Welcome back to what promises to be an exciting school year. As we begin 2025, we are filled with hope and enthusiasm for the journey that lies ahead in our schools, classrooms, and communities.
With the Federal election on the horizon, the coming weeks and months will be focused on advocacy and collaboration to ensure that the voice of Catholic education is heard.
Catholic Education is seeking the following commitments in the 2025 Federal Election.
- Ensure the fairest funding formula to support affordability and school choice for all families and communities
- Provide equal opportunity to both government and non-government schools to access Australian Government funding initiatives and support programs, on a needs-basis.
- Increase the Capital Grants Program funding for non-government schools to facilitate construction of new, and expansion of existing, low fee schools in areas of high population growth.
- Provide low fee non-government schools with a pro-rata increase in the Capital Grants Program comparable to the Schools Upgrade Fund provided exclusively to government schools.
- That capital funding be equitably distributed to the Catholic sector to expand early childhood services in areas of need.
We are also preparing for the 2025 National Catholic Education Conference in Cairns in August. This gathering will bring together educators, leaders, and supporters from across the country to share ideas, reflect on our mission, and continue to strengthen our commitment to providing a faith-filled, inclusive, and high-quality education for all our students.
The conference will be hosted by former ABC reporter Philippa McDonald. The headline speakers have just been announced and include:
Sr Nathalie Becquart xmcj, Undersecretary for the General Secretariat of the Synod, Vatican; Prof Dylan Wiliam, Emeritus Professor of Educational Assessment, UCL Institute of Education; and Dr Simon Breakspear, Educational expert and founder of Strategic Schools. (See story below).
As we step into this new school year, I want to take a moment to thank each one of you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to Catholic education. Your work is invaluable, and it’s through your efforts that our students are inspired to grow in faith, knowledge, and service to others.
I wish you all a prosperous Jubilee with growth and joy. Let us continue to work together in the spirit of Christ’s love and mission, building a bright future for our children and for the Church.
Jacinta Collins
National Catholic Education Executive Director