored by the Catholic Development Fund and attracted close to 500 guests to St Mary Star of the Sea College. The evening was a fitting culmination to a busy sporting year and certainly a positive advertisement for the pathways and structures now available to our students and teachers.

Over 180 students and 7 teams were recognised on the night with the most outstanding awards going to the following students:

• The Father Ward Trophy, Outstanding Girl Primary Sport - Ellen Perez, Stella Maris, Shellharbour
• The John Gamble Trophy, Outstanding Boy Primary Sport - Logan Cole, St. Michael’s Thirroul
  
• The Terry White Trophy, Most Outstanding Secondary Sportswoman - Chloe Tighe, St. Patrick’s College, Campbelltown
  
• The Bishop Ingham Trophy, Most Outstanding Secondary Sportsman - Te Haumi Maxwell Edmund Rice College, Wollongong
• Terry Jansen from St. John Vianney’s, Fairy Meadow received a teacher service award for years of dedicated work to the students in our primary schools.

Ex-socceroo, Paul Wade was our special guest speaker. Paul engaged the audience brilliantly and had powerful messages to deliver in dynamic and visual median. The Vince Villa Trophy was awarded to the champion secondary schools across all sports in 2007 with St Mary Star of the Sea College winning the girls trophy, Edmund Rice College winning the boys trophy and for the first time the overall trophy was awarded to Holy Spirit College as the Champion Secondary School across all sports. Please view the photo gallery of this event...

Students Lead the Way
November 13, 2007

The Chapel at Mt Carmel Catholic High School at Varroville was the sight for the recent High School Leaders Reception held on Wednesday November 14. The Reception is a Diocesan level opportunity for the school student leaders for 2008 to share their hopes and expectations of themselves as student leaders and to be publicly acknowledged in their important roles.

Each of the 42 students leaders representing twelve High Schools, were presented to Bishop Peter and awarded a certificate by the Director of Schools, Peter Turner.

Students spoke publicly about their schools and what it meant to be a leader in their school. They all spoke of their schools with great pride and emphasised the achievements of students in the academic, sporting and cultural fields. But they also talked about their Christian commitment and the schools commitment to social justice. Many proud parents joined in this year's ceremony which included a special blessing rite with holy water.
In his address Bishop Peter used the analogy of geese who share the load of leadership, while Peter Turner emphasised the service nature of leading. Please view the photo gallery of this event...

Immersion Visit to Kiribati
November 13, 2007

The October School Vacation period saw a team of five teachers from the Wollongong Diocese join with personnel from the Pacific Calling Partnership, the Sisters of the Good Samaritan and representatives of the Torres Strait Islands on an immersion and educational experience to the Pacific nation of Kiribati.

Led by Sister Geraldine Kearney sgs, this team had two main objectives. A primary focus of the trip was to meet the youth of Kiribati and with them explore and raise awareness of the projected effects of climate change on this stunningly beautiful yet environmentally challenged land. In addition, important links were established in connection with World Youth Day 2008 as the Diocese of Wollongong looks forward to hosting 20 of the Catholic youth of Kiribati throughout the celebrations of next year.

A presentation was given to Bishop Paul Mea on behalf of Bishop Peter Ingham, the group was welcomed to Kiribati by President Anote Tong and held discussions with the Australian High Commissioner to Kiribati, Ms Anne Quinane concerning the promotion of World Youth Day and the support of strategies to adapt to and mitigate the many effects of climate change.

Among the schools visited through this immersion tour were Immaculate Heart College, Abiang and St Louis High School, Teaoraereke. Many were the young people were touched and enriched though this important initiative. Already the youth of Kiribati are looking forward with much anticipation and enthusiasm to their participation in World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008.

It is anticipated that a further delegation, including staff from the Wollongong Diocese, will attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in Bali in early December. Accompanying them will be Youth representatives from the Kiribati nation, from the Torres Strait and the Carteret Islands.

Representing the Diocese of Wollongong were: Elizabeth Riquelme (Mary Immaculate, Eagle Vale), Simon Zulian (Corpus Christi HS, Oak Flats) Rebecca Burns (Stella Maris, Shellharbour), Stephanie Dunn (St John the Evangelist CHS, Nowra) and Ken Bryant (St John Vianney’s, Fairy Meadow). More...

New School Review & Improvement Strategies
November 12, 2007

In a move to give school principals and staff greater responsibility and control over the effectiveness of their schools a new School Review and Improvement process will be undertaken by all system schools in the Diocese commencing from the start of 2008. The new process, which invites schools to continually self review their schools on set criteria, will encourage an honest critique by the school with an external validation once in a five year cycle.

Guest facilitator at a Conference of principals and Catholic Education Office staff over three days in October was Ian Gamble, former Her Majesty’s Inspector of Schools from the United Kingdom. Ian, who has facilitated similar changes in the UK, has worked in implementing the process in the Archdiocese of Sydney and Brisbane.

Under the theme of How Effective is Our Catholic School? a Self-Reflection Instrument for Implementing School Review and Improvement, Ian spoke to principals over October 24 and 25 and CEO staff involved in assisting schools on October 26. More...

Podcasting in Religious Education
November 8, 2007

Stage 6 Catholic Studies teachers from nine high schools were launched into the Blogosphere on 31 October by two senior students and their RE teacher at the CEO Inservice on Exploring Strategies to Engage with Gen Y Youth in their Faith Journey. Holy Spirit College Year 12 students Ashleigh and Michael, with their teacher Mark Donnelly, demonstrated how they have been creating Enhanced Pod casts as their major piece of work in the Module Living with Good and Evil.

They then assisted the participants through the process of developing one themselves, to add to their swag of learning strategies for this Senior Diocesan RE Course. The teacher saw many possibilities for enabling students to use this tool as another way they can address the chief purpose of the Curriculum - 'to bring forth from their own experience original expressions of Christian life, celebration and thought'.  Secondary RE Adviser, Patrick Fitzgerald, was also very grateful for the expert assistance of David Emery who assisted with session. Other excellent presentations by senior RE teachers Michael Douglas St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Albion Park on leading Hypotheticals and Raf Martin from Holy Spirit College, Bellambi on Students leading other Students in Liturgies, and sharing many other ideas and strategies which were based on the Emmaus Paradigm underlying the curriculum. It was an overall inspiring Professional Development Day. More...

ACE Awards World Teachers Day
November 3, 2007

Catholic Education was well represented at the Australian College of Educators Illawarra Branch Awards for teachers presented on World Teachers Day October 26. Recipients included L-R: Carolyn Cowan (St Joseph's Albion Park); Kathy McKenzie (Bulli); Peter Keyes(lifetime award ex CEO), Jeanette Davies (CEO), Cathy Maitland (Holy Spirit College). Please view the photo gallery of this event...

Creative Fun at Moss Vale
November 2, 2007

Students at St Paul’s Parish Primary School at Moss Vale recently held an evening of creative fun with their whole school performance "Surprising Ole King Cole" at Moss Vale Services Club.

The night showcased the talents of all St Paul's students and was thoroughly enjoyed by students, staff and parents, grandparents and friends.  The students need to be commended for the outstanding way in which they rose to the occasion and had the audience captivated for an hour and a half. The performance has received many raving reviews.

The tradition of presenting an annual Creative and Practical Arts whole school performance is sure to continue.

Bishop's Conversations Continue
November 1, 2007

340 Year 6 students from primary schools in the Camden and the Southern Highlands region came together for Prayer and Conversation with Bishop Peter Ingham at St Paul’s Parish Church on Tuesday September 11. The beautiful Church witnessed many children involved in the special event as commentators, questioners, petitioners, bearers of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and presenters of the Word. As with the Bishop’s previous meetings with Confirmation children at similar events across the Diocese, students posed a series of questions about the Bishop’s vocation, relaxation, hopes for the Church and goodness in the world. Schools represented at the Camden gathering included St Clare’s, Narellan Vale; St Anthony’s, Picton; St Michael’s, Mittagong; St Paul’s, Moss Vale; St Thomas Aquinas, Bowral and St Paul’s, Camden.

The final such event for the year was held for Northern Wollongong schools on September 25 at St Joseph’s Parish Church, Bulli. 300 students from seven schools represented on that occasion included Holy Cross, Helensburgh; St Michael’s, Thirroul;  St Joseph’s, Bulli; St Columbkille’s, Corrimal; St John Vianney’s, Fairy Meadow; St Brigid’s, Gwynneville and St Francis Xavier’s Wollongong.

Close Relations Help Out
October 31, 2007

Holy Spirit College at Bellambi recently came to the rescue of one of their neighbouring Primary Schools after some asbestos was uncovered during major building refurbishments. Students and staff at St Columbkille’s Parish Primary School at Corrimal were fortunate to have a pupil free day on Monday September 17 when workers uncovered asbestos in a ceiling. Workcover inspectors were immediately on site and the effected area was sealed by specialist contractors. After emergency talks with Holy Spirit College, students and staff were relocated to Bellambi for the rest of the week.

Staff from St Columbkille’s and the Catholic Education Office had the job of phoning 267 parents on Monday night to ask that students not come to school on Tuesday and then phoned all parents again on Tuesday to explain the relocation details for Holy Spirit. St Columbkille’s principal Gayle McMahon and Holy Spirit College principal Mark Baker said that the week had been an exciting one for students and staff from both schools. Rooms were made available at Holy Spirit and students who have limited playground space at Corrimal enjoyed some of the wide open spaces at Bellambi.

Curriculum Pathways and Options for Stage 5 and 6
"Educating for Wholeness"
October 25, 2007

On Wednesday 17 October 2007 the Catholic Education Office, Wollongong hosted a significant forum for secondary school personnel. The day brought together sixty four systemic and congregational school leaders, teachers, students, CEO Officers and representatives from community stakeholder groups to consider:

• Current directions and issues in the delivery of curriculum options, including Vocational Education and Training (Stage 5 and 6) and flexible delivery options for the HSC
• The value of VET and its role in respecting the dignity of each student in educating for wholeness
• Creative solutions for curriculum delivery that will respond to the needs of all students
• Recommendations to inform policy and strategic direction for the CEO in relation to curriculum options for Stage 5 and 6

The first of two keynote presentations was delivered by Carmel Ross, Director of Carmel Ross Consulting and the former Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Cairns. Carmel’s presentation challenged the forum participants to reflect and consider the meaning of "Educating for Wholeness" in providing learning opportunities for all students.

Paul Rodney, the State Coordinator VET and Teacher Development at the Catholic Education Commission NSW, delivered the second keynote presentation "Emerging Directions in VET". Paul’s very informative presentation included consideration of the introduction of:

• Australian Technical Colleges and Trade Schools
• School based Apprenticeships
• VET in Stage 5

Forum attendees then participated in a range of directed discussion groups to specifically focus on the challenges and solutions at school and system level.

As a result of the forum, the CEO Leadership Team will be considering a number of recommendations related to Curriculum Pathways and Options for Stage 5 and 6. Please view the photo gallery of this event...

World Mission Month
September 27, 2007

The Diocesan Launch of World Mission Month took place at the Campbelltown Catholic Club on Sunday September 9. Included on the program was the screening of the Australian premiere of "Mist in the Mountains" a documentary on HIV/AIDS in PNG with Dr Philip Gibbs SVD, missionary theologian, social anthropologist & film maker from the Melanesian Institute Goroka in Papua New Guinea.

Schools have now been advised of the activities available to them. From October 15-17 Msgr Paul Ssomogerere VG, Archbishop of Kampala, Uganda is available to visit particular schools that raised funds for Uganda in 2006. Catholic Mission Wollongong will also be bringing an international guest from the Verbum Dei Missionaries Community in Mexico to be part of this year’s schools’ Mission Program.  She will be available to visit Primary Schools between October 22 and November 2 and will be speaking on the themes of World Mission Month and her own experiences as a missionary.

Catholic Mission National Office has prepared resources for use in schools to promote global mission. The material includes Teacher's Notes, worksheets, a DVD and stickers. Many of the resources can be accessed, downloaded or ordered online at www.catholicmission.org.au.

World Missions Sunday is celebrated on Sunday October 21 and Children’s Mission Day on Wednesday October 24. More...

Literacy and Numeracy Highlighted
September 27, 2007

National Literacy and Numeracy week was held in early September and schools across the Diocese participated in a variety of ways. National events included: National Reading Day-a new literacy event bringing readers together to enjoy five Australian books; Reach for the Stars-a numeracy event for Primary and Middle school students; Let’s be Fair-a new numeracy event for Secondary students and the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry competition for all ages.

Catholic Education Wollongong included two special initiatives in 2007. The Win an Author Competition with winners St Pius X Primary at Unanderra, enjoying a two day visit from children’s author Sue Whiting and St John Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra winning a visit from author James Maloney.

The second initiative was the Magic Pot Writing Competition with Stage 3 and 4 students writing a narrative from a selected stimulus picture. After in-school selections, twenty two schools submitted final entries. Winners received gift vouchers from Dymocks and all schools have been sent a compilation of the winning entries.
Many schools participated through author visits, book character parades, story writing competitions, musical presentations and mega maths days.

At St Michael’s Primary Thirroul, the culmination of a week’s work in science, mathematics, reading and writing activities culminated in a musical extravaganza for residents of the local retirement village. View the photo gallery...

Vocational Education Award Winners
September 25, 2007

A number of Year 11 and 12 students from across the diocese have recently been recognised for their outstanding achievement in their Vocational Education and Training courses.

The Australian Vocational Student Prize (AVSP) is awarded annually by the Federal Government and recognises Year 12 students who demonstrate exceptional skill, commitment and achievement while undertaking a Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools programme.

Congratulations to the following students who are worthy winners of this year's $2000 AVSP:
Jessica Flegg, John Therry Catholic High School; Alex Georgeou, Holy Spirit College; Ellen O’Kane, Magdalene Catholic High School; Chris Stringer, St Joseph’s Catholic High School and Andrew Swales, St Gregory's College. View the photo gallery...

Also receiving recognition for their achievements in Vocational Education and Training are our Year 11 Worldskills winners. Place getters in last weeks Illawarra Regional Schools Worldskills Competitions were:

Leading Learning Networks
September 24, 2007

All secondary middle educational leaders have recently engaged in professional learning and network opportunities based on the CEO Leadership Framework in order to enhance the learning outcomes of students. The Leading Learning Networks are an initiative to support Middle Educational Leaders in secondary schools.

Four separate days have been held in August and September, with each day bringing together middle leaders from three or four areas including leaders of Religious Education, Curriculum, Key Learning Areas, Vocational Education and Training, Learning Technologies, Pastoral Care, Special Education, Administration and/or Senior School Support Officers and Teacher/Librarians.

The focus of the Semester 2 Networks was Educative Leadership, with CEO Learning Officers presenting a workshop on Quality Learning and Teaching with an emphasis on the process involved in the development of a Diocesan Learning and Teaching Framework.

The day also provided an opportunity for middle leaders from St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Albion Park and St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra to share their learning and teaching initiatives with their colleagues.  Afternoon networking discussions were chaired by middle leaders from Magdalene Catholic High School, Narellan. More...

Awards Recognise Staff Excellence
September 17, 2007

A presentation of Certificates of Affirmation and Excellence was made to forty eight staff of Catholic Schools and the Catholic Education Office at the seventh Annual Catholic Development Fund Excellence in Schooling Awards on Thursday September 13. Held at the Villa D’oro Function Centre in Wollongong, nearly 200 guests joined the recipients of awards in the categories of Teaching (Primary, Secondary and Early Career), Pastoral Care, School Support, Social Justice Advocacy and Leadership. Speakers on the occasion included Tony Sanderson, Manager of the CDF and Peter Turner, Director of Schools.

In his occasional address Peter Turner thanked all involved for the Awards Presentations and congratulated the recipients for their dedication to their special vocation. He also made special mention of those who had nominated their colleagues, emphasising that "those who have been behind nominating their colleagues have made the effort to see beyond the immediate and have been worthy advocates for others in your schools". He went on to publicly thank Tony Sanderson and the CDF for their very generous sponsorship of the Awards and gave thanks to Bishop Peter Ingham for his generous time and interest in Catholic schooling. More...

Bishop's Conversations Continue
September 14, 2007

Deepening Faith
September 13, 2007

The Catholic Education Office final residential faith formation course for the year, Bethsaida, was held during August. A residential program designed to develop skills for theological reflection and a clearer expression and commitment to the Christian lifestyle the course is conducted by Anna Warlow sgs and her team. It is a time of Renewal for people who have already participated in the Berakah course. The course has input about Christology, Ministry and Spirituality to encourage in participants an integration of personal spiritualities and pastoral action.

The week invited participants to experience a time of rest, quiet, solitude, personal reading and journalling. There was opportunity to experience a deepening of the contemplative dimension of life.  The Gospel focus for the time together was taken from John 5:1-12 : "Bethsaida, a place of breakthrough, one of those moments on the edge of life".  Bethsaida showed us what can happen when we have the faith to change.

Please view our photo gallery for some images of the Bethsaida experience.

Education Careers Fair
August 31, 2007

The University of Wollongong conducted an Education Careers Fair on Tuesday, August 14. Over 23 employers conducted stalls, including Parramatta Catholic Education Office, the Independent Education Union, the Department of Education and the Catholic Education Office Wollongong. The Wollongong CEO was represented by Donna Connolly and Geoff Hicks from Employee Services.

During the Fair, nearly 70 information packages were collected by prospective employees. The bulk of the questions centred on how one becomes a casual teacher or what is the process for applying for a permanent position in the Diocese. The other most common enquiries were about the Religious Education Certificate and whether one needs to be a practising Catholic to teach in our schools.

The stall holders were impressed with the organisation of Beth Hamersley (Employer Program of the Wollongong University) who made the day hospitable and productive.

Womens Leadership Dinner
August 31, 2007

The Annual Dinner of the Catholic Education Women and Leadership Network was held at City Beach Function Centre, Wollongong on Friday August 17.
Guest Speaker was Ms Joanna Gash, MP Federal member for the seat of Gilmore. Ms Gash has represented her constituency since March 1996.  Joanna spoke not so much of her public-political life, but of her personal story.

Those present heard the powerful story of a woman who had moved out of the realm of the personal into the public arena and was willing to share her journey.

Ms Gash’s presentation was full of hope and encouragement as she urged women to pursue their dreams in the face of great adversity.

Bishop Continues Talks with Students
August 31, 2007

Bishop Peter Ingham has continued to engage students in Catholic schools in conversation. Year six students preparing for or recently having been confirmed met as a group of southern schools at Holy Family Parish Church, Ulladulla on Tuesday August 21 and senior students of Holy Spirit College at Bellambi met with the Bishop on Thursday August 23.

The staff and students of St Mary Star of the Sea Milton, the most southerly school in the Diocese, were proud to host their Year 6 brothers and sisters from St Paul’s , Albion Park; Ss Peter and Paul, Kiama, Nazareth, Shellharbour City; St Michael’s, Nowra and Stella Maris, Shellharbour. Senior students from Holy Spirit raised topical questions about Church and young people at their Conversation with Bishop Peter.

Please view the photo gallery of this event...

Strategic Planning Underway
August 30, 2007

The Catholic Education Office has commenced discussions with a range of interested parties in the development of a Strategic Management Plan to cover the major work and priorities of the Catholic Education Office over the next three years. Director of Schools, Peter Turner has engaged a consultant to assist in the task and Mr Chris Barrett has met with and gathered input from a variety of Catholic Education Office and school representatives over the last two months.

Groups of Assistant Principals, Primary and Secondary Principals, Staff of the Catholic Education Office and the CEO Leadership Team have been engaged in meetings and follow-up consultations to prepare Statements of Intent and Key Performance Indicators under the seven Key Focus Areas of Catholic Life and Religious Education; Students and their Learning; Pedagogy; Human Resource Leadership and Management; Resources, Finance and Facilities; Parents, Partnership, Consultation and Communication and Strategic Leadership and Management. The release of the NSW-ACT Bishop’s Pastoral Letter Catholic Schools at a Crossroads, will further inform the development of the Strategic Plan. Work will continue over the coming months with further refinement and consultation. The official release of the Plan will be made at the 2008 Staff Conference at John Therry Catholic High School, Rosemeadow, on January 30, 2008. More...

Hospitality Teachers Taste Italy
August 27, 2007

Seven Hospitality teachers from across the diocese recently completed a one day industry currency program at the Elise Pascoe International Cookery School at Jamberoo. On August 9 the seven teachers worked with Elise Pascoe to prepare a “Sicilian Lunch”. Over the past two years another 13 teachers have also participated in workshops conducted at the International Cookery School.

Unfortunately, this was the last group of teachers to be able to participate in this exciting workshop experience as the school is closing, “The workshop was put together to show the commercial cookery teachers that there are other ways of learning. The teachers have given me the most wonderful opportunity to help them to raise the bar a little bit in teaching at schools. And that is incredibly important to me, because these are people who are teaching our future generations of cooks.” Elise Pascoe said.

Although, Elise is moving to Italy, she is keen to continue to work with the Hospitality teachers and will be staying in touch with via an E-Newsletter. More...

CALL to Life
August 17, 2007

Sixteen people recently gathered at Kerever Park in the Southern Highlands under the guidance of Anna Warlow sgs and team for the CALL to Life faith formation course. The course is an opportunity for enriching faith, enlivening authentic Christian community, and building spirituality for collaborative ministry within a framework of transformational leadership.

CALL to Life challenged participants to develop a spirituality of leadership concerned with CREATING, ANIMATING, LEAVENING and LIBERATING community. It called all to compassionate action and empowered participants to make a difference where they are.

It was a week filled with many rich blessings and the spirit of the group was an experience that was life-affirming and enriching.

Please view the photos from the CALL to Life experience.

Catholic Schools at a Crossroads
August 8, 2007

The NSW-ACT Bishops have released for discussion a Pastoral Letter entitled “Catholic Schools at a Crossroads.” Officially released on Tuesday August 7, the eve of the feast of Blessed Mary MacKillop, the letter states that “Catholic education in NSW and ACT is at a crossroads. Changes in enrolment patterns and in our educational and cultural context have radically affected the composition and roles of the Catholic school in recent years.” To read or download the full document click here.

In this Pastoral Letter the Bishops of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory gratefully acknowledge the achievements of Catholic schools and the quality and commitment of school staff. They invite reflection on the implications of changing educational and cultural context, of the rising proportion of nominally-Catholic and other-than-Catholic enrolments, and of the under-participation of students from poorer families.

They ask all Catholic educational leaders, staff and parents, as well as the broader Catholic community, to join them in recommitting to Catholic schooling in the new situation of the 21st century and they challenge all those involved to dedicate themselves to ensuring that schools: are truly Catholic in their identity and life ,are centres of ‘the new evangelisation, enable our students to achieve high levels of Catholic religious literacy’ and practice and are led and staffed by people who will contribute to these goals. “We here reaffirm our commitment to Catholic education, while at the same time challenging all those involved to embrace the new evangelisation to which our schools are called in this new century.”

The Bishops identify a number of critical indicators against which progress towards these goals will be measured. Evangelising, forming and otherwise educating the next generation is a task for the whole Church; but the Bishops look especially to those involved in our schools to make the most of what Pope John Paul II called “the sense of adventure” involved in renewing Catholic education. They look with confidence to those educated in our schools to be prominent amongst the future leaders and disciples of our Church and community.”

The document discusses:

• The achievements and potential of the Catholic school system
• Trends in schools, parishes, and society
• Identity of the Catholic school
• Catholic schools as centres of ‘the new evangelisation’
• Passing on Catholic Faith, life and culture
• Leading and staffing our schools in this new era
• Critical indicators of progress
• The adventure of Catholic schooling in the 21st century

Feedback may be sent to the Director of Schools, Peter Turner at the Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Wollongong.

TEACHnology Goes to Corpus Christi
August 8, 2007

Participants at the recent professional development course TEACHnology 1:1 conducted by the Catholic Education Office had the opportunity to visit Corpus Christi Catholic High School at Oak Flats. One day of their extended course was held at the secondary school no w in its second year of operation, with the gracious support of the principal Jenny Allen. Jenny and some of the learning advisors Ben Churton, Simon Zulian and Deborah Freeman gave up their time to share their experiences of working at the school, which provided an honest insight into the life of Corpus Christi.

It was a fabulous opportunity for other teachers from the diocese to see the school’s 1:1 laptop computer program in action and walk away with a realistic view of the importance of authentic, effective, integrated learning technology. It was a valuable day with some very positive feedback from the participants who appreciated the opportunity. More...

One Year Out World Youth Day Schools Event
August 6, 2007

A thousand enthusiastic senior students from fourteen high schools across the Diocese of Wollongong gathered at Mt Carmel Catholic High School at Varroville on Wednesday August 1, to be commissioned as ambassadors for World Youth Day 2008.

Representatives from the seven systemic high schools were joined by those from the seven congregational schools in the Mt Carmel hall to listen to an explanation of World Youth Day and to hear testimonials from those who had been at previous events.

The young ambassadors and invited guests from the community were welcomed to country by aboriginal elders and the St John the Evangelist, Nowra indigenous dancers. A Mt Carmel rock music band entertained and music and song filled the hall.

The Wollongong Diocesan World Youth Day Committee planned the day to launch World Youth Day 2008 approximately one year away from next year’s celebration.
Included on the program was Australian Idol finalist, Joseph Gateau who sang the World Youth Day Anthem.

Students participated in a mini pilgrimage from the school to the Church carrying a replica World Youth Day Cross and the day culminated with lunch on the Mt Carmel oval after prayers, Gregorian chant and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church.

Assisted by Bishop David Cremin, Bishop Ingham formally launched World Youth Day in the Diocese of Wollongong. It is hoped that the event has created great anticipation for the actual World Youth Day and demonstrated to the Church and the wider community some of what is to come next year. Please view the photo gallery for pictures of this event...

Prayer and Conversation with Bishop Peter
August 3, 2007

Year six students preparing for or recently undertaking the Sacrament of Confirmation gathered together to meet with and question Bishop Peter Ingham on July 24. Coming together for Prayer and Conversation at St John’s Parish Church Dapto were students from Parish Primary Schools at St Francis, Warrawong; St Patrick’s, Port Kembla; St Pius X, Unanderra; St Therese, West Wollongong and St John’s Dapto.

In a prayerful liturgy students presented their school in candle and banner and a representative asked Bishop an insightful question. He was asked about his role as Bishop, why he had chosen the priesthood as his vocation, what he did for relaxation, why World Youth Day was important and what was his greatest achievement as Bishop of Wollongong.

Please view the photo gallery for pictures of this event...

St Johns Celebrates NAIDOC
August 3, 2007

This year is the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC DAY.  St John the Evangelist High School at Nowra celebrated this important occasion with a variety of special events. On Wednesday June27 NAIDOC celebrations began with the opening ceremony of the Indigenous Garden, Totem Poles and Yarn Circle followed by a display of the Year 12 major works for Aboriginal studies. The Indigenous Dance Group performed at both St Michaels Primary and St Mary’s at Milton as part of NAIDOC ceremonies. A whole school liturgy was held on Thursday June 28 to finalise the celebrations. More...

Principals Association Conference
July 26, 2007

Novotel Northbeach proved a magnificent venue for the Biennial Leadership Conference of the Principals’ Association of the Wollongong Diocese on June 21-22. Opened by the Director of Schools, Peter Turner, the Conference adopted the theme ‘Sustained by the Spirit’. Such a theme recognised the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in the leadership of Catholic Schools and allowed an exploration of sustaining quality leadership in an increasingly complex educational environment.

Keynote speakers included Sr Judith Lawson, OP an extraordinary Catholic Leader who has been Principal of Santa Sabina College Strathfield for the past 21 years (read the speech here) and the gifted speaker Mr Bob Hince. A particular highlight of the Conference was an address by Ken Moroney, the outgoing Commissioner of the NSW Police Force, who spoke with great humility recognising that exceptional and sustained leadership can only be found in a commitment to service. Supporting workshops were provided by Paul Smith, a local psychologist and sports administrator, David Williams, principal of the DMW Group and John DeCourcy, Head of Strategic Accountabilities in the Parramatta Catholic Education Office.

The Conference was open to members of the Leadership teams of both systemic and Congregational Schools of the Wollongong Diocese and to leadership personnel from the Catholic Education Office. All present gathered in a spirit of support and collaboration, exploring the challenges facing the committed and sustained leadership required for school communities

The Conference was blessed with wonderful liturgies that centered this leadership community on the sustaining presence of the Holy Spirit. Bishop Peter Ingham brought this most successful event to a close, calling upon each of those gathered to a renewed commitment to the privileged work of service and leadership in Catholic Education in the Diocese of Wollongong. Please view the photo gallery for pictures of this event...

Excellence Awards 2007
July 19, 2007

Staff are reminded that the Diocese of Wollongong’s CDF sponsored Excellence in Schooling Awards are again seeking nominations during Term 2. The application form and criteria are included with the first Circular of the Term and may also be downloaded from the Catholic Education Office Website link in this story. Nominations are called for the categories of Excellence in Leadership, Excellence in Teaching (Primary, Secondary and Early Career), Excellence in School Support, Pastoral Care and Social Justice Advocacy.

The Awards are open to staff from both Systemic and Congregational Schools. Sponsored by the Catholic Development Fund the key awards include the prize of a $1,000 account with the CDF. Presentations will be made on Thursday September 13. Applications close July 28.

Agreement in Faith
July 19, 2007

Two major Agencies of the Church in the Wollongong Diocese have given recognition to their significant partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. The Catholic Education Office represented by the Director of Schools, Peter Turner and the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine represented by Director, Paul Brady, signed the memorandum at a special gathering on Friday July 6.

The document recognises the already cooperative work undertaken by both Agencies in bringing faith education to young people in Catholic systemic and state schools. While Catholic schools service 16,000 students an almost equal number of identified Catholic students attend government schools and receive Catechist lessons from dedicated volunteers.

The Agreement includes provision for resource sharing, staff assistance, regular contact between CCD and the Religious Education Services Team and assistance with the promotion of CCD Ministry. Please view the photo gallery for pictures of this event...

World Youth Day Questions and Answers
July 19, 2007

Over 50 representatives from congregational schools and parishes recently joined with systemic principals at a presentation on the 2008 World Youth Day and Journey of the Cross and Icon. Held at the Villa D’oro Function Centre in Wollongong on June 28, the World Youth Day Team explained the work in progress for what has been described as “the most significant gathering of faithful to ever be seen in Australia”.

Of particular interest to school principals, who had earlier met for their formal meeting with CEO Leadership members, were details of how schools will be involved in hosting visitors and encouraging registration by students and staff at events.

Please view the photo gallery for pictures of this event...

Resource Centres gather in Wollongong
July 18, 2007

From June 24-27, twenty delegates from around Australia embarked on the Wollongong Diocese as the National Catholic Resource Centre Network celebrated their 20th anniversary as a network.

Titled “On Common Ground – Opening the doors of Understanding” the Catholic Education Office hosted the event beginning with an Opening Liturgy on the Sunday evening held at Catholic Church Offices.  The highlight of the Conference was the Tuesday night Celebration of the Eucharist at Edmund Rice College Chapel presided over by Bishop Peter Ingham and concelebrated by Father Richard Leonard.  This was then followed by a special celebration Conference Dinner held at City Beach Function Centre.

Conference Presenters included Fr Patrick McInerney who explored the topic of Christian/Muslim relations, Jeanette Davies who demonstrated the many benefits of using ipods in the classroom especially where children with learning and physical disabilities are concerned and Trish Bartlett who gave a preview of her new Religious Education Website ready to be launched on July 17. A keynote address was also made by Father Richard Leonard who presented “Lights! Camera! Action! How can Catholic Education form believers in a media saturated culture?"

The conference concluded in the grounds of the Jamberoo Abbey with a Closing Liturgy. Please view the photo gallery for pictures of this event...

Special Needs Students Supported
July 3, 2007

The effective inclusion of students with special needs in classrooms K-12 continues to be a focus in Diocesan Catholic schools. On June 12 Anne-Maree Creenaune, Acting Head of Learning Services, congratulated twenty six primary and secondary School Support Officers on their completion of four days of professional learning to support their work in classrooms with students with special needs.

This learning opportunity provides theory and practical strategies in Meeting Student Needs, Inclusive Technology, Literacy, Behaviour Management, Numeracy and Autism Spectrum Disorder. An integral support for the course was the myclasses page which invited the participants to discover the benefit of on-line professional dialogue and ready access to resources. The participants also had the opportunity build a network with their colleagues from other schools which will enable further sharing of strategies, experiences and resources. Please view the photo gallery for pictures of this event...

Past News: 2007 Jan – June | 2006 is available here | 2005 is available here | 2004 is available here | 2003 is available here