The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) rejects Greens Senator Penny Allman-Payne’s misleading claims about disadvantage in Australian schools. While a national conversation on the issue is welcome, ignoring the role of Catholic and non-government schools distorts reality.
NCEC Executive Director Jacinta Collins said the Senator’s comment that non-government schools are not expected to cater for disadvantaged students is absurd and incorrect.
“Catholic schools educate a growing number of disadvantaged students, particularly in rural and remote areas,” Ms Collins said. “Over 42 per cent of our students come from the lowest socio-educational quartiles. The idea that only government schools cater to disadvantage is simply false.”
Dr Michele Bruniges AM research confirms disadvantage is a growing issue for all school sectors, yet Catholic school parents contribute at least 10 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS), often making sacrifices for their children’s education.
“All students deserve support, regardless of where they go to school,” Ms Collins said. “Rather than fostering division, we should focus on ensuring all schools have the resources needed to help disadvantaged students succeed.”