Managing the impacts of COVID-19 continues to be a key focus for Catholic School Authorities (CSA) and this week we have been reminded once again of how quickly the situation can change with updated border restrictions. 

These new restrictions have impacted students in some Catholic schools, particularly in the Archdiocese of Brisbane and the Diocese of Toowoomba.

QCEC has been working closely with health authorities to clarify what exemptions apply for these students and we have been pleased to see timely responses from authorities in relation to both day and boarding students as well as staff in these areas.

We will continue to advise CSAs of further changes as they arise.

I once again thank all our school communities for their diligence in managing this evolving situation and the collaborative way in which our Catholic education community has worked together to ensure the best outcomes for students.

As the Queensland election draws closer, this week I have written to the major political parties and crossbench parties to outline key areas of concern for Catholic education.

With an economic crisis unfolding, it is vitally important that we put forward the case to maintain recurrent and capital funding for Catholic schools and seek commitments from political parties to support the choice of those families who seek a Catholic education.

We have also put forward a proposal to partner with government to increase the availability of kindergarten on Catholic school sites and have sought an increase in funding for parent engagement strategies that we know improve student outcomes.

Our advocacy in this election will necessarily be different from previous elections but we are nevertheless focused on delivering our key messages as broadly as possible and will be providing CSAs with advocacy tools in coming weeks.

I would like to thank former Commission member Len Horner for his service to the Commission.

Len was appointed to the Commission in February 2018 as the Representative of Diocesan Education Council – Diocese of Townsville, having served in many roles within the diocesan office.

                                                                    Caption: Len Horner

Upon Len’s departure, we welcome Alanna Jacoby who has stepped into the role as the new Representative of Diocesan Education Council – Diocese of Townsville.

Alanna is currently the Director of Mission for the Mater Private Hospital Townsville, a role she took on following a 30 year career in Catholic education.

You can read more about Alanna on the QCEC website here.

Caption: Alanna Jacoby

Online information sessions available

QCEC in partnership with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT), will be delivering Introductory Sessions and In-depth Workshops regarding certification for Highly Accomplished Teachers and Lead Teachers (HAT & LT), via Zoom in Terms 3 and 4 of 2020.

The Introductory session (1.5 hours) provides an overview of the certification process and the In-Depth Workshop (3 hours) steps participants through exactly what is required when applying (including practical tips) for certification.

Please note, the number of events is limited and is based on the availability of QCT staff.

Click here to view the available sessions and register.

The new No Card, No Start changes to Blue Card provisions come into force at the end of this month.

All CSAs and schools need to be aware of the implications of these changes that affect all employees who require a Blue Card for work.

These changes mean that without a valid Blue Card, staff cannot work in a position requiring a Blue Card until their application is approved and they receive their card.

The new legislation covers staff other than registered teachers, including those in early years services, outside school hours care, kindergarten services and long day care services.

Approved providers of these services will need to ensure their staff adhere to these new laws and will also need to update their current policies, procedures, and processes to reflect these changes.

Existing Blue Cards will also need to be renewed before the expiry date, or card holders will be subject to the No Card, No Start law, and cannot work in regulated employment.

Prior to 31 August 2020, paid employees were able to start working with children while their application was being processed.

More information about these changes is available on the Blue Card Services website.

Queensland Catholic School teachers still have time to participate in the Australian Teacher Workforce Data (ATWD) Teacher Survey run by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership.

The ATWD Teacher Survey provides an insight into the opportunities and challenges facing teachers while ensuring schools are well resourced to provide quality learning for every child.  

If you have not received your link to the survey and would like to participate contact atwd@aitsl.edu.au before the survey closes on 7 September.

Missed a Circular? Below is a list of Circulars that have been issued recently. Use your login to access them.

2020 Circulars

081         Update on the 2020 Non-Government School Census and Student Attendance Collection

082         Teacher Suspensions and Cancellations

083         HAT & LT Introductory and In-Depth Workshops