The federal election results are still being finalised with three seats still considered too close to call, including the Queensland seat of Lilley.  However the government has been returned with a majority and, as expected the Hon. Dan Tehan will continue as Minister for Education. 

This election outcome means that the funding package agreed in 2018 for Catholic schools will go forward unchanged.  While there is still some work to do in finalising the details for distribution of the Choice and Affordability Fund, there is nevertheless now funding certainty going forward for Catholic schools.

It does not, however, mean that our advocacy on a range of education issues will cease. QCEC will continue to work with the Federal Government on a range of key issues including early childhood education, religious freedom, and teacher quality to name a few.

Last Tuesday the Commission held its May meeting. As might be expected the election outcome was a topic of discussion.

Another key discussion centred on the future workforce needs of Catholic schools in Queensland. This is an important discussion for our sector as we look to the future so we can ensure we will be able to staff Catholic schools with the teachers and school leaders we need to continue to deliver high-quality education.

The Commission also re-appointed Carmel Nash (Catholic School Parents Queensland) to serve as Deputy Chair and I thank Carmel for her ongoing commitment to serving the Commission in this role.

I would like to acknowledge the recent announcement by the Chair of the St Patrick’s College Townsville Board, Helen Peters RSM that Paulina Skerman will conclude her tenure as Principal at the end of the year.

I personally offer my thanks to Paulina for her transformative efforts and achievements within the College, among the community and for Catholic education in Queensland and my congratulations and best wishes as she embarks on a new journey as Principal at Santa Sabina College in Sydney in 2020.

(Photo source: Facebook)

Head to the Resources page of the Catholic Education Week website to access a range of resources, including prayer and liturgical resources, classroom activities, student certificates, graphics and more, provided to support schools with this year’s Catholic Education Week activities.

You can also click here to read the latest edition of the Catholic Education Week newsletter.

Read more about the most recent meeting in the Staff Update #3 and keep up to date with all EB9 developments via the website.

Reminder: Semester One online applications for the Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme are open. 

Schools are encouraged to remind parents to apply for assistance via the SchoolTransport.com.au website, as applications for this round will close on 31 May 2019.

This year’s Premier’s Reading Challenge has now begun.

Open to all Prep to year 9 students in Queensland and with thousands of fantastic books to engage in – make sure your school gets involved!

Read and enjoy as many books as you can until Friday 23 August 2019.  Visit the PRC website where you’ll find everything you need to take part.

Apply for a share in $100,000.

Queensland organisations, including School Parent Associations and approved kindergarten program providers can now apply for a Queensland Government Indigenous Languages Grant.

Grants can be used to support the delivery of activities that nurture and protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and dialects.

Applications are open until Friday 31 May 2019.

To find out more about the program, or to apply, visit the Education website.

Copyright for Educators – 1 day Seminar – 4 June 2019 – Register here

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046         Federal Census Data Collection Format