New high school to open in Newcastle area

The Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, Bill Wright, has announced the name of the diocese’s newest secondary school, Catherine McAuley Catholic College, which will open in 2020, with building works set to commence in 2018.

Located in Medowie, this is the second new school name of 2016, following the announcement of St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm, in May.

The construction of the new school is among 12 recommendations to emerge from the 2013 study into the Provision of Secondary Education in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, ensuring the diocese will be able to meet the future needs of students in secondary schools, including the demand for Catholic education in Port Stephens.

The name Catherine McAuley Catholic College was chosen because Mercy Sister Catherine McAuley is a strong identity who can speak vigorously to contemporary adolescents and young adults in secondary schools.

Further, and importantly, the figure of Catherine presents a strong and relevant female face of the Church.

The Sisters of Mercy have a strong historical connection to the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, being one of the foundation congregations ministering in Catholic schools and providing health care. 

People of the region will be familiar with St Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton, and the Mater Hospital, Waratah, as Mercy icons.

The Mercy name is strong in the Port Stephens region with feeder schools St Brigid’s and St Michael’s having been established by the Sisters of Mercy.