It is an important document as it provides a basis for every Catholic school in Australia to plan for the faith formation of its staff for the mission of Catholic education. Catholic schools in Australia educate one in five Australian children. As such they make a valuable and extraordinary contribution to the social fabric of our society and to the Church in Australia. Essentially the Catholic Church plays a positively constructive role in Australian society.

I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full. Jn 10.10.

In our Catholic schools of Maitland-Newcastle our Bishop asks that we be unapologetically Catholic in our love for Jesus, our inspiration to others and the nature in which we live our Christian lives. The faith formation of our staff is integral to the formation and education of every young person in our schools. In collaboration with the parents, we wish to form teacher leaders in our schools who play an essential role in the mission of Catholic schools and the Church.

In Maitland-Newcastle schools our staff engage in staff formation programs that enhance knowledge, understanding and experience in the Church’s spiritual traditions and practices. Effective faith formation requires an organised and intentional approach, and each staff member grows as a result of their formational experiences so that they are motivated and capable of serving the mission of the Church and the world. Please keep our Catholic school staff in your prayers as they perform a unique and rewarding role in forming the hearts and minds of our young people.