Message from the Director of Schools

Dear Colleagues,

As we begin Week 6 of Term 3, I want to congratulate and wish the best of luck to our HSC students who have major works, performance exams and language exams. These are vital parts of their HSC courses, and I wish them all the best. Thank you to their teachers and mentors who have supported them in these endeavours. With only 4 weeks of term left, our prayers are with our Year 12s as they complete their final weeks of formal schooling prior to HSC exams in Term 4. 

NAIDOC Week - McCarthy Catholic College

Last week I had the immense privilege of attending the McCarthy NAIDOC Week Assembly. It was a joyous occasion led by senior students incorporating prayer, dancing and awards recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students for their commitment. The guest speaker, Kylie Taylor, Public Health Aboriginal Community and Services Engagement Lead, was outstanding. In her speech, she spoke about her life and the importance of knowing our past to ensure a better future. It was truly inspiring to listen to. Kylie also incorporated many themes from past NAIDOC weeks into her talk, in recognition of this year's theme, 50 Years of Deadly.

Congratulations - Karen Tighe and Kelly Walters 

Karen Tighe and Kelly Walters recently presented at the National First Nations Education Conference in Brisbane. They were the only Catholic System of Schools asked to present. Their workshop was entitled: Discover the Wii Gaay Journey: Unlocking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Potential. It gave an opportunity to showcase the amazing Wii Gaay program and the difference it makes to our young people. Congratulations to Kelly and Karen. 

Lead Teacher Site Visits:

Congratulations to Kim Bailey, Holy Trinity Inverell and Trish Mitchell, St Joseph’s West Tamworth on their successful site visit for their Lead Teacher Accreditation. 

Kim Bailey

Kim Bailey’s feedback highlighted her leadership beyond the classroom. In particular, it noted her ability to model evidence-informed practice, build the professional capacity of colleagues, and establish sustainable whole-school processes that strengthen teaching and improve student outcomes.

Jilly Rainger’s principal interview was exceptional and highlighted that Kim goes above and beyond what is required, not for recognition, but because she genuinely wants to achieve the best possible outcomes for the school and its students. Her work is thoughtful and purposeful.

Trish Mitchell

Trish Mitchell’s feedback highlighted how she leads by empowering others. Her deep knowledge of evidence-based research, the syllabi, and data, combined with her desire to continually self-reflect, are evident in her practice and engagement with others.

Greg O’Toole and Maree Holland’s principal interview emphasised Trish's exceptional professional influence and capacity to drive school-wide improvement. Through her expertise and active engagement, Trish models effective pedagogy and leads meaningful work with her colleagues. 

Thank you to everyone who supported them through this process, especially their principals and Millie Woolaston, Phoebe O’Shea and Katie Daley. They now have Module 2 to complete. Huge congratulations to Kim and Trish! 

Regina