Meanwhile, a number of other schools celebrated significant anniversaries in their history with St Helena’s Catholic Primary School (25 years), Chisholm Catholic College (35 years), Lumen Christi College (40 years) and Liwara Catholic Primary School (50 years) amongst them. Together these milestones show Catholic education continues its rich history of serving communities across WA. It is a privilege for Catholic education to serve these families and to know that more people continue to choose an affordable, faith-based education for their child which is centred on Christ and focused on the child.

Throughout the year there have been many examples of excellence across our system which I believe reflects why parents make the choice of Catholic education.

In March CEWA hosted an Early Childhood Conference, attended by Minister for Early Childhood Education Hon Sabine Winton MLA, to share perspectives and learn about the unique narratives that unfold within each child, their stories, and their journey as lifelong learners.

In Term 3 more than 18,000 entrants including dancers, musicians and other performing artists from 105 schools took part in the Catholic Performing Arts Festival while over 430 entrants participated in the Angelico Art Exhibition, showcasing an amazing array of artistic talents. Our students and schools also shone on the State and national stages in the sciences, technology, arts, sports, and sustainability.

These events provide opportunities for students to showcase their talents and live the values we model within our schools – excellence, compassion, inclusivity, and Christian service. They are supported by a dedicated teaching and non-teaching staff and excellently led by devoted Principals. I wish to record my sincere thanks to all of our staff for their efforts and service over the year. Catholic schools thrive because they are part of a wider community of faith, so I am also grateful to those parents and families who have volunteered their time and skills this year in support of our schools.

I would also like to record my thanks and appreciation to our parish priests for their support of and work in ministering in our Catholic schools. Catholic schools thrive where there is strong and authentic collaboration between the parish, Catholic school and parents. Catholic School Parents are an important and crucial partner with CEWA in supporting parents and advocating for Catholic Education in WA.

Next year both State and Federal elections will be held, and I am confident that candidates and politicians will see for themselves, and hear consistently from their constituents, that Catholic education is a valuable part of the education landscape. CEWA has requested a commitment from all major State political parties to provide capital grants, to enable us to continue to offer access to Catholic education to all parents who seek to enrol their child in a Catholic school.

I wish you and your loved ones a safe and peaceful Christmas. I look forward to welcoming you back in 2025.

Yours sincerely
Wayne Bull
Executive Director