It is with regret that the Diocese of Broken Bay today announces that Mr Peter Hamill has resigned as Director of Schools, effective at the end of July 2019. Peter will take up a new role as Deputy Director, National Catholic Education Commission commencing Monday, 5 August 2019.
“Peter has made a magnificent contribution to the Diocese of Broken Bay and has been instrumental in developing what is a first-class Diocesan Schools System with remarkable leadership,” said Very Rev Dr David Ranson, Diocesan Administrator.
“He has negotiated the school system through significant challenges, and always with careful discernment and astute management. In so doing, he has enjoyed the confidence of the leadership of the system at every level. His attention to school staff and their issues has been exemplary, as has his collaboration with all stakeholders in the field of education, particularly clergy and especially government.”
Peter has had the significant role of overseeing 44 schools and their more than 11,000 staff and 16,000 students, who in concert with teachers, students, their parents/ guardians, their priests and parish communities, work tirelessly to educate and form young people in Catholic life.
“A key focus for Peter has always been to ensure in our school system a sense of hospitality, enthusiasm and genuine endeavour, and to ensure that students not only achieve their academic best, but that their wellbeing and advancement in Catholic faith is nurtured,” added Fr David.
Peter initially commenced work with the Diocese in early 2010 as the Assistant Director of Administration for the Catholic Schools Office (CSO). In February 2012, he was appointed to the role of Director of Schools by Bishop David L Walker, a position subsequently reaffirmed by Bishop Peter A Comensoli in 2018.
During his time as Director of Schools, Peter has been responsible for the more than 120 staff of the CSO as well as the 46 Principals of the Diocesan Schools System. Beyond the Diocese, Peter has also held significant roles. Currently he serves as a Director of CEnet and is Chair of the Conference of the NSW and ACT Diocesan Directors of Schools and he was a member of the Catholic Education Commission of NSW. He has been on a number of inter-diocesan committees, boards and has undertaken reviews for other dioceses.
Whilst the Diocese of Broken Bay is in a period of waiting for a new Bishop and given the critical role of our Diocesan Schools in the mission of our Diocese, the appointment of a new Director of Schools will be delayed until a new Bishop of Broken Bay is appointed. In the intervening period, Dr Tony Bracken, Assistant Director School Improvement, will take on the role of Acting Director of Schools.