As a way of welcoming new principals, teachers, and support staff, Sydney Catholic Schools held a commissioning Mass for the 2026 academic year on 25 March in St Mary’s Cathedral.
This year 300 new teachers and 88 principals, assistant principals, and religious education coordinators began working at one of Sydney’s Catholic schools.
Celebrated by Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, the event provided an opportunity for the city’s educators to meet each other and deepen connections within their own workplace.
In his homily, the Archbishop insisted on the importance of teaching students not just facts and events but also the faith.
“Catholic leaders and teachers have an especially precious task: to treasure and transmit that news, that faith, to others, so they too might have fullness of life,” Archbishop Fisher said. “Bringing young people to Christ is doing them the greatest favour we can.”
Newly appointed principal for Corpus Christi College in Maroubra Andrew Maher said the Mass affirmed the importance of a good working relationship with God and his team.
The college, which became coeducational in 2023, is aimed at holistic student development “academically and spiritually in a pastorally caring environment.”
“It is such a privilege to lead this wonderful community and at the same time, an enormous responsibility,” he said.
“I look forward to witnessing the continued growth of our beautiful school and in walking alongside each member of our community as they come to ‘Know God’s Love’.”
St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School Ashbury kindergarten teacher Tayla Nehme said her school gave her the opportunity to “contribute to a community where faith is lived out through daily actions.”
The coeducational school, nestled in Sydney’s inner west, guides its pupils in the light of its Ursuline heritage by teaching the virtues of respect, service, excellence, compassion, stewardship.
“All staff work together with a shared commitment to helping students reach the fullness of their potential,” she said.
“The school fosters a welcoming environment where both teachers and students feel valued and respected.”
