Message from the Director of Schools

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome back to Term 2! I hope you had a great break and a lovely Easter. I wish you all the best for Term 2 and look forward to visiting many of your schools this term. 

Farewell Pope Francis

It was with sadness, we heard the news of the death of our beloved Pope Francis on Easter Monday. Pope Francis led through mercy and compassion, always looking to support and protect the poor and the marginalised. A true servant leader he showed us the way to live more like Jesus. 

Pope Francis' messages of hope inspired us all in our mission as Catholic educators to further the mission of our Church. His concern for the poor, for creation and for peace have shaped our world for the better. We continue to pray that all of us take heart and courage from his teachings to make the world a place where everyone can flourish. 

As we continue to celebrate this Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope, let us remember the words of Pope Francis at the beginning of the year:

‘The Jubilee will be a Holy Year marked by the hope that does not fade, our hope in God. May it help us recover the confident trust we require, in the Church and in society, in our interpersonal relationships, in international relations and in our task of promoting the dignity of all persons and respect for God's gift of creation.’   Pope Francis in Spes Non Confundit 

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him. 

May he rest in peace. 

Amen.

Episcopal Ordination of Rev Dr Peter Murphy

We look forward with joy to welcoming the 11th Bishop of Armidale Bishop Elect Rev Dr Peter Murphy. The Episcopal Ordination and Installation Bishop-Elect Murphy will be held next Thursday the 8th of May at 6.30 pm. Welcome Bishop-Elect Murphy. 

Congratulations Katie Daley - Lead Teacher

Congratulations to Katie Daley who has successfully gained Lead Teacher accreditation. Katie's submission was exceptional, as was her site visit. 

The feedback from her site visit was excellent and outlined that she modelled exemplary teaching practice and high expectations for teachers and students as

learners. The assessor was exceptionally impressed with her modelled lessons of research-based explicit teaching strategies and the positive learning impact on her students during these lessons. The report also emphasised the positive impact she has had leading and building the capacity of her colleagues across a range of contexts within the school.

Congratulations, Katie, very well deserved and great recognition of your leadership at St Nicholas. Thank you to John Clery, Peter Flynn and Millie Woolaston for their support during this process. 

Vale Maureen McNeill and Scott Youman

It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of two of our former colleagues, Maureen McNeill, St Joseph’s West Tamworth and Scott Youman, St Mary of the Angels, Guyra. 

Maureen McNeill

Maureen had a long association with St Joseph’s, working in the administration office for 26 years, retiring at the end of 2021. She was a loyal and dedicated worker, supporting many principals, staff members, students, and families over the years.  In addition to her administrative role, Maureen has spent countless hours compiling the school's archives and promoting the school in the wider community.  Her contributions ensured the Centenary in 2019 was a great success. 

Scott Youman

Scott served as the groundsman at St Mary of the Angels in Guyra for eight years, becoming a beloved and familiar presence within the school community. Scott quickly became a fixture of school life. His dedication to maintaining the school grounds and his evident pride in his work made him not just an employee, but an enduring symbol of the school’s spirit and values. 

The loss of Maureen and Scott is deeply felt by the entire community, and our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and friends during this difficult time. 

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

And let perpetual light shine upon them.

May they rest in peace.

Amen.

May the souls of all the faithful departed,

through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen