Peter William Ingham, the fourth Bishop of Wollongong, died peacefully in the late evening of 26 April 2024. He was 83 years of age and almost 60 years a priest. 

With the mention of the name, Bishop Peter Ingham, words and images immediately spring to mind. Bishop Peter had a prodigious memory for names and faces, and it was a great joy to him to be among people at diocesan or civic gatherings. His warm and welcoming, happy and caring nature were evident in his engagement with each person. He was compassionate and approachable, faith-filled and prayerful—in essence, a servant leader. His greatest joy was to be a disciple of Jesus and a true shepherd of God’s people.

In 2016, Bishop Peter was diagnosed with fibrosis of the lungs which restricted his airways and his capacity to exert himself. As his condition deteriorated, he was cared for by a close family friend with the assistance of his doctor and palliative care teams in Sydney. He faced his death with the dignity, graciousness and serenity that had characterised his life—gently surrendering into the arms of our loving God at 83 years of age on 26 April 2024.

Paying tribute to the impact Bishop Peter had on the Diocese of Wollongong, the current bishop of Wollongong, Bishop Brian Mascord said: “Bishop Peter was a spiritual father of the Illawarra, Macarthur, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands. We offer him a heartfelt ‘well done, good and faithful servant’ (Matthew 25:23), and we take comfort in the sure hope that we now have another advocate in the presence of our Lord praying for the needs and salvation of the people of God in the Diocese of Wollongong.

“A man of God—a man for the people. May his noble soul

rest in peace.”

Fr Bernard's father, Bernard Gordon (senior) passed away on Monday, April 29th. Bernard (senior). The Mass of Christian Burial took place at the Cathedral on Monday.  

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gordon family. We extend our deepest condolences to Bernard’s wife, Bernadette, Josephine (Dec), Fr Bernard, Patrick, Frances, and Sam.

It is wonderful to be back in the administration block – less than one month since we flooded. I extend my thanks to the staff at Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong for their prompt response in ensuring minimal disruption to the school.

There was a need for a late staffing change at the end of Term 1. Mrs Christie Gray has been seconded to Amaroo Gold for term 2 and Miss Tierney Dunne is teaching 3 Gold each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Tierney is known to the students and a thorough handover was undertaken prior to her commencement in the role. She is working closely with both Leesa Ellul and Christie Gray to ensure excellent continuity for all students in the class. Both teachers will have input into the semester one reports.  As I’m sure most of you are aware, Tierney is a passionate teacher with amazing energy and enthusiasm.  3 Gold are in great hands.

Our Year 6 Confirmation candidates are preparing to receive the sacrament on Saturday 18th May. Please keep these children in your prayers as they prepare for this significant event in their faith journey.

The school is making great progress in our AIP goal – All students will achieve growth and improved confidence in reading fluency. All staff spent our Staff Development Day at the start of this term learning about strategies to develop reading fluency in their classrooms. I thank Mrs Leesa Ellul for leading this day and sharing her expertise with all of us.