As the year ends, the things that make Catholic education truly special have been on full display – educational excellence, collaboration and mission in action. The examples below are only a handful of examples of the incredible work taking place across our schools, early learning centres, universities and offices each and every day.
Educational Excellence
As ACARA released the My School data last week, there was an influx of articles and commentary about results and performance of schools across the country in NAPLAN. While these events always spark media attention and comparisons between schools, sectors and students, the availability of data is an essential part of an educational system that promotes and protects parent choice.
Included in this week’s edition of our eblast (you can sign up to the eblast via the website) are the Catholic schools included on ACARA’s list of ‘Schools Making a Difference’ based on the progress data available to demonstrate student growth. We have also profiled some of our schools showcasing the great things they are doing ensuring the academic growth of their students.
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations for the many achievements of both systemic and independent Catholic schools reflected in the recently published results. While these outcomes are a testament to the dedication and effort of our students and staff, I believe quality schooling is about so much more than just individual metrics. In addition to the academic growth evident in the progress data, I know that our Catholic schools provide opportunities for spiritual, emotional and social development, all within an environment that prioritises safety and security. It is this commitment to holistic education and our ongoing pursuit of improvement that truly enables Catholic schools to make a difference in the lives of our students and their communities.
Collaboration
At the end of November, the NCEC’s Educational Excellence Standing Committee hosted a two-day national forum that brought together executive directors, learning and teaching directors, senior system leaders, and educational experts from across Australia.
The forum focused on strengthening a shared national understanding of educational excellence grounded in Catholic mission, with participants engaging in strategic conversations about the metrics that matter, including BFSA indicators, NAPLAN performance, senior secondary pathways, ATAR, VET, and completion rates.
Over the two days, attendees participated in keynote addresses, panel discussions, and collaborative workshops that examined contemporary challenges and opportunities for Catholic schooling.
The forum concluded with a forward-looking discussion that helped shape NCEC’s priorities for 2026 and beyond, including identifying potential national investment opportunities. This gathering marked a significant step in strengthening alignment, sharing expertise, and supporting academic excellence within the distinctive mission of Catholic education.
My thanks to Dr Neil McGoran, Deputy Chair of the NCEC for hosting the forum and for all who participated and brought the event to life.
Mission in Action
Finally, this week I had the chance to speak with Paul Greaves, Director of Catholic Education Northern Territory, about the remarkable demonstration of community in the Tiwi islands in the face of Cyclone Fina.
Extreme weather is a part of life in the NT but as the cyclone intensified bringing very damaging wind and rain, two Catholic schools in the Tiwi Islands found themselves at the centre of a community response that was nothing short of amazing.
At very late notice (and unplanned) our two co-located Bathurst Island schools, Murrupurtiyanuwu Catholic Primary School and Xavier Catholic College were called upon to open as emergency shelters for members of the community. This was to offer safety to those who would otherwise have been sheltering in buildings which were not as well constructed, were in flood surge areas or were near large trees.
The principals of these schools, Kellie McGinlay and Rhett Bowden, mobilised their staff who immediately jumped in and opened the schools, welcoming the community and sheltering with them through the storm. They did this while their own homes, families and pets were bracing for the storm.
In Catholic education we speak often about mission. About reaching out to those in need and providing support in times of trouble. We talk about community as a central tenet of what we do. The actions and compassion of the staff of the schools on the Tiwi Islands was our mission in action, and it was inspiring to hear. What’s more, I know this is just one example of the many ways our schools and Catholic communities live their faith in community and it makes me so proud to be part of Catholic education.
Read Paul Greaves message here
Jacinta Collins
Executive Director
National Catholic Education Commission
Photo: Cerdon College Merrylands; on ACARA’s List of Schools Making a Difference. Principal Lisa-Maree Browning & students. Courtesy Cerdon College Facebook