One of the most valuable elements of commencing as NCEC Executive Director is the opportunity to connect with Catholic education leaders and communities across the country. The shared commitment to our Mission to be faith driven and student focused is inspiring.
Later this week I’ll be joining Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) leaders and practitioners at the NCEC’s first ECEC provider forum. Our youngest learners are an important part of our education system. Our first ECEC forum is focused on strengthening relationships, sharing experience and building a more connected national ECEC group. This will support the Catholic sector to respond to the growing needs of families for quality, faith-filled early learning for their children.
Over the past few weeks, I have been struck by commentary that misrepresents the nature and funding of Catholic schools. Sadly, this isn’t new but addressing it will always be a priority area for the NCEC.
Too often some seek to create division by not telling the complete story and trying to infer or paint Catholic schools as elite or exclusive, or somehow not deserving of their level of funding. The underlying assumption is a zero-sum game, where money given to non-government schools comes at the expense of government schools. This is simply not true. It betrays either a misrepresentation or a complete misunderstanding of the nature of Catholic schools and how education funding works in Australia.
Catholic schools educate one in five Australian students from remarkably diverse backgrounds and communities. Thirty eight per cent of our schools are located in regional, rural or remote communities, 43 per cent of our students are funded for socio-educational disadvantage and 24 per cent of students have a disability. The rich tapestry of Catholic schools is supported by a combination of government funding and family contributions that fund the costs of educating Australian children.
Government funding is determined by the capacity to pay that reduces the levels of funding for those with higher incomes. The reality is parent contributions ease the demands on government spending for public schools. But most importantly, it guarantees families an educational system where they can choose the school best suited for their child and aligned with their values and beliefs.
My focus, alongside Catholic education leaders, is to advocate for school choice, and fair and sustainable funding so that all Australian families have the choice of a high quality, faith-based education for their children.
As Easter approaches, I extend my warmest wishes to all in our Catholic Education community. This season invites us to reflect on the hope and renewal at the heart of the Resurrection, and on our shared commitment to supporting the faith, learning, and holistic development of every student.
Wishing you and your families a happy Easter.
The Hon. Scott Ryan
Executive Director
National Catholic Education Commission