Stop distorting the facts, it’s time for the full Gonski
National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) executive director Jacinta Collins says it’s time for fringe commentators and the Australian Education Union (AEU) to stop the distorted reporting on school funding, and for all sectors to realise the full Gonski commitment to Australian education.
‘Cherry-picked examples of a handful of independent schools in high SES areas paints the picture of a great divide between public and “private” schools, but they are highly distorted and misrepresent the diversity of the sector.
‘Gonski was about fair funding and educational excellence for all students, not at the expense of one sector over another.’
Read more.
In other NCEC news: Collins’ strategic focus for the upcoming year is aimed at advocating for Catholic school communities nationally.
Central to Collins’ agenda is the review of the Schooling Resource Standard indexation, crucial for addressing school funding and rising costs. Additionally, she emphasises the importance of religious freedom protections and will contribute to shaping the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement to enhance student outcomes.
Collins also aims to address critical teacher workforce issues through the National Teacher Workplace Action Plan. Her priorities signal a commitment to ensuring the excellence and support of Catholic education across Australia.
MaST project transforms maths learning in Armidale
In a bid for educational excellence, Armidale’s MaST project is revolutionising numeracy and maths skills across the diocese. Each school now employs a specialist mathematics teacher (MaST) to lead this transformative initiative.
According to subject matter expert Trish Mitchell, the MaST project offers teachers deep professional development opportunities. Through coaching, collaborative sessions, and hands-on teaching, MaSTs help teachers enhance their maths instruction, build skills, and tailor learning to student needs using data and evidence.
Bishop calls for solidarity and action
Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, urged solidarity and action for social justice at the closing of the recent National Catholic Social Services Conference.
Bishop Long called for unity, human dignity, and service, resonating profoundly in the current climate of societal challenges.
With the COVID-19 pandemic exposing the fractures of individualism, Bishop Long invoked Pope Francis’ poignant ‘Noah moment’ analogy, compelling a collective reconnection to God, humanity, and the environment.
The conference echoed this call to arms, with panel discussions and reflections emphasising the crucial role of faith-based agencies in fostering community belonging and addressing pressing issues like income inequality.
Scholarships address SA teacher shortage
Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) has announced the recipients of its debut Regional Teacher Scholarship Program, led by the Diocese of Port Pirie.
Fourteen individuals receive up to $20,000 each to pursue teaching degrees, with 13 regional education support officers (ESOs) committed to teaching in regional Catholic schools post-qualification.
Director Nichii Mardon highlighted the initiative’s role in addressing the teacher shortage, particularly in regional areas. Find out more.
In brief:
The Together as One Altar website has a new look. The site is a learning resource, designed for students in years F-12, to develop their formation in the Eucharist and assist their full, active and conscious participation in its celebration. Visit the site.
DeadlyScience books in collaboration with Australian Geographic have hit the shelves at Woolworths. Book sales fund science equipment for indigenous learner classrooms. The organisation’s recent Kits-Mas fundraising campaign, raised funds for 100 Microscopy Kits to be sent out to Indigenous learner classrooms across Australia.
It’s less than three weeks until Neurodiversity Celebration Week, with more than 70 speakers included across the events. Head to the website to explore the line-up of panellists, and sign up to the free events.
In 2024, the National Child Protection Week message that ‘Every child in every community needs a fair go’ will be complemented with the theme ‘Every conversation matters’. National Child Protection Week 2024 will take place from 1-7 September. Find out more.
What’s On:
Formation for Mission Catholic Educators Gathering: 13-14 August 2024, Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney. This event is an opportunity for diocesan directors and leaders of formation, mission, and religious education across Catholic education to come together and share practices in various areas related to formation for mission. Register your interest here.
Nominations are open for teaching awards
Australian Council for Educational Leaders National Branch Awards: Recognising excellence in educational leadership.
Australian Education Awards: Celebrating the achievements of the K-12 education sector.
2024 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards: Honouring exceptional teachers making a difference in their communities.