The New South Wales Minister for Education, the Honourable Sarah Mitchell MLC, recognised teachers who have achieved the highest levels of NSW accreditation in 2019 at a prestigious ceremony in Sydney. The NSW government’s annual Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) Awards recognise teachers that display exemplary, innovative and compassionate teaching practice.

Jeni McCarthy from St Bernard’s Primary School, Batemans Bay and Wendy Mockler-Giles from Lumen Christi Catholic College, Pambula Beach were among those teachers who were honoured in the ceremony.

HALT accreditation acknowledges a teacher’s contribution to their community to improve student outcomes. This is done through a rigorous process involving a 360-degree view on their teaching from external assessors, colleagues, students and other members of the community.

“HALT accreditation motivates you to take up opportunities that advance your career but keep you teaching, coaching and mentoring others,” said Wendy Mockler-Giles. “Becoming a HALT means I’m leading from the classroom, where I love being.”

Jeni McCarthy said that her accreditation had opened up many new opportunities for her to extend her career and influence on the education of students in Catholic schools.

“I am currently liaising with Catholic Schools NSW and reflecting on the accreditation process to see how we can support more teachers to take up the opportunity,” she said. “I am training as an External Assessor for the NSW Education Standards Authority, on top of doing a job I love, which is working with students and families in Catholic schools, supporting them on their educational journey.”

Five Archdiocesan Principals, Ursula Jamieson from St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Primary School, Kambah; Anne-Marie Marek from Holy Family Primary School, Gowrie; Brad Gaynor from Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School, Nicholls; Lina Vigliotta from St Vincent’s Primary School, Aranda; and Carmel Maguire from St Monica’s Primary School, Evatt recently travelled to Greece and Turkey on pilgrimage as part of their Principal Professional Development Program.

The pilgrimage followed the footsteps of St Paul and the early Church. The team visited ancient Corinth, Ephesus, Patmos, Delphi, Philippi and Thessaloniki, places where St Paul and his companions courageously preached the Word of God.

There were many highlights throughout the twelve-day tour including mass at the House of the Virgin Mary in the hills above Ephesus. This is where it is believed that Mary and John the Apostle lived after Jesus’ ascension.

“This house was one of the most powerful spiritual places I have ever visited,” said Brad Gaynor. “There was a special sense of peace and tranquillity that I have not experienced in many other places.”

Another highlight was Philippi at the Baptistery of St Lydia on the Zygakte River. It was here that
St Paul founded the first European Church and Lydia was baptised as the first European convert to Christianity.

“It was a humbling experience to walk in the waters of the very place where the first Christian woman, St Lydia, was baptised,” said Ursula Jamieson. “We renewed our baptismal promises as we stood on the banks of the Zygakte River.”

Each Principal appreciated the opportunity to develop their own faith, network with others and to participate in such an amazing opportunity. They each look forward to sharing their stories with their colleagues and school communities.

In the spirit of reconciliation, over 500 delegates from 11 Dioceses across NSW and the ACT have attended the 2019 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference in the Hunter Valley.

The theme, ‘Punaal. Ponte-Boone. Biamie Spirit of Sun, Moon, and Creator’, was inspired by stories of the region in which the conference took place, highlighting the area’s richness in culture, ritual, ceremony, language and connection to Country.

The conference provided participants with opportunities to explore effective and culturally appropriate strategies, and current practices targeted towards closing the gap in educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Participants played an active role in reconciliation by strengthening existing networks, and sharing, collaborating and celebrating the achievements of other colleagues.

Delegates heard from inspirational speakers, such as journalist Jeff McMullen and three-time Paralympic Gold medallist Kurt Fearnley. The keynote addresses emphasised the role education plays in promoting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal children, families and communities.

There were opportunities to join in yarning circles and cultural workshops that allowed all non-Indigenous and First Nation peoples to share and learn together. The event also showcased the talents of students from across the Diocese, with dancing, singing and drama performances. Visits to Country to experience sacred sites were also a highlight of the conference.

Anne Barbic, Acting Principal of St Thomas the Apostle Primary School, Kambah was humbled by the experience.

“It was a privilege to attend the conference. There was a great deal of learning and sharing ideas with many new friendships and networks formed,” she said.

Claire Walsh, contact teacher for Aboriginal education at St Clare of Assisi Primary School, Conder also spoke highly of the conference.

“It was fantastic to spend time focusing on Aboriginal education,” she said.

“Listening to inspirational speakers, participating in cultural workshops and visits to Country have motivated me and given me the tools I need to excel in my role to the best of my ability.”

The Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) actively supports and recognises educational leadership across Australia. On Wednesday, 11 September, at the annual Awards dinner, ACEL celebrated and honoured those individuals, who in the view of their peers, had made a significant contribution to the understanding and practice of educational leadership.

This year, Ross Fox, Director of Catholic Education Office Archdiocese Canberra and Goulburn, was awarded the most notable of the ACEL Awards, the ACT Fellowship Award. The Award recognises excellence in education at many levels as well as a commitment to the ideals of ACEL.

Upon receiving the ACT Fellowship Award, Mr Fox said, “It is a tremendous privilege to be recognised by peers in educational leadership in this way. Just as it is a great privilege to work as a leader in education, and in particular Catholic education, with wonderful and dedicated leaders who work every day to overcome inequality. It is only through education and its fruits that full human dignity and flourishing can be realised for all.”

In the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, Catholic Education is proud to have many outstanding staff who are dedicated and passionate about providing exceptional quality education to our students. Other staff from our Archdiocese who were also recognised at the 2019 ACEL Awards and received an ACEL ACT Excellence in Leadership Award included:

Bernadette Bradley (VET Coordinator, St Francis Xavier College, Florey)

Peter Hughes (Principal, Mother Teresa Primary School, Harrison)

Noel Hurley (Performance and Improvement Leader, Catholic Education Office, Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn)

Lina Vigliotta (Principal, St Vincent’s Primary School, Aranda)

On Monday, 2 September, two Catholic school students, Aquin Rony (Year 6) from Sacred Heart Primary School, Pearce and Fletcher Allan (Year 6) from St Monica’s Primary School, Evatt were awarded first and second place at the 45th Rostrum Primary Schools Speaking Competition.

Dorothy Hine, co-founder of the PSSC presented the winner, Aquin, with the Ken Fry Shield and the school also received a perpetual trophy. As the runner up, Fletcher was presented with the Warren Hine Memorial Trophy.

The grand final comprised of eight finalists and four reserves, who each prepared a four minute speech on a preselected topic. Both Aquin and Fletcher presented speeches on the topic ‘To climb or not to climb’.

Mylee Taylor from St Joseph’s Primary School, Boorowa was a reserve on the night and delivered an entertaining speech on the topic ‘Neologisms’. Mylee was presented with a certificate and a medallion.

The annual competition involves students from primary schools in the ACT and surrounding NSW region and is aimed at encouraging the next generation of young speakers. It is a notable achievement to be selected, as schools can only nominate a single entrant to compete.

“It was a wonderful evening,” said Luke Donnelly, the Acting Principal at St Monica’s Primary School, Evatt. “Students presented thought provoking, inspiring speeches, ending with a great celebration of our Catholic schools.”

The ‘Gearing up for Parent Engagement in Student Learning’ toolkit, created by Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA), was launched at Parliament House on Monday, 16 September and is being hailed as an important resource for families and educators.

Launch guests included the Minister for Education, the Honourable Dan Tehan MP; Shadow Minister for Education and Training, Tanya Plibersek; Jacinta Collins, Executive Director of the National Catholic Education Commission and Director of Catholic Education Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn, Ross Fox.

“The free online toolkits have been designed to assist in making the transition from primary to secondary school a great experience for students and their families. It encourages the formation of strong relationships between home and school, allowing parents and carers to engage in their child’s education,” said CPSA Deputy Chair, Carmel Nash.

The Federal Government provided funding to CSPA to develop the toolkits, which are now freely available to parents, carers and educators.

“Parents should play an active role in their child’s education,” Minister Tehan said. “These toolkits help parents navigate some of the tricky junctures in a child’s journey through the school years. When parents and teachers have healthy, engaged relationships, our students benefit,” he added.

Following the launch at Parliament House, delegates from CSPA visited St Gregory’s Primary School, Queanbeyan and Merici College, Braddon, where students and staff spoke about the many ways their school engages with parents.

On 7 September, Merici College invited current students, parents, friends, alumni and staff to join them in celebrating their 60th Diamond Jubilee. The day began with a morning mass held in the Merici College Auditorium and was led by Archbishop Christopher Prowse. Later that evening, the College celebrated with a special anniversary dinner at the Canberra Rex Hotel.

Merici welcomed Sisters representing their founding Orders, as well as past students, Principals, Catholic Education leaders, current staff and students. The evening provided many opportunities for guests to enjoy reconnecting with old friends, to celebrate the memories they hold and to create new ones. 

Mrs Loretta Wholley, who has been the Principal at Merici College for the past seven years, acknowledged and thanked those Principals who had led before her. “Thank you for your foundations, for the work and dedication you gave to the College over the years. I hope that I am doing justice to your vision and being faithful to our founding Sisters.”

Principal Wholley gave a heartfelt thanks to all those from the school community who had enthusiastically helped in the planning of the anniversary celebrations throughout the year. “Your attendance, support and assistance at each event has made this year very special,” she said.

Principal Wholley continued saying, “Merici now, and as Canberra Catholic Girls’ School, was and always will be a place of innovation – taking bold risks and forging through society with great initiative and pride. We will continue to be faithful to the Gospel values of Faith, Hope and Love and with the Spirit of our ten Religious Orders, go on to be a place where individuals respond to the call to go out and make a difference in the world”.

Merici College was officially opened by His Grace Archbishop O’Brien on Sunday, 22 March, 1959, and was the first Catholic Secondary College for girls in Canberra.

In the recent Education Perfect Languages Championship, Year 10 student Ellie Stevens from Trinity Catholic College, Goulburn has achieved amazing results.

Ellie, who had the highest individual score, placed first in the world in German in the Languages Championships, scoring 28,000 points. She was awarded an Elite Certificate, which is earned after scoring 10,000 points. Congratulations also to Year 9 Trinity student, Haldyn Boyce, who was awarded an Elite Certificate for his efforts in German.

“The competition is a lot of fun and a good learning experience. I would highly recommend it to future students,” said Ellie.

The Championship is a seven day global online event that celebrates learning and achievement in languages. This year the competition was held from 27 August to 3 September. With approximately 200,000 students participating each year, it is a great opportunity to inspire students’ language learning while they compete on a global scale.

Other Trinity students were also recognised for their strong performances in German, including Year 7 student James Stevens and Year 9 student Samuel North, who earned an Emerald Certificate (5,000 points), and Year 7 student Alesha Mateta who was awarded a Gold Certificate (3,000 points). Year 7 students Hannah Smith and Kayla O’Malley also both received Gold Certificates in French.

For St Mary’s Primary School, Crookwell, the opening of a brand new sporting facility was a cause for celebration.

Parishioners, staff and councillors from the Upper Lachlan Shire Council, and members of Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn joined students and staff to celebrate the opening of the new facility.

“Our multipurpose sports court provides competition sized basketball, netball and tennis courts, along with a practice wall and handball courts,” said St Mary’s Principal, Sarah Lowe.

“The facility will be utilised every day by St Mary’s Primary School and will be also offered as a venue for local basketball and netball competitions, something that is not currently offered in our district.”

The new facility stands on the grounds of the old St Mary’s Parish tennis courts that were no longer in use due to their state of disrepair. The opening of the court on Friday marked phase one of the development of the site, with a toilet block and roof to be added in the future.

The project would not have been possible without the support of Fr Dermid McDermott, Administrator of the St Mary’s Parish, Crookwell, the Parish Pastoral Council and State Member for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman MP who was instrumental in securing a generous NSW Government grant.

Director of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, Ross Fox, passed on his thanks and appreciation to the many individuals who had worked towards the realisation of the project.

At the opening, Ms Tuckerman endorsed the efforts of the local community and noted that she was pleased that the government grant had contributed to a wonderful community resource that would benefit many for years to come.

The facility was officially opened and blessed by Fr Dermid McDermott.

After the ceremony, Mr Fox took the initiative to test the facilities, joining with students for a quick game of basketball.

Students from Years 4, 5 and 6 at Good Shepherd Primary School, Amaroo have had a glimpse into the realities of homelessness by ‘sleeping rough’ in their school hall as part of the Vinnies School Sleepout campaign.

“This is a fantastic experience for our older students to learn about the less fortunate in our community and to be aware of those in Canberra who are struggling with homelessness,” said Principal, David Austin. “Raising awareness was the main aim,” he said.

Over 100 students volunteered to brave a cold Canberra night without their usual comforts to raise money and awareness for those in Canberra without a permanent home.

Students played games and listened to some information about homelessness from members of the St Vincent de Paul Society and Year 8 students from St John Paul II College, Nicholls. They experienced the cold whilst listening to a story and concluded the evening with a liturgy before settling down for the night with nothing but a cardboard box for a mattress and a sleeping bag.

St John Vianney’s Primary School, Waramanga have hosted Big Sing, which saw eight Catholic schools from around Canberra unite to share in a love of music and song.

Dreamed up by long-time friends and music teachers Susan Curbishley, Mother Teresa Primary School, Harrison and Alison Hackwill, Sts Peter and Paul Primary School, Garran, Big Sing gives students a chance to experience the emotional and social benefits of singing.

This term, 315 children from St Jude’s Primary School, Holder; St Thomas the Apostle Primary School, Kambah; St John Vianney’s Primary School, Waramanga; St Monica’s Primary School, Evatt; Mother Teresa Primary School, Harrison; Holy Spirit Primary School, Nicholls; Sts Peter and Paul Primary School, Garran and St Edmund’s Catholic College, Canberra, took part in Big Sing.

“This was such a wonderful opportunity to meet with other music and choir teachers to learn repertoire and share experiences,” said St John Vianney’s Performing Arts teacher, Mary Dietz-Mullamphy. “We are often working solo in schools and this chance to work together was both joyous and educational.”

Students spent the day refining their repertoire, before finishing with a performance of four songs.

“It was fun meeting new people and making new friends,” said Year 5 student Nikita Bremner.

“I loved singing with other schools,” reflected Year 4 student Reyna Clarke.

Year 6 student, Annika Plenty, said “It was one of the best days in my year.”

From 7 to 8 September, five students from Hennessy Catholic College Young, joined more than 100 students from across the state at the NSW Junior Leadership Weekend. The weekend residential conference was hosted by UN Youth Australia in Narrabeen.

Congratulations to Year 7 and 8 Hennessy College participants – Tayliah Butcher, Elisabeth Hall, Magella McGrath, James Payne and Grace Taylor.

This year’s theme, ‘Putting Gender on the Agenda’ centered on the issues of gender inequality and bias. The vision was to empower young people to facilitate positive change in their local communities. Students also learned about communication, leadership, diplomacy and advocacy through structured skills workshops.

“I really enjoyed diving deep into the theme of gender equality. We learnt in detail about the importance of being equal and allowing others to feel equal,” reflected Year 8 student, Grace Taylor. “It was an overall great experience and I would definitely recommend it to next year’s, Year 7 and Year 8s,” she said.

Year 8 student Elisabeth Hall enjoyed the experience immensely. “It was so much fun. The leadership weekend had group workshops, trivia and an out-of-this-world themed disco. The weekend was jam packed and a great way to meet new people from across NSW,” she said.

By the end of the weekend, students had an insightful understanding of some of the issues facing marginalised groups in Australia and were equipped with the tools necessary to be confident in their ability to create social change in their local and wider communities.

Sts Peter and Paul Primary School Garran Assistant Principal, Garreth Wigg and St Thomas the Apostle Primary School Kambah learning technologies and STEM teacher, Luke Mooney presented at the annual national Conference of the Australian Science Teachers’ Association (CONASTA) in Darwin.

The central theme of CONASTA 68, ‘Uncharted Territory: Innovation in Science Education’ provided insight and discussion on contemporary pedagogy in relation to STEM. Presenters provided much food for thought about new and diverse approaches to teaching.

“The opportunity to develop ongoing professional connections with like minded educators was invaluable,” said Luke. “Many of the educators we spoke with were very open and willing to share their perspectives and insights to further advance unique and specific school based initiatives.”

A prominent topic of discussion and consideration centred on the need for primary and high school teachers to work closely together to ensure that the continuum of science teaching and learning is consistent.

“It was affirming to hear that many high school teachers are generally impressed with the level of knowledge and understanding that students bring with them to high school,” said Garreth. “Overall, there was a strong dialogue focused on working toward the shared goal of student achievement and inspiring learners through discoveries in science.”

CONASTA 69 will be held in Canberra next year. 

“There are so many excellent approaches to teaching and learning in STEM happening throughout schools across the Archdiocese,” said Luke. “We would certainly encourage many of our colleagues to attend and consider presenting their own workshops.”

Year 12 student, Tom McInnes from St Francis Xavier College (SFX), Florey, has competed in the Canberra region WorldSkills Carpentry Competition, an international vocational education and excellence competition for trainees, apprentices and students. The competition showcases what can be achieved with real industry skills. Winners of local competitions can then go on to represent at Australian and international competitions.

Tom is completing an Australian School Based Apprenticeship through SFX. He commenced his apprenticeship with Combined Construction in Year 11, whilst undertaking his studies through SFX and the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT).

Trainers at CIT selected Tom to compete in WorldSkills, held at the CIT campus in Bruce. Tom described his experience as different and stressful, however he also had a lot of fun.

“We had to build a sawhorse,” said Tom.

“We were given instructions and had to work out the dimensions, angles and other elements before commencing construction.”

“It was challenging but I would definitely recommend the experience to others.”

Eight Primary School Principals from the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn had the opportunity to attend the 2019 Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) Conference in Adelaide from 3 to 6 September.

This year’s conference theme, ‘Leading the Way: Connection, Collaboration, Community’ uncovered ways to help support Principals in leading their school communities and ensure that every student receives a world class education. At the conference Principals were able to network with other primary school leaders from all over Australia and from other sectors: Catholic, State and Independent schools, as well as Principals from New Zealand.

Principals who attended from our Archdiocese included Marylou Gorham, Trinity Catholic Primary School, Murrumburrah; Philippa Brearley, Holy Trinity Primary School, Curtin; David Austin, Good Shepherd Primary School, Amaroo; Jo Scott-Pegum, St Patrick’s Primary School, Bega; Christine Baron, St Mary’s War Memorial School, West Wyalong; Julie Wiley, St Thomas More’s Primary School, Campbell; Frances Robertson, St Patrick’s Parish School, Cooma; and Matt Egan-Richards, St Clare of Assisi Primary School, Conder.

The aim of the conference was for primary school Principals from across the nation to come together and grow their knowledge, connections and support. Principals had the opportunity to build a stronger and more vibrant community of primary school leaders, who have the ability to make a difference and share a commitment to children’s wellbeing, growth and achievement.

Principal Julie Wiley enjoyed the keynote speakers, in particular the presentations and workshops by Louka Parry and Dave Faulkner on being educational changemakers. 

This presentation also resonated with Principal Christine Baron, who noted the important maxim that ‘You judge yourself according to your intention, where others judge you by your actions’.

Principal Jo Scott-Pegum said, “When Dan Haesler said ‘Learning is Change’, it summed up the conference potential and actual for me. As a group of Principals during the conference we were given the opportunity to collaborate, connect and build community. We have listened, talked, been edified in our work and challenged toward new thinking and next actions for co-creating our future bright.” 

“We were all inspired by the powerful message from the keynote speakers, in particular His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le (Governor of South Australia), Louka Parry and Dave Faulkner (Education Changemakers) – for their stories, for sharing their passion for education and supporting us to make a real difference for the young people of Australia,” she said.