More than 350 staff from Catholic schools across the Latrobe Valley gathered at St Michael’s Catholic Church on Tuesday 27 January to celebrate the start of the 2020 school year.
Bishop Patrick O’Regan led the congregation, welcoming in the new school year and praying for the wellbeing of the students and communities that have been impacted by the bushfires in East Gippsland.
Staff from St Michael’s Primary School, St Gabriel’s Primary School and Lavalla Catholic College in Traralgon joined their peers from St Vincent de Paul and Sacred Heart Primary Schools in Morwell, Immaculate Heart of Mary Primary School in Newborough, St Kieran’s Primary School in Moe and Lumen Christi Primary School in Churchill, to celebrate the new school year.
Fr Francis Otobo, Fr Harry Dyer, Fr James Fernandez and Deacon Tony Aspinall, as well as Deputy Director of Catholic Education from the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL), Ms Debra Punton, were also in attendance.
Ms Punton said it’s wonderful to see school communities from the Diocese of Sale gather as one in celebration of their shared faith and educational endeavours.
“While the school year is a busy one for all involved in Catholic Education, taking the time to celebrate our faith and connect with one another is important for the wellbeing of our staff,” she said.
Photo caption:
Back left to right: Mr Peter McKenna, Mr Justin Greenwood, Mr David Cooper, Mr John Freeman and Mrs Lisa Broeren
Front left to right: Ms Marianne O’Rourke, Ms Roslyn Joyner, Mrs Jodie Ware, Bishop Patrick O’Regan, Ms Debra Punton and Ms Teresa Greenough
Source: DOSCEL Communications
