Catholic Education OfficeCatholic Diocese of Port Pirie
Catholic Education Office
On 22 February Diocese of Port Pirie Catholic Education team hosted a celebration dinner to acknowledge and farewell our good friend and colleague, Bernadette Lacey.
Current and several past Principals represented all those who have had the privilege of working with Bernadette over a long, esteemed career. Her contributions to students, staff and families in various schools and parishes across our diocese, to Catholic Education SA more broadly, and her service to regional and remote Catholic Education have been outstanding. We congratulate and thank Bernadette, and wish her every blessing as she takes leave from St Barbara’s Parish School at the end of this term.
Nichii Mardon
Diocesan Director
Catholic Education - Diocese of Port Pirie
On 22 February Principals from all Diocese of Port Pirie schools gathered for a day of formation and professional learning.
This year, all schools are aligned in three key strategic areas of focus with each school determining their own goals relating to Staff Faith Formation, Mathematics, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education. Dr Stephen Brown (Executive Director, the brown collective) worked with us and conducted a Masterclass on Adaptive Leadership to support each Principal in their critical role of effectively leading for high impact within our communities. It was a great day of learning, collaboration and shared mission.
Nichii Mardon
Diocesan Director
Catholic Education - Diocese of Port Pirie
Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) is pleased to announce the recipients of its first Regional Teacher Scholarship Program.
Initiated by the Diocese of Port Pirie, the program will provide 14 recipients with a total benefit of up to $20,000 each, paid as $5,000 for each full-time (or pro rata part-time equivalent) year successfully completed in an undergraduate teaching degree.
Thirteen regional Education Support Officer (ESO) staff have been awarded with a Transition to Teaching Scholarship which will see them commit to seeking employment as teachers in regional Catholic schools once they have qualified. Many of the recipients are already underway with their studies and will start to qualify from 2025.
In addition to the financial support for studying, the Transition to Teaching Scholarship program offers its recipients pre-service placements, targeted professional learning, unique on the job experience, as well as mentoring and coaching opportunities throughout their university course. Students will be given support to manage their work and university study load and will be eligible for priority interviews to gain employment within a CESA regional school.
One Year 12 Graduate Teacher Education Scholarship was also awarded to Max Edwards, who graduated from Caritas College, Port Augusta in 2023. He will commence his undergraduate teacher education training in 2024.
In return, on successful completion of their studies, the scholarship recipients will commit to working as a permanent full-time teacher in a CESA regional school for a minimum of two years.
The application process was open to Year 12 students graduating from a CESA regional school in 2023 and to any Education Support Office (ESO) staff currently employed in a CESA regional school.
Nichii Mardon, Director, Catholic Education Diocese of Port Pirie said “We are delighted to have had such a positive response to our first Regional Teacher Scholarship Program, which sees us proudly growing our own talent.
“The Transition to Teaching Scholarship program recognises the invaluable skills, experience and passion that our existing Education Support Office staff bring to our regional schools. We also have one 2023 Year 12 graduate who we will be supporting as he commences his teaching degree this year.
“With a national shortage of teachers, particularly hard felt in regional Australia, we are committed to supporting these future teachers in their endeavours to teach and inspire the next generation.”
Callan Maczkowiack, an ESO at St Albert’s Catholic School, Loxton said “Receiving a Transition to Teaching scholarship means so much to me. I feel so supported in my career path and the financial assistance will make a huge difference whilst I am studying.”
Ashleigh Hector, an ESO at Samaritan College, Whyalla said “Receiving a Transition to Teaching scholarship will allow me to successfully complete my university degree whilst knowing I am being emotionally, and financially supported to work and study.”
The recipients of the Scholarships are:
Congratulations to Taylor Meyer who has been appointed to the position of Principal at St Joseph’s School, Peterborough commencing Term 2, 2024.
Taylor is currently the Leader of Teaching and Learning at St Thomas More School, Elizabeth Park, and has held several positions within Catholic Education South Australia, including in our diocese at Caritas College, Port Augusta.
Taylor has a deep personal faith and brings a demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm for ensuring excellence in teaching and learning to this leadership role at St Joseph’s School.
Taylor is an authentic, inspiring, passionate and enthusiastic leader who drives powerful learning and formation for all through intentional formative experiences, respectful relationships, and school wide practices that prioritise dignity and improve the overall holistic development of all students.
Taylor is very much looking forward to working with the St Joseph's School staff, students, parents and the parish community.
Nichii Mardon
Diocesan Director
Catholic Education
Diocese of Port Pirie
Lexie is well known to the Caritas College community having held numerous roles over the past 12 years including Director of Learning, Acting Assistant Principal and most recently as R-12 Leader of Learning and Innovation.
Lexie has a deep personal faith and will bring demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm for ensuring excellence in teaching and learning to the role.
Lexie is looking forward to working in partnership with the students, staff, families and the parish community. I would like to express my gratitude to Lexie for taking on this leadership position and wish her all the best as she prepares to lead Caritas College.
Nichii Mardon
Diocesan Director - Catholic Education
Diocese of Port Pirie
Mary Manning has been appointed to the position of Catholic Identity and Mission Advisor, within the Catholic Education Office team, commencing in January 2024.
Mary is an outstanding, long-serving leader at Caritas College, having served the community for over 33 years as teacher, Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission, Deputy Principal and Principal at the College.
Drawing on her strong commitment to the Catholic faith and inspired by contemporary Josephite spirituality, Mary has formed, supported, and led hundreds of staff and students.
Mary demonstrates deep courage, care, and innovation through her leadership across all aspects of the College. She is a key contributor and wise leader, influencing culture and practice across the R-12 school, and the broader parish and local communities.
Mary’s contribution to staff formation and professional learning enables an ongoing legacy and enlivening of the mission and vision of Catholic Education at Caritas College. She has a passion for ensuring the provision of high quality, contemporary learning opportunities for all students.
I know that Mary Manning has found her time in leadership at Caritas College personally and professionally fulfilling and has deeply appreciated the support of the students, staff, parents, parishioners, and the local community.
Mary will continue to lead and enhance Catholic education as she takes up this new system leadership role supporting leaders, staff and students across all Diocese of Port Pirie schools.
Mary Manning is a highly regarded colleague within our diocesan and broader Catholic education community, and I know the Caritas College community will join me in wishing her every blessing in her new role.
Nichii Mardon
Diocesan Director
Catholic Education, Diocese of Port Pirie
Congratulations to Rebecca Fahey who has been appointed to the position of Principal at St Barbara’s Parish School, Roxby Downs commencing Term 2, 2024.
Rebecca has had teaching and leadership roles in Diocese of Port Pirie schools for almost 20 years and is currently the substantive Principal at St Joseph’s School, Peterborough, a position she has held since 2018.
Rebecca is an experienced Catholic leader with a deep personal faith and brings a demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm for ensuring excellence in teaching and learning to this leadership role at St Barbara’s Parish School.
Rebecca is a highly relational community leader; she has high levels of expertise in working collaboratively with staff, students and families in regional communities. Rebecca is a highly regarded colleague within our diocesan and broader Catholic education community.
Rebecca's high level personal and professional qualities, skills and knowledge will enable her to successfully lead the St Barbara’s Parish School community.
Nichii Mardon
Diocesan Director
Catholic Education - Diocese of Port Pirie
Nine educators, including one from Caritas College, Port Augusta, have been recognised at the annual Catholic Education Awards ceremony on May 18.
The Awards – which are celebrated as part of Catholic Education Week (May 15 – 21 2023) – recognise outstanding achievements and contributions by staff and volunteers across South Australia’s 101 Catholic schools.
The awardees are those whose efforts are beyond the already high standards of education and care delivered by all those involved in Catholic education. Through their commitment, these people will have made a difference in the lives of students or others with whom they come into contact as they carry out their responsibilities in Catholic education.
The awards were presented at an event at the Hilton Adelaide, attended by Professor Denis Ralph, Chair, South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools, and the Honourable Katrine Hildyard MP, Minister for Child Protection following a Mass at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Wakefield Street led by Archbishop Patrick O’Regan.
One of the awards was presented by Liz Keogh, Deputy Director Catholic Education, Diocese of Port Pirie.
The awards were presented across seven categories including:
Early Career Teacher (< five years)
Experienced Teacher (> six years)
Education Support
Volunteer Supporter
Innovative Program
Leadership/Lifelong Contribution
Laudato Si
“These awards shine a light on the incredible passion of our staff and volunteers. The Awardees demonstrate the extraordinary outcomes that can be achieved when people are dedicated and passionate about teaching and learning,” says John Foley, Assistant Director, Catholic Education South Australia.
“At Catholic Education South Australia we really care about our students – we’re keen to see every young person in our schools thrive. Each of these recipients is a wonderful example of the unwavering commitment to Catholic education shown by staff and volunteers in our 101 school communities across the State.”
Full citations for each of the recipients can be found on the Catholic Education SA Awards website.
Congratulations to all the award recipients:
Jared Centenera, Saint Ignatius’ College
Early Career Teacher (Primary)
An early year's educator at Saint Ignatius’ College, Jared Centenera’s dedication to his students and the teaching profession is truly inspiring.
As a Lead Teacher in literacy, he invests in his own professional development, including financing his own training at the Institute for Multisensory Language Education (IMSLE).
Jared generously shares resources, provides mentoring opportunities, and models best practice for other teachers. He invites his peers to visit during his lessons to witness his students love of learning and makes himself available to mentor others to adopt a similar pedagogical approach to teaching.
Not only has Jared made significant improvements in his own classroom, but he has also shared his learning with his peers and has been instrumental in supporting changes to literacy practice across the junior primary classrooms at St Ignatius.
Nathan O’Brien, Caritas College
Early Career Teacher (Secondary)
Nathan O'Brien has been acknowledged for his outstanding contributions as a secondary educator at Caritas College.
Despite only teaching since 2020, Nathan has become a leader in his field in addition to his teaching excellence.
As a teacher of Maths, Science, Physics and STEM to students across Years 7 to 12, Nathan is committed to meeting the needs of his students both academically and emotionally. He designs engaging and accessible learning activities and assessments around student interests and career pathways and provides extra support to ensure his students succeed in all their subjects.
Nathan’s calm, supportive, and genuine nature is admired by staff and students alike. Students admire his passion for what he teaches, as well as his friendly disposition and helpfulness. Nathan has taught his students not only to overcome academic challenges but also to overcome stress and be more comfortable in how they respond to challenges.
With a previous career in science communication at a university, Nathan has shared his gifts to improve opportunities for students and staff at Caritas College.
Madeline Cole, St Michael’s College
Experienced Teacher (Primary)
Madeline’s colleagues describe the Early Years Primary Coordinator as an exemplary educator who has unrivalled enthusiasm and a genuine willingness to support students, staff, and the wider community at all times.
Informed through her trauma training, Madeline was instrumental in the implementation of the Positive Behaviour Management process at the College, making a positive difference in the lives of young learners.
Madeline worked tirelessly to support both students through the successful transition of girls into the college. Her GEM Mentoring Program for the first cohort of girls at the primary campus, developed in conjunction with a colleague, enabled Year 9 girls to attend the primary campus regularly as ‘Big Sisters’ helping the primary girls to feel a sense of belonging in the St Michael’s community.
Above all, it is Madeline’s energy, enthusiasm and genuine drive for children and education that makes her presence at St Michael’s College so impactful. She truly embodies the mission and values of Catholic education and constantly strives to make a difference in the lives of the students she teaches through challenge, compassion, and care.
Ruth Taylor, Thomas More College
Experienced Teacher (Secondary)
An innovative Assistant Principal of Religious Identity & Mission, Ruth has worked in Catholic education for 22 years.
Through observing a lack of school engagement in some students in need of a sense of family, Ruth researched and developed a bespoke program for disengaged students in Years 8 – 11 for whom school attendance, engagement, achievement and a sense of belonging had been a challenge.
The program has provided a space in the college where students can feel a sense of belonging and safety, aided by the introduction of regular activities such as breakfast for those who require it, meditation, talk therapy and additional fitness opportunities. This has led to a sizable increase in student attendance and engagement.
Ruth has also re-structured a timetable which has students seeing fewer teachers in one day, allowing for deeper relationships to be forged between teacher and learner and targeted learning based on the students’ interest areas. She has ensured that a strong Indigenous perspective is infused across the campus with a focus on students being connected spiritually and developing a deep understanding of themselves.
Ruth has intentionally sought to enhance family connections, communicating daily with each family of any student who requires support. Ruth constantly strives to provide links to future pathways for students, including the early commencement of SACE to enable students to be on their optimum pathway towards a SACE Certificate.
James Lodge, Saint Ignatius’ College
Education Support
James Lodge has been a valued staff member at Saint Ignatius’ College for over 20 years. His primary role is that of Laboratory Manager where he provides exemplary service to the staff and students within the Science Department.
However James’ contributions to the life of the College goes well beyond this work, most notably through the College immersion program. Spanning over nine trips, James has supported students to take part in a two-week immersion with First Nation peoples on Bathurst Island or Daly River where students conduct science lessons in the local schools with equipment organised by James, immerse themselves in the community and learn more about indigenous culture and themselves.
James demonstrates a real care for, and willingness to learn from, the First Nations people of Bathurst Island and Daly River and he has developed strong ties with the local community.
James is well regarded throughout the whole College for his positive and life-giving connections with staff, students and families, as well as the Bathurst Island and Daly River communities in the Northern Territory.
James’ devotion and commitment to the staff and students at the College far exceeds the expectations of his role and thousands of students have benefited from James’ service to the school community.
Louisa Scopacasa, Our Lady Queen of Peace School
Volunteer
For over ten years, Louisa Scopacasa has actively volunteered at Our Lady Queen of Peace School. She first joined the school’s Parents and Friends (P&F) Committee in 2013 and has actively participated in P&F events since, contributing substantially to all school events with a focus on making each one special for children and families.
Louisa has been known to regularly share and use her mantra “it’s all for the children”. This approach has driven her to support the school, volunteer her time, and give the very best service to all.
Louisa’s contribution has seen her source resources for the events using her broader community connections and spending countless hours of her own time ensuring events are well organised and run smoothly for everyone to enjoy.
Her commitment to running the second-hand uniform shop has ensured that no child goes without a clean and neat uniform and no family feels shame in the struggle to clothe their child. This has had a profound effect on the spirit of the school community.
Louisa’s dedication and faith has ensured that faith has been the centrepiece of community events. Louisa actively demonstrates how as a community, Our Lady Queen of Peace School can continue to live out the Mercy values of the school’s founders, Sister Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy.
Graduate Program - Kildare College
Innovative Program
Kildare College's Graduate Program is a research based, innovative and high-impact approach that supports early career teachers’ transition to become competent, capable and dynamic professionals.
The locally developed program is built upon the College's core values, extensive research and is aligned with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) framework. It enables graduates to develop their pedagogical knowledge and skills consistently and sequentially.
The program promotes ongoing development of graduates through a focus on self-reflection and professional conversations. Teachers are empowered to take ownership of their learning and personal growth, resulting in enhanced instructional strategies, classroom management skills, and student-teacher relationships.
The program prioritises a focus on reflective practice, peer observation, and mentorship, ensuring graduates receive regular feedback on their impact on student outcomes and are empowered to affect change. It has been highly effective in developing the graduates’ confidence and competence as teachers and has the potential to be adopted in other Catholic education schools, further underscoring its impact and innovation in education.
Susan Young
Leadership / Lifelong Contribution
Susan recently retired from the position of Assistant Director: People, Leadership and Culture at Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) after 35 years of exemplary leadership and witness to the mission of Catholic education.
Susan’s long and sustained contribution demonstrates her support of the vision, mission, values and purpose of Catholic Education South Australia. Throughout her career as a teacher, music consultant, deputy principal, principal, principal consultant and assistant director, Susan has been an influential and inspirational trailblazer for female leaders.
Her passion, love of music, leadership strengths and ability to coach, challenge and support colleagues were always underpinned by Susan’s drive to provide the best Catholic education for children and young people.
Susan’s system leadership, contributions and achievements were always underpinned by clear vision and a drive for change. Her influence is still evident via many initiatives and programs she was involved in.
Throughout her career, Susan has made her mark in many areas of policy, process, system initiatives and culture, but she will be remembered for her strength of character and love of people, with an ability to listen, coach and mentor.
Nick Mezzino, St Thomas School and Preschool
Laudato Si
Experienced educator Nick Mezzino has worked in Catholic education since 2005. He has taught at his current school, St Thomas School and Preschool, Goodwood since 2015.
Nick inspires his students with his passion for ecological conversion and education, encouraging and teaching them to nurture their respect for, and relationship with, the environment.
This passion has led to broad range of environmental initiatives and activities being implemented at St Thomas, including the ‘EcoWarriors’ program which sees students involved in a wide range of activities to achieve real and lasting changes in response to ecological problems.
Nick has led waste-reduction projects across the school such as recycling, coffee pod recycling and reducing the use of single use plastics in lunchboxes. Other more large-scale projects Nick has led include designing and planting a butterfly garden, building bird boxes with a visit from local conservationists, the introduction of chickens and the installation of a worm farm.
Environmental specialists have been brought into the school to provide education and parents are invited to assist in the gardening processes.
In addition to the EcoWarriors, Nick has developed a Nourish and Flourish Day which focuses on feeding the minds and souls of students and he works to support school families financially through promoting the re-use of second-hand uniforms.
In a first for Catholic Education South Australia – twelve educators have been recognised at the inaugural Catholic Education Awards ceremony on May 12.
The Awards – which are celebrated as part of Catholic Education Week (May 9 – 15 2022) – recognise outstanding achievements and contributions by staff and volunteers across South Australia’s 103 Catholic schools.
The awards were presented at an event at Sacred Heart College, attended by Mr Blair Boyer MP, Education Minister, Sally Egan, Deputy Director, National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) and Professor Denis Ralph, Chair, South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools.
The awards were presented to 12 outstanding recipients across six categories including:
Out of the 12 recipients, 4 were from Catholic schools in the Diocese of Port Pirie:
The exceptional recipients are those whose efforts are beyond the already high standards of education and care delivered by all those involved in Catholic education. Through their commitment, the awardees will have made a difference in the lives of students or others with whom they come into contact as they carry out their responsibilities in Catholic education.
“Every single one of these recipients has gone above and beyond. They are a wonderful example of the unwavering commitment to Catholic education shown by staff and volunteers in our 103 school communities across the State. Our Awardees demonstrate the extraordinary outcomes that can be achieved when people are passionate about teaching and learning,” said John Mula OAM, Deputy Director, Catholic Education South Australia.
“At Catholic Education South Australia we really care about our students – we are keen to see every young person in our schools thrive. These awards shine a light on the incredible lengths our staff and volunteers will go to support the learning and wellbeing of our students.”
Congratulations to all the awardees.
You can read more about each award recipient on the Catholic Education SA Awards website.
On Wednesday 13th April 2022, the St Joseph’s School community warmly welcomed special guests to the Official Blessing & Opening of the purpose built Years 7-9 learning space, the Tenison Woods Centre. Bishop Karol Kulczycki, Bishop of the Diocese of Port Pirie led the gathering in Liturgy before officially blessing the new building. Ms Nichii Mardon, Director of the Catholic Education Diocese of Port Pirie spoke to the community about the wonderful and important addition of a Catholic Secondary Education in Peterborough before joining Bishop Karol to unveil the plaque to commemorate this momentous occasion.
Guests included Sr Chris Schwerdt representing the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, along with Sr Anne Leesue (former student 1948-1955 & Principal 1978), Mayor Ruth Whittle, Catholic Education South Australia staff from both Adelaide and Port Pirie all of whom had been involved in the development project in some way, shape or form. Parents, Friends and Parishioners were also in attendance for a beautiful afternoon of sunshine and celebration. There were also apologies acknowledged on the day as Covid interrupted plans for some.
Professor Denis Ralph, Chair of the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools, was unfortunately unable to attend. He was most disappointed that he couldn’t be there for this special occasion and plans to visit sometime soon to see the building and meet with the students and staff. Professor Ralph along with SACCS played a very important role in approving this project and supporting our school to continue our important mission of Catholic education in Secondary year levels.
Guests were treated to a delicious gourmet lunch, catered by the talented ladies at Gumview Gourmet. We had custom made biscuits created to commemorate the event and give guests as a gift, these were made by another very talented lady at Cakes by Zoe and were fantastic!
A very special day, and a wonderful way to end Term 1.
We are very excited and passionate about our Secondary offering at St Joseph’s and look forward with great anticipation into the future for all that is to come!
Rebecca Fahey
Principal
Grey skies and a thunderstorm couldn’t take away the excitement in the Riverland as the new St Francis of Assisi College was officially opened and blessed this month.
The College opened its doors in Renmark at the start of the 2022 school year, welcoming students in Years 7 and 8, and will add a year level annually until it becomes a Years 7 to 12 school from 2026.
The formal ceremony officially opened the Diocese of Port Pirie’s first new Catholic school in over 20 years - and its first new Catholic secondary school in 59 years.
Hosted by student representatives and College principal Nathan Hayes, the gathering was also attended by The Honourable John Gardener, State Minister for Education, Tim Whetstone MP, Member for Chaffey, Professor Denis Ralph, Chair, South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools and Emeritus Bishop Gregory O’Kelly, SJ.
Bishop Karol Kulczycki, Bishop of the Diocese of Port Pirie delivered an opening homily before blessing the buildings and the present and future staff, students and educators of the College.
The Welcome to Country was delivered by local First Nation elder Aunty Faith Morgan.
Minister Gardner expressed the state government’s commitment and dedication to all young learners in South Australia, including those in Catholic schools.
Addressing the students in his speech, Mr Gardner said they have a “unique opportunity”.
“It’s such an exciting thing to be the first students at a new school,” Mr Gardner said.
“I have a feeling, as Catholic education in the Riverland has been in existence for more than a century, this school will be very famous in the years ahead and will be known in 100 years.
“Its culture will be built on the foundations of faith… but also the spirit, willingness, enthusiasm and values demonstrated by its first students.”
Nichii Mardon, Director, Catholic Education Diocese of Port Pirie opened her address with a thought that “there’s someone upstairs doing a happy dance for us” in reference to the downpour.
Nichii acknowledged the commitment of the South Australian Commission for Catholic school to bring to life the “joy-filled vision” for the College that was developed with, and for, the people of the Riverland.
“On behalf of the Commission, please accept our Diocese’s gratitude for your commitment to strengthening Catholic education across our state, to the people of the Riverland region and to the growth of faith and learning for current and future generations at St Francis of Assisi College”, Nichii said to Professor Denis Ralph, Chair, South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools.
Nichii paid tribute to the local families of children in the four Catholic primary schools in the Riverland and the broader community whose input and consultation has shaped the policies, programs and plans that have strongly shaped every aspect of the College development.
“Thanks to their feedback, this school community is truly responsive to and compliments the local contexts and needs.”
Nichii said Catholic schools and Catholic education contribute so much to the local and broader community. Catholic education in our regional and remote areas bring and signalise faith, hope, life and learning.
“Establishment of this Catholic school honours the dignity and worth of families, children and young people in this region for whom the opportunity and provision of choice for a Catholic secondary education is not taken for granted.”
On behalf of the South Australian Commission for Catholic schools, Professor Denis Ralph wished St Francis of Assisi College a “dynamic and successful future serving the diversities of the young people and communities across the Riverland”.
Professor Ralph thanked the state government for their financial support of this significant development and for introducing capital grants to Catholic schools from the beginning of 2018.
“This was the first time in the 174-year history of Catholic education that schools received funding for capital works, which has made a huge difference. It’s given us a significant opportunity.”
Professor Ralph also recognised the impressive work of the builders, Mossop Construction + Interiors as well as the architects, Swanbury Penglase.
The next step for the College is the planning and construction of stage two, with the review of stage one already under way.
“We’re talking to our teachers and students about the next stage to make sure we pick up and learn from the first stage, as we move into designing and building what will mostly be for the Years 10 to 12s,” said College principal Nathan Hayes.
Two Catholic schools in the Diocese of Port Pirie have enjoyed their first weeks as expanded Reception to Year 8 schools.
The schools welcomed their first cohort of secondary students in Years 7 and 8 at the start of this term. Year 9 will be added from 2023.
Congratulations to:
The expansions build on the longevity and strength of Catholic education provided at the schools, both of which have provided Catholic education for over 120 and 150 years respectively.
St Mary MacKillop School is the oldest school in the diocese of Port Pirie.
Michelle Miller, principal, said their expansion has built on the high-quality education and pastoral care that was already provided at St Mary MacKillop.
“We are excited to be able to offer specialist facilities to cater for the specific learning needs of our new secondary students.”
To provide the secondary education curriculum, each school has opened a specialised learning facility that include areas for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Arts, and incorporate outdoor spaces designed to cater for the diverse and specific needs of young adolescents.
Rebecca Fahey, principal, St Joseph’s School, Peterborough said their first day of 2022 came with pride and excitement as they welcomed the first group of secondary students into the brand new Tenison Woods Centre.
“Our secondary learning space is fantastic. The students are thriving in their new environment and think that it is very special to have such a wonderful, bright, new learning space and to be the first students to engage in learning in this building.”
The expansions are part of a system strategy to extend pathways in regional areas to high quality Catholic education in preparation for transition to senior secondary years.
There were previously no secondary Catholic education pathways for families and students in these areas.
Nichii Mardon, Director, Catholic Education Diocese of Port Pirie, said a thorough consultation process in these communities confirmed that there was a strong desire for their children to remain within their familiar school communities as they prepare for senior secondary education options.
“Parents told us they desire their children to stay at their school for Year 7 to 9 because of the overall focus on the kids, not just on the academic but on their wellbeing, and now that opportunity exists. They still have their friends, and all the wonderful values and community culture continues into their secondary education”.
The Reception to Year 9 model also enables schools to provide personalised learning and care for children aged up to 15.
“Adolescence is a time of significant developmental change and students in Year 7 to 9 are ready for more independence and increased responsibility. They require personalised schooling, where academic and personal growth is nurtured in ways that are relevant to stages of development”, said Nichii.
“This approach enables strong spiritual, learning and wellbeing support and a smooth transition to senior secondary years, through specialist teachers, tailored curriculum and custom-built facilities.
The expansions take the total number of Reception to Year 9 Catholic schools in South Australia to five including St Barbara’s Parish School in Roxby Downs which already offers a R to 9 education.
From 2023 of the 19 regional Catholic schools throughout SA:
