End of Term 1 Message
03 April 2023
Dear Colleagues, Parents and Friends of Catholic Education,
As we approach the end of Term 1, I would like to thank our Principals, teachers, and staff for their efforts to ensure students have had a positive and welcoming start to the year.
More families continue to choose a Catholic education. This year, for the first time, over 80,000 West Australian students are enrolled in a Catholic School. At a time where they have faced challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in the cost of living, the growth in enrolments is recognition of the excellent education offered in our schools.
We began the year by commissioning over 500 new staff at Eucharistic celebrations held in each of the four dioceses. This is a wonderful way for us, as a community of faith, to welcome our colleagues to Catholic Education WA.
The Catholic Education Commission (CECWA) also announced that Catholic Education WA has signed a new memorandum of understanding, ‘In Communion and Mission’, with the Bishops of WA and eight other governing bodies of the 164 Catholic schools operating in Western Australia. The commitment presents a strong, united voice for Catholic education in our state.
In February, we were joined by the Chair of CECWA, the Minister of Education and the Archbishop to mark the opening of our newest Catholic school, Emmaus Catholic Primary School in Dayton. Elsewhere, Bunbury Catholic College is celebrating its 50th anniversary, with members of the CEWA Executive joining Bishop Holohan, Principal Michael Pepper and other members of the school community to reflect on the contribution the school has made to the wider community over the last five decades. These two events are indicative of not just the enduring legacy of Catholic schools in our communities but of the future growth into new areas of our State.
These milestones and achievements are only made possible because of the dedication of our principals, teachers, and school and office-based staff. Following a challenging two years, I am encouraged by what the year ahead holds. More than 400 school and office leaders gathered for the annual Catholic Education Leaders’ Forum, where we reflected on Pope Francis’ ‘Go Forth – Towards a Community of Missionary Discipleship’ and the role of evangalisation within our school communities. On the day, leaders had the opportunity to come together to deepen our understanding of the mission as Catholic educators.
Following the Forum, I was joined by NCEC Executive Director, Hon Jacinta Collins and the Chair of CECWA, Eva Skira on a visit to several Perth schools, where we had the opportunity to hear firsthand from students and teachers about the great work occurring inside and outside the classroom.
Experiences like these reaffirm the importance of Catholic schools. who serve their communities and why so many families place their trust in a faith-based education.
As we enter Holy Week, I hope you have a joyous Easter and a peaceful break with family, friends and loved ones. I look forward to welcoming you back to a new term.
Yours sincerely
Dr Debra Sayce
Executive Director
