As Year 12 students finish their final days of schooling this week, I would like to congratulate them on their determination, flexibility and eagerness to adapt to complete their studies in a year like no other. 

Students and staff have made many sacrifices due to the ever-changing restrictions put in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, however I am pleased to say, the class of 2020 has responded to all challenges with resilience, creativity and optimism. 

It has been wonderful to see the leadership and responsibility displayed by today’s Year 12 graduates and I wish them all best for their future endeavours. 

QCEC has made a short video to farewell Year 12 and commemorate some of the special moments throughout 2020.

Yesterday the Commission held its final meeting for the year. It was also the 400th time the Commission has met since its inception in 1973.  

The agenda included a discussion of how we can deepen our engagement with Federal MPs and Senators to ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of the breadth and depth of Catholic education across Queensland. QCEC’s Communications Network will look at this issue further and report back to the Commission early next year. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Commission Chair Margaret White AO, Deputy Chair Carmel Nash OAM and all Commission members for their efforts during 2020 which, as we all know, has been a most challenging year.  

The Commission has considered key strategic issues for Catholic education throughout the year and I thank Commission members for their considered and thoughtful contributions to our deliberations in 2020.  

With declarations now complete in the Queensland election, the Government and Opposition have named their front benches. 

Grace Grace retains the Education portfolio and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the Minister during the current parliamentary term.  

The Training portfolio, which includes VET, has been taken over by Minister Di Farmer. 

The Opposition front bench includes Shadow Minister for Education Dr Christian Rowan and Brett Mickelberg in the Training portfolio. 

The National Catholic Education Commission has released its Strategic Directions 2021-23. 

NCEC will focus on three priorities: 

1. Enliven faith formation and religious education 
2. Support the continual improvement of educational outcomes for all students 
3. Respond to the needs of families through strong advocacy for recurrent and capital funding, legislation and policy. 

Read the full priorities document here. 

NCEC has also recently published its 2019 Annual Report. 

I would like to congratulate James Ford on his appointment as Foundation Principal of Catherine McAuley College which is due to open in Mackay in 2022.  

James is a highly respected leader and educator and has strong links to the wider Mackay community. 

For more information about the college, click here.

James Ford

Congratulations to All Hallows’ School students Candice Montagnino and Samantha Ferrero who were recently awarded the StuditaliA Prize for high achievement in their Year 12 Italian studies.

Candice and Samantha were the only Catholic school students among seven recipients to receive the award, which was presented by Ambassador of Italy to Australia, H.E. Francesca Tardioli, at the Consolato d’Italia in Brisbane recently.

The StuditaliA Prize rewards Queensland students who excel in Italian language studies.

PHOTO: Candice Montagnino (pictured centre)

PHOTO: Samantha Ferrero (pictured centre)

Three Queensland Catholic Schools have this year been named among the most innovative schools in Australia in The Educator magazine’s Innovative Schools report. 

St Rita’s College, Clayfield; Stuartholme School, Toowong; and Brigidine College, Indooroopilly, were recognised as among the top 50 schools making significant changes to shape the future of education. 

Congratulations to these three schools on being recognised for their innovation. 

Find out more about the Innovative Schools report click here.

Congratulations to four Queensland Catholic school students who have been selected to represent Queensland at the National Schools Constitutional Convention in March. 

Anushka Tanna from Ryan Catholic College, Townsville; Mackenzie Shepley from St Ursula’s College, Toowoomba and Charlotte Merritt and Jermia Ahmat-Nona from St Patrick’s College, Townsville, are among Queensland’s team of 23 delegates.

Students were selected based on their performance at the Queensland Schools Constitutional Convention in October.  

The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) is calling on Catholic school communities to celebrate 200 years of Catholic education in Australia. 

An official launch event will take place the week commencing 22 February 2021, however in the meantime, NCEC is looking for stories, photos and video footage from Catholic School Authorities to assist in highlighting the rich history of Catholic education.  

Specific requests have been made for photos and videos of old school buildings that have been repurposed with modern interiors, timelines featuring key events in your diocese or school  and stories for the 200 years website. All materials should be sent directly to media@ncec.catholic.edu.au or via the link on the front page of the 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 

110     Teacher Suspensions and Cancellations 

111     National Disability Strategy and consultation about the Outcomes Framework 

112     Allanah and Madeline Foundation eSmart Programs – Round 2 now open 

113     Amendments to the QCEC Model Student Protection Processes and Guidelines  
           (new Failure to Report and Protect provisions)        

114     Recall on a range of Clipsal safety socket outlets