Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Diocese of Wagga Wagga's Bicentenary of Catholic education in Australia celebrations and the launch of their new commemorative book, Our Story: Sowing the Seeds from Generation to Generation (see story below).

As a Victorian, it's been many months since I've been able to travel to visit dioceses and speak with diocesan and school leaders, staff and students. It was a wonderful occasion and reminder of the great work of our schools. 

For the 30 schools in the Wagga Wagga diocese and the other 1,725 Catholic schools across Australia, there are a few characteristics that reflect the people who have contributed to Catholic education  over two centuries - grit and determination, ingenuity and enterprise and, most importantly, faith and hope. 

While the 200 year celebrations have almost concluded, our theme 'Faith in the future' will continue to be a strong reminder of the hope and confidence we can have about Catholic education in the future. 

Nowhere is that more present than on the faces of our young people today who, despite the disruption, isolation and months of lockdown for many, show that same resilience and spark of hope in their future. Our hope is that we fan that spark through support, witness and encouragement.

For those students sitting final exams, I wish you the very best as you complete this stage of your education, and move into further study, apprenticeships, work or other endeavours. 

It's reassuring that the longitudinal data* tells us Catholic school graduates experience higher employment outcomes and rate themselves as happier than other graduates.

While there's always more we need to do to lift education standards for all students, it's good to know that our schools are contributing in a meaningful and positive way to the lives of the students in our care, and that's something to be very hopeful about. 

Jacinta Collins
National Catholic education executive director

*Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth 2019