Catholic schools lobby for cost-of-living relief
Jacinta Collins, National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) executive director, is pressing the federal government to ease the financial burden on families attending Catholic schools.
Collins, along with Ann Rebgetz, former president of the Australian Catholic Principals Association, addressed the Senate Select Committee on the Cost of Living earlier this month. They emphasised the challenges faced by Catholic school communities.
Collins highlighted disparities in financial pressures, noting that families in Catholic schools are expected to contribute more towards their children’s education compared to those in public schools. She also raised concerns about funding indexation, addressing teacher shortages, and supporting disadvantaged communities, urging for capital support for non-government schools.
Workshops winning the fight against toxic masculinity in schools
A series of healthy masculinity workshops run by Jesuit Social Services is making a difference to participants’ knowledge, skills, and desire to take action.
Deloitte Access Economics evaluated the Modelling Respect and Equality pilot program in 58 Victorian schools and found the workshops help people understand and address harmful expressions of masculinity.
Find out more.
Catholic school enrolments surge
Enrolments in Catholic schools across Australia reached a peak in 2023, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), with a total of 804,618 students, marking a steady increase from the previous year’s 793,729.
The NCEC has attributed this growth to families’ enduring commitment to faith-based education.
Meanwhile, in Victoria, the new school year saw the opening of St Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Primary School in Tarneit North, with 142 students. Principal Robyn Kelly was excited about leading the school community, named after Mother Teresa.
Catholic educators receive Australia Day honours
Several educators received Order of Australia Medals (OAM) acknowledging their significant contributions to Catholic education, the Church, and various community services this year. These include:
• Recently retired director of Catholic Education Northern Territory, Gregory O’Mullane for service to Catholic education and to school rugby union.
• Elizabeth and Victor O’Callaghan for their services to restorative practices and education. They have both made a significant contribution to Catholic education and the Catholic Church in teaching roles and social justice.
• Dr Margaret O’Donnell for service to education and to the community including as a board member of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools since 2021 and chair of the Education Strategy and Policy Committee.
• Vincent Feeney for service to secondary education. He has held various Catholic school leadership positions and has served on boards and associations, including as president of the Catholic Secondary Principals Australia.
• Marea Donovan for service to the Catholic Church of Australia. Marea is the former deputy chair of the NSW Catholic Education Commission.
• Teacher at Lumen Christi Catholic College, Pambula Beach, Michele Bootes was recognised for service to surf lifesaving.
Read more.
New chair appointed for Catholic schools NSW
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP named Mark Dorney as the new chairman of Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) in January. Dorney, an independent investment banker with experience on various boards including Calvary Healthcare’s investment committee, joins new directors Gráinne McCormack, Jenny Allen and Anna Dickinson in what Archbishop Fisher OP described as an exciting renewal for Catholic education.
In brief
Catholic education leaders addressed the Australian government’s inquiry on generative AI, citing its transformative impact on education. They emphasised collaboration to navigate opportunities and challenges.
Catholic schools across the country celebrated Shrove Tuesday this week with a feast of pancakes and the launch of Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion appeal. Download the School’s Guide to help plan for Project Compassion at your school.
The Be That Teacher campaign, part of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan, aims to attract and retain educators through real stories showcasing their lasting impact on students. To get involved download the resource pack for schools or submit your own inspiring teacher story.
What’s on
Next Australian Catholics professional learning session for subscribing educators: The Critical Role of Catholic Educators in Our Changing World, with Ann Rennie and Bernadette Mercieca on Tuesday, 27 February from 4.30-5.30pm (ADST)
Find out more.
The Jesuit Communications Young Voices Awards (YVA): The theme is ‘Do Good, be good, spread the good news’. The YVA is divided into three sections – Junior (Years 5 and 6), Intermediate (Years 7 to 9) and Senior (Years 10 to 12). Each section has three entry categories: articles, photographs and digital (video or podcast). Entries close 5pm, Friday, 24 May 2024. Find out more.
Internship opportunity: Years 10 and 11 students can apply for Jesuit Communications’ media internship program. The program will be offered online during school time in the second week of May (6-10 May 2024). During the internship, students learn about all aspects of magazine production and are encouraged to write articles for the Spring edition of Australian Catholics. Applications close 5pm, Friday 15 March 2024. Find out more.