Message from the Director

Dear Colleagues,

As we conclude Term 1 of the school year it is important to reflect on your many achievements. These achievements will include your own professional growth and the impact you have on improving student learning, irrespective of your role at the CSO or in the schools. Many thanks for your care and commitment to your work.

The recent AIP Review Meetings provided very positive feedback to the schools that were visited. It is a very strong sign of ‘systemness’ when peers are prepared to open their classrooms to a learning walk by visitors from other schools. Similarly the sharing with each other of each school’s AIP for peer review is also a credit to the sense of collaborative professionalism that now exists within and between schools.

During recent visits by university leaders from ACU, Notre Dame and UNE to our school classrooms, they have been extremely impressed by the level of student engagement and the quality of instruction that is occurring. One institution has requested that we open our literacy blocks for undergraduate students to observe on Zoom so as to witness best-practice pedagogy. 

My reflection over the last six months has led me to the announcement I made today to CSO staff and school principals via Zoom. This announcement to not seek another contract in the Diocese of Armidale as Director of Schools has been a very difficult one and I am confident that I can continue to serve Catholic education in other ways into the future. 

I look forward to returning in Term 3 after the conclusion of my professional renewal leave.

Easter is a time to come together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with hope and faith. It is a time for reflection on and renewal of our commitment to the values Jesus lived and taught. 

In our work at the Catholic Schools Office, we strive to uphold the values of faith, service, and community that are at the heart of our mission. We are a community committed to making a difference in the lives of our students. Each of us is privileged to be able to make these differences within our communities as a part of our commitment to Catholic education.

As we celebrate this Easter season, I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your dedication, hard work, and commitment to our mission. The contributions of each person are essential to the success of our schools and the wider community, and I am grateful for all that you do.

Easter blessings,

Chris Smyth

Director of Schools