Catholic Schools Week (CSW) is an annual celebration of Catholic education. This year, Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong joins with dioceses and Catholic education systems and schools across the country to celebrate 200 years of Catholic education in Australia. CSW 2021 will be held throughout the Wollongong diocese from 1-7 March, with all 38 systemic Catholic schools (including Nazareth School) celebrating the diversity and uniqueness of Catholic education.

Mr Peter Hill, Director of Schools, recently stated “as we pause this week to reflect on the important work of Catholic education, we remember the intergenerational contributions that preceded us and that we continue to build upon. Since the very first Catholic school was established in New South Wales in 1820, countless children and young people have benefitted from the dedication and commitment of faith-filled staff in our Catholic schools.”

Throughout the last two centuries, thousands of dedicated women and men—often with very limited resources—rose to the challenge of building the vibrant and diverse Catholic education system that exists today. 

The theme for CSW 2021 is ‘Faith in the future’. “When the pioneers of Catholic education in Australia taught their first lesson, I doubt they fully comprehended the resounding impact their actions would have 200 years later,” said Mr Hill.

Nazareth, this week has acknowledged CSW through the promotion of the school with student led school tours, a staff based prayer liturgy and various student activities during lunch times. This week the Student Hospitality Leadership Team have been outstanding school representatives leading 30 schools tours (with more booked in for next week).

Congratulations and well done to the students who represented Nazareth at this week’s South Coast Swimming Carnival held at Corrimal Pool. In particular, special congratulations to Morrison Cocksedge for being awarded Junior Boy Age Champion and acknowledgement and congratulations to Niamh Hicks for being awarded 3^rd place in the 11 Year Girl Age Championships. The school community extends our best wishes to Morrison and Niamh along with Molly, Sonny, Daniel, Reid and Mattias who will now compete at the next level at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival.

Take care and enjoy the week ahead.  

Peter Dempsey
Principal