Message from the Director of Schools

Dear Colleagues,

Last week I was fortunate to be in schools seeing the great learning and teaching happening. I visited St Mary’s Armidale, St Joseph’s, Tenterfield, St Joseph’s Uralla, Sacred Heart, Boggabri. St Francis Xavier’s, Narrabri, St Philomena’s, Moree, St Joseph’s, Mungindi and St Joseph’s, Warialda. In all schools I saw coherent, consistent teaching occurring in calm settings. The evidence of learning shown through the students answering the 5 questions about their learning and the learning walls explicitly being used with Learning Intentions, Success Criteria and Anchor Charts was outstanding.

Thank you everyone for your amazing work in supporting our young people who become literate and numerate for a hope-filled future.

NAIDOC Week - St Francis Xavier, Narrabri

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of attending St Francis Xavier’s NAIDOC Week celebrations ‘50 Years of Deadly. Huge congratulations to Maddy Simmonds-Cutts and Kristie Toomey, as well as, the amazing young people who planned and led the assembly. It was a joyous celebration bringing together the community including Elders, family, various school and community groups with the school community. 

Congratulations - Donna Fietchner and ACS Early Career Teacher Team 

On Friday 28th August, these wonderful staff members were acknowledged at the NSW Australian Council for Educational Leaders - ACEL awards.

Individual Leadership Award went to Donna Fiechtner, Principal of St Joseph’s, Walgett 

Team Leadership Award went to Armidale Catholic Schools Early Career Teacher Team

These educators lead and support our staff and communities to ensure our young people realise a hope-filled future! We are extremely proud of your work. Thank you for your commitment and passion! 

Congratulations Donna, Katie, Millie, Jenny, Amanda, Phoebe and Louise!

Congratulations Emily Murphy Lead Teacher 

Emily Murphy from St Joseph's Tenterfield is our next Accredited LEAD Teacher.

Emily successfully completed Module 2 and demonstrated how she shares effective practice with colleagues and applies knowledge about how students/children learn. The evidence in the module confirmed that Emily provides colleagues with effective feedback following observations of their practice, is supportive of beginning teachers, and provides valuable mentoring and coaching. Throughout the process, Emily reflected on her practice and the impact she has on her colleagues and on student learning outcomes. Her evidence was authentic and reflected her outstanding leadership and strategic vision. 

A big thank you to Cherie Yates and the ACSO team for their support of Emily throughout this process. Congratulations, Emily well deserved recognition of your outstanding leadership.

Regina