Welcome back!

I welcome everyone back to Term Four. Certainly, seeing our students settling in so well to their studies and routines has been wonderful.

Term Four is always a hive of activity with multiple events, activities, final assessments for most years and the first HSC assessment tasks for Year 11 (Year 12, 2024).

We continue to pray for and wish our Year 12 2023 all the very best as they continue sitting their HSC Examinations. They have entered into the examinations very well thus far.

I look forward in the coming weeks to speaking about end-of-year events - including upcoming concerts and assemblies.

Referendum on Indigenous Constitutional Recognition and Voice. 

I understand that many people are distressed by the outcome of the recent referendum. For me, it is bewildering how a simple and non-threatening proposal could evoke fear and anxiety. I believe that, as Catholics, we must uphold the foundational value of human dignity in our interactions with everyone, regardless of background or voting preference. Indeed, let us engage in civil discourse and debate about important social issues, drawing on the gifts of our Catholic tradition and values of hope, integrity, justice, and compassion - avoiding division in a fractured and violent world.

We have access to a peace that surpasses understanding through the New Testament. Jesus, the light that shines in the darkness, stood with those facing challenges and those on the margins. We are responsible and privileged to share this light, hope, and peace within our College community. In the aftermath of the referendum, it is unhelpful to confine complex debates to individual viewpoints and risk sending negative messages to our young people. Let us respect the democratic process and one another, seeking the good of others even when our opinions differ, and striving for unity and the flourishing of all people.

This is not the end but another opportunity to focus on reconciliation and ‘closing the gap’. I believe we all have a unique opportunity to shape the way forward. Let us be drivers of positive change, breaking down barriers rather than succumbing to despair. 

Let us remember we can be beacons of compassion even amid intense debates. Jesus, who suffered, understands our challenges and shows us what God's love looks like in action. Compassion rejects bitterness, despair, and envy, recognising the image of God in each person. Let us walk this path with simplicity and difficulty, fostering curiosity and empathy. We can cultivate connections and understanding through prayer, effort, and genuine listening.

I encourage you to read Bishop Charles Gauci’s statement as Chair of the Bishops Commission for Relations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. As Bishop Gauci states, although the: “majority of Australians did not see the Voice as the way to address disparities… that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do something.” … this is a time for: “the Church and its ministries to redouble our efforts to close the gap – not as a slogan, but as a commitment”. 

National Catholic School Improvement Colloquium

On 15th October, I travelled to Western Australia with a team of educators from Catholic Education Wollongong to attend the 6th National Catholic School Improvement Colloquium (NSIC). 

Starting with a beautiful Eucharist at St Patrick’s Basilica and a beautiful smoking ceremony led by Indigenous elders at Bather’s Beach, Fremantle, it was wonderful to connect with and hear from outstanding educators across Australia.

The Colloquium provided an excellent opportunity to share research and best practices from Catholic Education systems across Australia, promoting connection, innovation and excellence. Keynote speaker Tracey Ezard spoke about and engaged in genuine dialogue with us, about the importance of “moving towards the heat” in the most effective and meaningful ways - all the while with a student-focused mentality.

I was privileged to be one of the presenters at the Colloquium, and I shared best practices at our College and in our Wollongong system. This sat in very well with the Colloquium’s theme: “Pathways of Hope”, and the exploration of how we should constantly engage and empower our schools to prepare students for a hope-filled future.

Following the Colloquium, I and others from our system toured Holy Cross College, Ellenbrook - an impressive WA Catholic school which we have, and will continue to have, strong connections with. I am very thankful to Principal Julie Hornby and her team for conducting such a comprehensive tour of the College and facilitating meaningful discussion - answering many of our questions. I have invited her and representatives from her College to visit us next year.

Parent School Partnership Framework

You will often hear me talking about the importance of genuine partnership between the College, our students and our parents/carers. For the best educational and holistic outcomes for our students, genuine partnerships are needed and these are built upon how we communicate with one another.

While I understand (and expect) that families want the absolute best for their children, it is critical that, at all times, communications between the College and the home remain respectful.

It is not appropriate for parents/carers or community members to be rude or disrespectful to College staff - whether communicating with office staff, those in a learning support role or classroom teachers.

I am extremely grateful to the vast majority - the 99% - who are positive, thankful and forward-thinking. There may be some uncertainties or possible disagreements from time to time but I am very thankful to our families who recognise that we remain committed and here to support your children. 

May I be very clear, however, that no one has the right to threaten, be aggressive or demanding of our staff. The “Parent-School Partnership framework”, produced by the Catholic Education Office Wollongong clarifies many of the expectations that exist for parents/carers in our schools. Any parents/carers who fail to comply with the ideas outlined in this document may be breaching the enrolment contract that they signed for their child.