Today, we celebrate World Teachers’ Day across Australia. A day to reflect, recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution of the teachers who bring our mission to life in Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong schools.

You make a positive and meaningful difference every day—educating, supporting and inspiring the children and young people in your classrooms, on sports fields, and everywhere you offer the great gift that is learning. Thank you for the important role you play in our schools and in our communities.

After two years as a virtual event, students, parents and staff from Catholic primary schools across the diocese gathered together once more for the anticipated exhibition launch of the 2022 Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) Christmas Story Art Competition, at the Wollongong Art Gallery on Wednesday 12 October. Painted wooden cutting boards, pointillism style painting and threaded gold wire were amongst the creative and innovative techniques used in the winning artworks to bring the spirit of Christmas alive. 

The inaugural Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) Vocation Education and Training (VET) Awards ceremony, celebrating excellence in VET across both systemic and congregational schools within the diocese and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), was held on Thursday 15 September. 

‘Build brighter futures for families in Ethiopia’ is the theme of the 2022 Catholic Mission World Mission Month Appeal, celebrated at a Diocese of Wollongong school launch at St Thomas More Catholic Church, Ruse. Students and staff from every school across the diocese gathered together to pledge their commitment to the annual school appeal and kick goals against poverty. 

Young innovator, Thomas Walker, a Year 12 student at Holy Spirit College, Bellambi is aspiring to reduce deaths on and around our roads with his design innovation, 'Illuma Ride', which alerts drivers to the position of other road users through a wearable set of solar-powered indicators.

In reflective and uplifting celebrations, over 1,600 Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong students were represented at the annual Year 6 Masses which featured inspiring homilies by the Bishop of Wollongong, Most Rev. Brian Mascord DD aimed at connecting students to their faith and to one another. 

Four students from Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) systemic schools received first place honours in their year groups at the recent 30th Annual South Coast Public Speaking competition, hosted by Holy Spirit College, Bellambi. 

Students at three Catholic schools in the Macarthur officially celebrated more than $21m worth of new facilities when the Bishop of Wollongong, Most Rev Brian Mascord, visited Magdalene Catholic College in Narellan, followed by St Benedict’s Catholic College and St Justin’s Catholic Primary School in Oran Park last Thursday 1 September to bless and open the facilities.

Nine outstanding leaders from secondary schools across the Diocese of Wollongong were celebrated this week at the Bishop's Student Excellence Awards. Students and their families, principals, and Catholic Education Office staff gathered with the Bishop of Wollongong, Most Rev. Brian Mascord, and the Director of Schools, Peter Hill, to recognise the excellent achievements and contributions of these young women and men.

This week, Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) was privileged to welcome representatives from the Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) Board, as well as the directors of NSW diocesan education systems, to our diocese.