Last week, the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) released the NAPLAN 2021 results, which showed no significant impact on student literacy and numeracy achievement during the COVID-19 pandemic (see story below).

We acknowledge the hard work and persistence of school leaders, teachers and families in supporting our students during significant periods of disruption that these early results show.

It’s certainly been a challenging time for our school communities, and for the diocesan, state and territory offices that support them. Many of our communities have contended with long periods of lockdown and home learning, which a number of our schools continue to experience due to current restrictions. 

The pandemic has also impacted student and staff wellbeing, and the economic and social impact on families has been felt right across Australia. 

Thankfully, we are better equipped to deal with the challenges of remote learning this time around. 

While these early results are a good news story, detailed analysis of NAPLAN data will provide a clearer picture of the impact on vulnerable students.

We know there is still a way to go to lift standards for all students, particularly those experiencing educational disadvantage such as students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and students with disability, as well as those from remote areas. 

Our Catholic school leaders, teachers and families continue to be agile and persistent in responding to ongoing COVID disruption and providing essential support to all students, and it's encouraging to see their consistent efforts are supporting improved learning outcomes for the students they serve.

Last week, we learned the very sad news of the passing of former National Catholic Education Commission member, educator and advocate, Fr John Neill OP (see story below). 

I join with the many voices across the Catholic community, to recognise the lifelong contribution Fr John has made to Catholic education, particularly his role as a champion of tertiary Catholic education and work at both the University of Notre Dame Australia and Australian Catholic University. 

Fr John was a man of faith and a well-respected leader who made a remarkable contribution to Catholic education in Australia. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with Fr John's family, friends and parish community during this sad time.

Jacinta Collins
National Catholic education executive director