Dear Bishop Michael Kennedy,

We hope this letter finds you well. We are a group of concerned parents whose children are currently attending Catholic primary schools in the Hunter Valley.

We are writing to bring to your attention the urgent need for a Catholic secondary school (grades 7-12) in our region. The Lower Hunter area is experiencing significant growth, with the population expected to increase by 24.1% from 2016 to 2031. This growth rate surpasses that of Newcastle (16.5%) and Regional NSW (10.6%), highlighting the pressing demand for expanded educational facilities.

Currently, over 600 students from the Cessnock Local Government Area travel daily to Catholic high schools in Maitland and Singleton. This long-distance commute is not only physically exhausting for our children but also time-consuming, impacting their overall well-being and academic performance.

Moreover, there are over 3,000 students attending government and independent high schools in the area who may be drawn to a Catholic high school if one were built within the Lower Hunter region. These numbers are projected to increase in line with population growth, further emphasizing the need for additional Catholic secondary education options.

The lack of a local Catholic high school is causing significant challenges:

1. St. Joseph's in Lochinvar is currently at capacity, forcing families to seek alternatives in Singleton or elsewhere.
2. Approximately 140 students depart from Catholic schools each year, unable to continue their Catholic education due to the lack of secondary schools in the area.
3. High fees and costs associated with attending independent schools in the region are placing a financial burden on many families.
4. Growing demands on the public system are leaving many families feeling disaffected and underserved.

The Catholic Education system in our diocese provides excellent primary education. We want to see that same level of quality extended to secondary education within our area.

We kindly request that the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle prioritize the establishment of a secondary school in the Lower Hunter area. This initiative would be a significant step towards our shared vision of providing every child with the opportunity to receive a quality Catholic education within their local community.

By addressing this need, we can:
- Reduce the strain on existing Catholic high schools in neighboring areas
- Provide continuity in Catholic education for students transitioning from primary to secondary school
- Offer a local alternative to the over 3,000 students currently attending government and independent high schools
- Accommodate the educational needs of a rapidly growing population

Thank you for considering this request. We are confident that with your support, we can make a positive impact on the lives of our children and the future of our community.

Yours sincerely,
Concerned Catholic School Parents of the Hunter Valley