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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 12 Student Mass

Translate Select Language Powered by Google TranslateTranslate Font Size All Staff Edition, Week 7, Term 3, 2025 Spiritual Reflection Vale Greg Whitby, former Director of Schools in the Diocese of Wollongong Staff Announcements Positions Vacant CEDoW News Updates Spiritual Formation Professional Learning CEDoW Curriculum Reform News – Primary Submit Feedback Spiritual Reflection Echoes of Divine Fatherhood Father's Day, often marked by gatherings and expressions of gratitude with gifts from school stalls and child-made breaky in bed, offers a profound opportunity for spiritual reflection within our Catholic tradition. Beyond the commercial celebrations, it invites us to consider the sacred role of fatherhood, drawing our gaze towards the ultimate Father, God Himself, and to the earthly figures who, in various ways, mirror His divine love and providence. The very concept of God as Father is central to our faith. It speaks of a relationship of deep love, unwavering guidance, and boundless mercy. As children of God, we are invited into an intimate relationship with the One who knows us perfectly, provides for our needs, and calls us to holiness. Earthly fathers, in their best expressions, become living icons of this divine paternity. They are called to protect, to instruct, to nurture, and to lead their families in faith, hope, and love. This is a demanding, yet infinitely rewarding, vocation. Consider the quiet strength and unwavering dedication of Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. He was a man of integrity, obedience, and profound faith, who selflessly embraced his role as protector and provider for the Holy Family. Joseph's fatherhood was not defined by biological ties, but by his loving presence, his steadfast commitment, and his willingness to sacrifice for the well-being of those entrusted to his care. He teaches us that true fatherhood is less about power or status and more about humble service, less about affirmations and more about consistent, loving action. In a world that often struggles with the true meaning of masculinity and fatherhood, the Catholic understanding of fatherhood offers a counter-cultural vision. It emphasises responsibility, unconditional love, vulnerability, self-giving, and the cultivation of virtue. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, urges fathers, "And fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). This scripture calls fathers (and mothers alike) to be pillars of moral strength, guiding their children not just by word, but by the compelling example of a life lived in accordance with God's will. They are to be the first catechists, imparting the faith through daily living, prayer, participation in the sacraments, and service. screenshot_2025_09_03_at_1.34.00_pm.png As we honour fathers on this special day, we are invited to reflect: How can we better appreciate and emulate the virtues of true fatherhood—both human and divine—in our own lives? May we each strive to create environments of love, security, and spiritual growth, echoing the heart of our Heavenly Father in all we do. Edit Vale Greg Whitby, former Director of Schools in the Diocese of Wollongong GW.jpg Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong joins the Catholic education sector in remembering Greg Whitby, who sadly passed away over the weekend. For close to 50 years—including a period as Director of Schools in the Diocese of Wollongong (1999 to 2006)—Greg devoted his life to Catholic education. He left a profound impact on those he worked alongside and will be remembered as a leader committed to innovation, inclusion, and the faith, learning, and wellbeing of the communities he served. The Mass of Christian Burial for Greg will be celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, on Monday 8 September 2025 at 10.00 am. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of respect and the high regard in which Greg is held. As you can appreciate, the funeral is expected to be very well attended. Please be mindful that there are many family members and close friends who would like to pay their respects, and for that reason, there is the opportunity for those who wish to pay their respects to join via a livestream of the service at https://www.youtube.com/@DioceseofParramatta/streams in lieu of attending in person. Please keep Greg and his family in your prayers during this very challenging time. Eternal rest grant unto Greg, O Lord. May perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. Bishop Vincent Long of the Diocese of Parramatta has shared a moving tribute to Greg in Catholic Outlook. Photo credit: Catholic Outlook Edit Staff Announcements On behalf of the Executive Director of Schools, I wish to announce the following: Following a recruitment and discernment process, I am pleased to announce that Karen Holland has been appointed to the substantive position of Assistant Principal at Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Parish Primary School, Kiama. As Karen is currently performing the position of Acting Assistant Principal, she will commence in the role immediately. Karen has worked as part of the leadership team at Ss Peter and Paul since 2018, having performed the roles of Acting Assistant Principal (August 2023 – current), and Middle Leader and Instructional Coach (2018 – August 2023). Karen is currently studying a Master of Educational Leadership (ACU) and has successfully acquired qualifications, including a Graduate Certificate of Educational Leadership (ACU), a Bachelor of Education (Southern Cross University), a Bachelor of Teaching (UOW), and a Certificate of Religious Education. Please join me in congratulating Karen on her appointment to this position. Lillian Del Giudice has relinquished the Assistant Principal position at Mary Immaculate Catholic Parish Primary School, Eagle Vale. I extend my sincere gratitude for her contributions made to the Diocese of Wollongong and to the community of Mary Immaculate. The substantive Assistant Principal role will be advertised shortly, with a commencement date of January 2026. Amanda Wilson, Principal at St Joseph's Catholic High School, Albion Park, will be taking a period of extended leave. During this time, Christopher Shelton will perform the role of Acting Principal, and Cameron Dribbus will perform the role of Acting Assistant Principal. Catherine DuBois, Religious Education Coordinator at St Paul’s Catholic Primary School, Moss Vale, will be taking parental leave from 15 September 2025 to 24 July 2026. Following a recruitment process, Tania Calla-Hunstone is the successful applicant for the position of Acting Religious Education Coordinator at St Paul’s, Moss Vale, during Catherine’s leave. Tania has been teaching and leading in Catholic education since 2011. She has previously held the position of Religious Education Coordinator and currently holds the position of Middle Leader 1 at St Paul’s, Moss Vale. Tania holds a Bachelor of Teaching (Religious Education included) with Australian Catholic University. Tania is a member of the Corpus Christi Parish, Bowral. Natasha O’Donoghue Director – People and Culture Edit Positions Vacant Temporary and permanent primary teaching positions are currently advertised across a number of CEDoW schools. Catholic Education Office Director ICLT Contact Paul Phillips at Hays Executive to discuss this opportunity. Phone: +61 (02) 8226 9699 Email: paul.phillips@hays.com.au Acting Director – Improvement, Learning and Wellbeing Payroll Officer Primary St Paul’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Albion Park Classroom Teacher Physical Education Teacher (0.6 F.T.E) St Paul’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Camden Classroom Teacher (F.T.E. 0.5) School Support Officer – Classroom (Several Positions) Mary Immaculate Catholic Parish Primary School, Eagle Vale Assistant Principal Holy Cross Catholic Parish Primary School, Helensburgh Creative Arts Teacher (0.2 F.T.E) Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Parish Primary, Kiama Acting Religious Education Coordinator (Primary) St Paul’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Moss Vale School Support Officer – Classroom (30 hours per fortnight) St Thomas More Catholic Parish Primary School, Ruse School Support Officer – Student Wellbeing Officer (20hours per fortnight) Classroom Teacher St Therese Catholic Parish Primary School, West Wollongong Diverse Learning Support Teacher Secondary St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Albion Park Science/Religious Education Teacher Mathematics Teacher Acting Middle Leader (2pt) – Pastoral and Learning Support Holy Spirit College, Bellambi School Support Officer – Indentured Casual Administration & Classroom Support (65 hours per fortnight) Trainee Administration Assistant Magdalene Catholic College, Narellan Religious Education Coordinator – (Re-advertised) St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra PD/H/PE Teacher John Therry Catholic College, Rosemeadow TAS Teacher Mount Carmel Catholic College, Varroville English Teacher Religious Education/Visual Arts Teacher Music Teacher (F.T.E. 0.6) Click to view all vacancies on CEDoW's Employment Portal Edit CEDoW News Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 12 Student Mass

This week, Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families from across our Diocesan secondary schools gathered to celebrate their graduation with Bishop Brian and Peter Hill.

Throughout the culturally rich celebration, Bishop Brian spoke about the opportunity to be Bearers of Christ’s Love. He highlighted the access that our education gives us to lift others up, to speak truth with courage and to remember and honour your culture, your Elders and your connection to Country as you walk through life with humility and strength.

After the success of our inaugural event in 2024, this year we celebrated the graduation of 43 students. The Graduation Mass reflects our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, as articulated in Lighting The Way, as well as aligning to one of the proposed improvement measures in the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement 2025-2034: “By 2031, increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (age 20-24) attaining Year 12 or equivalent qualification to 96 per cent.”

We congratulate all our graduates and their families on this milestone achievement.