Message from the Director of Schools

Dear Colleagues,

Dear colleagues 

As we end Term 3, I want to thank you for your hard work and commitment to our students and their faith, learning and wellbeing. I truly value your efforts to ensure our students experience rich learning every day. We are all working together to support our young people in realising a hope-filled future.

A huge thank you to our Year 12 school teachers, leaders, and support staff as our Year 12 students finish their formal schooling and prepare for their HSC exams next term. Thank you for all you do to support our students in achieving their best.

NCEC Catholic Education Leaders Forum

Last week I joined Catholic Leaders from across Australia in Canberra for the National Catholic Education Commission’s Catholic Education Leaders Forum. This Forum brings together Diocesan Directors, Board Chairs, RI/MPJP Representatives, and leaders in state and federal Catholic education. 

It was a very proud moment when, during the introduction to the forum, NCEC chair Nicholas Moore AO, had a slide celebrating the Dioceses who were performing above similar students in NAPLAN, and Armidale was one of the Dioceses singled out! Congratulations everyone!

As part of this Forum, we also held a National Rural, Regional and Remote Directors Network meeting where we spoke with The Honourable Scott Ryan, Executive Director of the National Catholic Education Commission, about the unique challenges and opportunities experienced in our Diocese. Senator Deborah O’Neill spent time with us responding to our questions and the concerns we raised. 

During the three days, we discussed a range of topics including faith and mission, educational excellence, NCCD and resourcing. Both the Minister for Education, Hon Jason Clare MP and Shadow Minister Mr Julian Leeser MP spent time with us discussing their policies on education and, in particular, the role of Catholic education in the landscape of Australia. I also took the opportunity while in Parliament House to meet personally with both the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP and Mr Jamie Chaffey MP whose electorates encompass our Diocese.

School Holidays

I hope you have a wonderful break and enjoy some time with your family and friends. I look forward to connecting with you on the first day of Term 4 for our whole of system online meeting. 

Thank you again for all you do. 

Regina