Message from the Director of Schools

Dear Colleagues,

Dear colleagues

Reflection on Second Sunday of Lent

On Sunday, the second Sunday of Lent, Jesus' Transfiguration takes place on a high mountain. On Monday, ACSO staff joined in prayer to reflect on this important event and its connection to our lives. We also prayed for peace in the midst of the conflicts across the world.

 We reflected on the image of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives (a painting by David Roberts (1796–1864), painted in 1839). Below is the short reflection and prayer. 

In the heart of Lent, we are suddenly bathed in light. It seems a strange detour from the desert, but as we look at the image by David Roberts' painting of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives in 1839, we see the necessity of the ‘high view’. 

For those of us working in administration, finance, and system support, our days are often spent in the ‘tents’, organising, building, and supporting. Like Peter, our instinct is to do something. We want to secure the grace, manage the project, and support the outcome. But today, the Father interrupts our busy thoughts by saying, “This is my Son, the Beloved, listen to him”. 

Before we descend back into the valleys of emails, spreadsheets, and meetings, we are invited to simply savour the light. The road to Jerusalem, visible in the distance, is not a straight line. It winds through rocky terrain and deep valleys. Our work for Armidale Catholic Schools is that journey. We need the memory of the mountain-top glory to sustain us when the road gets dusty. Today, let us relinquish the urge to take charge and instead, let the light of Christ settle in our quiet, listening hearts.

As we gaze at the painting of Jerusalem, a city that remains the heart of so much longing and so much pain, we cannot ignore the shadows currently falling over the Middle East. Yesterday’s news of attacks and displacement reminds us that for many, the 'valley' is not a metaphor, but a place of literal fear and seeking shelter. Just as Jesus reached out to touch the trembling disciples, we pray that His peace touches those stranded or fleeing today, and that the 'high view' of God’s vision for peace might one day become a reality for all.

We joined together in prayer:

Loving Father, You touched the disciples through Jesus and told them, 'Stand up, do not be afraid.' We carry this command with us as we return to our work, but we also carry in our hearts the people of the Middle East and all zones of conflict. May we be instruments of your peace in our own office, while never ceasing to pray for the day when all your children can walk safely in the light of your glory. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Congratulations - Natalie Mellowship

Natalie Mellowship from O’Connor, who has successfully completed her Lead Teacher Accreditation site visit with all seven descriptors being met. The feedback from the assessor was exemplary, noting Natalie's ability to bring colleagues with her, build shared understanding, and maintain high expectations while supporting growth was identified as a key strength of her leadership. The assessor made reference to Natalie's leadership of the system Non-Negotiables (LWLW, Worthwhile Lesson Framework, Data analysis) and the school's AIP..

Congratulations Natalie and thank you to everyone who supported her on this achievement. Natalie now has her module 2 to complete to attain her Lead accreditation.

School Visits

I have continued to join the School Performance Leaders on their school AIP tours last week visiting Warialda, Moree, Mungindi, Barraba and Manilla. This week, we will be visiting McCarthy, St Nicholas’ and Quirindi. It gives me such joy to see how our strong teams are working together committed to improving the faith, learning and wellbeing outcomes of our young people. The photo above shows me having some fun learning with kindergarten students at St Xavier’s Gunnedah. Thank you for your effort in supporting our young people to realise a hope-filled future.