The Way
The Diocese of Lismore proudly celebrates the outstanding efforts of our 2024 Higher School Certificate (HSC) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) students, recognising their dedication and remarkable achievements across a range of disciplines.
We are delighted to invite you to explore the Diocese of Lismore Higher School Certificate (HSC) Showcase, a celebration of the exceptional Major Works created by students in Dance, Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, Textiles Technology, Drama, Music, and Visual Arts. This annual showcase highlights the creativity and talent of our HSC students while inspiring younger students to pursue excellence in their studies.
Throughout the year, The Way will feature a student project each week as we celebrate the most exemplary works, showcasing a high standard of artistic and technical skills.
Beyond the HSC Showcase, the 2024 VET results demonstrated significant progress across most courses. St Paul’s College, Kempsey, and McAuley Catholic College, Grafton, excelled, surpassing the State Mean in every VET course where students sat the optional HSC exam. St John’s College, Lismore, also showed continued improvement across all VET subjects compared to 2023. The Entertainment and Hospitality Cookery courses stood out, with all delivering schools achieving results above the State Mean.
The Diocese’s HSC students also achieved outstanding results, with St John’s College, Lismore, and St Paul’s College, Kempsey, securing First in Course placings—an exceptional accomplishment for Catholic schools in regional NSW. Seven students were named HSC Top Achievers, with three placing in the Top 10 and two ranking in the Top 20 for Standard English. Across the Diocese, 377 students earned Distinguished Achiever listings, reflecting continued academic excellence.
These achievements reflect the Diocese’s commitment to fostering academic and vocational excellence and preparing students for future success. We congratulate all our HSC and VET students on their incredible accomplishments and look forward to celebrating their success throughout the year. For more information on HSC results, visit the DLCSL website.
Information on employment opportunities within the Diocese of Lismore is available via Positions Vacant.
Existing staff should apply through the Internal Positions Vacant page on the intranet; select People & Safety > Recruitment > Positions vacant – internal site.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE
- Facilities Coordinator, Schools (x2 positions)
- Facilities Coordinator, Corporate Offices
- Regional Finance Business Partners (x4 positions)
- Education Officer - Mathematics K-12
- Finance Business Partner
Staff are reminded to register for all professional learning courses through the My Learning site. The site has the facility to recommend courses to others. This is useful for Principals and Assistant Principals who wish to recommend staff to register for particular courses.
Staff are reminded that the closing date for courses is five working days prior to the course.
To register, please visit My Learning.
Reminder: R&A Implementation of NSW Curriculum (Secondary) - 22CSO-IONCS1
The R&A Implementation of NSW Curriculum meeting dates are available on MyLearning for registrations. Please refer to THE WAY (TERM 1 WEEK 8) for more details.
7-12 Literacy Coaches Collaborative Network - F23LS-712LCC
In this course, participants will engage with facilitators and peers to develop a deeper understanding of strategies to improve learning and teaching practice in regards to literacy outcomes. The course is designed to support Literacy Coaches to keep abreast of contemporary pedagogical and assessment practices.
- Thursday, 15 June 2023 - Mount St Patrick College, Murwillumbah
Students and staff from Mount St Patrick College, Murwillumbah, were given the honour of being among the first people to experience the opening of the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. (1 March 2023)
Excited staff and students from Mount St Patrick College were front and centre on the school bikes for the opening of the much anticipated Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. The Trail was officially opened during a ceremony at the heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station.
The trail currently extends 24km past 18 historic railway bridges, through 2 tunnels and ends at the quaint village of Crabbes Creek. It is the first completed stage of the Trail, which will eventually stretch 132km to Casino.
‘It was fantastic to be on the trail seeing what a marvellous job the Tweed Council have done in creating this asset for the community. I know that our College students will see the benefit of it for many years to come,’ said Principal Paul Reidy.
The college was the only school present at the opening, and their involvement was due to the vision and commitment of Mount St Patrick College Sports Coordinator Tim Whitney.
Tim saw the development of this unique community resource as an opportunity to include cycling as part of the school's integrated sports program.
‘The ride through the 500m long tunnel at Burringbar was a thrilling experience, illuminated by only the teacher's phone torches, it was extreme darkness, but there were glow worms as well, an experience that we will never forget and one I will definitely be doing over and over again in my spare time and with my family,’ said Tim Whitney.
Students in Years 9 to 11 will be able to experience their community's beautiful scenery and historic sites using the 30 locally purchased bikes and helmets. During Terms 2 and 3, all students across these year groups will be able to ride the Northern Rivers Rail Trail twice.
Congratulations to the Mount St Patrick College staff for adding this healthy and fun activity to their school sports program.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE
Matthew Ritchie has been seconded to the Education Officer, Religious Education (Primary) position in the Mission Services portfolio commencing 19 January 2023 for a period of 12 months. Matthew replaces Catherine McAleer in this role and joins us from St Francis Xavier Primary School, Ballina.
Anne Marchment has been appointed to the position of Lead, Online Education Centre in the Learning Services portfolio commencing 27 January 2023 for a period of 12 months. Anne replaces Ian Lutton in this role and joins us from St Joseph’s Regional College, Port Macquarie.
Hilary Schultz has been appointed to the position of Family Partnership Officer in the Mission Services portfolio commencing 23 January 2023 for a period of two years. Hilary joins us from St Vincent De Paul Society, where she was employed as a Team Leader.
SCHOOLS
Carmel Zuino has been appointed to the position of Acting Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching at Xavier Catholic College, Ballina. Carmel has been with the Diocese of Lismore since 2002 and recently held the position of Acting Assistant Principal at Xavier Catholic College.
Kasey Miles has been appointed to the position of Acting Assistant Principal - Mission at St Francis Xavier Primary School, Ballina. Kasey has been with the Diocese of Lismore since 2009 and recently held the position of Acting Principal at St Joseph’s Primary School, Alstonville.
Welcome to the 2023 school year. I am extremely excited to commence in the role of Director of Catholic Schools this year. I have a long-held affection and commitment to our Diocesan schools, and I am honoured to now be afforded the opportunity to play a new role in shaping their future alongside so many wonderful people.
2022 was a challenging year for many in our school communities, and there are a number of individuals and communities that are still suffering as a result of some of the tragic events that occurred during this time, not the least of which was the devastating flood events. As we progress through 2023, those affected can be assured of our unwavering commitment and support for you. Alongside this, it is important that well-being is prioritised at every level, and, as you will note later in this message, this will be one of my priorities this year.
The start of a new year always brings a sense of ’new beginnings’ and optimism for the year ahead. As we embark on 2023, I encourage you to consider this through the lens of Christian hope. As Christians in the Catholic tradition and as educators, the one thing that sets us apart is our commitment to Christian hope.
There is a distinct difference between hope and Christian hope. As Pope Francis succinctly outlines “Feeling hopeful does not mean to be optimistically naive…………. Hope is the virtue of a heart that doesn’t lock itself into darkness, that doesn’t dwell on the past, does not simply get by in the present, but is able to see a tomorrow.” As I see it, that is our call to action in 2023 as we lead ourselves and our school communities through and out of the challenges of bushfire, flood, pandemic and other external pressures.
“We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and a far-sighted vision,”
Pope Francis 2022
From a practical perspective, my intention is to spend the coming weeks engaging with Principals, Priests and school communities. The purpose of these visits will be to ascertain firsthand your most immediate challenges and opportunities and consider together how the Catholic Schools Office and I can support you in ensuring our schools continue their journey toward providing exemplary Catholic education for our students.
Whilst I acknowledge I will have much to learn in the new role, I also have some straightforward and deliberate objectives that I will seek to focus on as a matter of priority. Some of these priorities will be determined by the Board, and some are crafted from my own experience of Catholic education and the Diocese. At a very high level, these will include:
- Authentic commitment to working with Parish Priests and Parish communities in ensuring a smooth transition to the new governance structure but, more importantly, ensuring an ongoing culture of schools fully grounded in the faith life of the Parish community.
- Embedding a regional structure that seeks to ensure local communities and regions are serviced according to their unique needs whilst at the same time ensuring efficiency in systems, processes, and allocation of resources.
- Commitment to staff well-being enabled through an effective workforce plan that provides strategies for recruitment, retention, rewards and recognition.
- Continued commitment to the Transformation Team as they continue their work in driving effective change programs.
- Operationalising the recommendations of the Flood Commission and working closely with Principals and Parish Priests in those affected communities to support them in guiding staff, students and families through the related challenges and opportunities.
- Embark on a journey of cultural renewal in the Catholic Schools Office as staff make the necessary changes in focus and practice related to the new governance model.
It is also expected that as I commence my new role, the Board will outline for me a range of KPIs that will further inform and add to these priorities.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy new year and best wishes for the year ahead. As we embark upon this era characterised by Christian hope, I assure you of my commitment, my passion, and my service in ensuring that our students, their families and our staff can live to their fullness of life through our wonderful Catholic schools.
Congratulations to the following teachers on becoming accredited as Proficient teachers.
Clarence:
- Jack O'Shea (St Mary's Primary School, Bellingen),
- Emma Nolan (St Augustine's Primary School, Coffs Harbour),
- Anneliese Mills (St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour),
- Jana Elling (St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour),
- Zoe Griffiths (Mount St John Primary School, Dorrigo),
- Katherine Davies (St Mary's Primary School, Grafton),
- Kane Radford (St Patrick's Primary School, Macksville),
- Lauren Ross (St Joseph's Primary School, Maclean),
- Kristy de Groot (Mary Help of Christian's Primary School, Sawtell),
- Lauren Condon (Mary Help of Christian's Primary School, Sawtell),
- Rebecca Goodenough (Mary Help of Christian's Primary School, Sawtell),
- Tom Madden (Mary Help of Christian's Primary School, Sawtell),
- Elyse Stuart (St Francis Xavier Primary School, Woolgoolga) and
- Natasha Hancock (St James' Primary School, Yamba).
Richmond:
- Andrew Fitness (St Mary's Catholic College, Casino),
- Bailey Veitch (St Mary's Catholic College, Casino),
- Jacob Ludwig (St Mary's Catholic College, Casino),
- Rachael Dawson (St Joseph's Primary School, Coraki),
- Sophie Sly (St Joseph's Primary School, Coraki),
- Bryn Base (St John's College, Lismore) and
- Tayla Tickle (St John's College, Lismore).
Hastings:
- Riitta Kytola (St Joseph's Primary School, Kempsey),
- Adam Preocanin (St Paul's College, Kempsey),
- Steven Cornell (Newman Senior Technical College, Port Macquarie),
- Toni Robinson (Newman Senior Technical College, Port Macquarie),
- Lauren Ussher (St Joseph's Primary School, Port Macquarie),
- Elizabeth Morgan (St Joseph's Regional College, Port Macquarie),
- Jacinta Kroon (St Joseph's Regional College, Port Macquarie),
- Jamie Hart (St Joseph's Regional College, Port Macquarie),
- Roxanne Montgomery (St Joseph's Regional College, Port Macquarie),
- Annette Fuller (St Peter's Primary School, Port Macquarie) and
- Georgie Cain (St Joseph's Primary School, Wauchope).
Tweed:
- Laura McEvoy (St John's Primary School, Mullumbimby),
- Kelly Pears (St Ambrose Catholic Primary School, Pottsville),
- Carolyn Heterick (St Joseph's Primary School, South Murwillumbah) and
- Molly Edmonds (St Joseph's Primary School, Tweed Heads).
Information on employment opportunities within the Diocese of Lismore is available via Positions Vacant.
Existing staff should apply through the Internal Positions Vacant page on the intranet; select People & Safety > Recruitment > Positions vacant – internal site.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE
- Human Resources Officer - Richmond (replacement position for Ray Fairweather)
- Human Resources Officer - Clarence (replacement position for Kylea Lane)
- Family Partnerships Officer (new position)
SCHOOL
- Leader of School Evangelisation - St Paul’s College, Kempsey
- Leader of Learning: English - St Joseph’s Regional College, Port Macquarie
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE
Ben Krahe has been appointed to the position of Inclusion Officer in the Learning Services portfolio commencing on 16 January, 2023. Ben has been engaged in the education sector for a number of years, and joins us from the Association of Independent Schools NSW (AISNSW) where he was employed as an Education Consultant. Ben replaces Rebecca Tibbey in this role.
Daniel Wall has been appointed to the position of Technology Officer, Client Services (Clarence) in the Finance & Corporate Services portfolio and commenced on 14 November, 2022, and replaces Scott Thompson in this role. Daniel has been engaged with the Diocese since 2010, most recently as a Technology Assistant.
We congratulate Ben and Daniel on their appointments and welcome their commitment and expertise to these positions.
CSNSW is providing an exciting professional learning opportunity for all school staff. Amanda Corby of Illume Learning, an experienced educator in teaching children with disabilities and passionate about inclusive education, presents the second of nine online, one hour and on-demand professional learning PL modules.
Week 7- Universal Design for Learning.
The module is available here.
Please note, the address for Teacher Accreditation queries effective from the 29 November is now dio-teacheraccreditation@lism.catholic.edu.au (previously dio-taa@lism.catholic.edu.au). From 29 November, 2022 teachers will no longer be able to apply for a ‘Retrospective Leave of Absence’. If a teacher does not notify NESA by 29 November that they are on a period of leave of 6 months or more (maternity, LSL, LWOP, etc) there will be no pause to the accreditation period. A teacher at risk of running out of time for Mandatory Accreditation at Proficient or Maintenance of Proficient will be required to apply for an extension towards the end of their time frame. Teachers are advised to update NESA via their eTAMS account before commencing a period of leave. For more information, please refer to the NESA ‘Applying for a Leave of Absence Procedure’.The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) is pleased to launch our Cross Cultural Competency in a Catholic Context (CCCCC) eLearning Course. NATSICC has designed the Course as a universal, foundational step on the learning journey of all workers, volunteers, Clergy and Religious in the Catholic Church in Australia.
It is the first online training course with a Catholic focus and equips participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is a terrific and historical step forward for the Australian Catholic Church.
For more information about the course click here.
International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD) is on 3 December. It’s a day that encourages us to challenge the way we think about disability and to help grow a more inclusive Australia.
Please use the following links to resources to support your school and students to celebrate the contributions and achievements of people with disability and promote inclusion in your school and in the community.
Reach Out Lesson Plan - Understanding and celebrating people with disability
Classroom Resources, Lesson Ideas & Activity Sheets
Information Kit for Schools: Classroom School & Community Events
Eligible staff in Catholic schools are reminded that expressions of interest for WYD 2023 close Friday, 18 November.Are you passionate about sharing the love of Jesus with students? Are you keen for a new 'teaching' experience? Then this could be for YOU! An invitation is extended to teachers to express an interest in becoming a Student Discipleship Formation Program Convenor for 2023.
The programs are written and all resources are supplied. You will deliver the specific student discipleship program at one of five venues across the Diocese. This opportunity will assist in the development of leadership capacity and empower more staff in student discipleship formation throughout parish schools. Appropriate relief will accompany this role. Staff who would like to pursue a Student Discipleship Formation Program Convenor position in 2023 should complete this Google Form, or, for further details or information, contact Kate Nestor, Education Officer, School Evangelisation.
Port Macquarie Vanguard, the St Agnes' Parish Secondarys School (SAPSS) Senior Drumline team, won the 2022 Australian Percussion Eisteddfod for the fifth year in a row. (10 - 11 September 2022)
Congratulations to Port Macquarie Vanguard, the St Agnes' Parish Secondarys School (SAPSS) Senior Drumline team, composed of students drawn from Port Macquarie Catholic Secondary Schools (MacKillop College, St Joseph's Regional College and Newman Senior Technical College), have dominated the Australian Percussion Eisteddfod for the fifth year in a row.
The Australian Percussion Eisteddfod is an annual live-streamed competition organised by Percussion Optimum to showcase student performances with percussion instruments.
The group earnt first place in both the Own Choice and Test Piece components of the competition in addition to picking up every single caption award for best section (Best Snares, Best Tenors, Best Basses, Best Cymbals, and Best Colour Guard).
SAPSS Drumline Coordinator Mark Spence who writes and prepares the performances said that he never tries to expect anything.
‘We can't control the judging; it has just worked out that way for five years in a row,’ said Mark.
In addition to the resounding success of the senior drumline, the Port Macquarie Brumbies junior drumline made its debut this season, competing in the B division, which included students from secondary schools and the Parish primary school students as well. Their effort in the test piece and their own choice floor show, titled ‘Perpetual Motion,’ were enough to secure a second-place finish in both the Test Piece and Own Choice components of the competition.
The Drumline soloists from MacKillop College shined through with amazing results. Year 12 student Andrew Skellern claimed his first solo snare title with his solo titled ‘Prestige Worldwide,’ and Year 11 student Callum Pender-Buchan came a close second with his piece ‘Bogan Disco.’ While Year 11 student Nick Horder came second in the Tenor Section with an entertaining and improved tenor solo titled ‘The Tenor Solo.’
Watch the amazing skills of these dedicated and talented students below.
You may be aware of an increased number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the broader community. Please be reminded that students and staff CANNOT attend school if they are showing any symptoms of COVID-19.
Staff who are unwell
It is no longer a requirement to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19, however, if a staff member is unwell, displaying any COVID-19 or cold and flu-like symptoms at any time, they CANNOT attend school, and should access any available personal leave and should undertake a rapid antigen test.
If the rapid antigen test is positive and the staff member is unwell and/or experiencing any symptoms, they CANNOT attend school.
If the rapid antigen test is positive and the staff member is not feeling unwell and not displaying or experiencing any symptoms, they CAN attend school under the following conditions:
- the Principal is informed of the positive test result, AND
- the staff member wears a mask for a period of 7 days in all indoor settings.
Students who are unwell
If a student is unwell, displaying any COVID-19 or cold and flu-like symptoms at any time, they CANNOT attend school and should undertake a rapid antigen test.
If the rapid antigen test is positive and the student is unwell and/or experiencing any symptoms, they CANNOT attend school.
If the rapid antigen test is positive and the student is not feeling unwell and not displaying or experiencing any symptoms, they CAN attend school under the following conditions:
- the school office is informed of the positive test result, AND
- the student (over 12 years old) wears a mask for a period of 7 days in all indoor settings.
COVID-19 Safe Measures
Schools are encouraged to:
- continue to have hand sanitiser easily accessible to students and staff
- support students and staff who wish to wear masks
- consider other mitigation strategies should there be an increase in cases in your community ie. outdoor assemblies
CSNSW is providing an exciting professional learning opportunity for all school staff. Amanda Corby of Illume Learning, an experienced educator in teaching children with a disability and passionate about inclusive education, presents the fifth & sixth of nine online, one-hour, on-demand professional learning PL modules.
Module 5 - Adapting Mathematics Instruction for Students with Disabilities.
Module 6 - Rethinking the Role of Teaching Assistants in Inclusive Classrooms.
The modules are available HERE.
Scott Thompson, Technology Officer (Client Services) within Finance and Corporate Services, has resigned from his position with the Catholic Schools Office.
We wish to acknowledge and thank Scott for his contribution to Catholic Education in the Diocese.