General News
16 August, 2025
Bishop tours Wimmera schools
Bishop Paul Bird visited St Mary's Catholic Primary School on Tuesday, August 5, as part of a wider Wimmera visit by the Diocese of Ballarat Education.
Joining him was the executive director of Catholic Education Ballarat, Tom Sexton.
“Bishop Paul joined me for the visit to St Mary’s in Warracknabeal, where we were warmly welcomed by staff and students,” Mr Sexton said.
“It was a meaningful opportunity to experience the school’s strong sense of community and hear about the learning, achievements, and priorities unique to their setting.”
Principal Julie Leonard said the visit was a wonderful experience for the students and staff.
"It was play time when the Bishop arrived and as his car pulled in to the car park, as if on cue, a wayward football landed in the car park greeting the visitors," she said.
"Bishop Paul got out of the car laughing and recognising the student, retrieving the ball, from the promotional video immediately connecting with him telling him he knew who he was.
"It was a wonderful moment," she said.
The year 6 school leaders welcomed Bishop Paul and Director Tom Sexton.
"The Bishop walked around the playground, and into the Ga-Ga Pit, engaging with students in their natural play time; recognising many of them from the video."
The visitor's school tour included all of the classrooms, speaking with teachers and students asking them what they liked about school.
"The year 6 leaders proudly showed off their school to the visitors, highlighting projects and educational activities," Principal Leonard said.
The tour of the school included the year 6 students introducing their buddies in Foundation Year to the Bishop
"It was also a wonderful opportunity for the littlies, our 5 and 6 year olds, to meet and engage with the Bishop.
"Some of them may have been a little unsure about who he was and may have taken the message home that 'Jesus came to school today', but that's okay," she said with a smile.
The Bishop's positive comments about the school was a highlight for the school community.
"To have the Bishop say he could see the students were genuinely proud of their school and the environment was a happy and positive one, meant a lot to us all," she said.
The visit was one of several school engagements held alongside DOBCEL's fourth meeting for 2025, hosted at St Brigids College.
DOBCEL Board meetings are often conducted in regional centres and intentionally paired with school visits to strengthen connections with local communities and witness the vibrant life of Catholic education across the Diocese.
"Board Directors were dispersed across various school communities throughout the Wimmera, taking the opportunity to listen, learn, and witness first-hand the dedication and creativity of students, staff, and leaders," said Mr Sexton.
In Horsham, the guests were welcomed to St Brigid’s College by student leaders Maddie Carracher and Poppy Peters, along with staff member Colby McDonald, who led a thoughtful Welcome to Country and prayer before the group was taken on a school tour.
"Principal Gerard Raven proudly showcased the college’s new wing, which is nearing completion.
"A highlight of the visit was hearing the story behind the new café space known as ‘The Well’, which reflects the school’s spiritual narrative and focus on hospitality.
"It was also exciting to hear that the College’s much-loved productions will return in 2025," he said.
In addition to St Mary’s and St Brigid’s, schools visited as part of the regional engagement included St Patrick’s School, Nhill Augustine’s Parish Primary School, Creswick St Augustine’s Primary School, Maryborough St Michael and John’s Primary School, Horsham, Our Lady Help of Christians School, Murtoa
"The regional visit concluded with a shared dinner on Tuesday night, attended by local principals and their School Advisory Council Chairs. The event offered another opportunity to strengthen relationships and celebrate the shared mission of Catholic education across the region," Mr Sexton said.
