Peter Hill, newly appointed director of schools, Diocese of Wollongong, said, "Pope Francis reminds us to embrace what is beautiful and what is ambitious. Surely there is no greater or more noble ambition than writing on the very spirit of human beings through the work we do in Catholic Education, liberating the hearts and minds of young people."

CSW 2020 will be held throughout the Wollongong diocese from March 1-7, with all 38 systemic Catholic schools celebrating the diversity and uniqueness of Catholic education. It also marks the beginning of Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong's enrolment period.

Inspired by the person and spirit of Jesus, Catholic schools are called to be signs of God's love and hope in the world. The schools are vibrant Catholic communities of faith and learning, providing quality education and opportunity, and supporting every child to find meaning and purpose in their life.

The theme for CSW 2020 is 'Embracing our future together'.

"CSW is about looking back and looking forward, acknowledging the past and being re-energised by the future," Mr Hill said. "Our work is about keeping hope alive and providing the best possible Catholic schools for our young people, as a place of faith where they're invited to encounter Jesus."

The Diocese of Wollongong has 29 primary schools, eight systemic secondary schools, and one K-12 Catholic school, serving over 19,000 students in the Illawarra, Macarthur, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands. There are also eight independent Catholic schools administered by religious congregations.

A range of activities have been planned for CSW which will see students, staff, friends and families come together to celebrate the spirit of their school communities.

A Diocesan Education Mass will be celebrated on March 5 at St John Vianney Co-Cathedral, Fairy Meadow.

Most Rev Brian Mascord, Bishop of Wollongong, will preside at the Mass, which will include the commissioning of new principals and the director of schools.

Start a conversation with your local Catholic school today, or visit the website at dow.catholic.edu.au.

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