Dear Colleagues,

As we continue our Lenten journey towards Easter, we take time to encounter Jesus’ presence in our lives, transforming our hearts. This enables others to encounter Jesus through us and for us to share with compassion and love our faith. Our Catholic schools provide the place and time for encounter, inviting all into the transforming power of Jesus. This week we celebrate two important feast days - St Patrick’s Feast Day on 17th March and St Joseph’s Feast Day on 19th March.

Today, we join with the global Church to honour the legacy of St Patrick. Within the Diocese of Armidale, we celebrate the vibrant community of St Patrick's Walcha, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1911. May Christ be with you, before you, behind you, and in you today and always.

On Thursday, Armidale Catholic Schools Office joins the Universal Church in celebrating the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As the patron of the worker and the protector of the Holy Family, St Joseph holds a special place in the heart of our Diocese. We send a very special Feast Day blessing to the ten school communities in our diocese that carry his name and walk in his footsteps of humble service:

St Joseph’s, Barraba
St Joseph’s, Glen Innes
St Joseph’s, Mungindi
St Joseph’s, Quirindi
St Joseph’s, West Tamworth
St Joseph’s, Tenterfield
St Joseph’s, Uralla
St Joseph’s, Walgett
St Joseph’s, Warialda
St Joseph’s, Wee Waa

May St Joseph continue to watch over our students, staff, and families, guiding us with his strength and quiet faith.

Congratulations - Leisa Shortis Lead Teacher

Congratulations to Leisa Shortis, who successfully gained her Lead Teacher accreditation. Leisa has successfully completed Module 2. The assessor noted that the documentary evidence demonstrated her capacity to work collaboratively to improve both her own practice and her colleagues' practice. The evidence clearly communicated her professional context and reflected the diversity of her role. Her commitment to ongoing professional learning was highlighted as a particular strength of her application. Throughout the process, Leisa used the standards to thoughtfully reflect on her practice and impact. She consistently demonstrated her ability to lead and support colleagues in improving learning and well-being outcomes for students. A big thank you to Jen Honner, Millie Woolaston and everyone who supported Leisa throughout this process.

Leisa is our 6th HALT from Armidale Catholic Schools. There are only 65 in total in NSW Catholic Schools. What a huge achievement for our Diocese. Thank you to Millie Woolaston and the team for supporting our staff in gaining this accreditation.

Congratulations Emily Murphy

Congratulations to Emily Murphy from St Joseph's Tenterfield, who has completed Module 1 of her Lead Teacher Accreditation Submission. All ten standard descriptors have been addressed. Her assessor's feedback highlighted that Emily's module communicated impact with a focus on improved student/child outcomes, growth of colleagues’ teaching practice and active community engagement. It also demonstrated the application of skills, in-depth knowledge, and understanding to deliver effective lessons/learning experiences and learning opportunities and share this information with colleagues. Emily's module was outstanding and reflected her leadership and St Joseph's consistent improvement agenda.

Thank you to Cherie Yates and Millie Woolaston for their support of Emily throughout the process.

Congratulations to Students and Staff - Ngaara Wiiribiiyan

The Ngaara Wiiribiiyan - Strong Young women - celebrates culture, reliance, leadership and community. Congratulations to Year 9 MCC students Cora and Amarni who were the MCs of the day, leading a regional gathering of students, community members and leaders with professionalism, pride and cultural strength.

Congratulations to the Award Winners from McCarthy Catholic College:

Year 11 - Isla - Mentor of Change Award

This award recognised the way Isla supports and guides her peers, fostering leadership and confidence within the school community.

Year 11 - Keely - Future Leader Award

This award recognised Keely for demonstrating outstanding leadership potential , initiative and the ability to inspire positive change.

Armidale Catholic Schools - Jolene Faint - TrailBlazer Award

We were so excited for Jolene Faint, Subject Matter Expert: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education K-6, Armidale Catholic Schools awarded the TrailBlazer Award. This award honours Jolene’s dedication to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, cultural mentorship and empowering young people.

Congratulations to all these amazing people.

Welcome

Armidale Catholic Schools is pleased to welcome Lachlan to our team. Lachlan is currently studying Year 11 at O’Connor Catholic College. As part of his studies Lachlan is completing a school-based traineeship in Business Services and works every Tuesday in our Armidale office.

Photo - Jocelyn St Clair (Busy at Work Apprenticeships, Employment and Community Services), Rachel Galvin (OCC), Lachlan Wanschers, Tully Langenbaker (OCC), Karen Tighe (ACS)

School Visits:

I am so pleased to have visited all 24 schools this term. It has been a real joy to see the great work everyone is doing to support our young people realise a hope-filled future. I have especially enjoyed visiting our kindergarten students and have so much admiration for their teachers. So much fantastic happening across our diocese!

Curriculum News

Term 1 2026 Curriculum Matters

NESA NEWS