Message from the Director of Schools

Dear Colleagues,

Holy Week 

As we enter Holy Week, I want to express my thanks to you for the joy and light you bring to our schools every day. As we approach Easter Sunday 2026, we prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the foundation of our Catholic faith and the ultimate source of hope. This week, we walk the path with Jesus from the humility of the washing of the feet to the profound silence of the Cross, always moving toward the light and joy of the Resurrection. My hope for you over the next few days is that you find moments to breathe and let the noise and busyness of the term fade away. While we sit with the solemnity of Good Friday, we do so in sure knowledge of the overwhelming joy of the Resurrection. 

Chrism Mass 

Today, we joined our wider diocesan family at the Cathedral for the Chrism Mass.

We were blessed to gather together with Most Reverend Bishop Peter Murphy as he blessed and consecrated the holy oils that will be used for the sacraments in our parishes and schools throughout the coming year. Seeing so many of our students fill the Cathedral is a powerful reminder that our Church is young, vibrant, and full of hope. 

A special welcome to all the Confirmation candidates who traveled from across our diocese to be here today! We also pray for our priests who today renewed the promises they made at their ordination.

Congratulations Trish Mitchell

Congratulations to Trish Mitchell, St Joseph’s West Tamworth, already a certified Highly Accomplished Teacher, who is now undertaking her Lead Teacher Accreditation. Her Module 1 for her Lead Teacher has been approved, with all 10 descriptors fully addressed. The assessor's feedback noted the module demonstrating that Trish shares effective practice with colleagues and applies knowledge about how students learn. The impact that Trish has had on improved student outcomes, growth of colleagues' teaching practice and active community engagement was outstanding.

Trish's module was exemplary and reflected her impact at both a system and school level. A big thank you to Greg O’Toole, Maree Holland and Millie Woolaston for their support of Trish. 

End of Term

As Term 1 finishes this week, I want to thank you for all your energy and hard work over the past 10 weeks and more. Having had the privilege of visiting every one of our schools this term, I have seen firsthand how our theme, "Our Hope-filled Future," is being brought to life through your collaboration and dedication to our young people. Your hard work enables us realise our vision of a Christ-centred, inclusive learning community that supports young people to realise a hope-filled future. The strong relationships between schools and the ACS office is essential in creating the conditions for learning to happen. I hope you all have a wonderful break and enjoy some time with your family and friends.