Catholic schools uphold religious freedom amid political debate
The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) has vehemently denied allegations by Equality Australia of discrimination within Catholic schools based on sexuality or gender.
Executive director Jacinta Collins said Catholic schools prioritised upholding the dignity of every individual, rejecting assertions of discriminatory practices.
Collins said Catholic schools were not advocating for the right to discriminate but rather sought to maintain their religious identity and mission. Current exemptions, she said, safeguarded religious freedom, allowing schools to employ individuals who align with their ethos.
Despite assertions from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese MP suggesting potential agreement on religious discrimination legislation with the Australian Greens, Collins expressed scepticism.
Citing the Greens’ past opposition to faith-based schools and their platform to remove funding, Collins doubted the likelihood of a positive agreement. She emphasised concerns about protecting the rights of religious institutions amid ideological differences with the Greens.
Catholic school parents defend religious freedom in education
Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) opposes recommendations to remove religious exemptions in education, citing concerns about the impact on faith-based schooling.
Representing all families in Catholic schools, CSPA voiced their disapproval of the report’s recommendations to remove religious exemptions. CSPA said choosing a Catholic school entailed embracing the values and ethos of Catholicism, with an expectation on staff to uphold these beliefs.
Help for teachers and students in understanding AI
ACARA has launched a new online resource, ‘Curriculum Connection’, to aid teachers in teaching artificial intelligence (AI). Developed in collaboration with experts, it aligns with the Australian Curriculum and covers various subjects from Foundation to Year 10. The resource aims to educate students on AI’s workings, types, responsible use, and societal impact. It offers supplementary resources and flexibility for teachers. And is available on the Australian Curriculum website.
NAPLAN 2024 concludes with record participation
NAPLAN 2024 has finished with more than 1.2 million students completing a record 4.48 million online tests across 9411 schools nationwide. ACARA CEO Stephen Gniel expressed gratitude to all involved for their efforts. Preliminary results will be available to schools at the start of Term 2, aiding teachers in planning. Full results, including writing assessments, will be distributed in Term 3. Go here for more information.
Australian parish priests to attend Vatican meeting
Two Australian parish priests, Dr David Ranson and Rev Paul Crotty, have been selected to join 300 global priests at the ‘Parish Priests for the Synod: An International Meeting’ in Vatican City at the end of April.
They will contribute insights from urban and rural perspectives to discussions on synodality and pastoral challenges.
Their attendance aims to inform the upcoming Synod of Bishops session in October, with a meeting with Pope Francis in early May to shape the synod's agenda.
Vinnies commends reforms
The St Vincent de Paul Society is welcoming the Albanese government’s recent budgetary reforms aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of struggling Australians.
National president Mark Gaetani praised the allocation of funds to Homelessness Services and Financial Wellbeing programs.
However, Mr Gaetani emphasised the need for increased support in addressing poverty’s root causes and assisting vulnerable groups like renters and asylum seekers.
As the May Budget approaches, the society is calling for further measures to support those in need.
Caritas Australia celebrates 60 years of compassion
Caritas Australia is celebrating its 60th anniversary, tracing back to an Adelaide Lenten appeal in 1964.
The organisation has since grown exponentially, with the Project Compassion campaign raising more than nine million dollars last year.
Operating in 36 countries and collaborating with Caritas Internationalis, one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks, Caritas Australia remains dedicated to ending poverty and promoting justice.
What’s On
Australian Catholics Professional Learning Session (subscribers only): Empowering Youth to Share the Good News – Join us for an insightful session on supporting young people in spreading the Good News amidst various pressures. Our speakers, Tahlia Sully, Julian Butler SJ, and Laura Kings, bring extensive experience in youth ministry, education, and fostering respectful conversations.
Date: 30 April?
Time: 4.30-5.30pm AEST
Book your spot here.
The Jesuit Communications Young Voices Awards (YVAs) are open: The theme is ‘Do Good, be good, spread the good news’. This is an opportunity for YVA entrants to highlight people and programs that are working to improve their communities. Entries close 5pm, Friday, 24 May 2024. Find out more.
Redfern Jarjum College fundraising Gala night: Sydney’s International Convention Centre, 15 June. Read more.