Our 2022 National Catholic Education Conference was a great success and we were honoured to have the Federal Education Minister, Jason Clare MP (see below) and Victorian Minister for Education, Natalie Hutchins MP, address delegates. 

Fr Anthony Gittins CSSp PhD, Emeritus Professor of Theology and Culture, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, joined Madeline Forde, Australian representative, International Youth Advisory Body, Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, in giving the opening address, focused on the theme of the conference, The Future is Listening.

Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher OP explored the ingredients of a successful Catholic education in the Recipe for Success cooking segment.

Dr Jordan Nguyen filled us with inspiration about the possibilities for the future, and five students from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools joined him in a candid discussion on learning, teaching and the digital age. 

The Eucharistic celebration with Archbishop of Melbourne Peter Comensoli, delegates and students was a powerful reflection of our faith, followed by a memorable Pilgrimage Walk from St Patrick's Cathedral back to the convention centre.

Other highlights included Andreas Schleicher, OECD secretary-general, Programme for International Student Assessment, who presented virtually on the future of education, and educational experts, Dr Simon Breakspear and Dr Peter Ellerton, who focused on supporting school and system change, curriculum and pedagogy. 

Former Commissioner on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, Robert Fitzgerald AM, delivered a powerful keynote address reminding us that it is everyone's responsibility to safeguard vulnerable people.

In a thought-provoking closing address, mental health and wellbeing expert Professor Donna Cross told us that protecting and promoting wellbeing in students has never been more important.

Australian broadcaster Geraldine Doogue AO was the Master of Ceremonies for the conference and moderated a number of In Conversation panel sessions on Catholic identity, school improvement, teacher workforce and governance with educators, academics, leaders and parents. 

Catholic education on a global stage was the focus of a panel discussion moderated by Emeritus Professor Greg Craven AO with Durham University's Dr Medi Ann Volpe, Scottish Catholic Education Service director, Barbara Coupar, and secretary general of the International Office of Catholic Education, Philippe Richard.

There were over 60 sessions from educators, leaders, parents, academics and staff from across the country which provided a great depth and breadth of experience and expertise. 

There were over 300 students, teachers and parents from 54 schools from across Australia represented at the STEM MAD national showcase, with plenty of student musical performances and student helpers throughout the conference.

Thank you to our sponsors

A conference of this calibre would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and exhibitors. These include our Principal Partner, UniSuper / Australian Catholic Superannuation and Retirement Fund, Platinum Sponsors Australian Catholic University and the University of Notre Dame Australia; and our Media Partner Australian Catholics. We encourage you to support these organisations that supported the delivery of the conference.

On-demand access

On-demand access to the content is now available to delegates who should have received the link to the recordings by email.

Conference photos

We also have a large library of photos taken during the conference. While we have uploaded many of them into the above gallery please feel free to access high res images via this link.

If you would like to republish any of these across your platforms or publications we ask that you credit NCEC/The School Photographer.

“Education is the most powerful cause for good in this country, it changes lives", he told the conference, acknowledging the important role Catholic education plays in providing the “life-changing opportunity of a great education”.

“Catholic education has made an enormous contribution to young people, their families, parishes and communities in Australia for more than 200 years," he said.

“You are a big part of education in this country, and I'm delighted to be working with you on this great endeavour.

"You are discussing many of the issues we are focusing on at a national level: teacher workforce, school improvement and mental health and wellbeing.

“I don’t want us to be in a country where your chances in life depend on your postcode, your parents, or the colour of your skin,” he said.

“None of us want that. But that’s where we are today. I want to work with you to turn that around.

“Teachers are a key part of that. There aren’t many jobs more important than being a teacher and we don’t have enough of them.

"More and more teachers are leaving the profession early because they feel burnt out, worn out.

"That’s why I brought together teachers, principals, and other education experts with State and Territory Ministers last month to develop a plan to tackle this," he said.

Minister Clare said NCEC executive director Jacinta Collins had made an important contribution to the national education action plan to address the issues of teacher demand, supply and retention.

"We agreed to take action to do effectively three things: encourage more young people to become teachers, better prepare them for the classroom, and help keep the incredible teachers we have got."

Work has started on that Action Plan, and it will be presented to Education Ministers in December.

Photos courtesy of Minister Clare's office and NCEC.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has released a guide on gender and identity to support Catholic schools in responding to the individual social and pastoral needs of students.

Created and Loved: A guide for Catholic schools on identity and gender outlines a pastoral approach shaped by the theological, medical and legislative context in which Catholic schools operate.

The bishops consulted widely with specialists in education, including principals and teachers, sought advice from parents with children facing various gender questions, heard from bioethicists and other experts in the field, and from the international Church community.

Increasing rates of gender incongruence in Australian society are seen as an invitation to reflect deeply on the biblical and Christian witness to human dignity. The guide offers principles that can be used by Catholic education authorities for their own local contexts.

“The Catholic Church and our schools begin from the foundational principle that each person is created in the image and likeness of God, and is loved by God,” said Archbishop Peter Comensoli, chair of the Bishops Commission for Life, Family and Public Engagement.

“That principle guides this document, which we offer to our schools to support them in walking compassionately alongside each student we are invited to educate.”

Archbishop Peter said Created and Loved is grounded in Christian anthropology, which values the worth and dignity of every person, and also sees each person holistically, rather than defining that person by any single characteristic.

National Catholic Education Commission executive director Jacinta Collins said the guide was the focus of a session with hundreds of Catholic educators during the National Catholic Education Conference in Melbourne recently.

“This was the first of many opportunities for Catholic education authorities and schools in the formation of leaders and teachers to reflect on how they can respond to gender and identity with care and sensitivity,” she said.

Jacinta said Catholic school communities already capably manage students’ needs in this area, but the guide will offer further advice that draws on theological, psychological, medical and legislative knowledge.

“Recent comments by eminent psychologist Professor Ian Hickie highlight the increasing number of medical professionals who are challenging the gender-affirmative approach and are supporting the biopsychosocial approach, which is less invasive, holistic and more closely aligned with a Catholic worldview,” she said.

“It remains critical that our Catholic schools can speak about the Church’s teachings on these matters in an informed way, underpinned by the principles of respect and human dignity.

“Catholic schools are uniquely pastoral communities, but it is vital that the Catholic vision of the whole person informs our understanding. Created and Loved outlines a sound basis for that approach.”

Archbishop Peter said Catholic school leaders are well placed to respond to pastoral needs in informed and sensible ways, free of politics and the division sometimes seen in the wider community.

"The Catholic position is to support the needs of each individual based on their circumstances, respectful of the person and the wider school community of students and families.

“Catholic schools are beautiful communities of encounter with the risen Jesus, who loves us unconditionally and challenges us to grow in our wisdom and understanding,” he said.

The guide will build on the engagement and formation that education authorities are undertaking as they develop practical local guidelines.

“It will be reviewed in time, and the guide will evolve,” Archbishop Peter said.

Created and Loved can be accessed online.

Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) has collaborated with A School for Tomorrow, a global educational network to create a model of social entrepreneurial learning, called Limitless Possibilities.

The model, informed by research at the global level by the OECD and Mitchell Institute, is underpinned by Catholic social teaching framed through key capabilities (critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, being an active citizen, and demonstrating empathy).

Through the model, students develop agency in their learning and reflect on and respond to issues through harnessing their empathy, creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills in facing real-world challenges.

The model aligns with the Religious Education curriculum and Catholic social teaching, and integrates well with the Australian curriculum.

A toolkit of resources has been developed that demonstrates how school communities are re-imaging their curriculum design through an entrepreneurial lens. Schools are currently piloting the new CESA Limitless Possibilities Social Entrepreneurial Education Model across Years 1 to 12 until December.

Project lead Melanie O'Leary presented the Limited Possibilities model at the recent National Catholic Education Conference with co-presenter Marcia Burgess.

Faith-based organisations need to address issues of power dynamics, familiarity, concerning behaviour and judgement to help young people feel safe and prevent child abuse, according to new Australian Catholic University research released in the lead-up to National Child Protection Week which was held from 4-10 September.

The Institute of Child Protection Studies, which conducted the research, has also called on clergy and religious leaders at youth-serving organisations to ask young people directly what safety means to them, how they perceive risk, and what they need from adults to feel safe.

“We think we know what they want, but we haven’t asked them,” ICPS senior research officer Douglas Russell said.

“What adults perceive as safe is not the same as how children and young people perceive safety. For adults it’s about kids being safe, but when young people were asked about it, it was also about feeling safe.”

The Safeguarding in Church: Children and young people’s perceptions of safety in religious and other faith-based settings study involved focus groups with children aged 11 to 17 from two youth-serving organisations of different Christian denominations.

It identified four themes linked to children’s sense of safety: power, familiarity, concerning behaviour and judgement.

Power dynamics in religious organisations impacted on safety with young people feeling like they could not refuse requests made by adults. And while misuse of a trusted relationship could facilitate abuse, a lack of familiarity was also found to make young people feel unsafe.

“It’s a two-edged sword. We know that to become familiar without balancing oversights you can end up with grooming, but young people tell us without familiarity and comfort with people they don’t feel safe either,” ICPS director Professor Daryl Higgins said.

Read more via the ACU website.

St Joseph’s Primary, Kempsey and St Peter’s Primary, Port Macquarie hosted NCEC deputy executive director Sally Egan last month as part of her visit to the region.

Sally worked alongside principal and system colleagues from the Diocese of Lismore, participating in learning walks and talks assisted by St Peter's Primary principal, Geoff Leary and St Joseph’s Primary School principal, Guy Campbell and their leadership teams.

"The focus was to learn more about the impact of embedding their precision of practice and deliberate engagement of knowing every face as a learner towards growth," Sally said.

"It was clear there has been a deliberate 'systemness' focus and evidence of improved student outcomes."

Photos: NCEC deputy executive director Sally Egan and students and staff from St Joseph's Primary, Kempsey; Sally with students and staff from St Peter's Primary, Port Macquarie; Sally with St Joseph’s Primary staff. St Joseph’s Primary principal Guy Campbell with assistant principal - mission, Erin McGovern; instructional leader K-2, Ken Eppingstall and leader of diversity, Tracey Duncan.

St Pius X College Chatswood students are leading an intergenerational learning program designed to give local seniors the confidence to explore the digital world.

The 10 high school students are holding sessions with local residents, aged 55 or above, under the Young Mentors program which aims to improve older Australians’ digital skills by connecting them with student mentors.

The eSafety Commissioner program brings teenagers together with older Australians to share digital skills and knowledge and help them gain the confidence they need to navigate the online world.   

“Technology has a wonderful ability to connect, enable and empower individuals, and the importance of this connection was made even more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic,” eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said. 

“For those of us who use digital technology as an essential part of our daily lives, we may not realise how novel it can be to older people who have lived much of their lives without it.  

“It’s difficult for anyone to stay on top of the continually evolving digital landscape as new technologies emerge. Ensuring we don’t leave older Australians behind as society continues to move online is essential.

“Young Mentors provides an opportunity for a genuine connection between generations as we work together to improve digital literacy in Australia, ensuring older Australians can stay connected with family, friends and their communities and empowering younger Australians through a leadership role as digital mentors.

"Young people also benefit from taking part in the program by developing teaching and leadership skills. And people of all ages taking part in the pilot reported increased social connection and understanding across generations."

Learn more and register via the eSafety Commissioner's website.

Photo: St Pius High School Year 11 student Luke Sarkissian paired with East Roseville resident Ann Glissan to offer some technological tips as part of the Young Mentors Be Connected program at Chatswood Library. Source Willoughby City Council.

St Patrick's Mentone new junior wing officially opens

From humble beginnings in 1904, St Patrick’s Primary School, Mentone, has been completed with the opening of a new junior wing.

The new building was blessed by Archbishop of Melbourne Peter Comensoli and officially opened by Member for Mordialloc and Parliamentary Secretary for Schools, Tim Richardson, with the  attending.

National Catholic Education executive director Jacinta Collins attended the opening, with Member for Sandringham Brad Rowsell and members of the school’s parent community and representatives from the local parish and Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS).

"Our aim was to create a building that allowed access for everyone, catered for the continued growth of the school and provided state-of-the-art facilities that would enhance the education we provide our students," St Patrick's School principal Tim Noonan said.

"Four years ago, after we completed our wonderful lift, we wanted to continue to build and cater for the amazing growth in our school community."

The new junior wing has been funded in partnership with the Victorian Government which provided $1.7 million, with the school contributing $1.7 million supported by MACS and Catholic Development Fund.

Read more via the MACS website.

Archbishop of Melbourne Peter Comensoli, NCEC executive director Jacinta Collins, St Patrick's School principal Tim Noonan, Parliamentary Secretary for Schools Tim Richardson, Fr Cameron Forbes, and Member for Sandringham Brad Rowswell with year six student leaders at the official opening and blessing of St Patrick’s School, Mentone.

Diocese of Wollongong Year 12 leaders light the way

Nine outstanding leaders from secondary schools across the Diocese of Wollongong were celebrated at the Bishop's Student Excellence Awards held late last month.

Students and their families, principals, and Catholic Education Office staff gathered with the Bishop of Wollongong Brian Mascord, and the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) Director of Schools Peter Hill, to recognise the excellent achievements and contributions of these young women and men.

The Bishop's Student Excellence Awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge the religious, academic, and community-based accomplishments of a Year 12 student from each of the Catholic systemic secondary schools in the diocese, as nominated by their principal. 

CEDoW head of school improvement services, John Lo Cascio said the awards are presented to students who embody true dedication to the vision of Catholic education and gospel values. 

“In their own spheres of influence, these young people have made significant contributions to the vibrancy of their school communities in an exemplary manner,” he said.

“These awards are a way of recognising students who promote our Diocese's core values of integrity, compassion, justice, and hope in a truly meaningful way." 

Read more via the CEDoW website.

Back row: General manager Catholic Development Fund (CDF) Tony Sanderson; Bishop of Wollongong Brian Mascord; Luc-Pierre Tannous, Corpus Christi, Oak Flats; Gwendolyn Ucar, St Benedict's, Oran Park; Tameka Thorne, John Therry, Rosemeadow; Gabriel Garcia, Mount Carmel, Varroville; director of schools Peter Hill, and manager client relations CDF, Trevor Kellam. Photo via Diocese of Wollongong. Front row: Sarah Anscombe, St Francis, Edmondson Park; Georgia Finlay, Holy Spirit, Bellambi; Neave Keenan, St Joseph's, Albion Park; Jade Poulton, St John the Evangelist, Nowra, and Athena Fajardo, Magdalene, Narellan.

Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) recently welcomed representatives from the Catholic Schools NSW Board, as well as the directors of NSW diocesan education systems.

Each year, the CSNSW Board visits a diocese to engage with school and system leaders and educators. Following the recent floods in Lismore - where this year’s visit was originally scheduled - CEDoW volunteered to host the 2022 gathering.

During their time in Wollongong, the delegation visited six schools and participated in a Mass celebrated by the Bishop of Wollongong Brian Mascord DD. 

CEDoW director of schools, Peter Hill said the visit was an opportunity to showcase what makes our vibrant Catholic school communities so special. 

“We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our students, teachers, school leaders and Catholic Education Office staff,” he said.

“After several very difficult years, and in the midst of ongoing challenges impacting all Australian schools, it was a great pleasure to be able to share some of the inspiring work occurring in our school and parish communities.”

Read more on CEDoW's website.

Students from St Francis Catholic College, Edmondson Park, welcomed members of the Catholic Schools NSW Board during their recent visit to the Diocese of Wollongong.

NAPLAN 2022 summary results 
ACARA has delayed the preliminary results of the national standardised NAPLAN test completed in May because it requires closer analysis due to lower than usual student participation rates as a result of the pandemic, flu and floods. Results at student and school level are not affected by the participation rates, parents and schools will receive these results shortly. Read ACARA's statement here.

Youth Steering Committee - applications now open
Applications are open for the Federal Government's Youth Steering Committee to enable young Australians to help shape future Australian policies, programs and decisions. Young Australians aged between 12 and 25 are encouraged to apply. Applications close on Wednesday 5 October.
Find further information on the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition website.

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Reflections from the 2022 National Catholic Education Conference

Paul Desmond, executive director of Catholic Education Sandhurst writes that on returning home to Bendigo following the final day of the National Catholic Education Conference his wife asked him why he was smiling?

“I was going to say:
A bloke named Gittins told me my day-to-day efforts DO make a difference,
A young woman named Maddy called me to listen to the young,
A group of Aboriginal Catholic educators from Darwin were nothing short of inspirational in what they do to bring God to so many,
A creative young educator produced something amazing called Pray School,
A brilliant young Catholic woman Caitlin Humphrys somehow turned the most terrible Respectful Relationship stats into quality learning,
A woman named Donna Cross reminded me to just keep my eye on the kids,
A sage named Robert Fitzgerald (who could read a recipe to me, and I would be spellbound) told me our work is hitting the mark, but we have much to achieve yet.

But...I just told her: I have spent three days with my tribe, and I am filled with hope!”

A reflection from Rachel Saliba, executive officer of Catholic School Parents Victoria:

Listen to what the spirit is saying
By coming together at this conference
we paused to listen to each other 
as a community of truth seekers
and decisions makers
Those who seek
to make a difference for others and 
for our world.

Our focus must now shift to listening
to what that means in reference to what the spirit is saying
to each of us as individuals and as a collective.

Listening to the spirit is about reflecting on self
What arose in you as you listened?
What triggered you?
How did it make you feel?
How will you respond?

Listening to spirit is the essential message
Your internal self will reveal the answers
Believe in those messages
so you have the courage to take action