Election result – what it means for Catholic schools in Queensland

QCEC is looking forward to the opportunity to work with the returned Labor government in Queensland following last weekend’s election.  

A key ALP commitment would see the Catholic sector share in additional capital funding for the non-government sector through the expansion of the Capital Assistance Supplementary Scheme (CASS) to $60 million per year. 

The ALP commitment is for CASS funding over three years, however, QCEC will continue to advocate for funding over the Government’s four-year term.  

New schools are currently being planned and built in communities across the state including the Lockyer Valley, Mackay, Cairns and Brisbane and a four-year funding commitment will improve our capacity to plan ahead for these proposed new schools, for growth in some of our existing schools and to support capital projects in schools across the state.

We will be closely monitoring the upcoming state budget to ensure the promised funding is delivered. 

At this stage, no Education Minister has been named and we await the Premier’s announcement of the full Cabinet later this week.  


QCEC election advocacy 

This year, QCEC ran a strong campaign to advocate for funding across the areas of Capital, Recurrent, Parent Engagement and Kindergartens.  
 
Policy documents, newsletter inserts and social media shareables for Facebook, Instagram and Twitter were developed and distributed to Catholic School Authorities (CSAs) to assist with messaging. 

The social media campaign included 80 posts scheduled to appear from late September through to election day across various platforms.  

It was also pleasing to see CSAs sharing these materials on their platforms or using locally adapted versions to start discussions on these important issues for Catholic schools. 

Last week I met with the RI PJP Principals for the final time this year.

It was an opportunity to discuss current matters including the Federal budget and State election and also to thank and farewell Peter McLoughlin, Kerrie Tuite, Catherine Dunbar and Paul Flanders who are all moving on from their roles at the end of 2020.

I was pleased to attend San Damiano College at Yarrabilba last week for a special blessing of the soil in the lead up to the college’s opening in 2021.

Bishop Ken Howell and other special guests attended the ceremony and I was delighted to hear the college has strong interest from the community for 2021 enrolments.

Unfortunately, I was unable to make it to the recent official blessing of the soil at Sophia College, Plainland, however, I wish them all the best for the ongoing building and planning for this new school.

Image source: Sophia College, Plainland Facebook page

The addition of these two schools in 2021 will bring the total number of Catholic schools in Queensland to 309.

Caption: Blessing of the soil at San Damiano College, Yarrabilba

A reminder that all Catholic school teachers who are interested in applying for Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher certification in 2021 are required to submit an online Notice of Intention to Apply by Tuesday 17 November.

Applications can be submitted here.

The National Catholic Education Commission has officially launched a new website to celebrate 200 years of Catholic education in Australia.

A range of information is available for school communities to help celebrate and promote the event. For more information visit the website here.

Image source: Celebrating 200 years website

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

2020 Circulars

107     NAPLAN Student Background Data Collection 2021 proposed changes

108     Expressions of Interest to participate in the 2021 Research Partnership Schools Program

109     State Recurrent Funding Rates 2021