Message from the Director of Schools

Dear Colleagues,

Today is Remembrance Day, a day where we acknowledge and pay our respects to those who died or suffered while serving in wars, conflicts and peace operations. November 11th marks the anniversary of the Armistice of 1918, which brought an end to the fighting in World War I. 

They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

In our world at the moment, many conflicts are occurring, and we pray for peace. Pope Leo XIV signalled to the world in his first appearance as Pope his commitment to peace for everyone with the words ‘Peace be with you all!’ We join together to pray for peace in our world using the Prayer for Peace from St. John Paul II.

Lord Jesus Christ, who are called the Prince of Peace, who are Yourself our peace and reconciliation, who so often said, “Peace to you” – please grant us peace.

Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice and brotherly love. Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace. Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace.

May all peoples on the earth become as brothers and sisters.

May longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always over us all. Amen.

Congratulations   - Principal Appointments

I am pleased to announce two new principal appointments: Jacqueline Wait, St Joseph’s Warialda, and Nicole Prior, St Mary’s College, Gunnedah.

Jacqueline Wait brings over 20 years of teaching experience and a wealth of leadership knowledge from her current roles as Co-Assistant Principal at Holy Trinity School, Inverell, and as a Subject Matter Expert- Literacy and Data for Armidale Catholic Schools. She has also held the positions of Assistant Principal/Leader of Pedagogy at St Joseph’s Tenterfield, Instructional Leader, Assistant Principal, and Educational Leader with the Department of Education within NSW and the Northern Territory.

Jacqueline is currently completing a Master of Educational Leadership with Australian Catholic University and has recently completed her NESA Lead Teacher accreditation. 

With a deep commitment to enhancing student outcomes and fostering a Christ-centred, inclusive learning community, Jacqueline is ready to lead St Joseph’s Warialda into a hope-filled future.

Nicole Prior brings extensive experience to the role, having served in a range of key leadership positions, including her current role as Assistant Principal - Mission and Pastoral Care at Newman College, Port Macquarie, as well as previous roles as Student Services Manager and Leader of Catechesis. In these roles, she has led the development of faith formation programs, strengthened student wellbeing initiatives, and fostered a school culture defined by safety, inclusion, and a strong Catholic identity.

Nicole holds a Master of Theology from Newcastle University, a Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of New England, and a Bachelor of Business from Griffith University.

For Nicole, leadership in Catholic education is both a vocation and a responsibility to witness the Gospel in word and action. Her deep faith is central to her daily decision-making, professional purpose, and relationships with students, staff, and families. 

Please join me in congratulating Jacqui and Nicole.

New England Education Cooperative Awards

We celebrated the New England Education Cooperative Awards on World Teachers Day, 31st October. Armidale Catholic Schools was well represented in the award winners. Their achievements are a true asset to our entire diocese. Congratulations to the following:

William Walker Award for Excellence in Educational Leadership - Amanda Sheridan (St Edwards, Tamworth), Catherine Martin (St Mary’s College, Gunnedah) and Pauline Long (St Joseph’s, Quirindi).

Sister Cath Duxbury Memorial Award for Outstanding Emerging Education Leaders - Matthew Mills (St Joseph's, Warialda) & Tim Unwin (Armidale Catholic Schools Office)

Alan Kerr Memorial Award for Early Career Service - Moira Watts (St Edwards, Tamworth) & Georgia Mackson (McCarthy Catholic College, Tamworth)

JA Sutherland Memorial Award for Significant Contribution to Education - Francis Reynolds (St Joseph’s Mungindi)

Cynthia Briggs Award for Empowerment Through Education - Kahlia Whalan (St Joseph's, Warialda)

Congratulations to all the award winners!

A few selfies!