Dear Colleagues, Parents and Friends of Catholic education,

We are three-quarters of the way through another school year. With the conclusion of Term 3, it is a good time to reflect on the achievements of the year so far and to look forward to a final push for a busy Term 4.

I wish to particularly acknowledge our Year 12 students as their Catholic school journeys come to an end and their focus shifts to exams. As they leave our schools, I hope they look back on their education with affection and feel supported to reach the academic goals they have set themselves next term.

This term we witnessed the array of talent on display in our schools with more than 18,000 entries from 105 schools in the Spirit of the Arts Festival. We enjoyed dancers, musicians and performing artists showcasing their God-given talents to the delight of audiences throughout the term. I want to congratulate every student who took part and acknowledge the efforts of those teachers, parents and volunteers who supported the smooth running of the Festival. I extend my gratitude to the Catholic Arts team who help ensure that these events are a memorable experience for students taking part.

I would also like to congratulate Mary’s Mount Catholic Primary School, who are the first school in Australia to receive a Level 5 Catholic Earthcare School Certification, and St Joseph’s School, Waroona, who won a National Science Week grant to host a STEMathon in August. It is so encouraging to see our schools recognised for the groundbreaking work they do.

I am sure like me, many of you will have been captivated by the Olympics this year. The feats of physical endurance, mental strength, and the comradery between team-mates has been great to see. We are particularly proud of those of our alumni who have reached the pinnacle in their sports by becoming Olympians including Lauren Reynolds (BMX), Jake Harvie (Hockey), Kyle Lee (marathon swimming), Peter Bol (athletics), Rhiannon Clarke (paralympic athletics), and Alex Saffy (paralympic swimming). Our schools have a long tradition of supporting young people to discover their talents in all disciplines and to strive for excellence both at school and once they graduate. It is a source of pride to see former students shine on the world stage.

During July and August, school and office leaders have come together for our Leaders’ Forum Roadshows held at seven Catholic schools around WA, as well as the University of Notre Dame Broome campus and the Catholic Education Office in Leederville. This year leaders focused on the importance of effective political engagement, how best to represent our school communities as well as the role of AI in analysing system level data. I thank everyone involved in the planning of these significant events as well as those leaders who attended the Forums. If you are interested in the requests Catholic education has put to political parties for their consideration you can visit https://fairfunding.cewa.edu.au/.

Next term we will celebrate the recipients of the annual Quality Catholic Education (QCE) Awards. These Awards celebrate the outstanding innovation and initiative of our schools. With 89 nominations this year, some of the projects include: a Pre Primary Prayer Bag initiative; Laudato Si’ in Action; a Black Cockatoo Conservation Project; a Ladies Lunch; Esports Club; and Lego Therapy Program. The breadth of work being done in Catholic schools across our State is extraordinary and I look forward to celebrating the winners when they are announced in October.

Also in October, we will thank those of our colleagues who have given 30, 40 and 50 years of service to Catholic education. This is a special time to reflect on the devotion and commitment of staff to supporting the development of generations of children and young people in our schools.

I look forward to welcoming you back for the final term of the year and wish you and your loved ones a safe and restful break.

Wayne Bull
Executive Director
Catholic Education Western Australia