Message from the Director of Schools

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to Catholic Schools Week - Pilgrims of Hope

This week is always a highlight, a time when we give thanks for the incredible gift of Catholic education in our lives. And this year, it holds an even deeper significance as we embrace a powerful theme for our Armidale Catholic Schools: Pilgrims of Hope. 2025 was designated by Pope Francis as a Jubilee Year, and its universal theme, for the entire world, is precisely that: Pilgrims of Hope. Pope Francis consistently reminded us that we are all on a journey, a pilgrimage of faith, walking together with purpose and hope. And now, as we welcome the spiritual guidance of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, we find an even greater impetus to fully embrace our role as "Pilgrims of Hope". Pope Leo has already begun to articulate a powerful vision for the Church, one that clearly emphasises the transformative power of hope. 

May our schools continue to be beacons of faith, learning, and wellbeing, where our young people, staff, families, and parishes are nurtured as true pilgrims, filled with hope.

In this special week, I extend my heartfelt thanks to every member of our school and parish community, students, staff, clergy, and families, for the vital role you play in Catholic education within the Armidale Diocese. Together, as Pilgrims of Hope, let us journey forward with courage and faith, knowing that with God, our hope will never be in vain.

It was wonderful to start Catholic Schools Week yesterday in Tamworth. Staff from St Edward’s, St Joseph’s, St Nicholas’, McCarthy and ACSO joined together in a day focused on our Catholic Mission and Identity. Thank you to Fr Roel, Fr Sabu, Fr Damien, Deacon Paul and Seminarian Allem for starting the day by celebrating Mass. Thank you to MCC for hosting the day and all the presenters and helpers who worked to make the day a success. 

Principals Meeting and NSW Principals Conference

Last week Principals and ACSO Leadership Team joined colleagues from across NSW gathered for the Association of NSW Catholic Schools Principals Conference. Prior to the conference we held our Term 2 Principal Meeting focused on Leading Well in Armidale Catholic Schools, Clarity Professional Learning and Financial Literacy. We were also privileged to have Dallas McInerney join us and present to us on Fair Funding for Catholic Schools. Four of our Principals were part of a panel looking at Educational Transformation in the Age of AI. Congratulations to Donna Fietchner, St Joseph’s Walgett, Claire Ryan, Sacred Heart Boggabri, Alistair Stewart, St Philomena’s Moree and Michael Whitton, McCarthy Catholic College. The Conference Mass was celebrated by Bishop Michael Kennedy, Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle Diocese. It was a joyful celebration. 

Welcome to Edmond Maher

We welcomed Edmond Maher to Armidale Catholic Schools on Monday 19th May. Edmond takes on the role as School Performance Leader joining the ACS Leadership team. He has diverse and extensive experience both in Australia and internationally. Edmond will be working with all schools and in particular our secondary schools. He will join the SPLs in leading the Mission and Learning Team at ACSO. 

I would also like to congratulate Edmond on his appointment as a member of the Catholic Schools NSW Education Policy Reference Group. This appointment recognises the wealth of experience and knowledge that Edmond brings to the role. 

A few selfies