The Armidale Catholic Schools system, comprising 24 schools located across the New England and North
West regions of NSW will celebrate Catholic Schools Week from the 25- 31 May. This event marks a
time to celebrate the achievements of our school communities and acknowledge the people dedicated to
providing quality learning and a nurturing environment for every student and staff member across our
system of schools.
During Catholic Schools Week (CSW) on Wednesday 28th May, schools will gather in Armidale to
celebrate Mass and the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards. We have a lot to celebrate this year locally,
with the installation of the Armidale Diocese’s new Bishop Peter Murphy, as well as celebrating with the
world-wide Catholic community on the recent news of new Pope Leo XIV.
This year’s theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ speaks to joy, spirit and light. As the late Pope Francis so beautifully
expressed it: “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 far-sighted
vision.”
Catholic Schools Week will be launched in Tamworth at McCarthy Catholic College on Monday 26 May,
with over 300 staff members from all 4 Tamworth Catholic schools attending before commencing a
Spirituality day as part of their professional development.
The Spirit of Catholic Education Awards ceremony will be held at St Mary’s School Armidale, on
Wednesday, 28 May at 1:30pm. The award ceremony will be preceded by the celebration of Mass at
11:00 am in the De la Salle Chapel at O’Connor Catholic College, Armidale, celebrated by Bishop Peter
Murphy.
The awards recognise outstanding contributions from those across the Armidale Diocese in the categories
of Early Career Teacher, Experienced Teacher, Support Staff, Volunteer, Leadership, Student Catholic
Spirit and Staff Catholic Spirit.
Director of Schools, Regina Menz, said “Catholic Schools Week is a time to celebrate the strong teams we
have that work together to help us realise our vision of a Christ-centred, inclusive learning community
that supports young people to realise a hope-filled future. The award recipients have modelled the
Catholic values and principles that underpin our communities. During this special week, I thank every
member of our school and parish community, students, staff, clergy, and our families for the vital role
they play in Catholic education in the Armidale Diocese.”
Catholic Schools Week will wrap up with the Armidale Catholic Schools Primary Gary McSweeney
Memorial Cup & Rugby Union Trials in Tamworth on Friday 30th May.
Armidale Catholic Schools is grateful to their major supporter UniSuper. We thank them for their
continued support that has enabled significant staff and student representation from the 24 Diocesan
schools to attend these celebrations.
Award Winners
Early Career Teacher- Georgia Mackson (McCarthy Catholic College, Tamworth)
Experienced Teacher- Judy Ryan (St Joseph’s, West Tamworth)
Support Staff -Karen Fletcher (St Joseph’s, Glen Innes)
Volunteer- Lauren Propsting (St Edward’s, Tamworth)
Leadership- Frances Reynolds (St Joseph’s, Mungindi)
Student Catholic Spirit- Madeleine Cowley (O’Connor Catholic College, Armidale)
Staff Catholic Spirit- Garry Osborne (O’Connor Catholic College, Armidale)
Staff Catholic Spirit- Cate Allen (McCarthy Catholic College, Tamworth)
