2006

Wednesday 3rd August 2006
Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Celebrates First 'Catholic Schools Week'

Over 17,000 students from 56 Catholic schools across the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are celebrating the first ever Catholic Schools Week next week, 7-11 August.  The Catholic Schools Office has introduced the week to showcase the activities and achievements of Catholic schools and to highlight the valuable contribution schools and students make to their local community.  Catholic Schools Week also aims to recognise more than 1800 teachers and staff who play a vital role in educating the next generation of young Australians.

Diocesan Director of Catholic Schools, Dr Wayne Tinsey said Catholic schools are committed to providing a "well-balanced education.  Our schools educate young Australians to be highly skilled, informed, compassionate and just. We’re proud of the academic and sporting achievements of students and their ongoing commitment to social justice”.

Dr Tinsey says Catholic schools across the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle have excelled in helping students who are poor, disadvantaged, migrants or from a non-English speaking background in gaining a quality education.

“Parents who choose Catholic schools expect high quality learning and teaching, including access to technology as well as a commitment to Christian values and behaviour.  We’re proud of our standard of education and we invite the wider community in to our schools to see Catholic education in action.”

The theme of the inaugural Catholic Schools Week is “Faith in their Future - Learning for Life”.

Across the diocese, schools are organising a number of events and activities throughout the Week.

St Joseph’s Primary School, Merriwa, is holding the finals of its public speaking competition, visiting a local aged care facility, and displaying students’ work in local shopfronts.

Students at St Joseph's Lochinvar Campus of All Saints College will be planting trees, raising awareness about the environment and launching a new Aluminium can recycling venture.

A number of schools throughout the diocese are celebrating the Feast Day of Blessed Mary MacKillop, Tuesday 8 August. Mary MacKillop was the co-founder (with Fr Julian Tenison -Woods) of the Sisters of St Joseph, who have traditionally taught in and operated many schools throughout the diocese.

Diocesan Celebrations

The major diocesan-wide celebration for Catholic Schools week is on next Tuesday August 8. Students and staff representatives from every school in the diocese will gather to celebrate the past, present and future of Catholic school education.

“I hope this liturgy - filled with music, movement and drama - will be a significant opportunity to gather together, to remember and give thanks for our rich traditions, and to renew our commitment to Catholic education and all that it represents,” Dr Tinsey said.

What:      Diocesan Ceremony for Catholic Schools Week
When:      Tuesday 8 August, 11.30am.
Where:     Victor Peters Suite, 841 Hunter Street, Newcastle West.

Media Enquiries:  Catherine Mahony Ph: (02) 4979 1136 or 0419 263 901

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